Written By: Prerna Mittra | Updated : May 16, 2024 3:01 PM IST
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Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory disease that causes some of the bones in the spine to fuse over time, which can give the person a 'hunched' posture. (Photo: Freepik)
Lately, there has been a lot of focus on regenerative medicine and advancements made in this field. Simply put, regenerative medicine is the process of replacing or 'regenerating' human cells, tissues or organs to 'restore or establish' normal functions, the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies states, adding that it promises to regenerate damaged tissues and organs in the body by 'replacing' them or by 'stimulating' the body's own 'repair mechanisms' to heal tissues and/or organs. Interestingly, regenerative medicine may allow scientists to 'grow tissues and organs' in the lab and also 'safely implant them' in the body, when it is unable to heal itself. So, what role does regenerative medicine play in ankylosing spondylitis? Read on to find out.
According to the Mayo Clinic, ankylosing spondylitis (AS) -- which is also known as 'axial spondyloarthritis' -- is an inflammatory disease that causes some of the bones in the spine to fuse over time, which can make it less flexible and give the person a 'hunched' posture. Dr Pradeep Mahajan, a regenerative medicine researcher and founder of StemRx Hospital And Research Centre calls AS a 'very grave and debilitating autoimmune disease' that affects millions of people around the world.
According to Dr Mahajan, the usual method of dealing with AS is by using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants, which can alleviate the symptoms and slow down the progress of the disease. But, these methods have side effects and do not really solve the main problem, he states.
"Besides usual medical treatments for AS, regenerative medicine strategies are also being applied, such as stem cell therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and cytokine therapy, among others. These new approaches concentrate on tissue regeneration, reduction of inflammation, and restoration of joint function," he explains.
Dr Mahajan highlights the differences between the two:
The doctor also stresses on the importance of personalised medicine, stating that it is a crucial factor in regenerative therapies. "The treatment for each patient should be personalised based on their individual biological profile and the progress of the disease. The application of the most advanced diagnostic tools and the new regenerative methods will enable them to achieve the highest results in the treatment of AS, while minimising risks."
The doctor concludes by saying that although progress made in regenerative medicine has been 'inspiring', there is a requirement for more research and clinical trials to 'prove the safety and effectiveness of these therapies for AS'.
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