Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells as a strategy to improve recovery after stroke

Abstract

Introduction: Based on the positive results observed in experimental animal models, adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) constitute a promising therapy for stroke treatment. However, several aspects need to be clarified to identify the optimal conditions for successful clinical translation.

Areas covered: This review focuses on AD-MSC treatment for ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in experimental animal models. In addition, we will explore the optimization of treatment conditions including AD-MSC production, administration routes and therapeutic windows for their appropriate use in patients. Finally we will provide an update on clinical trials on this therapy.

Expert opinion: Compared with other cell types, AD-MSCs have been less investigated in stroke studies. Currently, experimental animal models have shown safety and efficacy with this treatment after stroke. Due to several advantages of AD-MSCs, such as their abundance and accessibility, they can be considered a promising strategy for use in patients. However, many questions are still to be resolved regarding their mechanisms of action, immune system modulation and the effects of AD-MSCs on all components of the brain that may be affected after ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes.

Keywords:

• adipose tissue
• hemorrhagic stroke
• ischemic stroke
• mesenchymal stem cells

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Juliette Siegfried at ServingMed.com for editorial assistance. M Gutiérrez-Fernández and L Otero-Ortega contributed equally to this work.

Declaration of interest

The authors were supported by research grants PS12/01754 (Spanish Ministry of Science) and INVICTUS (RD12/0014/0006) (Spanish Neurovascular Network), and Research Institute Carlos III, Ministry Science and Innovation. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Notes

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