Controversies and potential risk of mesenchymal stem cells application

Effect of resveratrol and mesenchymal stem cell monotherapy and combined treatment in management of osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats: Role of SIRT1/FOXO3a and Wnt/β-catenin pathways

Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder that is common in postmenopausal women. It is characterized by deteriorated bone mass and microarchitecture. In this study, we aimed to explore the effects and molecular mechanisms of resveratrol and mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) individual and combined treatment in management of osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats. Our results demonstrated that treatment of ovariectomized rats with resveratrol or MSCs improved bone mass and microstructure as indicated by increased bone mineral content and density. Moreover, resveratrol and MSCs stimulated osteogenesis as shown by increased levels of osteogenic markers such as runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2). In addition, resveratrol and MSCs inhibited adipogenesis and osteoclastogenesis as indicated by the suppression of the adipogenic marker, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and the osteoclastogenesis marker, receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL). Mechanistically, our results showed that management of osteoporosis in resveratrol or MSC treated rats was achieved by activating two signaling pathways, sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and wingless-related MMTV integration site (Wnt). Finally, the combination of resveratrol and MSCs was more effective in increasing bone mass and improving osteoporosis than individual treatments.

The cell repair research of spinal cord injury: a review of cell transplantation to treat spinal cord injury

Through retrospective analysis of the literature on the cell repair of spinal cord injury worldwide, it is found that the mechanism of cell transplantation repairing spinal cord injury is mainly to replace damaged neurons, protect host neurons, prevent apoptosis, promote axonal regeneration and synapse formation, promote myelination, and secrete trophic factors or growth factors to improve microenvironment. A variety of cells are used to repair spinal cord injury. Stem cells include multipotent stem cells, embryonic stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells. The multipotent stem cells are mainly various types of mesenchymal stem cells and neural stem cells. Non-stem cells include olfactory ensheathing cells and Schwann cells. Transplantation of inhibitory interneurons to alleviate neuropathic pain in patients is receiving widespread attention. Different types of cell transplantation have their own advantages and disadvantages, and multiple cell transplantation may be more helpful to the patient’s functional recovery. These cells have certain effects on the recovery of neurological function and the improvement of complications, but further exploration is needed in clinical application. The application of a variety of cell transplantation, gene technology, bioengineering and other technologies has made the prospect of cell transplantation more extensive. There is a need to find a safe and effective comprehensive treatment to maximize and restore the patient’s performance.