The potential for regenerative stem cells, their capacity to modulate the immune system, and their capacity to develop into a variety of cell types, including neural cells, have made umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) an increasingly popular option for treating spinal cord injuries (SCI). The following are some ways that UC-MSCs aid in the management and recuperation of spinal cord injuries:
- Spinal cord injuries’ mode of action:
- A) Neuroprotection:
Inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis (cell death) following a spinal cord injury result in secondary damage that exacerbates the original trauma. UC-MSCs lessen this harm by doing the following:
- Neurotrophic factor secretion: Growth factors such nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) are released by UC-MSCs. These elements support the survival of glial cells and neurones, giving injured brain tissue a safe environment.
- Anti-apoptotic effects: By modifying signalling pathways like PI3K/Akt, which are essential for cell survival, UC-MSCs prevent apoptosis, or cell death, in the damaged spinal cor
- Immunomodulation:
- Strong immunomodulatory properties of UC-MSCs limit the detrimental inflammatory response that follows spinal cord injury. They suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines: TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 are examples of pro-inflammatory cytokines that are secreted by UC-MSCs and that lead to secondary tissue injury and scarring.
- Boost the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines: These include TGF-β and IL-10, which facilitate healing and prevent more damage from occurring.
- UC-MSCs have the ability to alter the activity of immune cells, including microglia and macrophages. They cause the pro-inflammatory (M1) macrophage phenotype to change to an anti-inflammatory (M2) state, which encourages tissue healing and lowers inflammation.
- Regeneration and Neural Differentiation:
While UC-MSCs cannot directly replace missing neurones, in certain circumstances they can develop into cells that resemble neurones. The ability to generate new neurones, or neurogenesis, may contribute to the healing of injured brain tissue.
By releasing neurotrophic factors that encourage the expansion and repair of damaged axons—which are essential for re-establishing neuronal connections in the spinal cord—UC-MSCs have also been demonstrated to enhance axonal growth.
- The process of angiogenesis
By secreting substances like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), UC-MSCs aid in angiogenesis, or the creation of new blood vessels. By increasing blood flow to the wounded area, this helps the body replenish lost nutrients and oxygen, which promote tissue regeneration and repair.
- Diminished Formation of Scar Tissue:
Following a spinal cord injury, axonal regeneration and recovery are impeded by the formation of glial scars, which are caused by fibrotic tissue and astrocyte proliferation. By regulating the activity of fibroblasts and astrocytes, UC-MSCs can lessen the degree of scar tissue formation and improve the conditions for tissue regeneration.
- Therapeutic Advantages for Damage to the Spinal Cord:
- Reduction of Inflammation and Tissue Damage:
UC-MSCs lessen the secondary tissue damage brought on by inflammation by regulating the immune system and squelching inflammatory cytokines. This improves the overall prognosis by reducing the amount of spinal cord injury and maintaining more functional tissue.
- Encouraging Resiliency in Function:
In order to restore the motor and sensory functions lost as a result of spinal cord injury, UC-MSCs help heal damaged neurones and axons. In animal models treated with UC-MSCs, preclinical research and early clinical trials have demonstrated improvements in motor function and decreased paralysis.
- Repair of Damaged Axons and Neurones:
Supported by UC-MSCs, neuronal regeneration aids in spinal cord reconnection. Patients with spinal cord injuries may benefit from improvements in their motor control, coordination, and sensory rehabilitation as a result.
- Preserving Neuroprotection and Preventing Additional Damage:
UC-MSCs shield injured spinal cord neurones from apoptosis and lower the inflammatory response, so halting additional damage. The likelihood of recovery can be greatly increased by this neuroprotective impact.
- Delivery Techniques:
- Depending on the kind and location of the spinal cord damage, UC-MSCs can be given by a variety of techniques:
- Intravenous (IV) infusion: UC-MSCs can travel to the damaged location and circulate throughout the body with this technique. By focussing on areas of inflammation and damage, the cells can lessen overall harm.
- Intrathecal injection: In this method, UC-MSCs are injected right into the spinal cord’s surrounding cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). By using this technique, the cells may be precisely delivered to the site of injury, maximising their capacity for regeneration.
- Local injection: To encourage localised repair and regeneration, UC-MSCs may occasionally be injected straight into the spinal cord at the site of injury.
Summary: UC-MSCs offer a multi-faceted approach to treating spinal cord injury through:
- Neuroprotection: Diminishing inflammation and apoptosis.
- Immunomodulation: adjusting the immune system to aid in the healing process.
- Neural regeneration: Facilitating the expansion of axons and neurones.
- Increasing the blood flow to the wounded area is known as angiogenesis.
- Reducing the production of scar tissue: Reducing obstacles to axonal regeneration.