Human-Induced Neural and Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy Combined with a Curcumin Nanoconjugate as a Spinal Cord Injury Treatment

International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2021 · DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115966 · Published: May 31, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Biomedical

Simple Explanation

This study explores a novel treatment for spinal cord injuries (SCI) using a combination of stem cell therapy and a curcumin nanoconjugate. The approach involves transplanting human neural stem cells (iPSC-NSC) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) along with a nanoconjugate that releases curcumin, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. The curcumin nanoconjugate (PA-C) was found to protect iPSC-NSC from oxidative damage in lab experiments. Co-culturing iPSC-NSC with MSC prevented the activation of an inflammatory factor, NF-κB, in the iPSC-NSC. In a rat model of SCI, the combined treatment of PA-C with iPSC-NSC and MSC resulted in smaller scars and preservation of axons. The stem cell transplant also helped preserve motoneurons and myelinated tracts, while PA-C treatment promoted an anti-inflammatory response.

Study Duration

9 Weeks

Participants

Adult female Sprague–Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
PA-C treatment increases iPSC-NSC viability and enhances neurite elongation in vitro, suggesting a neuroprotective effect.
2
PA-C pre-treatment protects iPSC-NSC against hydrogen peroxide-induced toxicity, indicating antioxidant properties.
3
The combination of stem cell transplantation and PA-C treatment confers higher neuroprotective effects compared to individual treatments in a rat model of SCI.

Research Summary

The study investigates a combination therapy for spinal cord injury (SCI) involving human-induced neural stem cells (iPSC-NSC), mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), and a curcumin nanoconjugate (PA-C). In vitro results showed that PA-C protected iPSC-NSCs from oxidative stress, while MSC co-culture inhibited NF-κB activation in iPSC-NSCs. In vivo, the combination therapy reduced scar size and preserved axons in a rat SCI model. Although the combination therapy did not significantly improve locomotor function, it demonstrated neuroprotective effects by preserving neuronal fibers, synapses, and white matter, and by promoting anti-inflammatory microglia polarization.

Practical Implications

Potential Therapeutic Strategy

The combination therapy could be a promising therapeutic strategy for SCI due to its neuroprotective and immunomodulatory effects.

Clinical Translation

Further research is needed to translate these findings into clinical applications, particularly to optimize the treatment regimen for improved functional outcomes.

Nanomedicine Advancement

The use of curcumin nanoconjugates demonstrates the potential of nanomedicine to enhance drug delivery and efficacy in treating complex conditions like SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Lack of significant improvement in locomotor function despite histological improvements.
2
Potential tumorigenicity of iPSC-NSC remains a concern for clinical use.
3
Inconsistent results compared to previous co-transplant studies, possibly due to different injury severity.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury