I have written before about the hope that stem cells offer to sufferers from Parkinson’s disease. Here’s yet another installment.
Drs. Jun Takahashi and Daisuke Doi of Kyoto University led a research group (with 12 other members) that are about to publish their results in Stem Cells. Their research involved the implantation and growth of human embryonic stem cells (hESC) in monkeys who manifested Parkinson’s symptoms. (These monkeys were treated with a chemical that damaged the dopamine-producing neurons.) We need to consider that this was a safety test, more than it was a determination of functionality.
Two monkeys received early forms of neural cells that had been derived from hESC. Six months later, the monkeys had recovered from 20 to 35% of the functionality they lost after the chemical treatment. A third monkey that received even less mature neural cells developed some improvement. After a year, the two monkeys that had the more mature neural cell implantations were sacrificed. The autopsies determined that these implanted cells were fully functional, capable of secreting dopamine.
The most critical finding of this research was that the hESC had to be mature enough to yield satisfactory results. Those injections that had undifferentiated cells among them, (with some hESC markers still present) possessed tumorigenic properties (i.e., could produce cancers).
Previous to this research, Dr. Alfred Geller (Harvard Medical School) had demonstrated that brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) correct Parkinson’s like behavior in rats, with GDNF seeming to provide greater benefit than BDNF. Takahashi and Doi’s research showed that hESC can be treated with BDNF and GDNF, and if afforded a 42 d incubation period before implantation, are sufficiently differentiated to preclude the formation of tumors. Moreover, these cells are capable of producing dopamine and, thereby, alter the Parkinson’s-like state of the subjects.
Good to know there is progress. My grandfather had Parkinson’s and it is truly a devastating illness.
Patricia O’Flynn recently posted..Retreat to Lake Powell
Trish:
My grandfather did, as well. And, just so you know, there was a great deal of discussion years ago how this affliction has a tendency to skip generations…
Roy
(Now, there’s a thought, huh?)
I apparently got here long enough to g+share it and tweet it but not to leave comment. Sorry 🙁 Reading this reminded me of what Michael J Fox said when he discovered he had the disease, “I’m the best person to have this happen to, think of the awareness a person like me can bring to the disease.” I think what he said is true, we have heard a lot more about the disease since then. Advancements like this, well, they are just priceless. I hope we hear more about it’s success soon. For all those who suffer with it, and many other diseases, there is always the day before they find a cure (or at least something to make it manageable) I hope today is that day for the relief of the many!
Lisa- me, too!
And, it’s great to see MJF working on “The Good Wife”, too!
Roy
My grandma is also suffering from Parkinson’s and it’s good to know that progress in curing this kind of disease is moving on. Well, still hoping since I love my grandma so much. Thank you for the information sir. 🙂
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I am so sorry about your Grandmother, Deanne!
Hopefully, these therapies will be approved in time to make a difference in her life.
Roy