Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Currently, treatment options for ASD are limited and often yield poor results. However, stem cell therapy is emerging as a promising new possibility on the horizon.
Ichim et al. (2007) explore the potential of stem cell therapy in the treatment of autism, focusing on two associated pathologies: cerebral hypoperfusion and immune dysregulation. The authors propose the combined use of umbilical cord CD34+ cells, with angiogenic capacity, and mesenchymal cells, with immunomodulatory properties, as an innovative therapeutic approach. Cerebral hypoperfusion, characterized by decreased blood flow to the brain, has been consistently observed in children with autism and correlated with the severity of symptoms. Umbilical cord CD34+ cells, with their potential to stimulate angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), could improve cerebral perfusion and, consequently, neuronal function. Immune dysregulation, evidenced by abnormalities in T and B cells and inflammatory processes, has also been implicated in the pathophysiology of autism. Mesenchymal cells, with their immunosuppressive properties and ability to modulate the immune response, could attenuate inflammation and promote a more favorable environment for neuronal development.
Stem cell therapy, although still in the early stages of research for the treatment of autism, shows promising potential. Well-designed clinical trials are needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this therapeutic approach. However, the ability of stem cells to address multiple pathologies associated with autism offers hope for the development of more effective and personalized treatments in the future, with the goal of improving the quality of life of individuals with ASD.
Reference :
Ichim, T. E., Solano, F., Glenn, E., Morales, F., Smith, L., Zabrecky, G., & Riordan, N. H. (2007). Stem cell therapy for autism. Journal of Translational Medicine, 5, 30. https://doi.org/10.1186/1479-5876-5-30
ABNT Citation:
ICHIM, TE et al. Stem cell therapy for autism. Journal of Translational Medicine, vol. 5, no. 30, 2007.
