A rapidly developing area of regenerative medicine is stem cell therapy for neurological disorders, which has promise for treating a variety of illnesses for which there are no reliable cures at this time. Neurones and other central nervous system (CNS) cells can die or malfunction in neurological illnesses such Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, spinal cord injury, stroke, and multiple sclerosis. With stem cell therapy, there is a chance to replace or mend damaged cells, lessen inflammation, and encourage functional recovery.
For neurological illnesses, stem cell treatment offers a revolutionary means of treating conditions that have the potential to take lives. This therapy leverages the body’s inherent regenerative powers to alleviate symptoms of neurological deterioration, addressing the urgent need for novel treatments.
Discover how stem cells may alter the face of neurological healthcare, including information on the effectiveness of treatments, benefits, and downsides, as well as top global centres.
Different Neurological Disorder Types
Diseases affecting the brain, spinal cord, and nerves are referred to as neurological disorders. They may show up as pain, movement problems, seizures, cognitive deterioration, or any combination of these. Among the prevalent neurological conditions are:
- Parkinson’s illness
- MS, or multiple sclerosis
- Alzheimer’s illness
- Myotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) stroke
An Overview of Neurological Conditions Treatable with Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cells, which are unspecialised cells with the ability to differentiate into other cell types, including human neural stem cells, are used in stem cell therapy to treat diseases and regenerate damaged tissues.
Because stem cells are able to self-renew and differentiate into different types of cells, they are a great option for treating a wide range of illnesses, including neurological problems.
How Neurological Disorders Can Benefit from Stem Cell Treatment
The use of stem cells in therapy has shown promise in the treatment of neurological conditions. Peer-reviewed research has revealed numerous typical processes that contribute to the therapeutic effects of stem cells in neurological diseases, while the precise pathways may differ depending on the particular disease.
Peer-reviewed research has shown that stem cell therapy has therapeutic potential for a number of neurological illnesses, including:
- Parkinson’s disease: Research has demonstrated that dopaminergic neurones produced from stem cells can be transplanted into animal models of Parkinson’s disease to enhance motor performance and reduce symptoms (Kim et al., 2002).
- Multiple sclerosis (MS): A research study found that transplanting MSCs into an animal model of MS enhanced neurological function and reduced inflammation and demyelination (Zappia et al., 2005).
- Spinal cord injury: NSC transplantation into a rat model of spinal cord injury improved functional recovery and boosted regeneration of damaged axons, according to a study by Hofstetter et al. (2002).
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): In a preclinical investigation, MSC transplantation in an ALS animal model resulted in a postponement of the disease’s advancement and an extension of motor neurone survival (Boucherie et al., 2009).
It’s crucial to remember that even though these studies show that stem cell therapy may be a useful treatment for neurological disorders, more investigation is still required to fully understand the mechanisms at play, improve treatment strategies, and determine the safety and effectiveness of these therapies in people. This includes carefully planned clinical trials.
Function of Stem Cells
When it comes to neurological problems, stem cells are essential for mending damaged brain tissue and encouraging neuronal regeneration. They have the ability to differentiate into a variety of cell types, such as glial cells, neurones, and other nervous system supporting cells.
Current Studies
According to recent studies, injecting mesenchymal stem cells intravenously may be a useful treatment for Parkinson’s disease. Multiple cell types, including dopaminergic neurones, which are lost in Parkinson’s disease, can be differentiated from these cells.
Mesenchymal stem cells administered intravenously have been shown to improve motor function and quality of life in individuals with Parkinson’s disease, according to a 2018 study that was published on the website of the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). In this trial, 60 patients were randomised to receive either placebo or mesenchymal stem cells. Compared to patients who got a placebo, those who received mesenchymal stem cells had noticeably better motor function and quality of life.