Zhang AL, Wen L. Synergetic pathways for Parkinson’s disease therapy: The intersection of exercise and stem cell science. World J Stem Cells 2026; 18(2): 113930 [DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v18.i2.113930]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Luan Wen, PhD, Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hainan Medical University, No. 3 Xueyuan Road, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China. luanwen@muhn.edu.cn
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Letter to the Editor
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Feb 26, 2026 (publication date) through Feb 17, 2026
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World Journal of Stem Cells
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1948-0210
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Zhang AL, Wen L. Synergetic pathways for Parkinson’s disease therapy: The intersection of exercise and stem cell science. World J Stem Cells 2026; 18(2): 113930 [DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v18.i2.113930]
World J Stem Cells. Feb 26, 2026; 18(2): 113930 Published online Feb 26, 2026. doi: 10.4252/wjsc.v18.i2.113930
Synergetic pathways for Parkinson’s disease therapy: The intersection of exercise and stem cell science
An-Lin Zhang, Luan Wen
An-Lin Zhang, The First Clinical College, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
Luan Wen, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
Luan Wen, Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education & Key Laboratory of Brain Science Research Transformation in Tropical Environment of Hainan Province, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
Author contributions: Zhang AL and Wen L wrote and approved the final version of the manuscript.
Supported by the National College Students’ Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program in Hainan Medical University, No. S202511810030.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Corresponding author: Luan Wen, PhD, Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hainan Medical University, No. 3 Xueyuan Road, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China. luanwen@muhn.edu.cn
Received: September 17, 2025 Revised: October 27, 2025 Accepted: January 12, 2026 Published online: February 26, 2026 Processing time: 150 Days and 5 Hours
Abstract
Jiang et al reports a combined approach of exercise and induced pluripotent stem cell therapy in a Parkinson’s disease mouse model. The authors show that exercise can improve motor function by raising epinephrine levels and activating the Wnt1-Lmx1a pathway, thereby supporting dopaminergic differentiation. When paired with induced pluripotent stem cells, these effects are further enhanced, leading to greater behavioral improvements and molecular evidence of neuronal repair compared with either intervention alone. While the translational path from animal models to clinical application is far from straightforward - given variability in disease progression, the durability of grafted neurons, and safety concerns - the study highlights an important point: Progress may rely less on single “breakthroughs” and more on the thoughtful combination of diverse strategies. This integrative perspective could help shape future directions in Parkinson’s disease therapy.
Core Tip: The most promising path forward for treating Parkinson’s disease may be through integrative therapies that synergistically combine regenerative medicine, such as stem cell transplants, with systemic interventions like exercise. This approach leverages exercise to prime the brain’s environment, thereby significantly enhancing the potential for cellular repair and urging a vital shift toward combined, interdisciplinary treatment strategies.
