In many of my previous posts, I have mentioned that one of the reasons that I am so passionate about stem cell research is the possibility that terminal or debilitating diseases can be cured. One of the diseases that scientists are trying to cure with stem cells is Parkinson’s Disease which is a disease that progressively attacks the nervous system. One of the main issues with the disease is that the symptoms appear gradually and then worsen as the disease progresses. There is no cure for Parkinson’s Disease, but patients have the choice to take medication to control the symptoms of the disease.
However, a study posted on Monday revealed that a specific stem cell technique has cured Parkinson’s disease when tested in mice. This technique involves the implantation of stem cells into the dead nerve or brain cells. The mice tested in the laboratory setting had the version of Parkinson’s Disease that is exhibited in mice and had only a few more weeks before the disease would completely inhibit their motor skills. However using methods used in stem cell research, the researchers were able to restore the brain cells that were dying and causing the onset of Parkinson’s Disease. The mice even began to regain motor functions that were lost before the treatment.
Another major finding of the study is that human brain cells treated with the same technique were turned into dopamine-producing neurons that were lost during the progression of Parkinson’s Disease. This is an extremely important finding since Parkinson’s disease targets the dopamine receptors in the brain so the ability to produce dopamine-producing neurons can treat or cure the disease. Although the testing in both mouse and human cells has just begun, the findings of this study are a sign that stem cells can cure Parkinson’s Disease and potentially other neurodegenerative diseases.
The picture below shows the effect that Parkinson’s disease has on the dopamine receptors in the human brain.
Although the findings in the study are very promising a lot more research will be needed to determine if the technique is safe and is possible in humans before this technique can be used. However, the medical community is excited about this finding since it is one step closer to a cure.
Parkinson’s is a disease that gravely affects the lives of individuals that are diagnosed with the disease. During the late stages of the disease, control of motor functions is lost completely. The exact symptoms associated with this loss depends on the individual case. However, the most common symptoms are tremors of the hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face, slowed movement, stiffness in the limbs and neck, and impaired balance and coordination.
Stem cell research may also allow scientists to discover more information about the cause of Parkinson’s disease. Scientists do not know the exact cause of the disease, but they have determined that genetics and environmental triggers play a role. The environmental triggers include elements such as toxins that the body is exposed to. More information about the cause of Parkinson’s can help prevent the onset of the disease in healthy individuals.
Personally, I am excited about the findings that were published on Monday. Since I am intending to pursue a career in stem cell research, this finding shows the impact that can be made by the field. However, there is still many questions about the impact that stem cells can make in diseases. The only way to answer these questions is to perform more research and determine if the stem cells are truly regenerating the dead brain and nerve tissue. Until, research on Parkinson’s disease and other diseases will continue.