Perspectives on the Use of Stem Cells for Autism Treatment

Overview

Journal Stem Cells Int

Publisher Wiley

Specialty Cell Biology

Date 2013 Nov 14

PMID 24222772

Citations 13

Authors

Dario Siniscalco

James Jeffrey Bradstreet

Nataliia Sych

Nicola Antonucci

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Autism and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are complex neurodevelopmental disorders. ASDs are clinically defined by deficits in communication, social skills, and repetitive and/or restrictive interests and behaviours. With the prevalence rates for ASDs rapidly increasing, the need for effective therapies for autism is a priority for biomedical research. Currently available medications do not target the core symptoms, can have markedly adverse side-effects, and are mainly palliative for negative behaviours. The development of molecular and regenerative interventions is progressing rapidly, and medicine holds great expectations for stem cell therapies. Cells could be designed to target the observed molecular mechanisms of ASDs, that is, abnormal neurotransmitter regulation, activated microglia, mitochondrial dysfunction, blood-brain barrier disruptions, and chronic intestinal inflammation. Presently, the paracrine, secretome, and immunomodulatory effects of stem cells would appear to be the likely mechanisms of application for ASD therapeutics. This review will focus on the potential use of the various types of stem cells: embryonic, induced pluripotential, fetal, and adult stem cells as targets for ASD therapeutics.

Citing Articles

Efficacy and safety of stem cell therapy in cerebral palsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Qu J, Zhou L, Zhang H, Han D, Luo Y, Chen J Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2023; 10:1006845.

PMID: 36588957 PMC: 9794999. DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1006845.

Stem Cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth Ameliorate Autistic-Like Behaviors of SHANK3 Mutant Beagle Dogs.

Zhao L, Li Y, Kou X, Chen B, Cao J, Li J Stem Cells Transl Med. 2022; 11(7):778-789.

PMID: 35608372 PMC: 9299510. DOI: 10.1093/stcltm/szac028.

Stem Cell Therapies for Cerebral Palsy and Autism Spectrum Disorder-A Systematic Review.

Paprocka J, Kaminiow K, Kozak S, Sztuba K, Emich-Widera E Brain Sci. 2021; 11(12).

PMID: 34942908 PMC: 8699362. DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11121606.

Cell transplantation as a novel therapeutic strategy for autism spectrum disorders: a clinical study.

Sharma A, Gokulchandran N, Kulkarni P, Sane H, Sharma R, Jose A Am J Stem Cells. 2021; 9(5):89-100.

PMID: 33489466 PMC: 7811933.

Trends in Web Searches About the Causes and Treatments of Autism Over the Past 15 Years: Exploratory Infodemiology Study.

Saposnik F, Huber J JMIR Pediatr Parent. 2020; 3(2):e20913.

PMID: 33284128 PMC: 7752533. DOI: 10.2196/20913.

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