Placental mesenchymal stem cell exosomes: A promising treatment for concussions and mild traumatic brain injury in the US

Placental mesenchymal stem cell exosomes: A promising treatment for concussions and mild traumatic brain injury in the US

introduction

Concussions and mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are common and often underdiagnosed medical problems in the United States. These injuries, typically caused by a blow to the head, can result in both immediate and long-term symptoms such as cognitive impairment, emotional instability, and physical discomfort. The CDC estimates that approximately 2.8 million traumatic brain injuries occur annually in the United States, a significant portion of which are classified as concussions or mild traumatic brain injuries. This highlights the urgent need for effective treatment strategies. One promising approach involves the use of placental mesenchymal stem cell exosomes administered intranasally through the sieve plate. The aim of this review is to examine the etiology and prevalence of concussions and mild traumatic brain injuries and to discuss the potential benefits of this novel treatment.

Etiology and prevalence

The leading causes of concussions and mild TBI in the United States span a wide range of activities, including contact sports, automobile accidents, falls, and military combat. Such injuries disrupt normal brain function and result in a variety of symptoms. While most recover within a few weeks, others experience chronic symptoms or post-concussion syndrome, leading to long-term cognitive, behavioral and physical impairments.

Promising treatment strategy

Placental mesenchymal stem cell (PMSC) exosomes have emerged as a potential treatment option for concussions and mild traumatic brain injuries. These are small vesicles that contain bioactive molecules such as proteins, lipids and RNAs that are involved in cell-to-cell communication. Due to their small size and composition, exosomes can cross the blood-brain barrier and the lamellar plate, a thin bone near the nasal cavity, allowing direct delivery to the brain when administered intranasally.

Mechanisms of action

Multiple mechanisms are involved in the therapeutic effect of PMSC exosomes. They have anti-inflammatory properties and help to relieve the inflammation often caused by traumatic brain injuries. In addition, they promote neurogenesis, the process of creating new neurons, and synaptogenesis, the formation of new synapses that are essential for cognitive functions. In addition, PMSC exosomes can promote angiogenesis and contribute to brain tissue recovery through improved blood supply.

Scientific studies and conclusions

Preclinical animal studies have shown promising results using PMSC exosomes in TBIs. In a study by Xin et al. (2020) rats with induced TBIs showed significantly improved cognitive function after intranasal PMSC exosome treatment. Similar observations have been made in several other animal studies, highlighting the therapeutic potential of this approach.

In summary, the high prevalence and potential long-term consequences of concussions and mild traumatic brain injuries in the United States highlight the need for new, effective treatment strategies. PMSC exosomes delivered intranasally may offer a promising solution. With their diverse mechanisms of action, including anti-inflammatory, proneurogenic, and proangiogenic effects, these exosomes have the potential to alleviate the symptoms and long-term consequences of these injuries. The promising results from animal experiments also support their use.