Early neuroprotective effect with lack of long-term cell replacement effect on experimental stroke after intra-arterial transplantation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells.

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Background aims Adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (AD-MSCs) have high proliferative capacity and ability to secrete trophic factors. Although intra-arterial (IA) transplantation of stem cells induces efficient engraftment to the host brain, it is unclear whether engrafted cells exert their long-term therapeutic effects through a bystander mechanism or a cell replacement mechanism. Methods After induction of ischemia in rats by middle cerebral artery occlusion, we transplanted human AD-MSCs into their carotid arteries with the use of a micro-needle, and we then investigated the therapeutic effects during the early and late phases of ischemia by means of in vivo magnetic resonance imaging, functional and histological analyses. Results During the early phase of cerebral ischemia, IA transplantation of AD-MSCs attenuated inflammation and enhanced endogenous neurogenesis. Transplanted animals showed a marked improvement in functional tests during the early phase of cerebral ischemia that was less prominent but still significant during the late phase of cerebral ischemia. Although the transplanted cells effectively migrated to the infarct area, only a small number of engrafted cells survived at 8 weeks after transplantation and differentiated into neuronal, glial and endothelial cells. Conclusions IA transplantation of human AD-MSCs provides an effective therapeutic modality

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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