Update on stem cell therapy for cerebral palsy

The safety and efficacy of umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells in individuals with spastic cerebral palsy: a randomized double-blind sham-controlled clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

The current multi-center, randomized, double-blind study was conducted among children with cerebral palsy (CP) to assess the safety and efficacy of umbilical cord blood mononuclear cell (UCB-MNC). We performed the diffusion tensor imaging to assess the changes in the white matter structure.

METHODS

Males and females aged 4 to 14 years old with spastic CP were included. Eligible participants were allocated in 4:1 ratio to be in the experimental or control groups; respectively. Individuals who were assigned in UCB-MNC group were tested for human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and fully-matched individuals were treated with UCB-MNCs. A single dose (5 × 106 /kg) UCB-MNCs were administered via intrathecal route in experimental group. The changes in gross motor function measure (GMFM)-66 from baseline to one year after treatment were the primary endpoints. The mean changes in modified Ashworth scale (MAS), pediatric evaluation of disability inventory (PEDI), and CP quality of life (CP-QoL) were also evaluated and compared between groups. The mean changes in fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) of corticospinal tract (CST) and posterior thalamic radiation (PTR) were the secondary endpoints. Adverse events were safety endpoint.

RESULTS

There were 72 included individuals (36 cases in each group). The mean GMFM-66 scores increased in experimental group; compared to baseline (+ 9.62; 95%CI: 6.75, 12.49) and control arm (β: 7.10; 95%CI: 2.08, 12.76; Cohen's d: 0.62) and mean MAS reduced in individuals treated with UCB-MNCs compared to the baseline (-0.87; 95%CI: -1.2, -0.54) and control group (β: -0.58; 95%CI: -1.18, -0.11; Cohen's d: 0.36). The mean PEDI scores and mean CP-QoL scores in two domains were higher in the experimental group compared to the control. The imaging data indicated that mean FA increased and MD decreased in participants of UCB-MNC group indicating improvements in white matter structure. Lower back pain, headaches, and irritability were the most common adverse events within 24 h of treatment that were related to lumbar puncture. No side effects were observed during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

This trial showed that intrathecal injection of UCB-MNCs were safe and effective in children with CP.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT03795974 ).

A novel MSC-based immune induction strategy for ABO-incompatible liver transplantation: a phase I/II randomized, open-label, controlled trial

Background

ABO-incompatible liver transplantation (ABO-i LT) has become a rescue therapeutic option for patients with severe hepatic failure. Although the use of rituximab greatly reduces the morbidity of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR), severe adverse effects, such as infection and biliary complications, still seriously threaten the survival of transplant recipients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to replace rituximab in ABO-i LT.

Methods

Twenty-two patients with severe hepatic failure undergoing ABO-i LT were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups: the MSC group and the rituximab group. The safety of the application of MSCs and the incidence of allograft rejection, including antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) and acute cellular rejection (ACR), were evaluated in both groups at the 2-year follow-up period as primary endpoints. Recipients and graft survival and other postoperative complications were compared as secondary endpoints.

Results

No severe MSC-related adverse events were observed during the trial. MSC treatment yielded comparable, if not better, results than rituximab at decreasing the incidence of acute rejection (9.1% vs 27.3%). Inspiringly, compared to those in the rituximab group, the rates of biliary complications (0% vs 45.5%) and infection (9.1% vs 81.8%) were significantly decreased in the MSC group. In addition, there were no significant differences in 2-year graft and recipient survival between the two groups (81.8% vs 72.7%).

Conclusions

Our data show that MSC transfusion is comparable to rituximab treatment for AMR prophylaxis following ABO-i LT. Additionally, the results indicate that MSCs are more beneficial to the prevention of infection and biliary complications and may be introduced as a novel immunosuppressive approach for ABO-i LT.

Trial registration

Trial registration: chictr.org.cn, ChiCTR2000037732. Registered 31 August 2020- Retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=57074.

Progress in clinical trials of stem cell therapy for cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy is the most common disease in children associated with lifelong disability in many countries. Clinical research has demonstrated that traditional physiotherapy and rehabilitation therapies cannot alone cure cerebral palsy. Stem cell transplantation is an emerging therapy that has been applied in clinical trials for a variety of neurological diseases because of the regenerative and unlimited proliferative capacity of stem cells. In this review, we summarize the design schemes and results of these clinical trials. Our findings reveal great differences in population characteristics, stem cell types and doses, administration methods, and evaluation methods among the included clinical trials. Furthermore, we also assess the safety and efficacy of these clinical trials. We anticipate that our findings will advance the rational development of clinical trials of stem cell therapy for cerebral palsy and contribute to the clinical application of stem cells.

Is Stem Cell Therapy the New Savior for Cerebral Palsy Patients? A Review

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is one of the foremost causes of childhood motor disability and disrupts the individual's development and ability to function. Several factors contribute to the development of CP such as preterm delivery, low birth weight, infection/inflammation, and additional pregnancy complications, both in preterm and term infants. As there is no specific treatment for CP, rehabilitation is the current option for the management of patients. The serious nature of this condition creates deficits that last a lifetime. 

We collected studies that were published in the past 10 years, using PubMed as our main database. We chose studies that were relevant to CP and stem cell therapy. We mainly focused on various types of stem cells that can be used in treatment, mechanism of action (MOA) of stem cells, routes, dosage, and adverse effects, their efficacy, and safety in CP patients. Of all the 38 studies we reviewed, we found that five articles discussed the utilization of human umbilical cord blood [hUCB], four articles discussed autologous bone marrow stem cells, and one discussed allogeneic umbilical cord blood usage. One article discussed neural stem-like cells (NSLCs) derived from bone marrow and the remaining 27 articles were about CP and its treatment.

We reviewed detailed information about the possible stem cell therapies and their benefits in patients with CP. We found that immune modulation is the major mechanism of action of stem cells, and among all the types of stem cells. Autologous umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells appear to be safe and most effective in treatment compared to other stem cell treatments. Among all symptoms, motor symptoms are best corrected by stem cell therapy. Still, it did not show any marked improvement in treating other symptoms like speech defects, sensory or cognitive defects, or visual impairment.

