Adipose tissue derived stem cell secretome induces motor and histological gains after complete spinal cord injury in Xenopus laevis and mice

Journal of Tissue Engineering, 2024 · DOI: 10.1177/20417314231203824 · Published: January 1, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Biomedical

Simple Explanation

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are being explored as a treatment for spinal cord injuries because of their ability to help damaged tissues heal. MSCs release substances, known as a secretome, that contain anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors which may help in nerve regeneration. This study investigates the potential of using the secretome from adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) as a cell-free therapy for spinal cord injuries. The research involved using two different animal models with spinal cord injuries: Xenopus laevis (a type of frog) and mice. In both models, the spinal cord was completely severed. The study then looked at whether the ASC secretome could help the animals recover their motor function and promote tissue regeneration in the injured area. The findings showed that the ASC secretome had positive effects on functional recovery in both animal models. This recovery was linked to signs of tissue regeneration in the injured area. In the mice study, the secretome also helped preserve white matter and regulate inflammation in the injured spinal cord and throughout the body.

Study Duration

6 Weeks (mice model)

Participants

Xenopus laevis tadpoles and C5Bl/6 mice

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
ASC secretome improves functional recovery of Xenopus laevis tadpoles after SCI, promoting significant functional recovery compared to neurobasal-treated animals.
2
ASC secretome favors axonal sprouting and regeneration in Xenopus laevis tadpoles after SCI, showing a clear gap closure and the formation of a robust axonal bridge at the lesion core.
3
ASC secretome improves motor function of mice after SCI, significantly improving the locomotor function of the transected animals, when compared to NB treatment.

Research Summary

This study investigates the potential of adipose tissue-derived stem cell (ASC) secretome as a cell-free therapy for spinal cord injury (SCI) using Xenopus laevis and mice models. The results demonstrate positive impacts of ASC secretome on functional recovery, correlated with histopathological markers of regeneration in both models. The mouse study further revealed white matter preservation and modulation of the local and peripheral inflammatory response induced by the secretome.

Practical Implications

Cell-Free Therapy Potential

ASC secretome shows promise as a cell-free therapeutic strategy for SCI, offering advantages in manufacturing, storage, and handling compared to cell-based therapies.

Neuroinflammation Modulation

The impact of ASC secretome on neuroinflammation is significant, as it can modulate the inflammatory response and promote axonal outgrowth, which are crucial for SCI recovery.

Regenerative Process Extension

ASC secretome may extend the regenerative process in adult tissues, suggesting a potential for long-term improvements in locomotor function and tissue repair.

Study Limitations

1
Mechanisms underlying the effects of ASC secretome on regeneration of tadpoles after SCI were not unveiled.
2
Further studies using intermediate time-points after SCI are warranted to investigate the relationship of ASC secretome treatment and the response of pathophysiological and neuro-restorative hallmarks.
3
Future mechanistic explorations to improve the neuroregulatory profile of ASCs secretome for SCI applications will be instrumental in the pursuit of clinical translation.

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