Stem cell therapy in spinal cord injury: Hollow promise or promising science?

Journal of Craniovertebral Junction and Spine, 2016 · DOI: 10.4103/0974-8237.181880 · Published: January 1, 2016

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition with limited effective treatments. Stem cell therapy is being explored as a potential primary therapeutic option to help with remyelination and regeneration. Researchers are investigating different types of stem cells, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), embryonic stem cells (ESCs), and olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs), for their ability to repair and regenerate damaged spinal nerve tracts. While early research shows promising results, there are still concerns regarding the safety, efficacy, and long-term viability of stem cell therapies, requiring more rigorous large-scale clinical trials.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

40 patients with cervical SCI in one study, various animal models in others

Evidence Level

Review of preclinical and clinical studies

Key Findings

1
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), particularly bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), have shown improved functional recovery in rodent models of SCI and some clinical trials.
2
Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) can differentiate into oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) that promote remyelination and functional recovery in animal models of SCI.
3
Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) have demonstrated neuroregenerative and neural bridging capacity in preclinical and clinical experiments, with some trials showing improved motor and sensory function in patients with complete SCI.

Research Summary

Stem cell therapy is being investigated as a potential treatment for spinal cord injury (SCI), which currently lacks effective primary treatment options. Various types of stem cells, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), embryonic stem cells (ESCs), and olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs), have shown promise in preclinical and early clinical studies for promoting remyelination and regeneration of damaged spinal nerve tracts. Despite promising early results, more rigorous large-scale clinical trials are needed to assess the safety, efficacy, and long-term viability of stem cell and cellular transplant techniques for SCI, and ethical concerns need to be addressed.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

Stem cell therapy may offer a new avenue for treating SCI, potentially improving motor, sensory, and bladder function.

Further Research

Highlight the need for more large-scale, rigorously controlled clinical trials to fully evaluate the benefits and risks of stem cell therapies.

Ethical Considerations

Address the ethical and legal issues surrounding the use of embryonic stem cells and the need for international regulations to prevent unethical exploitation of patients.

Study Limitations

1
Methodological quality of many clinical trials remains questionable.
2
Clinical research into stem cell therapy for SCI remains a relatively uncultivated ground.
3
Lack of successful translational research due to failure of preclinical studies.

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