Epidemiological and clinical features,treatment status,and economic burden of traumatic spinal cord injury in China:a hospital-based retrospective study

Traumatic spinal cord injury is potentially catastrophic and can lead to permanent disability or even death.China has the largest population of patients with traumatic spinal cord injury.Previous studies of traumatic spinal cord injury in China have mostly been regional in scope;national-level studies have been rare.To the best of our knowledge,no national-level study of treatment status and economic burden has been performed.This retrospective study aimed to examine the epidemiological and clinical features,treatment status,and economic burden of traumatic spinal cord injury in China at the national level.We included 13,465 traumatic spinal cord injury patients who were injured between January 2013 and December 2018 and treated in 30 hospitals in 11 provinces/municipalities representing all geographical divisions of China.Patient epidemiological and clinical features,treatment status,and total and daily costs were recorded.Trends in the percentage of traumatic spinal cord injuries among all hospitalized patients and among patients hospitalized in the orthopedic department and cost of care were assessed by annual percentage change using the Joinpoint Regression Program.The percentage of traumatic spinal cord injuries among all hospitalized patients and among patients hospitalized in the orthopedic department did not significantly change overall(annual percentage change,-0.5%and 2.1%,respectively).A total of 10,053(74.7%)patients underwent surgery.Only 2.8%of patients who underwent surgery did so within 24 hours of injury.A total of 2005(14.9%)patients were treated with high-dose(≥500 mg)methylprednisolone sodium succinate/methylprednisolone(MPSS/MP);615(4.6%)received it within 8 hours.The total cost for acute traumatic spinal cord injury decreased over the study period(-4.7%),while daily cost did not significantly change(1.0%increase).Our findings indicate that public health initiatives should aim at improving hospitals’ability to complete early surgery within 24 hours,which is associated with improved sensorimotor recovery,increasing the awareness rate of clinical guidelines related to high-dose MPSS/MP to reduce the use of the treatment with insufficient evidence.

Advantages of nanocarriers for basic research in the field of traumatic brain injury

A major challenge for the efficient treatment of traumatic brain injury is the need for therapeutic molecules to cross the blood-brain barrier to enter and accumulate in brain tissue.To overcome this problem,researchers have begun to focus on nanocarriers and other brain-targeting drug delivery systems.In this review,we summarize the epidemiology,basic pathophysiology,current clinical treatment,the establishment of models,and the evaluation indicators that are commonly used for traumatic brain injury.We also report the current status of traumatic brain injury when treated with nanocarriers such as liposomes and vesicles.Nanocarriers can overcome a variety of key biological barriers,improve drug bioavailability,increase intracellular penetration and retention time,achieve drug enrichment,control drug release,and achieve brain-targeting drug delivery.However,the application of nanocarriers remains in the basic research stage and has yet to be fully translated to the clinic.

Biomaterials and tissue engineering in traumatic brain injury:novel perspectives on promoting neural regeneration

Traumatic brain injury is a serious medical condition that can be attributed to falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries and acts of violence, causing a series of neural injuries and neuropsychiatric symptoms. However, limited accessibility to the injury sites, complicated histological and anatomical structure, intricate cellular and extracellular milieu, lack of regenerative capacity in the native cells, vast variety of damage routes, and the insufficient time available for treatment have restricted the widespread application of several therapeutic methods in cases of central nervous system injury. Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have emerged as innovative approaches in the field of nerve regeneration. By combining biomaterials, stem cells, and growth factors, these approaches have provided a platform for developing effective treatments for neural injuries, which can offer the potential to restore neural function, improve patient outcomes, and reduce the need for drugs and invasive surgical procedures. Biomaterials have shown advantages in promoting neural development, inhibiting glial scar formation, and providing a suitable biomimetic neural microenvironment, which makes their application promising in the field of neural regeneration. For instance, bioactive scaffolds loaded with stem cells can provide a biocompatible and biodegradable milieu. Furthermore, stem cells-derived exosomes combine the advantages of stem cells, avoid the risk of immune rejection, cooperate with biomaterials to enhance their biological functions, and exert stable functions, thereby inducing angiogenesis and neural regeneration in patients with traumatic brain injury and promoting the recovery of brain function. Unfortunately, biomaterials have shown positive effects in the laboratory, but when similar materials are used in clinical studies of human central nervous system regeneration, their efficacy is unsatisfactory. Here, we review the characteristics and properties of various bioactive materials, followed by the introduction of applications based on biochemistry and cell molecules, and discuss the emerging role of biomaterials in promoting neural regeneration. Further, we summarize the adaptive biomaterials infused with exosomes produced from stem cells and stem cells themselves for the treatment of traumatic brain injury. Finally, we present the main limitations of biomaterials for the treatment of traumatic brain injury and offer insights into their future potential.

