2006 NOV 20 -- Tiantan Puhua Neurosurgical Hospital announced the first known successful stem cell therapy treatment in China of an American citizen inflicted with Parkinson disease.

A unique procedure was applied at the hospital that was specifically designed for Parkinson patients. This patient was 52-year-old Penny Thomas, Hawaii, whose progress is being carefully monitored.

The treatment at Tiantan Puhua Hospital introduces human retinal pigment epithelial cells (hRPE) to patients' bodies causing them to naturally produce dopamine, enhancing dopamine levels in the brain. The hospital's use of hRPE cells means that patients do not have immunosuppressive reactions and therefore do not need to take additional drugs during the treatment. Specifically, the treatment includes a procedure that introduces hRPE cells into the region in the brain where there are damaged cells, along with a daily cocktail of medications that "fertilize" this area, helping the cells to survive.

Parkinson disease is a brain disorder that occurs when certain nerve cells in the brain die or become damaged. The normal function of these nerve cells is the production of dopamine, a vital chemical which is responsible for the body's smooth and well-coordinated movement. The lack of dopamine as a result of damaged nerve cells can cause the Parkinson symptoms of shaking (tremors), stiffness of the muscles, freeze-ups, balance difficulties and slowness of movement.

Penny Thomas was diagnosed with Parkinson by doctors in the U.S. 4 years prior and has since suffered from almost every symptom of the disease. Her muscles were very tense, yet extremely weak. She experienced constant shaking in her hands, had severe difficulty getting out of a bed or chair by herself, and could only eat if her food was prepared for her in a way that allowed her to use a spoon or her fingers. She had given up reading and writing and had extreme difficulty performing operations most people take for granted, such as holding a telephone, getting dressed, brushing her hair or even turning her neck. Penny often experienced "freeze-ups" while walking whereby she would stop and not be able to continue her motion.

After 2 months of stem cell therapy, which included neurological nutritional balancing and rehabilitation in Tiantan Puhua Hospital in Beijing, Thomas said she regained her life back. Her shaking was greatly reduced, muscle tension disappeared, her strength increased, movement became more fluid, and her freeze-ups stopped. After the treatment, she was able to get out of bed immediately and without help.

Tiantan (Temple of Heaven) Puhua Hospital collaborates with the Stem Cells Research Center of China's Peking University, a leading stem cells research group in China. There, stem cells are nurtured and induced for clinical treatment. To date, over 20 Parkinson patients have been treated using hRPE stem cells, with all patients exhibiting increased dopamine in their metabolism and improved control of movement.

This article was prepared by Stem Cell Week editors from staff and other reports.