In the April 8, 2014 edition of the journal Neurology, neurologist Steven Cramer, M.D. and a team from the University of California - Irvine published a meta-analysis reviewing 46 preclinical studies looking at the efficacy of stem cells in treatment of ischemic strokes. The researchers found that 44 of these studies showed significantly improved outcomes over control therapies.
Of particular interest is the fact that the effects of the stem cells on functional recovery were quite beneficial regardless of how they were delivered to the patients, the overall dosage/amount of cells given, and even the timing of treatment in relation to the stroke event. As examples, there were improved outcomes when stem cells were given a month after the stroke, and whether given via a blood vessel or injected directly into the brain. These studies were based mainly on stem cells derived from bone marrow, but adipose (fat) derived stem cells should at least show similar promise, if not more.
Of note, the stem cells that are administered do not appear to actually develop, or differentiate, into neural cells. Thus, the stem cells are not actually replacing the damaged cells by turning into new neural cells. Instead, the stem cells modulate the immune system and help the overall healing process. Stem cells release a wide array of growth factors and chemicals that help to stop damage already occurring in cells, increase the growth of new cells, stimulate growth of a new vascular supply, protect cells at risk, and improve the connective tissue that supports the neural tissue. It is in these ways that the outcomes are greatly improved.
Although all of the studies looked at were preclinical, meaning not actual treatment or trials on humans, the overall results are quite compelling. The next step will be clinical trials on human patients that will then start to define the best practices for the use of stem cells, including ideal timing and dosage.
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