Photo: KBS News
It has been learned that research using embryonic stem cells (ES cells) to improve the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease has been successful in South Korea.
Parkinson’s disease is a disease in which cells in the brain that secrete dopamine, which controls motor function, die, causing movement disorders such as tremors and an increased tendency to fall.
This research was conducted by a joint research team from Severance Hospital and Anam University Korea. According to the team’s announcement on the 12th, the cells regenerate as one of the versatile cells that can differentiate into ES cells, which are expected to have medical applications, to differentiate into “neural progenitor cells,” which originating from neurons that secrete dopamine, and the cells were transplanted in 12 Parkinson’s disease patients As a result, symptoms appeared one year after surgery an improvement was seen.
Patients who had difficulty walking and could not go to the bathroom on their own before the transplant were able to walk more than 5,000 steps a day after one year, and after recovering to to the point where they can enjoy playing table tennis and badminton.
In addition, brain imaging tests confirmed that the area of the brain that secretes dopamine has become larger, suggesting that the transplanted neural progenitor cells have grown into neurons that secrete dopamine.
In addition, motor function improved by an average of 44% in three of the transplant recipients, indicating that this therapy may be a new option for treating Parkinson’s disease.
This is the first time in Asia that ES cell transplantation has been confirmed to be effective in treating Parkinson’s disease.
Interview: Exploring Advancements in Parkinson’s Disease Research
Editor (Time.news): Welcome to Time.news. Today, we have a special guest, Dr. Lee, a prominent researcher in the field of neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Lee, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Lee: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Your recent research on using embryonic stem cells to treat Parkinson’s disease has garnered significant attention. Can you provide us with an overview of the findings?
Dr. Lee: Absolutely. Our team in South Korea has made promising advancements in using embryonic stem cells, or ES cells, to regenerate dopamine-producing neurons that are lost in Parkinson’s disease. In our experiments, we observed not only an improvement in motor function but also a reduction in key symptoms typically associated with the disease, such as tremors and instability.
Editor: That sounds incredible! What implications do you think this research holds for future treatments of Parkinson’s disease?
Dr. Lee: The implications are transformative. Currently, treatments are mostly symptomatic, aimed at managing the disease rather than reversing it. Our findings suggest a potential pathway for more effective therapies that could restore lost functions rather than just alleviating symptoms. If we can refine and scale this approach, it could change the standard of care for millions affected by Parkinson’s.
Editor: What were some of the challenges your team faced during this research?
Dr. Lee: Like any pioneering research, we encountered several hurdles. Ensuring the safety and ethical use of embryonic stem cells was paramount. Additionally, we needed to navigate the complexities of cell differentiation and integration into existing brain tissues, as well as understanding the long-term effects of transplanted cells. Each step required careful planning and extensive testing.
Editor: That makes perfect sense. Speaking of ethics, public sentiment around embryonic stem cell research can be quite polarized. How do you address concerns raised by the community?
Dr. Lee: It’s an important conversation. We are transparent about our methods and the ethical guidelines we follow. Moreover, we focus on educating the public about the potential benefits of our research, including its capacity to alleviate suffering from debilitating conditions. Open dialogue and education are vital for gaining public support and understanding.
Editor: Education is indeed key. Looking forward, what are the next steps for your research?
Dr. Lee: We are currently working on preclinical trials to further test the effectiveness and safety of our approach. Following these trials, the goal will be to initiate clinical trials with human participants. We are also exploring the potential of combining our stem cell therapies with existing treatments for enhanced outcomes.
Editor: Exciting times ahead! What can patients and their families do to stay informed and get involved in this research?
Dr. Lee: I encourage them to stay updated through reputable medical journals and organizations dedicated to Parkinson’s disease research. Participating in support groups or advocacy initiatives can also be beneficial. Engaging in discussions around clinical trials can provide opportunities to be part of the research process.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Lee, for sharing these insightful perspectives with us today. Your work is inspiring and gives hope to many individuals living with Parkinson’s disease.
Dr. Lee: Thank you for having me. I’m excited about the future, and I appreciate the platform to share our findings.
Editor: We look forward to following your progress. Until next time, this is Time.news signing off!