Administration of Olfactory Ensheathing Cells to Relieve the Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injury

Tzu Min Chan Shinn Zong Lin

doi:10.4172/2157-7013.1000195

Abstract

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a challenging issue for scientists and clinicians. Thus far, no treatments capable of relieving symptoms associated with neuronal loss and functional defects have been developed. However, stem cell therapy has demonstrated considerable promise in overcoming neuronal cell death and glial scarring in the area of damage associated with SCI. A number of studies have demonstrated the therapeutic advantages and clinical applicability of olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) in neurodegenerative disorders. This review focuses on the potential benefits of OECs in an SCI animal model and examines partial successes that have been achieved in human clinical trials. We also discuss methods that could further enhance the therapeutic efficacy of these efforts, such as modifying the extracellular matrix to ensure appropriate differentiation and prolong the survival of transplanted cells; and further in situ altering of the spinal cord niche to facilitate the completely therapy of OECs in SCI.

Highlights

Between 10,000 and 14,000 spinal cord injury (SCI) are reported every year in the United States [1], and medical treatments that deal with acute Spinal cord injury (SCI) and subsequent complications are extremely expensive
This review presents information currently available on SCI and olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs), summarizes the potential therapeutic effects of OECs in SCI animal models and human clinical trials, and discusses various potential molecular mechanisms
A number of investigations have shown that OECs can play an important role in the recovery of bladder function and phrenic nerve activity following SCI [3]. This makes OECs a useful type of pluripotent cell for transplantation, capable of facilitating nerve regeneration in SCI patients

Summary

Introduction

Between 10,000 and 14,000 spinal cord injury (SCI) are reported every year in the United States [1], and medical treatments that deal with acute SCI and subsequent complications are extremely expensive. Various strategies have been developed for the treatment of animals with SCI, such as adding growth factors [12], providing peripheral nerve or embryonic tissue [13], and transplanting Schwann cells [14]. A number of investigations have shown that OECs can play an important role in the recovery of bladder function and phrenic nerve activity following SCI [3]. This makes OECs a useful type of pluripotent cell for transplantation, capable of facilitating nerve regeneration in SCI patients. Use of OECs transplantation obtained axonal regeneration, it looks mildly progressive, might provide an adequate foundation for the functional benefits [38]

ASIA sensory

Molecular Signalling

Future Expectations