Stem cells in the treatment of Parkinson's
Cord blood stem cells have shown very positive results in the treatment of Parkinson's, a disease caused by a loss of nerve cells in part of the brain called the substantia nigra. This leads to a reduction in the production of dopamine in the brain, which plays a vital role in regulating the movement of the body.
Cord blood stem cells have regenerative capabilities..
Stem cells have the potential to bring forward new and better treatments for Parkinson’s. Parkinson's disease is caused by a loss of nerve cells in part of the brain called the substantia nigra. This leads to a reduction in a chemical called dopamine in the brain. Dopamine plays a vital role in regulating the movement of the body.
Stem cells replace damaged brain cells with new dopamine-producing nerve cells to improve the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s. By replacing damaged brain cells, which are affected in Parkinson's with new healthy cells, results can include a reduction in symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and slowness by increasing dopamine levels in the brain and could reduce the need for Parkinson's medications.
We primarily use umbilical cord blood and cord tissue-derived stem cells, which are highly effective and do not require a blood match for transplantation. These cells are thoroughly screened to ensure their safety and efficacy.
The stem cell procedure itself is minimally invasive and performed in a hospital setting (address below). It is typically a short procedure, and while some slight discomfort may be experienced, it is generally not painful.
All cord blood stem cells are derived from healthy donors.
Further Information regarding the stem cells used:
How cord blood stem cells are analysed to determine if they come from donors who have not received any COVID-19 vaccines involves a few steps:
Protocol for the Analysis of Cord Blood Stem Cells and process:
1st stage: Donor Screening and Documentation: The first method used is to rely on thorough donor screening and documentation. Donors are asked about their vaccination status, and this information is recorded and verified through medical records.
2nd stage: is Flow Cytometry: This technique is used to analyse specific markers on the surface of stem cells. While flow cytometry is typically used to assess cell viability and count specific cell types, it's adapted to detect markers or changes associated with Covid 19 variant vaccinations.
3rd stage: Genetic and Epigenetic Analysis: Advanced epigenetic analysis helps them reveal changes in gene expression or other markers that also indicates a history of COVID-19 vaccination.
4th stage: Serological Testing: Testing for the presence of antibodies specific to COVID-19 vaccines in the donor's blood which is a strong indicator whether they have been vaccinated against COVID-19.
5th stage: Cell Culture and Functional Assays: Culturing the stem cells and performing functional assays reveal differences in cell behaviour or response to stimuli that are linked to COVID-19 vaccination status
Other analysis to include:
· Sterility Testing: Cord blood samples are tested for microbial contamination to ensure they are free from harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This is crucial to prevent infections in recipients.
· Infectious Disease Screening: The blood is tested for all infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis to ensure that the cells are safe for administration.
· Genetic Testing: While cord blood stem cells do not require a perfect blood match, genetic testing is still performed to ensure they are suitable for administration and to identify any potential genetic disorders.
· Quality Control: Throughout the processing and storage of cord blood, strict quality control measures are in place to maintain the integrity and viability of the stem cells. This includes monitoring the cells during cryopreservation (freezing) and ensuring proper handling and storage conditions.
· Volume Reduction: The cord blood is processed to remove excess red blood cells and plasma, leaving behind a concentrated sample of stem cells.
