by admin | Apr 15, 2025 | Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Spinal Cord Injury, Stem Cell Research, Stem Cell Therapy
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most serious outcomes of spinal trauma. It typically leads to either temporary or permanent loss of sensory, motor, and autonomic nerve functions below the affected area and can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Worldwide, approximately 10.5 out of every 100,000 people experience SCI. While modern treatments enable 94% of individuals with acute traumatic SCI to survive, long-term survival is often compromised by complications arising after the injury.
In this review, Xia et al. explores the pathophysiological changes that occur following SCI and examines the mechanisms through which MSCs contribute to treatment. The authors also summarize the potential clinical applications of MSCs while addressing the challenges associated with their use and discussing future prospects.
Current Treatment Approaches For SCI
Current therapies for SCI focus on managing the immediate effects of the injury. Standard treatments include stabilizing the spine, surgically decompressing the spinal canal, and initiating rehabilitation programs. These approaches aim to reduce further damage and create conditions that support natural healing processes. However, they do not actively promote the regeneration of damaged nerve cells. The primary goal is to restore neurological function as quickly as possible after addressing the spinal cord compression. Unfortunately, no existing treatment strategies can fully repair damaged nerve cells, leaving an unmet need for innovative therapies.
Primary Spinal Cord Injury
Primary SCI results from direct trauma, such as fractures or dislocations of the vertebrae, which can compress, tear, or even sever the spinal cord. Spinal cord compression is the most common form of primary injury and is often accompanied by damage to blood vessels and the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB). The BSCB is a critical structure that maintains the stability and health of the spinal cord by keeping harmful substances out. When the BSCB is compromised, inflammatory molecules and toxic substances infiltrate the injured area, worsening the damage.
Secondary Spinal Cord Injury
Secondary SCI involves a series of biological processes that start within minutes of the initial injury. These changes occur in three overlapping phases: acute (within 48 hours), subacute (48 hours to two weeks), and chronic (lasting up to six months). Secondary injuries can exacerbate the damage caused by the primary injury and often lead to permanent complications.
One of the first effects of secondary SCI is the disruption of the blood supply to the spinal cord, which causes further cell death. As spinal cord cells are destroyed, they release molecules that trigger inflammation. This inflammatory response attracts immune cells to the injury site, which, in turn, release substances that cause additional damage. Neutrophils, a type of immune cell, arrive within an hour of injury and persist for several days, contributing to the worsening of the injury by releasing harmful substances like reactive oxygen species.
The Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in SCI
In recent years, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a promising option for treating SCI. MSCs are a type of stem cell capable of self-renewal and differentiation into various cell types, making them suitable for tissue repair and regeneration. These cells can be derived from multiple sources, including bone marrow, fat tissue, umbilical cords, and amniotic fluid. MSCs are relatively easy to isolate and store, and their use does not raise significant ethical concerns.
Types of MSCs
The three main types of MSCs used in clinical practice are bone marrow-derived MSCs (BMSCs), adipose-derived MSCs (AD-MSCs), and human umbilical cord-derived MSCs (HUC-MSCs). Each type has unique advantages:
- BMSCs: These cells can differentiate into various tissue types, such as bone, cartilage, and nerve cells. They are effective at reducing inflammation and releasing factors that support nerve regeneration.
- AD-MSCs: Sourced from fat tissue, these cells are easier to obtain in large quantities without causing significant harm. They promote angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels) and wound healing by releasing growth factors and other molecules.
- HUC-MSCs: These cells have the highest capacity for proliferation and differentiation. They are smaller in size, allowing them to pass through the BSCB more easily, and they do not pose a risk of fat or vascular embolism.
How MSCs Assist in Treatment of SCI
According to the authors, MSCs offer multiple benefits for SCI treatment, including:
- Immunomodulation: MSCs regulate the immune response at the injury site by interacting with immune cells and releasing anti-inflammatory molecules. This helps reduce inflammation, which is a key factor in secondary injury.
- Neuroprotection and Regeneration: MSCs release neurotrophic factors, such as nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which promote the survival and regeneration of nerve cells. They also inhibit glial scarring, a process that can block nerve regeneration.
- Angiogenesis: MSCs secrete vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and other molecules that encourage the formation of new blood vessels. This improves blood flow to the injured area and helps restore the damaged BSCB.
