Guidelines for Stem Cell Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases
by Dr. Li-Ke Wu, Dr. Xiaojuan Wang and Dr. Cheng Bo
Wu Medical Center
www.wumedicalcenter.com
Neurodegenerative diseases of the nervous system are a group of conditions caused by mutations in neuronal genes, leading to lesions in multiple brain areas as well as in cerebellar neurons. These diseases are characterized by a gradual decline and loss of neuronal function, resulting in decreased language and swallowing abilities, cognitive decline, mental disorders, decreased limb mobility, increased muscle tone, stiffness in the limbs, and eventually paralysis due to the loss of motor function. Due to the inability of the brain neurons to regenerate, there have been previously limited treatment options. Current research indicates that neural stem cells can differentiate into neurons, thereby completing the repair and replacement of central nervous system cells, offering a novel and effective treatment method.
Wu Medical Center (WMC), established in 2000, has successfully treated over 3000 cases of neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's disease, dementia, multiple system atrophy(MSA), cerebellar ataxia, and motor neuron disease (MND) / Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) using neural stem cells combined with the CAST (Cell-Assisted Surgery and Therapy) method. The advantages of our center's treatment are as follows:
1. Treatment using neural stem cells: Neural stem cells are effective cells for treating neurodegenerative diseases. Only neural stem cells can differentiate into viable neurons, repairing the damaged neurons and replacing lost neuronal functions. Other types of stem cells can not differentiate into viable nerve cells, making them ineffective for treatment. This is because: 1)Adult stem cells from the patient's own body already possess the same genetic defects as the disease, rendering them ineffective for treatment, and 2) Adult stem cells have a shorter lifespan and are not suitable for treating chronic diseases, whereas neural stem cells, with their longer lifespan, can be used to treat chronic neurological diseases (degenerative diseases).
2. Improvement of pathological environment: Neural stem cell therapy is effective only under specific conditions. Even if neural stem cells are used to treat neurodegenerative diseases, the results may still be ineffective if the pathological environment that leads to the necrosis and loss of brain neurons is not improved. It is necessary to improve the pathological environment and alter the conditions restricting neural stem cell survival to achieve effective treatment.
3. Clinical regulation of neural stem cells: Stem cell growth in the adult body is conditional, and the body itself has its own stem cell system, which can not participate in the repair of neurological system diseases because the adult body does not support the growth and development of immature cells. Therefore, stem cells can not develop and function in the patient's body. Supporting stem cell growth and functionality in the adult body requires experienced physicians to regulate and control the patient's internal environment to achieve the ideal conditions for stem cell functionality and effective treatment.
4. Precision treatment with targeted positioning of neural stem cells: We utilize non-surgical, safe methods to deliver cells to the affected tissue area. This method has minimal side effects but requires precise molecular and cellular-level positioning achieved through CAST technology to ensure treatment effectiveness.
5. Regulation of in vivo differentiation of neural stem cells: Even in ideal conditions where stem cells can survive, they may not function properly. CAST technology is necessary to control the differentiation of neural stem cells into specific types of useful nerve cells (such as dopaminergic neurons, Purkinje cells, large pyramidal cells, etc.).
6. Supervision during the treatment process: Medication and nutritional support are necessary conditions for stem cells to differentiate into the required cells and express their functions. Thorough evaluation of the patient's neurological function according to international standards, stem cell function testing, and extensive communication with the patient are essential to ensure the efficacy of stem cell therapy. Additionally, follow-up and long-term treatment guidance are provided.
