Progress in Stem Cell Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury

Stem Cells International, 2020 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/2853650 · Published: November 5, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious condition, especially for young people, and effective treatments are lacking. Stem cell (SC) therapy is a promising area of research for SCI treatment. Stem cells can be classified into different types, including embryonic stem cells (ESCs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), neural stem cells (NSCs), and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). These cells have different properties and potential for treating SCI. New approaches, such as pharmacological activation of endogenous SCs, biomaterials, 3D printing, and optogenetics, have been developed to improve the application of SC therapy for SCI. These technologies aim to enhance the therapeutic effect of stem cells and promote spinal cord repair.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Multiple studies reviewed, various animal models and human trials

Evidence Level

Review Article

Key Findings

1
Stem cell therapy shows good effects for SCI treatment, with common SC types including MSCs, HSCs, NSCs, iPSCs, and ESCs.
2
SC treatments for SCI use a number of cells ranging from tens of thousands to millions.
3
Potential mechanisms of SC therapy include tissue repair and replacement, neurotrophy, and regeneration and promotion of angiogenesis, antiapoptosis, and anti-inflammatory.

Research Summary

This review summarizes the research progress of SC therapy for SCI, including effects, strategies, related mechanisms, safety, and clinical application. Most studies support the effects of SC therapy on SCI, but the cell types, mechanisms, and strategies vary among studies. The safety cannot be ignored, and more clinical trials are required. The application of new technology will promote SC therapy of SCI. Targeting ESCs and combining SCs with new approaches might be the promising direction for the application of SC on SCI treatment in the future.

Practical Implications

Clinical Translation

Further clinical trials are needed to explore the clinical efficacy of SC therapy for SCI, addressing variations in patient characteristics, SCI specifics, and treatment protocols.

Safety Considerations

Careful evaluation of safety issues associated with SC therapy is crucial, potentially prioritizing reducing side effects over improving efficacy.

Novel Therapeutic Strategies

Targeting endogenous stem cells (ESCs) and combining SCs with emerging technologies like biomaterials, 3D printing, and optogenetics may be a promising direction for future SCI treatments.

Study Limitations

1
Lack of donors, rejection reaction, and ethical factors limit the application of SC in SCI treatment
2
Treatment strategies and mechanisms are still unclear
3
Side effects of SC transplantation

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