Effect of canine mesenchymal stromal cells overexpressing heme oxygenase-1 in spinal cord injury

J Vet Sci, 2017 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.4142/jvs.2017.18.3.377 · Published: September 1, 2017

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Veterinary Medicine

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the potential of using modified canine mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) that overexpress heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) to treat spinal cord injuries (SCI) in dogs. Researchers compared the effects of transplanting normal MSCs versus MSCs overexpressing HO-1 into dogs with experimentally induced SCI. They looked at functional recovery, inflammation, and neuronal regeneration. The results showed that dogs receiving MSCs overexpressing HO-1 had better functional recovery, reduced inflammation, and increased neuronal regeneration compared to those receiving normal MSCs.

Study Duration

8 weeks

Participants

8 beagle dogs

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Dogs receiving MSCs overexpressing HO-1 (MSC-HO-1) showed significantly improved functional recovery at 7 weeks after transplantation compared to the control group.
2
The MSC-HO-1 group exhibited reduced fibrotic changes and microglial cell infiltration in the spinal cord compared to the control group.
3
Immunohistochemical analysis revealed increased expression of HO-1 and neuronal markers in the MSC-HO-1 group, indicating enhanced neuronal regeneration.

Research Summary

The study demonstrates that transplantation of canine MSCs overexpressing HO-1 promotes functional recovery after SCI in dogs. The improved recovery is associated with enhanced anti-inflammatory activity and neuronal regeneration effects of MSCs due to HO-1 overexpression. The findings suggest that using MSCs overexpressing HO-1 could be an effective therapeutic approach for treating SCI.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential for SCI

MSCs overexpressing HO-1 could be developed as a cell-based therapy for treating spinal cord injuries.

Improved Functional Outcomes

Transplantation of MSC-HO-1 may lead to better functional recovery compared to traditional MSC transplantation.

Reduced Inflammation

HO-1 overexpression can reduce inflammation at the injury site, promoting a more favorable environment for tissue repair.

Study Limitations

1
The study involved a small sample size (8 dogs).
2
The negative control group was omitted for ethical reasons.
3
Oxidative markers in the injured lesions were not evaluated at earlier time points after SCI.

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