Tracking Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide-labeled Mesenchymal Stem Cells using MRI after Intranasal Delivery in a Traumatic Brain Injury Murine Model

Abstract

Stem cell-based therapies for brain injuries, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), are a promising approach for clinical trials. However, technical hurdles such as invasive cell delivery and tracking with low transplantation efficiency remain challenges in translational stem-based therapy. This article describes an emerging technique for stem cell labeling and tracking based on the labeling of the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles, as well as intranasal delivery of the labeled MSCs. These nanoparticles are fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-embedded and safe to label the MSCs, which are subsequently delivered to the brains of TBI-induced mice by the intranasal route. They are then tracked non-invasively in vivo by real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Important advantages of this technique that combines SPIO for cell labeling and intranasal delivery include (1) non-invasive, in vivo MSC tracking after delivery for long tracking periods, (2) the possibility of multiple dosing regimens due to the non-invasive route of MSC delivery, and (3) possible applications to humans, owing to the safety of SPIO, non-invasive nature of the cell-tracking method by MRI, and route of administration.

Intranasal Delivery of Human Wharton’s Jelly-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Alleviates Memory Deficits In Sporadic Alzheimer’s Rat Models By Regulating Neurotrophic and Apoptotic Genes

“…This nding was assessed by measuring the levels of trophic factors and apoptosis-related factors in the hippocampus. In agreement with previous studies [24,33], the IN route of MSC delivery to the brain was more effective in the present study. In this regard, Danielyan et al examined the possible routes of IN-administered cells and hypothesized that these cells could bypass the BBB by migrating from the nasal mucosa through the cribriform plate along the olfactory neural pathway into the brain and CSF [21].…”

Intranasal Delivery of Human Wharton’s Jelly-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Alleviate Memory Deficits In Sporadic Alzheimer’s Rat Model By Regulating Neurotrophic and Apoptosis Genes

“…In agreement with other studies [24,33], the IN route of MSC delivery to the brain in this study proved more effective. The possible migration routes of IN administered cells were studied by Danielyan and et.…”

“…IN-administration of WJ-MSCs was performed on day 14 after AD induction as previously described [21,24]. Brie y, animals anesthetized and immobilized facing upward.…”

Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering

“…Stem cells are promising candidates for the treatment of stroke, multiple sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and epilepsy, among others [ 383 , 503 , 504 , 505 ]. As with all cell-based therapies, the application of IONP-labeled cells, are helpful to monitor safety, delivery, fate and therapeutic potential of the applied cells for regeneration of injured brain tissue [ 506 , 507 , 508 , 509 , 510 , 511 , 512 , 513 , 514 , 515 , 516 , 517 , 518 , 519 , 520 , 521 ].…”