Acellular spinal cord scaffold seeded with rat adipose-derived stem cells facilitates functional recovery via enhancing axon regeneration in spinal cord injured rats

MOLECULAR MEDICINE REPORTS, 2018 · DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.8238 · Published: January 1, 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Biomedical

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to significant sensory and motor impairments and is a major health issue. Current treatments offer limited benefits. This study explores the potential of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) combined with acellular spinal cord scaffolds (ASCs) to promote recovery. The researchers isolated ADSCs from rats and cultured them with ASCs. They then created a rat model of SCI and divided the rats into three groups: SCI only, ASC only, and ASC + ADSCs. Functional recovery, tissue remodeling, and axon regeneration were assessed. Rats that received transplants of ASCs seeded with ADSCs showed significant improvements in functional recovery. The treatment facilitated tissue repair, axon regeneration, and reduced reactive gliosis. The ADSCs appeared to survive and integrate into the host spinal cord.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Adult male SD rats (body weight, 200‑250 g)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Rat ADSCs (rADSCs) were successfully isolated and characterized, expressing specific cell surface markers and demonstrating the ability to differentiate into osteocytes and adipocytes.
2
Transplantation of ASCs seeded with rADSCs significantly improved functional recovery in rats with SCI, as evidenced by improved BBB scores and reduced hypersensitivity to mechanical and thermal stimulation.
3
The combination of ASCs and rADSCs facilitated histopathological rehabilitation, promoted axon regeneration, and reduced reactive gliosis in the injured spinal cord.

Research Summary

This study investigates the potential of transplanting acellular spinal cord scaffolds (ASCs) seeded with rat adipose-derived stem cells (rADSCs) to treat spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. The hypothesis is that this combined approach will promote functional recovery by enhancing axon regeneration and reducing reactive gliosis. The results demonstrate that rADSCs can be successfully isolated and cultured, and that they are biocompatible with ASCs. Furthermore, transplantation of ASCs seeded with rADSCs leads to significant improvements in functional recovery after SCI in rats. The study concludes that transplantation of ASCs seeded with ADSCs is a safe and feasible strategy for cell replacement therapy in the treatment of SCI in rats, with the underlying mechanisms involving promotion of axon outgrowth and reduction of reactive gliosis.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Strategy

The engraftment of ASCs seeded with ADSCs could be a feasible therapeutic strategy for SCI.

Clinical Translation

ADSCs are easily harvested with less damage, holding a significant priority of ethical restriction, suggesting potential for autologous transplantation.

Underlying Mechanisms

The study highlights the importance of promoting axon outgrowth and reducing reactive gliosis as key mechanisms for functional renovation in SCI treatment.

Study Limitations

1
The exact mechanisms of axon outgrowth and the extent of outgrowth need further investigation.
2
The specific function of ADSCs implantation that dominates the recovery process needs to be elucidated.
3
The optimal therapeutic window for engraftment needs to be determined to maximize effectiveness.

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