Stem cells help in stroke recovery
Recent studies in animal models of stroke demonstrated a significant effect on brain recovery when BMSC were introduced. The possible mechanism of recovery is BMSC fusion with cells in the damaged area of the brain. However, its regenerative potential is limited by the low frequency of fusion events, especially in the brain.The EU-funded 'Cell fusion as regenerative tool for stroke treatment' (STROKECELLFUSION) project aimed to identify the factors that will increase cell fusion events for effective cell therapy of neurological disorders. Researchers focused on identification of new fusogenic factors and development of a nanocarrier system for their sustained and controlled delivery.Poly lactic nanoparticles (PLA NPs) were selected as a non-toxic delivery system. Studies of PLA NPs with fluorescent labels revealed a uniform body distribution. Cell differentiation factor interleukin-4 (IL-4) was identified and selected as a putative agent to encourage fusion using an in vitro cell fusion detection system of BMSC and neural cells.IL-4 fusion stimulation was observed in vivo in mice transplanted with BMSCs. Pathological conditions, such as stroke, might potentiate the fusogenic effect of IL-4 due to the unique cell environment at the damaged area.STROKECELLFUSION has developed a novel delivery system to support BMSC transplantation. This system can be applied to other neurodegenerative conditions that involve a damaged blood brain barrier and that require drugs with a controlled pharmacokinetic profile.
