Prerequisites for Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation in Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

We have aimed at distinguishing obligatory prerequisites for mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in spinal cord injury from those prerequisites which are unnecessary or are prerequisites that have to be further investigated. Obligatory prerequisites include the following. First, the site of injury is extensively gliotic, constituting an unsuitable medium for stem cell transplantation. It has to be dissolved by neurolyzing agents, chondroitinase ABC as an example. Second, stem cells need a suitable biomaterial scaffold for their proper integration. Third, the biomaterial scaffold necessitates a tissue filler harboring stem cells, other cells and neurotrophic factors in a combinatorial approach. Fourth, the efficiency of mesenchymal stem cells themselves has to be increased (by reducing oxidative stress-induced apoptosis, by hypoxic preconditioning, by modulating the extracellular matrix and by other measures). Prerequisites that have to be further investigated include the ideal source, mode, quantity, time point and number of injections of mesenchymal stem cells; which growth factors and cells to be used in the combinatorial approach; transforming mesenchymal stem cells into motor neuron-like cells or Schwann cells; increasing the homing effect of stem cells and how to establish a continuous drug and cell delivery system.