Stem Cells: Innovative Therapeutic Options for Neurodegenerative Diseases?

Cells

Giuseppe Antonino Attaguile¹  Giuseppina Cantarella¹  Rosaria Di Mauro¹  Antonio Munafò¹  Carlo Maria Bellanca¹  Giulia Di Benedetto¹  Renato Bernardini¹  Maria Luisa Barcellona²  Valentina La Cognata³  Sebastiano Cavallaro³  Rosario Iemmolo³  Gabriele Bonaventura³ 

[1] Department Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;Department Pharmaceutical Science, Biochemistry Section, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), Italian National Research Council, 95126 Catania, Italy;

关键词: stem cell therapy;    Alzheimer’s disease;    Parkinson’s disease;    amyotrophic lateral sclerosis;    immunomodulation;   

DOI  :  10.3390/cells10081992

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the progressive loss of structure and/or function of both neurons and glial cells, leading to different degrees of pathology and loss of cognition. The hypothesis of circuit reconstruction in the damaged brain via direct cell replacement has been pursued extensively so far. In this context, stem cells represent a useful option since they provide tissue restoration through the substitution of damaged neuronal cells with exogenous stem cells and create a neuro-protective environment through the release of bioactive molecules for healthy neurons, as well. These peculiar properties of stem cells are opening to potential therapeutic strategies for the treatment of severe neurodegenerative disorders, for which the absence of effective treatment options leads to an increasingly socio-economic burden. Currently, the introduction of new technologies in the field of stem cells and the implementation of alternative cell tissues sources are pointing to exciting frontiers in this area of research. Here, we provide an update of the current knowledge about source and administration routes of stem cells, and review light and shadows of cells replacement therapy for the treatment of the three main neurodegenerative disorders (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s disease).

【 授权许可】

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