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. This study aimed 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. The rats that underwent CCI were treated with AD-MSCs and AD-MSCs (FGF1). Bax, Bcl2, and caspases 3, the major contributors of apoptosis, and inflammatory markers 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 in CCI animals 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 a promising medicine for treating neuropathic pain.