Can a Scaffold Enriched with Mesenchymal Stem Cells Be a Good Treatment for Spinal Cord Injury?

Abstract

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a worldwide highly crippling disease that can lead to the loss of motor and sensory neurons. Among the most promising therapies, there are new techniques of tissue engineering based on stem cells that promote neuronal regeneration. Among the different types of stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) seem the most promising. Indeed, MSCs are able to release trophic factors and to differentiate into the cell types that can be found in the spinal cord. Currently, the most common procedure to insert cells in the lesion site is infusion. However, this causes a low rate of survival and engraftment in the lesion site. For these reasons, tissue engineering is focusing on bioresorbable scaffolds to help the cells to stay in situ. Scaffolds do not only have a passive role but become fundamental for the trophic support of cells and the promotion of neuroregeneration. More and more types of materials are being studied as scaffolds to decrease inflammation and increase the engraftment as well as the survival of the cells. Our review aims to highlight how the use of scaffolds made from biomaterials enriched with MSCs gives positive results in in vivo SCI models as well as the first evidence obtained in clinical trials.

Research advances in stem cell transplantation combined with fibrin scaffold for treating spinal cord injury in an aging society

“…Fibrin is a natural nano scaffold that provides a platform for stem cell transplantation, promoting cellular activity and extracellular matrix deposition [38]. Due to its high biocompatibility, fibrin is used to support stem cell transplantation for attachment and growth to promote nerve regeneration.…”

The Role of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Their Products in the Treatment of Injured Spinal Cords

“…These biomaterials either provide mechanical support for transplanted MSCs or are also enriched with various growth factors, which are gradually released into the environment and help the regeneration process in the damaged spinal cord [ 66 , 67 ].…”

“…Its porous structure permits cell propagation and supply of nutrients, and it is effective for angiogenesis, which is important for the regeneration of soft tissues [ 70 ]. It can be easily processed and manufactured in different forms or shapes, which is an important feature for SCI treatment, as we can control the direction and orientation of neurons growth in this way [ 66 ]. Chitosan-based hydrogels do not affect MSCs’ viability, and encapsulated MSCs have the ability to secrete MSC vesicles as well as retain their anti-oxidant properties [ 71 ].…”

Interaction of graphene and WS2 with neutrophils and mesenchymal stem cells: implications for peripheral nerve regeneration

“…4,[29][30][31] In particular, both bone marrow and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been widely investigated for their pro-regenerative properties for nerve repair. 29,31 The main advantages brought by MSCs are their easy isolation, differentiation potential, and immunomodulation properties. 32 MSCs are known for their immunomodulatory activity, which mainly relies on the release of several growth factors (i.e.…”