Autologous intravenous mononuclear stem cell therapy in chronic ischemic stroke

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Regenerative Medicine
• Stem Cell Therapy

Background:

• The brain's regenerative potential drives new therapies for neurological deficits.
• Bone marrow mononuclear cells (MNCs) offer hope for neurofunctional recovery in stroke patients due to their feasibility and multipotency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of autologous MNC stem cell transplantation in chronic ischemic stroke (CIS) patients.
• Assess outcomes using clinical scores and functional imaging (fMRI, DTI).

Main Methods:

• A non-randomized controlled observational study involving 24 CIS patients.
• Patients received autologous MNC transplantation (mean 54.6 million cells) intravenously, followed by physiotherapy.
• Clinical assessments (Fugl Meyer, mBI, MRC, Ashworth) and functional imaging were performed at baseline, 8, and 24 weeks.

Main Results:

• MNC therapy was safe and feasible, with normal laboratory and radiological outcomes.
• A statistically significant improvement in the modified Barthel Index (mBI) was observed at 24 weeks (p<0.05).
• Increased cluster activation in Brodmann areas 4 and 6 post-transplantation indicated neural plasticity.

Conclusions:

• Autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell therapy is a safe and feasible treatment for chronic ischemic stroke.
• This therapy may facilitate functional restoration and enhance neural plasticity in stroke survivors.