Mesenchymal Stem Cells Combined With Electroacupuncture Treatment Regulate the Subpopulation of Macrophages and Astrocytes to Facilitate Axonal Regeneration in Transected Spinal Cord

This study investigates if combining mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation with electroacupuncture (EA) can help reduce inflammation and promote nerve regeneration after spinal cord injury (SCI). The researchers looked at how this combined treatment affects the types of immune cells (macrophages) and supportive cells (astrocytes) present at the injury site. The goal was to see if this approach could create a better environment for damaged nerve fibers to regrow and repair the spinal cord.

• 1
  MSCs+EA treatment reduced the proportion of pro-inflammatory M1 subtype microglia/macrophages and increased the differentiation of anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype cells.
• 2
  MSCs+EA treatment attenuated neurotoxic A1 reactive astrocytes and glial scar formation, which in turn facilitated axonal regeneration of the injured spinal cord.
• 3
  Proinflammatory cytokines increased the level of proliferation of astrocytes and increased the expression levels of C3, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan; effects blocked by ErbB1 and STAT3 inhibitors and IL-10.