Bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells: A unique cytotherapy for rescuing degenerated dopaminergic neurons

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been considered as a promising therapeutic strategy for acute injury and degenerative diseases of the central nervous system. Therefore, the current study was undertaken to elucidate the possible role of single intravenous dose of bone marrow derived MSCs (BM-MSCs) in restraining dopaminergic neurons degeneration in experimental model of Parkinson's disease (PD) after 2 months. Thirty two ovariectomized animals were classified into 4 groups; Group (1) was control, Groups from (2) to (4) were subcutaneously administered with rotenone for 14 days after one month of ovariectomy for induction of PD. Group (2) was left untreated; Groups (3) and (4) were treated with sinemet and BM-MSCs respectively. BM-MSCs were able to home at the injured brains and produced significant decrease in serum TGF-1 and MCP-1 levels associated with significant increase in brain dopamine content, brain TH and nestin genes expression levels. In conclusion, the observed improvements in the studied biomarkers after 2 months from intravenous transplantation of BM-MSCs sheds light on the promising role of BM-MSCs in ameliorating neurodeterioration of dopaminergic neurons through their anti-inflammatory and neurogenic effects.