Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Stem Cell Therapy for Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Stem Cell Therapy for Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis (HT) is an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid gland, which plays a crucial role in regulating the body’s metabolism through the release of the thyroxine hormone. When the thyroid is unable to function properly, it leads to HT. One promising approach for potentially curing HT is stem cell therapy (SCT), which works by replacing damaged thyroid cells with healthy ones.
Stem cell therapy has shown great potential to be more effective and pose fewer risks compared to traditional treatments. While SCT is still in the early stages of development, it holds promise for future applications in treating HT. However, its use requires ongoing research and regulation, particularly in addressing ethical concerns surrounding its medical application.
What is Hashimoto's Thyroiditis?
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis (HT) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. This can lead to hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid becomes underactive. The thyroid gland, located at the base of the neck near the Adam’s apple, is a key part of the endocrine system, responsible for producing hormones that regulate various body functions.
In Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, the chronic inflammation caused by the immune attack leads to the gradual loss of thyroid function. Over time, this results in a decreased production of thyroid hormones, which are essential for metabolism, energy levels, and overall health. HT is the most common cause of hypothyroidism worldwide.
What causes Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?
The exact cause of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (HT) is still unknown (idiopathic), but several factors are believed to contribute to its development:
1. Genetics
o Family history plays a significant role in HT, as it often runs in families. Like other autoimmune diseases, HT can be inherited, with genetic predisposition contributing to its transmission across generations.
2. Gender and Hormones
o Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is seven times more common in women than men, likely due to the influence of sex hormones. Hormonal changes during or after pregnancy can trigger thyroid issues in some women, with some developing HT in later years.
3. Excessive Iodine Consumption
o Some medications and diets that contain high levels of iodine can increase the risk of developing HT. Excess iodine intake has been shown to trigger autoimmune thyroid conditions in susceptible individuals.
4. Exposure to Radiation
o Radiation exposure is another known risk factor. For instance, people living near areas affected by atomic bomb radiation, such as in Japan, have shown increased cases of HT, as well as other conditions like Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Symptoms of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis:
In the early stages, symptoms of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis (HT) may not be noticeable. However, over time, you might observe swelling at the front of the throat, known as a goiter. HT typically progresses slowly, leading to thyroid gland damage and a decrease in thyroid hormone levels in the blood.
The most common signs and symptoms of HT include:
· Fatigue, sluggishness, and lethargy
· Constipation, dry skin, and pale skin
· Brittle nails and hair loss
· Puffiness in the face
· Enlarged tongue
· Stiffness and pain in the joints
· Muscle stiffness, tenderness, and pain
· Unexplained or sudden weight gain
· Symptoms of depression and memory lapses
· Prolonged or excessive menstrual bleeding
· Muscle weakness and increased sensitivity to cold
THE TREATMENT JOURNEY
How is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis treated?
While there is no definitive cure for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (HT), treatment focuses on managing the condition by regulating thyroid hormone levels and restoring normal metabolism. The most common approach is hormone replacement therapy and medications.
Synthetic hormones, such as levothyroxine, are commonly prescribed. These medications mimic the action of thyroxine (T4), a hormone naturally produced by the thyroid. Oral levothyroxine helps restore normal hormone levels and can reverse the symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as fatigue, weight gain, and cold sensitivity.
Medications are available in various doses and forms. The appropriate dosage is determined by factors such as the severity of the disease, the patient’s age, weight, and potential interactions with other medications.
In some cases, additional hormone treatments and supplements may be used to address specific symptoms associated with HT.
How can Stem Cell Therapy treat Hashimoto's Thyroiditis?
According to innovative research, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown significant potential in controlling various inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and myocarditis. Due to their strong immunosuppressive and regenerative properties, MSCs have become a promising option in regenerative medicine and immunotherapy.
In the case of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (HT), which involves the destruction or damage of the thyroid tissue, stem cell therapy may offer a new avenue for treatment. The damage in HT is primarily caused by:
· The production of auto-antibodies,
· The infiltration of cytotoxic T cells,
· Fas induction (cytokine-mediated) on thyroid cells.
Bone marrow has traditionally been the primary source of MSCs, which effectively suppress the proliferation of T cells. However, extracting MSCs from bone marrow involves an invasive procedure, posing risks of complications and leading to a decline in the self-renewal capacity of these cells as a person ages. To address these concerns, alternative sources of MSCs have been identified, including:
· Adipose tissue-derived MSCs
· Placenta-derived MSCs
· Cord blood-derived MSCs
These sources are easier to obtain, available in larger quantities, and free from significant ethical concerns.
In the context of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, in vitro studies suggest that stem cell therapy could potentially treat this complex autoimmune disease, which is currently only managed symptomatically. MSCs can modulate immune responses and potentially restore damaged thyroid tissue by immunizing peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) through various mechanisms.
