Stem cell grafts as therapeutic tools for central nervous system disorders

The last few years have seen a growing interest in stem cell research. The media has helped to keep attention to the subject making it as popular as therapeutic cloning. A number of studies highlighted the importance of stem cells as prospective therapy for neurodegenerative conditions. The possibility of successful treatment for such pathologies using stem cells has raised enormous hope. Whilst in some countries biotechnologists have realised the commercial potential of the field, human stem cell research and its clinical applications have constantly been subject of ethical and legal debate. The present review brings an overview of recent aspects of stem cell research for central nervous system disorders, with special attention to Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, cerebral ischemic insult and spinal cord injury. Furthermore, the ethical implications regarding the use of embryonic stem cells as a fundamentally more promising cell type are discussed.