Implantation of adipose‑derived mesenchymal stem cell sheets promotes axonal regeneration and restores bladder function after spinal cord injury

Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 2022 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-022-03188-1 · Published: January 1, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Urology Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

This study investigates using adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ADSC) sheets to treat neurogenic bladder (NB) caused by spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. ADSC sheets were transplanted into the injury site, and bladder function was assessed. The results showed that ADSC sheet transplantation improved bladder function, promoted nerve regeneration, and reduced scar tissue formation in the spinal cord. The ADSC sheets also helped restore the normal structure of the bladder wall and its ability to contract properly. The study suggests that ADSC sheet transplantation could be a promising treatment for bladder dysfunction related to spinal cord injury, by improving nerve regeneration and protecting bladder tissue.

Study Duration

8 Weeks

Participants

30 adult female Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
ADSC sheet transplantation increased the number of nerve fibers and decreased glial scar formation at the injury site in the spinal cord.
2
ADSC sheet transplantation improved voiding function in SCI rats, increasing micturition volume and voiding efficiency, and restoring high-frequency oscillations related to bladder control.
3
ADSC sheet transplantation prevented disruption of the bladder's protective lining (urothelium) and reduced fibrosis (scarring) in the bladder wall, promoting normal muscle cell function.

Research Summary

This research explores the potential of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ADSC) sheets to treat neurogenic bladder (NB) associated with spinal cord injury (SCI). The study uses a rat model of SCI to assess the therapeutic efficacy of ADSC sheet transplantation, focusing on bladder function and histological changes. The key findings indicate that ADSC sheet transplantation significantly improves voiding function recovery in rats after SCI. This improvement is linked to enhanced nerve fiber regeneration, reduced glial scar formation, and protection of bladder tissue from neurogenic injury. The conclusion suggests that ADSC sheet transplantation is a promising cell delivery and treatment option for NB related to SCI. It offers a potential strategy for ameliorating bladder dysfunction by promoting nerve regeneration and safeguarding bladder tissue integrity.

Practical Implications

Clinical Translation

ADSC sheet transplantation could represent a novel cell-based therapy for neurogenic bladder in SCI patients.

Drug development

Further research could explore combining ADSC sheets with pharmacological agents to enhance bladder function recovery.

Delivery Method Optimization

Future studies could refine the ADSC sheet transplantation technique, optimizing the number of cells, delivery timing, and sheet structure.

Study Limitations

1
The therapeutic effect of ADSC sheet transplantation was not compared with ADSC injections or ADSCs seeded in scaffold materials.
2
Most clinical trials of SCI have involved ADSC injections and shown limited bladder recovery
3
Further studies are needed before clinical trials of ADSC sheets can be conducted, such as experiments using non-human primates.

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