Recent advances in the combination of cellular therapy with stem cells and nanoparticles after a spinal cord injury

Frontiers in Neurology, 2023 · DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1127878 · Published: April 26, 2023

Regenerative Medicine Neurorehabilitation Biomedical

Simple Explanation

Combined therapies, such as stem cell therapy with nanoparticles, show promise in reducing long-term effects of spinal cord injury (SCI). Nanoparticles can deliver therapeutic molecules to the injured area, potentially reducing side effects of other treatments. The review analyzes different cellular therapies, particularly mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), neural stem cells (NSCs), and olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs), when used with nanoparticles to promote regeneration after SCI. Animal studies suggest that combining nanoparticles with stem cells positively impacts neuroprotection and neuroregeneration after SCI. Further research is needed to understand these benefits in clinical settings and identify effective molecules to enhance neurorestorative effects.

Study Duration

2001 to December 2022

Participants

Animal models of SCI

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
The combination of nanoparticles and stem cells in animal models of SCI has a positive impact on neuroprotection and neuroregeneration.
2
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are attractive for cellular therapy due to their self-renewal ability and differentiation to multiple variable mesenchymal lineages.
3
Synthetic polymers like PLGA (poly [lactic-co-glycolic acid]) could be a candidate for the design of the ﬁrst therapeutic strategy that combines NPs with stem cells in patients with SCI.

Research Summary

This review explores the potential of combining cellular therapy with stem cells and nanoparticles to treat spinal cord injuries (SCI). It highlights the limitations of single treatments and the promising results of combined therapies in animal models. The review examines the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), neural stem cells (NSCs), and olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) in conjunction with nanoparticles to promote neuroprotection and neuroregeneration after SCI. The authors conclude that while cellular therapy and nanoparticles show promise, further research is needed to define the limits of this approach and to select specific therapeutic molecules for clinical trials.

Practical Implications

Clinical Translation

The review suggests that combined therapies involving stem cells and nanoparticles could be translated into clinical applications for SCI treatment.

Therapeutic Development

The identification of effective molecules that enhance the neurorestorative effects of stem cells is crucial for developing new therapies.

Biomaterial Selection

PLGA nanoparticles may be a promising candidate for the first therapeutic strategy combining nanoparticles with stem cells in SCI patients due to their biodegradability, low toxicity, and biocompatibility.

Study Limitations

1
Variability of molecules combined with nanoparticles in interventions after SCI.
2
Need for further understanding of the effects and benefits of SCI on a clinical level.
3
The current research area is limited for stem cells’ potentiated effect with nanoparticles

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