Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Stem Cell Therapy for Lupus
Stem Cell Therapy for Lupus
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune condition that affects the major body organs resulting in a high mortality rate. The treatment options for SLE are very limited. Stem Cell Therapy can be the best available treatment option in new times due to its innovation and novelty.
What is Lupus?
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that occurs as a result of immune system attacks and infections. SLE is the most common cause of lupus which causes damage to organs and tissues, joints, skin, kidneys, brain, lungs, and vasculature of the body. Until now, there hasn’t been any absolute treatment for SLE.
What causes Lupus?
The exact cause of lupus is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, hormonal, and immune system factors. Here are the primary contributors:
1. Genetic Factors
· Family history: Lupus tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic predisposition. Certain genes are associated with a higher risk of developing lupus, but having these genes alone does not mean someone will definitely develop the disease.
· Gene mutations: Mutations in genes that regulate immune system function can lead to abnormal immune responses, increasing the likelihood of developing autoimmune diseases like lupus.
2. Environmental Triggers
· Sunlight (UV Radiation): Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light can trigger lupus flares or onset in individuals predisposed to the condition, leading to skin rashes and other symptoms.
· Infections: Certain viral or bacterial infections, such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), have been suggested to play a role in triggering lupus in genetically susceptible individuals.
· Medications: Some drugs can induce lupus-like symptoms, a condition known as drug-induced lupus. These symptoms typically resolve once the medication is stopped.
· Toxins and chemicals: Exposure to environmental toxins, such as cigarette smoke or silica dust, may also contribute to lupus development or exacerbation.
3. Hormonal Factors
· Estrogen: Lupus is more common in women, particularly during their reproductive years, suggesting that hormones like estrogen may play a role. Higher estrogen levels can stimulate the immune system, which may increase the risk of autoimmune diseases.
· Hormonal fluctuations: Pregnancy, menstruation, and hormone therapy can all affect lupus activity, leading to symptom flares in some women.
4. Immune System Dysfunction
· In lupus, the immune system becomes hyperactive and loses its ability to distinguish between the body’s own tissues and foreign invaders, such as bacteria or viruses. This leads to the production of autoantibodies, which attack healthy tissues, causing widespread inflammation and damage to organs like the skin, kidneys, heart, and joints.
5. Other Risk Factors
· Gender: Lupus predominantly affects women, with around 90% of cases occurring in females.
· Age: While lupus can develop at any age, it most commonly occurs in individuals between the ages of 15 and 45.
· Ethnicity: Lupus is more prevalent in certain ethnic groups, including African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, and Native Americans.
6. Stress and Immune Response
· Physical or emotional stress can exacerbate lupus symptoms by influencing immune system activity. Stress can lead to increased inflammation, triggering lupus flares in individuals who are already predisposed to the disease.
In summary, lupus is caused by a complex interaction of genetic predisposition, environmental exposures, hormonal influences, and immune system dysfunction. These factors work together to trigger the onset and progression of the disease in susceptible individuals.
What are the risk factors for SLE?
Several factors can increase the risk of developing systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). These include:
1. Ethnicity and Race
o While lupus can affect people of any race, it is more prevalent in certain ethnic groups. African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, and Native Americans are at higher risk of developing SLE compared to the Caucasian population. The disease also tends to be more severe in these groups, with higher rates of kidney involvement and complications.
2. Family History
o A family history of lupus or other autoimmune diseases increases the likelihood of developing SLE. Although no single gene causes lupus, certain genetic variations may make individuals more susceptible to the condition.
3. Sex
o Women are significantly more likely to develop lupus than men, accounting for around 90% of all SLE cases. The hormonal differences, particularly related to estrogen, are thought to contribute to the higher prevalence in women.
4. Age
o While lupus can occur at any age, the most common age of onset is between 15 and 44 years, particularly during the reproductive years. This period coincides with hormonal changes that may influence immune function.
What are the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus symptoms?
Lupus symptoms can vary a lot from person to person, and the condition can mimic other diseases, making it hard to diagnose. Here are the common symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE):
1. General Symptoms
o Fatigue: Extreme tiredness, which is one of the most common and exhausting symptoms.
o Fever: Low-grade fevers without any obvious cause, which may signal inflammation.
o Weight Changes: Unexplained weight loss or gain.
