[Therapeutic potential of bone marrow stem cells in cerebral infarction].

Introduction: Stem cells are an alternative therapy for cerebral infarction that is still in the experimental phase.

Aims: To report on the existing scientific evidence on the therapeutic potential of bone marrow stem cells in this disease.

Development: Cerebral infarction accounts for 80% of cerebrovascular diseases. Thrombolysis is the only approved therapy, but, owing to its narrow therapeutic window, it is only applied to a low percentage of patients. Conversely, neurorestorative treatments, such as stem cells, can be applied over longer periods of time. For this reason a literature search was conducted on PubMed using the key words 'stem cells', 'bone marrow derived mononuclear cells' and 'stroke'. Evidence was found of the safety and effectiveness of such cells at different points in the development of the completed stroke. Results included studies that, in the clinical and preclinical period, collected them by spinal puncture and in peripheral blood, and transplanted them either directly into the infarcted area or intravenously. The therapeutic effect is related with their cell plasticity and trophic-factor releasing properties.

Conclusions: Autologous mononuclear cell concentrate, obtained from peripheral blood or by puncturing the bone marrow and transplanted intravenously, is a feasible methodological option that will make it possible to quickly increase the number of clinical trials conducted at different stages of the development of a completed stroke. This therapy has proved itself to be safe and effective; nevertheless, further evidence is needed to endorse its generalised use in humans.