Stem Cells Hold Potential to Repair Immune Responses in MS Patients (Video)

Multiple Sclerosis, a potentially debilitating disease in which the immune system is broken down, can be difficult to treat. Damages to the myelin sheath due to the disease can interfere with communication between the brain, spinal cord and other areas of the body. This can create wreak havoc in someone's daily life who is suffering from the problem.

Yet, some researchers believe they have found new treatments that could stop the progression or continuation of the disease.

Dr. Saud Sadiq, MD, who is the director at the Tisch MS Center of New York, believes that stem cells could be the key to repairing and possibly regenerating immune responses broken down by MS.

According to Sadiq, who recently presented his research on stem cells during the Second International Adult Stem Cell Conference at the Vatican in April, believes these new treatments could offer great hope for those suffering from MS.

"We're hoping that stem cells turn on resident stem cells in the brain and can stimulate repair damage in multiple sclerosis patients," Sadiq told Science World Report.

At the conference, Sadiq discussed what many believe is a growing need for the approval of cellular therapy to treat Multiple Sclerosis. Sadiq pointed out how IMSMP patient, Francesco Ferrari, a resident of Italy, could benefit from the treatments, as well as anyone suffering from the problems across the globe.

Sadiq is not the only one to believe in the incredible powers of stem cells. Researchers at Stanford University have created cells from ordinary skin cells that could "rewrap" and protect nerve cells damaged in MS, as well as spinal cord injuries and other conditions, according to a recent study published in the journal Nature Biotechnology.

Want to find out more information regarding the conference? Check out this video, courtesy of YouTube.