Therapeutic Potential of Nerve Growth Factor-Modified Hair Follicle Stem Cells Transplantation in a Rat Model of Alzheimer's Disease

The study investigates the therapeutic potential of hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) and nerve growth factor (NGF)-modified HFSCs in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). It involved 60 male SD rats divided into four groups, including a control group. The research demonstrated that NGF-modified HFSCs improved cognitive function, reduced amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition, and decreased tau hyperphosphorylation by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. These treatments also enhanced synaptic function and reduced amyloid plaque formation, suggesting that HFSCs and NGF-modified HFSCs could be promising treatment options for AD. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and address any limitations.