Stem cell therapy for Parkinson’s disease: A new hope for neural regeneration

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder marked by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra that leads to reduced dopamine levels and impaired motor function. Current treatments only provide temporary symptom relief without addressing the underlying neuronal loss. A promising new approach for treating PD is stem cell therapy, particularly induced pluripotent stem cells and human pluripotent stem cells. They have the ability to differentiate into various neural cells, offering potential for neuronal replacement and restoration of brain function. Induced pluripotent stem cells are derived from reprogramming adult cells and present advantages such as genetic compatibility and reduced immune rejection, overcoming ethical concerns associated with embryonic stem cells. Preclinical studies show promising results, demonstrating that stem cells can differentiate into dopaminergic neurons and improve motor function in animal models. These advancements pave the way for clinical trials and potential long-term solutions for patients with PD. This review highlighted the significance of stem cell therapy in neuroregeneration and addressed preclinical successes, challenges in long-term safety, and ethical considerations, with the hope of revolutionizing PD treatment and improving patient outcomes.

Keywords: Stem cells; Parkinson’s disease; Induced pluripotent stem cells; Human pluripotent stem cells; Adult stem cells

Core Tip: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra. Currently, there is no treatment for PD, while stem cell therapy represents a new therapeutic approach to restore lost neural function. This manuscript focused on the potential of stem cell therapy, particularly induced pluripotent stem cells and human pluripotent stem cells, in treating PD, offering potential for neuronal replacement and restoration of brain function. Induced pluripotent stem cells are derived from reprogramming adult cells, which are genetically compatible and cause reduced immune rejection, overcoming ethical concerns associated with embryonic stem cells.