Extrapolating Stem Cell Potential into Therapy: Current Parameters for Treating Neurological Defects

Abstract

Stem cell use in regenerative medicine has its basis on experimental procedures developed in animals. Several natural stem cells from embryos, fetal and adult tissues and induced pluripotent stem cells have evolved as choices to replace or repair one or more cell types in human maladies. The roles that stem cells serve as precursors is incumbent upon establishing their potential, reliability and efficacy before they are selected as therapeutic agents in humans with specific human diseases. A group of neurodegenerative diseases with related cell deficiencies, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington disease and Parkinson disease are reviewed at the current preclinical potential as prospects for stem cell therapy and compared to present clinical trials on human patients with degenerative diseases. Only a limited number of native stem cell sources have been utilized and early results indicate their safety and moderate effectiveness after transplantation. With continued preclinical research, the usefulness of induced pluripotent stem cells will expand the options.