Undifferentiated and differentiated adipose-derived stem cells improve nerve regeneration in a rat model of facial nerve defect

Abstract

Autologous nerve grafting is the current procedure used for repairing facial nerve gaps. As an alternative to this method, tissue engineering cell-based therapy using induced pluripotent stem cells, Schwann cells and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells has been proposed. However, these cells have major problems, including tumorigenesis in induced pluripotent stem cells and invasiveness and limited tissue associated with harvesting for the other cells. Here, we investigated the therapeutic potential of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs), which can be harvested easily and repeatedly by a minimally invasive liposuction procedure. The ASCs had characteristics of mesenchymal tissue lineages and could differentiate into Schwann-like cells that were relatively simple to isolate and expand in culture. In an in vivo study, a silicone conduit containing undifferentiated ASCs, differentiated ASCs or Schwann cells were transplanted, embedded in a collagen gel and the efficacy of repair of a 7 mm-gap in the rat facial nerve examined. Morphometric quantification analysis of regenerated facial nerves after a regeneration period of 13 weeks showed that undifferentiated ASCs, differentiated ASCs, and Schwann cells had similar potential for nerve regeneration. Furthermore, the functional recovery of facial nerve regeneration using a rat facial palsy scoring system in the three groups was close to that in autologous nerve graft positive controls. These findings suggest that undifferentiated and differentiated ASCs may both have therapeutic potential in facial nerve regeneration as a source of Schwann cells in cell-based therapy performed as an alternative to autologous nerve grafts. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Facial‐nerve regeneration ability of a hybrid artificial nerve conduit containing uncultured adipose‐derived stromal vascular fraction: An experimental study

“…For 13 weeks after transplantation, the functional recovery of the facial mimetic muscles was evaluated once a week and recorded with a video camera. The degree of recovery was assessed by a rat facial palsy scoring system (FPS; Table ) …”

“…Nevertheless, the current performance of artificial nerve conduits has reached only 50–60% of the level that can be achieved by conventional autologous grafts . To improve nerve regeneration after the implantation of artificial nerve conduits, the infusion of pluripotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), derived from subcutaneous adipose tissue, into the conduits have been investigated in recent years . Subcutaneous adipose tissue provides a large amount of MSCs via a minimally invasive liposuction procedure, without damaging body function, and thus, they are of significant interest as a good source of cells in regenerative medicine .…”

Electrophysiologic and Functional Evaluations of Regenerated Facial Nerve Defects with a Tube Containing Dental Pulp Cells in Rats

“…37 The facial palsy score in this study was specialized for rat midface, including nose and whisker. 21 Rat vibrissal muscle is innervated by the buccal and upper division of the marginal mandibular branch. 40 Defects of these two branches cause midface facial palsy, including asymmetry and paralysis of motion in the vibrissae and nose.…”

Adipose‐derived aldehyde dehydrogenase–expressing cells promote dermal regenerative potential with collagen‐glycosaminoglycan scaffold

“…Eight‐week‐old male syngeneic Lewis rats ( n = 5, approximately 200–250 g) were purchased from Charles River Laboratories (Wilmington, MA). The preparation of SVF cells from adipose tissue was performed as described previously . Briefly, adipose tissue from both side of inguinal fat pads and back region was harvested mechanically and minced.…”