Stem Cell Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease

Stem Cell Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease Latest News

Researchers at Kyoto University conducted a Phase I/II clinical trial to assess the safety and side effects of stem cell therapy using dopaminergic progenitors derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). 

About Parkinson’s Disease

• Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that causes the progressive loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain.
• Dopamine is a critical neurotransmitter responsible for regulating motor functions.
• The conventional treatment mainly involves dopaminergic medications, but these do not restore lost neurons and may have long-term side effects.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs)

• iPSCs are pluripotent stem cells generated from adult somatic cells (like skin or blood).
• They are reprogrammed to an embryonic-like state, allowing them to develop into any human cell type.
• Used in:
  • Diabetes (converted into beta cells),
  • Leukaemia (to generate new blood cells),
  • Neurological diseases.
• iPSCs are valuable in drug testing, disease modelling, and transplantation medicine.

Stem Cells

• Stem cells are undifferentiated primitive cells capable of developing into specialised cells like blood, muscle, or liver cells.
• Their ability to self-renew and differentiate makes them vital for regeneration and repair.
• Found in:
  • Bone marrow,
  • Gastrointestinal tract (divide regularly),
  • Less active in organs like the pancreas or the heart (divide under specific conditions).

Types of Stem Cells: Embryonic vs Adult Stem Cells

Stem Cell Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease FAQs

Q1: What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Ans: Parkinson’s Disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterised by tremors, rigidity, slow movement, and balance problems, caused by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain.

Q2: How does stem cell therapy help in Parkinson’s Disease?
Ans: Stem cell therapy aims to replace lost dopamine-producing neurons by transplanting lab-grown cells derived from pluripotent stem cells into the patient's brain.

Q3: What type of stem cells are used for Parkinson's therapy?
Ans: Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) and embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are commonly used for research and experimental therapies in Parkinson's Disease.

Source: TH