Human adipose tissue- and umbilical cord-derived stem cells: which is a better alternative to treat spinal cord injury?

Neural Regen Res, 2020 · DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.284997 · Published: June 19, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Neurology

Simple Explanation

This study explores the potential of using stem cells from human umbilical cords (UCMSCs) and adipose tissue (ADMSCs) to treat spinal cord injuries in rats. The researchers compared the effects of these two types of stem cells on functional improvements in rats with spinal cord injuries. The results suggest that both UCMSCs and ADMSCs can contribute to motor and sensory recovery after spinal cord injury through anti-inflammatory effects and improved axonal growth.

Study Duration

8 weeks

Participants

150 adult female Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Level II; Animal study

Key Findings

1
Transplanted UCMSCs and ADMSCs similarly improved motor and sensory function after spinal cord injury in rats.
2
Both types of stem cells promoted spinal neuron survival and axonal regeneration, while decreasing glial scar and lesion cavity formation.
3
ADMSCs showed a specific increase of interleukin-10 and decrease of tumor necrosis factor α, indicating an advantage in controlling neuroinflammation compared to UCMSCs.

Research Summary

This study compares the effectiveness of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) and human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) in treating spinal cord injury (SCI) in a rat model. The results indicate that both UCMSCs and ADMSCs contribute to motor and sensory recovery after SCI by reducing inflammation and promoting axonal growth. While both cell types showed similar benefits, ADMSCs exhibited a greater ability to modulate inflammation, suggesting they may be a better cell source for transplantation in SCI treatment.

Practical Implications

Clinical Cell Source Selection

ADMSCs might be a preferable cell source over UCMSCs for SCI treatment due to superior anti-inflammatory properties and the possibility of autologous transplantation.

Therapeutic Target Identification

The study identifies specific cytokines and genes regulated by stem cell transplantation, offering potential targets for future SCI therapies.

Treatment Optimization

Further research could explore the use of successive stem cell transplantations or higher cell numbers to enhance functional recovery after SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Transplanted cells did not differentiate into neurons or glial cells.
2
Most transplanted cells died within 4 weeks after transplantation.
3
The mechanism by which UCMSCs and ADMSCs regulate endogenous gene expression is unclear.

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