Understanding the role and limitations of Autologous Stem Cell Therapy for the effective treatment of Cardiovascular Disease in India

Overview:

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) continue to be one of the most challenging diseases and a leading cause of mortality across the world. India has experienced massive changes in the lifestyle of its population in the past few decades. As a result, the risks of disturbed heart health have increased. There are several treatments already present, including medications, angioplasty, and bypass surgery etc. However, Autologous Stem Cell Therapy has emerged as a new and promising alternative treatment option. This regenerative approach is still under trial in India. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)’s guidelines suggest that medical care experts should take a cautious and stringent approach while using this treatment. 

This detailed article aims to explore the key reasons behind the increased risk of cardiovascular disease in India. In addition to that, it focuses on understanding the role of Autologous Stem Cell Therapy as an alternative treatment. 

What is Autologous Stem Cell Therapy?

Stem cells are the cells present in the human body, and they have the potential to regenerate themselves. In stem cell therapy, these cells are used to regenerate healthy cells within the body and strengthen the immune system, and repair its system. 

Autologous stem cell therapy is the process of harvesting the stem cells from the patient’s own body. These cells are often sourced from the peripheral blood or bone marrow of the patient.

After sourcing, these cells are processed and reintroduced into the patient’s health system to target the damaged areas of the heart and provide healing. The goal behind this process is to promote the regeneration of healthier heart muscle. This aims to improve the blood flow in the cardiac function and restore it. The key benefit of this therapy is that it minimizes the risk of immune rejection.

Did You Know?Autologous stem cell therapy trials are also implemented for Cancer treatment, Orthopedics, and Neurology.Autologous stem cell therapy is also being used for aesthetics and anti-aging medicine.

Symptoms of Cardiovascular Disease?

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is a serious health problem and increases the risk of death if the patient is not treated in time. The disease could be of different types, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmia. Each ailment type is different, but the key symptoms and warning signs for these are almost the same. If you want to understand when to pay attention to your heart’s health and seek medical support? Look for the following signs:

• Chest pain and discomfort 
• The feeling of pressure, squeezing, and fullness in the chest 
• Chest pain due to exertion or stress 
• Pain in the neck, shoulder, arms, back, or jaw 
• Shortness of breath 
• Persistent feeling of tiredness 
• Fatigue and weakness 
• Irregular or rapid heartbeat 
• Dizziness 
• Lightheadedness 
• Swelling in the feet, ankles, and legs 
• Cold flushes 
• Feeling of nausea or vomiting 
• Unexplainable anxiety and stress 
• Heartburn

Autologous Stem Cell Therapy for Cardiovascular Disease

In the procedure of autologous stem cell therapy for treatment of cardiovascular disease, the medical care experts use stem cells from patient’s body. These cells that reintroduced to the patient’s body to help promote the repairing of tissues. This treatment also has potential to improve the growth of blood vessel and improve overall function of the heart. This treatment helps in healing of the heart function after a heart attach or chronic heart disease.

Mechanisms of Autologous Stem Cell Therapy in Cardiovascular Disease

• Neovascularization: One of the mechanism is formation of new blood vessels, called as Neovascularization. Stem cells produce angiogenic growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor as well as fibroblast growth factor. This process helps in improving the flow of blood to ischemic heart tissue.

• Paracrine Signaling: Several autologous stem cells secrete several growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines. This further helps in minimizing the inflammation, encourage endogenous cardiac repair. This practice also promotes the mobilization and recruitment of body’s progenitor cells, which further helps in repairing of tissues.

• Cardiomyocyte Regeneration: Cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have the potential to further develop into blood vessel-lining cells as well as heart muscle cells. This ability has the potential of contributing to structural regeneration of the heart tissue. 

• Betterment of Left Ventricular Function: With the improvement in Left Ventricular Function helps in pumping capacity of the cardiovascular system, heart wall motion as well as myocardial contractility.

• Immune Modulation: Autologous stem cells are also capable of potentially exerting immunomodulatory effects, helping in reduction of harmful inflammation in the cardiovascular system. 

Regulatory Framework for Autologous Stem Cell Therapy for Cardiovascular Disease in India

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has setup guidelines ensuring the safe and ethical applications for all kinds of stem cell therapries in India. As per the guidelines, hospitals and medical care centers can only use this treatment under approved clinical trials. This is to prevent any side effects or uncertanities until and unless there is sufficient evidence of this regenerartive medicine being safe and ready to use freely. Autologous Stem Cell Therapy for Cardiovascular Disease is emerging as a promising avenue but continue to evolve under careful trials and tests, as guided by the regulatory authorities. 

Advancements in Stem Cell Therapy for Cardiovascular Disease in India

India has been making strides in stem cell therapy research and clinical trials. The usage of utologous stem cell therapy into cardiac care has shown promising results. However, the trials are underway and regulatory authorities have not yet approved it to be used without approval, the treatment holds remarkable potential. Here’s the list of hospitals in India, which are on the forefront ofr integrating autologous stem cell therapy for treating Cardiovascular Disease.

• All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
• AIIMS, Bathinda
  
• Krishna Heart and Super Specialty Institute, Ahmedabad

Future Outlook: Autologous Stem Cell Therapy for Cardiovascular Disease in India

India is committed in advancing the regenerative medicine and test the evidence of its usefulness. Therefore, the ongoing research and clinical trials are in process at several prestigious hospitals, research centers and healthcare centers. The country aims to follow the standardized protocols, conduct effective tests and spread awareness about the current status of the alternative medicine trials. The role of Autologous Stem Cell Therapy for Cardiovascular Disease in India has potential and with advancements in research and successful trials, it is likely to emerge as a new hope for patients. 

FAQs

What are Autologous Stem Cell?

Autologous stem cells are the cells collected from the patient’s own body. These are extracted from blood or bone marrow and used for further treatments. 

What is Autologous Stem Cell Therapy?

In autologous stem cell therapy includes using stem cells from patients’ own blood or bone marrow and reintroduce into the body. 

Is Autologous Stem Cell Therapy Safe?

Yes, since the autologous stem cell therapy uses patient’s own cells, it is considered safe. The risk of immune rejection or transmission of disease is relatively low. However, there is still scope for other risks and medical care experts consider all the potential elements to ensure safe treatment.

What are the regulatory limitations for using Autologous Stem Cell Therapy for Cardiovascular Disease in India

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has provided guidelines to ensure ethical and safe usage of the therapy. The responsible and approved clinical trials are the way forward to test the complete potential of the therapy.