Abstract
Stem cell therapy aims to replace damaged or aged cells with healthy functioning cells in congenital defects, tissue injuries, autoimmune disorders, and neurogenic degenerative diseases. Among various types of stem cells, adult stem cells (i.e., tissue-specific stem cells) commit to becoming the functional cells from their tissue of origin. These cells are the most commonly used in cell-based therapy since they do not confer risk of teratomas, do not require fetal stem cell maneuvers and thus are free of ethical concerns, and they confer low immunogenicity (even if allogenous). The goal of this review is to summarize the current state of the art and advances in using stem cell therapy for tissue repair in solid organs. Here we address key factors in cell preparation, such as the source of adult stem cells, optimal cell types for implantation (universal mesenchymal stem cells vs. tissue-specific stem cells, or induced vs. non-induced stem cells), early or late passages of stem cells, stem cells with endogenous or exogenous growth factors, preconditioning of stem cells (hypoxia, growth factors, or conditioned medium), using various controlled release systems to deliver growth factors with hydrogels or microspheres to provide apposite interactions of stem cells and their niche. We also review several approaches of cell delivery that affect the outcomes of cell therapy, including the appropriate routes of cell administration (systemic, intravenous, or intraperitoneal vs. local administration), timing for cell therapy (immediate vs. a few days after injury), single injection of a large number of cells vs. multiple smaller injections, a single site for injection vs. multiple sites and use of rodents vs. larger animal models. Future directions of stem cell-based therapies are also discussed to guide potential clinical applications.
Highlights
Adult stem cells are the primary source of cells studied in tissue regeneration
mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are potential in the treatment of various congenital defects, trauma or ischemia injuries, immune disorders and degenerated diseases
It is essential to optimize the strategies for stem cell therapy for tissue regeneration in solid organs
Summary
Adult stem cells are the primary source of cells studied in tissue regeneration. As the most commonly used source in cell therapy, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess high proliferation ability, paracrine effect, multipotent differentiation potential immunomodulatory capacity [1,2], and profiles of cell surface markers [3]. Once stem cells are isolated from the native tissue environment, they quickly lose the niche and function they had when growing in culture dishes. They shorten cell lifespan because of over-expansion in vitro. Cellular DNA tends to be instable during long-term culture Such cells implanted in the host lead low rates of cell survival, and poor outcomes in-growth, homing, differentiation and paracrine effects. Neruoprotection; Anti-apoptosis; Anti-aging effects; Stimulate endogenous tissue regeneration potential
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
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 call