Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for Ankylosing Spondylitis

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Stem cell transplantation is currently the most advanced treatment for ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in the world. Using specialized cell separation solutions, stem cells are extracted and purified to obtain a preparation with high purity, high activity, and high concentration for clinical treatment. These cells are directly delivered to the lesion site via advanced interventional techniques, allowing them to achieve optimal therapeutic effects in the shortest possible time. The most remarkable effect of stem cell transplantation technology is its ability to regenerate entirely new, normal, or even younger cells, tissues, or organs. Thus, people can use their own or donor-derived stem cells and stem cell-derived tissues or organs to replace diseased or aging tissues and organs.

Studies have shown that osteocytes in AS patients do not express sclerostin protein (a β-catenin inhibitor), supporting the role of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway in AS ossification. Las et al., using a progressive ankylosis mouse model (ank/ank), demonstrated by immunohistochemistry that β-catenin expression was upregulated and localized in the nuclei of articular chondrocytes, suggesting activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in chondrocytes. This indicates that the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway promotes endochondral ossification and plays an important role in the ossification process of AS. The canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway functions as follows: Wnt proteins bind to receptors on the cell membrane; in the cytoplasm, the signaling pathway involves glycogen synthase kinase, adenomatous polyposis coli protein, and β-catenin, regulating target gene expression and ultimately promoting the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into osteoblasts (OBs).

Stem cell transplantation therapy is a biological treatment that uses newly differentiated cells from stem cells to repair and replace damaged tissue cells. Compared with traditional treatment methods, stem cell transplantation has many advantages.

1. Stem cells possess immunomodulatory effects that suppress the immune response in ankylosing spondylitis, gradually reducing and eliminating inflammation, thereby alleviating and eventually eliminating joint swelling, pain, and limping.

2. Stem cells secrete bioactive factors that repair damaged cartilage and joint tissues. Bone and joint deformities cease to progress, motor function gradually recovers, and the patient's condition improves day by day.

3. After the second stem cell transplantation, the bone enters a stable repair phase. The sclerotic bone tissue in the joints continues to be absorbed and reduced, ligamentous ossification halts, and disease progression stops.

4. The overall immune function of patients with ankylosing spondylitis is largely dysregulated. After stem cell transplantation, the patient's own immune function is restored, their pale complexion becomes rosy, they feel energetic, and due to the relief of pain, they enjoy adequate sleep.