The Possible Role of Stem Cells in Acupuncture Treatment for Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Literature Review of Basic Studies

Autor: Tsung-Jung Ho, Tzu-Min Chan, Li-Ing Ho, Ching-Yuan Lai, Chia-Hsien Lin, Iona Macdonald, Horng-Jyh Harn, Jaung-Geng Lin, Shinn-Zong Lin M.D., Ph.D., Yi-Hung Chen Ph.D.
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2014
Předmět:
Zdroj: Cell Transplantation, Vol 23 (2014)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 0963-6897
1555-3892
DOI: 10.3727/096368914X678463
Popis: This review reports on recent findings concerning the effects of acupuncture and electroacupuncture (EA) on stem cell mobilization and differentiation, in particular with regard to neurogenesis. Traditional Chinese acupuncture has a history of over 2,500 years and is becoming more popular worldwide. Evidence has demonstrated that acupuncture may be of benefit in stroke rehabilitation, parkinsonism, dementia, and depression. This article reviews recent studies concerning the effects of acupuncture/EA on stem cell mobilization and on progenitor cell proliferation in the CNS. The reviewed evidence indicates that acupuncture/EA has beneficial effects in several neurodegenerative diseases, and it may prove to be a nondrug method for mobilizing stem cells in the CNS.
Databáze: Directory of Open Access Journals