How to Approach Alzheimer's Disease Therapy Using Stem Cell Technologies

Abstract

The use of stem cells for neuroreplacement therapy is no longer science fiction -it is science fact. We have succeeded in producing neural cells in the brain using both neural and mesenchymal stem cell transplantation and even systemic injection using a small molecular compound. We have seen the improvement of cognitive function in animal models following the application of these stem cell technologies. These results may promise a bright future for stem cell based neuroreplacement therapies for neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, we have to consider the pathophysiological environments of individual diseases before clinical applications can be introduced. We must find the factors in the pathology that may affect stem cell biology and overcome the negative effects on neuroreplacement. Here, we discuss not only the potential for therapeutic applications of stem cell strategies in neuropathological conditions, but also how to overcome the adverse effects on the biology of stem cells due to the factors that are altered under AD pathology.

Cell Therapy from Bench to Bedside Translation in CNS Neurorestoratology Era

“…Recent findings of transplanted embryonic dopamine (DA) neurons into the substantia nigra (SN) indicate that DA neurons could extend neurites towards a desired target through the brain stem and caudal diencephalon to reconstruct the neural circuitry from grafted neurons in the host (315,355). Application of stem cells for neuroreplacement therapy is therefore no longer science fiction—it is science fact (367). OECs can promote neuroplasticity in neurodegenerative diseases (62), while NSCs can suppress abnormal mossy fiber sprouting into the inner molecular layer with subsequent reduction of hippocampal excitability (165).…”

The Role of the Bone Marrow Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Colonic Epithelial Regeneration

“…So these cells may be a source for regeneration in many tissues [10,17]. Several successful clinical and preclinical studies have used bone marrow derived cells to repair myocardium [42], nervous- [43] and respiratory system [44]. But the usage of BM-MSCs in regenerative medicine requires high care.…”

Drug Development for Alzheimer's Disease: Recent Progress

“…Neuroreplacement therapies for neurodegenerative diseases based on stem cells have also been suggested (Sugaya and Merchant, 2008). Other approaches involving vitamin E or omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have also been attempted but the results were inconclusive (Freund-Levi et al, 2006; Bjelakovic et al, 2007).…”