Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs). Once the MSCs get to the brain they get to work targeting inflammation. The neuropathological hallmarks of traumatic brain injury are often accompanied by neuroinflammation, which is intended to protect the body, but also can contribute to aggravation of damage when it becomes excessive. This is why the ability of MSCs to reduce the brain inflammation is so important.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells have a profound effect on macrophages and in the brain these are microglia. The microglia account for 10% to 15% of the cells in the brain. They are very important, so if they are not working properly then brain health will be off balance. Mesenchymal stem cells do a great job of helping the microglia function properly and proliferate. The microglia are resident macrophage cells, they act as the first and main form of active immune defense in the central nervous system (CNS). In TBI damaged brain cells and blood cells can remain in the area. The microglia are responsible for removing damaged brain cells, dead blood cells, damaged or unnecessary neurons or synapses, and infectious agents. So having plenty of healthy microglia is extremely important to brain health. The MSCs have been shown in multiple studies to increase the number of microglia.
The MSCs also help regulate Astrocytes. Astrocytes perform many functions such as biochemical support of endothelial cells that form the blood–brain barrier, provision of nutrients to the nervous tissue, maintenance of extracellular ion balance and a role in the repair and scarring process of the brain and spinal cord following traumatic injuries. The brain repair role is very important for TBI recovery. Recovering from a traumatic brain injury all relates back to microglia and Astrocyte function, making the TBI stem cell treatment very effective.
MSCs also release neurotrophic factors that guide neural regeneration. Neuronal loss in early onset dementia is partly compensated by MSC transplantation, and this may be one of the mechanisms for MSC therapy in TBI recovery.
