Functional Recovery from Neural Stem/Progenitor Cell Transplantation Combined with Treadmill Training in Mice with Chronic Spinal Cord Injury

Scientific Reports, 2016 · DOI: 10.1038/srep30898 · Published: August 3, 2016

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

This study investigates whether combining neural stem/progenitor cell (NS/PC) transplantation with treadmill training can improve recovery from chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) in mice. The researchers compared the effects of transplantation alone, treadmill training alone, and the combination of both, against a control group. The results suggest that the combined therapy leads to significant locomotor recovery by enhancing spinal conductivity, central pattern generator activity, and inhibitory motor control.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

80 C57BL/6J mice

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The combination of NS/PC transplantation and treadmill training resulted in significant locomotor recovery compared to the control group in mice with chronic SCI.
2
NS/PC transplantation improved spinal conductivity and central pattern generator activity.
3
Treadmill training promoted appropriate inhibitory motor control, which is crucial for gait performance.

Research Summary

This study demonstrates that combined therapy with NS/PC transplantation and treadmill training promotes functional recovery in chronic SCI animal models. NS/PC transplantation enhances electrophysiological recovery and up-regulates CPG activity. Treadmill training facilitates suppressive regulation related to coordinated rhythmic motor control within the lumbar enlargement and improves spasticity.

Practical Implications

Clinical Application

Rehabilitative treatments represent a third therapeutic option to facilitate locomotor recovery after NS/PC transplantation.

Comprehensive Treatment

Comprehensive treatment, including cell replacement, medication, and rehabilitation, may be useful in the treatment of chronically injured spinal cord.

Further Research

Further combined treatments targeting glial scarring and/or axonal growth inhibitors using chondroitinase ABC or semaphorin3A inhibitors in combination with NS/PC transplantation and rehabilitation represent a promising future strategy.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on mice, and the results may not be directly applicable to humans.
2
The combination therapy was not sufficiently effective to repair the lesion epicentre.
3
Further investigations on each aspect of the findings are needed for verification.

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