Etymology of the disease:
Pain syndrome of unknown etiology, characterized by chronic generalized muscle and joint pain and tenderness in typical points.
Typical areas of pain in fibromyalgia include:
Left upper part – lower jaw (left part), shoulder girdle (left part), left shoulder, left forearm
Right upper part – mandible (right part), shoulder girdle (right part), right shoulder, right forearm
The left lower part is the left part of the pelvis (buttocks), left thigh, left lower leg
The right lower part — the right part of the pelvis (buttocks), right thigh, right lower leg
Axial area — neck, upper back, lower back, chest, abdomen
Currently, there are no pharmacological treatments for fibromyalgia. Instead, treatment focuses on reducing symptoms and improving quality of life through pharmacological, non-pharmacological therapies and lifestyle modifications.
The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown. It is believed that this pathological condition can occur against the background of diseases accompanied by long-term pain. Constant penetration of pain information into the nervous system increases its sensitivity (central sensitization). As a result of this, a paradoxical reaction develops: there is practically no damage on the periphery, and the nervous system continues to transmit pain signals due to inertia.
The pain threshold, the value of which is determined by the level of serotonin and norepinephrine in the nervous system, plays an important role in the perception of pain. These two mediators inhibit the transmission of pain signals to the spinal cord. That is, people with congenitally high levels of serotonin and norepinephrine feel pain less. In the case of depression caused by chronic pain, lack of sleep, the level of serotonin falls, which causes a marked decrease in the pain threshold, that is, an increased sensation of pain (minor stimuli cause pain). That is why antidepressants are used in the treatment of fibromyalgia, the mechanism of action of which is associated with an increase in the level of serotonin and norepinephrine.
Clinical picture of the disease:
It develops 8 times more often in women, mainly Caucasians aged 35–55 years. Symptoms: chronic generalized muscle and joint pain, tenderness in specific painful (sensitive) points, sleep disturbances, fatigue and a feeling of body stiffness, tendency to phobias and depression (in 75% of patients), vegetative and functional disorders of varying severity.
A condition that is often identified with fibromyalgia is chronic fatigue syndrome, in which, in addition to many symptoms reminiscent of fibromyalgia, there is low fever, lymphadenopathy, sore throat, and migrating joint pain; instead, during palpation, the corresponding number of pain points was not detected.
Frequent combinations of fibromyalgia. Or why does it hurt?
The disease is associated with stress, decreased immunity and infection. Most people who get sick are of a certain psychological make-up: emotional, but with well-developed self-control.
Chronic fatigue (chronic fatigue) is a common companion to fibromyalgia. This is a state of exhaustion of the nervous system due to chronic stress and chronic infection. The main signs are a feeling of fatigue starting in the morning, difficulties in performing usual work.
Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue are highly treatable.
Three conditions are important: simultaneous treatment of infection, immune disorders and nervous exhaustion.
The disease begins with a long stay of the nervous system in a state of stress. This could be mental stress or fatigue, surgery or injury. Normally, stress is a beneficial response of the nervous system. The purpose of stress is a short-term increase in the body’s physical capabilities in response to danger. When stressed, the body releases accumulated “emergency resources” of hormones, immune factors, heat, and various biologically active substances.
If stress continues for too long, resources are depleted, especially in the nervous and immune systems. Immunity decreases, and the body is attacked by infections that were previously present in the body in a “silent” carrier mode.
Typically these are infections such as:
Herpes viruses types 1, 2, 6;
Cytomegalovirus;
Epstein-Barr virus;
Varicella-Zoster virus;
Chlamydia;
Mycoplasma;
Toxoplasma;
Streptococcus.
In response to the activity of infections, the exhausted immune system produces the response that it can. Or maybe she gives a strong, but not focused enough response. A large number of killer cells appear in the blood, which attack not only infections, but also some of the body’s own tissues, primarily muscles and tendons. That’s when inflammation appears, and then pain.
Stem Cell Therapy for Fibromyalgia
In recent years, stem cell therapy has emerged as a potential treatment option for Fibromyalgia. This innovative therapy involves using expanded mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) + astrocytes + mitochondrial complex with active Q 10 and L carnitine + myoblasts.