2. Musculoskeletal Symptoms
o Joint Pain and Swelling: Lupus often affects the joints, especially in the hands, wrists, and knees, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness, which are often worse in the morning.
o Muscle Pain: Muscle aches and weakness may also occur.
3. Skin and Hair Symptoms
o Butterfly-Shaped Rash: A rash across the cheeks and nose, usually triggered by sun exposure, is a classic sign of lupus.
o Photosensitivity: Sensitivity to sunlight can cause rashes and other skin issues.
o Discoid Rash: Raised, scaly patches, often on the face, neck, or scalp.
o Hair Loss: Thinning hair or patches of hair loss (alopecia), especially during lupus flares.
4. Cardiopulmonary Symptoms
o Chest Pain: Inflammation around the heart (pericarditis) or lungs (pleuritis) can cause sharp chest pain that gets worse when breathing.
o Shortness of Breath: Lung inflammation can lead to breathing difficulties or lung infections.
5. Kidney Symptoms (Lupus Nephritis)
o Swelling: Kidney inflammation can cause fluid retention, leading to swelling in the legs, feet, or around the eyes.
o Blood in Urine: The presence of protein or blood in urine may indicate kidney involvement.
6. Neurological Symptoms
o Headaches: Persistent headaches, often similar to migraines.
o Memory and Concentration Issues: "Lupus fog" can cause memory problems or difficulty focusing.
o Seizures and Strokes: In severe cases, lupus can affect the brain, leading to seizures or strokes.
7. Gastrointestinal Symptoms
o Abdominal Pain: Inflammation in the digestive system can cause pain, nausea, or vomiting.
o Mouth or Nose Ulcers: Painful sores in the mouth or nose are common during lupus flares.
8. Blood and Circulatory Symptoms
o Anemia: Low red blood cell count can cause fatigue, weakness, and pale skin.
o Blood Clots: Lupus increases the risk of blood clots.
o Low White Blood Cells or Platelets: This increases the risk of infections or bleeding.
9. Raynaud's Phenomenon
o Some people with lupus experience fingers and toes turning white or blue in response to cold or stress.
Lupus symptoms can be mild or severe, and they can come and go, with periods of flares and remission. Because lupus can resemble other conditions, it’s often called "the great imitator." If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice for early detection and treatment to help manage the disease and prevent complications.
THE TREATMENT JOURNEY
How is Lupus commonly treated?
Lupus treatment usually combines medications and lifestyle changes to help control symptoms, prevent flare-ups, and reduce organ damage. The treatment plan is customized to each person, depending on the severity of their symptoms and which organs are affected. Below are the most common approaches:
1. Medications
1.1. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Medications like ibuprofen and naproxen are often used to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation, especially for mild lupus affecting joints and muscles.
1.2. Antimalarial Drugs
Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), originally used to treat malaria, is key for managing lupus. It helps reduce inflammation, prevent flares, and protect organs like the kidneys and brain from damage.
1.3. Corticosteroids
Drugs like prednisone are powerful anti-inflammatories used to control severe lupus symptoms. However, they are usually prescribed for short-term use due to side effects like weight gain, high blood pressure, and bone thinning.
1.4. Immunosuppressants
For moderate to severe lupus, immunosuppressants help stop the immune system from attacking healthy tissues. Common options include:
· Azathioprine (Imuran)
· Mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept)
· Methotrexate
· Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), especially for serious kidney involvement.
1.5. Biologic Therapies
Newer drugs like belimumab (Benlysta) and rituximab (Rituxan) target specific parts of the immune system to reduce lupus activity. These are used when other treatments don’t work well enough.
2. Lifestyle Changes and Self-Care
2.1. Sun Protection
UV light can trigger lupus flares, so it’s important to avoid direct sunlight, wear sunscreen with a high SPF, and use protective clothing and hats when outdoors.
