Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and exercise restore motor function following spinal cord injury by activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway

Neural Regen Res, 2023 · DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.355762 · Published: May 1, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

This study investigates whether combining bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation with exercise training can improve motor function recovery after spinal cord injury in mice. The research explores the potential mechanisms behind this combined approach, focusing on nerve regeneration and functional recovery. The study found that the combination therapy showed better results in restoring motor function compared to either treatment alone, potentially through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

Study Duration

8 weeks

Participants

Seventy-five healthy wild-type female C57BL/6 mice

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The combination of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation and exercise training showed a better therapeutic effect on motor function than the single treatments.
2
The combination therapy markedly reduced fibrotic scar tissue, protected neurons, and promoted axon and myelin protection after spinal cord injury.
3
The synergistic effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation and exercise on spinal cord injury recovery occurred via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

Research Summary

This study demonstrates that combining bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMMSC) transplantation with exercise training (TMT) synergistically improves motor function recovery in mice after spinal cord injury (SCI). The combination therapy promotes axon and myelin protection, enhances synaptic function and neurotrophin secretion, suppresses scar formation, and protects neurons, leading to favorable conditions for functional restoration. The neuroprotective effects of BMMSC transplantation combined with TMT on SCI recovery occur through activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, highlighting a potential therapeutic target.

Practical Implications

Enhanced Motor Function Recovery

Combining BMMSC transplantation with exercise training offers a more effective approach for restoring motor function after SCI compared to individual treatments.

Targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway

Activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway may be a crucial mechanism for promoting neuroprotection and functional recovery in SCI.

Combination Therapy Benefits

The combination therapy provides multiple benefits, including reduced scar tissue, neuronal protection, and enhanced axon and myelin protection, suggesting a comprehensive approach to SCI treatment.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on mice, and the results may not directly translate to humans.
2
The precise mechanisms underlying the complex interactions between exercise training and cell transplantation require further investigation.
3
The best temporal window for applying this combinatorial treatment needs to be determined in future work.

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