Electro-acupuncture and its combination with adult stem cell transplantation for spinal cord injury treatment: A summary of current laboratory findings and a review of literature

Spinal cord injuries are hard to treat because the injured area doesn't support its own repair. Researchers are looking at ways to improve this environment to help tissues heal. One method involves using electro-acupuncture (EA), which combines traditional acupuncture with electrical stimulation, to improve the spinal cord's environment. Another approach involves transplanting stem cells to help rebuild damaged nerve circuits and restore function. Combining EA with stem cell transplantation may be more effective than either treatment alone.

• 1
  GV-EA can stimulate nerve endings, causing them to release substances that promote the survival and differentiation of transplanted stem cells at the injury site.
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  Increased production of NT-3, a neurotrophic factor, facilitates the regeneration of nerve fibers and myelination, strengthening motor signals and improving limb function.
• 3
  The combination of GV-EA and gene-modified adult stem cell transplantation is an innovative strategy for SCI treatment.