IGF-1 overexpression improves mesenchymal stem cell survival and promotes neurological recovery after spinal cord injury

Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 2019 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-019-1223-z · Published: May 2, 2019

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) often lead to paralysis due to inflammation, oxidative stress, and loss of nerve cells. Current treatments are limited, so new therapies are needed to reduce damage and promote spinal cord regeneration. Stem cell therapy, particularly using bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs), is a promising approach. BMMSCs can help recovery by modulating the immune system and producing growth factors, but their effectiveness is limited by poor survival after transplantation. Genetically modifying BMMSCs to overproduce insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a protein that supports nerve development and repair, can improve their survival and therapeutic effects after SCI.

Study Duration

4 Weeks

Participants

C57Bl/6 mice

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
BMMSC-IGF1 transplantation increased cell survival and recruitment of endogenous neural progenitor cells compared to BMMSC- or saline-treated controls.
2
Treatment with BMMSC-IGF1 restored spinal cord redox homeostasis by upregulating antioxidant defense genes.
3
BMMSC-IGF1 protected against SCI-induced myelin loss, showing more compact myelin 28 days after SCI.

Research Summary

This study investigated whether bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) overexpressing insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) improved the therapeutic effects of BMMSCs in SCI. The researchers found that BMMSC-IGF1 transplantation increased cell survival, modulated inflammation, restored redox homeostasis, protected against myelin loss, and improved functional outcomes in mice with SCI. The study suggests that IGF-1 facilitates the regenerative actions of BMMSCs in acute SCI, making it a promising approach for treating spinal cord injuries.

Practical Implications

Enhanced Cell Survival

Overexpression of IGF-1 in BMMSCs can improve cell survival rate after transplantation into the injured spinal cord.

Improved Functional Recovery

BMMSC-IGF1 therapy results in significant gains in locomotion, gait, and coordination compared to BMMSC or saline treatment.

Neuroprotection and Regeneration

IGF-1's neuroprotective properties could be an effective method in the treatment of SCI by minimizing secondary injury damage to axons and oligodendrocytes.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on mice, and results may not directly translate to humans.
2
The long-term effects and potential risks of IGF-1 overexpression, such as tumor formation, need further investigation.
3
Additional studies are needed to explore other growth factors that are not linked with tumor formation.

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