Fibroblast growth factor 1 gene-transfected adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells modulate apoptosis and inflammation in the chronic constriction injury model of neuropathic pain

Stem cell therapy is noted for its clinical effect in the treatment of neuropathic pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) and fibroblast growth factor 1 gene-transfected adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs FGF1) on chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the rat’s sciatic nerve.

Rats underwent CCI, were treated with AD-MSCs and AD-MSCs FGF1. The involvement of Bax, Bcl2 and caspases 3, the major contributors of apoptosis, and the markers of inflammatory including Iba-1, IL1-β and MMP-2 were evaluated in the lumbar portion (L4-L6) of the spinal cord through western bloating at days 3 and 14.

The ratio of Bax/ Bcl2, cleaved caspases 3, MMP-2, IL-1β, and Iba1 was elevated on day 14, in CCI animals as compared to sham-operated animals and decreased following treatment with both AD-MSCs and AD-MSCs FGF1. However, the effect of AD-MSCs FGF1 was significantly higher than AD-MSCs.

These data suggest that the administration of AD-MSCs FGF1 through modulating apoptosis and neuroinflammation could be considered as a promising medicine for the treatment of neuropathic pain.