Administration of Mesenchymal Stem Cells as a Therapeutic for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Abstract

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by the degeneration of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and eventually death. Exactly how and why motor neurons degenerate is still not clearly known, but certain pathogenetic mechanisms could explain the process. Current treatments and interventions, including pharmacological approaches, are not highly targeted and only offer short-lived benefits. No cure for the disease exists to date. However, mesenchymal stem cells, which are adult stem cells that are highly accessible and can differentiate into different types of tissue, are currently being studied. This review offers insight into some of the pathogenetic mechanisms, potential treatments, and how mesenchymal stem cell treatment could be the potential cure for ALS.