Recent research advances in stem cell transplantation for Parkinson’s have focused on two categories: pluripotent stem cells and adult stem cells. Pluripotent stem cells include embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells. Adult stem cells include neural stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells.
1. Pluripotent stem cells: at present, we have successfully established embryonic stem cell cell lines that can be used in clinic, which can be produced on a large scale and can help to restore damaged nerve function after transplantation; pluripotent stem cells have entered into the stage of clinical trials, and many clinical research bases have shown the effectiveness and safety of pluripotent stem cell transplantation.
2. Neural stem cell: It is a kind of adult stem cells that can be differentiated into neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes and can be self-renewed. Currently, clinical research on neural stem cells is still in the beginning stage, and most rodent neural stem cell cell lines have been established, but human-derived neural stem cells need to be obtained from adult, fetal, or umbilical cord blood, which is facing the problem of insufficient cell sources or ethical issues.
3. Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs): A class of adult stem cells with multidirectional differentiation potential, which exist in the mesenchyme of various tissues and organs in the human body. Currently, MSCs used for Parkinson’s transplantation include bone marrow, adipose, human umbilical cord, and olfactory mucous membrane MSCs, and so on.
At present, stem cell therapy for Parkinson’s is still in the research stage, the above is the latest research progress of stem cell therapy for Parkinson’s. It is recommended that patients choose the best treatment plan under the guidance of professional doctors, and it is not recommended that patients use stem cell therapy on their own, so as not to cause serious consequences.