Efficacy of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell in the treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: an animal study
Abstract Background Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) have great potential for treating autoimmune diseases for their immunomodulatory and tissue-regenerative abilities; however, their therapeutic role in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) remains uncertain. Methods...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
BMC
2025-02-01
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| Series: | Stem Cell Research & Therapy |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-025-04187-8 |
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| Summary: | Abstract Background Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) have great potential for treating autoimmune diseases for their immunomodulatory and tissue-regenerative abilities; however, their therapeutic role in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) remains uncertain. Methods 106 hUC-MSCs prepared in 200 μl PBS were intravenously administered to a systemic NMOSD model on day 10 and day 14 after immunization. Then, disease progression, immune responses, and blood–brain barrier integrity were evaluated. Additionally, we tested the effects of hUC-MSCs on astrocyte viability and apoptosis using an aquaporin 4 (AQP4) IgG and complement-induced cytotoxicity model in vitro. Results hUC-MSCs alleviated NMOSD progression in vivo with improved motor function, reduced inflammatory infiltration, myelin loss, and preservation of astrocytes and neurons. hUC-MSC treatment did not affect autoimmune reactions in the spleen, however, decreased cytokine release in the spinal cord and mitigated blood–brain barrier disruption. Furthermore, in vitro studies revealed that co-culture with hUC-MSCs significantly restored astrocyte viability and reduced apoptosis in AQP4 IgG and complement-mediated damage. Conclusion Our results revealed that hUC-MSCs displayed therapeutic efficacy in NMOSD and showed potential in attenuating blood–brain barrier disruption, as well as AQP4 IgG and complement-induced astrocyte apoptosis. |
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| ISSN: | 1757-6512 |