Stem Cells Treatments for ALS
The reported
neurology journal have recently published a new exciting study on safety and
efficacy of stem cells based therapy for devastating diseases such as ALS. The
clinical studies have confirmed that stem cells have considerably slow down the
progression of neuronal damage in ALS.
ALS or amyotrophic
lateral sclerosis is an incurable disease; involving slow and
progressive degeneration of motor neurons. Brain is the central processing
organ of human body. It controls and coordinates with all the other organs with
the passage of information from it through spinal cord. In case of ALS, due to
neuronal damage; brain will not be able to pass on the information to different
muscular organs of the body. Stem cells are known to be very promising
candidates for maintaining the numbers of lost neurons.
Ongoing clinical
studies have concluded that stem cells and their effective neuromuscular
regeneration have slowed down the degradation to a considerable level.
Scientists are trying to figure out different route of administration of cells.
It has been observed that stem cells injected directly into the cerebrospinal
fluid of the central nervous system are more effective than other routes. Once
inside the body, these cells can easily reach to the site of injury due to the
strong signalling and networking properties of these cells. Their
anti-inflammatory characteristics can reduce the inflammation, secrete growth
factors and can regulate immune cells to promote faster regeneration of tissue
specific cells.
Currently, no
conventional treatment is available for ALS. The only treatment that is been
offered to ALS patients is physiotherapy, diet and positive attitude. However,
along with these supplements stem cells infusion can be effective in slowing
down the progression of the disease
Thus, scientists
are more optimistic that in near future, a definitive treatment can be offered
to ALS
patients to slow down or stop the progression of the disease. It is believed
that currently stem cells cannot be considered as a cure by any means but it
can definitely be considered as the first step towards the cure.
Comments
Post a Comment