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Assessment of the Immunomodulatory Properties of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)
Published on: December 24, 2015
Autologous mesenchymal stem cell therapy in progressive multiple sclerosis: an open label study
Mandana Mohyeddin Bonab1, Mohammad Ali Sahraian, Aida Aghsaie
1Immunogenetics Research Centre, Department of Immunology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy
|October 16, 2012
Summary
Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy shows potential for progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). A single intrathecal injection stabilized or improved the condition in some patients within one year, with no serious adverse effects observed.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Regenerative Medicine
- Immunology
Background:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) remains a progressive neurological disease with limited treatment options.
- Autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) are being investigated as a potential therapy for MS.
- While BM-MSCs are safe in other conditions, their efficacy in MS requires further study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (BM-MSC) transplantation in patients with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS).
Main Methods:
- Twenty-five patients with progressive MS received a single intrathecal injection of ex-vivo expanded MSCs.
- Patients were monitored for 12 months for clinical outcomes (Expanded Disability Status Scale - EDSS) and MRI changes.
- Short-term adverse events were recorded.
Main Results:
- No major delayed adverse effects were reported; transient side effects included fever, nausea, headache, and limb weakness.
- Out of 22 patients completing the study, 4 showed improvement, 6 deteriorated, and 12 had no change in EDSS score.
- MRI showed no new lesions in 15 patients, while 6 exhibited new T2 or gadolinium-enhanced lesions.
Conclusions:
- MSC therapy appears to stabilize or improve the disease course in progressive MS patients within the first year post-injection.
- The treatment demonstrated an acceptable safety profile with no serious adverse events.
- Further research with larger sample sizes, booster injections, and longer follow-up in controlled study designs is recommended.
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