• The Effect of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Neural Precursor Cell Differentiation and Motor Function Recovery in a Rat Model of Spinal Cord Injury
  • Shaghayegh Hoseini,1,*
    1. Islamic Azad University of Babol


  • Introduction: Spinal cord injury (SCI) often results in permanent neurological deficits and paralysis, presenting significant challenges for functional recovery. Various therapeutic approaches have been explored to promote repair and regeneration of the damaged spinal cord. Among these, cell-based therapies, particularly using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), have shown promise due to their potential to differentiate into various cell types and secrete neurotrophic factors. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) are of particular interest because they are readily accessible and possess robust regenerative properties. This study aims to evaluate the effect of AD-MSCs on the differentiation of neural precursor cells (NPCs) and the recovery of motor function in a rat model of SCI.
  • Methods: In this study, a total of 60 adult Wistar rats (30 males and 30 females) were used. The mean age of the rats was 10 weeks, and the mean weight was 250 grams. The rats were randomly assigned into three groups: control group (n=20), SCI group (n=20), and AD-MSC-treated SCI group (n=20). The SCI was induced using a standardized contusion injury model at the T9-T10 vertebral level. The AD-MSCs were isolated from the adipose tissue of healthy donor rats and expanded in vitro. Two weeks post-SCI, the AD-MSCs were transplanted into the injury site of the treatment group. Behavioral assessments, including the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale, were performed weekly to evaluate motor function recovery. Immunohistochemical analyses were conducted to assess the differentiation of NPCs into neurons and glial cells within the injured spinal cord.
  • Results: The results demonstrated a significant improvement in motor function in the AD-MSC-treated SCI group compared to the untreated SCI group. The BBB scores of the AD-MSC-treated group increased from an average of 1.2 ± 0.5 at one week post-injury to 7.8 ± 0.7 at eight weeks post-injury, whereas the untreated SCI group showed a more modest increase from 1.1 ± 0.4 to 3.9 ± 0.6 over the same period. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed a higher number of differentiated neurons and oligodendrocytes in the AD-MSC-treated group, with an average of 85 ± 10 neurons and 70 ± 8 oligodendrocytes per mm² in the treated group compared to 45 ± 7 neurons and 30 ± 5 oligodendrocytes per mm² in the untreated group. Additionally, the presence of glial scar tissue was significantly reduced in the AD-MSC-treated rats.
  • Conclusion: The transplantation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells significantly promotes the differentiation of neural precursor cells into neurons and oligodendrocytes, and enhances motor function recovery in a rat model of spinal cord injury. These findings suggest that AD-MSCs could be a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of SCI, potentially aiding in the repair and regeneration of the damaged spinal cord and improving functional outcomes. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and optimize the therapeutic protocols for clinical application.
  • Keywords: Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Neural Precursor Cells, Spinal Cord Injury, Rat Model