Exosomes and Autoimmune diseases:
Clinical research indicates that exosomes, when combined with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), play a significant role in treating autoimmune diseases by regulating inflammatory cytokines, the cellular microenvironment, and immune cells. These processes are closely related to both the adaptive and innate immune systems, with key involvement of macrophages, T-regulatory (Treg) cells, Th17 cells, CD4+ Th1 cells, and immunoregulatory microRNAs (miRNAs).
MSCs-derived exosomes help regulate T-cell subsets, particularly in autoimmune diseases. They reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as Th17 and Th1 cytokines like IL-17AF, IL-12p70, and IL-6, while simultaneously increasing the concentration of anti-inflammatory Treg cells. This balance helps maintain immune regulation without affecting the overall lymphocyte count.
Similar effects of MSC-derived exosomes have been observed in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). In GVHD, exosomes suppress the differentiation of naïve T-cells, thereby mitigating the immune response.
Macrophages, which are a crucial component of innate immunity, can also be regulated by MSC-exosomes. Depending on the microenvironment, naïve macrophages (Mo) can be polarized into anti-inflammatory M2 or pro-inflammatory M1 phenotypes, allowing them to play specific roles in various immune responses. MSC-exosome therapy promotes the M1-to-M2 macrophage conversion, reducing the inflammatory effects of M1 macrophages.
Additionally, beyond autoimmune conditions, this combination therapy can facilitate metabolic homeostasis, helping to reduce obesity and adipose tissue inflammation.
How is the treatment at The Renue Medical Centre different?
The Stem Cell Therapy (SCT) at The Renue Centre is a holistic approach to treating HT.
Your Renue Journey does not end after your last day of SCT. We follow up with you to assert your progress, following four phases:
The treatment of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis with Stem Cells consists of four phases:
Pre-treatment: Clinical evaluation, lab test results, and other diagnostic procedures.
You will take our Renue Epigenetic Test powered by TruDiagnostics that will assert your biological age and other important health markers. Your TruDiagnostics test is part of The Renue Difference. It provides your doctor with critical information about your health and your true age (biological vs. chronological).
After the epigenetic test and we have received all your medical records, your Patient Advisor will assist you in planning your travel to Puerto Vallarta.Treatment day: The route of administration of Stem Cells can be intra-arterial, intranasal, and intravenous. Stem Cells transplantation can range from 1 x 106 – 8 x 106 cells. The dosage of the stem cells also depends upon the severity and type of the disease, which is customizable.
30, 60 & 90 days follow-up: To check for flare-up frequency, improvements, contracture release, and spasticity
Six months after treatment: Lab tests, flare-up frequency, clinical evaluation, quality of life, and disease prognosi
Epigenetic Test
At Renue we believe that if you are truly interested in Healthspan (Living better, not just longer.”) then it’s important that we are aware of our Biological Age vs Chronological Age. Remember you can”t measure success without a starting point. With TruDiagnostic’s TruAge testy you will receive 9 personalized Epigenetic Health Scores and actionable insights to slow aging
Biological Age
How old your body is compared to your real age
Pace of Aging
How quickly you're aging each year
Organ System Ages
The age of key organs (heart, brain, liver, etc.)
Fitness Age
Your physical health based on strength, lung capacity, and movement
Smoking Impact
How smoking has affected your epigenetic age
Alcohol Impact
How alcohol consumption has influenced your health
YOUR TREATMENT JOURNEY
Experience Renue in Puerto Vallarta
Arrival Day
Upon arrival in Puerto Vallarta, a Renue representative will meet you at the airport in one of our Mercedes vans to transport you to the hotel.
Our representative will quickly review your schedule for the coming days for your peace of mind. Renue makes it worry-free, so don't worry!
Evening
You traveled all this way, so would you like to check our list of recommended restaurants? We can make reservations for you to enjoy the great food and warm atmosphere of Puerto Vallarta.
Check out the Renue chauffeur for recommendations, reservations, leisure activities, and your transportation needs.
A better life starts now!
Day 1. Enjoy The Renue Difference.
Count on your Renue Advisor and staff to help you have a pleasant experience. Our Renue chauffeur will pick you up from the hotel and take you to The Renue Medical Centre in the Joya Hospital. Our staff will welcome and assist you at the Centre.
Our staff will check you in at the Centre and take you on a tour of the facilities, including The Renue Laboratory, where your stem cells and exosomes are produced. You will also visit the Hyperbaric Chamber facility, an essential part of The Renue Difference.
After your check-in, our medical associates will proceed with any necessary blood work or tests organized by your Patient Advisor.
After that, you will meet with your doctor to review your file. Then, your doctor will make any adjustments to your treatment schedule submitted by your Renue Patient Advisor.
Once your doctor has reviewed your file, additional testing might be required—for example, X-Rays, MRIs, and others.
After that, you will have your first Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) session.
