Background:
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is the most prevalent cause of chronic disability in children. In 2012, the Cerebral Palsy Alliance reported that 200 families sought overseas stem cell treatment for their child with CP. However, it remains unknown if such treatments are effective, or what is the likely mechanism of action. In this project we will examine whether umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (UCB-MNCs), which contain populations of cells like endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) that could hold the key to neuronal repair and regeneration after injury.
Methods:
Umbilical cord blood was obtained at delivery from term lambs; the mononuclear layer was isolated and cells were cultured, with media being changed regularly to remove non-adherant cells. After a minimum of 2 weeks growth, cells were administered 12 hours after birth asphyxia. MRS was undertaken at 72 hours, lambs were then euthanized and brains collected for histological analysis.
Results:
MSCs expanded rapidly in culture and were easier to isolate and characterise than EPCs.
Using flow cytometric analysis of cell cultures, a distinct population of CD45+ and CD45- events were identified. These populations were sorted then subject to an LDL uptake test after 30 days in culture. Cellular uptake of LDL is a successful indicator of an EPC population.
MRS imaging in lambs that received stem cells 12 hours following asphyxia revealed an increase in N-acetyl aspartate:choline ratio (a marker of neuronal integrity) compared to birth asphyxia alone. Cells were found throughout the brain in 1 of 4 animals. The anti-inflammatory profiles of these cells are being examined.
Conclusion:
Administration of cultured UCB-MNCs altered the metabolic profile within the brain 72 hours following birth asphyxia. Whilst more research is required, UCB stem cells may be useful as a treatment to prevent the progression of CP following birth asphyxia.