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Advanced Neurology Stem cell therapy in stroke treatment: Advances and prospects

surrounding the use of ESCs are addressed and new acts as regenerative medicine for attenuating the disease
opportunities for individualized regenerative therapy and severity, through its diverse mechanisms, including tissue
disease modeling are created. Recent interventions for regeneration, neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory actions,
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treating neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and the induction of host brain plasticity. Various types
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Disease (AD), Parkinson’s Disease (PD), Amyotrophic of stem cells originate from different sources are under
Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and traumas, require a better investigation in different animal models of stroke to assess
understanding of the mechanisms of stem cells and their their potency and efficacy. The potential mechanisms of
capacity for neuronal differentiation. 19-21 stem cells in the recovery of stroke are discussed in Table 1.
4. Stem cell therapy in stroke patients 4.1. Stem cell therapy in stroke with other comorbid
conditions
Stem cell therapy is considered a revolution in the
management of stroke, overcoming the limitations of Stem cell transplantation therapy is an effective technique
conventional medications. Nowadays, stem cell therapy for stroke treatment. Here, we present recent advances in
is becoming a promising alternative management and stem cell research for comorbid conditions, which may have

Table 1. Pharmacological actions of different types of stem cells in stroke management
Type of stem cells Abbreviations Pharmacological action in stroke treatment References
Bone marrow stem cells BMSCs They can express angiogenic and arteriogenic cytokines, which migrate to infarct 23
areas and secrete various neurotrophic factors, such as BDNF, GDNF, CNTF, VEGF,
PDGF, and NAP-2, enhancing the neuronal differentiation in the damaged area to
promote healing.
Embryonic stem cells ESCs ESCs are primarily pluripotent cells that have a high capability for differentiating into 24
multiple types of cells. They can also repair neuronal circuits, promote angiogenesis,
and regenerate new tissues in the infarct area.
Endothelial progenitor cells EPCs During a stroke, these cells migrate to the damaged area of the blood vessels from the 25
bone marrow and trigger blood vessel remodeling, neurogenesis, and angiogenesis.
In addition, they also improve the rate of cerebral blood flow due to the blood vessel
remodeling process and reduce infarct volume in stroke
Hematopoietic stem cells HSCs They can readily differentiate into RBCs and other lymphoid cells, which helps reduce 26
the actual infarct size and causes vascular remodeling.
Human umbilical cord stem cells HUCBCs HUCBCs possess the maximum differentiation ability into any cell types, such as 27
neurons and astrocytes. They can also migrate to the site of injury, reduce the infarct
area, and improve the damaged tissue.
Induced pluripotent stem cells iPSCs These cells are also able to show pluripotency by improving the neuronal cell 28
differentiation. They also enhance the local short-term sensorimotor recovery
mechanism, and thus reduce the infarct size and lesions.
Mesenchymal stem cells MSCs MSCs show multipotency, as they possess the ability to differentiate into various 29
cell types as needed. They migrate to the damaged site, show immunomodulatory
and trophic effects, and suppress the apoptotic pathway, while also promoting
angiogenesis and vascular remodeling. In addition, they induce cellular proliferation
endogenously, which helps reduce infarct volume and heal the damaged area.
Mononuclear cells MNCs These cells are used in the sub-acute and acute phases of stroke, and possess high 30
potential for immediate transplantation due to their high differentiation ability.
Neural stem/precursor cells NSCs Neural stem cells differentiate into various types of neural cells, showing 31
multipotency. They also maintain the blood brain barrier integrity by regulating
the tight junction cells and ensuring proper cellular adherence. Precursor cells are
also help reduce neuroinflammation, promote neurogenesis and angiogenesis, and
vascular regeneration.
Olfactory ensheathing/glial cells OECs Surrounding the olfactory neurons, OECs secrete neurotrophic factors that will 32
further potentiate neuronal regeneration. They also help to scavenge pathogens, thus
reduce inflammation at the infarct area.
Abbreviations: BDNF: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor; GDNF: Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor; CNTF: Ciliary neurotrophic factor;
VEGF: Vascular endothelial growth factor; RBCs: Red blood cells; PDGF: Platelet-derived growth factor; NAP-2: Neutrophil-activating peptide 2;
ESCs: Embryonic stem cells.

Volume 4 Issue 3 (2025) 4 doi: 10.36922/an.5582