Targeted delivery of nerve growth factor via encapsulated cell biodelivery in Alzheimer disease: a technology platform for restorative neurosurgery

Abstract

With refinement, the ECB technology is positioned to become an important therapeutic platform in restorative neurosurgery and, in combination with other therapeutic factors, may be relevant for the treatment of a variety of neurological disorders. Clinical trial registration no.: NCT01163825.

Deep Brain Stimulation for Alzheimer's Disease

“…A rodent model study showed that application of highfrequency stimulation to isolated hippocampal slices significantly increased synaptic plasticity in the CA1 region and promoted a twofold increase of non-amyloidogenic α-secretase activity. Neuroimaging studies in AD have demonstrated widespread structural and metabolic abnormalities, principally in areas associated with memory functions [33]. As recent data suggest system-level defects characterized by alterations in memory circuits, it is reasonable to expect that external stimulation of subareas within the circuitry will ameliorate symptoms.…”

“…DBS of the nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM) should improve or stabilize memory and cognitive functioning in patients with AD. The hypothesized mechanism involves a facilitation of neural oscillations and the synthesis of NGFs [33]. Medial temporal structures, including the hippocampus and the entorhinal cortex, have long been known to be important in memory formation and recall [25].…”

Central Nervous System

“…Conceptually, cells are immunoisolated from the host system by being encapsulated in a porous membrane through which nutrients, metabolic by-products and secreted factors diffuse whereas immune cells do not. While encapsulated cell therapy is an active field and it has been investigated clinically [185,228], there remains an immune response as the encapsulated cells are subject to antigen shedding [93].…”

Untitled

“…Aquesta estratègia s'ha utilitzat des de fa temps per a malalties com ara l'Alzheimer (Wahlberg i altres, 2012). Tot i que aquestes estratègies són prometedores, encara ens queden per superar problemes com són la distribució limitada dels factors o bé la impossibilitat de regenerar neurones perdudes quan la degeneració és avançada.…”