Effectiveness of Autologous Schwann Cell and Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation for Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury in Promoting Sensory Recovery

Background: In recent decades, improvement in sensory and motor function after spinal cord injury
(SCI) is a major treatment goal. Stem cell therapy has become a promising treatment strategy in the
regeneration of central nervous system injuries.
Methods: We assessed the effectiveness of autologous Schwann cell (SC) and bone marrow-derived
mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) for individuals with SCI in promoting sensory recovery. Five patients
with a mean ± SD age of 38.80 ± 5.84 years were enrolled in the study. The follow-up course was
12 months.
Results: We found sensory changes in two patients assessed by the American Spinal Injury
Association’s (ASIA’s) impairment scale. Systemic complications were not observed during the
course of the study.
Conclusion: There were no adverse finding after cell transplantation. Also we observed improvement
in sensory score in two patients. It seems that the use of this combination of cell therapy may be
effective; but large group studies with control group are required to clarify the effect of either cells.