Document Type : Review Article
Authors
1
Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. Mashhad, Iran
2
Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
3
Biotechnology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
4
Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences Department, School of Advanced Medical Technologies, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
5
Cellular and Molecular Research Center، Iran University Of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Spinal cord injury is a devastating neurological condition that leads to severe motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunctions below the site of damage, profoundly affecting patients’ quality of life. Despite extensive research, no effective curative treatment currently exists. Conventional therapeutic approaches such as surgical decompression, corticosteroid administration, and intensive rehabilitation primarily aim to reduce inflammation and prevent secondary injury but remain insufficient to promote neural regeneration or functional recovery. In recent years, stem cell–based therapy has emerged as a promising and multidimensional regenerative strategy for repairing injured spinal tissue. The therapeutic benefits of stem cells are mediated through mechanisms including neuronal replacement, modulation of the inflammatory microenvironment, neuroprotection, angiogenesis, and secretion of neurotrophic and growth factors that enhance axonal regeneration. Various types of stem cells—such as mesenchymal stem cells, neural stem cells, embryonic stem cells, and human endometrial stem cells—have been investigated for spinal cord repair, each offering distinct biological advantages as well as translational challenges related to survival, differentiation, and ethical or immunological concerns. Moreover, recent integration of biomaterial scaffolds and three-dimensional bioengineered constructs has further improved the efficacy of stem cell delivery and engraftment within the injured spinal cord. This review provides an overview of the recent advances in stem cell–based therapies for spinal cord injury, highlights the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms, and discusses emerging bioengineering strategies that may optimize functional recovery and accelerate clinical translation in regenerative medicine.
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