Mesenchymal stem cells secretome: a new paradigm for central nervous system regeneration?

Cell. Mol. Life Sci., 2013 · DOI: 10.1007/s00018-013-1290-8 · Published: March 1, 2013

Simple Explanation

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are being explored as a therapy for central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Their beneficial effects aren't just from differentiating into new cells, but also from the substances they secrete, known as the secretome. MSCs secrete a range of factors that can boost neurogenesis, prevent apoptosis and glial scar formation, modulate the immune system, and promote angiogenesis, neuronal survival, and neuroprotection. The factors secreted by MSCs might help local progenitor cells integrate better into neuroregeneration processes. This opens possibilities for using MSCs secretome as a therapeutic strategy in clinical trials for neurodegenerative diseases.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Level 5, Review

Key Findings

1
MSCs secrete factors that increase neurogenesis, inhibit apoptosis and glial scar formation, modulate the immune system, and promote angiogenesis, neuronal and glial cell survival.
2
BM–MSCs secrete IGF-1, HGF, VEGF, and TGF-β, which are related with higher levels of neuronal survival and neurite outgrowth in vitro.
3
The secretome of HUCPVCs was able to increase the secretion levels of neurotrophic factors such as BDNF, NFG, and FGF-2 in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus.

Research Summary

The review analyzes the current understanding of MSCs secretome as a new paradigm for treating CNS neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting their potential to secrete neuroregulatory factors that promote neurogenesis, inhibit apoptosis and glial scar formation, and exert neuroprotective actions. MSCs from different sources (bone marrow, adipose tissue, Wharton's jelly) secrete various neurotrophic factors, contributing to neuroprotection and regeneration in CNS lesion models such as spinal cord injury, ischemic stroke, and Parkinson's disease. Despite promising results, challenges remain in standardizing MSCs application as a therapy, including the source of MSCs, culture conditions, transplantation parameters, timing of treatment, and route of delivery.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

MSCs secretome holds promise as a therapeutic tool for CNS neurodegenerative diseases, offering a potential avenue for promoting neuroregeneration and functional recovery.

Clinical Translation

Further research and clinical trials are warranted to explore the use of MSCs secretome in human clinical trials for various CNS disorders.

Personalized Medicine

Understanding the factors influencing MSCs secretome composition can lead to personalized therapeutic strategies tailored to specific patient needs and pathophysiological conditions.

Study Limitations

1
Variability in MSCs source and culture conditions
2
Lack of full characterization of MSCs secretome
3
Incomplete understanding of the mechanisms of action of MSCs secretome in vivo

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