Neuroprotective effects of placenta-derived mesenchymal stromal cells in a rat model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

BackgroundCurrent therapies for multiple sclerosis (MS) are largely palliative, not curative. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) harbor regenerative and immunosuppressive functions, indicating a potential therapy for MS. A preparation of MSCs derived from full-term human placenta (PDMSCs) is a new approach in the treatment of patients with MS.ObjectiveThis study aimed to rule out the possible therapy by PDMSCs in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a rat model of MS.Methods and resultsThirty-five female Wistar rats were classified into the following groups: I, control; II, EAE untreated; III and IV, EAE treated with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at 9 and 16 days post-immunization (dpi), respectively; V and VI, EAE treated with PDMSCs at 9 and 16 dpi, respectively. Intravenous administration of PDMSCs at 9 or 16 dpi significantly ameliorated the disease course, decreasing brain inflammation and degenerating neurons. A reduction of axonal damage as well as an increase of oligodendrocyte precursors were recorded. Moreover, there was an engraftment of the PDMSCs into the brain tissue. Human brain–derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF) and neurotrophin 3 (NTF3) were significantly expressed in brains of rats treated by PDMSCs.ConclusionsHuman PDMSCs have demonstrated striking therapeutic effects when delivered at the onset or at the peak of the disease. PDMSCs have direct neurotrophic support after their engraftment within the lesion through expression of the neurotrophins.