Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are a devastating condition that often results in permanent loss of motor and sensory function below the level of injury. Currently, the U.S. based medical community focuses on managing symptoms and preventing further damage. However, recent use of stem cell therapy as a treatment has shown impressive results particularly in the use of umbilical derived mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of SCI.
Mesenchymal stem cells are a type of adult stem cell that can be isolated from various tissues, including bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord tissue. MSCs have the ability to differentiate into various cell types, including bone, cartilage, and fat cells, and have immunomodulatory properties that make them attractive candidates for cell-based therapies.
What are the advantages of mesenchymal stem cells as used in spinal cord injury treatment?
Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) have several advantages over MSCs derived from bone marrow or adipose, including a higher proliferation rate and a near nonexistent risk of viral contamination. Additionally, UC-MSCs have been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of diseases and injuries, including spinal cord injuries.
The use of UC-MSCs for the treatment of a spinal cord injury involves the injection of these cells directly into the spinal cord at the site of injury. The goal of this treatment is to promote tissue repair and regeneration, reduce inflammation, and improve functional outcomes.
Are there studies to support these claims?
Studies have shown that UC-MSCs differentiate into various cell types, including neurons, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes, which are crucial for the repair and regeneration of damaged spinal cord tissue.
Additionally, UC-MSCs have been shown to secrete a wide range of growth factors and cytokines, which can promote tissue repair and modulate immune responses. They are also proven to be non-tumorigenic, meaning they do not cause nor enhance tumors in the body.
One study published in the journal Cell Transplantation in 2018 investigated the use of UC-MSCs for the treatment of SCI. The study found that the injection of UC-MSCs into the spinal cord at the site of injury resulted in significant improvements in motor function and sensory function. The UC-MSCs were able to promote tissue repair and regeneration, reduce inflammation, and improve functional outcomes.
Another study published in the journal Stem Cells International in 2019 investigated the use of UC-MSCs for the treatment of spinal cord injuries. The study found that the injection of UC-MSCs into the spinal cord at the site of injury resulted in significant improvements in limb function. The UC-MSCs were able to promote tissue repair and regeneration, reduce inflammation, and improve functional outcomes.
The use of stem cell therapy utilizing UC-MSCs for the treatment of SCI is a relatively new treatment. However, the result have been both impressive and promising, and suggest that UC-MSCs may be a safe and effective treatment option for SCI.
Spinal cord injuries are a devastating condition, results cannot be achieved by pharmacological and physiotherapy interventions. However, recent research has shown promising results in the use of UC-MSCs for the treatment of SCI. UC-MSCs have the ability to restore tissue and have been shown to differentiate into neuron-like cells and stimulate neural stem cell proliferation to rebuild the damaged nerve tissue.
Read this study published by The National Institutes of Health:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7510077/
What is the cost of stem cell therapy for spinal cord injuries?