Combining Growth Factor and Stem Cell Therapy for Stroke Rehabilitation, A Review

Stroke is a serious, life-threatening condition demanding vigorous search for new therapies. Recent research has focused on stem cell-based therapies as a viable choice following ischemic stroke, based on studies displaying that stem cells transplanted to the brain not only survive but also cause functional recovery. Growth factors defined as polypeptides that regulate the growth and differentiation of many cell types. Many studies have demonstrated that combined use of growth factors may increase results by the stimulation of endogenous neurogenesis, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotection properties, and enhancement of stem cell survival rates and so may be more effective than a single stem cell therapy. This paper reviews and discusses the most promising new stroke recovery research, including combination treatment.