title: Current status of experimental cell replacement approaches to spinal cord injury.
abstract: Despite advances in medical and surgical care, the current clinical therapies for spinal cord injury (SCI) are largely ineffective. During the last 2 decades, the search for new therapies has been revolutionized by the discovery of stem cells, which has inspired scientists and clinicians to search for a stem cell-based reparative approaches to many diseases, including neurotrauma. In the present study, the authors briefly summarize current knowledge related to the pathophysiology of SCI, including the concepts of primary and secondary injury and the importance of posttraumatic demyelination. Key inhibitory obstacles that impede axonal regeneration include the glial scar and a number of myelin inhibitory molecules including Nogo. Recent advancements in cell replacement therapy as a therapeutic strategy for SCI are summarized. The strategies include the use of pluripotent human stem cells, embryonic stem cells, and a number of adult-derived stem and progenitor cells such as mesenchymal stem cells, Schwann cells, olfactory ensheathing cells, and adult-derived neural precursor cells. Although current strategies to repair the subacutely injured cord appear promising, many obstacles continue to render the treatment of chronic injuries challenging. Nonetheless, the future for stem cell-based reparative strategies for treating SCI appears bright.
authors.affiliation: Spinal Program, Krembil Neuroscience Center, Toronto Western Hospital and Division of Genetics and Development, Toronto Western Research Institute, Canada.
authors.forename: Eftekhar
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Eftekharpour
authors.forename: Soheila
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Karimi-Abdolrezaee
authors.forename: Michael G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Fehlings
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017690:Cell Transplantation / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000502:physiology