- Exosome Production: MSCs release exosomes, small vesicles that carry proteins and genetic material to the injury site. These exosomes play a crucial role in reducing inflammation, promoting cell repair, and improving overall tissue recovery.
Future Directions
MSC therapy holds significant promise for improving outcomes in SCI patients. Preclinical studies have demonstrated the ability of MSCs to restore motor function in animal models. In clinical settings, MSCs have shown potential in improving sensory and motor function and aiding bladder control in patients with SCI. However, further research is needed to refine the therapy and address existing challenges.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A Promising Path for Spinal Cord Injury Treatment
SCI is a complex condition with devastating consequences for those affected. Current treatments aim to stabilize the injury and create conditions for natural healing but fall short of promoting nerve regeneration. MSCs offer a new avenue for SCI treatment by reducing inflammation, supporting nerve cell regeneration, and improving blood flow to the injured area. While challenges remain, the authors conclude that the advancements in MSC research suggest a bright future for their use in SCI therapy. With continued investigation, MSCs has the potential to become a cornerstone of regenerative medicine for SCI patients.
Source: Xia Y, Zhu J, Yang R, Wang H, Li Y, Fu C. Mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of spinal cord injury: Mechanisms, current advances and future challenges. Front Immunol. 2023 Feb 24;14:1141601. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1141601. PMID: 36911700; PMCID: PMC9999104.
by admin | Apr 8, 2025 | Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Parkinson's Disease, Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cell Research, Stem Cell Therapy
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting millions worldwide, causing debilitating symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and difficulty walking. Existing treatments primarily manage symptoms without addressing the underlying causes, highlighting the need for more effective therapeutic approaches. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy has emerged as a promising option, demonstrating potential neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative benefits.
As part of this review, Tambe et al. examine preclinical and clinical evidence on MSCs and their derivatives, including secretomes and exosomes, in PD management. The authors also analyze challenges and limitations of each approach, including delivery methods, timing of administration, and long-term safety considerations.
The Growing Challenge of Parkinson’s Disease
PD, along with other age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s and stroke, is becoming more prevalent due to increased life expectancy. The disease affects 2–3% of individuals over 65, and by 2040, the number of people living with PD is expected to double. In 2019, PD caused the loss of 5.8 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), a significant rise from 2000.
PD symptoms include postural instability, muscle hypertonia, bradykinesia, resting tremor, and cognitive and language abnormalities, all of which negatively impact the quality of life. PD is diagnosed based on motor symptoms, but non-motor symptoms also contribute to disability.
Parkinson’s disease primarily results from the accumulation of α-synuclein and a depletion of dopamine due to neuronal loss in the substantia nigra. It also involves disruptions in multiple pathways, including α-synuclein proteostasis, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation.
Current Treatments for Parkinson’s Disease
While there is no cure for PD, current symptomatic treatments include levodopa, dopamine agonists, MAO-B inhibitors, COMT inhibitors, deep brain stimulation, and lesion surgery. However, these therapies are limited and do not address the underlying causes of the disease.
Newer interventions like stem cell therapy, neurotrophic factors, and gene therapy aim to address the root causes and potentially slow or stop disease progression.
Cell-based Therapies for Parkinson’s Disease
Cell-based therapies are gaining attention as potential treatments for PD due to their ability to slow disease progression and replace lost dopamine production. Several cell sources are being researched for their therapeutic potential, each with specific advantages and disadvantages.
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are particularly promising due to their unique properties, including self-renewal and multi-potent differentiation potential. MSCs can differentiate into various cell types, including neuronal-like cells, and exhibit therapeutic effects through both cellular differentiation and the paracrine action of secreted growth factors.
Properties of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)
MSCs are plastic-adherent cells capable of self-renewal and differentiation into various lineages, including neurons, adipocytes, osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and endothelial cells. This versatility makes MSCs an attractive option for treating PD.
MSCs also have the potential to exert therapeutic effects through the secretion of factors that promote cell survival, tissue regeneration, and anti-inflammatory actions. In addition to their ability to differentiate into mesodermal lineages, MSCs can produce secretomes and exosomes, which are small vesicles containing proteins, RNA, and other molecules that have demonstrated the ability to influence surrounding cells.