Stem cell treatment and cerebral palsy: Systemic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Perinatal complications may result in life-long morbidities, among which cerebral palsy (CP) is the most severe motor disability. Once developed, CP is a non-progressive disease with a prevalence of 1-2 per 1000 live births in developed countries. It demands an extensive and multidisciplinary care. Therefore, it is a challenge for our health system and a burden for patients and their families. Recently, stem cell therapy emerged as a promising treatment option and raised hope in patients and their families.

AIM

The aim is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of stem cell treatment in children with CP using a systematic review and meta-analysis

METHODS

We performed a systematic literature search on PubMed and EMBASE to find randomized controlled clinical trials (RCT) investigating the effect of stem cell transplantation in children with CP. After the review, we performed a random-effects meta-analysis focusing on the change in gross motor function, which was quantified using the gross motor function measure. We calculated the pooled standardized mean differences of the 6- and/or 12-mo-outcome by the method of Cohen. We quantified the heterogeneity using the I-squared measure.

RESULTS

We identified a total of 8 RCT for a qualitative review. From the initially selected trials, 5 met the criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Patients’ population ranged from 0.5 up to 35 years (n = 282). We detected a significant improvement in the gross motor function with a pooled standard mean difference of 0.95 (95% confidence interval: 0.13-1.76) favoring the stem cell group and a high heterogeneity (I² = 90.1%). Serious adverse events were rare and equally distributed among both intervention and control groups.

CONCLUSION

Stem cell therapy for CP compared with symptomatic standard care only, shows a significant positive effect on the gross motor function, although the magnitude of the improvement is limited. Short-term safety is present and further high-quality RCTs are needed.

Role of XIAP gene overexpressed bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of cerebral injury in rats with cerebral palsy

Background

This study is performed to investigate the effects of adenovirus-mediated X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) overexpressed bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on brain injury in rats with cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods

Rat’s BMSCs were cultured and identified. The XIAP gene of BMSCs was modified by adenovirus expression vector Ad-XIAP-GFP. The rat model of CP with ischemia and anoxia was established by ligating the left common carotid artery and anoxia for 2 h, and BMSCs were intracerebroventricularly injected to the modeled rats. The mRNA and protein expression of XIAP in brain tissue of rats in each group was detected by RT-qPCR and western blot analysis. The neurobehavioral situation, content of acetylcholine (Ach), activity of acetylcholinesterase (AchE), brain pathological injury, apoptosis of brain nerve cells and the activation of astrocytes in CP rats were determined via a series of assays.

Results

Rats with CP exhibited obvious abnormalities, increased Ach content, decreased AchE activity, obvious pathological damage, increased brain nerve cell apoptosis, as well as elevated activation of astrocyte. XIAP overexpressed BMSCs improved the neurobehavioral situation, decreased Ach content and increased AchE activity, attenuated brain pathological injury, inhibited apoptosis of brain nerve cells and the activation of astrocytes in CP rats.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that XIAP overexpressed BMSCs can inhibit the apoptosis of brain nerve cells and the activation of astrocytes, increase AchE activity, and inhibit Ach content, so as to lower the CP caused by cerebral ischemia and hypoxia in rats.

Wharton's Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cell Administration Improves Quality of Life and Self-Sufficiency in Children with Cerebral Palsy: Results from a Retrospective Study

The aim of this paper was to describe the outcome of the therapeutic administration of allogenic mesenchymal stem cells obtained from Wharton's jelly (WJ-MSCs) in children with cerebral palsy (CP) during a medical therapeutic experiment. We retrospectively analyzed the records of 109 patients recruited in daily clinical practice. Each patient received 1–10 injections and was examined by the same neurologist (study investigator (SI)) on the day of each infusion. The SI used a 6-point Likert scale to assess the quality of life (QoL) and self-sufficiency of the patients on the basis of the neurological examination. Children with >50% follow-ups after this administration were included into the quantitative analysis. In addition, the assessments of the parents and other health care professionals were obtained for 23 patients and compared with those of the SI. Forty-eight of 54 analyzed patients (88.9%) achieved some improvement in health status. Forty-eight (88.9%) patients experienced an increase in their QoL, and 21 patients (38.9%) achieved an increase in their self-sufficiency level. Improvement was achieved in 17 areas. Adverse events were mild and temporary except one case of epilepsy deterioration leading to treatment discontinuation. Age, body mass, and cell dose were not significant predictors of QoL response, contrary to epilepsy; developmental breakthrough was dose-dependent.

A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Human Umbilical Cord Blood Mesenchymal Stem Cell Infusion for Children With Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a common disability which results in permanent chronic motor disability appearing in early childhood. Recently human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cell (hUCB-MSC) infusion has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for CP, and the treatment efficacy remains to be confirmed by clinical trials. All 54 patients received basic rehabilitation as a background treatment. The infusion group comprising 27 patients received 4 infusions of hUCB-MSCs (intravenous infusions at a fixed dose of 5 × 10⁷) and basic rehabilitation treatment, whereas 27 patients in the control group received 0.9% normal saline and basic rehabilitation treatment. Several indices were tested from baseline up to 24 months posttreatment regarding efficacy and safety evaluations, including the gross motor function measurement 88 (GMFM-88) scores, the comprehensive function assessment (CFA), lab tests, electroencephalogram (EEG), routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and adverse events. The changes in the total proportion of GMFM-88 and total scores of CFA in the hUCB-MSC infusion group were significantly higher than that in control group at 3, 6, 12, 24 months posttreatment. Less diffuse slow waves were noticed after hUCB-MSC infusion in patients with slowing of EEG background rhythms at baseline. Based on the routine MRI exams, improvements in cerebral structures were rare after treatment. Serious adverse events were not observed during the whole study period. The results of the study indicated that hUCB-MSC infusion with basic rehabilitation was safe and effective in improving gross motor and comprehensive functions in children with CP.

