Fe3 o4 @polydopamine-labeled mscs targeting the spinal cord to treat neuropathic pain under the guidance of a magnetic field

Abstract

Purpose: Neuropathic pain causes great distress among patients; however, its response to traditional analgesia techniques remains sub-optimal. There has been progress in stem cell research for neuropathic pain treatment; however, effective homing remains problematic. This study aimed to establish Fe3 O4 @polydopamine(PDA)-labeled mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs); moreover, we aimed to guide MSCs using a magnetic field to the spinal cord segments showing pain-related responses to allow MSC homing and gathering, in advance, in order to fully employ their repair function. Materials and Methods: Fe3O4@PDA-labeled MSCs were characterized using transmission electron microscopy. We analyzed the characteristics of MSCs, as well as the nanopar-ticle effects on MSC activity, differentiation, and proliferation, using the CCK-8 method, flow cytometry, and staining. Using rats, we performed behavioral tests of mechanical and thermal pain hypersensitivity. Serum inflammatory markers were detected using ELISA. Finally, changes in proteins associated with spinal cord pain were detected through quantitative reverse transcription PCR, histology, and immunohistochemistry. Results: Fe3 O4@PDA did not affect the characteristics and viability of MSCs. The magnetic field guidance improved the therapeutic effect of Fe3 O4@PDA-labeled MSCs as indicated by the paw withdrawal threshold. Fe3 O4 @PDA-labeled MSCs decreased spinal nerve demyeli-nation and c-Fos expression (a pain molecule); moreover, they inhibited microglia and astrocyte activation. Conclusion: Fe3 O4 @PDA-labeled MSCs showed better homing to the spinal cord under magnetic field guidance. Moreover, they inhibited microglial and astrocyte activation, as well as played an early and continuous role in neuropathic pain treatment.