Therapeutic Success of MSCs in PD Management
Preclinical studies on MSCs and their derivatives, including secretomes and exosomes, have shown promising results in PD animal models. MSCs may promote the survival of dopamine-producing neurons and protect against neurodegeneration. Their secretomes, which contain bioactive molecules, can modulate inflammation and stimulate tissue repair. Exosomes, which are extracellular vesicles derived from MSCs, have been shown to improve neuronal function and survival in PD models. These findings suggest that MSC-based therapies could offer a novel approach to managing PD, potentially slowing disease progression and improving motor and cognitive symptoms.
Alternative Delivery Methods for MSC Therapy
One of the significant challenges in MSC therapy for PD is the delivery of these cells to the brain, particularly through the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which restricts the entry of most drugs.
Traditional delivery methods, such as intravenous, intracerebral, and intramuscular routes, have limitations in terms of efficacy and invasiveness.
Recent research has explored intranasal delivery of MSCs and their derivatives as a promising alternative. Intranasal administration could allow MSCs and their secretomes to bypass the BBB, delivering therapeutic agents directly to the central nervous system with minimal invasiveness.
The Future of MSC Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease
MSC-released exosomes and extracellular vesicles are gaining attention as potential treatments for PD due to their improved ability to cross the BBB and target specific cells. These vesicles can transport proteins, growth factors, microRNAs, and other bioactive molecules to recipient cells, potentially enhancing the therapeutic effects of MSCs.
Intranasal delivery of MSCs and their exosomes is an exciting area of research, offering a less invasive method for delivering therapy directly to the brain. This approach could lead to improved outcomes in PD management, especially if combined with other therapies that address the underlying causes of the disease.
Tambe et al. conclude that MSC therapy and its derivatives, such as secretomes and exosomes, hold significant promise for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. However, challenges such as MSC heterogeneity, delivery methods, and long-term safety must be addressed before MSC-based therapies can become a mainstream treatment for PD.
Source: Tambe P, Undale V, Sanap A, Bhonde R, Mante N. The prospective role of mesenchymal stem cells in Parkinson’s disease. Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2024 Oct;127:107087. doi: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2024.107087. Epub 2024 Aug 10. PMID: 39142905.
by admin | Mar 27, 2025 | Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Spinal Cord Injury, Stem Cell Research, Stem Cell Therapy
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition that causes severe nerve damage, leading to impaired movement, sensation, and bodily functions. The injury sets off a series of damaging processes, including excessive inflammation, loss of essential nutrients, and scar tissue formation.
These factors prevent the regeneration of nerve cells, making recovery difficult. Traditional treatments provide limited improvement, but recent research by Lui et al. suggests that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) offer hope for patients with SCI.
How SCI Disrupts the Microenvironment
Following SCI, the body experiences a host of negative effects. Initially, the injury causes direct damage to nerve cells, leading to inflammation and the release of harmful substances.
The body’s attempt to repair the damage often backfires, as excessive inflammation worsens tissue destruction and inhibits nerve regeneration. Additionally, the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) becomes compromised, allowing immune cells to flood the injured site.
These immune cells produce harmful molecules like reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cytokines, further aggravating the damage.
The prolonged inflammation creates a hostile environment that prevents new nerve growth and leads to the formation of scar tissue that blocks potential regeneration.
The Role of MSCs in Repairing the Spinal Cord
The ability of MSCs to repair spinal cord injuries (SCI) lies in their powerful secretions of bioactive molecules, which help regulate inflammation, promote nerve cell survival, and enhance tissue repair.
MSCs suppress harmful immune responses by decreasing the activity of pro-inflammatory cells like T-cells and macrophages while promoting anti-inflammatory pathways to minimize further nerve damage. They also release neurotrophic factors that nourish and support nerve cells, encouraging the survival and growth of new neurons to improve recovery.
Additionally, MSCs help prevent the formation of dense glial scar tissue, which can obstruct axon regrowth, by regulating proteins like MMP-2 and BDNF that break down scar tissue and create space for new nerve connections. Furthermore, MSCs contribute to angiogenesis, promoting blood vessel growth to ensure that the injured site receives adequate nutrients and oxygen for healing.
Optimizing MSC Therapy for SCI
To ensure MSC therapy is effective for SCI treatment, the authors call for additional research to determine the most efficient timing, dosage, and delivery method.
Timing for MSC Transplantation
Studies suggest that MSCs work best when introduced during the subacute phase (approximately two weeks after injury). This timing allows MSCs to reduce inflammation while the injury is still healing. If administered too early, the highly inflammatory environment may kill MSCs before they can have a therapeutic effect. If given too late, scar tissue may already be well established, limiting their benefits.