2.2. Healthy Diet
A balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help reduce inflammation. Limiting salt is important, especially if taking corticosteroids, as they can cause fluid retention and high blood pressure.
2.3. Exercise
Regular, moderate exercise helps keep joints flexible, strengthens muscles, and improves heart health. It also helps manage stress, which can trigger lupus flares.
2.4. Stress Management
Managing stress is key to avoiding lupus flares. Techniques like meditation, yoga, and deep-breathing exercises can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
2.5. Adequate Rest
Fatigue is common in lupus, so getting enough rest is important to help the body recover and avoid overexertion.
3. Treatments for Specific Organs
If lupus affects specific organs, additional treatments may be needed. For example:
· ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) can help protect the kidneys.
· Anticoagulants may be prescribed to prevent blood clots in people with lupus-related clotting issues.
4. Regular Monitoring
Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider are essential to track disease activity, adjust medications, and detect complications early. Blood and urine tests, along with imaging studies, are part of routine monitoring for lupus patients.
Lupus treatment is personalized to each person’s needs and focuses on reducing inflammation, managing symptoms, preventing flares, and protecting the body from damage. A mix of medications, lifestyle changes, and regular medical check-ups helps control the disease and improve quality of life.
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
How can Stem Cell Therapy treat Lupus?
Stem Cell Therapy is one of the most promising and innovative treatments for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), particularly for patients who do not respond well to traditional treatments. Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) offer several benefits in improving the condition by targeting inflammation and repairing damaged tissues.
MSCs work by identifying areas of inflammation and damaged cells in the body. They then either repair or replace these cells with healthy ones, helping to reduce disease activity. MSCs can also help alleviate hypocomplementemia (low complement levels) and proteinuria (excess protein in the urine), both of which are common in lupus patients.
Additionally, MSCs contribute to expanding regulatory T-cells (Tregs), which play a crucial role in controlling the immune system. This expansion helps suppress overactive T-cells, which are responsible for the immune attacks that lead to lupus symptoms.
Exosomes and Autoimmune diseases:
Clinical studies suggest that the combination of exosomes with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be highly beneficial in treating autoimmune diseases by regulating inflammatory cytokines, the cellular microenvironment, and immune cells. This approach affects both the innate and adaptive immune systems, with particular influence on key immune cells such as macrophages, T-regulatory (Treg) cells, Th17 cells, and CD4+ Th1 cells, as well as immunoregulatory microRNAs.
In autoimmune conditions, MSC-derived exosomes aid in the regulation of T-cell subsets, reducing the concentration of pro-inflammatory Th17 and Th1 cytokines such as IL-17AF, IL-12p70, and IL-6. At the same time, they increase the levels of anti-inflammatory Treg cells, promoting immune balance without altering the overall lymphocyte count. This modulation of T-cell activity has been shown to be effective in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), where MSC-exosomes help suppress the differentiation of naïve T-cells, thereby reducing immune overactivity.
Macrophages, a central component of the innate immune system, can also be regulated by MSC-derived exosomes. Depending on the microenvironment, naïve macrophages (Mo) can be polarized into either anti-inflammatory M2or pro-inflammatory M1 phenotypes, allowing them to perform specific roles in immune responses. MSC-exosome therapy promotes the conversion of M1 macrophages to the M2 phenotype, which reduces the presence of pro-inflammatory factors, thus attenuating inflammation.
Beyond autoimmune diseases, this therapy can also supportmetabolic homeostasisby reducingobesity-related inflammationand improving overall immune function. The ability of MSC-exosomes to modulate both macrophages and T-cells makes this a versatile therapeutic approach for managing chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation.
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
Exosomes and Autoimmune diseases:
According to the clinical literature, Exosomes combined with MSCs help in autoimmune diseases by regulating the inflammatory cytokines, microenvironment, and immune cells. These processes have a potent relation with both adaptive and innate immune cells. In these cells, macrophages, Treg cells, Th17, immunoregulatory miRNAs, and CD4+Th1 are the most crucial ones.
