Cell-Based and Gene-Based Therapy Approaches in Neuro-orthopedic Disorders: a Literature Review

Purpose Neuro-orthopedic disorders are a broad spectrum of disorders which affects muscular function and this field is a challenging field in medicine. Tissue engineering (TE) is an emerging field of medicine. In recent years, advances have been made in the use of tissue engineering to treat neuro-orthopedic disorders. Progress in tissue engineering methods for treating neuro-orthopedic disorders needs a multi-disciplinary collaboration between clinicians and basic science researchers. Methods This review is a comprehensive review which addresses clinicians about progresses in tissue engineering methods for treating neuro-orthopedic disorders including muscular dystrophies, myelomeningocele, and cerebral palsy. Result Studies are promising in tissue engineering as a treatment for neuro-orthopedic disorders. However, more experiments are needed to improve the current methods. Conclusion Although much progress has been made in the field of tissue engineering and gene therapy in treatment of some neuromuscular disorders, developing better animal models, finding the best cell for tissue engineering, and advancing of new methods in gene therapy will help us to progress more and more to reach the final and definite treatment. Summary Neuro-orthopedic disorders are a broad spectrum of disorders which affects muscular function and this field is a challenging field in medicine. Tissue engineering (TE), as an important part of tissue regeneration strategies, is being widely used in medicine and treatment in recent years. Although much progress has been made in the field of tissue engineering and gene therapy in treatment of some neuromuscular disorders, we are still at the beginning and there is a long way to go. The more we know about the mechanism and pathophysiology of a disease, the more chance we have to reach a better result. Developing better animal models, finding the best cell for tissue engineering, and advancing of new methods in gene therapy will help us to progress more and more to reach the final and definite treatment. Lay Summary Cerebral palsy, myelomeningocele, and muscular dystrophies are disorders that affect the muscles and nerves. They start in childhood and impair the movement and development of the patients for the rest of their lives. Some of these disorders, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, significantly shorten the life span. These disorders do not have any effective treatment yet. Stem cell therapy and gene therapy are new ways of tre