Shockwave & Stem Cell Combo Improves Critical Limb Ischemia in Rats
Authors: Kuo-Ho Yeh, MD; Jiunn-Jye Sheu, MD; Yu-Chun Lin, PhD; Cheuk-Kwan Sun, MD, PhD; Li-Teh Chang, PhD;
Ying-Hsien Kao, PhD; Chia-Hong Yen, PhD; Pei-Lin Shao, PhD; Tzu-Hsien Tsai, MD; Yung-Lung Chen, MD;
Sarah Chua, MD; Steve Leu, PhD; Hon-Kan Yip, MD
This study published in the journal cells Translational Medicine shows that a combination of shockwave therapy and cells derived from bone marrow can enhance protection against critical limb ischemia in rats.
The study divided male Sprague-Dawley rats into five groups: a sham control group, a group treated with culture medium, a group treated with cells, a group treated with shockwave therapy, and a group treated with a combination of cells and shockwave therapy. By day 21, the group treated with the combination of cells and shockwave therapy showed the most significant improvements in blood flow and protein expression levels.
The combination treatment led to higher expression levels of mitochondrial cytochrome c, stromal cell-derived factor-1, C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4, vascular endothelial growth factor, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase, which are all important for improving ischemia. Additionally, the group treated with the combination showed reduced levels of proinflammatory and apoptotic biomarkers and oxidative stress.
The study’s findings suggest that the combination of cells and shockwave therapy can improve critical limb ischemia more effectively than either treatment alone. This is significant because critical limb ischemia is a severe condition that can lead to amputation if left untreated. While more research is needed, this study provides hope for potential new treatments for this condition.