Investigation of the effect of stem cells on cure of brain ischemia
Investigation of the effect of stem cells on cure of brain ischemia
Fatemeh Akbari,1,*Fatemeh Jabbari,2
1. Student research Center, Baharestan 1 Education Office, Baharestan 1, Tehran, Iran 2. Student Research Center, Education Office, Baharestan 1, Tehran, Iran
Introduction: Stem cells are cells which have high ability to divide and differentiate, and in response to specific stimuli can differentiate into different types of cells in the body. A brain ischemia occurs when the blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted or severely reduced, and the tissue of that part of the brain is deprived of oxygen and other nutrients. Neurons and glial cells, depending on their sensitivity to lack of oxygen, begin to die within a few minutes to a few hours. Since nerve tissue cells do not have the ability to divide, stem cells are considered a promising method for treating brain tissue damage and treating diseases related to the death of brain neurons.
Methods: Bone marrow stem cells, fetal umbilical cord blood stem cells, and peripheral blood stem cells are important sources to obtain stem cells.
Results: Among the positive effects of brain ischemia treatment with stem cells, we can mention angiogenesis, neurogenesis, modulation of immune responses, modulation of inflammation, etc. Therefore, stem cells can be used in the treatment of brain ischemia, but should pay attention to the complications caused by this treatment, such as small blockages in the blood vessels, and excessive production of immune cells, etc. With strategies such as the positioning of these cells, the safety and protocol of cell transplantation, the amount of use, the time range, etc., the occurrence of adverse side effects can be prevented. Studies have shown that when stem cells are injected intravenously into rats, these cells move to the damaged areas and differentiate into neurons and astrocytes there. Also, the scientists observed that these animals had a motor-behavioral improvement compared to the control group.
Conclusion: Therefore, it can be concluded that there is enough evidence about the effectiveness of stroke treatment with stem cells, but more studies are needed (including the positioning of these cells, the safety and protocol of cell transplantation, the amount of use, and the time frame) to be able to use these cells clinically for treatment of brain ischemia.