KYOTO, Apr 19 (News On Japan) - A new treatment for Parkinson's disease using iPS cells developed by Kyoto University has shown a certain level of effectiveness in clinical trials.
Parkinson's disease is a difficult neurological disorder caused by a deficiency of dopamine, a chemical that transmits signals in the brain. Symptoms include tremors and slowed movement, and no fundamental cure has been discovered to date.
A research team led by Jun Takahashi at the Kyoto University Center for iPS Cell Research and Application began a clinical trial in 2018, in which dopamine-producing nerve cells derived from iPS cells were transplanted into the brains of seven patients with Parkinson's disease.
The results showed no severe side effects in any of the participants. In six patients, the transplanted cells produced dopamine, and in four of them, motor function improvements were observed.
Looking ahead, a pharmaceutical company based in Osaka plans to apply to the government for approval to manufacture and sell the treatment, aiming for practical implementation.
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects movement. It was first described in detail in 1817 by British physician James Parkinson in his work An Essay on the Shaking Palsy. The condition is characterized by the gradual loss of dopamine-producing neurons in a region of the brain called the substantia nigra. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a critical role in controlling smooth and coordinated muscle movements.
As dopamine levels decline, patients begin to exhibit motor symptoms such as tremors at rest, muscle rigidity, bradykinesia or slowness of movement, and postural instability. Non-motor symptoms may also occur, including sleep disturbances, mood disorders, cognitive decline, and autonomic dysfunction. The disease typically appears in people over the age of 60, though early-onset forms can occur.
The exact cause of Parkinson's disease remains unclear, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. While some rare cases are linked to specific genetic mutations, most cases are idiopathic, with no identifiable cause. Exposure to certain toxins and a history of head trauma have been studied as possible risk factors.
There is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease. Treatments focus on managing symptoms, primarily through medications that either increase dopamine levels or mimic its effects in the brain. The most commonly used drug is levodopa, often combined with other medications to enhance its effectiveness. In more advanced stages, surgical options such as deep brain stimulation may be considered. Research into new treatments, including cell therapy, gene therapy, and neuroprotective strategies, continues to offer hope for improved management and potential breakthroughs.
Source: KTV NEWS