Exploring cerebral structural and functional abnormalities in a mouse model of post-traumatic headache induced by mild traumatic brain injury

Mild traumatic brain injury(mTBI)-induced post-traumatic headache(PTH)is a pressing public health concern and leading cause of disability worldwide.Although PTH is often accompanied by neurological disorders,the exact underlying mechanism remains largely unknown.Identifying potential biomarkers may prompt the diagnosis and development of effective treatments for mTBI-induced PTH.In this study,a mouse model of mTBI-induced PTH was established to investigate its effects on cerebral structure and function during short-term recovery.Results indicated that mice with mTBI-induced PTH exhibited balance deficits during the early post-injury stage.Metabolic kinetics revealed that variations in neurotransmitters were most prominent in the cerebellum,temporal lobe/cortex,and hippocampal regions during the early stages of PTH.Additionally,variations in brain functional activities and connectivity were further detected in the early stage of PTH,particularly in the cerebellum and temporal cortex,suggesting that these regions play central roles in the mechanism underlying PTH.Moreover,our results suggested that GABA and glutamate may serve as potential diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers for PTH.Future studies should explore the specific neural circuits involved in the regulation of PTH by the cerebellum and temporal cortex,with these two regions potentially utilized as targets for non-invasive stimulation in future clinical treatment.

P7C3-A20 treats traumatic brain injury in rats by inhibiting excessive autophagy and apoptosis

Traumatic brain injury is a severe health problem leading to autophagy and apoptosis in the brain.3,6-Dibromo-beta-fluoro-N-(3-methoxyphenyl)-9H-carbazole-9-propanamine(P7C3-A20)can be neuroprotective in various diseases,including ischemic stroke and neurodegenerative diseases.However,whether P7C3-A20 has a therapeutic effect on traumatic brain injury and its possible molecular mechanisms are unclear.Therefore,in the present study,we investigated the therapeutic effects of P7C3-A20 on traumatic brain injury and explored the putative underlying molecular mechanisms.We established a traumatic brain injury rat model using a modified weight drop method.P7C3-A20 or vehicle was injected intraperitoneally after traumatic brain injury.Severe neurological deficits were found in rats after traumatic brain injury,with deterioration in balance,walking function,and learning memory.Furthermore,hematoxylin and eosin staining showed significant neuronal cell damage,while terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end labeling staining indicated a high rate of apoptosis.The presence of autolysosomes was observed using transmission electron microscope.P7C3-A20 treatment reversed these pathological features.Western blotting showed that P7C3-A20 treatment reduced microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-Ⅱ(LC3-Ⅱ)autophagy protein,apoptosis-related proteins(namely,Bcl-2/adenovirus E1B 19-kDa-interacting protein 3[BNIP3],and Bcl-2 associated x protein[Bax]),and elevated ubiquitin-binding protein p62(p62)autophagy protein expression.Thus,P7C3-A20 can treat traumatic brain injury in rats by inhibiting excessive autophagy and apoptosis.

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles as a cell-free therapy for traumatic brain injury via neuroprotection and neurorestoration

Traumatic brain injury is a serious and complex neurological condition that affects millions of people worldwide.Despite significant advancements in the field of medicine,effective treatments for traumatic brain injury remain limited.Recently,extracellular vesicles released from mesenchymal stem/stromal cells have emerged as a promising novel therapy for traumatic brain injury.Extracellular vesicles are small membrane-bound vesicles that are naturally released by cells,including those in the brain,and can be engineered to contain therapeutic cargo,such as anti-inflammatory molecules,growth factors,and microRNAs.When administered intravenously,extra cellular vesicles can cross the blood-brain barrier and deliver their cargos to the site of injury,where they can be taken up by recipient cells and modulate the inflammatory response,promote neuroregeneration,and improve functional outcomes.In preclinical studies,extracellular vesicle-based therapies have shown promising results in promoting recove ry after traumatic brain injury,including reducing neuronal damage,improving cognitive function,and enhancing motor recovery.While further research is needed to establish the safety and efficacy of extra cellular vesicle-based therapies in humans,extra cellular vesicles represent a promising novel approach for the treatment of traumatic brain injury.In this review,we summarize mesenchymal ste m/stromal cell-de rived extracellular vesicles as a cell-free therapy for traumatic brain injury via neuroprotection and neurorestoration and brainderived extracellular vesicles as potential biofluid biomarkers in small and large animal models of traumatic brain injury.

