Combined treatment with enteric neural stem cells and chondroitinase ABC reduces spinal cord lesion pathology

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are a significant challenge due to the limited regeneration capacity of the nervous system. Stem cells offer promise by replacing damaged cells, but their integration is hindered by inhibitory molecules at the injury site. This study explores the use of enteric neural stem cells (ENSCs) combined with chondroitinase ABC (ChABC), an enzyme that breaks down inhibitory molecules, to promote spinal cord repair in rats with SCI. The results showed that the combined treatment led to reduced tissue damage, improved axon growth, and a modest functional improvement, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for SCI.

• 1
  The combined treatment of ENSCs and ChABC resulted in significant reductions in the injured tissue and cavity area compared to either treatment alone.
• 2
  ENSC-derived cells extended projections across the injury site into both the rostral and caudal host spinal cord, and ENSC transplantation significantly increased the number of cells extending axons across the injury site.
• 3
  The combined treatment resulted in a modest, but significant functional improvement by week 16, as measured by the horizontal ladder test.