Effects of Differentiated Versus Undifferentiated Adipose Tissue-derived Stromal Cell Grafts on Functional Recovery After Spinal Cord Contusion

Cell Mol Neurobiol, 2009 · DOI: 10.1007/s10571-009-9424-0 · Published: June 17, 2009

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Neurology

Simple Explanation

This study explores whether it's necessary to pre-differentiate mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) into nerve-like cells before transplanting them into rats with spinal cord injuries. The researchers compared the effects of transplanting undifferentiated adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (uADSCs) with differentiated ADSCs (dADSCs) induced by two different protocols. The results showed that all three cell-treated groups (uADSCs, dADSC-P1, and dADSC-P2) significantly improved locomotor function compared to the saline-treated control group. Interestingly, undifferentiated cells (uADSCs) and cells differentiated using Protocol 2 (dADSC-P2) led to better functional recovery than those differentiated using Protocol 1 (dADSC-P1). These findings suggest that pre-differentiating ADSCs into nerve-like cells before transplantation may not be necessary for improving functional recovery after spinal cord injury. The study also implies that the mechanism of recovery might not involve cellular replacement or integration.

Study Duration

12 weeks

Participants

46 adult male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Transplantation of uADSCs, dADSC-P1, and dADSC-P2 all significantly improved locomotor functional recovery in SCI rats compared to saline-treated controls.
2
uADSC and dADSC-P2 groups achieved better functional recovery than the dADSC-P1 group at 12 weeks post-injury.
3
Axonal regeneration was observed in all three cell-treated groups and positively correlated with the levels of functional recovery.

Research Summary

This study compared the effects of undifferentiated and differentiated adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) on functional recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. ADSCs were differentiated into neural-like cells using two different protocols (P1 and P2). The results showed that transplantation of uADSCs, dADSC-P1, and dADSC-P2 all significantly improved locomotor function compared to saline controls. However, uADSCs and dADSC-P2 led to better functional recovery than dADSC-P1. The study suggests that pre-differentiation of ADSCs into neural-like cells may not be necessary for functional recovery after SCI, and that axonal regeneration may contribute to locomotor recovery.

Practical Implications

Stem Cell Therapy Optimization

The findings suggest that undifferentiated ADSCs may be as effective as differentiated ADSCs for SCI treatment, simplifying the therapeutic process.

Axonal Regeneration Focus

The study highlights the importance of axonal regeneration in functional recovery after SCI, suggesting a focus on therapies that promote axonal growth.

Protocol Selection

The choice of differentiation protocol significantly impacts the efficacy of ADSC transplantation, emphasizing the need for careful protocol selection.

Study Limitations

1
Strain differences might account for differences with regard to the efficacy of the MSC.
2
The small amount of neural differentiation observed in cell-treated groups.
3
Further investigations are required to elucidate the mechanism of functional recovery.

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