Sublethal concentration of H 2 O 2 enhances the protective effect of mesenchymal stem cells in rat model of spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of H2 O2 on the migration and antioxidant defense of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and the neurotrophic effects of H2 O2 -treated MSCs on spinal cord injury (SCI).

RESULTS: Sublethal concentrations of H2 O2 decreased cell migration and expression of CXCR4 and CCR2 as well as Nrf2 expression in MSCs. In the second phase, transplantation of treated and untreated MSCs to SCI caused minor changes in locomotor dysfunction. There was a significantly difference between cell-treated and spinal cord injury groups in expression of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor). Transplantation of H2 O2 -treated cells caused an increase in BDNF expression compared to non-treated cells.

CONCLUSION: Transplantation of H2 O2 -treated stem cells may have protective effects against SCI through by increasing neurotrophic factors.