Stem Cell and Novel Neurotrophic Factors to Promote Functional Outcomes in Limb Transplantation
Clinical Investigation, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA
Meeting: 2020 American Transplant Congress
Abstract number: D-235
Keywords: Growth factors, Rat, Stem cells
Session Information
Session Time: 3:15pm-4:00pm
Presentation Time: 3:30pm-4:00pm
Location: Virtual
*Purpose: Recently, transplantation of hand and face has become a new clinical specialty. The objective of this study was to determine whether adult Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) and/or Dihexa can promote limb transplant function.
*Methods: We used rat sciatic nerve transection-repair model. There were 10 experimental groups (n=6/group). Bone marrow derived syngeneic MSCs (2 million), G-CSF (50-100µg/kg), (Dihexa 2-4mg/kg) and/or Vehicle were administered locally via hydrogel at the site of nerve repair, i.v./i.p., and to gastrocnemius muscle.
*Results: Total sensory function was ~1.4, 1.7, 2.7 and 2.9 at 2, 4, 8 and 16 weeks post-nerve repair, respectively, on a scale of Grade 0-3 (0=No function; 3= Normal function) in all groups combined; peroneal nerve function recovered quickly by one week (~2.0) and sural nerve function recovered slowly by four weeks (~1.0). Motor function at 16 weeks post-nerve repair as determined by walking foot print grades 0-4 (0=no print; 4=heel plus 4-5 toe prints) was 3.0±0.9, 3.0±0.8, and 2.0±0.6 in MSC+G-CSF, MSC+Dihexa and MSC+vehicle groups with gastrocnemius injections, respectively; however, without gastrocnemius injection it was ~1.6. G-CSF or Dihexa injections to gastrocnemius significantly (P<0.05) improved motor function, mitigated muscle atrophy and reduced flexion contractures. MSCs expanded ex vivo were CD29+, CD90+, CD34-, CD31-, MHC Class I+, Class II- and multipotent. In a parallel study with tibial nerve repair we observed significant nerve regeneration/myelination with MSC therapy (n≥6).
*Conclusions: It appears, MSC, G-CSF and Dihexa are promising candidates for adjunct therapies to promote limb transplant function.
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
Salgar SK, Weiss J, Phillips C, Malin E, Gorantla V, Harding J. Stem Cell and Novel Neurotrophic Factors to Promote Functional Outcomes in Limb Transplantation [abstract]. Am J Transplant. 2020; 20 (suppl 3). https://atcmeetingabstracts.com/abstract/stem-cell-and-novel-neurotrophic-factors-to-promote-functional-outcomes-in-limb-transplantation/. Accessed November 21, 2024.« Back to 2020 American Transplant Congress