Use of stem cells in the recovery of neurodegenerative diseases: Advances and clinical barriers

Neural stem cells, a type of multipotent cell, can generate neurons and glial cells, contributing to nervous tissue repair. Additionally, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be reprogrammed from the patient’s own cells, reducing the risk of rejection and enabling personalized therapies. Studies investigate the injection of these cells into the brain to replace lost neurons, modulate inflammation, and promote the release of neurotrophic factors that protect remaining neurons. Thus, the objective of this study is to evaluate the potential of stem cells in neural regeneration and neuroprotection in neurodegenerative diseases, exploring their therapeutic applicability and the challenges involved. This study was conducted through a literature review, analyzing scientific articles published in the last five years. The search was carried out in major scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and SciELO, ensuring a comprehensive and up-to-date selection on the application of stem cells in neurodegenerative diseases. Findings suggest that, in addition to gene therapy, the use of stem cells can be an effective tool in treating various neurodegenerative diseases, with the potential to restore neuronal function and improve patients’ quality of life. The combination of gene and cell therapies represents a promising frontier in regenerative medicine, especially for diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, ALS, and others, with the promise of significant advancements in treating these debilitating conditions. However, the prospects for using stem cells in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases continue to grow, offering renewed hope for millions of patients. If technical obstacles are overcome, stem cells could become a crucial tool in regenerative medicine, providing new therapeutic options and improving the quality of life for patients affected by these devastating diseases.