Injured Nerve Regeneration using Cell-Based Therapies: Current Challenges

Abstract

This paper reviews the recent research progress in the past several years on promoting peripheral nerve recovery using stem and progenitory cells. The emphasis is placed on studies aimed at assessing various stem cells capable of expressing neurotrophic and growth factors and surviving after implantation in the nerve or a conduit. Approaches to improving nerve conduit design are summarized. The contribution of stem cells to axonal regeneration and neural repair is discussed. The side effects associated with cell-based treatment are highlighted. From the studies reviewed, it is concluded that the fate of transplanted stem cells needs further elucidation in a microenvironment-dependent manner.

Regenerative Potential of Platelet-Rich Fibrin Releasate Combined with Adipose Tissue–Derived Stem Cells in a Rat Sciatic Nerve Injury Model

“…Various known cytokines and GFs within platelet α-granules such as transforming GF-β1, platelet-derived GF (PDGF), vascular endothelial GF (VEGF), insulin-like GF-1 (IGF-1), basic fibroblastic GF, and epidermal GF (EGF) have been discussed as being crucial for cell proliferation and differentiation, stimulation of angiogenesis, and scar control in the process of regenerating peripheral nerve structures 28 . The most potent trophic factors secreted by MSCs and used in regenerative therapies are nerve GF (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3, and IGF-1 29 . Furthermore, MSCs produce angiogenic factors such as VEGF and PDGF 29 .…”

“…The most potent trophic factors secreted by MSCs and used in regenerative therapies are nerve GF (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3, and IGF-1 29 . Furthermore, MSCs produce angiogenic factors such as VEGF and PDGF 29 . There is convincing evidence that ADSCs release the BDNF and promote axonal regeneration 30 .…”

The advances in nerve tissue engineering: From fabrication of nerve conduit toin vivonerve regeneration assays

“…Cell transplantation by nerve conduits can be used effectively to promote axonal regeneration (Jiang, Jones, & Jia, ). Some factors in determining successful outcomes of cell therapy on nerve regeneration are production of ECM proteins and trophic factors creating a favorable environment for axonal outgrowth, stimulation of angiogenesis, differentiation into SC lineage, facilitation of myelination of regenerating axons, immunosupression in the damaged nerve, and stimulation of differentiation and proliferation of endogenous cells (Petrova, ).…”

Allogeneic bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in the epineurium and perineurium of the recipient rat

“…1). In research conducted on different types of animals, it has been found that the introduction of bone marrow MSCs into the nerve or conduit connecting the ends of a damaged nerve promotes the regeneration of nerve fibers (review: Petrova, 2015). However, the mechanisms of this effect are poorly understood.…”