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The Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Model of Perinatal Ischemia
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The Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Model of Perinatal Ischemia

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Systemic multipotent adult progenitor cells improve long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes after preterm

Melinda Barkhuizen1, Ralph van Mechelen2, Marijne Vermeer2

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC), Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands; DST/NWU Preclinical Drug Development Platform, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.

Behavioural Brain Research
|January 15, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPCs) show promise in treating preterm hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. MAPC therapy partially improved long-term behavioral outcomes in a rat model, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Regenerative Medicine
  • Perinatal Medicine

Background:

  • Preterm hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) poses a significant disease burden.
  • There is an urgent need for effective therapeutic interventions for HIE.
  • Current treatments for HIE have limitations in addressing long-term neurodevelopmental deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the long-term behavioral effects of multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPCs) in a preterm rat model of perinatal asphyxia.
  • To investigate the efficacy of MAPC therapy in mitigating locomotor, cognitive, and psychiatric impairments following HIE.
  • To determine if MAPC treatment influences sex-dependent outcomes in HIE.

Main Methods:

  • A preterm rat model of perinatal asphyxia was established.
  • Rats received two doses of MAPCs within 24 hours post-insult.
  • Locomotor activity, object recognition memory, and anxiety-like behaviors were assessed at juvenile (1.5 months) and adult (6 months) stages.
  • Sex-specific effects of HIE and MAPC treatment were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Hypoxia-ischemia induced sex-dependent impairments in locomotion, cognition, and anxiety, with males showing higher vulnerability.
  • MAPC therapy partially improved object recognition memory in females across all ages and in adult males.
  • MAPC treatment corrected delayed hyperactivity observed in adult males post-hypoxic insult.

Conclusions:

  • MAPC therapy demonstrates potential for long-term neurodevelopmental benefits following preterm birth and global hypoxia-ischemia.
  • The findings suggest MAPCs may partially ameliorate cognitive and behavioral deficits in HIE.
  • Further preclinical research is warranted to explore the therapeutic potential of MAPCs for HIE.

Keywords:
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathyNeurodevelopmentPreterm brainStem cell therapy

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