Many scientists and physicals have the view that the future of medicine is in the regenerative medicine. Stem cells are a major kind of regenerative cells. Stem cell treatment for cerebral palsy, autism and other neurological disorders is based on the regenerating and differentiation capacity of the stem cells. The neurodegenerative conditions also include the injuries to the spinal cord. Hence, spinal cord injury treatment is also going to get the benefits of any improvement that would further improve stem cell therapy.
Current Perspectives
As of now, the cell therapy for a spinal cord injury is provided through:
1. Replacement Cell Therapy
This therapy focuses on the replacement of the oligodendrocytes and the neurons. This therapy aims at regenerating axons and provides for their myelination as well. An injury causes de-myelination of the injured neurons, and hence their myelination becomes a necessity. The myelination of the damaged fibers provides for greater neurological recovery. Stem cells from xenografts, umbilical cord and adult stem cells are used. Fetal and embryonic stem cells can also be used for replacement therapy.
2. Regenerative Cell Therapy
This therapy focuses on the restitution of white matter along the tracts. The therapy aims on the elongation of the axons restoration of their myelin content, and their complete integration within the host environment.
For spinal cord injury treatment the following methods are used:
Activated Macrophages:
These stem cell therapy trials are based on the notion that the transplantation of activated macrophages will allow for better control of secondary mechanisms.
Peripheral Nerve Grafts:
Nerve grafts can be used for bridging the gaps that lie between the spinal cord. They may also release growth factors that would provide for repair of cells. Bypass surgery is also undertaken.
An Enriched Suspension of Schwann Cells:
These cells can integrate with the tract glial structure of the host. The sprouting of axons in the cortico-spinal tract in also increased.
Use of OEG or Olfactory Ensheathing Glial Cells:
It was found during the spinal cord injury treatment that the axon sprouts did not leave their Schwann cell environment. They, hence do not re-enter glial environment. To overcome this, OEG or Olfactory Unsheathing Glial cells were used.
World class institutions in India like NeuroGen Brain and Spine Research Institute (NGBSI) offer stem cell therapy for a range of neurological disorders, including spinal cord injury. The premier institutions also provide stem cell treatment for cerebral palsy, Autism and other neuro-degenerative disorders.
