Systemic administration of human adipose-derived stem cells reverts nociceptive hypersensitivity in an experimental model of neuropathy.

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)

Over the last decade, it has been proved that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) elicit anti-inflammatory effects. MSCs from adipose tissue (hASCs) differentiate into cells of the mesodermal lineage and transdifferentiate into ectodermal-origin cells. Although there are various etiologies to chronic pain, one common feature is that painful states are associated with increased inflammation. We believe in hASCs as a therapeutic tool also in pathologies involving neuroinflammation and neuronal tissue damage. We have investigated the effect of hASCs injected in a model of neuropathic pain [(mouse sciatic nerve chronic constriction injury (CCI)]. hASCs from 5 donors were characterized, and no major differences were depicted. hASCs were cryopreserved and grown on demand. About 1×10(6), 3×10(6), and 6×10(6) hASCs were intravenously injected into normal immunocompetent mice. No mouse died, and no macroscopic toxicity or behavioral changes were observed, confirming the safety of hASCs. hASCs, intravenously (i.v.) injected into C57BL/6 mice when the neuropathic pain was already established, induced a significant reduction in mechanical allodynia and a complete reversion of thermal hyperalgesia in a dose-response fashion, already 1 day after administration. Moreover, the hASCs effect can be boosted by repeated administrations, allowing a prolonged therapeutic effect. Treatment decreased the le

Evidence level

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

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