Neuropathic pain, a debilitating condition resulting from injury or dysfunction of the nervous system, has challenged traditional medicine due to its resistance to conventional treatments. However, stem cell research has emerged as a potential innovative solution.
Stem cells, with their remarkable ability to differentiate into diverse cell types, have shown promising results in alleviating neuropathic pain in animal models. Preclinical studies (FRANCHI et al., 2014) indicate that stem cell transplantation of different origins can modulate the mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain, providing rapid and lasting relief.
The research has explored different types of stem cells, including neural, mesenchymal and umbilical cord-derived stem cells, with promising results in animal models of spinal cord injury and diabetic neuropathy (DU et al., 2019; HWANG et al., 2016; XU et al., 2013; YOUSEFIFARD et al., 2016). The ability of these cells to differentiate into neurons, modulate the inflammatory response and secrete neurotrophic factors contributes to their therapeutic effects.
Despite promising advances, stem cell therapy for neuropathic pain still faces challenges. Standardization of treatment protocols, including cell source, dosage, and site of administration, is crucial to ensure the safety and efficacy of therapy. In addition, understanding the precise mechanisms by which stem cells exert their therapeutic effects is essential for the development of more effective therapies.
In short, stem cells represent a new frontier in the treatment of neuropathic pain, offering hope to patients suffering from this debilitating condition. Continuous research and the development of rigorous clinical protocols are essential for this promising therapy to become a clinical reality.
Reference:
RODRIGUES, F. A; CARVALHO, L. F. C. Stem cells in the treatment of pain. Recisatec – Scientific Journal Health and Technology, v. 2, no. 7, 2022.
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