Mitochondrial Transplantation/Transfer: Promising Therapeutic Strategies for Spinal Cord Injury

Several human studies show positive signals, while research methods and sample sizes continue to develop.

• 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)

Spinal cord injury (SCI) remains an unresolved and complex medical challenge. In SCI, mitochondrial dysfunction leads to calcium overload and an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS). Intercellular mitochondrial transfer has the potential to rescue surviving neurons, while exogenous mitochondrial transplantation can be performed through direct injection or cell-assisted methods. This review explored the current state of research on mitochondrial transplantation and transfer as potential treatments for SCI. It also analyzed the therapeutic implications, influencing factors, and advanced delivery methods for both endogenous mitochondrial transfer and exogenous mitochondrial transplantation. Furthermore, future research directions, including optimizing mitochondrial delivery methods, determining optimal dosages for different delivery approaches, were discussed based on larger animal models and clinical trials. The goal of this review was to introduce novel concepts and prospects for SCI therapy and to contribute to the advancement of medical research in this field. The translational potential of this article At present, SCI lacks effective therapies, with mitochondrial dysfunction playing a central role in neuronal damage. Mitochondrial transplantation holds promise for restoring bioenergetic function. However, key challenges remain, including optimizing delivery methods, dete

Evidence level

Several human studies show positive signals, while research methods and sample sizes continue to develop.

Browse all related research

Filter the research library by this study's title keywords, author, or publication year.