Dialogues in clinical neuroscience
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Dialogues Clin Neurosci · Jan 2011
ReviewIs progesterone a worthy candidate as a novel therapy for traumatic brain injury?
Although progesterone is critical to a healthy pregnancy, it is now known to have other important functions as well. Recent research demonstrates that this hormone is also a potent neurosteroid that can protect damaged cells in the central and peripheral nervous systems and has rapid actions that go well beyond its effects on the classical intranuclear progesterone receptor. ⋯ An industry-sponsored Phase III international trial is also under way, and planning for a trial using progesterone to treat pediatric brain injury has begun. Preclinical data suggest that progesterone may also be effective in stroke and some neurodegenerative disorders.
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Dialogues Clin Neurosci · Jan 2011
ReviewClinical translation of stem cell therapy in traumatic brain injury: the potential of encapsulated mesenchymal cell biodelivery of glucagon-like peptide-1.
Traumatic brain injury remains a major cause of death and disability; it is estimated that annually 10 million people are affected. Preclinical studies have shown the potential therapeutic value of stem cell therapies. ⋯ This article summarizes the current experimental evidence and points out hurdles for clinical application. Focusing on a cell therapy in the acute stage of head injury, the potential of encapsulated cell biodelivery as a novel cell-therapeutic approach will also be discussed.