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stem cells have also shown to limit the damage to existing beta cells and stimulate
their growth and differentiation [ 44 ].
Several clinical trials have been performed to test the safety and efficacy of mes-
enchymal stem cells, with improved glycemic control and reduction in C peptide
levels reported in a series of 29 patients with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes treated
with Wharton’s jelly derived mesenchymal stem cells in a 2 year follow up [ 45 ].
In addition to their role in type 1 diabetes, patients with type 2 diabetes have also
shown to benefit from mesenchymal stem cell therapy. Studies performed in patients
with type 2 diabetes and co-existing chronic myocardial ischemia have shown
reduction in size of infarction and improvement in cardiac function following trans
endocardial injection of mesenchymal stem cells [ 46 ].
4.8 Autoimmune Diseases
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and systemic sclerosis (SS) are examples of auto-
immune diseases, where a patient’s immune system attacks and damages its own body.
4.8.1 Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
SLE is characterized by auto-immune antibodies to RNA binding proteins and dou-
ble stranded DNA, necessitating life-long immune-suppression. Due to their
immune-modulatory properties and ability to inhibit T cell proliferation, mesenchy-
mal stem cells have been the subject matter of clinical trials.
Small group studies consisting of 16 patients treated with mesenchymal stem
cells, with upto 2 years of follow up have shown improvement in renal function and
serologic markers of lupus such as serum antinuclear antibody, serum anti double
stranded DNA, complement C2 levels, without significant adverse effects [ 47 ].
Additional smaller but newer study with four patients has showed benefits of
using mesenchymal stem cells in treating diffuse alveolar hemorrhage with improve-
ment in parameters such as improved oxygen saturation to lungs, improved hemo-
globin levels and platelet count compared to pre-treatment levels [ 48 ].
Studies have also shown beneficial role of mesenchymal stem cells in improving
disease activity and blood cell counts in patients when used in a series of 35 patients
with lupus and refractory pancytopenia [ 49 ].
4.8.2 Systemic Sclerosis
Systemic sclerosis is a chronic progressive connective tissue disorder characterized
by excessive collagen deposition in skin and internal organs. Diffuse skin involve-
ment in the form of skin thickening and digital ulcers is very common. Systemic
R. Ram et al.