Combined transplantation of hiPSC‑NSC and hMSC ameliorated neuroinflammation and promoted neuroregeneration in acute spinal cord injury

Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 2024 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-024-03655-x · Published: February 5, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes increased neuroinflammation and nerve tissue damage, leading to fibrosis and loss of function. This study explores the potential of combined mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and neural stem cells (NSCs) transplantation to improve outcomes in SCI mice. The researchers transplanted human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived NSCs (hiPSC-NSCs) and human MSCs (hMSCs) into SCI mice. They then assessed motor function, inflammation, and tissue changes over 28 days. The study found that the combined cell transplantation reduced inflammation and fibrosis, promoted nerve regeneration, and improved motor function in SCI mice, suggesting it as a potential treatment option.

Study Duration

28 days

Participants

104 immunodeficient BALB/c nude mice

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Combined MSC and NSC transplantation reduced fibrosis formation and inflammation levels in the injured spinal cord.
2
The transplantation promoted the secretion of nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
3
The combined cell therapy improved behaviors, particularly limb coordination, compared to the control group.

Research Summary

This study investigates the therapeutic effects of combined hiPSC-NSC and hMSC transplantation on acute spinal cord injury (SCI) in mice. The combined cell transplantation aims to ameliorate neuroinflammation, promote neuroregeneration, and reduce spinal fibrosis. The results showed that combined cell transplantation significantly reduced fibrosis and inflammation, enhanced the secretion of neurotrophic factors (NGF and BDNF), and improved locomotor function in SCI mice. The authors conclude that combined hiPSC-NSC and hMSC transplantation is a promising cell-based therapy for acute SCI due to its ability to create a microenvironment suitable for nerve repair and regeneration.

Practical Implications

Potential Therapeutic Strategy

Combined transplantation of hiPSC-NSC and hMSC could be a novel potential cell treatment option for spinal cord injury.

Neuroinflammation Amelioration

The combined transplantation significantly ameliorates neuroinflammation, which is a key pathological change in SCI.

Improved Neuroregeneration

The therapy promotes neuroregeneration, contributing to the repair of injured nerves.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on mice, and the results may not be directly translatable to humans.
2
The mechanism of rapid functional recovery and the interaction between NSC and MSC requires further investigation.
3
Long-term studies are needed to comprehensively evaluate the safety and side effects of the treatment.

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