Recent Advancements in Stem Cell Treatments

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells with a high degree of self-renewal, that can differentiate into many different specialized cell types. Stem cells can be manipulated to provide treatment for illness and disease.

Stem cells, 3D digital illustration - Image Credit: Juan Gaertner/ Shutterstock

Manipulating Stem Cells for Treatments

Stem cells (SCs) have been studied in great detail regarding regenerative medicine, and in the last few decades, there have been major achievements in the manipulation of SCs. Manipulation of certain types of SCs allows for the research into and treatment of disease. The types of SC used to do this are:

• Embryonic stem cells (ESCs)
• Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)
• Neuronal stem cells (NSCs)
• Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)

Somatic cells such as fibroblasts can be reprogrammed into iPSCs by employing genetic modifications or chemical treatments. This was first achieved by Yamanaka using 4 genes involved in the maintenance of ECS pluripotency (Oct4, Sox2, c-Myc, and Klf4). The iPSCs can then be directed towards the desired cell type.

Recent Advancements in Alzheimer’s Disease Treatments Using Stem Cells

In the past five years, there have been many major advancements in the field of stem cell treatments for illness and disease.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by impaired ability to comprehend or use words, poor coordination, and impaired function in planning, ordering and making judgments. There are two types of AD:

• Familial AD, resulting from mutations in the amyloid-precursor protein (APP), presenilin-1 (PS-1), and presenilin-2 (PS-2) genes
• Sporadic AD, resulting from environmental factors and risk genes (such as the apolipoprotein (ApoE) gene)

In this study, ESCs were differentiated into neuron progenitor cells in vitro, these cells were then transplanted into AD rat models. The SC-treated rats performed better at the cognitive tests. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) were also shown to reduce AD-causing Aβ deposits in the brain, which increased the neuronal survival of the animal models.

Stem Cells for Eye Diseases, Stroke and Angina

Degenerative eye disease is the loss of retinal neurons, their connections and supporting glia. Photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) do not regenerate, therefore this can lead to blindness. The SC treatment for neurodegenerative diseases falls into two main categories, SCs originating from:

• Sources outside of the retina, which includes NSCs, ESCs, and iPSCs
• Endogenous retinal stem cells such as Müller glia, ciliary epithelial-derived stem cell, and retinal pigment epithelial stem cells

Many recent studies have concluded that ESCs and iPSCs have the potential to replace lost retinal cells, and MSC may be able to protect RGCs and stimulate the regeneration of RGC axons. NSCs have the potential to replace lost retinal cells and stimulate the regeneration of damaged retinal cells.

A recent study used immortalized human fetal NSCs for transplantation to stroke patients, with no adverse effects. These NSCs do not colonize the brain tissue but are a transient population that has an influence on brain function. Phase II trials aim to assess the effectiveness of this type of NSC 2-4 months after a stroke.

Recent Phase I/II clinical trials used fetal NSC progenitors in patients with T2-T11 spinal cord injuries, which were injected above and below the site of injury. There were no adverse health effects in these patients and sensory and electrophysiological responses were gained over time.

Furthermore, endothelial stem/progenitor cells have been used in Phase I/II clinical trials to assess their effectiveness in treating refractory angina. The SCs were used in attempts to encourage angiogenesis (the creation of new blood vessels). There were no adverse cell-related effects and there was a reduction in the number of angina episodes per month with the patients that received treatment.

The Promise of Stem Cell Treatment

In conclusion, stem cell research can provide the agency to treat many illnesses and diseases. There are many different types of stem cell, each with specific advantageous that justify their use. Many recent discoveries have been with Phase I and II clinical trials.

Due to the heterogeneity of diseases, these positive results may not progress into the later stages of clinical trials, namely phase III and IV. However, with more research into stem cells as well as illnesses and diseases, more treatments may become available.