MOLECULAR MECHANISMS OF ACTION OF MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS IN THE TREATMENT OF NERVOUS SYSTEM DISEASES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11603/mcch.2410-681X.2026.i3.16360Keywords:
mesenchymal stem cells; exosomes; regenerative medicine; neuroinflammation; cytokinesAbstract
Introduction. The limited self-repair capacity of neurons makes nervous system pathologies a major challenge in modern medicine, as traditional therapies primarily address symptoms rather than restoring lost central nervous system (CNS) functions. The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) offers novel approaches to treating nervous system disorders; however, it requires a systematization of the mechanisms by which they influence regenerative processes in nervous tissue. Research Methods. A systematic analysis of scientific publications from 2012 to 2026 was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. The analysis included systematic reviews as well as clinical and experimental studies addressing the mechanisms of cell therapy for neurological diseases. The aim of the review. To evaluate and systematize current scientific data regarding the molecular mechanisms of MSC action in nervous system disorders and to identify key biomarkers used to assess the efficacy of cell therapy for neurological diseases. Results. It was established that the therapeutic effect of MSCs is mediated by the paracrine secretion of exosomes, growth factors (BDNF, GDNF), and anti-inflammatory molecules. MSCs inhibit pro-inflammatory cascades (NF-κB/NLRP3) and stimulate axonal outgrowth and synaptogenesis (via the PI3K/Akt pathway). Biomarkers identified for assessing the efficacy of cell therapy in CNS disorders include neurofilament light chains (NfL), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), myelin basic protein (MBP), and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β). Conclusions. Therapy using stem cells and their exosomes represents a promising tool for immunomodulation and neuroprotection; however, the efficacy of its clinical application depends on the optimal therapeutic approach, the timing of intervention, and the monitoring of objective biomarker dynamics.
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