Treatment of rats with spinal cord injury using human bone marrow-derived stromal cells prepared by negative selection

Journal of Biomedical Science, 2020 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12929-020-00629-y · Published: March 26, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Neurology

Simple Explanation

This study investigates a new treatment for spinal cord injury (SCI) using human bone marrow-derived stromal cells (bmSC). These cells are prepared through a process called negative selection, without being grown or manipulated extensively in the lab. The bmSC treatment was compared to methylprednisolone (MP), a standard medication for SCI, and saline (a control). Rats with SCI that received bmSC injections showed better motor function recovery than those treated with MP. The findings suggest that bmSC have neuroprotective properties and can help reduce axonal degeneration and apoptosis after SCI. This approach could be part of future therapies for SCI.

Study Duration

9 weeks

Participants

26 adult male Wistar rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Rats treated with bmSC showed improved motor function compared to those treated with methylprednisolone (MP) following spinal cord injury.
2
Histological analysis revealed that bmSC treatment was associated with reduced axonal degeneration in the dorsal ascending fiber tracts.
3
bmSC treatment significantly reduced apoptosis in the ventral grey matter of the spinal cord.

Research Summary

The study evaluated the therapeutic potential of human bone marrow-derived stromal cells (bmSC) prepared by negative selection in a rat model of spinal cord injury (SCI). Compared to methylprednisolone (MP) treatment, rats receiving bmSC demonstrated superior motor function recovery and reduced axonal degeneration and apoptosis. The findings suggest that bmSC have neuroprotective properties and may serve as a component of combinatorial therapies for SCI, though acute implantation alone was insufficient for spinal cord repair.

Practical Implications

Potential for Improved SCI Treatment

Human bmSC prepared by negative selection show promise as a therapeutic intervention for SCI, particularly in improving motor function recovery compared to standard MP treatment.

Combinatorial Therapy Approach

The study suggests that allogeneic bmSC implants may be most effective when used in combination with other therapies to promote spinal cord repair.

Clinical Trial Justification

The positive outcomes in rats, combined with the minimal risk associated with autologous bmSC transplantation, may justify proceeding to clinical trials in human SCI patients without intermediate studies in large mammals.

Study Limitations

1
The study design was underpowered to demonstrate a statistically significant functional benefit of bmSC compared to saline treatment.
2
Cryopreservation and resuspension of bmSC prior to implantation reduced their viability, potentially affecting their therapeutic efficacy.
3
The bmSC implants could not be detected in the tissue at ten weeks after SCI, making it difficult to assess their long-term effects and mechanisms of action.

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