Stem cell therapies for perinatal brain injuries.
This chapter reviews four groups of paediatric brain injury. The pathophysiology of these injuries is discussed to establish which cells are damaged and therefore which cells represent targets for cell replacement. Next, we review potential sources of cellular replacements, including embryonic stem cells, fetal and neonatal neural stem cells and a variety of mesenchymal stem cells. The advantages and disadvantages of each source are discussed. We review published studies to illustrate where stem cell therapies have been evaluated for therapeutic gain and discuss the hurdles that will need to be overcome to achieve therapeutic benefit. Overall, we conclude that children with paediatric brain injuries or inherited genetic disorders that affect the brain are worthy candidates for stem cell therapeutics.
Vawda
Reaz
R
RY80Y-215, Merck Research Laboratories, Rahway, NJ 07065, USA.
Woodbury
Jennifer
J
Covey
Matthew
M
Levison
Steven W
SW
Mehmet
Huseyin
H
D053687:Adult Stem Cells / Q000637:transplantation; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D053595:Embryonic Stem Cells / Q000637:transplantation; D053686:Fetal Stem Cells / Q000637:transplantation; D006801:Humans; D002534:Hypoxia, Brain / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D008659:Metabolic Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation; D016896:Treatment Outcome