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World J Stem Cells. Apr 26, 2014; 6(2): 120-133
Published online Apr 26, 2014. doi: 10.4252/wjsc.v6.i2.120
Mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of spinal cord injuries: A review
Venkata Ramesh Dasari, Krishna Kumar Veeravalli, Dzung H Dinh
Venkata Ramesh Dasari, Krishna Kumar Veeravalli, Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, Peoria, IL 61656, United States
Dzung H Dinh, Department of Neurosurgery and Illinois Neurological Institute, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, Peoria, IL 61656, United States
Author contributions: Dasari VR contributed to written and review the manuscript; Veeravalli KK and Dinh DH reviewed the manuscript.
Supported by A grant from Illinois Neurological Institute to DHD
Correspondence to: Dzung H Dinh, MD, Department of Neurosurgery and Illinois Neurological Institute, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, One Illini Drive, Peoria, IL 61605, United States. ddinh@uic.edu
Telephone: +1- 309-6552642 Fax: +1-309-6713442
Received: October 30, 2013
Revised: February 19, 2014
Accepted: March 11, 2014
Published online: April 26, 2014
Processing time: 179 Days and 15.7 Hours
Core Tip

Core tip: Despite our deeper understanding of the molecular changes that occurs after the spinal cord injury (SCI), the cure for paralysis remains elusive. In this review, the pathophysiology of SCI and characteristics and potential sources of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that can be used in the treatment of SCI were discussed. We also discussed the progress of application of MSCs in research focusing on the neuroprotective properties of MSCs. Finally, we discussed the results from preclinical and clinical trials involving stem cell-based therapy in SCI.