Therapeutic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Niemann-Pick Disease

Niemann-Pick disease (NPD) is a rare autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disease characterized by hepatosplenomegaly, neuropathy, and a significantly shortened lifespan. Lipid metabolism disorder is the main pathological feature of NPD. Currently, the exact pathogenesis of NPD remains unclear, and drug therapy is largely palliative, focusing on symptom management, but it has side effects. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess several advantageous properties, including their differentiation potential, wide availability, low immunogenicity, and the ability to secrete regulatory factors, which have led to their extensive application in basic research targeting neurodegenerative diseases. Studies have demonstrated that transplantation of MSCs from different sources into animal models of NPD can delay the loss of Purkinje cells in the cerebellum, reduce lipid deposition, improve motor coordination, slow the rate of weight loss, and extend lifespan. This review explores the therapeutic potential of MSCs in the treatment of NPD, highlighting their emerging role in addressing this challenging condition.