Therapeutic Potential of Human Stem Cell Implantation in Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive debilitating neurodegenerative disease and the most common form of dementia in the older population. At present, there is no definitive effective treatment for AD. Therefore, researchers are now looking at stem cell therapy as a possible treatment for AD, but whether stem cells are safe and effective in humans is still not clear. In this narrative review, we discuss both preclinical studies and clinical trials on the therapeutic potential of human stem cells in AD. Preclinical studies have successfully differentiated stem cells into neurons in vitro, indicating the potential viability of stem cell therapy in neurodegenerative diseases. Preclinical studies have also shown that stem cell therapy is safe and effective in improving cognitive performance in animal models, as demonstrated in the Morris water maze test and novel object recognition test. Although few clinical trials have been completed and many trials are still in phase I and II, the initial results confirm the outcomes of the preclinical studies. However, limitations like rejection, tumorigenicity, and ethical issues are still barriers to the advancement of stem cell therapy. In conclusion, the use of stem cells in the treatment of AD shows promise in terms of effectiveness and safety.

Regenerative Neurology and Regenerative Cardiology: Shared Hurdles and Achievements

“…In both organs, products of transplanted cells clearly influence inflammation and, in most of the cases, decrease damage with measurable effects. This is the case with neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS [ 168 ] or Alzheimer’s disease [ 169 ]. One of the probably most surprising observations, again seen in both the heart and the brain, is that those effects are often more pronounced in chronic than in acute phases.…”

The Monkey Head Mushroom and Memory Enhancement in Alzheimer’s Disease

“…Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEl) including donepezil and galantamine and memantine (N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor antagonists) can potentially treat the cognitive decline in AD [ 9 ]. It has been shown that AChEls can increase transmission of acetylcholine in the brain including the cerebral cortex via preventing acetylcholine breakdown by cholinesterase in synapses [ 10 ], whereas NMDA receptor antagonists can protect neuronal cells against excitotoxicity due to excessive activation of NMDA receptors [ 11 ]. Monoclonal antibodies such as Solanezumab and Aducanumab target aggregated Aβ peptides to remove excess Aβ plaques [ 10 , 12 ].…”

“…It has been shown that AChEls can increase transmission of acetylcholine in the brain including the cerebral cortex via preventing acetylcholine breakdown by cholinesterase in synapses [ 10 ], whereas NMDA receptor antagonists can protect neuronal cells against excitotoxicity due to excessive activation of NMDA receptors [ 11 ]. Monoclonal antibodies such as Solanezumab and Aducanumab target aggregated Aβ peptides to remove excess Aβ plaques [ 10 , 12 ]. Several potential approaches for blocking tau hyperphosphorylation have also been developed [ 13 ].…”

Adipose tissue‐derived stem cells as a potential candidate in treatment of Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review on preclinical studies

“…Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the seventh most common cause of death in the United States, and its fatality and prevalence are enhancing due to the increase in the elderly population. 1 AD is the most widespread kind of dementia and its symptoms are memory loss and cognitive impairment. It is accompanied by psychological symptoms, such as anhedonia, anxiety, nervousness, delusions, and depression.…”