Gut microbial regulation of innate and adaptive immunity after traumatic brain injury

Acute care management of traumatic brain injury is focused on the prevention and reduction of secondary insults such as hypotension,hypoxia,intracranial hypertension,and detrimental inflammation.However,the imperative to balance multiple clinical concerns simultaneously often results in therapeutic strategies targeted to address one clinical concern causing unintended effects in other remote organ systems.Recently the bidirectional communication between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain has been shown to influence both the central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract homeostasis in health and disease.A critical component of this axis is the microorganisms of the gut known as the gut microbiome.Changes in gut microbial populations in the setting of central nervous system disease,including traumatic brain injury,have been reported in both humans and experimental animal models and can be further disrupted by off-target effects of patient care.In this review article,we will explore the important role gut microbial populations play in regulating brain-resident and peripheral immune cell responses after traumatic brain injury.We will discuss the role of bacterial metabolites in gut microbial regulation of neuroinflammation and their potential as an avenue for therapeutic intervention in the setting of traumatic brain injury.

Dual-targeting AAV9P1-mediated neuronal reprogramming in a mouse model of traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury results in neuronal loss and glial scar formation.Replenishing neurons and eliminating the consequences of glial scar formation are essential for treating traumatic brain injury.Neuronal reprogramming is a promising strategy to convert glial scars to neural tissue.However,previous studies have reported inconsistent results.In this study,an AAV9P1 vector incorporating an astrocyte-targeting P1 peptide and glial fibrillary acidic protein promoter was used to achieve dual-targeting of astrocytes and the glial scar while minimizing off-target effects.The results demonstrate that AAV9P1 provides high selectivity of astrocytes and reactive astrocytes.Moreover,neuronal reprogramming was induced by downregulating the polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 gene via systemic administration of AAV9P1 in a mouse model of traumatic brain injury.In summary,this approach provides an improved gene delivery vehicle to study neuronal programming and evidence of its applications for traumatic brain injury.

Connecting cellular mechanisms and extracellular vesicle cargo in traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury is followed by a cascade of dynamic and complex events occurring at the cellular level. These events include: diffuse axonal injury, neuronal cell death, blood-brain barrier break down, glial activation and neuroinflammation, edema, ischemia, vascular injury, energy failure, and peripheral immune cell infiltration. The timing of these events post injury has been linked to injury severity and functional outcome. Extracellular vesicles are membrane bound secretory vesicles that contain markers and cargo pertaining to their cell of origin and can cross the blood-brain barrier. These qualities make extracellular vesicles intriguing candidates for a liquid biopsy into the pathophysiologic changes occurring at the cellular level post traumatic brain injury. Herein, we review the most commonly reported cargo changes in extracellular vesicles from clinical traumatic brain injury samples. We then use knowledge from animal and in vitro models to help infer what these changes may indicate regrading cellular responses post traumatic brain injury. Future research should prioritize labeling extracellular vesicles with markers for distinct cell types across a range of timepoints post traumatic brain injury.

Inflammasome links traumatic brain injury, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and Alzheimer's disease

Traumatic brain injury, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and Alzheimer's disease are three distinct neurological disorders that share common pathophysiological mechanisms involving neuroinflammation. One sequela of neuroinflammation includes the pathologic hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, an endogenous microtubule-associated protein that protects the integrity of neuronal cytoskeletons. Tau hyperphosphorylation results in protein misfolding and subsequent accumulation of tau tangles forming neurotoxic aggregates. These misfolded proteins are characteristic of traumatic brain injury, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and Alzheimer's disease and can lead to downstream neuroinflammatory processes, including assembly and activation of the inflammasome complex. Inflammasomes refer to a family of multimeric protein units that, upon activation, release a cascade of signaling molecules resulting in caspase-induced cell death and inflammation mediated by the release of interleukin-1β cytokine. One specific inflammasome, the NOD-like receptor protein 3, has been proposed to be a key regulator of tau phosphorylation where it has been shown that prolonged NOD-like receptor protein 3 activation acts as a causal factor in pathological tau accumulation and spreading. This review begins by describing the epidemiology and pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and Alzheimer's disease. Next, we highlight neuroinflammation as an overriding theme and discuss the role of the NOD-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome in the formation of tau deposits and how such tauopathic entities spread throughout the brain. We then propose a novel framework linking traumatic brain injury, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and Alzheimer's disease as inflammasomedependent pathologies that exist along a temporal continuum. Finally, we discuss potential therapeutic targets that may intercept this pathway and ultimately minimize long-term neurological decline.

