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  4. Co-Transplantation of Human Neurotrophic Factor Secreting Cells and Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in Rat Model of Multiple Sclerosis

Co-Transplantation of Human Neurotrophic Factor Secreting Cells and Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in Rat Model of Multiple Sclerosis

Cell Journal, 2018 · DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2018.4777 · Published: April 1, 2018

Regenerative MedicineNeurology

Simple Explanation

This study explores a new cell-based therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS) using a combination of neurotrophic factor-secreting cells (NTF-SCs) and human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs). The research aims to enhance myelin repair in a rat model of MS, which is characterized by the loss of myelin, a protective sheath around nerve fibers. The experiment involved transplanting these cells into the spinal cords of rats with induced demyelination to evaluate the cells' ability to promote remyelination. The motor functions of the rats were assessed to determine if the cell transplantation improved their condition. The results suggest that co-transplantation of NTF-SCs and hADSCs can improve the remyelination process in the rat model of MS. This approach holds promise as a potential cell-based therapy for neurodegenerative diseases like MS.

Study Duration
4 Weeks
Participants
50 adult rats
Evidence Level
Not specified

Key Findings

  • 1
    Histological studies showed some remyelination in cell transplantation groups compared to others, indicating that the transplanted cells had a positive impact on myelin repair.
  • 2
    Immunofluorescence results showed that the cells positive for myelin basic protein (MBP) and Olig2, markers for mature and immature oligodendrocytes, were significantly higher in the co-cell transplantation group than in the hADSCs group, suggesting better oligodendrocyte differentiation.
  • 3
    Motor functional tests showed significant improvement in the cell transplantation groups compared to the control groups, indicating that the cell transplantation improved motor function in the rats.

Research Summary

The study investigates the potential of co-transplantation of human neurotrophic factor-secreting cells (NTF-SCs) and adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) to promote remyelination in a rat model of multiple sclerosis (MS). The results indicate that the co-transplantation approach enhances remyelination and motor function recovery compared to hADSCs transplantation alone. The findings suggest that NTF-SCs/hADSCs co-transplantation may be a promising cell-based therapy for neurodegenerative diseases like MS due to its ability to improve remyelination.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential for MS

Co-transplantation of NTF-SCs and hADSCs offers a potential cell-based therapy for MS by promoting remyelination and improving motor function.

Enhanced Oligodendrocyte Differentiation

The study suggests that the combined approach enhances the differentiation of stem cells into oligodendrocytes, which are essential for myelin formation.

NTF Delivery Mechanism

NTF-SCs serve as a vehicle for delivering neurotrophic factors to the CNS lesions, potentially overcoming limitations of systemic NTF delivery.

Study Limitations

  • 1
    Animal model limitations in fully replicating human MS.
  • 2
    Short study duration of only four weeks post-transplantation.
  • 3
    Limited scope in investigating long-term effects and potential side effects.

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