Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder in which the brain is deficient in the neurotransmitter dopamine, resulting in limb tremors and muscle rigidity. Current treatment strategy centers around drug therapy; however, in recent years, regenerative medicine techniques, such as stem cell therapy, have shown promise. In this article, we explain the symptoms, causes, and treatment strategies for Parkinson’s disease, while touching on the characteristics and advantages of stem cell therapy.
Parkinson’s disease is an intractable disease with gradually progressing symptoms, such as tremors in the hands and feet, as well as slow movements, all of which majorly impact daily life. The prevalence of Parkinson’s disease is increasing, due to the aging population. Drug therapy is a common therapeutic approach; however, its effectiveness often is insufficient and depends on the patient’s constitution and stage of the disease. Therefore, research for developing new and more effective therapeutic approaches are underway.
In recent years, stem cell therapy, an area of regenerative medicine, has attracted attention as a new means to control the progression of Parkinson’s disease and improve symptoms. In this article, we present an overview of the symptoms and causes of Parkinson’s disease, outline the conventional therapies, and introduce what patients might expect from stem cell therapy. We encourage you to read this article to gain insights that may help in improving your condition and enhancing your quality of life, even if only marginally.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder in which the neurons that secrete dopamine degenerate and are lost in a region called the substantia nigra in the brain, and motor function is impaired as a result of dopamine deficiency. It is estimated that there are over 200,000 patients with Parkinson’s disease in Japan, and this number is expected to continuously rise, as a result of the aging population.
In many cases, Parkinson’s disease develops at the age of 40 years or more, sometimes affecting autonomic nerves and cognitive function in addition to motor symptoms. It has been governmentally designated as an intractable disease subject to medical subsidies. *1
*1 Reference: Japan Intractable Diseases Information Center
The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can be divided into motor and non-motor symptoms. Although the disease manifestation varies depending on the degree of progression and individual differences, typical symptoms include the following:
[Motor symptoms]
[Non-motor symptoms]
In the early stages, motor symptoms, such as hand tremors and mild muscle rigidity, are prominent; as the disease progresses, it often becomes difficult to maintain posture and walk. *2
*2 Reference: Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Parkinson’s disease is caused by a decrease in the number of neurons that secrete dopamine in the substantia nigra of the brain, resulting in dopamine deficiency.
However, it is not fully understood why neurons degenerate. Studies have suggested the involvement of genetic and environmental factors (e.g., exposure to harmful substances) in some cases. It has also been speculated that the accumulation of abnormal proteins (α-synuclein) in the brain, along with the characteristic formation of structures called Lewy bodies in neurons, are related to neuronal death. *3
*3 Reference:Kindai University Hospital
The current treatment strategy for Parkinson’s disease mainly consists of drug therapy to replenish dopamine, rehabilitation, and deep brain stimulation (DBS) when the symptoms are advanced. However, these are intended to alleviate the symptoms and do not necessarily offer a radical cure to stop disease progression or regenerate neurons.
Recently, regenerative medicine based on stem cell therapy has attracted interest. Stem cells may supplement the damaged dopamine-producing cells and improve the neural environment of the brain.
Stem cell therapy is a medical technology that repairs and regenerates damaged tissues and organs by using stem cells; these cells are the foundational cells from which all other cells are generated. In the field of neurology, methods for administering stem cells into the body via intravenous infusion or other administration routes and guiding them to the damaged area in the brain or cranial nerves to promote repair, have been researched. Particularly in Parkinson’s disease, the number of neurons that secrete dopamine is significantly reduced, with decreased function; thus, it is considered theoretically possible to differentiate stem cells into neurons to compensate the lost function.
Stem cell therapy displays the following benefits:
Stem cells act not only on the nervous system but also on blood vessels and the immune system. Moreover, they may improve the brain microenvironment. As a result, they may help preserve residual dopaminergic nerve function or reduce inflammation, resulting in slowed progression of the lesion area.
However, the effectiveness of stem cell therapy has not been demonstrated in all cases; therefore, it is important to note that treatment outcomes could vary from individual to individual.
The Regenerative Medicine Division of Korokai Medical Corporation provides stem cell therapy for Parkinson’s disease by implementing the following process:
Parkinson’s disease is an intractable disease in which motor impairment and non-motor symptoms gradually progress, mainly because of dopamine deficiency in the brain. Conventional treatments include drug therapy, rehabilitation, and DBS, which have been provided mainly for symptom control. However, with recent advances in regenerative medicine, stem cell therapy is beginning to be considered as a new therapeutic option. Stem cell therapy, which aims to regenerate neurons and improve the brain environment, is expected to be effective in slowing the progression of Parkinson’s disease and reducing symptoms. Although it is still being researched and may not be applicable to all patients, it is attracting attention as a radical treatment option for the future.
The Regenerative Medicine Division of Korokai Medical Corporation offers stem cell-based regenerative medicine as a medical institution approved by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. *4
If you are interested in stem cell therapy, please contact our hospital for consultation.
The Regenerative Medicine Division of Korokai Medical Corporation carefully selects evidence-based treatment and offers regenerative medicine according to each individual’s concerns based on novel comprehensive treatment strategies. To optimize the results, oral therapies such as bioidentical hormone replacement therapy or peptide therapy may be combined with stem cell therapy, according to the patient’s wishes.
*4 Source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
The Regenerative Medicine Division of Korokai Medical Corporation – a stem cell therapy clinic in Tokyo
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[1] Therapeutic Method
The treatment involves harvesting and culturing stem cells from the patient’s adipose tissue and then injecting them locally to the affected area or administering the cells via intravenous infusion.
[2] Risk of side effects
At the time of fat collection: Adverse reactions, such as internal bleeding, swelling, postoperative infection, postoperative scar, and pain at the injection site, may be observed.
At the time of stem cell administration: Adverse reactions, such as pain at the injection site, allergic reaction, and pulmonary embolism, may be observed.
[3] Contact information
The Regenerative Medicine Division, Korokai Medical Corporation
Precious 18 5F, 4-14-6 Minami-azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo
TEL:03-6277-4650
[4] Pricing
This treatment is a private therapeutic strategy that is not covered by public health insurance. It will cost about 1.65 million yen including tax (which may vary depending on diagnosis).
Please contact us for further details.
[5] Route of acquisition
Stem cells are cultured at the affiliated CPC.
[6] Presence or absence of devices/drugs approved for the indications in Japan
No approved drugs for the indications are available in Japan.
[7] Safety information from other countries
There are no reports on safety in other countries.
*Significant risks may not have been identified.
[8] The fact that it has not been approved
Drugs used in this treatment are yet to receive approval in accordance with the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act.
[9] Unapproved drugs/devices
Public aid systems (such as Relief Systems for Adverse Drug Reactions and Infections Acquired through Biological Products) are not applicable to unapproved drugs and devices.
[10] Notification of regenerative medicine provision plans
To perform this treatment, we have submitted the notification of regenerative medicine provision plans to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in accordance with the Act on the Safety of Regenerative Medicine.
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Class 2 Regenerative Medicine Provision Plan No. PB3210146
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Class 2 Regenerative Medicine Provision Plan No. PB3230187
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Class 2 Regenerative Medicine Provision Plan No. PB3240017
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Class 2 Regenerative Medicine Provision Plan No. PB3230218
