Combining Adult Stem Cells and Olfactory Ensheathing Cells: The Secretome Effect

STEM CELLS AND DEVELOPMENT, 2013 · DOI: 10.1089/scd.2012.0524 · Published: May 1, 2013

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the interactions between olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) and adult stem cells (ASCs, bmMSCs, HUCPVCs) to find the best combination for spinal cord injury repair. The researchers examined how the secretome (secreted proteins) of OECs affects the metabolic activity and proliferation of the stem cells, and vice versa. The findings suggest that combining OECs with adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) is the most promising approach for their hybrid scaffold, potentially improving spinal cord regeneration.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Female subjects undergoing elective plastic surgical procedures

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The secretome of OECs positively affects the metabolic activity and proliferation of MSCs, especially ASCs.
2
Stem cell secretomes also have a positive effect on OEC behavior, particularly ASCs.
3
The most suitable cell combination for a hybrid scaffold is OECs with ASCs.

Research Summary

This study investigates the paracrine interactions between olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from different sources (adipose tissue, bone marrow, and umbilical cord). The results showed that the OECs secretome has a positive effect on the metabolic activity and proliferation of MSCs, particularly ASCs, while stem cell secretomes also positively influence OECs behavior. The study concludes that the most suitable combination for a therapeutic concept aimed at spinal cord injury repair is OECs with ASCs.

Practical Implications

Hybrid Scaffold Development

The findings support the use of OECs combined with ASCs in hybrid scaffolds for spinal cord injury repair, potentially enhancing regeneration through paracrine signaling.

Cell Therapy Optimization

The research provides insights into optimizing cell therapy strategies by understanding the interactions between different cell types, potentially leading to more effective treatments.

Paracrine Signaling Understanding

The study enhances the understanding of paracrine signaling mechanisms between OECs and MSCs, contributing to broader knowledge in regenerative medicine.

Study Limitations

1
The study combines rat secretome acting on human targets, limiting direct clinical translation.
2
Further work is needed to study secretome interactions between human-derived MSCs and OECs.
3
The study doesn't fully address the differentiation of stem cells into OECs.

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