System and method for stimulating and activating stem cells using electromagnetic fields for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases

Abstract

The invention relates to a system and method for treating neurodegenerative diseases through the activation and stimulation of stem cells using electromagnetic fields. The activated stem cells are then delivered via nasal administration to cross the blood-brain barrier and migrate to the brain, where further electromagnetic stimulation enhances the cells' effectiveness in regenerating and repairing damaged areas of the central nervous system.

Description

[0001] Invention Title

[0002] System and method for stimulating and activating stem cells using electromagnetic fields for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases

[0003] Invention Field

[0004] The invention falls within the field of biotechnology and regenerative medicine, specifically in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases affecting the central nervous system, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis and other similar conditions.

[0005] State of the Art

[0006] Currently, the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases is limited by therapies that often fail to regenerate damaged nerve tissue. Stem cells are known for their regenerative abilities, but their effectiveness is limited by problems related to their survival, migration and differentiation in the brain. The use of electromagnetic fields to stimulate these cells represents an innovative approach that can significantly improve therapeutic outcomes.

[0007] Invention Description

[0008] The invention describes a system consisting of a series of radiofrequency (RF) generators and power supplies connected to coils designed to create specific electromagnetic fields.

[0009] The stages of the system include:

[0010] 1. Activation / Stimulation of Stem Cells:

[0011] Stem cells are exposed to electromagnetic fields generated by strategically positioned coils. This exposure induces changes in cellular metabolism, increasing the ability of stem cells to survive, proliferate and differentiate. Electromagnetic fields stimulate cellular signalling pathways, improving the production of neurotrophic factors and other bioactive compounds that promote neuronal regeneration.

[0012] 2. Nasal Administration of Stem Cells:

[0013] The activated stem cells are then delivered nasally. This route of administration is chosen for its ability to allow direct passage of cells through the blood-brain barrier, promoting cell migration into the central nervous system.

[0014] 3. Magnetic Brain Stimulation:

[0015] Once the stem cells have reached the brain, the system applies additional localised electromagnetic stimulation. This stimulation serves to: o Increase the penetration and diffusion of stem cells into damaged areas of the brain. o Induce greater differentiation of stem cells into neurons and other glial cells, o Stimulate neuronal activity and promote the formation of new synapses. Detailed description of the figure

[0016] Detailed description of the figure

[0017] The figure illustrates a system for treating neurodegenerative diseases, which includes a stimulation unit for activating stem cells, an administration pathway for transferring cells to the brain, and an additional stimulation unit for the brain. The main components of the system and their operation are described as follows:

[0018] 1 . Radiofrequency Generator (RF GEN) and Power Supply o Components (1 A, 1 B, 1 C, 1 D and 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D): The figure shows four radiofrequency generators labelled RF GEN (1A, 1 B, 1 C, 1 D) and their respective antennas (3A, 3B, 3C, 3D) and the power supplies used to generate the magnetic fields (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D), the storage capacitors (6A, 6B, 6C, 6D), the capacitor discharge switch on the coil (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D) and the magnetic field generation coils (4A, 4B, 4C, 4D). These elements are responsible for producing RF signals which, in combination with magnetic fields, are used to stimulate both stem cells and areas of the brain. The number of coils acting on the brain can vary from 1 to 10; three are shown in the diagram.

[0019] 2. Activation of Stem Cells o Stimulation Phases (7, 8, 4A, 5A, 6A): The stem cells, indicated in the area labelled “Stem Cells” (7), are exposed to a combination of magnetic fields generated by the coils (4A) and radiofrequency signals produced by the RF generator (1 A) through the power supply (2A). This combined stimulation (8) improves the vitality and regenerative capacity of stem cells, inducing changes in their metabolic activity and growth factor production.

[0020] 3. Nasal Administration of Stem Cells o Components (9, 10): Once activated, the stem cells are transferred via a nasal administration route (9), shown in the figure as a pipette or nebuliser device. This route allows the cells to cross the blood-brain barrier and reach the brain (10), facilitating cell migration into the central nervous system. n Stimulation Brain Stimulation Phases (11 , 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D): After migrating into the brain, the stem cells are subjected to further stimulation via magnetic fields and RF signals generated by another set of coils (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D) and RF generators (3A, 3B, 3C, 3D). This step is crucial for promoting the integration of stem cells into damaged areas of the brain, stimulating neurogenesis and the formation of new synaptic connections. ulation Modalities Stimulation modalities involve the use of magnetic fields alone, produced by a capacitive discharge on the respective coil, or in combination with radiofrequency signals. The choice between the exclusive use of magnetic fields or the combination with RF depends on the specific pathological conditions being treated and the response of stem cells to different stimulation modes. Magnetic fields are used to orient and direct cells, while RF can modulate cell activity by improving intercellular communication and proliferation.

[0021] Drawings Description

[0022] The system is illustrated through schematic drawings showing:

[0023] • The arrangement of RF generators, power supplies and coils for activating stem cells.

[0024] • The nasal administration route for transferring cells to the brain.

[0025] • The position of coils and generators for magnetic stimulation of the brain.

[0026] Realisation Examples

[0027] The system described can be implemented using different types of stem cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells taken from the patient's bone marrow. These cells are activated using combined electromagnetic fields, employing radiofrequency generators and coils arranged in such a way as to optimise cell exposure. After activation, the cells are administered nasally using a nebulisation device, which facilitates direct access to the brain through the blood-brain barrier. Once in the brain, the cells are further stimulated by localised electromagnetic fields to enhance neuronal tissue regeneration, promoting the restoration of cognitive and motor functions.

Claims

ClaimsIndependent Claim1. System for treating neurodegenerative diseases, comprising: o An activation unit designed to expose stem cells to electromagnetic fields generated by at least one radiofrequency generator and one or more coils to generate magnetic fields using capacitive discharge, in order to improve the regenerative capabilities of stem cells by inducing changes in cellular metabolism and the production of neurotrophic growth factors; o A nasal delivery device configured to transfer the activated stem cells into the central nervous system, crossing the blood-brain barrier, to enable effective distribution of the cells in the brain; o A brain stimulation module comprising a variable number of generators configured to apply electromagnetic fields within the brain, using a combination of magnetic fields produced by a capacitive discharge on a coil and radiofrequency signals, to facilitate the migration and differentiation of stem cells in damaged brain areas, improving neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity and neuronal tissue regeneration.Dependent Claims1 . A system according to claim 1 , wherein the generated electromagnetic field has a frequency between 0.5 Hz and 100 kHz.

2. A system according to claim 1 , wherein the stem cells are mesenchymal stem cells.

3. A system according to claim 1 , where electromagnetic stimulation in the brain is applied in a pulsed mode to optimize cell proliferation and differentiation.

4. A system according to claim 1 , wherein the nasal delivery device uses a formulation that includes a permeabilizing agent to facilitate passage through the blood-brain barrier.

Images