Bone Marrow Stem Cells and Polymer Hydrogels—Two Strategies for Spinal Cord Injury Repair

Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, 2006 · DOI: 10.1007/s10571-006-9007-2 · Published: April 22, 2006

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Neurology

Simple Explanation

This research investigates two potential treatments for spinal cord injury: bone marrow stem cell transplantation and polymer hydrogel scaffolds. The study explores the effects of these strategies on spinal cord regeneration in rats and humans. The researchers compared the effectiveness of intravenous injections of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and bone marrow cells (BMCs) in rats with spinal cord injuries. They also tested the use of hydrogels, with and without MSCs, to bridge spinal cord lesions. The clinical trial involved patients with spinal cord lesions who received autologous BMC implantation. The study assessed the safety and potential benefits of this treatment by monitoring patients' neurological function and using imaging techniques.

Study Duration

35 days (rat experiments), 12 months (clinical trial follow-up)

Participants

Rats with spinal cord compression or hemisection, 20 human patients with transversal spinal cord lesion

Evidence Level

Level II: Experimental studies in rats, Phase I/II clinical trial in humans

Key Findings

1
In rats, MSC and BMC treatments led to smaller lesions, improved motor function, and faster recovery of sensitivity in hind limbs. MSC treatment showed more pronounced functional improvement.
2
In the clinical trial, BMC implantation was found to be safe. Some subacute patients who received cells via a. vertebralis showed partial improvement in ASIA score and recovery of MEP or SEP.
3
Hydrogel implantation in rats showed cellular ingrowth and axonal invasion. Biodegradable hydrogels were resorbed by macrophages and replaced by new tissue.

Research Summary

This study examines the potential of autologous adult stem cell transplantation and polymer scaffolds for spinal cord regeneration. It compares the effects of intravenous injections of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) or bone marrow cells (BMCs) in rats with spinal cord injuries. The researchers also investigated the use of macroporous hydrogels, with and without MSCs, to bridge spinal cord lesions in rats. They assessed the impact of these treatments on lesion size, motor function, sensitivity, and tissue regeneration. A Phase I/II clinical trial was conducted involving patients with spinal cord lesions who received autologous BMC implantation. The study evaluated the safety and potential benefits of this treatment through neurological assessments and imaging techniques.

Practical Implications

Stem cell therapy for SCI

Bone marrow cell transplantation shows promise as a potential treatment for spinal cord injury, particularly when administered early after injury.

Hydrogel scaffolds for SCI repair

Macroporous polymer hydrogels can serve as suitable materials for bridging cavities after SCI, promoting tissue regeneration and axonal ingrowth.

Combined therapeutic approaches

Combining stem cell grafting with hydrogel implantation may offer a more effective strategy for spinal cord injury repair by creating a permissive environment for cellular integration and axonal regeneration.

Study Limitations

1
The clinical trial involved a small number of patients, limiting the ability to draw definitive conclusions.
2
The long-term effects of stem cell and hydrogel treatments on spinal cord regeneration are not fully understood.
3
Further research is needed to identify the optimal cell types, delivery methods, and therapeutic windows for SCI treatment.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury