Stem cell treatments for autism seek to address the pathogenic mechanisms of autism, which makes the approach unique among the various treatments for autistic disorders.
Stem cells are original cells that are able to change to mimic specialized cells in the body. The National Institutes of Health describes these primal cells as having the potential to replenish, heal and repair specialized cells. They have primary characteristics that make them distinct:
Types of stem cells include:
Research on stem cell treatments for autism is ongoing. Many therapies for pervasive developmental disorders address problems with the immune system, mitochondrial dysfunction and poor oxygen circulation to the brain. Treatments such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy and gluten free diets have varying results. Using stem cells is an approach that may address the source of the dysfunction in each system.
The Journal of Translational Medicine's article Stem Cell Therapy for Autism looks at two problems associated with autism that may be treated with stem cells, hypoperfusion and immune deregulation. The article proposes using CD34+ umbilical cord cells and mesenchymal cells.
Hypoperfusion (reduction of blood flow) can lead to hypoxia (concentration of oxygen falls below life sustaining levels) in the brain, which can lead to cell death and abnormal brain function. In theory, stem cell therapy may reverse hypoxia while activating the brain's "self repair mechanisms."
The connection between immune function and nervous system is strong. Stem cells may repair the immune system, which in theory would lead to improved neurological functioning.
A study from the Salk Institute for Biological Studies published in the science journal Nature explores the potential of using stem cells to repair circuits in individuals with neurological conditions such as:
Stem cells in the adult brain divide, and they have three potential paths to follow:
The stem cells require prompting from chemical signals to turn into specialized cells. Figuring out how to stimulate the chemical signals the stem cells to change into brain cells that are lost or damaged in neurological conditions.
Read more here:
Stem Cell Treatments for Autism - LoveToKnow
- NIH Initiative to Build Data Sets for Developing AI Technologies - Healthcare Innovation - September 16th, 2022
- Disease and Insect Control for Homegrown Peaches and Plums ... - May 2nd, 2022
- Mississippi professor, engineer receives national award to help develop better vaccines, cancer treatments - Magnolia State Live - Magnolia State Live - April 19th, 2022
- Omicron is here, and many prisons and jails are not ready - The Marshall Project - December 24th, 2021
- Mississippi INBRE Research Efforts Aided by Technology Upgrade - Southern Miss Now - June 23rd, 2021
- Lab-grown meat meets resistance from industry | Opinion - The Reflector online - January 24th, 2020
- 1 of 2 escapees from troubled Mississippi prison in custody - Minneapolis Star Tribune - January 5th, 2020
- Stem Cell Tupelo Mississippi 38801 - December 21st, 2018
- Research: Surgeons too enthusiastic about offering spinal ... - July 26th, 2018
- Sanguinaria - Wikipedia - July 15th, 2018
- FAQs - Ocean Springs, MS - Gulf Coast Stem Cell ... - June 23rd, 2018
- Our Team | Gulf Coast Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Center - June 22nd, 2018
- Cool Science Images 2017 - News - UW-Madison - August 3rd, 2017
- small carpenter bees, Ceratina spp. - UF/IFAS - November 27th, 2016
- Adult Stem Cells - Breakthrough Stem Cell Enhancer Product ... - August 11th, 2016
- The big debate: Stem cell research - CNN.com - July 25th, 2016
- MS-UK | Stem cells And MS Research - July 2nd, 2015
- Adult stem cell therapy offered by Zannos G. Grekos, MD of ... - April 9th, 2015
- Twins: Rule 5 pick J.R. Graham feeling 'like I'm back' - March 7th, 2015
- Ethics of Human Cloning and Stem Cell Research - January 30th, 2015
- Stem Cell Treatment for Epilepsy | eHow - December 12th, 2014
- Obama overturns Bush policy on stem cells - CNN.com - November 30th, 2014
- How did the Berlin patient become cured of HIV? - October 7th, 2014
- Stem Cell Therapy - Frequently Asked Questions - September 27th, 2014
- Stem Cell Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis | eHow - September 27th, 2014
- Mississippi Stem Cell Treatment Center - Stem Cell Center ... - September 10th, 2014
- Co-workers honor doctor by registering as bone marrow donors - September 4th, 2014
- Mississippi Stem Cell Treatment | Stem Cell Treatments - August 22nd, 2014
- Stem Cell Treatments for MS | eHow - eHow | How to Videos ... - August 22nd, 2014