Exosomes-combined-MSCs help in the regulation of T-Cell subsets in cases of autoimmune diseases. Moreover, the MSCs-Exosomes also aid in reducing the levels and concentration of pro-inflammatory Th17 and TH1 cytokines as IL-17AF, IL-12p70, and IL-6. However, the same MSCs-Exosomes help in increasing the concentration of anti-inflammatory Treg.
Therefore, MSCs-Exosomes increase the concentration of Treg cells and the related products without changing the concentration index of the lymphocytes to maintain the immunoregulation in the body. Similar effects of these cells are seen in the cases of RA (rheumatoid arthritis) and GVHD (graft-versus-host disease). MSCs-Exosomes help improve the GVHD by suppressing the differentiation of populations of the naïve T-cells. Macrophages constitute a crucial and major portion of the innate immunity of the human body, which can be regulated through the administration of MSCs-Exosomes. According to the different microenvironments, Mo (naïve macrophages) can be polarized into anti-inflammatory (M2) or pro-inflammatory (M1) to play different roles in different conditions. Along with the autoimmune conditions, this combination therapy can also help facilitate metabolic hemostasis to attenuate obesity and adipose inflammation. Moreover, MSCs-Exosomes can also promote the M1-M2 macrophage conversion to reduce the pro-inflammatory factors or effects of the macrophage M1.
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 Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
Your Renue Journey does not end after your last day of SCT. We follow up with you to assert your progress, since the treatment for Lupus 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 treatment starts with taking a specific amount of blood through apheresis. After taking the Stem Cells, the rest of the blood is returned to the donor.
30, 60 & 90 days after the treatment: To check for flare-up frequency, improvements, and other symptoms
Six months after treatment: Lab tests, flare-up frequency, clinical evaluation, and disease prognosis
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 travelled 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 Medical Centre.
The medical team will welcome you and start your treatment for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus 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 Hyperbaric session makes a difference.
Day 3. 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 4. 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: SLE symptoms clinical evaluation, flare-up frequency, and lab test results.
Six months post-treatment: SLE 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:
Hyperbaric Chambers are oxygen-rich chambers.
At sea level, normal air carries 21% oxygen, but the patients enclosed in a Hyperbaric Chamber receive 100% oxygen. This quantity of oxygen stimulates only the red blood cells when taken routinely over the ground.
Significantly high amounts of oxygen are used in the chamber. On the other hand, oxygen dissolves in all physiological fluids, particularly plasma and fluids in the central nervous system. These high levels of oxygen consumed by the body will accelerate the levels of DNA, resulting in enhanced healing processes.
Benefits are:
Increased stem cell concentration
Enhance regeneration process
Relax the immune system to let it function in the body's favour
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 Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. These sessions comprise three days: one day before treatment, after treatment, and on the day of treatment.
According to results, clinical outcomes, and pre-and post-treatment observations, SCT has been shown to help
Reduce Lupus progression
Speed up tissue repair
Regrow and repair tissues after six months
After the SCT procedure, an MRI test depicts the further need for the treatment at a specific body site.
Talk to our Patient Advisor to know more about SCT at The Renue Medical Centre.
Expected results and prognosis:
Increased life expectancy
Improved life quality
Fewer levels of stress, fatigue, and health
FREQUENT QUESTIONS
What are the risks of Stem Cell Therapy for Lupus?
Stem Cell Therapy has the potential to cure degenerative disorders and injured tissue repair. Despite the therapeutic promise of Stem Cell Treatments, there are still hazards that have yet to be identified as:
Status of cell differentiation
Proliferation capacity of Stem Cells
Location and route of administration
Long-term survival of injected Stem Cells
In the event of irreparable tissue loss, the potential for simultaneous tissue regeneration
Management of Risks
The risks connected with Stem Cell Treatment are presently minimal and uncommon. When patients exhibit adverse effects, cautious care is usually recommended. Over-the-counter drugs can help reduce negative effects in cases of infections and inflammation. Pre-operative care and patient records are very important in controlling and reducing risk factors.
Stem Cell Therapy is a new and promising method of treating Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. It has the potential to be more effective than previous methods and also carries less risk. At present, Stem Cell Technology is still in the developmental stage, but rapid developments and advances indicate its potential uses in direct treatments of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.
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.