Wharton’s Jelly-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Shows Promise for Traumatic Brain Injury: Results from Phase I Study (2024)

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when trauma disrupts normal brain functions, potentially causing severe physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments.

Researchers are exploring stem cells as a possible treatment because these cells might help prevent further brain deterioration and encourage the regeneration of damaged brain tissue. Specifically, Wharton’s Jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) have reportedly shown promising results in improving neurological recovery after injury.

Here’s a breakdown from a study in 2024:

Study Population:

This study involved six TBI patients, four males and two females. Participants were relatively young, aged between 21 and 27 years.

Intervention:

Each patient received Wharton’s Jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) at a dosage of 1 × 10⁶ cells per kilogram of body weight. These cells were administered using three different methods: intrathecally (into the spinal canal), intramuscularly, and intravenously.

Each patient underwent a total of six sessions, receiving the same dosage through all three routes each time.

Results:

Safety results indicated only minor and brief adverse effects, including low-grade fever, mild headaches, and muscle soreness at the injection sites. These symptoms resolved within 24 hours. Over one year of follow-up, researchers reported no additional safety issues or significant adverse events.

Regarding efficacy, the researchers reported significant improvement across multiple assessments:

• Spasticity (muscle rigidity) was measured using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). Scores significantly improved on both sides of the body (P < 0.001).
• Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores improved significantly in both motor skills (P < 0.05) and cognitive abilities (P < 0.001).
• Motor function, according to the Medical Research Council Muscle Strength Scale, improved noticeably.
• Karnofsky Performance Status, used to evaluate overall quality of life and general performance, also improved significantly after treatment (P < 0.001).

Discussion:

Researchers concluded that “cell transplantation has a safe, effective and promising future in the management of TBI.” They noted improvements in cognitive function, motor skills, muscle strength, and spasticity, suggesting that WJ-MSCs can effectively help in the recovery process for TBI patients and justify further research.

Link to original study