Effects of human umbilical cord blood CD34+ cell transplantation in neonatal hypoxic-ischemia rat model

Perinatal brain injury can cause death in the neonatal period and lifelong neurodevelopmental deficits. Stem cell transplantation had been proved to be effective approach to ameliorate neurological deficits after brain damage. In this study we examine the effect of human umbilical cord blood CD34⁺ cells on model of neonatal rat hypoxic-ischemic brain damage and compared the neuroprotection of transplantation of CD34⁺ cells to mononuclear cells from which CD34⁺ cells isolated on neonatal hypoxic-ischemia rat model. Seven-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to hypoxic-ischemic (HI) injury, CD34⁺ cells (1.5 × 10⁴ cells) or mononuclear cells (1.0 × 10⁶ cells) were transplanted into mice by tail vein on the 7 day after HI. The transplantation of CD34⁺ cells significantly improved motor function of rat, and reduced cerebral atrophy, inhibited the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and apoptosis-related genes: TNF-α, TNFR1, TNFR2, CD40, Fas, and decreased the activation of Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in damaged brain. CD34⁺ cells treatment increased the expression of DCX and lectin in ipsilateral brain. Moreover, the transplantation of CD34⁺ cells and MNCs which were obtained from the same amount of human umbilical cord blood had similar effects on HI. Our data demonstrated that transplantation of human umbilical cord blood CD34+ cells can ameliorate the neural functional defect and reduce apoptosis and promote nerve and vascular regeneration in rat brain after HI injury and the effects of transplantation of CD34+ cells were comparable to that of MNCs in neonatal hypoxic-ischemia rat model.

Stem cells and cell-based therapies for cerebral palsy: a call for rigor

Cell-based therapies hold significant promise for infants at risk for cerebral palsy (CP) from perinatal brain injury (PBI). PBI leading to CP results from multifaceted damage to neural cells. Complex developing neural networks are injured by neural cell damage plus unique perturbations in cell signaling. Given that cell-based therapies can simultaneously repair multiple injured neural components during critical neurodevelopmental windows, these interventions potentially offer efficacy for patients with CP. Currently, the use of cell-based interventions in infants at risk for CP is limited by critical gaps in knowledge. In this review, we will highlight key questions facing the field, including: Who are optimal candidates for treatment? What are the goals of therapeutic interventions? What are the best strategies for agent delivery, including timing, dosage, location, and type? And, how are short- and long-term efficacy reliably tracked? Challenges unique to treating PBI with cell-based therapies, and lessons learned from cell-based therapies in closely related neurological disorders in the mature central nervous system, will be reviewed. Our goal is to update pediatric specialists who may be counseling families about the current state of the field. Finally, we will evaluate how rigor can be increased in the field to ensure the safety and best interests of this vulnerable patient population.

Differentiation potential of human CD133 positive hematopoietic stem cells into motor neuron- like cells, in vitro

Spinal cord injuries and motor neuron-related disorders impact on life of many patients around the world. Since pharmacotherapy and surgical approaches were not efficient to regenerate these types of defects; stem cell therapy as a good strategy to restore the lost cells has become the focus of interest among the scientists. Umbilical cord blood CD133⁺ hematopoietic stem cells (UCB- CD133⁺ HSCs) with self- renewal property and neural lineage differentiation capacity are ethically approved cell candidate for use in regenerative medicine. In this regard the aim of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the capability of these cells to differentiate into motor neuron-like cells (MNL), in vitro. CD133⁺ HSCs were isolated from human UCB using MACS system. After cell characterization using flow cytometry, the cells were treated with a combination of Retinoic acid, Sonic hedgehog, Brain derived neurotrophic factor, and B27 through a 2- step procedure for two weeks. The expression of MN-specific markers was examined using qRT- PCR, flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry. By the end of the two-week differentiation protocol, CD133⁺ cells acquired unipolar MNL morphology with thin and long neurites. The expression of Isl-1(62.15%), AChE (41.83%), SMI-32 (21.55%) and Nestin (17.46%) was detected using flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry. The analysis of the expression of PAX6, ISL-1, ACHE, CHAT and SMI-32 revealed that MNLs present these neural markers at levels comparable with undifferentiated cells. In Conclusion Human UCB- CD133⁺ HSCs are remarkably potent cell candidates to transdifferentiate into motor neuron-like cells, in vitro.

Effect of cerebrolysin on gross motor function of children with cerebral palsy: a clinical trial

Gross motor dysfunction is considered as the most challenging problem in cerebral palsy (CP). It is proven that improvement of gross motor function could reduce CP-related disabilities and provide better quality of life in this group of patients. Therefore, the aim of this trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of cerebrolysin (CBL) on gross motor function of children with CP who are undergoing treatment. In this clinical trial study, paediatric patients aged 18-75 months with spastic diplegic or quadriplegic cerebral palsy, who were under rehabilitation therapy, were selected and randomly allocated in control and CBL groups. Patients in CBL group underwent treatment with standard rehabilitation therapy plus CBL. The latter was administrated intramuscularly as a single daily dose of 0.1 cc/kg for 10 days and then continued weekly for 4 months. Gross motor function of participants in the two studied groups, before and after trial, was evaluated and compared using the validated Persian version of gross motor function classification system-expanded and revised (GMFCS-E&R). During this trial, 108 patients with CP were evaluated for eligibility. From these, 50 patients were enrolled and randomly allocated in the CBL and control groups. Four months after trial, the mean level of GMFCS decreased significantly in the two groups (P < 0.05). However, it was significantly lower in the CBL group than in the control group (2.1 vs. 3.16, P < 0.05). The results of this trial indicated that CBL could improve gross motor function in patients with CP. This finding is consistent with neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects of CBL, which have been reported in various clinical trials in other neurological disorders. Further studies are recommended to establish the value of continued neuroprotection and to determine the pharmacokinetics/dynamics of CBL in this group of patients.

