Current Status and Therapeutic Perspectives for the Stem Cells Treatment of Ischemic Stroke

Abstract

Recent attention has focused on the use of stem cells for therapy following ischemic stroke. Our understanding of brain injury following ischemic stroke has benefitted from a number of studies elucidating the causes and pathways leading to neuronal injury and death after anoxic insult. Other paths of research have provided the technology to create and manipulate stem cells along specific neuronal pathways. Therefore, researchers and clinicians have begun basic studies in the use of stem cell therapies to limit injury to the central nervous system and repair and regenerate injured neural tissues following hypoxia due to stroke. These therapies are showing promise and potential in improving the outcome of the stroke patient. This review covers our current knowledge and views concerning mechanisms of tissue damage following ischemic stroke, and the mechanisms by which stem cell therapy is predicted to benefit patients facing potential brain damage and loss of function. Recent reports of clinical trials using stem cells for stroke therapy are evaluated and critical points requiring further work and research are discussed.