Dose Effect of Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Delivery Through Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Kei Kobayashi1, Takuya Maeda1, Mobolanle Ayodeji2

  • 1Department of Cardiac Surgery, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC; Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC; Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC.

Insights

Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) therapy after pediatric cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is safe and may reduce brain inflammation. High-dose MSCs enhanced neurogenesis in a dose-dependent manner.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Regenerative Medicine
  • Pediatric Cardiology

Background:

  • Neurologic impairments are a significant concern for pediatric cardiac surgery survivors.
  • Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) show potential in mitigating cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) effects on neural stem/progenitor cells.
  • This study investigates the dose-dependent effects of MSC administration following CPB.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the acute dose effects of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) on neural stem/progenitor cells and related biological processes after pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).
  • To determine the safety and feasibility of varying doses of MSCs delivered during CPB.
  • To evaluate the impact of MSCs on neuroinflammation and neurogenesis post-CPB.

Main Methods:

  • Twenty piglets were randomized into four groups: control, CPB, CPB with low-dose MSCs, and CPB with high-dose MSCs.
  • Assessed cell distribution via MRI, multiorgan function, systemic inflammation markers, microglia activation, and neural stem/progenitor cell activity.
  • Utilized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to track MSC distribution and assess neurogenic niches.

Main Results:

  • High-dose MSC delivery resulted in approximately 10 times greater brain distribution compared to low-dose delivery, with no adverse hemodynamic or biomarker effects.
  • Both low and high doses of MSCs normalized microglia activation, reducing cerebral inflammation, and increased neuroblasts in the subventricular zone.
  • High-dose MSCs significantly increased the thickness of the active neurogenic area, indicating a dose-dependent effect on the neurogenic niche.

Conclusions:

  • Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) delivery via cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is feasible at doses up to 100 × 10^6 cells/kg.
  • MSC treatment can mitigate systemic and cerebral inflammation and modulate the neurogenic niche response to CPB.
  • Further research is needed to establish long-term effects and a comprehensive dose-response curve for MSC therapy in this context.
Abstract

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