Investigating the in vivo effects of the human adipose tissue-derived stem cell transplantation and bromelain in myelin regeneration

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Natural compounds combined with human adipose-derived stem cell (hADSCs) transplantation could be considered an effective treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS). In the present study, the effects of bromelain administration in combination with hADSCs transplantation were evaluated for oligodendrocyte differentiation, myelin tissue regeneration, and improvement of motor function. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: After inducing an MS mouse model, the mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: MS, MS + bromelain, MS + stem cell, and MS + bromelain + stem cell. Besides, 16 mice were designated for the control and sham groups. Finally, the behavioral test is used to evaluate motor function and motor defects. Furthermore, immunofluorescent staining was used to evaluate the cell markers. The serum levels of IgG, as well as inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors, were assessed using an ELISA test. FINDINGS/RESULTS: The mean percentages of Olig2- and Mog-positive cells, myelin density, and the serum levels of IL-10 and TGF-beta were significantly higher in the treated groups than in the MS group. However, the serum levels of IL-17 and IFN-gamma in the MS group were significantly higher compared to the other groups. Also, the serum level of IgG in the MS group was significantly higher than in the other groups. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: It can be said that hADSCs transplantation, along with bromelain administration, is able to increase myelination and improve balance function. Therefore, the use of these agents could be a fundamental step towards finding a suitable method for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.