Human Embryonic Stem Cells in the Treatment of Autism: A Case Series

Published in the "Innov Clin Neurosci" journal in the Mar-Apr 2017 issue. Authored by Dr. Geeta Shroff, Director of Nutech Mediworld, New Delhi, India.

Major Points and Findings:

Background:

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a weak immune system and neuroinflammation. The etiology of ASD is multifactorial, with contributions from genetic disorders, environmental toxins, imbalanced immune systems, encephalitis, and viral infections. While ASD is incurable, it can be managed through educational and medical interventions. Human embryonic stem cell therapy has shown potential in improving blood perfusion in the brain, which may enhance motor skills, social skills, and cognition in ASD patients.

Method:

The study involved three pediatric patients with ASD who underwent human embryonic stem cell therapy. The treatment plan consisted of 3 to 4 therapy sessions, each lasting 4 to 6 weeks, with 4- to 8-month gap phases between sessions.

Results:

After undergoing the therapy, patients exhibited improvements in various areas:

• Enhanced eye coordination
• Improved writing and balancing skills
• Better cognition
• Enhanced speech capabilities
• Reduced hypersensitivity to noises and smells

Conclusion:

Human embryonic stem cell therapy might be a safe and effective treatment for ASD patients. However, larger sample sizes are required to validate the efficacy of this treatment for ASD.

Introduction:

ASD is characterized by social disconnection, limited verbal and nonverbal communication, restricted interests, and repetitive obsessive behaviors. The diagnosis of ASD is based on the revised criteria in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Multiple factors, including genetic, environmental, immunodeficient, encephalitic, and viral factors, contribute to the etiology of ASD. There's no cure for ASD, but stem cell therapy is showing promise in treating incurable diseases. Human embryonic stem cells are pluripotent, can proliferate indefinitely, and can differentiate into all cell types, making them a potential treatment option for ASD.

Materials and Methods:

The study evaluated the effects of human embryonic stem cell therapy in three ASD patients. The stem cells were cultured and maintained using proprietary, patented technology. The treatment strategy was divided into phases, with the first phase "priming" the body, and subsequent phases adding more cells to aid in repair and regeneration.

Case Series:

The report provides detailed case studies of the three patients. For instance, a three-year-old boy showed improvements in eye contact, social behaviors, speaking, and was able to follow basic commands after the therapy. Another 10-year-old boy with impaired speech, uncoordinated talk and walk, and cognitive impairment also showed significant improvements after the treatment.