Combined treatment of high-intensity interval training with neural stem cell generation on contusive model of spinal cord injury in rats

Brain and Behavior, 2023 · DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3043 · Published: April 20, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Neurology

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) can cause loss of motor, sensory, and autonomic functions. The study investigates a combined therapy of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation to improve recovery from SCI in rats. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) were isolated from rats and converted into NSCs. These NSCs were then transplanted into rats with SCI, while some rats also underwent HIIT. The study assessed the effects of these treatments on locomotor function and histological outcomes. The results showed that the combined therapy of HIIT and NSC transplantation improved locomotor function and histological outcomes in rats with SCI. This suggests that combining exercise with cell therapy could be a promising approach for treating SCI.

Study Duration

12 Weeks

Participants

60 Female Sprague–Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Combined therapy with NSC transplantation and HIIT improved locomotor function with decreased maximum H to maximum M reflexes (H/M ratio) and increased the Basso–Beattie–Bresnahan score.
2
HIIT promoted the expression of BDNF in the spinal cord and brain.
3
SCI led to cavity formation, and HIIT decreases the size of this cavity as well as promoting axonal regeneration and enhancing Schwann cells.

Research Summary

This study investigates the effects of combined high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation on a rat model of spinal cord injury (SCI). The study found that the combined therapy improved locomotor function, decreased the H/M ratio, increased BBB scores, reduced GFAP expression, and increased S100β expression compared to individual treatments or the SCI control group. The study concludes that combining HIIT with NSC transplantation shows promise for stimulating histological and functional recovery after SCI.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

The combined HIIT and NSC transplantation approach could be a potential therapeutic strategy for improving functional outcomes after SCI.

Clinical Translation

Further research is warranted to translate these findings into clinical applications for SCI patients.

Rehabilitation Strategies

Integrating HIIT into rehabilitation programs for SCI patients may enhance the benefits of cell-based therapies.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on a rat model, and results may not directly translate to humans.
2
The specific mechanisms underlying the synergistic effects of HIIT and NSC transplantation were not fully elucidated.
3
The long-term effects of the combined therapy were not assessed beyond the 12-week study period.

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