Title:Stem Cells and Translational Medicine: From Research to Clinical Procedures
Volume: 4
Issue: 1
Author(s): Claudia Del Fante, Manuela Monti, Carlo Alberto Redi, Marila Cervio, Luigia Scudeller, Ruggero Rodriguez y Baena and Cesare Perotti
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Mesenchymal stem cells, regenerative medicine, stem cell transplantation, stem cells, translational medicine.
Abstract: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent adult stem cells with unique biological
properties, typically associated with their mesodermal lineage. Various in vitro studies and preclinical
animal model showed that MSCs are promising for cell therapy showing the ability to home to sites of
inflammation after tissue injury, to differentiate into various cell types and secrete multiple bioactive
molecules capable of stimulating recovery of injured cells by inhibiting inflammation (known as paracrine effect). MSCs
also show the lack of immunogenicity and have the ability to perform immunomodulatory functions.
Undoubtedly the use of MSCs either taking advantage of their immunomodulatory properties or their ability to repair,
with different cooperative mechanisms, an injured tissue will represent the standard therapy in the near future. However,
there is a lack of consensus on several issues that need to be addressed: a better understanding of the MSCs mechanism of
action, type of cells and sources, optimal cell dose and route of administration together with standardized Good Manufacturing
Practice procedures and strict surveillance of genetic instability after multiple passages in culture. This concise review
is not meant to be exhaustive on all diseases and conditions currently treated with MSCs, but only focuses on some
pathologies (ischemic cardiovascular diseases, critical limb ischemia, bone and cartilage regeneration, neural diseases) at
high socio-economic impact, that historically have been under investigation for regenerative purposes.
