The role of mesenchymal stem cells in the reconstruction of nerve injuries in the hand

Abstract

At present the end results of reconstruction of peripheral nerve injuries cannot be considered unequivocally advantageous. It seems that the level of reconstructive possibilities of these injuries has already peaked. Hence, ongoing research focuses on experimental studies to further improve results. One of the methods is the joint usage of pluripotent mesenchymal stem cells with tissue inductive polypeptides (growth factors) and frame structures to enhance the attachment of these cells with the aim creating new neural tissue (tissue engineering). The conditions to create new tissue can be further improved by gene technology. Based on recent literature data, the author summarizes the basic characteristics of the method related to nerve injuries, and the possibilities and modalities of clinical applications. In conclusion, future direction is a the wider use of stem cells, however, the currently established surgical and rehabilitation methods have to be performed at high levels since stem cell research data are not established in the clinical setting yet. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 574–580.