Human umbilical cord blood-derived platelet-rich plasma: a new window for motor function recovery and axonal regeneration after spinal cord injury

Background: There are complex mechanisms for reducing intrinsic repairability and neuronal regeneration following spinal cord injury (SCI). Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a rich source of growth factors and has been used to motivate the regeneration of peripheral nerves in neurodegenerative disorders. However, only a few studies have shown the effects of PRP on the SCI models. Methods: We investigated whether PRP derived from human umbilical cord blood (HUCB-PRP) could recover motor function in animals with spinal cord injury. Sixty adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=60) as control, sham (laminectomy without induction of spinal cord injury), SCI, vehicle (SCI+ Platelet-Poor Plasma), PRP2day (SCI+PRP injection 2 days after SCI), and PRP14day (SCI+PRP injection 14 days after SCI). SCI was performed at the T12-T13 level. BBB test was carried out weekly after injury for six weeks. Caspase3 expression was determined using the Immunohistochemistry technique. The expression of GSK3 beta, CSF-tau, and MAG was determined using the Western blot technique. Data were analyzed by PRISM & SPSS software. Results: HUCB-PRP treated animals showed a higher locomotor function recovery than those in the SCI group (p<0.0001). The level of caspase3, GSK3 beta and CSF-Tau reduced and the MAG level in the spinal cord increased by the injection of HUCB-PRP in SCI animals. Conclusion: Injection of HUCB-PRP enhanced hind limb locomotor performance by modulation of caspase3, GSK3 beta, CSF-tau, and MAG expression. Using HUCB-PRP could be a new therapeutic option for recovering motor function and axonal regeneration after SCI.