Adipose-derived stem cell therapy for spinal cord injuries: Advances, challenges, and future directions

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) severely limit movement, and current treatments offer limited recovery. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) show promise because they can transform into various cell types, protect nerve cells, and reduce inflammation. This article explores how ADSC therapy can potentially improve movement, focusing on progress in lab studies and early human trials, as well as the obstacles and future research directions. While early trials show ADSCs are safe and potentially improve motor and sensory functions, challenges remain in ensuring cell survival after transplant, determining the right dosage, and preventing tumor formation. Future studies will explore combining ADSC therapy with other treatments like rehabilitation and medication.

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  Preclinical studies suggest ADSC transplantation promotes functional recovery, reduces cavity formation, and enhances nerve regrowth and myelin repair in SCI models.
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  Early clinical trials indicate ADSC therapy is safe and feasible, with some evidence suggesting improvements in motor and sensory function in SCI patients.
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  Strategies to enhance ADSC efficacy, such as genetic modification and combination with rehabilitation, are being explored to further improve outcomes.