Article by JunTakahashi: pioneer of IPSC stem cells technology

[Farooqji]

Disappointed to learn the following

"Cell replacement therapy does not improve the pathology of PD. Considering reports of the accumulation of α-synuclein in transplanted fetal cells [36], it is possible that transplanted pluripotent stem cell-derived cells will also be affected by the pathological brain environment. Cell transplantation can be expected to improve symptoms by increasing the amount of DA neurons, but the progression of the disease cannot be stopped. Conversely, a disease modifying therapy may be able to slow or stop the progression of the disease, but it cannot improve the symptoms. When these two are combined in the future, a complete treatment for PD will be achieved"

sciencedirect.com/science/a...

[jimcaster]

I don't think this is a surprise. I have never heard of stem cell therapy as a cure. The disease continues to progress. However, if stem cell therapy works, it is like refilling your tank with dopinergic neurons. Eventually, those neurons will also be affected, but by refilling the tank, we get several more years. At least that's how I have always thought about it.

[AmyLindy in reply to jimcaster]

Premium ⛽️

[Parkinsonjisung]

If something like exenatide or the vaccine trials turn out to stop progression then pairing them with stem cells (if they work) would essentially be a cure. Lots of ifs though but we can always hope. 😁