MATERIAL and METHODS: Twenty-one patients, aged 42-79 years (median age 57.33 years), participated in the study. A total of 3 × 107 NPCs in 0.25 ml were deposited unilaterally into the striatum. To access the effectiveness of first transplantation surgery, comparisons between the resulting pre-first surgery evaluation and pre-second surgery evaluation were made with repeatedmeasures analysis of variance. Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Hoehn-Yahr, PDQ-39 and Schwab-England Scores were used to evaluate the Parkinson patients’ neurofunctions. Four aspects were used to assess the possible side effects of transplantation: a) tumor formation, b) immune rejection and use of immunosuppressant, c) graft induced complication and d) delivery related side effects.
RESULTS: This study demonstrated that the symptoms of PD patients were statistically improved after transplantation (P<0.01). There were no obvious side effects of transplantation.
CONCLUSION: Transplantation of neural precursor cells may be a valid and safe treatment method for Parkinson’s Disease.
Keywords : Parkinson’s disease, Transplantation, NPCs, Safety, Efficacy