Sources of Neural Stem Cells
An exciting development for those working with adult stem cells has been the discovery that adult bone marrow stem cells have the capacity to travel to the brain after implantation and can aid neuroregeneration. Scientists using female rats as test subjects found that by using gender-mismatched (male rodent) bone marrow transplants they could track the presence of neural cell development occurring as a result of the transplant by isolating those neural cells containing a Y chromosome. The discovery of these neural cells in the brain tissue presents an opportunity for the use of peripheral blood stem cells to form new neural tissue or regenerate tissue damaged by stroke, autoimmune disease, and spinal cord injury, or conditions like MS, Alzheimer’s, ALS, or Parkinson’s Disease. The lack of specificity of stem cell markers usually found with adult stem cells makes the work extremely difficult however, and further research is necessary before any such treatment becomes readily available.
Growing Nerve Cells from Bone Marrow
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells have been found to differentiate at different rates into neural-like cells depending on the donors’ genetic profile (Montzka, et al, 2009). The possibility of carefully screening bone marrow donors to highlight those with stem cells likely to produce neural cells in abundance, rather than simply differentiate into bone or cartilage could lead to a potentially economical, safe, and effective treatment mechanism for neurological conditions. Mesenchymal stem cells may be able to be taken from the patient themselves for autologous stem cell transplantation, removing numerous potential complications regarding immune-system rejection, and ethical considerations (Hermann, et al, 2006). Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) have also been shown to differentiate into chondrocytes, osteoblasts, adipocytes, muscle cells, and neuronal cells under controlled conditions, with researchers now investigating ways of encouraging desirable cell differentiation for specific cell populations and conditions.
Menstrual Blood and Neural Cells
A novel source of stem cells for the cultivation of neural stem cells comes from menstrual blood as endometrial stem cells are immunologically immature, making them viable in terms of contributing to cell survival. Neuroscience researchers at the University of South Florida are investigating the potential of menstrual blood as a therapeutic stem cell source along with private biotechnology companies. Florida-based Saneron CCEL Therapeutics and Cryo-Cell International, and the Brazilian company Cryopraxis, Cell Praxis, BioRio are collaborating with the USF to culture nerve cells from menstrual blood.. The research has shown that these stem cells can differentiate into nerve cells in vitro, and were effective in reducing the behavioural impairments resulting from a stroke in an animal model in the lab. Although the research appears promising there are still many factors to consider before the use of menstrual blood-derived stem cells becomes anything like mainstream medicine.
Embryonic Stem Cells and Neurological Disorders
The possibility of using autologous stem cells for treating neurological conditions bypasses some of the ethical and legal constraints on embryonic stem cell research which has limited such endeavors over recent years. The plasticity of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) remains however of considerable interest in the fight against progressive and permanent neurological disability and many privately funded researchers have continued their work apace. The relaxation of US regulation covering government funding of hESC research is likely to propel such developments although, rather unfortunately, several clinics worldwide continue to carry out potentially very dangerous procedures where stem cells are infused into brain tissue directly with little regard for safety or efficacy. The rapid proliferation of hESCs can present disastrous complications as tumor growth has occurred in some patients, alongside the development of hair, bone, and other cell types in brain tissue following stem cell transplantation.
Dangers of Stem Cell Treatment for Neurological Disease
Whilst scientists are still working on mechanisms to control stem cell differentiation in vitro it is extremely risky for patients to undergo such treatments for a neurological condition. For most, the potential complications may actually be worse than their condition, or could accentuate the symptoms to an unbearable degree. Relief is usually short-lived and thought connected to a placebo effect, although there is mounting evidence that some stem cell treatments for Multiple Sclerosis may help slow progression in those with an aggressive case of the disease (Kimiskidis, et al, 2011).
Continue –> Boosting Brain Power with Stem Cells?