Effect of Intravenous Infusion of G-CSF-Mobilized Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells on Upper Extremity Function in Cerebral Palsy Children

Objective

To investigate the effect of intravenous infusion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (mPBMC) mobilized by granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) on upper extremity function in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods

Fifty-seven children with CP were enrolled. Ten patients were excluded due to follow-up loss. In total, 47 patients (30 males and 17 females) were analyzed. All patients' parents provided signed consent before the start of the study. After administration of G-CSF for 5 days, mPBMC was collected and cryopreserved. Patients were randomized into two groups 1 month later. Twenty-two patients were administered mPBMC and 25 patients received normal saline as placebo. Six months later, the two groups were switched, and administered mPBMC and placebo, respectively. Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST) and the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) were used to evaluate upper motor function.

Results

All subdomain and total scores of QUEST were significantly improved after mPBMC and placebo infusion, without significant differences between mPBMC and placebo groups. A month after G-CSF, all subdomain and total scores of QUEST were improved. The level of MACS remained unchanged in both mPBMC and placebo groups.

Conclusion

In this study, intravenously infused mPBMC showed no significant effect on upper extremity function in children with CP, as compared to placebo. The effect of mPBMC was likely masked by the effect of G-CSF, which was used in both groups and/or G-CSF itself might have other neurotrophic potentials in children with CP.

The Role of Stem Cells in the Treatment of Cerebral Palsy: a Review

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neuromuscular disease due to injury in the infant's brain. The CP disorder causes many neurologic dysfunctions in the patient. Various treatment methods have been used for the management of CP disorder. However, there has been no absolute cure for this condition. Furthermore, some of the procedures which are currently used for relief of symptoms in CP cause discomfort or side effects in the patient. Recently, stem cell therapy has attracted a huge interest as a new therapeutic method for treatment of CP. Several investigations in animal and human with CP have demonstrated positive potential of stem cell transplantation for the treatment of CP disorder. The ultimate goal of this therapeutic method is to harness the regenerative capacity of the stem cells causing a formation of new tissues to replace the damaged tissue. During the recent years, there have been many investigations on stem cell therapy. However, there are still many unclear issues regarding this method and high effort is needed to create a technology as a perfect treatment. This review will discuss the scientific background of stem cell therapy for cerebral palsy including evidences from current clinical trials.

Concise Review: Stem Cell Interventions for People With Cerebral Palsy: Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis

: Evidence for stem cells as a potential intervention for cerebral palsy is emerging. Our objective was to determine the efficacy and safety of stem cells for improving motor and cognitive function of people with cerebral palsy. Searches were conducted in October 2015 in CENTRAL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Libraries. Randomized controlled trials and controlled clinical trials of stem cells for cerebral palsy were included. Two authors independently decided upon included trials, extracted data, quality, and risk of bias. The primary outcome was gross motor function. Secondary outcomes were cognitive function and adverse events (AEs). Effects were expressed as standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), using a random-effects model. Five trials comprising 328 participants met inclusion criteria. Four cell types were studied: olfactory ensheathing, neural, neural progenitors, and allogeneic umbilical cord blood (UCBs). Transplantation procedures differed from central nervous system neurosurgical transplantation to intravenous/arterial infusion. Participants were followed short-term for only 6 months. Evidence of variable quality indicated a small statistically significant intervention effect from stem cells on gross motor skills (SMD 1.27; 95% CI 0.22, 2.33), with UCBs most effective. There were insufficient and heterogeneous data to compare cognitive effects. Serious AEs were rare (n = 4/135 [3%] stem cells; n = 3/139 [2%] controls). Stem cells appeared to induce short-term improvements in motor skills. Different types of stem cell interventions were compared, meaning the data were heterogeneous and are a study limitation. Further randomized controlled trials are warranted, using rigorous methodologies.

SIGNIFICANCE

Stem cells are emerging as a scientifically plausible treatment and possible cure for cerebral palsy, but are not yet proven. The lack of valid animal models has significantly hampered the scope of clinical trials. Despite the state of current treatment evidence, parents remain optimistic about the potential improvements from stem cell intervention and feel compelled to exhaust all therapeutic options, including stem cell tourism. Receiving unproven therapies from unvalidated sources is potentially dangerous. Thus it is essential that researchers and clinicians stay up to date. A systematic review and meta-analysis summarizing and aggregating current research data may provide more conclusive evidence to inform treatment decision making and help direct future research.

Using miRNA-mRNA Interaction Analysis to Link Biologically Relevant miRNAs to Stem Cell Identity Testing for Next-Generation Culturing Development

Therapeutic benefit of stem cells has been demonstrated in multiple disease models and clinical trials. Robust quality assurance is imperative to make advancements in culturing procedures to enable large-scale cell manufacturing without hampering therapeutic potency. MicroRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) are shown to be master regulators of biological processes and are potentially ideal quality markers. We determined miRNA markers differentially expressed under nonclinical multipotent adult progenitor cell (MAPC) and mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) culturing conditions that regulate important stem cell features, such as proliferation and differentiation. These bone marrow-derived stem cell types were selected because they both exert therapeutic functions, but have different proliferative and regenerative capacities. To determine cell-specific marker miRNAs and assess their effects on stem cell qualities, a miRNA and mRNA profiling was performed on MAPCs and MSCs isolated from three shared donors. We applied an Ingenuity Pathway Analysis-based strategy that combined an integrated RNA profile analysis and a biological function analysis to determine the effects of miRNA-mRNA interactions on phenotype. This resulted in the identification of important miRNA markers linked to cell-cycle regulation and development, the most distinctive being MAPC marker miR-204-5p and MSC marker miR-335-5p, for which we provide in vitro validation of its function in differentiation and cell cycle regulation, respectively. Importantly, marker expression is maintained under xeno-free conditions and during bioreactor isolation and expansion of MAPC cultures. In conclusion, the identified biologically relevant miRNA markers can be used to monitor stem cell stability when implementing variations in culturing procedures.

