How to use stem cells for repair in stroke patients

Arduino based intra-cerebral microinjector device for neuroscience research

Stereotaxic surgery is a less invasive form of surgery that uses a three-dimensional coordinate system to place instruments at a specific location in the brain. Through this type of surgery, one can place needles among other tools within the structures of the brain. Therefore, injections can be given in order to deliver substances that cannot cross the blood-brain barrier. The two most important parameters of the microinjection to control are volume and speed. The volume should not be so large that it displaces the brain tissue and tears it. The injection speed must also be slow so that the liquid that comes out of the syringe can diffuse into the tissue without displacing it and damaging it. Thus, the objectives of the present work are: 1) To develop not a 3D printed prototype but an end-user device. 2) The device must be for animal research only. 3) It must have the same precision in volume and speed as commercial devices. 4) It must be adjustable for microsyringes from 0.5 µl to 1 ml. 5) It must be possible to place it directly on the stereotaxic surgery apparatus and to use it separately. 6) The price must be substantially lower than that of the commercial devices.

Optimal Delivery Route of Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Cardiac Repair: The Path to Good Clinical Practice

Research has shown that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could be a promising therapy for treating progressive heart disease. However, translation into clinics efficiently and successfully has proven to be much more complicated. Many questions remain for optimizing treatment. Application method influences destiny of MSCs and afterwards impacts results of procedure, yet there is no general agreement about most suitable method of MSC delivery in the clinical setting. Herein, we explain principle of most-frequent MSCs delivery techniques in cardiology. This chapter summarizes crucial translational obstacles of clinical employment of MSCs for cardiac repair when analysed trough a prism of latest research centred on different techniques of MSCs application.

Intrathecal Transplantation of Autologous and Allogeneic Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Dogs

The route used in the transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can directly affect the treatment success. The transplantation of MSCs via the intrathecal (IT) route can be an important therapeutic strategy for neurological disorders. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the IT transplantation of autologous (Auto-MSCs) and allogeneic (Allo-MSCs) bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) in healthy dogs. Based on neurodisability score, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), no significant differences from the control group were observed on day 1 or day 5 after IT Auto- or Allo-MSCs transplantation (P > 0.05). In addition, analysis of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 expression in the CSF revealed no significant differences (P > 0.05) at 5 days after IT transplantation in the Auto- or Allo-MSCs group when compared to the control. Intrathecal transplantation of BM-MSCs in dogs provides a safe, easy and minimally invasive route for the use of cell-based therapeutics in central nervous system diseases.

Combining Growth Factor and Stem Cell Therapy for Stroke Rehabilitation, A Review

Stroke is a serious, life-threatening condition demanding vigorous search for new therapies. Recent research has focused on stem cell-based therapies as a viable choice following ischemic stroke, based on studies displaying that stem cells transplanted to the brain not only survive but also cause functional recovery. Growth factors defined as polypeptides that regulate the growth and differentiation of many cell types. Many studies have demonstrated that combined use of growth factors may increase results by the stimulation of endogenous neurogenesis, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotection properties, and enhancement of stem cell survival rates and so may be more effective than a single stem cell therapy. This paper reviews and discusses the most promising new stroke recovery research, including combination treatment.

Neuroregeneration and functional recovery after stroke: advancing neural stem cell therapy toward clinical application

Stroke is a main cause of death and disability worldwide. The ability of the brain to self-repair in the acute and chronic phases after stroke is minimal; however, promising stem cell-based interventions are emerging that may give substantial and possibly complete recovery of brain function after stroke. Many animal models and clinical trials have demonstrated that neural stem cells (NSCs) in the central nervous system can orchestrate neurological repair through nerve regeneration, neuron polarization, axon pruning, neurite outgrowth, repair of myelin, and remodeling of the microenvironment and brain networks. Compared with other types of stem cells, NSCs have unique advantages in cell replacement, paracrine action, inflammatory regulation and neuroprotection. Our review summarizes NSC origins, characteristics, therapeutic mechanisms and repair processes, then highlights current research findings and clinical evidence for NSC therapy. These results may be helpful to inform the direction of future stroke research and to guide clinical decision-making.

Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Therapeutic Delivery: Translational Challenges to Clinical Application

For several decades, multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been extensively studied for their therapeutic potential across a wide range of diseases. In the preclinical setting, MSCs demonstrate consistent ability to promote tissue healing, down-regulate excessive inflammation and improve outcomes in animal models. Several proposed mechanisms of action have been posited and demonstrated across an array of in vitro models. However, translation into clinical practice has proven considerably more difficult. A number of prominent well-funded late-phase clinical trials have failed, thus calling out for new efforts to optimize product delivery in the clinical setting. In this review, we discuss novel topics critical to the successful translation of MSCs from pre-clinical to clinical applications. In particular, we focus on the major routes of cell delivery, aspects related to hemocompatibility, and potential safety concerns associated with MSC therapy in the different settings.