Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2013, Vol. 17 ›› Issue (19): 3573-3580.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.2013.19.024

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Prospects and problems of stem cells in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases

Xiong Jie1, Ning Li-na1, Wang Zai-ling1, Shi Xue-min2   

  1. 1 Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Armed Police Logistics Institute, Tianjin  300162, China
    2 First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin  300192, China
  • Received:2012-12-01 Revised:2013-03-27 Online:2013-05-07 Published:2013-05-07
  • Contact: Xiong Jie☆, M.D., Professor, Chief physician, Master’s supervisor, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Armed Police Logistics Institute, Tianjin 300162, China drxiongjie@yahoo.com.cn
  • About author:Xiong Jie☆, M.D., Professor, Chief physician, Master’s supervisor, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Armed Police Logistics Institute, Tianjin 300162, China drxiongjie@yahoo.com.cn

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Although the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases in various populations is high and has an upward trend, so far there is no effective treatment method. So it is a challenge for scientific community to seek effective treatment method for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
OBJECTIVE: To analyze and review the research progress and hot issues of stem cells for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
METHODS: The basic and clinical researches on stem cells for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases were overviewed, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, Huntington’s disease, retinitis pigmentosa, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and epilepsy, in order to investigate the feasibility, advantages and problems of stem cells in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Most of the studies on stem cells in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases are in the stage of experimental animal models, and there is no valid evidence to support stem cell therapy. There is no exact clinical assurance and standards on the safety and efficacy of stem cells for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, and the clinical efficacy and adverse reactions need to be further verified with large-sample long-term clinical trials.

Key words: stem cells, stem cell academic discussion, stem cell transplantation, neural stem cells, central nervous system, neurodegenerative diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, Huntington’s disease, retinal degenerative diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, epilepsy, clinical study

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