In a 2016 study found that patients with Fibromyalgia who received expanded such therapy experienced significant reductions in pain and improved quality of life. The study involved 36 patients with Fibromyalgia who received either MSCs + progenitor cells.
After six months, the patients who received therapy showed a 25% reduction in pain and a 50% improvement in quality of life, while the patients who received the placebo showed no significant changes.
One study from 2018 found that MSCs could help to regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation in individuals with Fibromyalgia. The study involved 20 patients with Fibromyalgia who received therapy. The researchers found that treatment could reduce inflammation and improve the patient’s immune system function.
Expanded mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory effects, which may help to reduce pain and other symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Stem cell therapy for fibromyalgia primarily utilizes mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which have the ability to differentiate into various cell types and possess anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.
Mechanism of Action (How it Works)
Reducing inflammation: MSCs release anti-inflammatory factors that help decrease overall inflammation in the body.
Modulating the immune system: Stem cells can regulate immune responses, potentially addressing the autoimmune aspects of fibromyalgia.
Promoting tissue repair: MSCs may help repair damaged tissues and nerves, potentially alleviating pain and improving function.
Regulating neurotransmitters: Some research suggests that stem cells may help balance neurotransmitters involved in pain perception and mood regulation.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells in therapy
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are indeed a recommended type of stem cell for potential therapeutic applications, including for conditions like fibromyalgia.
Here’s an overview of why MSCs are considered advantageous:
Immunomodulatory properties: MSCs have potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. They can regulate immune responses by suppressing T-cell proliferation, modulating B-cell function, and influencing the activity of natural killer cells and dendritic cells. This makes them particularly useful for addressing the inflammatory and potentially autoimmune aspects of fibromyalgia.
Paracrine effects: MSCs exert many of their therapeutic benefits through paracrine signaling, releasing various bioactive molecules that can influence surrounding cells and tissues. This includes the secretion of exosomes, which are small vesicles containing proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids that can mediate intercellular communication and promote tissue repair.
Differentiation potential: MSCs have the ability to differentiate into various cell types, including adipocytes, osteoblasts, and chondrocytes. This multipotency could potentially be useful in addressing the diverse symptoms associated with fibromyalgia, such as musculoskeletal pain.
Tissue repair and regeneration: MSCs have demonstrated the ability to promote tissue repair and regeneration. They can stimulate angiogenesis, reduce fibrosis, and support the survival and function of existing cells in damaged tissues.
Safety profile: MSCs generally have a favorable safety profile. They are less likely to form tumors compared to other types of stem cells, and they can be derived from adult tissues, avoiding ethical concerns associated with embryonic stem cells.
Versatility: MSCs can be isolated from various sources, including bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord tissue. This versatility allows for autologous (patient’s own cells) or allogeneic (donor cells) transplantation options.
Exosome production: MSC-derived exosomes have shown promise in various therapeutic applications. These exosomes can carry bioactive molecules that mediate many of the beneficial effects of MSCs, potentially offering a cell-free alternative to whole-cell therapies.
Modulation of neurotransmitters: Some research suggests that MSCs may help regulate neurotransmitters involved in pain perception and mood regulation, which could be particularly relevant for fibromyalgia treatment.
Adaptability to microenvironment: MSCs have shown the ability to adapt to and potentially modulate the local microenvironment, which could be beneficial in addressing the complex and multifaceted nature of fibromyalgia.
How Stem Cells find areas of damage
Stem cells locate areas of damage in the body through a process known as “homing.” Guided by biochemical signals such as chemokines and cytokines, these cells migrate from the bloodstream or their point of introduction to the specific tissues that require repair or regeneration.
The homing process involves several steps, including cell rolling along the blood vessel walls, activation by signaling molecules, firm adhesion to the vessel wall, and finally, transmigration through the vessel wall to reach the target tissue.
This targeted migration ensures that stem cells are delivered to the areas where they can be most effective in exerting their therapeutic or regenerative effects.
Expected timeline for improvement after therapy
The timeline for seeing improvements post therapy can vary depending on the individual’s condition and the number of cells introduced.
However, some patients report noticing improvements as early as a few weeks after the therapy.