Deciphering the mechanobiology of microglia in traumatic brain injury with advanced microsystems

Advanced microsystems in traumatic brain injury research:Traumatic brain injury(TBI)results from a mechanical insult to the brain,leading to neuronal and axonal damage and subsequently causing a secondary injury.Within minutes of TBI,a neuroinflammatory response is triggered,driven by intricate molecular and cellular inflammatory processes.

Music as medicine for traumatic brain injury:a perspective on future research directions

Traumatic brain injury(TBI) impacts 69 million individuals globally each year and is a leading cause of death and disability(Dewan et al.,2019).The majority of moderate-to-severe TBI survivors endure long-lasting disturbances in motor,cognitive,and affect that negatively impacts their life.Although a plethora of research on pharmacological interventions for TBI has been conducted,none has translated to the clinic,thus advocating for the evaluation of nonpharmacological therapeutic approaches that may increase translational success.

TDP-43 is a key molecule accelerating development of Alzheimer’s disease following traumatic brain injury

Currently,more than 55 million people have dementia worldwide and Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is one of the most common causes of dementia in aging.However,no effective therapies are currently available for the prevention and treatment of AD.This is largely due to our limited understanding of the mechanisms underlying the neuropathogenesis of AD.It has widely been recognized that AD is heterogeneous and that multi-factors are contributing to the pathogenesis of AD.Accumulated evidence suggests that traumatic brain injury(TBI)is an important risk factor for the development of AD and dementia later in life(Guo et al.,2000;Johnson et al.,2010).However,the precise mechanism by which TBI contributes to developing AD has yet to be elucidated.

Endorepellin downregulation promotes angiogenesis after experimental traumatic brain injury

Endorepellin plays a key role in the regulation of angiogenesis,but its effects on angiogenesis after traumatic brain injury are unclear.This study explored the effects of endorepellin on angiogenesis and neurobehavioral outcomes after traumatic brain injury in mice.Mice were randomly divided into four groups:sham,controlled cortical impact only,adeno-associated virus(AAV)-green fluorescent protein,and AAV-shEndorepellin-green fluorescent protein groups.In the controlled cortical impact model,the transduction of AAV-shEndorepellin-green fluorescent protein downregulated endorepellin while increasing the number of CD31+/Ki-67+proliferating endothelial cells and the functional microvessel density in mouse brain.These changes resulted in improved neurological function compared with controlled cortical impact mice.Western blotting revealed increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and angiopoietin-1 in mice treated with AAV-shEndorepellin-green fluorescent protein.Synchrotron radiation angiography showed that endorepellin downregulation promoted angiogenesis and increased cortical neovascularization,which may further improve neurobehavioral outcomes.Furthermore,an in vitro study showed that downregulation of endorepellin increased tube formation by human umbilical vein endothelial cells compared with a control.Mechanistic analysis found that endorepellin downregulation may mediate angiogenesis by activating vascular endothelial growth factor-and angiopoietin-1-related signaling pathways.

