The persistent progress of neurodegenerative diseases makes the afflicted lose their autonomy and have their cognitive and physical abilities decay beyond repair. Their suffering includes the loss of memories, erratic behavior, and a complete lack of orientation in their surroundings. The emotional and financial impact on relatives creates an even greater need for an alternative to the traditional approaches for the treatment of symptoms. It leaves an urgent need for the development of new methods that will directly target the causes of the disease. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new therapies for neurodegenerative disease. One interesting method utilizes a specific Stem Cell population to halt the degeneration of neurons. Utilizing UC-MSCs is arguably one of the best possible methods to interfere with the underlying pathology of Alzheimer’s disease. Restoring the health of the cells in the central nervous system is a real opportunity to safeguard the identity and quality of life of Alzheimer’s disease patients. Researchers hope to effect significant changes in the quantity and quality of life for patients before death, with the shift in focus toward cellular restoration.
Alzheimer’s disease Mechanism
In order to appreciate neurodegeneration, it is important to study the condition of the brain. Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the accumulation of toxic proteins, which include the aggregation of Amyloid β within the brain and the Tau neurofibrillary tangles in the neurons. The aggregation of toxic proteins leads to the distortion of the cellular structures and creates a negative spiral of the generation of hazardous levels of oxidative stress, the disruption of the normal function of the mitochondria, and the overexcitation of microglia. This creates a sustained neuroinflammatory response that irreversibly accelerates the degeneration of the neurons and the synapses of the brain, particularly in the cortical and limbic structures. This extensive degeneration of the brain is reflected in the serious deterioration of cognitive functions, which Stem Cell treatments utilizing UC-MSCs aim to reverse.
Moreover, an increase in blood-brain barrier permeability occurs while systemic inflammatory cytokines infiltrate neural tissues worsening existing hostile conditions. Addressing the multiple causes of the neurotoxic cascade requires advanced Stem Cell therapies like UC-MSCs to target immune system modulation, protein aggregation clearance, and the promotion of neurogenesis. The complexity of cellular symptoms occurring with Alzheimer’s disease makes a single drug solution impossible.
Traditional Alzheimer’s disease treatments
Cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease is primarily treated by acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists. These drugs act on neurochemicals with the aim of preserving memory function for a little longer. Unfortunately, the drugs have no effect on the underlying disease. The patients continue to experience loss of memory and volumetric loss of the brain. Additionally, the older drugs have unwanted gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and neurological systems. The drugs absolutely cannot treat the sustained neuroinflammation or or promote the toxic protein clearance. After some time, the patients do not respond to the drugs at all, highlighting the need for new biological Stem Cell treatments like UC-MSCs.
Why use UC-MSCs instead in Alzheimer’s disease
Moving to the targeted use of Stem Cells, Umbilical cord MSCs (UC-MSCs) are known for their unique improvement and healing in combination with their neuroprotective properties. UC-MSCs are a multifaceted Stem Cell type which migrate to damaged tissues and aid in healing primarily through a mode of signaling. They release a highly effective secretome abundant in extracellular vesicles with essential growth factors and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Bioactive molecules that are beneficial to health reduce chronic neuroinflammation. They help to shift microglia from a destructive pro-inflammatory state to a healing anti-inflammatory phenotype. Additionally, the regional deployment of UC-MSCs aids the clear amelioration of amyloid β plaques by increasing microglial phagocytosis. UC-MSCs express brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor which improves synaptic plasticity and decreases neurotoxicity. This specialized Stem Cell therapy is beneficial and aids in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
Figure 1: Traditional Alzheimer’s disease treatments compared with Advanced UC-MSCs therapy
Future trends in Thailand
The integration of advanced regenerative medicine across Southeast Asia is beginning to rapidly develop with a strong emphasis on regionally based biotechnological innovations. The rapidly expanding aging population results in a strong demand for advanced health care solutions specifically developed for the elderly with Alzheimer’s disease. As a result, the country is aiming to become the leading country in the region for advanced clinical research and the development of cellular biotechnologies. State of the art medical and research laboratories coupled with strong and well-established regulations ensures high quality and ethically manufactured cellular products. The local research community strives to improve laboratory practices on the umbilical cord tissue and to improve the efficiency of the tissue while preserving high cell viability. The high capacity of the local medical practices and high degree of specialization will allow Southeast Asia to be the first region to provide affordable, efficient therapies. There is little doubt that the establishment of regionally based UC-MSCs Stem Cell treatments will bring patients from around the world requiring proven scientific therapies.
Conclusion
The increasing burden of severe neurodegeneration from Alzheimer’s disease on a global scale demonstrates the urgent need to revise the approach to the management of these conditions and to develop definitive Stem Cell therapeutic solutions like UC-MSCs that go beyond symptom relief. The usage of advanced UC-MSCs intervention provides many benefits. It offers a method in which you can address the causes of cognitive decline. Taking full advantage of the Stem Cells found in the UC-MSCs gives the opportunity to stop the decline. Using this biological method provides better results than the current methods being used to control neurochemicals. The future of these cellular therapies’ presence in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease is dependent upon further intensive clinical research. The use of regenerative medicine provides hope for the patients of retaining their memories and cognitive function and gives the people of these vulnerable generations a brighter future.