Research on the Application of Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Addressing Mitochondrial Damage in Neurodegenerative Diseases

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)

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) pose serious threats to human health, and their pathogenesis is closely related to mitochondrial damage. Mitochondrial dysfunction includes abnormal energy metabolism, oxidative stress imbalance, disturbed calcium homeostasis and altered mitochondrial dynamics, which in turn trigger neuronal apoptosis and neuroinflammation. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of many NDs. In addition to their multi-lineage differentiation potential, ability to promote neuronal repair, and capacity to modulate the neuroimmune microenvironment, Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) also hold potential for restoring mitochondrial dysfunction. MSCs have important therapeutic potential and mechanistic research value in the context of neurodegenerative disorders through the modulation of mitochondrial homeostasis and its transcellular transfer process. In this paper, we systematically summarize the mechanisms, technological advances, and translational challenges associated with mitochondrial damage in NDs and the role of MSCs in NDs through the modulation of mitochondrial damage and discuss their potential and limitations as a general therapeutic strategy.

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.