Cell Therapy for Spina Bifida
摘要
Spina bifida is a congenital neural tube defect resulting from the incomplete closure of the neural tube during early embryonic development, leading to varying degrees of spinal and neurological impairments. SB occurs in three primary forms: occulta, meningocele, and the most severe form—myelomeningocele. The condition has a global incidence of 18.6 per 10,000 live births, varying significantly by region. Incomplete neural tube closure can expose neurological tissue to amniotic fluid, causing progressive damage and leading to severe motor, bowel, and bladder dysfunction. While current surgical treatments, both prenatal and postnatal, can help manage some symptoms, they do not prevent all neurological damage, underscoring the need for innovative therapies. Cell therapy has emerged as a promising approach, with studies showing that stem cells can aid in the reclosure of neural tube defects, replace damaged cells, and provide neuroprotection. Initial clinical trials using autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells and mesenchymal stem cells have demonstrated improvements in motor and bladder function with minimal adverse effects. Despite these promising results, further research is necessary to optimize cell therapy protocols and determine the best timing for intervention, including the potential for prenatal application.