Examining the potentials of stem cell therapy in reducing the burden of selected non-communicable diseases in Africa

Abstract

Stem cell therapy (SCT) is a promising solution for addressing health challenges in Africa, particularly non-communicable diseases (NCDs). With their regenerative potential, stem cells have the inherent capacity to differentiate into numerous cell types for tissue repair. Despite infrastructural, ethical, and legal challenges, SCT holds immense promise for managing chronic illnesses and deep-seated tissue injuries. The rising prevalence of NCDs in Africa highlights the need for innovative strategies and treatment options. SCT offers hope in combating conditions like burns, osteoarthritis, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, heart failure and cancer, potentially reducing the burden of NCDs on the continent. Despite SCT’s opportunities in Africa, there are significant obstacles. However, published research on SCT in Africa is scarce, but recent initiatives such as the Basic School on Neural Stem Cells (NSC) express interest in developing NSC research in Africa. SCT research in African regions, notably on neurogenesis, demonstrates a concentration on studying neurological processes in indigenous settings. While progress has been made in South Africa and Nigeria, issues such as brain drain and impediments to innovation remain. Clinical trials have investigated the efficacy of stem cell treatments, emphasising both potential benefits and limitations in implementing these therapies efficiently. Financing research, developing regulatory frameworks, and resolving affordability concerns are critical steps toward realizing the potential of stem cell treatment in Africa.

1. Introduction

Stem cells, basic undifferentiated cells, hold great potential in regenerative medicine. There are promises for Africa’s tissue regeneration and engineering, which could be revolutionised by stem cell therapy (SCT) [1, 2]. SCT stimulates, regulates, and modulates the body’s endogenous stem cells while rejuvenating tissues and maintaining their original characteristics [1]. They are an essential component of medical research and therapy and are categorised based on their origin as embryonic stem cells (ESCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), or mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) [2]. By harnessing the clinical potential of stem cells and their derivatives, SCT stimulates the body’s innate healing capabilities to repair damaged and malfunctioning tissues [3]. They replace damaged cells and tissues, perhaps eliminating the need for costly, lifelong treatment modalities [3, 4]. Africa’s health issues could be resolved by leveraging stem cells’ diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities to cure various chronic illnesses, wounds, and impairments [3, 5]. Stem cells can differentiate into cell types to repair damaged tissues, such as neurons, cardiac, and liver cells, based on the body’s needs [4, 5]. They are classified as totipotent, multipotent, unipotent, or pluripotent based on their differentiating capacity [2, 3, 5]. Additionally, they have anti-inflammatory qualities, promote epithelial cell growth, and stop wounds from scarring, while the neurological system and bone tissue regeneration are significantly aided [5]. However, despite its enormous potential advantages, infrastructural, ethical, and legal considerations must be addressed to guarantee its safe and efficient clinical application [4].

The burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is becoming a global and public health concern, especially in Africa. Conditions such as burns, osteoarthritis, cancer, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, spinal cord injuries, heart failure and stroke are increasing, posing a substantial threat in the region (Fig. 1) [13]. These diseases are becoming more prevalent than communicable diseases as the leading cause of death among those under the age of 70, fuelled by recent socioeconomic, demographic, and epidemiological dynamics in the region (Fig. 2) [13, 14]. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that NCDs cause an annual loss of nearly 2.4 trillion dollars to Africa’s gross domestic product. [6, 7]. Consequently, to address this growing crisis, innovative strategies and treatment options are urgently needed.