THE CURRENT STATE OF STEM CELL THERAPY FOR SPINAL CORD INJURY AND OTHER SYSTEMIC INJURIES

Abstract

The pathomechanism of many diseases affecting the human brain and spinal cord has not been fully elucidated. Some organs of the human body have the ability to rebuild and regenerate in the event of apoptosis or necrosis of some cells. An organ with a high self-regeneration capacity is, for example, the liver. In this respect, the human nervous system is its opposite. This is related to the strict functional specialization of neurons and the fact that the function of the nervous system is influenced not only by the operation of individual cells, but also by efficient transmission in often huge and complex networks of neuronal connections, the damage of which is practically impossible to repair. This limited regenerative capacity is why cell loss and nerve fiber disruption are irreversible losses. This constitutes a significant problem in the treatment of patients with spinal cord injuries or suffering from diseases involving rapid (stroke) or constantly progressive (neurodegenerative diseases) loss of nerve cells. The aim of this work: This work presents the current and most interesting directions of research on the possibility of using stem cells in attempts to regenerate spinal cord and brain injuries. Methods: Selected articles from Pubmed and specialist textbooks were analyzed in detail. We focused on selected disease states in which stem cells may have therapeutic possibilities. Conclusion: Currently, cell therapies are mainly used in bone marrow diseases such as leukemias and myelodysplastic syndromes. If our level of knowledge allows it, in the future stem cells may become a tool in the fight against numerous diseases currently considered incurable and help in the regeneration of organs with a low degree of self-renewal, such as the spinal cord and brain, but also the heart, pancreas and many others.