Can pluripotent/multipotent stem cells reverse Parkinson’s disease progression?

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by continuous and selective degeneration or death of dopamine neurons in the midbrain, leading to dysfunction of the nigrostriatal neural circuits. Current clinical treatments for PD include drug treatment and surgery, which provide short-term relief of symptoms but are associated with many side effects and cannot reverse the progression of PD. Pluripotent/multipotent stem cells possess a self-renewal capacity and the potential to differentiate into dopaminergic neurons. Transplantation of pluripotent/multipotent stem cells or dopaminergic neurons derived from these cells is a promising strategy for the complete repair of damaged neural circuits in PD. This article reviews and summarizes the current preclinical/clinical treatments for PD, their efficacies, and the advantages/disadvantages of various stem cells, including pluripotent and multipotent stem cells, to provide a detailed overview of how these cells can be applied in the treatment of PD, as well as the challenges and bottlenecks that need to be overcome in future translational studies.

Can Stem Cell Therapy be an Effective Therapeutic Option for Complex and Neurological Conditions?

“…Additionally, ASD is a complex and heterogeneous disorder, and not all individuals may respond similarly to stem cell therapy. Despite the current limitations, research in the field of stem cell therapy for ASD continues to advance [6], [7], [14], [17]. Ongoing studies are exploring different stem cell sources, administration routes, and treatment modalities to optimize therapeutic outcomes.…”

“…Exosomes hold promise in treating Parkinson's disease (PD). Exosomes derived from MSCs possess antiinflammatory [14], antioxidant, and neurotrophic characteristics [27], ultimately promoting functional recovery in PD animal models [23]. One appealing aspect of stem cell treatment is their adaptability before implantation, allowing the enhancement of anti-inflammatory actions [22].…”

“…The LRRK2 G2019S mutation is the most prevalent genetic anomaly linked to inherited PD [19]. In PD patient-derived iPSCs carrying the LRRK2 G2019S mutation [27], IFN-γ signaling exacerbates immunomodulated neuronal damage [14]. Initially activated by IFN-γ, MSCs subsequently exhibit anti-inflammatory properties.…”

“…Initially activated by IFN-γ, MSCs subsequently exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. Consequently, MSCs may effectively regulate this pathological signaling [14]. In terms of clinical trials, several have been investigated on fetal ventral mesencephalon (FVM) grafts for Parkinson's disease (PD) showing mixed results [5], [20], [21].…”

“…By potentially reducing hospitalizations, minimizing the need for long-term care facilities, and mitigating the burden on healthcare systems, stem cell therapy offers the prospect of not only improving patient outcomes [13] but also alleviating financial strain on individuals, families, and healthcare providers [11]. In essence, the exploration of stem cell therapy for complex and neurological conditions represents a paradigm shift in healthcare [14], with the potential to redefine treatment approaches, enhance quality of life, and alleviate the broader societal burdens associated with these conditions [9]. Through a comprehensive examination of its potential benefits and challenges, this inquiry seeks to highlight the transformative possibilities of stem cell therapy and its implications for patients, caregivers, and healthcare systems worldwide [10], [11].…”