Neural Regeneration Research ›› 2019, Vol. 14 ›› Issue (2): 227-237.doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.244778

Previous Articles     Next Articles

Mesenchymal stem cells and the neuronal microenvironment in the area of spinal cord injury

Yana O. Mukhamedshina 1, 2 , Olga A. Gracheva 3 , Dina M. Mukhutdinova 3 , Yurii A. Chelyshev 2 , Albert A. Rizvanov 1   

  1. 1 OpenLab Gene and Cell Technologies, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, Kazan, Russia
    2 Department of Histology, Cytology and Embryology, Kazan State Medical University, Kazan, Russia
    3 Department of Therapy and Clinical Diagnostics with radiology Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bauman Kazan State Academy of Veterinary Medicine, Kazan, Russia
  • Online:2019-02-15 Published:2019-02-15
  • Contact: Yana O. Mukhamedshina, PhD,MD, yana.k-z-n@mail.ru.
  • Supported by:

    The work was supported by a grant from the Russian Foundation for Basic Research, No.16-34-60101 (to YOM), a grant from the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation, No. 20.5175.2017/6.7 (to AAR). This work was performed in accordance with the Program of Competitive Growth of the Kazan Federal University

PDF

189

Abstract:

Cell-based technologies are used as a therapeutic strategy in spinal cord injury (SCI). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which secrete various neurotrophic factors and cytokines, have immunomodulatory, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects, modulate reactivity/phenotype of astrocytes and the microglia, thereby promoting neuroregeneration seem to be the most promising. The therapeutic effect of MSCs is due to a paracrine mechanism of their action, therefore the survival of MSCs and their secretory phenotype is of particular importance. Nevertheless, these data are not always reported in efficacy studies of MSC therapy in SCI. Here, we provide a review with summaries of preclinical trials data evaluating the efficacy of MSCs in animal models of SCI. Based on the data collected, we have tried (1) to establish the behavior of MSCs after transplantation in SCI with an evaluation of cell survival, migration potential, distribution in the area of injured and intact tissue and possible differentiation; (2) to determine the effects MSCs on neuronal microenvironment and correlate them with the efficacy of functional recovery in SCI; (3) to ascertain the conditions under which MSCs demonstrate their best survival and greatest efficacy.

Key words: spinal cord injury, mesenchymal stem cells, survival, migration, Rho/ROCK/PTEN, astrocytes, microglia, myelin-forming cells, axon growth, tissue integrity