Application of Umbilical Cord Blood Derived Stem Cells in Diseases of the Nervous System

Abstract

Umbilical cord blood (UCB) derived multipotent stem cells are capable of giving rise hematopoietic, epithelial, endothelial and neural progenitor cells. Thus suggested to significantly improve graft-versus-host disease and represent the distinctive therapeutic option for several malignant and non-malignant diseases. Recent advances in strategies to isolate, expand and shorten the timing of UCB stem cells engraftment have tremendously improved the efficacy of transplantations. Nervous system has limited regenerative potential in disease conditions such as cancer, neurodegeneration, stroke, and several neural injuries. This review focuses on application of UCB derived stem/progenitor cells in aforementioned pathological conditions. We have discussed the possible attempts to make use of UCB therapies to generate neural cells and tissues with developmental and functional similarities to neuronal cells. In addition, emerging applications of UCB derived AC133+ (CD133+) endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) as imaging probe, regenerative agent, and gene delivery vehicle are mentioned that will further improve the understanding of use of UCB cells in therapeutic modalities. However, safe and effective protocols for cell transplantations are still required for therapeutic efficacy.

Optimizing Stem Cell Therapy after Ischemic Brain Injury

“…These cells can differentiate into neural progenitor cells and provide neuroprotective effects in cerebral ischemia via neurotrophic factor secretion and vascular remodeling enhancement after stroke. 62,63 UC-BSCs have protective effects against ischemic injury, resulting in brainderived neurotrophic factor expression recovery. 64 In addition, UC-BSCs can inhibit the immune response and decrease the size of the ischemic brain lesion.…”

“…These cells offer a number of key advantages, such as an ample source of cells, low donor age, and low risks to babies and mothers during harvesting, which minimizes ethical concerns. These cells can differentiate into neural progenitor cells and provide neuroprotective effects in cerebral ischemia via neurotrophic factor secretion and vascular remodeling enhancement after stroke [ 62 , 63 ]. UC-BSCs have protective effects against ischemic injury, resulting in brainderived neurotrophic factor expression recovery [ 64 ].…”

Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells as a Beneficial Option in Cell-Based Therapy and Regenerative Medicine

“…Both of the abovementioned stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood could be used to repair and restore damaged tissues and treat diseases such as cancer, blood and neurological disorders, and immune deficiencies because of their tremendous proliferation and differentiation potential and great regenerative capacity. [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26] In addition, these candidate cells have a great paracrine mechanism on other cells. 27 This biological mechanism could increase stem cells' regenerative capacity.…”

Ocular progenitor cells and current applications in regenerative medicines – Review

“…More recent findings claims that stem cells have the capacity to revive degenerated cells or replace cells in many major diseases including ocular disorders. 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 …”