Is There Additive Therapeutic Effect When GCSF Combined with Adipose-Derived Stem Cell in a Rat Model of Acute Spinal Cord Injury?

J Korean Neurosurg Soc, 2017 · DOI: 10.3340/jkns.2016.1010.008 · Published: July 1, 2017

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

This study investigates whether combining granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF) with adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) enhances recovery from acute spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. Rats were divided into groups receiving GCSF alone, ADSCs alone, a combination of both, or a sham treatment. Functional outcomes were assessed using behavioral tests, and tissue analysis was performed to evaluate nerve regeneration. The results suggest that while ADSCs improve recovery from SCI, adding GCSF does not provide a significant additive benefit in this rat model.

Study Duration

8 Weeks

Participants

Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
ADSC and ADSC+GCSF groups showed significantly higher Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan scores than the Sham group during 8 weeks.
2
In the ladder rung test, the ADSC+GCSF group showed the best improvement compared to all other groups.
3
Immunofluorescent staining, western blotting, and RT-PCR showed higher levels of GAP43 and nerve growth factor in the ADSC and ADSC+GCSF groups compared to the Sham and GCSF groups.

Research Summary

This study examined the additive effects of GCSF on ADSC infusion in treating acute SCI in rats. The results indicated that ADSCs alone improved functional recovery, but the addition of GCSF did not significantly enhance this effect. Behavioral tests, including BBB scoring and the ladder rung test, showed improvement in groups treated with ADSCs, but the combined ADSC+GCSF group only showed significant improvement in the ladder rung test. Molecular analysis revealed higher levels of axonal regeneration markers in ADSC-treated groups, with no significant additive effect observed with GCSF.

Practical Implications

Stem Cell Therapy for SCI

ADSCs can be used as a potential therapeutic agent for spinal cord injury.

Combination Therapy Design

When designing combination therapies for SCI, molecules other than GCSF should be explored to enhance the effects of stem cell therapy.

Methodology Refinement

Modifications to the methodology of combined stem cell and cytokine therapies should be considered to improve outcomes in SCI treatment.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted in a rat model, and results may not directly translate to humans.
2
The study focused on a single cytokine (GCSF), and other cytokines may have different effects when combined with ADSCs.
3
The study assessed acute SCI, and the long-term effects of combined ADSC and GCSF treatment were not evaluated.

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