Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for the Treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Signals for Hope?

Abstract

Based on the distinctive cellular, molecular and immunomodulatory traits of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), it has been postulated that these cells may play a critical role in regenerative medicine. In addition to the participation of MSC in the repair of mesodermal-derived tissues (bone, cartilage), robust data have suggested that MSC may also play a reparative role in conditions involving damage of cells of ectodermal origin. The above content has been supported by the capability of MSC to differentiate into neuron-like cells as well as by a competence to generate a 'neuroprotective' environment. In turn, several preclinical studies have put forward the concept that MSC therapy may represent an option for the treatment of several neurological disorders and injuries, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We expect that the above foundations, which have inspired this review, may result in the founding of an effective and/or palliative therapy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Are nestin-positive mesenchymal stromal cells a better source of cells for CNS repair?

“…The identification that OM-MSCs secrete higher levels of the chemokine CXCL12 than BM-MSCs (Lindsay et al., 2016), which we and others have shown to be important in augmenting endogenous myelination (Maysami et al., 2006, Lindsay et al., 2013, Lindsay et al, 2016 Zilkha-Falb et al., 2016) also adds to the desirability as a candidate cell for transplantation. Lastly as MSCs are known to home to damaged tissue (Laroni et al., 2013, Eseonu and De Bari, 2015) and secrete a plethora of pro-repair factors, their use as a treatment is more beneficial than application of a chemokine alone (Allers et al., 2014, Joyce et al., 2010, Laroni et al., 2013). …”

Complications of Spinal Cord Stem Cell Injections for ALS

“…Minguell et al (2013) showed that after 18 months of intrathecal injection of bone marrow-derived MSC, patients became significantly stable with an appreciably improved quality of life.…”

Stem Cells for Neuro-regeneration: State of the Art

“…(44) The recent success in culturing a whole optic disc in-vitro which has a large number of photoreceptors might be generated from embryonic stem cells without the need for embryo donor; this can be transplanted to restore the photosensitive component and hence vision in blind patients. (45) In-vitro trials for general neurological disorders Blood brain barrier (BBB) is a major determinant in neuroregeneration. After inflammation, BBB shows increased permeability allowing inflammatory cell leakage, thus exaggerating injury.…”