Doctors need an ample supply of ALS sample cells on which to test treatments.Researchers have turned to stem cells in the fight against ALS for two main reasons. While stem cells are unable to replace diseased motor neurons directly, transplanted stem cells secrete neurotrophic factors and differentiate into supportive cells, such as astrocytes and microglia, generating a neuroprotective milieu that can slow degeneration of motor neurons.” (1) “The premise of stem cell therapy for ALS aims to improve the diseased microenvironment. (1)Īccording to a recent study conducted by Goutman et al. Stem cells may be feasible for sustaining and nurturing diseased motor neurons. Stem cell therapy may be a viable treatment option for ALS. Transplanted stem cells secrete neurotrophic factors and differentiate into supportive cells, such as astrocytes and microglia, generating a neuroprotective milieu that can slow the degeneration of motor neurons. The premise of stem cell therapy for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is based on improving the diseased microenvironment. Stem cell therapy is attractive for ALS because it addresses complex disease development through multiple mechanisms. Preclinical studies are encouraging and have demonstrated the potential applicability of stem cells to treat ALS.ĭespite numerous clinical trials, there is no cure for ALS, aka Lou Gehrig's Disease current therapies are palliative and only extend survival by a few months. Transplanted stem cells, in this capacity, secrete neurotrophic factors and differentiate into non-diseased, non-neuronal cells, such as astrocytes and microglia, or modulatory neurons that synapse with diseased motor neurons (MN). Stem cells adopt a supportive role by providing a nurturing and neuroprotective microenvironment that improves dangerous conditions for diseased motor neurons, thereby slowing neurodegeneration and neuronal death. A secondary benefit of stem cell treatment for ALS is to help prevent further loss of neurons to slow progression and improve motor symptoms, tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with movement. Stem cell therapy aims to prevent disease progression for an extended period through immune modulation. The primary mechanisms of stem cells are to reduce inflammation (including neuroinflammation) and modulate the immune system. ![]() The stem cells are administered into the body via intravenous injection and will find areas of inflammation and damage via homing mechanisms. ![]() Stem cell therapy for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a treatment approach that involves using stem cells, undifferentiated cells that can develop into various specialized cells, to replace or repair damaged or lost cells in the brain associated with ALS. The results obtained from preclinical studies have encouraged the administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in ALS patients. Clinical models have shown evidence that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may represent a promising approach to treat ALS MSC transplantation may delay the disease onset and progression and therefore increase lifespan.įurthermore, the loss of motor neurons may also be reduced, resulting in a delay in motor function loss. In particular, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may exert their action by differentiating toward a specific cell type or by releasing further growth and trophic factors. ![]() Mesenchymal stem cell therapy has already shown strong therapeutic potential in different clinical fields.
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