Al-Ward Hisham, Chen Wei, Gao Wenxia, Zhang Chunxue, Yang Xueyan, Xiong Yao, Wang Xinyi, Agila Rafeq, Xu Hui, Sun Yi Eve
Stem Cell Translational Research Center, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
Stem Cell Rev Rep. 2025 Jan;21(1):236-253. doi: 10.1007/s12015-024-10803-6. Epub 2024 Nov 6.
Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a critical condition resulting from impaired oxygen and blood flow to the brain during birth, leading to neuroinflammation, neuronal apoptosis, and long-term neurological deficits. Despite the use of therapeutic hypothermia, current treatments remain inadequate in fully preventing brain damage. Recent advances in mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) offer a novel, cell-free therapeutic approach, as these EVs can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and deliver functional microRNAs (miRNAs) to modulate key pathways involved in inflammation and neuroprotection. This review examines how specific miRNAs encapsulated in MSC-EVs-including miR-21, miR-124, miR-146, and the miR-17-92 cluster-target the complex inflammatory responses that drive HIE pathology. By modulating pathways such as NF-κB, STAT3, and PI3K/Akt, these miRNAs influence neuroinflammatory processes, reduce neuronal apoptosis, and promote tissue repair. The aim is to assess the therapeutic potential of miRNA-loaded MSC-EVs in mitigating inflammation and neuronal damage, thus addressing the limitations of current therapies like therapeutic hypothermia.
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