Dopaminergic induction of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells is accompanied by transcriptional activation of autophagy

Functional dopaminergic neurons derived from human chorionic mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate striatal atrophy and improve behavioral deficits in Parkinsonian rat model

Human chorionic mesenchymal stem cells (HCMSCs) have been recognized as a desirable choice for cell therapy in neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD). Due to invaluable features of HCMSCs including their immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive properties, easily accessible and less differentiated compared to other types of MSCs, HCMSCs provide a great hope for regenerative medicine. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of HCMSCs-derived dopaminergic (DA) neuron-like cells with regard to PD. Initially, HCMSCs were isolated and underwent a 2-week DA differentiation, followed by in vitro assessments, using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunocytochemistry, patch clamp recording, and high-performance liquid chromatography. In addition, the effects of implanted HCMSCs-derived DA neuron-like cells on the motor coordination along with stereological alterations in the striatum of rat models of PD were investigated. Our results showed that under neuronal induction, HCMSCs revealed neuron-like morphology, and expressed neuronal and DA-specific genes, together with DA release. Furthermore, transplantation of HCMSCs-derived DA neurons into the striatum of rat models of PD, augmented performance. Besides, it prevented reduction of striatal volume, dendritic length, and the total number of neurons, coupled with a diminished level of cleaved caspase-3. Altogether, these findings suggest that HCMSCs could be considered as an attractive strategy for cell-based therapies in PD.

Grafted human chorionic stem cells restore motor function and preclude cerebellar neurodegeneration in rat model of cerebellar ataxia

Cerebellar ataxia (CA) is a form of ataxia that adversely affects the cerebellum. Cell replacement therapy (CRT) has been considered as a potential treatment for neurological disorders. In this report, we investigated the neuro-restorative effects of human chorionic stem cells (HCSCs) transplantation on rat model of CA induced by 3-acetylpyridine (3-AP). In this regard, HCSCs were isolated and phenotypically determined. Next, a single injection of 3-AP was administered for ataxia induction, and bilateral HCSCs implantation was conducted 3 days after 3-AP injection, followed by expression analysis of a number of apoptotic, autophagic and inflammatory genes as well as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) level, along with assessment of cerebellar neurodegeneration, motor coordination and muscle activity. The findings revealed that grafting of HCSCs in 3-AP model of ataxia decreased the expression levels of several inflammatory, autophagic and apoptotic genes and provoked the up-regulation of VEGF in the cerebellar region, prevented the degeneration of Purkinje cells caused by 3-AP toxicity and ameliorated motor coordination and muscle function. In conclusion, these data indicate in vivo efficacy of HCSCs in the reestablishment of motor skills and reversal of CA.