Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic (inherited) disease that causes sticky, thick mucus to build up in organs, including the lungs and the pancreas, blocking and damaging them. In people who have CF, thick mucus clogs the airways and makes it difficult to breathe.  

It's called cystic fibrosis because it also causes cysts and scarring (fibrosis) in your pancreas. This damage, plus the thick mucus, can block ducts that release digestive enzymes, making it hard to get nutrients from your digestive tract. CF can also affect your liver, sinuses, intestines and sex organs. 

The mucus that lines your organs and body cavities, such as your lungs and nose, is thin and watery. In people with CF, a change in a gene leads to low levels of certain proteins, or proteins that don't work properly. Because of these faulty proteins, minerals that move water into your mucus (which thins it out) get trapped inside cells, leaving the mucus thick and sticky. 

Types of cystic fibrosis

There are two types of cystic fibrosis:

• Classic cystic fibrosis often affects multiple organs. It's usually diagnosed in the first few years of your life.
• Atypical cystic fibrosis is a milder form of the disease. It may only affect one organ or symptoms may come and go. It's usually diagnosed in older children or adults. 

Symptoms of cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis symptoms include:

• Frequent lung infections (recurrent pneumonia or bronchitis)
• Loose or oily poop (stool)
• Trouble breathing
• Frequent wheezing
• Frequent sinus infections
• A nagging cough
• Slow growth
• Failure to thrive (inability to gain weight despite having a good appetite and taking in enough calories)

What causes cystic fibrosis ?

Changes to the CFTR gene — called variants or mutations — cause cystic fibrosis. CFTR makes a protein that works as an ion channel on the surface of a cell. Ion channels are like gates in a cell's membrane that allow certain molecules to pass through.

CFTR usually makes a gate for chloride ions, a type of mineral with a negative electrical charge. Chloride moves out of the cell, taking water with it, which thins out mucus and makes it more slippery. In people with CF, gene mutations in CFTR prevent this from happening, so the mucus stays sticky and thick.

There are different categories (classes I to VI) of gene mutation in CFTR that depend on the effect they have. Some produce no proteins at all, some produce only small amounts of proteins, and some produce proteins that don't work properly.

Stem Cell Therapy for Cystic Fibrosis

As a progressive condition with limited treatment options, stem cell therapy emerges as a promising avenue to address the root causes of cystic fibrosis, offering hope for improved respiratory function and enhanced quality of life.

MSCs play a pivotal role in the pursuit of effective cystic fibrosis treatment. Armed with the unique ability to transform into diverse cell types, MSCs contribute to the repair and regeneration of damaged tissues, offering a potential breakthrough for individuals grappling with the challenges of cystic fibrosis. When introduced into the body, these cells target affected areas, initiating processes that may alleviate symptoms and improve overall respiratory and digestive function.

Mechanisms of Stem Cell Therapy for Cystic Fibrosis include:

• Mucus Clearance: Stem cells may contribute to the improvement of mucus consistency, aiding in better airway clearance.
• Anti-Inflammatory Effects: They play a role in reducing inflammation in the respiratory and digestive systems, creating a conducive environment for healing.
• Tissue Regeneration: Stem cells aim to regenerate damaged tissues in the lungs and other affected organs, potentially improving overall organ function.
  

Protocol

Our comprehensive treatment protocol spans multiple days, featuring the intravenous transplantation of a substantial quantity of cord tissue-derived MSCs. This minimally invasive procedure, lasting approximately 45 minutes, ensures minimal downtime, allowing patients to resume their routine shortly after their scheduled appointment.

Achieving Treatment Goals

Our primary objective is to address the underlying genetic factors contributing to cystic fibrosis by harnessing the regenerative potential of stem cells. Potential benefits of stem cell therapy for cystic fibrosis include:

• Improved Respiratory Function: Stem cells may contribute to clearer airways, reducing the frequency and severity of respiratory infections.
• Enhanced Digestive Health: By targeting affected organs, stem cell therapy seeks to improve overall digestive function.
• Elevated Quality of Life: Stem cell therapy offers a transformative approach, providing hope for improved daily living for individuals confronting the challenges of cystic fibrosis.