Comparison between stem cell therapy and stem cell derived exosomes on induced multiple sclerosis in dogs

BMC Veterinary Research, 2024 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-024-03920-4 · Published: February 8, 2024

Regenerative Medicine Neurology Veterinary Medicine

Simple Explanation

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease where the protective covering of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord is damaged. Stem cell therapy has shown promise in treating MS by stopping the immune system from attacking these nerve coverings. Stem cell-derived exosomes, which are tiny vesicles released by stem cells, also show potential for treating nerve diseases. This study compares the effectiveness of stem cells and stem cell-derived exosomes in treating induced MS in dogs. Both treatments were given directly into the spinal fluid of the dogs, and the effects were evaluated through clinical observations, imaging, tissue samples, and spinal fluid analysis. The results indicated that while stem cell therapy was more effective, exosomes also proved to be safe and effective in promoting myelin regeneration. This suggests that exosomes could be a valuable tool in treating MS and other diseases involving myelin damage.

Study Duration

28 days

Participants

36 Mongrel dogs

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Both stem cell and exosome treatments improved clinical signs in dogs with induced MS compared to the control group. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a resolution of hyperintense lesions in the treated groups by the end of the study.
2
Histopathology and electron microscopy revealed marked healing and remyelination in the treated groups, with stem cells showing superior results compared to exosomes.
3
Exosomes have proven to be effective and safe important actors in myelin regeneration, and their use in diseases like MS helps to stimulate remyelination.

Research Summary

This study compared the therapeutic effects of stem cells and stem cell-derived exosomes in treating induced multiple sclerosis (MS) in dogs. Both treatments were administered intrathecally, and their effects were evaluated clinically, radiologically, histopathologically, and through cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. Results indicated that both stem cell and exosome treatments led to marked amelioration of clinical signs and resolution of hyperintense lesions in the spinal cord, as observed through magnetic resonance scans. Histopathological and electron microscopy analyses confirmed healing and remyelination in the treated groups, with stem cells demonstrating superior efficacy compared to exosomes. The study concludes that while stem cells exhibited better results, exosomes are effective and safe actors in myelin regeneration and can stimulate remyelination in diseases like MS, suggesting their potential as a cell-free therapeutic strategy for CNS chronic diseases.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Strategy

Exosomes may serve as a promising, safe, and practical therapeutic strategy to immunomodulate, promote myelin regeneration, and conserve minimum immunological danger, therefore reducing neurodegeneration and ultimately improving patients’ outcomes.

Cell-Free Therapy

The use of exosomes could pave the way for brand-new cell-free therapies to stop CNS chronic diseases.

Combination Therapy

Exosomes may be used in conjunction with EVs to stimulate remyelination in pathological conditions

Study Limitations

1
Superiority of stem cells compared to exosomes in means of differentiation into neuronal glial cells.
2
The study was conducted on dogs, and the results may not be directly applicable to humans.
3
The exact mechanisms by which exosomes promote remyelination require further investigation.

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