Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease due to unknown reason that causes chronic inflammation of the joints, the tissue around the joints, as well as other organs in the body. It is a chronic joint disease that damages the joints of the body. RA can occur at any age, but is more common in middle age. Infection, genes and hormone changes may also be linked to the disease.
"Rheumatoid Arthritis" related joint symptoms mainly includes
Currently, Rheumatoid arthritis is treated with immune suppressive agents such as steroids, methothrexate, cyclosporine, gold, and more recently infliximab (Remicade). Despite inducing temporary improvement, these approaches possess long-term adverse effects due to non-specific inhibition of immune responses.
Stem cell therapy induces healing activity with various forms of arthritis. Besides healing activity of damaged tissues in Rheumatoid arthritis treatment, stem cells provide immunomodulation (to shut off pathological responses) and also start producing anti-inflammatory cytokines (especially Mesenchymal stem cells) to stop the immune attack on synovial fluid of joints.
Physical therapy is one of the parts of stem cell therapy because physical therapy stimulates muscles, bones, and joints through exercise or other methods. The result is more strength, tone, and overall fitness.
Rodriguez et al. 2012 (International Archives of Medicine). Autologous stromal vascular fraction therapy for rheumatoid arthritis: rationale and clinical safety.