Optimal Dosage
According to Liu et. al, research on animals suggests that higher doses of MSCs (greater than one million cells) lead to better functional recovery.
However, an excessively high dose might provoke an unwanted immune response. In humans, doses typically range from 10 to 100 million cells, though further research is needed to determine the optimal amount.
Optimizing MSC Delivery for Spinal Cord Repair
MSCs can be delivered in different ways. Intravenous (IV) injection is the least invasive, but many cells get trapped in organs like the lungs before reaching the spinal cord. Direct injection into the injury site is more targeted but carries risks of additional damage. Intrathecal injection (into the spinal fluid) is a promising middle ground, as it allows MSCs to circulate in the cerebrospinal fluid and reach the injury without additional trauma.
Advancing MSC Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury: Challenges and Future Prospects
Although MSC therapy holds great promise, several challenges remain before it can become a routine treatment for SCI. Researchers need to refine techniques for improving MSC survival, homing (their ability to find the injured site), and integration into the spinal cord. Scientists are also exploring genetic modifications and biomaterial scaffolds to enhance MSC effectiveness. Additionally, large-scale clinical trials are necessary to confirm safety and efficacy in human patients.
In the future, personalized MSC therapy – where treatment is tailored to each patient’s specific injury and biological factors – could revolutionize SCI treatment.
Liu et al. conclude that ongoing advancements in stem cell research, MSC transplantation has the potential to improve the quality of life for SCI patients by restoring lost function and promoting recovery in ways that were once thought impossible.
Source: Liu, Y., Zhao, C., Zhang, R. et al. Progression of mesenchymal stem cell regulation on imbalanced microenvironment after spinal cord injury. Stem Cell Res Ther 15, 343 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-024-03914-x
by admin | Mar 18, 2025 | Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Spinal Cord Injury, Stem Cell Research, Stem Cell Therapy
Spinal cord injury (SCI) can lead to lasting health challenges, impacting motor, sensory, and autonomic functions. Recovery from such injuries is particularly difficult due to the central nervous system’s limited ability to repair itself. As a result, scientists have turned to stem cell therapies, particularly mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), as a potential solution to help treat traumatic spinal cord injuries (TSCI).
In this review, Montoto-Meijide et al. explore the role of stem cell therapy in TSCI treatment, the safety and efficacy of MSCs, and the ongoing research aimed at improving these therapies.
Spinal Cord Injury and the Need for Effective Treatments
A spinal cord injury results from trauma that damages the spinal cord, leading to various degrees of paralysis and loss of sensory functions. Recovery is limited because the central nervous system does not regenerate easily, meaning that cells, myelin (which insulates nerve fibers), and neural connections are difficult to restore. Traditional treatments focus on alleviating symptoms and preventing further injury, but they do not offer a cure or promote regeneration. As a result, researchers are exploring stem cell therapies, which have shown potential in regenerating damaged tissues and promoting recovery.
An Overview of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)
Stem cells are unique in that they can self-renew and differentiate into different types of cells. MSCs are a type of adult stem cell that can develop into various cell types, including bone, cartilage, muscle, and fat cells. MSCs are particularly promising in SCI treatment because of their ability to regenerate tissues and support healing. These cells have shown anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic (preventing cell death), and angiogenic (promoting new blood vessel growth) properties, all of which could aid in the healing of spinal cord injuries.
There are different types of stem cells, including embryonic and adult stem cells. Each source has its advantages and drawbacks. Bone marrow MSCs are the most commonly used in research and clinical trials, but adipose tissue and umbilical cord MSCs are gaining attention due to their availability and regenerative capabilities.
The Role of MSCs in Treating Spinal Cord Injuries
MSCs offer several benefits when applied to SCI treatment. They can promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and enhance the formation of new blood vessels. When introduced into an injured spinal cord, MSCs have been shown to:
- Promote axonal (nerve fiber) regeneration
- Reduce inflammation around the injury site
- Support the survival of nerve cells
- Enhance the formation of new blood vessels, aiding in tissue repair
These capabilities make MSCs an exciting avenue for research into TSCI treatment. Clinical trials and studies have shown that MSCs can lead to improvements in motor and sensory functions, although the extent of these improvements varies.
