Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation for improving nerve regeneration.

Although the peripheral nervous system has an inherent capacity for regeneration, injuries to nerves still result in considerable disabilities. The persistence of these disabilities along with the underlying problem of nerve reconstruction has motivated neuroscientists worldwide to seek additional therapeutic strategies. In recent years, cell-based therapy has emerged as a promising therapeutic tool. Schwann cells (SCs) are the main supportive cells for peripheral nerve regeneration; however, there are several technical limitations regarding its application for cell-based therapy. In this context, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) have been used as alternatives to SCs for treating peripheral neuropathies, showing great promise. Several studies have been trying to shed light on the mechanisms behind the nerve regeneration-promotion potential of BM-MSCs. Although not completely clarified, understanding how BM-MSCs exert tissue repair effects will facilitate their development as therapeutic agents before they become a clinically viable tool for encouraging peripheral nerve regeneration.