The role of hepatocyte growth factor in mesenchymal stem cell-induced recovery in spinal cord injured rats

Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 2020 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-020-01691-x · Published: April 23, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Genetics

Simple Explanation

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising treatment for spinal cord injury (SCI) because they create a supportive environment that helps nerve cells regenerate and reduces inflammation, leading to improved neurological function. This study found that the beneficial effects of MSCs in treating SCI in rats are mainly due to a specific factor they secrete: hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). HGF promotes the differentiation of neural stem cells into neurons and reduces inflammation at the injury site, leading to better recovery. Blocking HGF's activity reverses these benefits.

Study Duration

4 weeks

Participants

Adult (6–8 weeks) female Wistar rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Conditioned medium from bone marrow-derived MSCs (BMSCs) promotes neural stem cell differentiation into neurons and neurite outgrowth by inhibiting the BMP/Smad signaling pathway.
2
HGF supplementation mimics the beneficial effects of BMSC-CM, while blocking HGF's receptor (c-Met) reverses the functional improvements mediated by BMSC-CM.
3
The MSC-associated biological effects on SCI recovery depend largely on HGF secretion.

Research Summary

This study investigates the role of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-induced recovery in spinal cord injured (SCI) rats. The researchers found that MSCs promote neurological recovery by secreting HGF, which encourages neural stem cells to become neurons and reduces inflammation. Blocking HGF or its receptor reversed these benefits, confirming HGF's critical role in MSC-mediated SCI recovery.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Target

HGF could be a therapeutic target for SCI treatment.

MSC Enhancement

MSCs can be enhanced to secrete more HGF for better therapeutic effects.

Drug Development

Drugs mimicking HGF could be developed for SCI treatment.

Study Limitations

1
The exact mechanisms of interaction between HGF and other growth factors released by BMSCs remain unclear.
2
The study focuses on female rats; results may differ in males.
3
Long-term effects of HGF treatment were not assessed.

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