Research and advancement about Parkinson’s disease

The nerve cells in the brain produce dopamine that controls the movement of human beings. During Parkinson’s disease, the nerve cells along with sub stantianigra neurons are killed. Moreover, the secretion of formation of protein clumps i.e. alpha synuclein known as the Lewy bodies is also created. Hence, a person with Parkinsons is affected wit shaking of hands and legs and the movements are very rigid. In certain cases, the sense of smell also changes. Most people complain about constipation, low morale and changes in sleep pattern. Certain cases are also noticed where the person suffers from dementia. The reason for Parkinson’s is not known and it can be genetic to a marginal percentage. Youth can be affected too and mostly men suffer than women.

The treatment for Parkinsons

The drugs like Levodpa definitely improve the secretion of dopamine and it also helps the neurons. Supplementary drugs are also advised that will help the nerve cells. In addition, physiotherapy greatly helps along with other changes in diet and exercise. People who have gone for occupational therapy will also vouch for positive changes happening in their life. But there is no way the disease can be cured. This ailment continuously grows and the nerve cells cannot be grown. The scientists have found a way to replace the dead nerve cells so that dopamine can be produced through Parkinson’s stem cell therapy.

Stem cells research on Parkinson’s

A group of Scan dinavianre searches tried the transplantation of cells in human brains and they achieved little success. Another research team in America, Sweden and Canada experimented and thereby transplanted neurons from the fetus of animals and humans. However, they too did not get perfect results. There were many side effects and the problems of ethics arose. Hence,scientists are now deviating toward stem cell therapy.

ES and iPS cell transplantation were the main grounds. ES or the embryonic cells were mapped on to patients and this was got from mice and humans. They cells started producing dopamine. From adult skin cells, iPS cells or induced pluripotent cells was derived and the dopamine production was again successful. In USA during 2010, the scientist tried this experiment on rats and they were successful. However, in humans the problems about tumors is not a good sign.

Progress in stem cell therapy

The team under the leadership of Lorenz Studer is very successful with their experiments in treating Parkinson’s with Parkinson’s stem cell therapy and they want to go ahead to address the problems. Several safe and clinical trials are proposed. A study has to be done whether synthetic neurons grown in the lab with ES are similar to neurons grown naturally. Though the dopamine production is successful, there is a probability that the properties in both may differ. Another need is to know the relevant quantity and cultivation of neurons. The exact location of transplant in the brain has to be ascertained to promote more safety.