Stem cell treatment trials of spinal cord injuries in animals

Auton Neurosci. 2022 Mar:238:102932. doi: 10.1016/j.autneu.2021.102932. Epub 2021 Dec 30.

Abstract

Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious neurological spinal cord damage that resulted in the loss of temporary or permanent function. However, there are even now no effective therapies for it. So, a new medical promising therapeutic hotspot over the previous decades appeared which was (Stem cell (SC) cure of SCI). Otherwise, animal models are considered in preclinical research as a model for humans to trial a potential new treatment.

Methodology: Following articles were saved from different databases (PubMed, Google scholar, Egyptian knowledge bank, Elsevier, Medline, Embase, ProQuest, BMC) on the last two decades, and data were obtained then analyzed.

Results: This review discusses the type and grading of SCI. As well as different types of stem cells therapy for SCI, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), neural stem cells (NSCs), hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and embryonic stem cells (ESCs). The review focuses on the transplantation pathways, clinical evaluation, and clinical signs of different types of SC on different animal models which are summarized in tables to give an easy to reach.

Conclusion: Pharmacological and physiotherapy have limited regenerative power in comparison with stem cells medication in the treatment of SCI. Among several sources of cell therapies, mesenchymal stromal/stem cell (MSC) one is being progressively developed as a trusted important energetic way to repair and regenerate. Finally, a wide-ranged animal models have been condensed that helped in human clinical trial therapies.

Keywords: Animal models; BBB score; Cell transplantation; Mesenchymal stem cell; Spinal cord injury.

Publication types

  • Review