Therapeutic interventions in stroke therapy

Sl. No.Stem cell typesFunctionReferences
1Embryonic stem cellsMurine embryonic stem cells (mESCs) show promise in restoring function in ischemia mouse models. However, concerns over their immunogenicity and teratoma-forming tendency hinder widespread clinical acceptance.[190]
2Human umbilical cord blood cells (HUCBCs)Migrated to the injury site and differentiated into neuronal and glial cells, leading to elevated trophic factors in the brain. These factors positively correlate with decreased cerebral infarcts and improved behavioral functions.[191]
3Bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs)BMSCs injection during or after cerebral infarction regenerates neurons, boosting survival rates and enhancing brain function.[192]
4Human fetal neural progenitorsTransplanting human fetal hippocampal cells and embryonic cortical cells into rat ischemic models, as well as human fetal striatal cells into a rodent stroke model, enhances behavior. Moreover, the transplanted human cells establish both afferent and efferent connections with host rodent cells.[193]
5Neural stem cells (NSCs)NSC engraftment enhances synaptic reformation and electrophysiological properties in damaged brains by optimizing the microenvironment. It restores neuronal functions by secreting neurotrophic factors [brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)], supporting neuron health, generation, and survival, along with maintaining the extracellular matrix.[194, 195]
6VEGFFacilitates angiogenesis and promotes vascular repair in ischemia-induced blood vessel damage.[196]
7Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), and other such factorsSecretions from NSCs play crucial roles in safeguarding, sustaining, and fostering the proliferation of neural cells.[197]
8Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)Neuro-restoration involves diverse mechanisms, including paracrine factor release, cell replacement, mitochondrial transfer, etc. Additionally, they induce angiogenesis through VEGF release.[198]
9Adipose tissue-derived MSCsThese cells efficiently aid neuro-regeneration, being easily accessible and abundant. They provide protection via extracellular vesicle release, with studies confirming the safety and efficacy of vesicles from adipose tissue-derived MSCs.[199]
10Human adipose stromal cellsLiposuction-derived adipose tissue stromal cells, when exposed to chemicals like 5-azacytidine, NGF, BDNF, and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), can undergo differentiation into neurons.[200]
11Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)The occurrence of teratoma in the mouse brain underscores the imperative to address and resolve the tumorigenicity of iPSCs before clinical application. Nonetheless, iPSCs exhibit significant potential as formidable stem cells for tissue regeneration.[201]
12Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs)Neurotrophic factors, including neurotrophins, GDNF, and neurturin, are produced during dental pulp innervation initiation. Increased expression of NGF, BDNF, and GDNF mRNAs precedes dental pulp innervation onset. These factors likely support trigeminal nerve growth and tooth innervation establishment, playing crucial roles in neuronal survival, plasticity, and axon growth.[202]
13Skin stem cellsMurine skin-derived progenitors (mSKPs) from developmental stages exhibit osteogenic, adipogenic, smooth muscle, and neuronal differentiation potentials. They offer promise as an alternative source for addressing mesenchymal and neurodegenerative disorders.[203]
14Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs)Transplanted OECs in injured spinal cords can enhance axonal regeneration. The reconstitution of the olfactory neuroaxis is possible following central axotomy. In vivo, nasal OECs (nOECs) remain viable and respond to signals from injured neuronal cells and their processes.[204]
15Human fetal neural progenitorsHuman fetal neuronal precursor cells exhibit ex vivo neuronal differentiation, acquiring a region-specific cholinergic phenotype.[131]
16Fetal kidney cellsFetal kidney cell transplants in stroke rats express elevated GDNF and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) levels, showing promise for neuroprotection and neuroregeneration in ischemic brain injury.[7]
17Haematological stem cellsStem cell mobilization post-cerebral infarction leads to neuronal regeneration, enhancing survival rates and brain function following cerebral ischemia.[205]
18Adult-derived NSCExogenous NSC therapy in stroke reconstructs neuronal circuits and offers neuroprotection by secreting survival-promoting neurotrophic factors, either naturally or through therapeutic transgenes.[131]

An extensive overview is provided, highlighting a myriad of therapeutic strategies employed in the management of cerebral stroke. The table specifically delineates the utilization of different types of stem cells, showcasing the diverse approaches and regenerative interventions aimed at mitigating the impact of cerebral stroke and promoting neural recovery