Cell therapy for recovery after spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury is a mechanical injury to the spinal cord, which triggers a second wave of pathologies: myelin loss, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress.

NeuroCELLNESS-Combi cell therapy is a comprehensive system that combines systemic and local administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), aimed at deep restoration of central nervous system functions after spinal cord injury.

The most severe complication of spinal cord injury or other pathology is complete irreversible paralysis.

The NeuroCELLNESS-Combi program, developed by the SmartCell biotechnology laboratory, helps to avoid severe complications and improves the patient’s well-being. It is a scientifically based, systemic strategy for breaking the chain of secondary damage and restoring the nervous system after spinal cord injury. The advantage lies in the combination of systemic and local action, which provides targeted and effective chain treatment.

What is spinal cord injury: causes and consequences

Spinal cord injury occurs when the spinal cord is damaged by external mechanical impact (for example, after spinal trauma during a traffic accident, fall, diving). It causes temporary or permanent changes in the functions of the spinal cord: loss of muscle activity, impaired sensitivity or autonomic dysfunction in certain parts of the body.

The consequences of spinal cord injury depend on the severity and level of damage. For example, with a neck injury, breathing difficulties may occur. In general, reduced mobility due to spinal cord compression increases the risk of blood clots, urinary tract infections, and pressure sores. After the acute factor — bone or disc damage — is eliminated, the second wave of spinal cord injury pathology is triggered:

• neuroinflammation — causes high activity of microglia, cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β), which actively destroys tissues;
• oxidative stress — damages the membranes of neurons and oligodendrocytes;
• secondary spinal cord edema — increases intracranial pressure, blocks blood supply;
• myelin loss — the myelin sheath of nerve fibers is destroyed, nerve impulses are inhibited or lost.

Another consequence of spinal cord injury is spinal shock — the sudden temporary disappearance of all spinal reflexes below the level of injury.

The NeuroCELLNESS-Combi program seeks to influence these processes, while simultaneously supporting all key links in regeneration — from angiogenesis to remyelination.

Indications and contraindications for cell therapy in spinal cord injuries

Spinal cord injury due to injury or disease leads to the development of muscle weakness, partial or complete loss of sensation in the extremities, and back pain. Therefore, the indications for cell therapy are spinal cord injuries themselves (spinal contusion, concussion, compression, diver’s injury). For example, the SmartCELLNESS-Combi program is prescribed for spinal fractures with displacement of the vertebrae, accompanied by compression and edema of the spinal cord. Cell therapy makes sense when there is at least a minimal chance of recovery and improvement of the patient’s quality of life.

Mechanism of action of cell therapy for spinal cord injury

NeuroCELLNESS-Combi combines intravenous administration for systemic support and local administration of MSCs near the damaged areas (interfascially or paravertebral), which provides a high concentration of cells exactly where it is needed most. The mechanism of action of cell therapy for spinal cord injury includes:

• termination of neuroinflammation. MSCs secrete immunosuppressive (anti-inflammatory) molecules (IL-10, TGF-β), inhibit microglia activation, stabilize tissue;
• protection of neurons (neuroprotection). The release of BDNF, NGF is provoked – the remaining neurons receive nutrition and support, and apoptosis (programmed coagulation) is slowed down;
• restoration of the vascular network (angiogenesis). Through VEGF and PDGF, the formation of new capillaries is triggered, from the impulses the tissue restores normal blood circulation;
• remyelination of damaged fibers. MSCs activate oligodendrocytes — cells that renew myelin sheaths. This allows you to restore the speed of nerve signal transmission;
• the formation of new connections (synaptogenesis). Damaged nerve circuits begin to reorganize, thereby restoring the connection between spinal cord segments;
• antioxidant effect and cellular recovery. MSCs produce enzymes that neutralize free radicals and improve the functioning of mitochondria, supplying cells with energy;
• immunoregulation. Cells reduce autoimmune aggression — this is important, since after an injury the body can attack its own nerve tissues;
• creation of a neurotrophic environment. Due to the intensive production of growth factors, an environment is created where cells regenerate themselves.

All this allows for significant improvement even for patients in a chronic condition.

Results of Cell Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury

A Combined Approach to Treating Spinal Cord Injury MSCs stop inflammation, remove toxins, and shield nerve cells from stressors. Vascular activation delivers nutrients, oxygen, and growth factors, while myelin repair restores physiological function. By stimulating neuroplasticity, new pathways are created to bypass damaged areas, resulting in improved patient outcomes and reduced symptoms of spinal cord injury.