The therapeutic potential of stem cells for nervous system disease <b>[Abstract in English]</b>

Abstract

Objective: To present scientific evidence of stem cell transplantation in four nervous system diseases: neonatal anoxia, epilepsy, stroke, Parkinson’s disease and peripheral nerve injury.
Source of data: Bibliographic review was performed through Medline.
Summary of findings: Stem cells transplantation is an important tool in repairing disorders of the central nervous system. Experimental studies have demonstrated regeneration and reconstruction of neuronal circuits through cell therapy. It has been shown that stem cells are able to differentiate into neurons and glia. Experiments involving stem cell transplantation in animals models of neonatal anoxia, stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease and peripheral nerve injury have also shown functional improvement of treated animals.
Conclusion: In spite of scientific evidence favorable to the use of stem cells in neurological disorders, there is still much to be done in order to understand the biological aspects of stem cells, including the signals that determine their proliferation and differentiation, as well as the characteristics of their responses when transplanted to an injured encephalic area.
KEY WORDS: STEM CELLS; NERVOUS SYSTEM; STEM CELLS TRANSPLANTATION; CELL DIFFERENTIATION; BRAIN.