Thermogel nanofiber induces human endometrial-derived stromal cells to neural differentiation: In vitro and in vivo studies in rat.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) in humans remains a devastating and incurable disorder. The use of Matrigel, a hydrogel-mimicking extracellular matrix, has been suggested as a scaffold for spinal cord regeneration. Human endometrial-derived stromal cells (hEnSCs) are abundant and available in adult stem cells with low immunological incompatibility, which could be considered for cell replacement therapy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of Matrigel in neural differentiation of hEnSCs in vitro and assess the supportive effects of this hydrogel in an animal model of SCI. hEnSCs were isolated and encapsulated into nanofibrous thermogel and cell viability and cell membrane damage were assessed. Encapsulated hEnSCs into Matrigel were treated with neural differentiation medium for 21 days, and then neural genes and protein markers were analyzed using real time-PCR and immunocytochemistry. Matrigel was implanted into rats with SCI and followed for 42 days using a behavioral test. Our study revealed a higher cell viability and neural differentiation in the level of genes and proteins as well as lower cell membrane damage. Substantial recoveries of motor function were observed in animals receiving the Matrigel treatment. The treatment with Matrigel, nanofibrous scaffold, produced beneficial effects on functional recovery following SCI in rats, possibly via assimilation to cytoskeleton fiber, high surface/volume ratio, spatial interconnectivity and containing some adhesive molecules and growth factors, enhancement of anti-inflammation, anti-astrogliosis, neuronal extension, and neuronal regeneration effects.