SIGNIFICANCE

Human adult marrow stromal stem cells have shown great potential in addressing unmet health care needs. Quality assurance is imperative to make advancements in large-scale manufacturing procedures. MicroRNAs are master regulators of biological processes and potentially ideal quality markers. MicroRNA and mRNA profiling data of two human adult stem cell types were correlated to biological functions in silico. Doing this provided evidence that differentially expressed microRNAs are involved in regulating specific stem cell features. Furthermore, expression of a selected microRNA panel was maintained in next-generation culturing platforms, demonstrating the robustness of microRNA profiling in stem cell comparability testing.

Cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy is the most common cause of childhood-onset, lifelong physical disability in most countries, affecting about 1 in 500 neonates with an estimated prevalence of 17 million people worldwide. Cerebral palsy is not a disease entity in the traditional sense but a clinical description of children who share features of a non-progressive brain injury or lesion acquired during the antenatal, perinatal or early postnatal period. The clinical manifestations of cerebral palsy vary greatly in the type of movement disorder, the degree of functional ability and limitation and the affected parts of the body. There is currently no cure, but progress is being made in both the prevention and the amelioration of the brain injury. For example, administration of magnesium sulfate during premature labour and cooling of high-risk infants can reduce the rate and severity of cerebral palsy. Although the disorder affects individuals throughout their lifetime, most cerebral palsy research efforts and management strategies currently focus on the needs of children. Clinical management of children with cerebral palsy is directed towards maximizing function and participation in activities and minimizing the effects of the factors that can make the condition worse, such as epilepsy, feeding challenges, hip dislocation and scoliosis. These management strategies include enhancing neurological function during early development; managing medical co-morbidities, weakness and hypertonia; using rehabilitation technologies to enhance motor function; and preventing secondary musculoskeletal problems. Meeting the needs of people with cerebral palsy in resource-poor settings is particularly challenging.

Safety of Allogeneic Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells Therapy in Patients with Severe Cerebral Palsy: A Retrospective Study

This retrospective study aimed to assess the safety of patients with severe cerebral palsy (CP), who received allogeneic umbilical cord blood stem cells (UCBSCs) treatment from August 2009 to December 2012 in Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine. A total of 47 patients with average age of 5.85 ± 6.12 years were evaluated in this study. There was no significant association with allogeneic UCBSCs treatments found in the data of the laboratory index . No casualties occurred. Some adverse events during treatments were found in 26 (55.3%) patients, including fever (42.6%) and vomiting (21.2%). Intrathecal infusion and the ages at the initiation of treatment (≤10 years old) were risk factors for the occurrence of adverse events by logistic regression analysis. However, all adverse events disappeared after symptomatic treatment. No treatment related serious adverse events were found in follow-up visits within 6 months. In conclusion, allogeneic UCBSCs treatment was relatively safe for severe CP patients.

Therapeutic potential of human embryonic stem cell transplantation in patients with cerebral palsy

Background

The present study evaluated the efficacy and safety of human embryonic stem cell (hESC) therapy in patients with CP.

Materials and methods

This analysis included patients (30 days-18 yr) with documented diagnosis of CP. The study consisted of four treatment phases (T1, T2, T3, T4) separated by gap phases. Efficacy of hESC therapy was evaluated based on Gross Motor Function Classification Scores Expanded and Revised (GMFCS-E & R; 1-good to 5-bad).

Results

Ninety one patients were included and all received hESC therapy in T1, 66 patients returned for T2, 38 patients for T3, and 15 patients for T4. Overall, 30.2% patients achieved GMFCS-E & R score 1 during the study with different number of patients achieving GMFCS score 1 by the end of each treatment phase (T1: 6 [6.6%]; T2: 7 [10.6%]; T3: 11 [28.9%]; and T4: 5 [33.3%]). All patients in up to 2 yr (n = 10), 2-4 yr (n = 10), 4-6 yr (n = 9), and 6-12 yr (n = 8) age groups except one of the 5 patients in the age group of 12-18 yr transitioned from GMFCS-E & R score 5 to lower scores by end of T1. Most patients transitioned to GMFCS-E & R score 2 (n = 34) from higher scores by end of T2. Eleven patients achieved GMFCS-E & R score 1 by end of T3. No serious adverse events were observed.

Conclusion

Use of hESC therapy in patients with CP is effective and safe. hESC therapy has demonstrated significant improvement in GMFCS-E & R scale.

Combination of citicoline and physiotherapy in children with cerebral palsy

BACKGROUND

The most common cause of physical disability in children is cerebral palsy. This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of citicoline in combination to physiotherapy versus physiotherapy alone, to improve the functional outcome in pediatric cerebral palsy.

METHODS

The clinical trial was performed on 50 pediatric patients aged 18-75 months with spastic diplegia or quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Patients were assessed in two groups: case group, under treatment, using injection of citicoline (10 mg/kg) every other day for 3 months and physiotherapy. Gross motor function classification system (GMFCS) levels were assessed in all patients before and after treatment.

RESULTS

Patient's mean age was 38.7 ± 17.2 months, and 52% were girls. Differences in the frequency of GMFCS levels between groups were not statistically significant, before (P = 0.09) and after (P = 0.47) treatment. In case group improving in GMFCS, level was occurred in 9/11 with level 2 to level 1, 3/5 with level 3 to other levels and 3/7 with level 4 to other levels. In the control group improving in GMFCS, level was occurred in 3/9 with level 2 to level 1, 3/10 with level 3 to other levels, and 2/4 with level 4 other levels. GMFCS level in 64% of cases was improved, whereas in control group, 32% was improved (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Results demonstrated that citicoline in combination to physiotherapy appears to be a promising agent to improve gross motor function in patients with cerebral palsy versus physiotherapy alone. Although, further studies are need to be done.

Feasibility of trialling cord blood stem cell treatments for cerebral palsy in Australia

AIM

Umbilical cord blood may have therapeutic benefit in children with cerebral palsy (CP), but further studies are required. On first appearance it seems that Australia is well placed for such a trial because we have excellence in CP research backed by extensive CP registers, and both public and private cord blood banks. We aimed to examine the possibilities of conducting a trial of autologous umbilical cord blood cells (UCBCs) as a treatment for children with CP in Australia.

