Fe3O4@polydopamine nanoparticle-loaded human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells improve the cognitive function in Alzheimers disease mice by promoting hippocampal neurogenesis

One of the most promising treatments for neurodegenerative diseases is the stem cell therapy; however, there are still some limitations in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. In this study, superparamagnetic nanoparticles composed of magnetic Fe3O4 and polydopamine shells were used to label human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) in order to increase the targeting of hUC-MSCs. Our data suggested that Fe3O4@PDA labeling increase the efficiency of hUC-MSCs entering the brain. Moreover, the water maze test showed that compared with hUCMSCs only, Fe3O4@PDA-labeled hUC-MSCs improved the cognitive ability of APP/PS1 transgenic mice more significantly. Other experimental data showed that the expression of essential proteins in the hippocampus, such as A beta, synaptophysin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, are affected by Fe3O4@PDA coated-hUC-MSCs. The regulation of Fe3O4@PDA coated-hUC-MSCs could improve the memory and cognitive ability of AD mice by excessive generation of neuroprotective factors, which might be considered a viable therapy to treat AD. (c) 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

In this study, Fe3O4@ PDA labeling was used to improve the targeting of hUC-MSCs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The results showed that Fe3O4@ PDA-labeled hUC-MSCs enhanced cognitive ability in transgenic mice and affected the expression of essential proteins in the hippocampus. The regulation of Fe3O4@ PDA coated-hUC-MSCs could be a viable therapy for AD.