Neurotrophins and neural stem cells in posttraumatic brain injury repair

Traumatic brain injury(TBI)is the main cause of disability,mental health disorder,and even death,with its incidence and social costs rising steadily.Although different treatment strategies have been developed and tested to mitigate neurological decline,a definitive cure for these conditions remains elusive.Studies have revealed that vari-ous neurotrophins represented by the brain-derived neurotrophic factor are the key regulators of neuroinflammation,apoptosis,blood-brain barrier permeability,neurite regeneration,and memory function.These factors are instrumental in alleviating neu-roinflammation and promoting neuroregeneration.In addition,neural stem cells(NSC)contribute to nerve repair through inherent neuroprotective and immunomodulatory properties,the release of neurotrophins,the activation of endogenous NSCs,and in-tercellular signaling.Notably,innovative research proposals are emerging to combine BDNF and NSCs,enabling them to synergistically complement and promote each other in facilitating injury repair and improving neuron differentiation after TBI.In this review,we summarize the mechanism of neurotrophins in promoting neurogen-esis and restoring neural function after TBI,comprehensively explore the potential therapeutic effects of various neurotrophins in basic research on TBI,and investigate their interaction with NSCs.This endeavor aims to provide a valuable insight into the clinical treatment and transformation of neurotrophins in TBI,thereby promoting the progress of TBI therapeutics.

Management of Traumatic Brain Injuries at the Kara Regional Hospital

Introduction: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a major public health problem causing significant morbidity and mortality in young adults. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological, diagnostic, therapeutic, and evolutionary aspects of TBI. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, descriptive study conducted from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023 on patients admitted to and treated for cranioencephalic trauma in the General Surgery department of Kara Regional Hospital. Results: Eighty-three (83) patients with cranioencephalic trauma were managed out of 773 patients admitted to the department during the study period. The mean age was 34 ± 14.98 years and the sex ratio was 3.6 in favour of men. Motorbike taxi drivers were the social group most affected (n = 33, 40%). The causes of trauma were dominated by public road accidents (n = 80;96%). TBI was mild (n = 40;48%), moderate (n = 35;42%) and severe (n = 8;10%). Cerebral CT scans were performed in 19 patients (23%). Cerebral contusion (n = 4) was the most frequent cerebral lesion. Six patients (7%) with severe head injuries were transferred to Kara University Hospital. Six deaths (7%) occurred in patients with severe head injuries. The main sequelae were intermittent headaches in all patients reviewed, and memory problems (6%). Conclusion: Traumatic brain injuries are common at Kara Regional Hospital. Severe cranial trauma is less frequent but leads to death because of financial difficulties and limited technical facilities.

Blood Calcium as a Protective Factor against Traumatic Fracture

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the predictive value of blood calcium in the prognosis of traumatic fracture. Methods: A retrospective experimental design was employed, 112 cases (52 non-fracture and 60 traumatic fracture) were randomly selected. The type of fracture complies with WHO-recommended (2019) diagnostic criteria for osteoporosis combined with fracture. The blood pressure (BP) was measured by OMRON’s HEM-7136 model electronic blood pressure monitor. Blood calcium (Ca2+), and blood phosphorus (P) values were measured using Colorimetric Roche kits on a Roche/Hitachi fully automated biochemical analyzer. Data collection and analysis followed. Results: Higher levels of age, systolic and diastolic blood pressures were found in the traumatic fracture group compared to the control group, whereas weight, height, and blood phosphorus did not differ significantly (P adjusting for age, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and blood phosphorus, binary logistic regression analysis revealed that blood calcium was a protective factor against traumatic fracture (β = -26.85, OR = 0.00, 95% CI = 0.00 -0.02, P = 0.022). Conclusion: The findings suggest that high and low blood calcium levels may serve as useful indicators in predicting the prognosis of fractures resulting from trauma.

The Effects of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Symptoms of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury:A Systematic Review

Mindfulness-based interventions(MBIs)are emerging non-pharmacological treatments for mild traumatic brain injury(mTBI).In this systematic review,the authors aimed to evaluate the potential efficacy of MBIs to provide recommendations for treating patients with mTBI.We searched of the English literature on MBIs for patients with mTBI as of 01 September,2023,using the PubMed,Web of Science,PsycINFO,and Scopus databases.One author performed data extraction and quality scoring of the included literature according to the proposed protocol,and another conducted the review.The review was not registered.A total of 11 studies met the final inclusion criteria,5 of which involved military personnel(veterans).MBIs covered in this review include goal-oriented attention self-regulation(GOALS),mindfulness-based stress reduction(MBSR),acceptance and commitment therapy(ACT),and so on.Research shows that MBSR mainly reduces mental fatigue symptoms in mTBI patients,and GOALS tend to improve their cognitive function.The effect of MBIs on psychological symptoms needs further exploration.Other studies,such as mindfulness-based group therapy and intervention studies targeting mTBI military personnel,are relatively sparse.MBIs have specific effects on mental fatigue and cognitive dysfunction in patients with mTBI.However,the effect on psychological distress and the sustained effectiveness across all symptoms still need further exploration.Considering the particularity of military personnel suffering from mTBI,researchers need to do more intervention studies targeting mTBI military personnel.Therefore,the design of future MBIs trials for mTBI patients’needs to take into account all the factors,such as different populations and severity of traumatic brain injury,to verify the effectiveness of MBIs in alleviating mTBI symptoms and explore the mechanism of intervention.