METHODS

Data linkages between CP registers and cord blood banks were used to estimate potential participant numbers for a trial of autologous UCBCs for children with CP.

RESULTS

As of early 2013, one Victorian child with CP had cord blood stored in the public bank, and between 1 and 3 children had their cord blood stored at Cell Care Australia (private cord blood bank). In New South Wales, we counted two children on the CP register who had their stored cord blood available in early 2013. We estimate that there are between 10 and 24 children with CP of any type who have autologous cord blood available across Australia.

CONCLUSIONS

In nations with small populations like Australia, combined with Australia's relatively low per capita cord blood storage to date, it is not currently feasible to conduct trials of autologous UCBCs for children with CP. Other options must be explored, such as allogeneic UCBCs or prospective trials for neonates at risk of CP.

Bone marrow transplant for a girl with bone marrow failure and cerebral palsy

Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) has been used with increasing frequency to treat congenital bone marrow failure syndrome (CBMFs) successfully. Decision to perform BMT, however, is difficult in the case of comorbidity because of regimen-related toxicities. We describe here a child with CBMFs, severe cerebral palsy (CP) at Gross Motor Function Classification System level V and mental retardation (MR) who was transfusion dependent despite various medications. She underwent BMT from an HLA-1 locus-mismatched unrelated donor. Although engraftment was successful, no neurological improvement was seen 5 years after BMT. While CBMFs patients who have CP and MR could undergo transplantation safely, they may not benefit neurologically from BMT.

Safety and tolerability of intrathecal delivery of autologous bone marrow nucleated cells in children with cerebral palsy: an open-label phase I trial

BACKGROUND AIMS

Cerebral palsy (CP) is related to severe perinatal hypoxia with permanent brain damage in nearly 50% of surviving preterm infants. Cell therapy is a potential therapeutic option for CP by several mechanisms, including immunomodulation through cytokine and growth factor secretion.

METHODS

In this phase I open-label clinical trial, 18 pediatric patients with CP were included to assess the safety of autologous bone marrow-derived total nucleated cell (TNC) intrathecal and intravenous injection after stimulation with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. Motor, cognitive, communication, personal-social and adaptive areas were evaluated at baseline and 1 and 6 months after the procedure through the use of the Battelle Developmental Inventory. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed at baseline and 6 months after therapy. This study was registered in ClinicaTrials.gov (NCT01019733).

RESULTS

A median of 13.12 × 10(8) TNCs (range, 4.83-53.87) including 10.02 × 10(6) CD34+ cells (range, 1.02-29.9) in a volume of 7 mL (range, 4-10.5) was infused intrathecally. The remaining cells from the bone marrow aspirate were administered intravenously; 6.01 × 10(8) TNCs (range, 1.36-17.85), with 3.39 × 10(6) cells being CD34+. Early adverse effects included headache, vomiting, fever and stiff neck occurred in three patients. No serious complications were documented. An overall 4.7-month increase in developmental age according to the Battelle Developmental Inventory, including all areas of evaluation, was observed (±SD 2.63). No MRI changes at 6 months of follow-up were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Subarachnoid placement of autologous bone marrow-derived TNC in children with CP is a safe procedure. The results suggest a possible increase in neurological function.

Umbilical cord blood therapy potentiated with erythropoietin for children with cerebral palsy: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

Allogeneic umbilical cord blood (UCB) has therapeutic potential for cerebral palsy (CP). Concomitant administration of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) may boost the efficacy of UCB, as it has neurotrophic effects. The objectives of this study were to assess the safety and efficacy of allogeneic UCB potentiated with rhEPO in children with CP. Children with CP were randomly assigned to one of three parallel groups: the pUCB group, which received allogeneic UCB potentiated with rhEPO; the EPO group, which received rhEPO and placebo UCB; and the Control group, which received placebo UCB and placebo rhEPO. All participants received rehabilitation therapy. The main outcomes were changes in scores on the following measures during the 6 months treatment period: the gross motor performance measure (GMPM), gross motor function measure, and Bayley scales of infant development-II (BSID-II) Mental and Motor scales (18). F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT) and diffusion tensor images (DTI) were acquired at baseline and followed up to detect changes in the brain. In total, 96 subjects completed the study. Compared with the EPO (n = 33) and Control (n = 32) groups, the pUCB (n = 31) group had significantly higher scores on the GMPM and BSID-II Mental and Motor scales at 6 months. DTI revealed significant correlations between the GMPM increment and changes in fractional anisotropy in the pUCB group. ¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT showed differential activation and deactivation patterns between the three groups. The incidence of serious adverse events did not differ between groups. In conclusion, UCB treatment ameliorated motor and cognitive dysfunction in children with CP undergoing active rehabilitation, accompanied by structural and metabolic changes in the brain. Stem Cells2013;31:581–591

Clinical Experience with Autologous M2 Macrophages in Children with Severe Cerebral Palsy

