Can a Scaffold Enriched with Mesenchymal Stem Cells Be a Good Treatment for Spinal Cord Injury?

Int. J. Mol. Sci., 2022 · DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147545 · Published: July 7, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Biomedical

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating condition, and new therapies based on stem cells are being explored to promote neuronal regeneration. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are particularly promising because they can release trophic factors and differentiate into spinal cord cell types. A challenge is the low survival rate of cells infused into the lesion site. Tissue engineering is focusing on bioresorbable scaffolds to help cells remain in place and provide trophic support for neuroregeneration. This review highlights the positive results of using biomaterial scaffolds enriched with MSCs in in vivo SCI models and early clinical trial evidence, focusing on materials like collagen, fibrin, chitosan, and PLGA.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

In vivo SCI models and clinical trials

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
Collagen scaffolds combined with MSCs show promise due to their biocompatibility and ability to promote axonal regeneration and reduce inflammation in SCI models.
2
Fibrin scaffolds, used as injections or oriented fiber systems, exhibit potential for creating a favorable environment for cell survival and differentiation, supporting functional recovery after SCI.
3
Chitosan, whether in hydrogel or nanofiber form, promotes cell adhesion and interaction with cell surfaces, creating a useful environment for cells and demonstrating promising results in SCI treatment.

Research Summary

This review examines the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in combination with biomaterial scaffolds as a potential therapeutic strategy for spinal cord injury (SCI). The focus is on the cellular and functional effects of MSC/scaffold co-grafts, particularly nerve regeneration and motor recovery, using in vivo SCI models and discussing first evidence from clinical trials. The review covers four biomaterials—collagen, fibrin, chitosan, and poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA)—and highlights their individual and combined potential in promoting neuroprotection and regeneration in SCI models.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Development

The combination of MSCs and scaffolds represents a promising therapeutic avenue for SCI, offering potential for nerve regeneration and motor function recovery.

Clinical Translation

The clinical trials discussed suggest that MSC-enriched scaffolds can create a favorable microenvironment for nerve regeneration and motor recovery in SCI patients, meriting further clinical investigation.

Biomaterial Selection

The review provides insights into the advantages and limitations of different biomaterials (collagen, fibrin, chitosan, PLGA) in SCI treatment, guiding material selection for scaffold design.

Study Limitations

1
Lack of standardization in MSC use and scaffold creation across studies
2
Incomplete in vitro models and complexities in standardizing in vivo SCI models
3
Variations in lesion types and timing of scaffold transplantation, creating difficulties in comparing results

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