Abstract

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to reduced dopamine transmission to the putamen and resulting in both motor and non-motor symptoms. Current treatments include dopaminergic medications, enzyme inhibitors, deep brain stimulation, and rehabilitative therapies that can help manage symptoms but do not prevent ongoing neurodegeneration. Due to this limitation regarding treatment, there is growing interest in regenerative approaches that may restore dopaminergic function. This research paper examines mesenchymal stem cells, human embryonic stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells as emerging treatments for Parkinson’s disease, integrating both preclinical evidence and clinical trial findings. Across studies, mesenchymal stem cells whether autologous or allogeneic, demonstrate safety, feasibility, and early biological activity, including reductions in inflammation and improvements in motor symptoms. Trials involving human embryonic stem cell-derived dopaminergic progenitors show dopaminergic neuron progenitor survival, increased dopamine synthesis on PET imaging, and dose-dependent improvements in motor function. Induced pluripotent stem cell-based approaches, both autologous and allogeneic, also demonstrate safety and biological activity, with PET imaging confirming dopaminergic function of transplanted cells. Overall, current evidence suggests that stem-cell–based therapies may offer promising disease-improving effects, supporting the need for larger and more controlled clinical studies.

Keywords

arkinson’s disease, mesenchymal stem cells, human embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, regenerative medicine, clinical trials