Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Therapy for Spinal Cord Repair

Spinal cord injury is a devastating condition, for which to date no cure exists. Following damage to the spinal cord, an extensive pathophysiological response creates a hostile environment including inflammation, ischemia, oxidative stress and glial scar formation, resulting in secondary degeneration of tissue and inhibition of axonal growth. Potential repair strategies may therefore need to include interventions that elicit neuroprotection, angiogenesis, scar reduction and/or immune modulation. Cell therapy is a promising strategy to repair the injured spinal cord. Transplanted cells may replace lost or damaged tissue and remyelinate axons or exert repair-supporting paracrine effects. Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) are being extensively studied for their repairpromoting potential in rodent models of spinal cord injury. These cells secrete trophic, angiogenic, and immune modulatory factors that are believed to reduce secondary degeneration and improve functional recovery. Current investigations of BMSC therapy focus on unraveling mechanisms of repair, improving their survival, and optimizing their efficacy through gene therapy, combination strategies, and promotion of cell survival.