32^nd European Neurology Congress

Purpose: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive paediatric disorder that ultimately leads to progressive muscle degeneration. It has been known that cell-based therapies were used to promote muscle regeneration. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of allogeneic Wharton jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells therapy in Duchene muscular dystrophy.

 

Patients & Methods: Four ambulatory and five non-ambulatory male patients were assessed as having acceptance criteria. Gene expression and immunohistochemical analysis were performed for dystrophin gene expression. The fluorescent in situ hybridization method was used for detection of chimerism and donor–recipient compatibility. Complement dependent lymphocytotoxic crossmatch test and detection of panel reactive antigen were performed. All patients were treated with 2 × 106 cells/kg dose of allogeneic Wharton jelly derived mesenchymal stem cells via intra-arterial and intramuscular administration. Stability was maintained in patient follow up tests, which are respiratory capacity tests, cardiac measurements and muscle strength tests.

 

Results: The vastus intermedius muscle was observed in one patient with MRI. Chimerism was detected by fluorescent in situ hybridization and mean gene expression was increased to 3.3-fold. An increase in muscle strength measurements and pulmonary function tests was detected. Additionally, we observed two of nine patients with positive panel reactive antigen result.

 

Conclusion: All our procedures are well tolerated and we have not seen any application related complications so far. Our main purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of allogeneic mesenchymal stem cell therapy and determine its suitability and safety as a form of treatment in this untreatable disorder.