Stem cell therapy and Parkinson’s disease.
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a highly selective semipermeable border of endothelial cells that prevents many substances, including most large molecules and cells, from crossing from the bloodstream into the brain tissue. This barrier is essential for protecting the brain from toxins and pathogens but can also hinder the delivery of therapeutic agents, including stem cells, to the brain.
Stem cells can potentially pass through the blood-brain barrier under certain conditions or with the use of specific delivery methods. Various strategies are being investigated to facilitate stem cell delivery to the brain. Also certain drugs or peptides can temporarily modulate the blood-brain barrier permeability, enabling the passage of therapeutic agents like stem cells.
Stem cells, on the other hand, have been reported to bypass the BBB and successfully home to their target in the brain and initiate repair, making them a promising approach in cellular therapy, especially those related to neurodegenerative disease. This review article discusses the mechanism behind the successful homing of stem cells to the brain, their potential role as a drug delivery vehicle, and their applications in neurodegenerative diseases.
Stem cell therapy and Parkinson’s disease.
