间充质干细胞在早产儿脑室周围白质软化的研究进展

Research Progress of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Periventricular Leukomalacia of Premature Infants

脑室周围白质软化(periventricular leukomalacia, PVL)是早产儿特有且最为严重的一种脑损伤形式之一。目前对早产儿脑损伤的治疗仍然主要是支持性的,在保护未成熟的大脑或修复损伤以改善长期预后方面疗效甚微。间充质干细胞(mesenchymal stem cells, MSCS)是干细胞家族的重要成员,由于其多向分化潜能、免疫调节和分泌多种营养因子等特点,具有减少脑损伤的潜力,主要是通过抗炎和免疫调节机制,也通过它们释放神经营养或生长因子来促进内源性神经发生。本文就PVL的发病机制、病理特征以及间充质干细胞治疗效果背后的潜在机制进行综述。

Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is one of the most serious forms of brain injury unique to preterm infants. Current treatments for brain injury in preterm infants remain largely supportive, with little efficacy in protecting the immature brain or repairing the damage to improve long-term outcomes. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCS) are important members of the stem cell family. Due to their multi-directional differentiation potential, immune regulation and secretion of a variety of nutritional factors, they have the potential to reduce brain injury, mainly through anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory mechanisms. They also promote endogenous neurogenesis by releasing neurotrophic or growth factors. This article reviews the pathogenesis, pathological features and potential mechanisms behind the therapeutic effect of mesenchymal stem cells on PVL.