Hair Follicle Mesenchymal Stem Cells Induce Neural Regeneration and Repair after Transient Ischemic Stroke

Cerebrovasc Dis. 2025 Jan 21:1-21. doi: 10.1159/000543261. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the effect of hair follicle mesenchymal stem cells (HFMSCs) in ischemic stroke. Materials & methods: Rat transient ischemic stroke model was established to verify the effect of HFMSC transplantation. Behavioral experiment and TTC staining were used to estimate neurological outcome after HFMSC therapy. Pathological experiments were used to investigate the therapeutic roles of HFMSCs.

Results: HFMSCs inhibited neural apoptosis and promoted neural proliferation. The number of neural cells around ischemic core increased after HFMSC transplantation. Besides, the grafted HFMSCs expressed neuron-specific marker in the penumbra. Finally, HFMSCs diminished infarct area and improved neurological scores.

Conclusion: HFMSCs can improve neurological outcome via anti-apoptosis and promoting neural stem cells proliferation, indicating their therapeutic potential in ischemic stroke.