Human Menstrual Blood–Derived Endometrial Stem Cells Promote Functional Recovery by Improving the Inflammatory Microenvironment in a Mouse Spinal Cord Injury Model

Cell Transplantation, 2023 · DOI: 10.1177/09636897231154579 · Published: January 16, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Genetics

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a traumatic injury of the central nervous system. Because neurons are damaged and difficult to regenerate after SCI, its repair remains challenging. In this study, based on the establishment of a mouse SCI model, human menstrual blood–derived endometrial stem cells (MenSCs) were intrathecally injected to explore the role and molecular mechanism of MenSCs in SCI. The results showed that MenSC transplantation and sonic hedgehog (Shh)–induced MenSCs accelerated neuronal recovery at the injured site, inhibited the formation of glial cells and microglial activation at the injured site, inhibited the expression of inflammatory factors, and improved the inflammatory microenvironment to achieve functional recovery of SCI.

Study Duration

28 days

Participants

7- to 8-week-old female C57BL/6 mice

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
MenSCs significantly improved locomotor function in SCI mice.
2
MenSCs and Shh-induced MenSCs can promote the recovery of neuronal function at the site of injury.
3
MenSCs transplantation significantly reduces macrophages after SCI.

Research Summary

This study explored the role and molecular mechanism of human menstrual blood–derived endometrial stem cells (MenSCs) in spinal cord injury (SCI) using a mouse model. The results showed that MenSC transplantation improved functional recovery by improving the inflammatory microenvironment, accelerating neuronal recovery, inhibiting glial cell formation and microglial activation, and inhibiting inflammatory factor expression. The study provides an experimental basis for the role and molecular mechanism of MenSCs in SCI repair and a reference for the role of Shh-induced MenSCs in SCI repair.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

MenSCs show promise as a therapeutic agent for SCI due to their ability to improve the inflammatory microenvironment and promote neuronal recovery.

Clinical Translation

The findings support further investigation into the clinical application of MenSCs for SCI treatment, offering a less invasive and readily available stem cell source.

Combination Therapy

The study suggests potential benefits in combining MenSC therapy with sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling to enhance SCI repair, warranting further research.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on a mouse model, and the results may not directly translate to humans.
2
The molecular mechanisms of MenSC action in SCI repair require further investigation.
3
The long-term effects of MenSC transplantation on SCI recovery were not fully evaluated.

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