Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy - Volume 13, Issue 3, 2018

Background: Visual impairment caused by retinal degeneration is primarily attributed to the irreversible degradation of retinal neurons or the adjacent retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). No efficient clinical therapies to restore or improve visual ability are currently available. Cell therapy has been touted as a promising strategy to overcome this challenge. Objective: This review aims to depict the effects and progresses of usin Read More

Background: Articular cartilage defects often result in pain, loss of function and finally osteoarthritis. Developing cell-based therapies for cartilage repair is a major goal of orthopaedic research. Autologous chondrocyte implantation is currently the gold standard cell-based surgical procedure for the treatment of large, isolated, full thickness cartilage defects. Several disadvantages such as the need for two surgical procedures Read More

Background: Under the transcriptional control of numerous factors and intracellular signals, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into various cell types, including adipocytes and osteoblasts. However, the precise cellular signaling factors that determine the cell fate of MSCs in bone marrow remain largely unknown. Objective: In this review, we focus on the ties of PPAR-γ and Wnt signaling in MSC differentiation into a Read More

Background: Liver failure is a life-threatening liver disease encompassing severe acute deterioration of liver function. Emergency liver transplantation is the only curative treatment for liver failure, but is restricted by the severe shortage of organ donors. Stem cell, including embroyonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells and hepatic progenitor cells, Read More

Background: Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are prevalent, devastating for quality and expectancy of life, and cause heavy economic burdens. Stem cell therapies hold promise in complete structural and functional restoration of SCI. Objective: This review focuses on the methods currently used to evaluate the stem cell therapies for SCI. Results: Various kinds of stem cells involving embryonic stem cells (ESCs), bone marrow stromal Read More

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a major global burden creating significant morbidity worldwide. Current curative therapies are expensive, challenging to access and have significant risks, making them infeasible and difficult in many cases. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be applied to joints and may regenerate the cartilage damaged in OA, this therapy may be advantageous to existing treatments. Objective: We syst Read More

Background: The incidence of knee ligament injury is increasing and represents a significant cost to healthcare providers. Current interventions include tissue grafts, suture repair and non-surgical management. These techniques have demonstrated good patient outcomes but have been associated graft rejection, infection, long term immobilization and reduced joint function. The limitations of traditional management stra Read More