Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Reduce Cellular Damage after Experimental Spinal Cord Injury in Rats

Biomedicines, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11051394 · Published: May 8, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

This study explores a potential treatment for spinal cord injuries (SCI) using stem cells derived from human fat tissue. The goal was to see if these cells could reduce the damage caused by SCI in rats. Rats with SCI received infusions of either stem cells or a control solution. The researchers then tracked the stem cells to see where they went in the body. The scientists looked at the spinal cord tissue under a microscope to measure the amount of myelin (a protective substance around nerve fibers), the number of neurons (nerve cells), and the presence of astrocytes (a type of brain cell).

Study Duration

40 days

Participants

45 Wistar rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The stem cells were observed migrating towards the injury site in the spinal cord.
2
The rats that received stem cell infusions had significantly less neuronal loss compared to the control group.
3
The stem cell treatment did not prevent myelin loss or reduce the area occupied by astrocytes.

Research Summary

This study investigated the effects of human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) on spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. ADSC were infused into rats with SCI, and the researchers assessed cellular changes and cell migration. Cell tracking showed that ADSC migrated towards the injury site. ADSC infusion significantly reduced neuronal loss but did not prevent myelin loss or alter astrocyte presence compared to the control group. The researchers concluded that ADSC infusion distal to the injury site is a safe method for cell administration and can reduce neuronal loss after SCI.

Practical Implications

Safe Cell Delivery

The injection of ADSC distal to the injured area was shown to be a safe and effective method for cellular administration in spinal cord injury.

Reduced Neuronal Loss

ADSC infusion can significantly reduce neuronal loss after SCI.

Further Research

Further research is needed to determine how to control scar formation.

Study Limitations

1
Short life span of ADSC after infusion.
2
ADSC could not effectively modify the structural damage secondary to myelin loss nor activate astrocytes.
3
Repeated anesthetic procedures can be a negative factor in evaluating a modulation and cell survival.

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