Clinical Evidence and Findings
A systematic review of clinical studies involving MSCs for TSCI was conducted, analyzing data from 22 studies, including 21 clinical trials. According to the authors, these findings suggest that MSC-based therapies can lead to improvements in sensory and motor functions, although these effects are often more pronounced in sensory functions than motor functions. Improvements in patients’ ASIA (American Spinal Injury Association) impairment scale grades have been reported, indicating positive outcomes for many individuals.
The safety of MSC therapies was also a key focus of these studies. Overall, MSC-based treatments were found to have a good safety profile, with no significant adverse effects such as death or tumor formation reported in clinical trials. Some studies did report mild side effects, such as temporary inflammation or mild discomfort, but these were generally short-lived and not severe.
The Future of MSC Therapy and Other Potential Treatments
MSC therapy represents one of the most promising areas of research for TSCI, but it is not the only potential treatment. Other therapies, including gene therapies, neurostimulation techniques, and tissue engineering approaches, are also being explored to address the challenges of spinal cord injury. The authors believe these approaches could complement MSC therapies or offer new avenues for healing and recovery.
For MSC therapy to become a standard treatment for TSCI, additional research is needed. Clinical trials with larger patient groups, longer follow-up periods, and standardized protocols will be necessary to better understand how MSCs can be used most effectively in treating spinal cord injuries. Additionally, researchers are exploring the best stem cell sources, optimal timing for treatment, and the ideal dosage to maximize benefits.
A Promising Future for Spinal Cord Injury Treatment
While spinal cord injuries are currently devastating and challenging to treat, stem cell therapy, particularly with MSCs, offers a hopeful future. Early studies suggest that MSCs can help promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and improve motor and sensory functions, although further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore long-term effects. The scientific community continues to make strides in understanding how MSCs and other therapies can help people with TSCI recover and regain functionality, offering hope for the future.
Source: Montoto-Meijide R, Meijide-Faílde R, Díaz-Prado SM, Montoto-Marqués A. Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy in Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Jul 20;24(14):11719. doi: 10.3390/ijms241411719. PMID: 37511478; PMCID: PMC10380897.
by admin | Jan 24, 2025 | Autoimmune, Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Stem Cell Research, Stem Cell Therapy
The onset of autoimmune diseases is related to unbalanced immune homeostasis and leads to the injury and failure of several organ specific tissues. Currently estimated to affect 8-10% of the population, these autoimmune diseases are associated with serious impairment, high mortality rate, and significant medical costs.
The discovery of stem cells, and specifically mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), has created new opportunities for accelerating tissue regeneration. MSCs possess the ability to self-renew and differentiate into a wide range of cell types that fill a critical role in immunomodulation and regenerative therapy.
In this review, Jasim et al. share the latest research on the efficiency and feasibility of MSCs in the clinical treatment of several autoimmune disorders including rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, and Sjogren’s syndrome.
To date, most of these autoimmune disorders have been treated with a number of conventional drugs, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, with many of these conditions, these drugs have been observed to contribute to liver injury, gastrointestinal injury, kidney side effects, BM suppression, and psychological disorders, making the development of new and safe therapeutic approaches an important issue. This has led to significant interest in exploring the potential benefits of MSC therapy in treating autoimmune diseases.
MSCs are easily collected from a variety of sources, including umbilical cord (UC), Wharton’s jelly (WJ), adipose tissue, bone marrow (BM), teeth and menstrual fluid. Research has demonstrated that MSCs regulate their local environment, cellular communications, and the release of several factors. MSCs are also able to migrate and differentiate into damaged tissue and can release growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines, which assists in improving tissue regeneration.
The research evaluated by the authors as part of this review, coupled with MSC’s high proliferation ability, multipotent differentiation capacity, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, and regenerative potential, led to the conclusion that there was no remarkable association between mesenchymal stem cell therapy (MSCT) and tumor and infection with the treatment determined to be safe and feasible.
Jasim et al. also concluded that there is still a lack of understanding of the specific mechanisms through which the MSCT ameliorates these various autoimmune diseases that must be addressed as a way to enhance the future clinical use of MSCs.
Source: Jasim SA, Yumashev AV, Abdelbasset WK, et al. Shining the light on clinical application of mesenchymal stem cell therapy in autoimmune diseases. Stem Cell Res Ther. 2022;13(1):101. Published 2022 Mar 7. doi:10.1186/s13287-022-02782-7
St. Petersburg, Florida
