326
Views
2
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
REVIEW ARTICLE

Mesenchymal stem cells in autism spectrum and neurodevelopmental disorders: pitfalls and potential promises

, &
Pages 368-375 | Received 04 May 2015, Accepted 25 Jun 2015, Published online: 31 Jul 2015
 

Abstract

Objectives. In this conceptual review, the authors discuss the promises and pitfalls in the use of mesenchymal stem cells as a potential experimental therapeutic for autism spectrum and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Methods. The relevant literature in autism spectrum disorders and other neurodevelopmental disorders regarding immune dysregulation and neuroinflammation and relevant therapeutics with mesenchymal stem cell infusion is reviewed. The relevant literature pertaining to mesenchymal stem cells and their clinical applications is also reviewed. Results. It is proposed that immune dysregulation and neuroinflammation play a role in the aetiology of autism spectrum disorders. Mesenchymal stem cells have been shown to have immune-modulating capabilities and are neuroprotective. There are three international studies that have utilized mesenchymal stem cell infusions as a treatment for children with autism spectrum disorders, all of which demonstrated improvement in autism rating scale scores, although each study has limitations which are described. Conclusions. Mesenchymal stem cell transplantation for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders is a novel approach that deserves further investigation, however substantial methodological and theoretical challenges and pitfalls remain before this can be considered a viable therapeutic option.

Acknowledgements

None.

Statement of Interest

Dr Hollander has received research funding from Roche, Coronado Bioscience, Curemark, Sunovion, Forest, Brainsway, Enzymotec, Simons Foundation, NARSAD, Orphan Products Division of the Food and Drug Administration, and NIH; consulted to Roche and Coronado Bioscience; and has intellectual property related to oxytocin and autism.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.