Stem-Cell-Based Therapy: The Celestial Weapon against Neurological Disorders

Abstract

Stem cells are a versatile source for cell therapy. Their use is particularly significant for the treatment of neurological disorders for which no definitive conventional medical treatment is available. Neurological disorders are of diverse etiology and pathogenesis. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is caused by abnormal protein deposits, leading to progressive dementia. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is due to the specific degeneration of the dopaminergic neurons causing motor and sensory impairment. Huntington’s disease (HD) includes a transmittable gene mutation, and any treatment should involve gene modulation of the transplanted cells. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder affecting multiple neurons sporadically but induces progressive neuronal dysfunction. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) impacts upper and lower motor neurons, leading to progressive muscle degeneration. This shows the need to try to tailor different types of cells to repair the specific defect characteristic of each disease. In recent years, several types of stem cells were used in different animal models, including transgenic animals of various neurologic disorders. Based on some of the successful animal studies, some clinical trials were designed and approved. Some studies were successful, others were terminated and, still, a few are ongoing. In this manuscript, we aim to review the current information on both the experimental and clinical trials of stem cell therapy in neurological disorders of various disease mechanisms. The different types of cells used, their mode of transplantation and the molecular and physiologic effects are discussed. Recommendations for future use and hopes are highlighted.

Under New Management: Transplanted GABAergic Progenitors Control Adult Neurogenesis

“…Stem cell transplants are being studied for therapeutic use for several conditions. 6 Prior work in mice shows that transplant of GABAergic progenitors in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus reduces seizures in the Pilo-TLE model. 7 How exactly this happens is not well-understood.…”

Introduction aux cellules souches

“…Dans la SLA, les essais précliniques chez l'animal utilisant des cellules souches embryonnaires, des CSM ou des précurseurs neuraux dérivés d'IPSC, injectés IV ou directement en intra lésionnel, ont montré des résultats encourageants 1 . Des essais cliniques récents utilisant des injections de CSM en intrathécale ont présenté des résultats encourageants chez les patients atteints de SLA mais nécessitent d'être confirmés sur de plus larges cohortes 18,19 .…”

“…Plusieurs études expérimentales et/ou essais cliniques ont étudié l'utilisation de différents types de cellules souches pour le traitement de pathologies neurologiques, en particulier celles pour lesquels aucun traitement curatif n'existe comme la maladie d'Alzheimer, la maladie de Parkinson, la maladie de Huntington, la sclérose latérale amyotrophique, et la sclérose en plaques. Mais des études se développent également dans d'autres indications telles que les lésions traumatiques de la moelle épinière ou l'accident ischémique cérébral 1 .…”

Functional material-mediated wireless physical stimulation for neuro-modulation and regeneration

“…6,7 Stem cell transplantation offers a promising approach for the treatment of neurological diseases and repair of nerve injuries, and can replace lost neurons in the lesion area, induce an increase in neuroprotective molecules, as well as regulate immune and inflammatory responses. 8,9 Researchers have attempted to use various types of stem cells, such as embryonic stem cells (ESCs), neural stem cells (NSCs), and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), to treat neurological disorders, and some of them have been used in clinical trials. 8,10 For example, phase I and II clinical trial results have shown that transplanted stem cells can improve the recovery of patients with early ischemic stroke by reducing neuroinflammation and promoting neurogenesis and angiogenesis, 11 and improve the overall mean functional outcomes of spinal cord injury patients.…”

“…8,9 Researchers have attempted to use various types of stem cells, such as embryonic stem cells (ESCs), neural stem cells (NSCs), and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), to treat neurological disorders, and some of them have been used in clinical trials. 8,10 For example, phase I and II clinical trial results have shown that transplanted stem cells can improve the recovery of patients with early ischemic stroke by reducing neuroinflammation and promoting neurogenesis and angiogenesis, 11 and improve the overall mean functional outcomes of spinal cord injury patients. 12 Although some achievements have been made, it is noteworthy that more clinical trial results have not shown functional improvement, and there are still many problems that need to be solved.…”