Protective effect of rhodioloside and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells infected with HIF-1-expressing adenovirus on acute spinal cord injury

Neural Regen Res, 2020 · DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.266920 · Published: October 18, 2019

Spinal Cord Injury Alternative Medicine Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the potential of rhodioloside (Rho), a component of Rhodiola rosea, and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) modified with HIF-1 to treat spinal cord injuries (SCI) in rats. The researchers created a rat model of SCI and tested whether combining Rho with HIF-1-expressing BMSCs offered a better treatment outcome than either Rho or BMSCs alone. The findings suggest that this combined approach enhances spinal cord repair and functional recovery in rats with SCI.

Study Duration

12 Weeks

Participants

120 Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The group treated with both rhodioloside and HIF-1-expressing MSCs showed the highest combined behavioral score, indicating better motor function recovery.
2
HIF-1 protein expression was significantly higher in the rhodioloside group compared to the control group, suggesting that rhodioloside can upregulate HIF-1 expression.
3
Sry mRNA levels were higher in the rhodioloside + Ad-HIF-MSC group, indicating that rhodioloside promotes the survival of mesenchymal stem cells in the spinal cord.

Research Summary

This study investigates the protective effects of rhodioloside (Rho) and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) infected with HIF-1-expressing adenovirus on acute spinal cord injury (SCI) in a rat model. The results showed that the combination of Rho and Ad-HIF-MSCs significantly improved the recovery of spinal cord injury, activated the HIF-1 pathway, and promoted the survival of BMSCs and the repair of damaged neurons. The findings suggest that Rho combined with HIF-1-expressing BMSCs could be a viable method for potential clinical treatment of SCI.

Practical Implications

Potential therapeutic strategy for SCI

The combination of Rhodiola rosea and cytokine-modified MSCs could offer a new approach for SCI treatment by promoting neuronal regeneration and functional recovery.

Improved MSC survival

Rhodioloside enhances HIF-1 expression, promoting the survival and neuronal differentiation of MSCs, leading to better outcomes in SCI repair.

Application in hypobaric and ischemic conditions

The treatment may have broader implications for multi-organ and multi-tissue injuries under hypobaric and ischemic conditions.

Study Limitations

1
The specific mechanisms through which Rho combined with cytokine-modified MSCs accelerates SCI recovery, and the specific effects on SCI treatment are unclear.
2
The influencing factors and mechanisms through which Rho combined with HIF-1 cell transplantation affect SCI recovery have not been studied clearly.
3
At present, most studies are limited to animal experiments, while studies of clinical applications are less.

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