Fibroblast growth factor 1 gene-transfected adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells modulate apoptosis and inflammation in the chronic constriction injury model of neuropathic pain

Background: Stem cell therapy is noted for its clinical effect in the treatment of neuropathic pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) and fibroblast growth factor 1 gene-transfected adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs FGF1) on chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the rat’s sciatic nerve. Methods: Rats underwent CCI, were treated with AD-MSCs and AD-MSCs FGF1. The involvement of Bax, Bcl2 and caspases 3, the major contributors of apoptosis, and the markers of inflammatory including Iba-1, IL1-β and MMP-2 were evaluated in the lumbar portion (L4-L6) of the spinal cord through western bloating at days 3 and 14. Results: The ratio of Bax/ Bcl2, cleaved caspases 3, MMP-2, IL-1β, and Iba1 was elevated on day 14, in CCI animals as compared to sham-operated animals and decreased following treatment with both AD-MSCs and AD-MSCs FGF1. However, the effect of AD-MSCs FGF1 was significantly higher than AD-MSCs. Conclusion: These data suggest that the administration of AD-MSCs FGF1 through modulating apoptosis and neuroinflammation could be considered as a promising medicine for the treatment of neuropathic pain.