Current stem cell clinical trials and research progress

ABSTRACT

During the last 15-10 years, the interest in stem cells has been growing exponentially because of their self-renewal abilities and high plasticity. The physiologic function of adult stem cells [ASCs] is maintaining tissue homeostasis through cellular damaged or aged turn over, while embryonic stem cells [ESCs] generate all committed cell type of organism. Researchers try to exploit these properties to treat degenerative pathologies, as neurological disorder [Parkinson, Alzheimer, Ataxias, multiple sclerosis...], musculoskeletal disorder [arthrosis, dystrophy, heart failure...], diabetes, eyes disorder [optical nerve or cornea! degeneration...],autoimmune disease, renal failure and cancer. Although initial enthusiasm for them potentiality, SCs therapy tire to develop for several reasons. Firstly, self renewal and plasticity are also properties of cancer cells and the possibility to lose control on transplanted SCs could become the worst side effect obtainable. Secondly, in case of allergenic graft will avoid immunorejection by the recipient. Finally, to have ESCs is necessary to manipulate and to sacrifice embryos and scientific, but above all catholic, world identify in this stage of develop a human with same rights of a born man. In this review, we report on recent advances on the clinical trial about stem cells [SCs] therapy. Ours intention is to show all stem cells types disposable and them rational employment in medicine, with focus on treatment benefits and side effects. To give an ethical imprint at the work, we resume the more common clinical practice guidelines in a work track