Neurophysiological outcomes following mesenchymal stem cell therapy in multiple sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Regenerative Medicine
• Clinical Neurology

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disease affecting the central nervous system.
• Autologous mesenchymal stem cells (aMSCs) are being investigated for their therapeutic potential in MS.
• Neurophysiological assessments, including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), are crucial for evaluating treatment efficacy in MS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the neurophysiological effects of aMSCs therapy in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).
• To assess the safety and potential benefits of aMSCs infusion using TMS and clinical measures.
• To evaluate changes in corticomotor excitability, motor conduction, and motor impairments post-aMSCs therapy.

Main Methods:

• A phase II randomized controlled trial involving 20 adults with confirmed MS.
• Participants received either aMSCs infusion or placebo, with a crossover design at Week 24.
• Neurophysiological outcomes (TMS measures) and motor impairments were assessed at baseline, Week 24, and Week 48.

Main Results:

• No significant improvements were observed in corticomotor excitability or intra-/interhemispheric inhibition.
• A significant prolongation in motor evoked potential latency and central motor conduction time was noted.
• These neurophysiological changes correlated with a decline in hand dexterity following aMSCs infusion.

Conclusions:

• aMSCs therapy did not demonstrate clinical or neurophysiological benefits in this cohort of MS patients.
• The study highlights the need for further research to elucidate the role of stem cell therapy in MS.
• Current evidence suggests stem cell therapy's benefits in influencing MS disease activity remain uncertain.