Abstract
Despite recent developments in innovative treatment strategies, stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Stem cell therapy is currently attracting much attention due to its potential for exerting significant therapeutic effects on stroke patients. Various types of cells, including bone marrow mononuclear cells, bone marrow/adipose-derived stem/stromal cells, umbilical cord blood cells, neural stem cells, and olfactory ensheathing cells have enhanced neurological outcomes in animal stroke models. These stem cells have also been tested via clinical trials involving stroke patients. In this article, the authors review potential molecular mechanisms underlying neural recovery associated with stem cell treatment, as well as recent advances in stem cell therapy, with particular reference to clinical trials and future prospects for such therapy in treating stroke.
Highlights
Besides the rapidly expanding use of thrombectomy as a remedy for acute ischemic stroke [1], few drugs that can effectively recover its sequelae have been developed
Allogeneic stem cells are suitable for bulk production using automated cell producing machines; there is a need for innovative technology when it comes to autologous stem cells, which are made-to-order and are difficult to be adapted for automated production
Stem cell therapy is expected to ameliorate the sequelae of those ischemic stroke patients who have reached the acute phase, a stage at which no proven treatment is currently available
Summary
Besides the rapidly expanding use of thrombectomy as a remedy for acute ischemic stroke [1], few drugs that can effectively recover its sequelae have been developed. Animal studies have indicated that such cells may ameliorate the neurological deficits that follow cerebral stroke, and some have been tested in clinical trials with somewhat favorable results. Many issues, such as the need to develop techniques that maximally enhance the effects of cell therapy on stroke, remain unresolved, and require clarification [45,46,47,48]. These issues relate to optimal cell types, cell doses, transplantation routes, and candidate patient types (Figure 1). The authors review potential mechanisms underlying stem cell-associated neural recovery, the current status of clinical trials, and future prospects for utilizing cell therapy against ischemic stroke
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