Co-administration of human adipose-derived stem cells and low-level laser to alleviate neuropathic pain after experimental spinal cord injury

Abstract

Background: Evidence has suggested that human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) and low-level laser has neuroprotective effects on spinal cord injury (SCI). Therefore, the combined effect of the hADSCs and laser on neuregeneration and neuropathic pain after SCI was investigated. Methods: Forty-eight adult male Wistar rats with 200-250 g weight were used. Thirty minutes after compression, injury with laser was irritated, and 1 week following SCI, about 1 × 10 6 cells were transplanted into the spinal cord. Motor function and neuropathic pain were assessed weekly. Molecular and histological studies were done at the end of the fourth week. Results: The combined application of hADSCs and laser has significantly improved motor function recovery (p = 0.0001), hyperalgesia (p < 0.05), and allodynia (p < 0.05). GDNF mRNA expression was significantly increased in hADSCs and laser+hADSC-treated animals (p < 0.001). Finally, co-administration of hADSCs and laser has enhanced the number of axons around cavity more than other treatments (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The results showed that the combination of laser and ADSCs could significantly improve the motor function and alleviate SCI-induced allodynia and hyperalgesia. Therefore, using a combination of laser and hADSCs in future experimental and translational clinical studies is suggested.

Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells Alleviate Cold Allodynia in a Rat Spinal Nerve Ligation Model of Neuropathic Pain

“…A recent study reported that intravenous injection of human ASCs inhibited pain-related behavior in a chronic constriction injury (CCI) mouse, STZ-diabetic mouse, and rat model of spinal cord injury for neuropathic pain [ 12 – 14 ]. Also, other clinical studies reported that intraarticular injection of human adipose-derived stem cells reduced pain responses without serious side effects [ 15 , 16 ].…”

Stem Cells in the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain: Research Progress of Mechanism

“…Additionally, GDNF mRNA expression increased after hADSC transplantation. Stem cells may increase the survival of motor and sensory neurons, improve motor function, induce neurogenesis and axon growth, enhance myelin formation, and relieve pain by regulating GDNF [ 42 ]. Similarly, the use of genetically engineered neural stem cells specifically expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (for localization) and GDNF in the treatment of spinal cord nerve ligation in spinal nerve ligation (SNL) rats can achieve a more significant effect [ 43 ].…”

“…Additionally, there was a significant reduction in LC3B-II and Beclin1 in the spinal dorsal horn cells, which was related to inflammation and apoptosis [ 67 ]. Experiments by Sarveazad et al and Romero-Ramirez revealed that stem cell therapy increased the number of axons around the cavity and reduced the size of the cavity after spinal cord injury [ 42 , 62 ]. Stem cells reduce spinal cord apoptosis and promote the recovery of injured nerves, which play an important role in the analgesia and treatment of NP.…”

Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Derived Conditioned Medium in Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

“…6,7 Stem cells transplantation has been suggested as a therapeutic option for many conditions. [8][9][10] A systematic review in 2015 showed that administration of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in animal models of pulmonary fibrosis improved fibrosis, decreased collagen deposition in lung, and reduced the expression of profibrotic chemokines. 11 Although preclinical studies have shown the benefit of MSCs transplantation, this treatment option has some limitations, including the possibility of tumorigenesis.…”