Skin-Derived Precursor Cells Promote Angiogenesis and Stimulate Proliferation of Endogenous Neural Stem Cells after Cerebral Infarction

BioMed Research International, 2015 · DOI: 10.1155/2015/945846 · Published: January 5, 2015

Neurology Neurorehabilitation Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

This study explores the potential of skin-derived precursor cells (SKPs) to aid recovery after a stroke in rats. SKPs were transplanted into the brains of rats after a stroke-like event to observe their impact on brain repair. The research found that SKPs helped improve the rats' neurological function and encouraged the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) and nerve cells (neurogenesis) in the damaged brain areas. These findings suggest SKPs could be a promising cell source for future stroke treatments because they can be easily obtained and appear to support brain repair mechanisms.

Study Duration

14 days

Participants

Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 280–300 g

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
SKPs transplantation could improve the behavioral measures of neurological deficit.
2
SKPs could secrete basic FGF and VEGF in the ischemic region and further markedly increase the proliferation of endogenous nestin+ and 𝛽III-tubulin+ neural stem cells.
3
Increased angiogenesis induced by SKPs was observed by vWF and 𝛼-SMA staining.

Research Summary

The study investigated the therapeutic potential of skin-derived precursor cells (SKPs) in a rat model of cerebral ischemia, finding that SKPs transplantation improved behavioral measures of neurological deficit. Immunohistology confirmed that SKPs could secrete basic FGF and VEGF in the ischemic region, increasing the proliferation of endogenous neural stem cells and inducing angiogenesis. The conclusion suggests that SKPs transplantation may be a promising approach in the treatment of stroke due to their capacity to promote neurogenesis and neovascularization.

Practical Implications

Stroke Treatment

SKPs may offer a new avenue for stroke treatment by promoting neurogenesis and angiogenesis in the damaged brain.

Cell Source

SKPs are a readily accessible pluripotent source, making them a practical option for cell-based therapies.

Neurorestorative Effects

Transplanted SKPs release proteins that lead to neurorestoration, contributing to the improvement of neurological function recovery.

Study Limitations

1
The ability of differentiation into electrophysiologically active neural cells has not been proved by animal model just through hippocampal slices culture.
2
The research did not observe any DiI+ neural cells differentiation in injection area perhaps due to low cell viability after transplantation.
3
The exact mechanisms by which SKPs exert their therapeutic effects are not fully understood and require further investigation.

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