Advances in stem cell transplantation for traumatic spinal cord injury at different stages

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to sensory and motor dysfunction. Current treatments have limited effectiveness due to the complexity of SCI and the limited self-repair capacity of nerve cells. Stem cells can proliferate, self-renew, and differentiate into functional cells. Researchers are exploring stem cell therapy to repair damaged nerve cells and myelin sheaths, and improve the local microenvironment. The effectiveness of stem cell therapy is influenced by factors like the type of stem cells, transplantation method, and timing of transplantation relative to the injury stage.

• 1
  Clinical trials have demonstrated the safety and feasibility of stem cell transplantation in acute, subacute, and chronic SCI. These trials show potential for reducing inflammation and restoring nerve cell function.
• 2
  Studies suggest that the acute and subacute phases post-SCI may be ideal times for stem cell transplantation, but there are conflicting results.
• 3
  Chronic-phase stem cell transplantation can be effective in some cases, offering new avenues for treatment, though glial scar formation presents a challenge.