Perspectives of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Based Neuroregeneration

Stem cell-based therapy seems to be a promising strategy to treat neurodegenerative diseases, in particular those that are fatal and difficult to treat. However, the sources of stem cells are required to comply with the requirement of availability and expanding in culture, to overcome ethical objections and concerns of graft rejection. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are population of adult stem cells that fulfill all these criteria. These cells are able to differentiate into osteoblasts, chondrocytes and adipocytes as well as cardiomyocytes, hepatocytes, endothelial and pancreatic cells. The most recent studies have been focused on the neurogenic potential of mesenchymal stem cells expressed by their ability to differentiate into neural and glial cell types. The article focuses on current approaches to the mesenchymal stem cell-based neuroregeneration and their perspectives. The anti-inflammatory action of MSCs and their potential effects on neuroprotection and neuroregeneration has been described in respect to the central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Some representative clinical and experimental trials using MSCs in CNS therapies have been specified.