Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Application Combined With Fibrin Matrix Promotes Structural and Functional Recovery Following Spinal Cord Injury in Rats

Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2018 · DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00343 · Published: April 10, 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Pharmacology Regenerative Medicine

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the use of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) combined with a fibrin matrix to treat spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. The goal is to see if this combination can help the spinal cord recover after an injury. The researchers applied AD-MSCs mixed with fibrin matrix to the injured spinal cords of rats in the subacute phase (2 weeks after the initial injury) and then assessed structural and functional recovery. They compared this treatment to a control group that received only the fibrin matrix. The results showed that the AD-MSC application had a positive impact on functional and structural recovery after SCI. This was evident in behavioral, electrophysiological, and morphometric studies, which indicated reduced cavity formation and enhanced tissue retention at the injury site.

Study Duration

11 weeks

Participants

20 rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The application of AD-MSCs combined with fibrin matrix significantly improved motor function in rats with SCI, as demonstrated by higher BBB locomotor scores compared to the control group.
2
AD-MSC application reduced the area of abnormal cavities and enhanced tissue retention at the site of spinal cord injury.
3
The study found that AD-MSC application decreased GFAP expression (a marker of astroglial activation) and Iba1 expression (a marker of microglial cells) in the area of SCI.

Research Summary

This study evaluated the effectiveness of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) combined with a fibrin matrix in promoting structural and functional recovery following spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. The results indicated that AD-MSC application positively impacted functional recovery, reduced cavity formation, and enhanced tissue retention after SCI. These findings were supported by behavioral, electrophysiological, and morphometric studies. The study also found that AD-MSC application decreased GFAP and Iba1 expression, suggesting a reduction in astroglial and microglial activation, and upregulated PDGFβR and HSPA1b mRNA expression, indicating stimulated neuroregeneration.

Practical Implications

Clinical Translation

AD-MSCs combined with fibrin matrix shows potential as a therapeutic strategy for SCI treatment, warranting further clinical development.

Neuroregeneration

The study provides insights into the mechanisms by which AD-MSCs stimulate nervous tissue regeneration, particularly through modulation of glial cell activation and upregulation of neurotrophic factors.

Biomaterial Design

The combination of AD-MSCs with a fibrin matrix highlights the importance of biomaterial design in creating a supportive microenvironment for cell-based therapies in SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on rats, and the results may not directly translate to humans.
2
The cellular mechanisms and biological properties of MSCs should be disclosed more clearly.
3
Translation to the clinic will need preclinical studies on larger animals.

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