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A recent study from Gladstone Institutes highlights the potential of stem cell therapy in restoring neural activity after a stroke, offering hope for chronic brain injury recovery.
Stem cell therapy has shown potential to restore brain activity even weeks after an ischemic stroke. This development could provide a new treatment window for stroke patients who currently lack options for long-term recovery.
Stem cell therapy, specifically using SB623 cells, has demonstrated potential in reversing brain hyperexcitability in stroke-affected areas. This therapy, effective even when administered a month post-stroke, could offer a new treatment option for chronic brain injury patients. The study conducted at Gladstone Institutes used modified human stem cells in rat models, showing significant restoration of normal brain patterns and neural network balance. These findings could shape future therapeutic approaches and stem cell therapies to aid long-term recovery in patients with stroke-induced neural deficits.
Current stroke treatments are limited and cannot be administered long after the event.
Stroke is a leading cause of disability in the United States, with ischemic strokes accounting for the majority. Despite their prevalence, effective treatments that can be administered beyond the immediate aftermath of a stroke are lacking.
"There are currently no treatments that can be given weeks or months after a stroke to prevent long-term symptoms," says Dr. Jeanne Paz, lead researcher at Gladstone Institutes.
This reality underscores the need for novel approaches that can intervene in the later stages of stroke recovery, addressing the chronic effects on brain function.
Stem cells offer a possibility for neuroregeneration even after delayed treatment.
New research demonstrates that stem cell therapy, particularly using modified stem cells (SB623), can restore normal brain function in stroke-affected rats, even when administered a month later.
"Our findings suggest that this timepoint is not too late to intervene and make a difference," noted Dr. Jeanne Paz.
These findings represent a significant shift in how and when treatments can be applied post-stroke, potentially extending the therapeutic window significantly.
Stem cells help rebalance brain activity, crucial for recovery.
The study found that stem cells reduce brain hyperexcitability, a key factor in post-stroke complications like seizures and movement disorders. This reduction helps rebalance neural circuits.
"It seems these cells are essentially jump-starting the brain's own repair processes," said Dr. Barbara Klein, principal scientist at SanBio.
The reduction of hyperexcitability not only suggests improvement in brain function but also opens doors to developing additional therapies targeting similar pathways for broader clinical applications.
Exploring stem cell therapy could lead to new treatments for chronic stroke effects.
The potential of stem cell therapy in treating chronic stroke effects suggests that further exploration could enhance our understanding and treatment capabilities.
"This tells us there may be hope for chronic brain injury patients who, until now, did not have any treatment options," commented Dr. Agnieszka Ciesielska.
Continued research could identify specific molecular targets influenced by stem cell therapy, leading to novel drug developments that mimic its effects. This expansion could revolutionize post-stroke rehabilitation.
Klein, B., & Ciesielska, A. (2024). Modified human mesenchymal stromal/stem cells restore cortical excitability after focal ischemic stroke in rats. Molecular Therapy, 32(6), 1234-1247. doi:10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.12.006
Williams, S. CP. (2025). Stem Cell Therapy Jumpstarts Brain Recovery After Stroke. Gladstone Institutes. Retrieved from https://gladstone.org/news/stem-cell-therapy-jumpstarts-brain-recovery-after-stroke