Stem cell exosome-loaded Gelfoam improves locomotor dysfunction and neuropathic pain in a rat model of spinal cord injury

This study explores a new way to treat spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats using exosomes, which are tiny particles released by stem cells. These exosomes were loaded into a Gelfoam scaffold and implanted into the injured spinal cord. The researchers found that this treatment improved the rats' ability to move and reduced their neuropathic pain. This was likely due to the exosomes promoting nerve regeneration, reducing inflammation, and preventing cell death in the injured area. Overall, this study suggests that exosomes could be a promising new treatment for SCI, offering a potential alternative to stem cell transplantation.

• 1
  Exosome treatment consistently increased the BBB score from 1 to 8 weeks compared with the Gelfoam-saline and SCI control groups, indicating improved locomotor function.
• 2
  Exosome treatment significantly improved gait abnormalities including right-to-left hind paw contact area ratio, stance/stride, stride length, stride frequency, and swing duration, validating motor function recovery.
• 3
  Exosome treatment reduced SCI-induced upregulation of GFAP and CSPG, suggesting anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects, and alleviated SCI-induced pain behaviors.