Efficacy of the immediate adipose‑derived stromal vascular fraction autograft on functional sensorimotor recovery after spinal cord contusion in rats

Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 2024 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-024-03645-z · Published: January 23, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine

Simple Explanation

This study investigates a new approach to treat spinal cord injuries using cells from fat tissue. Researchers tested whether injecting these cells, called stromal vascular fraction (SVF), could help rats recover movement and sensation after a spinal cord injury. Rats with spinal cord injuries were treated with SVF, saline, or no injury. Over three months, the SVF-treated rats showed better recovery in walking, coordination, and reflexes compared to the saline-treated rats. The study suggests that SVF may help reduce inflammation and improve nerve function after spinal cord injury. This could lead to new treatments for people with similar injuries.

Study Duration

12 weeks

Participants

45 adult male Sprague Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Level II: Animal study

Key Findings

1
SVF injection reduced inflammation at the site of the spinal cord injury two weeks after the initial injury.
2
Rats treated with SVF showed improved sensorimotor recovery over a three-month period, as assessed by the BBB locomotor rating scale and ladder climbing test.
3
Electrophysiological recordings indicated that SVF treatment restored the segmental sensorimotor loop and modulated the supraspinal network in treated rats.

Research Summary

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of early SVF transplantation in improving sensorimotor recovery following acute thoracic spinal cord contusion in rats. The results indicated that subdural injection of SVF reduced the inflammatory response and improved sensorimotor recovery over three months. Electrophysiological recordings showed the restoration of the sensorimotor loop and modulation of the supraspinal network in treated rats, highlighting SVF's therapeutic potential.

Practical Implications

Potential Clinical Trials

SVF's accessibility and therapeutic potential make it a promising candidate for clinical trials in SCI treatment.

Reduced Inflammation

The findings suggest that SVF injection limits the inflammation at the lesion site.

Improved Motor Function

Improvements in gait analysis and BBB scores suggest more precise motor control and interlimb coordination in SVF-treated animals.

Study Limitations

1
The specific mechanisms by which SVF reduces inflammation in the SCI microenvironment are still undetermined.
2
The study does not provide insight into the fate of the cells from the SVF injected within the lesion.
3
Further investigations are needed to uncover the underlying mechanisms responsible for the observed improvements.

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