Mesenchymal Stem Cell Regenerative Therapy in the Spine - Recent Advancements and Possible Applications A Review

Abstract

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is an injury which damages the central nervous system, particularly the neurons and structures located in the spine. Treatment options involving mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have recently been recognized as possible repair solutions to an SCI. MSCs have multifaceted functionality which allows for a wide range of applications; and, specifically for usage in the spine, MSCs do not contain immunogenic response agents, which makes them suitable for treatment involving the central nervous system. Clinical usage of MSCs has been proven successful in other facets of medicine, but the exact mechanisms by which they repair SCIs is not fully understood (Xia et al., 2023). Recent research, however, suggests MSC involvement in reducing neuronal inflammation, regenerating axons, and repairing spinal blood vessels (Staff, 2022). These new findings anticipate future advancements in the usage of MSCs conjunctively with neurorehabilitation therapies (Xia et al., 2023). Further speculations could even involve treatment for reversing paralysis, inhibiting glial scarring, and reducing neurological symptoms of SCIs all within the spine.