Stem cells Treatments for ALS

The reported neurology journal have recently published a new exciting study on safety and efficacy of stem cells based therapy for devastating diseases such as ALS. The clinical studies have confirmed that stem cells have considerably slow down the progression of neuronal damage in ALS.

ALS or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is an incurable disease; involving slow and progressive degeneration of motor neurons. Brain is the central processing organ of human body. It controls and coordinates with all the other organs with the passage of information from it through spinal cord. In case of ALS, due to neuronal damage; brain will not be able to pass on the information to different muscular organs of the body. Stem cells are known to be very promising candidates for maintaining the numbers of lost neurons.

Ongoing clinical studies have concluded that stem cells and their effective neuromuscular regeneration have slowed down the degradation to a considerable level. Scientists are trying to figure out different route of administration of cells. It has been observed that stem cells injected directly into the cerebrospinal fluid of the central nervous system are more effective than other routes. Once inside the body, these cells can easily reach to the site of injury due to the strong signalling and networking properties of these cells. Their anti-inflammatory characteristics can reduce the inflammation, secrete growth factors and can regulate immune cells to promote faster regeneration of tissue specific cells.

Currently, no conventional treatment is available for ALS. The only treatment that is been offered to ALS patients is physiotherapy, diet and positive attitude. However, along with these supplements stem cells infusion can be effective in slowing down the progression of the disease

Thus, scientists are more optimistic that in near future, a definitive treatment can be offered to ALS patients to slow down or stop the progression of the disease. It is believed that currently stem cells cannot be considered as a cure by any means but it can definitely be considered as the first step towards the cure.