title: The potential of neural stem cell transplantation for the treatment of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
abstract: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is caused by intrauterine exposure to alcohol and can cause a full range of abnormalities to brain development, as well as long-term sequelae of cognitive, sensory and motor impairments. The incidence is estimated to be as high as 2% to 5% in children born within the US, however the prevalence is even higher in low socioeconomic populations. Despite the various mechanisms thought to explain the etiology of FASD, molecular targets of ethanol toxicity during development are not completely understood. More recent findings explore the role of GABA-A and GABA-B mechanisms, as well as cell death, cell signaling and gene expression malfunctions. Stem cell based therapies have grown exponentially over the last decade, which have lead to novel clinical interventions across many disciplines. Thus, early detailed understanding of the therapeutic potential of stem cell research has provided promising applications across a wide range of illnesses. Consequently, these potential benefits may ultimately lead to a reduced incidence and severity of this highly preventable and prevalent birth defect. It is recognized that stem cell derivations provide unique difficulties and limitations of therapeutic applications. This review will outline the current knowledge, along with the benefits and challenges of stem cell therapy for FASD.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Meharry Medical College, 1005 Dr Db Todd Jr Blvd, Nashville TN 37208 USA. Electronic address: spoulos@mmc.edu.
authors.forename: Stephen G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Poulos
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Meharry Medical College, 1005 Dr Db Todd Jr Blvd, Nashville TN 37208 USA.
authors.forename: William D
authors.initials: WD
authors.lastname: Richie
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Meharry Medical College, 1005 Dr Db Todd Jr Blvd, Nashville TN 37208 USA.
authors.forename: Rahn K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Bailey
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Meharry Medical College, 1005 Dr Db Todd Jr Blvd, Nashville TN 37208 USA.
authors.forename: Arthur
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. MDC 78, Tampa FL 33612 USA.
authors.forename: Ike
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Dela Peña
authors.affiliation: Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. MDC 78, Tampa FL 33612 USA.
authors.forename: Paul R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Sanberg
authors.affiliation: Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. MDC 78, Tampa FL 33612 USA.
authors.forename: Cesar V
authors.initials: CV
authors.lastname: Borlongan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D063647:Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
keywords: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder; GABA; Neural stem cells; Neurodegeneration; Teratogenicity