The Role of Adipose Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Enhancement of Peripheral Nerve Injuries Repair

Abstract

Background: About 50% of peripheral nerve injuries leave permenant disability. Trials to enhance nerve repair using stem cells are undergoing. Adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) are good candidates for cellular-induced regeneration. Aim of the Work: The aim of the present work is to evaluate the effect of ADSCs on enhancing repair of peripheral nerve injuries. Subjects and Methods: This study was conducted on 18 patients with recent trauma involving nerve injuries at the wrist region. Patients were divided into: Group I: underwent surgical end-to-end closure GroupII: underwent surgical end-to-end closure and injection of ADSCs into the nerve sheath and surrounding tissue. Both groups were followed up using clinical assessment using Sensory Recovery Grading and Muscle Strength Grading systems in addition to electrophysiological nerve conduction tests. Results and Conclusions: This study collected a range of 1 to 2 x106 ADSCs from an average of 100-150 ml fat. After 1 year, stem cell group showed significantly higher motor and sensory improvement in ulnar nerve injury; while in the median nerve injury, stem cell group showed higher motor recovery with no difference in sensory recovery.