A narrative review on the therapeutic potential of stem cells in neurodegenerative diseases: advances, insights, and challenges

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Background Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington's disease (HD) are set apart by progressive neuronal loss and concomitant functional decline. Traditional therapies are equipped with only symptomatic relief, devoid of neurorestorative properties. Stem-cell-based therapies have the potential to revolutionize neurological care by replenishing lost cells, mitigating inflammation, and fostering a neuroprotective environment. Objectives This narrative review aims to appraise the treatment potential of various stem cell types in managing NDs, highlighting their functional pathways, delivery methods, and current experimental validation. Methods A comprehensive literature search was carried out based on data retrieved from PubMed, The Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Thirty-one studies that fulfill PICO criteria and only English-language publications are incorporated in this review. No part of the study design, data collection, analysis, or interpretation was conducted using artificial intelligence. Results Stem cells, including embryonic stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), induced pluripotent stem cells, and neural stem cells, possess distinctive regenerative properties. MSC-derived exosomes can traverse the blood-brain barrier and improve nerve cell longevity. Admini

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

Browse all related research

Filter the research library by this study's title keywords, author, or publication year.