Therapy With Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Parkinson’s Disease: History and Perspectives

Where the Research Was Conducted

The authors represented several scientific organizations in Brazil, including departments at the Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), the Nanocell Institute, the São José do Rio Preto Medical School, the National Institute of Science and Technology for Regenerative Medicine, and the Minas Gerais Network for Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy.

What Was Studied

The authors analyzed more than a decade of research on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in Parkinson’s disease—including various methodologies, preclinical animal studies, and available clinical trials. Particular attention was paid to the potential properties of MSCs: their ability to differentiate, migrate, and secrete biologically active molecules.

Based on the review, the authors note that the results of animal studies and some clinical trials indicate the potential ability of MSCs to support neuroregeneration processes and, possibly, influence the course of Parkinson’s disease. However, they explicitly emphasize that further research is needed to confirm their clinical application.

Year: 2018

Authors: Daniel Mendes Filho, Patrícia D. C. Ribeiro, Lucas F. Oliveira, Diógenes R. M. de Paula, Vanessa Capuano, Thaís S. F. de Assunção, Valdo J. D. da Silva.