Stem Cell Therapy in Parkinson’s Disease: Advances in Regenerative Medicine and Clinical Applications

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the gradual loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, resulting in both motor and non-motor symptoms. The current treatment options, including medications and surgical procedures, primarily focus on symptom management without addressing the underlying progression of the disease. Stem cell therapy has emerged as a promising approach in regenerative medicine for PD, aiming to replace the damaged neurons, restore dopamine production, and enhance overall patient outcomes. Furthermore, the review discusses the latest developments in clinical trials, evaluating the therapeutic potential as well as the limitations of stem cell-based treatments. While preclinical studies have demonstrated encouraging results, the translation of these findings into effective clinical treatments remains a complex challenge. The diverse nature of PD, varying patient responses, and long-term safety concerns emphasize the need for ongoing research. This review provides an in-depth analysis of stem cell therapies in PD, addressing their therapeutic potential, sources, and reprogramming techniques. It critically examines key challenges such as graft purity, safety, immunological rejection, and complications like dyskinesia. By exploring advancements in neural and dental pulp stem cells, the review underlines the role of PD microenvironment in influencing outcomes and highlights cutting-edge reprogramming approaches such as episomal and polycistronic vectors and helps to gain a comprehensive understanding of current innovations, limitations, and future directions in stem cell-based treatments for PD.