Stem Cell Implants Aim To Restore Dopamine In Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson's illness is simply a progressive neurodegenerative upset that affects much than 1 cardinal group successful nan United States, pinch astir 90,000 caller cases diagnosed each year. Although disposable treatments tin thief negociate symptoms, location is presently nary cure or therapy proven to slow the progression of the disease. 

Parkinson's illness is associated pinch reduced dopamine merchandise in the brain. Dopamine is simply a neurotransmitter basal for movement, memory, mood and different functions. Research has shown that nan tremors, stiffness, slow movement and different symptoms of Parkinson's illness are caused by nan progressive nonaccomplishment of dopamine-producing encephalon cells, disrupting nan brain's expertise to modulate movement. 

Keck Medicine of USC is conducting an early phase clinical trial investigating the information and effectiveness of implanting specialized stem cells into nan brain that person been programmed to replace damaged brain cells and produce dopamine. 

If nan encephalon tin erstwhile again nutrient normal levels of dopamine, Parkinson's disease may be slowed down and motor function restored."

Brian Lee, MD, PhD, neurosurgeon pinch Keck Medicine and principal investigator of nan study

Unique stem compartment therapy 

The therapy is a relatively new type of lab-generated stem compartment called induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Unlike embryonic stem cells, iPCSs are big cells, specified arsenic tegument aliases humor cells, reprogrammed to a "blank slate" authorities tin of evolving into immoderate type of cell. 

"We judge that these iPSCs can reliably mature into dopamine-producing brain cells, and offer nan champion chance of jump-starting nan brain's dopamine production," said Xenos Mason, MD, a neurologist who specializes in Parkinson's illness and other movement disorders pinch Keck Medicine and co-principal interrogator of nan study. 

During nan procedure, Lee drills a mini spread successful nan patient's skull to entree the brain, then precisely implants the stem cells into nan basal ganglia, a portion of nan encephalon that controls movement, under the guidance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). 

After surgery, patients are monitored for 12-15 months for any changes successful their Parkinson's illness symptoms and for possible side effects including dyskinesia - excess movements - or infection. The doctors will proceed to monitor the patients and their Parkinson's disease symptoms for up to 5 years. 

"Our ultimate goal is to pioneer a method that can repair patients' motor usability and offer them a amended value of life," said Lee. 

Keck Medicine is 1 of 3 organizations successful nan United States participating in nan objective trial. The multisite study includes a total of 12 participants pinch mean to moderate-severe Parkinson's disease.

This announcement is intended to stock accusation astir Keck Medicine's investigation engagement and is not soliciting participants.