Following your first treatment session, our Renue chauffeur will return you to your hotel.
Evening
Do you have any plans for the evening? Or maybe you would need a chauffeur?
Remember that relaxation can improve your health, too. Ask our Renue chauffeur for suggestions. They know the places to go in Puerto Vallarta.
Treatment Day & Second Hyperbaric Session
Day 2. Now you're a pro!
Our Renue chauffeur will pick you up according to the schedule and take you to The Renue Centre.
The medical team will welcome you and start your treatment for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis as soon as you arrive:
300 Million Stem Cells IV*
16 Billion Exosomes*
*The actual quantity of Stem Cells depends on the patient’s body weight and severity of the disease.
Then, after your treatment and second Hyperbaric Chamber session, the Renue chauffeur will return you to the hotel.
Evening
Puerto Vallarta is a beautiful place; we suggest you don't miss out and enjoy your stay. You know it: ask our Renue chauffeur for suggestions and have fun!
The third and fourth Hyperbaric Session makes a difference.
Day 3 & 4. You're almost done.
Our Renue chauffeur will pick you up according to the schedule and take you to The Renue Centre.
Your scheduled treatment will start as soon as you arrive.
Then, after your treatment and second Hyperbaric Chamber session, the Renue chauffeur will return you to the hotel.
Evening
Your Renue Journey allows you to explore all that Puerto Vallarta has to offer.
Ask our Renue chauffeur for suggestions, and remember to enjoy yourself.
It's not over yet.
Day 5. Departure or extended stay?
Our Renue chauffeur will pick you up from the hotel. Then, they will take you to the airport or another treatment according to your schedule.
However, maybe you would like to extend your stay and your wellness holiday because Puerto Vallarta is stunning!
Talk to our Renue chauffeur. Our team will contact you to confirm all details: tours, restaurants, and other treatments you would like to have.
Are you going to miss us?
Don't forget our follow-up treatments. Talk to your Patient Advisor:
30, 60 & 90 days follow-up: HT symptoms clinical evaluation, flare-up frequency, and lab test results
Six months post-treatment: HT symptoms clinical evaluation, flare-up frequency, lab test results, X-ray report, and review of the diagnostic criteria from the American College of Rheumatology
Significance of Hyperbaric Chambers post-treatment:
Three sessions of Hyperbaric Chambers are given to the patients after the treatment to:
Support the immune system by reducing toxicity and inflammation of the affected regions by using concentrated oxygen therapy
Kill the harmful organisms and bacteria, fungi, and viruses that may contribute to autoimmunity and associated detrimental effects of their disease in an individual
Mobilize the Stem Cells recently administered inside the body
Balance the immune system, increase the levels of body energy, and enhance brain functioning
Reduce the events of swelling, bad sleeping routine, and discomfort
Enhance the growth factors induced by the limbic cells
EXPECTED RESULTS
SCT to live a better life: Benefits and outcomes
The effectiveness of Stem Cell Treatment can improve all your symptoms, causing a considerable impact on your quality of life and daily activities.
As part of The Renue Difference, you will receive three Hyperbaric Chamber sessions that greatly improve SCT efficacy and stimulate the body cells to combat Hashimoto's Thyroiditis (HT). These sessions comprise four days: one day before treatment, two after treatment, and on the day of treatment.
Expected results and prognosis:
Expected result 1: Immediate control of associated symptoms of the HT post-treatment, but require monitoring of risk factors for Hashimoto Thyroiditis.
Expected result 2: More independence in ADLs and IADLS, mobility, and reduction in muscle stiffness, and feeling of physical activeness after six months of injection.
Expected result 3: Increased independence, weight management, decreased damage progression, improved balance and coordination, hair regrowth, and more life satisfaction.
FREQUENT QUESTIONS
What are the risk factors of Stem Cell Therapy for HT?
Generally, Stem Cell Therapy has a satisfactory safety profile, good prognosis, and effectiveness.
However, no medical procedure is 100% safe; so, the most frequent or common risk factors of SCT can be:
Lethargy and fatigue
Bleeding from the site of injection
Fever
Painful injection site
Allergic reactions
Management of Risks
Fever, lethargy, and pain are managed through the appropriate drugs along with the treatment. Bleeding and swelling of the injured site are manageable via proper technique. Allergic reactions are preventable through pre-injection history and care.
The benefits and effects of Stem Cell Therapy depend on several factors: the patient's health condition, underlying issues, lifestyle, and others. To assess your expected results, we would like to know more about you. A medical advisor will talk to you about your diagnosis and treatment options and collect information for the attending physician; they can answer all your initial questions:
Will the therapy work for my case?
What does the treatment involve? Is it painful?
Is it expensive? How much does it cost?
Start your Wellness Journey!
Click on the button below to book a consultation to answer your questions and discuss your medical history, your treatment journey, and your goals.