Cells transplanted from human umbilical cord blood cells may help to improve cognition in people with Alzheimer’s disease, based on animal models.
Donna Darlington, PhD, of the Rashid Laboratory for Developmental Neurobiology at the Silver Child Development Center, University of South Florida, Tampa and colleagues, conducted experiments on mice modeled with Alzheimer’s. Over several months, the mice were treated with human umbilical cord blood cells (HUCBCs)-treated monocytes, which are peripheral blood mononuclear cells critical in the immune system for fighting infection. Their behavior was monitored, and biochemical analyses were performed.
The HUCBC-derived monocytes lead to a decline in toxic amyloid-beta protein in the mice, as well as improved hippocampal-dependent learning, memory, and motor function, the researchers reported in the journal Cell Transplantation.
“We believe that phagocytosis (a process by which cells internalize solid particles) is a possible mechanism by which MNCs mediate Aβ clearance,” the researchers wrote. “Most importantly, we found that aged monocytes were less effective against Aβ and that soluble amyloid precursor protein (sAPPa) could restore the phagocytic capabilities of these endogenous aged cells.”
Slideshow
Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and eventually even the ability to carry out the simplest tasks, according to the National Institute on Aging. In most people with Alzheimer’s, symptoms first…
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which affects an estimated 26 million people worldwide, is the fourth leading cause of death among the elderly and the leading cause of dementia. Predictions are that the number of AD cases will quadruple by 2050.
Although pharmacological methods for treating AD have been discovered, none significantly delay the progression of the disease. However, cell transplantation research using animals modeled with AD has indicated that human umbilical cord blood cells (HUCBCs) can ameliorate some cognitive deficits and reduce the effects of the amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques, one of the physiological hallmarks of AD, comprised of peptides of 36-43 amino acids. However, the role that HUCBCs play in Aβ clearance has yet to be elucidated.
Enjoying our content?
Thanks for visiting Psychiatry Advisor. We hope you’re enjoying the latest clinical news, full-length features, case studies, and more.
You’ve viewed {{metering-count}} of {{metering-total}} articles this month. If you wish to read unlimited content, please log in or register below. Registration is free.
{{login-button}} {{register-button}}
Log in to continue reading this article.
Don’t miss out on today’s top content on Psychiatry Advisor. Register for free and gain unlimited access to:
- Clinical News, with personalized daily picks for you
- Evidence-Based Guidance
- Conference Coverage
- Unique Psychiatry Case Studies
- Full-Length Features
- Drug Monographs
- And More
{{login-button}} {{register-button}}
Want to read more?
Please login or register first to view this content.