Stem cell-based therapy is considered to be a new approach for the treatment of cerebral palsy (CP). Given the potent anti-inflammatory activity and high regenerative potential of M2 macrophages, these cells may be an alternative source for cell transplantation. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of autologous M2 macrophages, we conducted a pilot clinical trial in 21 children with severe CP. The primary outcome measure was safety, which included assessment of mortality of any cause, immediate adverse reactions, and serious adverse effects and comorbidities during 5-year follow-up. The secondary outcome measure was functional improvement in Gross Motor Function Measure (66-item GMFM) test, Peabody Developmental Motor Scale-Fine Motor (PDMS-FM) test, Ashworth scale, MRC scale, and an easy-to-understand questionnaire for evaluation of cognitive functions in our modification. Intradural injection of M2 cells (in mean dose of 0.8 × 106/kg) into the lumbar spinal area did not induce any serious adverse events. No cases of mortality, psychomotor worsening, exacerbation of seizures, and long-term comorbidities, including tumors, were observed during a 5-year follow-up. After 3 months, GMFM score increased from 13.7 ± 7.8 to 58.6 ± 14.6, PDMS-FM score improved from 0.76 ± 0.42 to 5.05 ± 0.97, and the Ashworth score decreased from 3.8 ± 0.21 to 3.3 ± 0.24. Along with gross and fine motor function enhancement, an improvement of cognitive activity (from 1.62 ± 0.41 to 4.05 ± 0.64, according to questionnaire assessment) and reduction of seizure syndrome were registered as well. The neurological improvements did not diminish during the 5-year follow-up period. The data obtained suggest that cell therapy based on M2 macrophages is safe, does not induce early adverse effects and long-term comorbidities, and is accompanied with a significant improvement of motor and cognitive activities in severe CP patients. This manuscript is published as part of the International Association of Neurorestoratology (IANR) special issue of Cell Transplantation.

Exploratory Study on the Ayurvedic Therapeutic Management of Cerebral Palsy in Children at a Tertiary Care Hospital of Karnataka, India

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the leading cause of childhood disability affecting cognitive function and developments in approximately 1.5 to 3 cases per 1000 live births. Based on Ayurvedic therapeutic principles, CP patients were subjected to Abhyanga (massage) with Moorchita Tila Taila (processed sesame oil) and Svedana (fomentation) with Shastikashali Pinda Sveda (fomentation with bolus of drugs prepared with boiled rice). Study group received Mustadi Rajayapana Basti (enema with herbal decoction) and Baladi Yoga (a poly-herbo-mineral formulation), while the placebo group received Godhuma Vati (tablet prepared with wheat powder) and saline water as enema. Treatment with Mustadi Rajayapana Basti and Baladi Yoga improved the activities of daily life by 8.79%, gross motor functions by 19.76%, and fine motor functions 15.05%, and mental functions like memory retention got improved by 15.43%. The placebo group showed an improvement of 0.21% in daily life activities, 2.8% in gross motor, and 2.4% in fine motor functions. Mustadi Rajayapana Basti and Baladi Yoga proved to be more supportive in improving the motor activities and gross behavioral pattern. Further clinical trials are required to evaluate and validate the maximum effect of the combination therapy in a large sample with repetition of the courses for longer duration.

Responding to requests of families for unproven interventions in neurodevelopmental disorders: hyperbaric oxygen "treatment" and stem cell "therapy" in cerebral palsy

Faced with the limitations of currently available mainstream medical treatments and interventions, parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders often seek information about unproven interventions. These interventions frequently have undetermined efficacy and uncertain safety profiles. In this article, we present a general background and case vignettes that highlight the use of hyperbaric oxygen chambers and stem cells in cerebral palsy, the leading cause of pediatric physical disability. We then review the current evidence about these interventions as exemplars of unproven therapies. Building on the background and cases, we explore and review two important questions related to unproven interventions: (1) How should clinicians respond to requests for innovative and alternative interventions? (2) What should clinicians keep in mind when such requests come from online sources?

Positron emission tomography-computer tomography scan used as a monitoring tool following cellular therapy in cerebral palsy and mental retardation-a case report

Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the non-progressive neurological diseases caused by damage to the brain tissue at birth, which leads to physical, cognitive and perceptive symptoms. Even after lifelong medical and therapeutic management there are residual deficits which affect the quality of life of the patients and their families. We examined a maximally rehabilitated, 20 year old male suffering from CP and Mental Retardation (MR). He had diplegic gait and Intelligence Quotient (IQ) score of 44 with affected fine motor activities, balance, speech and higher functions. Positron Emission Tomography—Computer Tomography (PET-CT) scan identified frontal, temporal, parietal, occipital, left cerebellar lobes, amygdala, hippocampus, and parahippocampus as the affected areas. He was treated with cellular therapy of Autologous Bone Marrow Derived Mono-Nuclear Cells (MNCs) transplantation followed by multidisciplinary rehabilitation. Six months following therapy, PET-CT scan showed significant increase in metabolic activity in all four lobes, mesial temporal structures and left cerebellar hemisphere, also supported by clinical improvement in IQ, social behavior, speech, balance and daily functioning. These findings provide preliminary evidence to support the efficacy of cellular therapy for the treatment of CP with MR. PET-CT scan can also be viewed as an impressive tool to monitor the effects of cellular therapy.

Neural stem cell-like cells derived from autologous bone mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of patients with cerebral palsy

Background

Stem cell therapy is a promising treatment for cerebral palsy, which refers to a category of brain diseases that are associated with chronic motor disability in children. Autologous MSCs may be a better cell source and have been studied for the treatment of cerebral palsy because of their functions in tissue repair and the regulation of immunological processes.

Methods

To assess neural stem cell–like (NSC-like) cells derived from autologous marrow mesenchymal stem cells as a novel treatment for patients with moderate-to-severe cerebral palsy, a total of 60 cerebral palsy patients were enrolled in this open-label, non-randomised, observer-blinded controlled clinical study with a 6-months follow-up. For the transplantation group, a total of 30 cerebral palsy patients received an autologous NSC-like cells transplantation (1-2 × 10⁷ cells into the subarachnoid cavity) and rehabilitation treatments whereas 30 patients in the control group only received rehabilitation treatment.

Results

We recorded the gross motor function measurement scores, language quotients, and adverse events up to 6 months post-treatment. The gross motor function measurement scores in the transplantation group were significantly higher at month 3 (the score increase was 42.6, 95% CI: 9.8–75.3, P=.011) and month 6 (the score increase was 58.6, 95% CI: 25.8–91.4, P=.001) post-treatment compared with the baseline scores. The increase in the Gross Motor Function Measurement scores in the control group was not significant. The increases in the language quotients at months 1, 3, and 6 post-treatment were not statistically significant when compared with the baseline quotients in both groups. All the 60 patients survived, and none of the patients experienced serious adverse events or complications.

