Two seemingly unrelated processes are now conveniently tied together, thanks to recent findings from a team of researchers at Kazan Federal University in Russia. The team has published in Frontiers in Pharmacology the details on how adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells can be used to promote recovery following spinal cord injury. Adipose tissue that contains the stem cells are readily accessible through procedures such as liposuction.
“Fat is a good resource of stem cells, and liposuction is a rather well developed and non-traumatic procedure. This is also the reason for autologous stem cell transplants where a patient receives their own stem cells,” said study first author Yana Mukhamedshina.
In a rat model for post-traumatic spinal cord injury, the team studied the effects of applying adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) combined with a fibrin matrix. The crucial addition of the matrix aimed to stimulate regeneration by creating an environment similar to a natural extracellular matrix.
The team reported positive impacts to recovery. A reduced area of abnormal cavities and enhanced tissue retention was confirmed by behavioral/electrophysiological and morphometric tests. Immunohistochemical and real-time PCR experiments also showed reduced astroglial activation, a hallmark in the pathogenesis of spinal cord injury. The team concluded that application of AD-MSCs combined with fibrin matrix at the site of injury can stimulate important mechanisms of nervous tissue regeneration and should be further developed for clinical applications.
“The transplant is conducted through application of mesenchymal stem cells with fibrin matrix to an injured area without surgical interventions. Basically, it's a standard surgical glue used in medical procedures. As a result, we can stipulate that patient's own stem cells can be transplanted during repeated surgeries,” explained Mukhamedshina.