Stem cells, with their ability to replicate and differentiate in multiple directions, are able to differentiate into almost all cell types in the body, including nerve cells, hepatocytes, cardiomyocytes, and epithelial cells. In recent years, stem cell transplantation has shown promising applications in the intervention of a variety of neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Especially in the intervention of neuropathic pain, the potential of stem cells is of great interest to researchers.
Six mechanisms of stem cell intervention in neuropathic pain
Directional migration and homing effect: Stem cells can recognize and orientally migrate to damaged nerve tissue and pain receptor pathways, and exert their bioactive functions after precise positioning, a process that is vividly called the "homing" effect.
Cell differentiation and regenerationOnce successfully homing at the site of the lesion, stem cells are able to differentiate into specific neurons or glial cells that are able to replace damaged nerve cells and thus achieve direct repair and reconstruction of the nervous system.
Neurotrophic factor releaseStem cells can continuously secrete a series of neurotrophic factors with important physiological functions, such as GDNF, NT-3, BFGF and NRG-1, which help to maintain and restore the survival of damaged neurons and glial cells, and promote their functional repair, thereby effectively relieving neuropathic pain symptoms.
Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory mechanisms: Transplanted stem cells inhibit the overactivation of microglia and astrocytes, reduce the release of inflammatory mediators IL-1 and IL-17, and increase the expression of the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10. At the same time, stem cells can also reduce the activity of inos, reduce the inflammatory response around the nerve as a whole, and further improve the neuropathic pain condition.
Antioxidant defense mechanisms: Stem cells in the body can reduce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the posterior horn of the spinal cord, respond to oxidative stress, thereby reducing the damage caused by the accumulation of ROS in nerve tissue, and thus reducing the degree of neuropathic pain.
Microangiogenesis and improved blood flow: Stem cells can also promote the proliferation of local capillaries, increase capillary density, thereby improving microcirculation and blood flow in damaged areas, and help relieve pain and paresthesia caused by ischemia and hypoxia such as heat pain allergies.
In a multi-disease clinical study, stem cells** were administered to 58 patients with neurological diseases. These cases included 20 patients with spinal cord injury, 13 patients with stroke, 11 patients with multiple sclerosis, and 7 patients with peripheral nerve injury and motor neuron disease, respectively.
After the intervention, the results showed that the blood test indicators of the patients changed: the number of white blood cells, neutrophils and lymphocytes showed an upward trend compared with that before the intervention; At the same time, the relevant indicators of liver and kidney function also improved, but all indicators remained within the normal physiological level.
In addition, in terms of immune function monitoring, no abnormal reactions were observed. It is important to note that the white blood cell and red blood cell counts in the cerebrospinal fluid samples of some patients increased after the intervention, which is thought to be beneficial for the recovery and repair of damaged nerve tissue. In terms of safety, the occurrence of this is limited, and only a few patients have experienced transient headache or fever symptoms, and both side effects can resolve spontaneously in the short term.