Conclusion

Our results indicated that NSC-like cells are safe and effective for the treatment of motor deficits related to cerebral palsy. Further randomised clinical trials are necessary to establish the efficacy of this procedure.

Ethics in neurodevelopmental disability

Neurodevelopmental disabilities, like autism spectrum disorders and cerebral palsy are a common health problem in children. Given the impact of these conditions on children, families, and healthcare and social systems, the care of developmentally challenged children raises questions related to values and ethical principles. We review the common features of neurodevelopmental disorders that help understand the associated ethical questions. We focus on three major areas where ethical questions arise for clinicians and those involved in making decisions for or caring for these children: (1) the principles of decision-making and autonomy as they relate to developmental disability; (2) the issues related to quality of life that have long intersected with developmental disability; and (3) the use of unproven therapies and diagnostics that are particularly controversial given the extent that neurodevelopmental disabilities impact children and their families, yet active treatments options are limited.

Umbilical cord blood stem cells: clinical trials in non-hematological disorders

BACKGROUND

Umbilical cord blood (UCB) has become the second most common source of stem cells for cell therapy. The recent boom in stem cell research and public fascination with promises of stem cell-based therapies, fueled by the media, have led researchers to explore the potential of UCB stem cells in therapy for non-hematological disorders.

SOURCES OF DATA

ClinicalTrials.gov database searched with key words 'cord blood stem cells' on December 28, 2011.

AREAS OF AGREEMENT

As a rich source of the most primitive hematopoietic stem cells, UCB has a strong regenerative potential in stem cell-based-therapy for hematological disorders.

AREAS OF CONTROVERSY

Potential of UCB stem cells in therapy for non-hematological disorders.

GROWING POINTS

Increasing number of clinical trials with UCB stem cell-based therapy for a variety of diseases.

AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH

A need for standardization of criteria for selection of UCB units for stem cell-based therapy, outcome measures and long-term follow-up.

Human cord blood for the hypoxic-ischemic neonate

Autologous umbilical cord blood (UCB) is a possible, but unproven, treatment for acute neonatal brain damage. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are present in UCB, are likely to be the treating cell type. UCB is effective in the treatment of neonatal rodent hypoxic-ischemic injury (HI) and other types of brain injury when the cells are delivered acutely. Other types of adult stem cells are similarly effective. However, several negative studies have been reported. The most likely mechanisms of action are participation in blood vessel regeneration, improvement of survival of intrinsic cells, perhaps via neurotrophic factors, or suppression of the release of inflammatory cells from the spleen. In the latter case, the splenic inflammatory cells released at the time of injury are thought to have an adverse effect on brain injury. The timing of the administration of the UCB with respect to the time of the injury appears to be the most important issue: the earlier the better. The risks of autologous administration of UCB are minimal. Current clinical trials with UCB are in progress, but there are no peer-reviewed reports as yet. A multicenter trial with specific inclusion criteria is needed.

Clinical translation of cell transplantation in the brain

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We identify the major recent advances in sourcing, preparation and delivery of primary and stem cell transplants into the brain, the preclinical studies in animal models and preliminary results on feasibility, safety and efficacy in an increasing range of human neurodegenerative diseases.

RECENT FINDINGS

After a decade of debate concerning the reliability and safety of foetal cell transplantation in Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases, the conditions for eliminating side-effects and achieving more consistent efficacy are being implemented in renewed trials. In parallel, rapid advances are being made in identifying alternative sources of stem cells for transplantation, establishing the protocols for their reliable differentiation into specific neuronal phenotypes and translating these novel sources to cell therapy for patients in new clinical trials. Objective assessment of efficacy in patients does not always reveal outcomes that are as impressive as claimed - either in the preclinical animal models or by many commercial stem cell clinics - and even when stem cell therapies do appear to have been validated, the mechanisms are not always clear.

SUMMARY

In spite of rapid progress, the conditions for reliable, well tolerated and effective cell therapies in brain disease are not yet fully established.

Molecular mechanisms of neonatal brain injury

Fetal/neonatal brain injury is an important cause of neurological disability. Hypoxia-ischemia and excitotoxicity are considered important insults, and, in spite of their acute nature, brain injury develops over a protracted time period during the primary, secondary, and tertiary phases. The concept that most of the injury develops with a delay after the insult makes it possible to provide effective neuroprotective treatment after the insult. Indeed, hypothermia applied within 6 hours after birth in neonatal encephalopathy reduces neurological disability in clinical trials. In order to develop the next generation of treatment, we need to know more about the pathophysiological mechanism during the secondary and tertiary phases of injury. We review some of the critical molecular events related to mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis during the secondary phase and report some recent evidence that intervention may be feasible also days-weeks after the insult.

Role of the blood service in cellular therapy

Cellular therapy is a novel form of medical or surgical treatment using cells in place of or in addition to traditional chemical drugs. The preparation of cellular products - called advanced therapy medicinal products - ATMP in Europe, requires compliance with good manufacturing practices (GMP). Based on long-term experience in blood component manufacturing, product traceability and hemovigilance, selected blood services may represent ideal settings for the development and experimental use of ATMP. International harmonization of the protocols and procedures for the preparation of ATMP is of paramount importance to facilitate the development of multicenter clinical trials with adequate sample size, which are urgently needed to determine the clinical efficacy of ATMP. This article describes European regulations on cellular therapy and summarizes the activities of the 'Franco Calori' Cell Factory, a GMP unit belonging to the department of regenerative medicine of a large public university hospital, which acquired a certification for the GMP production of ATMP in 2007 and developed nine experimental clinical protocols during 2003-2011.

Defining physiatry and future scope of rehabilitation medicine

To identify the 'physiatry' in a single word is difficult. This may be due that physiatry originated from two different fields, physical medicine and rehabilitation and focuses on assisting the general improvement of functional recovery in disabled patients. In addition, physiatry has new markets to develop; health and welfare. Therefore, the identity of physiatry will change depending on how physiatrists act in these fields. We attempt to define the physiatry from several aspects.