Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to serious motor and sensory dysfunction of the limbs below the injured segment. SCI not only results in physical and psychological harm to patients but can also cause a huge economic burden on their families and society. As there is no effective treatment method, the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of patients with SCI have become urgent problems to be solved. In recent years, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have attracted more attention in the treatment of SCI. Although MSC therapy can reduce injured volume and promote axonal regeneration, its application is limited by tumorigenicity, a low survival rate, and immune rejection. Accumulating literature shows that exosomes have great potential in the treatment of SCI. In this review, we summarize the existing MSC-derived exosome studies on SCI and discuss the advantages and challenges of treating SCI based on exosomes derived from MSCs.
Highlights
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious neurological disease because patients often suffer from poor quality of life
Further research reported that the therapeutic effect of exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) occurs via the Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 pathway to inhibit the migration of pericytes, thereby maintaining integrity of the blood spinal cord barrier (BSCB) after SCI, leading to a reduction of neuronal cell apoptosis, axonal regeneration, and motor function [68]
There is a lack of a direct comparison of the characteristics of exosomes derived from different MSCs in SCI models, we believe that umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) may be one of the best sources because they are easier to obtain than BMSCs, and do not involve ethical issues
Summary
SCI is a serious neurological disease because patients often suffer from poor quality of life. A study published in 2019 confirmed that bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC)-derived exosomes effectively promote functional recovery after SCI. Further research reported that the therapeutic effect of exosomes derived from BMSCs occurs via the NF-κB p65 pathway to inhibit the migration of pericytes, thereby maintaining integrity of the BSCB after SCI, leading to a reduction of neuronal cell apoptosis, axonal regeneration, and motor function [68].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
