Chronic complete spinal cord injury (SCI) is a life-altering diagnosis that severs communication between the brain and body, leading to a permanent loss of movement and sensation for which no restorative treatments currently exist.[1] However, a groundbreaking clinical trial investigating using Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) from umbilical cord tissue may offer a path towards a potential treatment. The study found the treatment was not only safe but also led to encouraging improvements in sensation, motor function, and quality of life for participants with the condition.
Complete SCI and the potential of WJ-MSCs
A “complete” spinal cord injury signifies a total disruption of nerve signals, resulting in a complete loss of all sensory and motor function below the injury level.[1] This leads to conditions like tetraplegia (paralysis from the neck down) or paraplegia (paralysis of the lower body), along with several debilitating complications including severe muscle spasticity, chronic pain, and loss of bladder and bowel control.[2][3]
In searching for a therapy, researchers have turned to Wharton’s jelly, a gelatinous substance within the umbilical cord that is an exceptionally rich source of powerful mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).[4] These cells are collected non-invasively from cords that are normally discarded after birth, posing no risk to mother or child.[5]
WJ-MSCs have several key advantages. As neonatal cells, they are more robust and multiply more effectively than adult stem cells. More importantly, they exert a powerful therapeutic influence through what is known as the paracrine effect. Instead of just replacing damaged cells, they secrete a cocktail of molecules that powerfully reduces inflammation, modulates the immune system, and releases growth factors to protect surviving neurons and promote healing.[5]
Crucially, WJ-MSCs are “immune-privileged,” meaning they are unlikely to be rejected by a recipient’s immune system.[4] This may allow for allogeneic transplantation—using cells from a universal donor for any eligible patient. This makes it possible to create an “off-the-shelf” therapy that can be ready whenever a patient needs it, which would be a revolutionary step for those with SCI.
Trial results
The recent Phase I clinical trial was designed to test the safety and preliminary efficacy of transplanting these allogeneic WJ-MSCs into patients with chronic, complete SCI.[6] The results after one year were encouraging.
First and foremost, the treatment was proven to be safe, with no serious adverse events reported from the cell transplantation.
The most significant finding was the objective neurological improvement. After the treatment and throughout the follow-up period, patients saw their scores improving in both pin-prick and light touch tests. In other words, they regained some sensation that had been previously lost. Moreover, motor scores improved, and a reduction in spasticity (painful, involuntary muscle stiffness) was also noted.
These neurological gains translated into real-world benefits. Patients saw improvements in their Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores, indicating they needed less assistance with daily activities like dressing and grooming, which represents a significant step toward greater personal autonomy. What’s more, the treatment also resulted in a reduction in the adverse effects of bladder and bowel controls on daily life.
The path forward
While these preliminary results are incredibly promising, larger and more rigorous controlled trials are needed to definitively confirm the treatment’s effectiveness. Nonetheless, this study challenges the long-held belief that chronic complete SCI is untreatable.
This study highlights the therapeutic potential that is within the umbilical cord. As science continues to unlock the power of these stem cells, the value of banking this once-in-a-lifetime resource becomes more apparent.
To learn more about banking your baby’s stem cells and to receive your free Parents’ Guide to Cord Blood Banking, request your Welcome Pack today.
References
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