Stem Cell Therapy for Parkinson's Disease: Past, Present and Future

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most common chronic progressive nervous system disorders of aging. Cell degeneration and death of dopamine neurons (DA neurons) in the substantial nigra, is the underlying feature of PD. Genetic studies showed much about the physiological processes associated with this disease. Replacing the cells lost by injury or disease has become a central idea aiming at the development of novel therapy for neurodegenerative diseases. Dopamine replacement and electrical stimulation of the affected brain areas are used currently as most common therapies. Even though both the techniques work well in treating patients, the progression of disease cannot be blocked. The advancement in stem cell technology is attracting interest and discussion for the treatment of PD using different types of stem cells. Human embryonic stem cells, neural stem cells, derived from fetal brain issues, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and directly induced dopamine neurons are the most common cell sources used currently. Here in this review, we assess the advancement in various cell sources and the challenges ahead for developing affordable cells which can be produced in large scale and may be used in clinical settings in the treatment of PD effectively.

Keywords: Parkinson’s disease, iPSCs, transplantation, pluripotent stem cells, gene therapy, cell therapy, dopaminergic neuron

Cite this Article

Muluken Fekadie Zerihun, Gebreselassie Addisu Tilaye. Stem Cell Therapy for Parkinson's Disease: Past, Present and Future. Research and Reviews: Journal of Neuroscience. 2019; 9(1): 1–12p.