Abstract: A method of treating neurodegenerative diseases using hUCB plasma is presented herein. hUCB plasma attenuated the hyperactive response (Group III) and potentiated the normal response in Group I ALS patients, but did not alter that of the non-responders to PHA (Group II). The elevated activity of caspase 3/7 observed in the MNCs from ALS patients was significantly reduced by hUCB plasma treatment. The ability of hUCB plasma to modulate the mitogen cell response and reduce caspase activity suggest that the use of hUCB plasma alone, or with stem cells, may prove useful as a therapeutic in ALS patients. hUCB plasma was shown to increase therapeutic efficacy of MNCs as well as decrease apoptosis of MNCs. The cytokine profile of hUCB plasma supports its usefulness as a sole therapeutic as well as an additive to MNCs.

Abstract: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by degeneration of motor neurons in the spinal cord and brain. Increasing evidence shows autoimmune mechanisms likely promote disease progression. Human umbilical cord blood (hUCB) derived plasma is rich in cytokines and growth factors that are required for growth and survival of cells during hematopoiesis. hUCB plasma attenuated the hyperactive response (Group III) and potentiated the normal response in Group I ALS patients, but did not alter that of the non-responders to PHA (Group II). The elevated activity of caspase 3/7 observed in the MNCs from ALS patients was significantly reduced by hUCB plasma treatment. The ability of hUCB plasma to modulate the mitogen cell response and reduce caspase activity suggest that the use of hUCB plasma alone, or with stem cells, may prove useful as a therapeutic in ALS patients.

Abstract: A method of treating neurodegenerative diseases using hUCB plasma is presented herein. hUCB plasma attenuated the hyperactive response (Group III) and potentiated the normal response in Group I ALS patients, but did not alter that of the non-responders to PHA (Group II). The elevated activity of caspase 3/7 observed in the MNCs from ALS patients was significantly reduced by hUCB plasma treatment. The ability of hUCB plasma to modulate the mitogen cell response and reduce caspase activity suggest that the use of hUCB plasma alone, or with stem cells, may prove useful as a therapeutic in ALS patients. hUCB plasma was shown to increase therapeutic efficacy of MNCs as well as decrease apoptosis of MNCs. The cytokine profile of hUCB plasma supports its usefulness as a sole therapeutic as well as an additive to MNCs.