Therapeutic effects of peripherally administrated neural crest stem cells on pain and spinal cord changes after sciatic nerve transection

Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 2021 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-021-02200-4 · Published: January 31, 2021

Pain Management Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the potential of neural crest stem cells (NCSCs) to treat neuropathic pain and improve motor function after a severe nerve injury in rats. The researchers used a sciatic nerve transection (SNT) model to mimic nerve damage and then applied NCSCs using nerve scaffolds. The study found that rats treated with NCSCs showed better motor function recovery and reduced neuropathic pain compared to those without NCSC treatment. This suggests that NCSCs may have a protective effect on the spinal cord following peripheral nerve injury. Researchers believe that NCSCs may work by reducing inflammation and central sensitization in the spinal cord. This study provides evidence for a potential new cell-based therapy for peripheral nerve injuries.

Study Duration

12 weeks

Participants

14 athymic nude rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
NCSC-laden nerve scaffolds mitigated SNT-induced neuropathic pain and improved motor function recovery after sciatic nerve repair.
2
NCSCs also protected the spinal cord from SNT-induced glial activation and central sensitization.
3
The protein levels of TRPV1 were significantly decreased in the NCSC group compared with the scaffold group.

Research Summary

This study demonstrates that NCSCs delivered at the injury site using a scaffold ameliorate neuropathic pain and enhance locomotion after PNI through inhibiting glial activation as well as ERK and NF-κB signals. The results demonstrated an increase in astrocyte and microglia activity on the ipsilateral side after SNT and that the NCGF group had a stronger inhibitory effect on the glial activation. NCSC-laden scaffolds can reverse neuropathic pain associated with SNT and improve motor function recovery. Protein expression analyses suggest that the mechanisms underlying this treatment could be associated with ERK and NF-κB signal downregulation and glia cell suppression, which contribute to spinal plasticity.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

Peripheral administration of NCSCs could be a valuable intervention for neuropathic pain and nerve regeneration after PNI.

Mechanism Elucidation

The study suggests that the therapeutic effects are associated with the downregulation of ERK and NF-κB signals, leading to the suppression of glial cell activation and contribution to spinal plasticity.

Clinical Translation

This work supports further investigation into cell-based therapies for peripheral nerve injuries, potentially leading to improved clinical outcomes.

Study Limitations

1
The relevant underlying mechanisms remain unelucidated.
2
While our work suggested ERK and NF-κB signal pathways are involved, there could also be additional contributing pathways.
3
The abovementioned signaling pathways would be verified in cells by using relevant inhibitors or adenoviruses in future research to have a deeper understanding the therapeutic efficacy of NSCSs.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Pain Management