Neuroprotective effects of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells and conditioned medium in mechanically injured neuroblastoma cells

Abstract

Background/aim: Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) possess self-renewal characteristics that distinguish them from other cell types. Recent studies have focused on the effects of conditioned medium (CM) that includes the extracellular matrix. Here we examined the neuroprotective effects of BMSCs and CM on damaged neuroblastoma cells. Materials and methods: The cells were divided into five groups: 1) healthy controls, 2) damaged cells alone, 3) damaged cells treated with BMSCs, 4) damaged cells treated with CM, and 5) damaged cells treated with both BMSCs and CM. Neuroprotective effects were then evaluated based upon the levels of oxidative stress, antitransforming growth factor β1 (anti-TGFβ1) production, and apoptosis. Results: Significant differences were observed between healthy controls and damaged cells (P < 0.001), as well as between damaged cells and those treated with BMSCs alone (P < 0.05), CM alone (P < 0.05), and both BMSCs and CM in combination (P < 0.01). Among the treated groups, the strongest neuroprotective effects were seen in cells treated with both BMSCs and CM. Conclusion: These results show that both BMSCs and CM exhibit neuroprotective effects in damaged neuroblastoma cells. The strongest benefits were seen following treatment with both BMSCs and CM.