Stem cells may act at multiple levels when used to treat fibromyalgia1 2 3:
- Immunomodulation: by regulating the immune system, stem cells may help reduce the chronic inflammation and heightened pain sensitivity involved in fibromyalgia.
- Anti-inflammatory: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) secrete growth factors and anti-inflammatory cytokines (signaling proteins), helping to reduce inflammation and alleviate associated pain.4
- Regeneration: while fibromyalgia does not typically involve the tissue damage seen in conditions like osteoarthritis, the regenerative properties of stem cells could potentially aid in repairing and improving the function of specific tissues affected by the condition.
- Neurological impact: some research suggests that stem cells could improve neurological pathways, potentially altering pain perception and improving symptoms related to fibromyalgia.
1 Meichen Liu, Kai Li, Yunyun Wang, Guoqing Zhao, Jinlan Jiang. (2020). Stem Cells in the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain: Research Progress of Mechanism. Stem Cells International, vol. 2020, Article ID 8861251.
2 Joshi HP, Jo HJ, Kim YH, An SB, Park CK, Han I. (2021). Stem Cell Therapy for Modulating Neuroinflammation in Neuropathic Pain. Int J Mol Sci. 22(9):4853. doi: 10.3390/ijms22094853.
3 Fortino, V. R.; Pelaez, D.; Cheung, H. S. (2013). Concise Review: Stem Cell Therapies for Neuropathic Pain. Stem Cells Translational Medicine, 2(5), 394–399. doi:10.5966/sctm.2012-0122
4 Vadivelu, Sudhakar; Willsey, Matthew; Curry, Daniel J.; McDonald, John W. (2013). Potential role of stem cells for neuropathic pain disorders. Neurosurgical Focus, 35(3), E11–. doi:10.3171/2013.6.FOCUS13235