Approach to traumatic cardiac arrest in the emergency department: a narrative literature review for emergency providers

BACKGROUND:Traumatic cardiac arrest(TCA)is a major contributor to mortality and morbidity in all age groups and poses a significant burden on the healthcare system.Although there have been advances in treatment modalities,survival rates for TCA patients remain low.This narrative literature review critically examines the indications and eff ectiveness of current therapeutic approaches in treating TCA.METHODS:We performed a literature search in the PubMed and Scopus databases for studies published before December 31,2022.The search was refi ned by combining search terms,examining relevant study references,and restricting publications to the English language.Following the search,943 articles were retrieved,and two independent reviewers conducted a screening process.RESULTS:A review of various studies on pre-and intra-arrest prognostic factors showed that survival rates were higher when patients had an initial shockable rhythm.There were conflicting results regarding other prognostic factors,such as witnessed arrest,bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR),and the use of prehospital or in-hospital epinephrine.Emergency thoracotomy was found to result in more favorable outcomes in cases of penetrating trauma than in those with blunt trauma.Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta(REBOA)provides an advantage to emergency thoracotomy in terms of occupational safety for the operator as an alternative in managing hemorrhagic shock.When implemented in the setting of aortic occlusion,emergency thoracotomy and REBOA resulted in comparable mortality rates.Veno-venous extracorporeal life support(V-V ECLS)and veno-arterial extracorporeal life support(V-A ECLS)are viable options for treating respiratory failure and cardiogenic shock,respectively.In the context of traumatic injuries,V-V ECLS has been associated with higher rates of survival to discharge than V-A ECLS.CONCLUSION:TCA remains a signifi cant challenge for emergency medical services due to its high morbidity and mortality rates.Pre-and intra-arrest prognostic factors can help identify patients who are likely to benefit from aggressive and resource-intensive resuscitation measures.Further research is needed to enhance guidelines for the clinical use of established and emerging therapeutic approaches that can help optimize treatment effi cacy and ameliorate survival outcomes.

Safety and efficiency of Wharton’s Jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cell administration in patients with traumatic brain injury:First results of a phase I study

BACKGROUND Traumatic brain injury(TBI)is characterized by a disruption in the normal function of the brain due to an injury following a trauma,which can potentially cause severe physical,cognitive,and emotional impairment.Stem cell transplantation has evolved as a novel treatment modality in the management of TBI,as it has the potential to arrest the degeneration and promote regeneration of new cells in the brain.Wharton’s Jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells(WJ-MSCs)have recently shown beneficial effects in the functional recovery of neurological deficits.AIM To evaluate the safety and efficiency of MSC therapy in TBI.METHODS We present 6 patients,4 male and 2 female aged between 21 and 27 years who suffered a TBI.These 6 patients underwent 6 doses of intrathecal,intramuscular(i.m.)and intravenous transplantation of WJ-MSCs at a target dose of 1×106/kg for each application route.Spasticity was assessed using the Modified Ashworth scale(MAS),motor function according to the Medical Research Council Muscle Strength Scale,quality of life was assessed by the Functional Independence Measure(FIM)scale and Karnofsky Performance Status scale.RESULTS Our patients showed only early,transient complications,such as subfebrile fever,mild headache,and muscle pain due to i.m.injection,which resolved within 24 h.During the one year follow-up,no other safety issues or adverse events were reported.These 6 patients showed improvements in their cognitive abilities,muscle spasticity,muscle strength,performance scores and fine motor skills when compared before and after the intervention.MAS values,which we used to assess spasticity,were observed to statistically significantly decrease for both left and right sides(P<0.001).The FIM scale includes both motor scores(P<0.05)and cognitive scores(P<0.001)and showed a significant increase in pretest posttest analyses.The difference observed in the participants’Karnofsky Performance Scale values pre and post the intervention was statistically significant(P<0.001).CONCLUSION This study showed that cell transplantation has a safe,effective and promising future in the management of TBI.