Stem Cells for Stroke Treatment: A Promising Frontier in Regenerative Medicine

Stroke is among the leading causes of disability and death worldwide. Some estimates suggest that it affects millions of people each year and is one of the reasons for premature death. It occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, which ends up preventing brain tissue from getting the oxygen and nutrients it needs. This leads to the demise of brain cells, resulting in the symptoms and signs associated with a stroke. Conventional treatments for stroke aim to reduce damage and enhance recovery using methods such as medication, physical therapy, and surgical procedures. Yet recent progress in medicine, especially utilizing stem cells for stroke treatment, offers newfound hope for those affected by strokes. In this blog, we will explore the developments in regenerative medicine for strokes, different stroke types, as well as stroke symptoms and signs.

Understanding Stroke: Various Types, Indications, and Warning Signs

Before diving into how regenerative medicine can help in treating strokes, it’s essential to grasp the categories of strokes and the associated symptoms.

Types of Strokes

When we look at the types of strokes, we have to know about three main types:

• Ischemic stroke: It is the most common stroke type. It accounts for 87% of stroke cases. What is the cause of this type of stroke? It is caused by a blood clot blocking or narrowing an artery that is supposed to bring the blood to the brain.
• Hemorrhagic stroke: It is a rather serious condition because one of the blood vessels bringing blood is ruptured. Yes, a blood vessel is damaged, allowing the blood to enter the brain. As soon as it enters brain tissue, it starts to clot and once again stops the nutrient flow, causing damage.
• Transient ischemic attack (TIA): It is sometimes also referred to as a “mini stroke.” And yes, you are guessing it right! It is a sign that a big stroke is going to happen. If you feel recurrent symptoms of stroke, it is a sign that you should immediately make a visit to a doctor.

Stroke Symptoms and Signs

As we mentioned earlier, stroke causes our brain cells (neurons) to die because they are not getting enough food to work. It becomes really important that we understand stroke symptoms and signs. Why? You may ask. Because the longer we wait, the more damage is going to happen to our brain. Thus, it is crucial that we understand stroke signs and symptoms for early intervention. So, doctors have come up with the acronym FAST to help us remember the most common signs. Now, these are the common signs when treatment becomes paramount!

• Face drooping: One side of your face starts to droop or feels numb.
• Arm weakness: One of the two arms is beginning to feel weak or numb.
• Speech difficulty: Your speech may start to become slurred, or it could be that the person in front of you is unable to speak at all.
• Time to call an ambulance: If you see these symptoms, immediately call for a medical expert and an ambulance.

Okay, now we have shared symptoms that will require immediate treatment. But you will want to know what the hidden or lesser known signs are. Here is a list that covers hidden stroke symptoms and signs:

• Sudden confusion
• Trouble seeing with one or both eyes
• Difficulty walking
• Frequent dizziness
• Loss of balance or coordination
• A severe headache for seemingly no reason.

If you see a few or all of the above mentioned symptoms, it is time for you to visit your physician and discuss the possibility of you having a stroke.

The Role of Stem Cells in Stroke Treatment

In recent years, there have been advancements in regenerative medicine regarding the use of stem cells for treating strokes. Stem cells are cells that can develop into cell types and hold promiscuous se for repairing damaged tissues, making them a hopeful option for stroke recovery.

Different Types of Stem Cells Utilized in Stroke Therapy

There are three types of stem cells for stroke treatment that are under clinical trial. The stem cells included in clinical trials include:

• Mesenchymal stem cells are a type of multipotent adult stem cells that can transform into neurons, muscle cells, and many more.
• Neural stem cells are specialized adult stem cells that can form most of the brain cells, including glial cells.
• Induced pluripotent stem cells are stem cells that are manipulated to behave as embryonic stem cells and are derived from adult cells like skin cells.

Out of the three, MSCs are extensively studied because of their easy availability from sources like bone marrow, adipose tissue, and placenta. This allows doctors to easily reach the required amount of stem cells for stroke treatment. Then you might want to counter that we can do this with iPSCs, but with them there is a very high probability of them turning into oncogenic, so they are yet only in a preclinical state. NSCs are a bit special as they are capable of transforming into brain cells with ease, but the problem is harvesting and then expanding their culture. Although they have been moved into clinical trials, they are still in their nascent state of research. Thus, the only viable option of stem cells for stroke treatment at present are MSCs. There are several studies that have pointed out the same, and we will look at a few of them in the next section.

Key Findings and Clinical Trials

• A study published in the Stroke journal in 2023 found that injecting MSCs into stroke patients within 36 hours of the onset led to enhanced recovery outcomes. The research indicated advancements in motor skills, speech, and cognitive functions when compared to a control group.
• The STEMTRA (Stem Cell Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke) trial, which has been ongoing since 2020, has shown promising results. This trial involves administering MSCs to patients with ischemic stroke, and initial data suggests a decrease in lesion size and better functional restoration.
• Another notable progress is the utilization of NSCs, which have displayed the capability to merge with existing brain tissue and establish connections. A study from Nature Medicine in 2022 demonstrated that transplanting NSCs into regions of the brain affected by stroke encouraged repair and reduced inflammation, leading to improved outcomes.

Mechanisms of Action

Stem cells for stroke treatment work their magic by working at several levels simultaneously. They contribute to stroke recovery via various mechanisms, including:

• Neurogenesis: It is a term that tells us that new neurons are being made to replace damaged ones. This is possible because stem cells do not have a predetermined fate, and when they get signals, they can transform into a specific cell type, including neurons.
• Angiogenesis: It is another scientific term that refers to the stem cells ability to help our body form new blood vessels. These blood vessels help restore blood supply to affected brain regions.
• Immunomodulation: This is a term that tells us that stem cells also modulate inflammation and the immune response to reduce further brain damage. More inflammation means more immune system cells, and more immune cells mean an increased chance of cell death. Now, to protect the brain cells, stem cells reduce inflammation to let the damaged area repair itself.
• Paracrine Effects: Now, to help the brain repair damaged tissue, they also release several growth factors and cytokines that help promote tissue repair and help protect the brain (neuroprotection).

Patient Experiences

Some findings from individual accounts and research shed light on the advantages of using stem cells for stroke treatment. Many individuals who have received stem cell treatments have reported enhancements in their movement abilities, speech, and overall wellbeing.

Some have even achieved recoveries that traditional treatments could not deliver, such as regaining the capacity to walk or speak clearly. However, the degree of improvement varies based on factors like stroke type, treatment timing, and individual health status.

It’s worth noting that while stem cell therapy shows promise, it is not currently an approach for stroke treatment. Patients considering this option should consult their healthcare providers. Reach out to us for a consultation to determine if they are suitable candidates for the treatment.

Conclusion

Stem cells for stroke treatment are an evolving field in medicine that brings fresh optimism to countless individuals who have survived strokes. As scientific exploration advances, the transformative impact of these treatments on stroke rehabilitation becomes more evident. Yet further comprehensive clinical examinations and extended research studies are essential to validate the integration of stem cell therapy into care.

At present, the successful approach continues to be detection, prompt identification of stroke indicators, and immediate medical intervention to reduce harm and enhance recovery prospects. The future of stroke treatment is bright, and stem cell research stands at the forefront of this transformative journey.