G-CSF Mobilized Peripheral Blood Human Hematopoietic CD34+ Stem Cells Therapy for Acute Stroke: Preliminary Results

Abstract

Objective：Acute stroke caused by cerebral artery occlusion or rupture is the most important vascular central nervous system disorder in Korea and remains a leading cause of death and disability despite significant clinical benefits after current treatment modalities. Therefore, it is crucial to develop new alternative therapeutic strategies. The most encouraging approach is directed towards cell transplantation into damaged regions. We discuss the ideal candidate for cell transplantation in current status and preliminary results of peripheral blood stem cells transplantation for acute stroke. Methods : Five patients with acute stroke (three patients with deep intracerebral hemorrhage and two patients with middle cerebral artery occlusion) underwent peripheral blood stem cells transplantation stereotactically. Results : Cell transplantation of three patients did not improve motor function recovery, as evidenced by NIHSS. However, interestingly, cell transplantation significantly increased CSF levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Conclusion : Cell transplantation did correlate positively with elevated growth factor levels in CSF, but not with improved motor function.