Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Prolong Survival and Ameliorate Motor Deficit through Trophic Support in Huntington's Disease Mouse Models
2011

Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Help Mice with Huntington's Disease

Sample size: 90 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Lin Yuan-Ta, Chern Yijuang, Shen Che-Kun James, Wen Hsin-Lan, Chang Ya-Chin, Li Hung, Cheng Tzu-Hao, Hsieh-Li Hsiu Mei

Primary Institution: Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan

Hypothesis

Can human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs) improve survival and motor function in Huntington's disease mouse models?

Conclusion

Transplantation of hBM-MSCs significantly improved motor function and survival rates in Huntington's disease mouse models.

Supporting Evidence

  • Transplanted hBM-MSCs showed a significant reduction in motor function impairment.
  • Survival rates of mice receiving hBM-MSCs were significantly higher than those without.
  • Transplanted cells were capable of survival and induced neural proliferation in the damaged brain area.
  • Markers for neuronal differentiation were observed in the transplanted hBM-MSCs.

Takeaway

Scientists found that special cells from human bone marrow can help mice with a brain disease called Huntington's by making them move better and live longer.

Methodology

Mice were injected with quinolinic acid to induce Huntington's disease symptoms, followed by transplantation of hBM-MSCs into the striatum.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in the interpretation of results due to the use of animal models.

Limitations

The study primarily used mouse models, which may not fully replicate human disease conditions.

Participant Demographics

Adult male C57/B6 and R6/2-J2 mice were used in the study.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0022924

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