Could stem cells culled from bone marrow help in stroke recovery?

Stem cells culled from bone marrow may prove beneficial in stroke recovery, scientists say. Scientists at University of California - Irvine's Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center identified 46 studies that examined the use of mesenchymal stromal cells - a type of multipotent adult stem cells mostly processed from bone marrow - in animal models of stroke. They found MSCs to be significantly better than control therapy in 44 of the studies. The effects of these cells on functional recovery were robust regardless of the dosage, the time the MSCs were administered relative to stroke onset or the method of administration.

The cells helped even if given a month after the event and whether introduced directly into the brain or injected via a blood vessel. 'Stroke remains a major cause of disability, and we are encouraged that the preclinical evidence shows [MSCs'] efficacy with ischemic stroke,' said neurologist Dr Steven Cramer, clinical director of the Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center.

'MSCs are of particular interest because they come from bone marrow, which is readily available, and are relatively easy to culture. In addition, they already have demonstrated value when used to treat other human diseases,' Cramer said.

He noted that MSCs do not differentiate into neural cells. Normally, they transform into a variety of cell types, such as bone, cartilage and fat cells. 'But they do their magic as an inducible pharmacy on wheels and as good immune system modulators, not as cells that directly replace lost brain parts,' he said. In an earlier report focused on MSC mechanisms of action, Cramer and colleagues reviewed the means by which MSCs promote brain repair after stroke.

The cells are attracted to injury sites and, in response to signals released by these damaged areas, begin releasing a wide range of molecules. In this way, MSCs orchestrate numerous activities: blood vessel creation to enhance circulation, protection of cells starting to die, growth of brain cells, etc. At the same time, when MSCs are able to reach the bloodstream, they settle in parts of the body that control the immune system and foster an environment more conducive to brain repair. 'We conclude that MSCs have consistently improved multiple outcome measures, with very large effect sizes, in a high number of animal studies and, therefore, that these findings should be the foundation of further studies on the use of MSCs in the treatment of ischemic stroke in humans,' said Cramer.

The research appears in the journal Neurology.

How to recognise the symptoms of stroke?

A stroke strikes suddenly and recognising its symptoms is the key to treating it successfully preventing death. Here are the most glaring signs of a stroke, that could help save your life.

The signs and symptomsof stroke include numbness, weakness or paralysis on one side of the body. There is sudden confusion, severe headache with no known cause andtrouble in speaking, understanding, seeing, walking, dizziness or loss of balance. Stroke is diagnosed by a clinical (neurological) examination and imaging tests such as CT or MRI scans which determine the type and cause of stroke.

Use the handy mnemonic FAST to recognize the symptoms:

F (face): uneven smile, facial droopiness, numbness, vision disturbance

A (arm and leg): weakness, numbness, difficulty walking

S (speech): slurred, inappropriate words, mute

T (time): Realize that time is critical. If you notice any of the above symptoms, immediately call 911 studies show that you get faster care if you arrive at the hospital in an ambulance than if someone drives you. With strokes, time lost is brain lost simple as that.

Finally, if you see any of these symptoms present, it is an emergent situation and you must visit your doctor as soon as possible.

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