Hair Follicle Mesenchymal Stem Cells Induce Neural Regeneration and Repair After Transient Ischemic Stroke

Introduction: Considering the increasing recognition of the promising characteristic of hair follicle mesenchymal stem cells (HFMSCs) as multipotential cells with differentiation capability, in this study, we sought to investigate their hitherto unexplored therapeutic potentials in a rat model of transient ischemic stroke.

Methods: Rat transient ischemic stroke model was established to verify the effect of HFMSC transplantation. Behavioral experiment and triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining were used to estimate neurological outcome after HFMSC therapy. Pathological experiments were performed to investigate the therapeutic roles of HFMSCs.

Results: HFMSCs inhibited neural apoptosis and promoted neural proliferation. The number of neural cells around ischemic core increased after HFMSC transplantation. Besides, the transplanted HFMSCs expressed neuron-specific marker in the penumbra. Finally, HFMSCs diminished infarct area and improved neurological scores.

Conclusion: HFMSCs can improve neurological outcome via anti-apoptosis and promoting neural stem cells proliferation, highlighting their therapeutic promise for ischemic stroke treatment.