Neuroprotective potential of human mesenchymal stem cells in a rodent model of Parkinson's disease

What is it about?

We injected a toxin in the animal brains which causes the neuronal loss and progressively induced movement disorders similar to Parkinson's disease. We then implanted the human cells and measured the functional recovery in animals. In the absence of cell implants, we detected abnormal overall deeds and evident loss of neurons. In contrast, transplanted rodents showed a marked functional recovery that directly related with the observed neuronal rescue and overall behaviour in animals.

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Why is it important?

Our results suggest alternative ways to slow down neuronal cell loss in affected brain areas. The direct influence of bone marrow stem cells towards damaged cerebral tissues may provide novel insights for the development of therapeutic strategies, aiming to contrast the neurodegenerative processes of PD. The discovery of the specific molecules involved could also shed light on new pharmacological disease-modifying treatments and potential targets, readily applicable to patients