Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of ischemic stroke

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have great potential as therapeutic agents in stroke management, since they are easily accessible and can be rapidly expanded ex vivo for autologous transplantation. Increasing evidence suggests that bone marrow cells migrate throughout the brain and differentiate into neurons and glial cells. Both non-human and human MSCs have been used to treat stroke in murine models with satisfactory results. Several factors, such as transdifferentiation, induction of neurogenesis and angiogenesis, neuroprotection, and activation of endogenous neurorestorative processes, contribute to the benefits of MSCs in the ischemic brain. Many variables, including types of MSCs, cell dose, timing of treatment, route of cell delivery, and characteristics of stroke patients, influence the efficacy of MSC treatment of stroke. Although the first trials of autologous MSC therapy in stroke patients showed promising results, the optimal approach for different clinical settings has yet to be determined. The fundamental properties of MSCs and their potential short-term and long-term toxicities also need to be determined before moving forward to use of these cells in clinical practice.