Because mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have regenerative, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory qualities, there is great interest in the possible use of MSCs in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative condition that causes tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability. It is characterised by the progressive death of dopaminergic neurones in the substantia nigra.
MSCs present a number of possible ways to combat Parkinson’s disease’s neurodegenerative processes, including:
MSCs’ Principal Functions in Parkinson’s Disease:
- Neurodefense:
MSCs have the ability to stop future neuronal deterioration. They release neurotrophic agents like:
- neurotrophic factor generated from the brain (BDNF)
- Neurotrophic factor generated from glial cell lines (GDNF)
- NGF, or nerve growth factor
These elements encourage the development and maintenance of new neurones as well as the survival existing dopaminergic neurones, which are gradually destroyed in Parkinson’s disease.
- Neuroinflammation Modulation:
It is believed that neuroinflammation is a major factor in the gradual loss of neurones in Parkinson’s disease. In order to control this inflammatory reaction, MSCs can:
- lowering the activity of microglia, which are brain immune cells that can cause damage to neurones when they become overactive.
- releasing cytokines that inhibit inflammation, such as TGF-β and interleukin-10 (IL-10), which lessen the negative consequences of long-term brain inflammation.
MSCs may aid in preserving neuronal function and slowing the disease’s course by lowering neuroinflammation.
- Encouraging Neurogenesis
While it is still unknown if MSCs can develop into fully functional dopaminergic neurons—the kind lost in Parkinson’s disease—they can differentiate into neuron-like cells and secrete substances that promote the brain’s natural neural stem cells to multiply and differentiate into neurones. This may aid in the replacement of lost neurones and the partial restoration of dopaminergic function.
- Oxidative Stress Reduction and Mitochondrial Function:
- In Parkinson’s disease, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction play a major role in the death of neurones. MSCs have been demonstrated to incorporate wholesome mitochondria into impaired neurones.
Release antioxidants to counteract reactive oxygen species (ROS) and prevent oxidative damage to neurones.
- Repair Mediated by Exosomes:
- Exosomes are tiny vesicles that contain proteins, RNA, and microRNAs that are released by MSCs. By affecting target cell gene expression and protein synthesis, these exosomes can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and transfer their contents to injured neurones, aiding in the regeneration and repair of brain tissue.
- Diminished Aggregation of α-Synuclein:
- The hallmark of Parkinson’s disease is the build-up of poisonous Lewy bodies, or α-synuclein, within neurones. This leads to cell death. According to certain research, MSCs may be able to lessen the toxic burden in neurones by interacting directly with α-synuclein or by reducing its production or aggregation through substances they produce.
Conclusion: Because mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may manage inflammation, stimulate neurogenesis, shield neurones from injury, and potentially repair damaged neural circuits, they have great promise for treating Parkinson’s disease. Preclinical research is encouraging, but more investigation and extensive clinical trials are required to completely ascertain the safety, effectiveness, and best delivery strategies for MSC-based treatments for Parkinson’s disease. With MSC technology developing, it might provide a good substitute or addition to current therapies for Parkinson’s disease, treating the disease’s underlying neurodegeneration as well as its symptoms.