Collaboration between YJ Biotech, NHRI, and the Department of Life Sciences, Fu Jen Catholic University

YJ Biotech has collaborated with the National Health Research Institutes (NHRI) and the Department of Life Sciences, Fu Jen Catholic University, on a research project that simulates human pathological processes using animal models. The latest results show that exosomes derived from human Wharton’s Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells (WJ-MSCs), when intravenously injected into stroke rats, significantly improve motor functions and promote neural repair. The detailed results were published in the international regenerative medicine journal Cell Transplantation in December, and are expected to open new possibilities for the application of exosome-based therapies.

Research Background and Experimental Design

Stroke is one of the leading causes of adult disability worldwide, and brain damage often results in long-term neurological impairments. To further understand the therapeutic effects of exosomes on ischemic stroke, the research team induced right middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats for one hour, followed by reperfusion. The rats were divided into two groups: the experimental group receiving exosomes and the control group receiving saline. Two days later, a series of tests were conducted, including evaluations of neurological deficits, body asymmetry, grip strength, and motor function to compare recovery outcomes post-stroke.

Research Findings: Exosomes Significantly Improve Motor Function in Stroke Rats

The results showed that stroke rats treated with exosomes exhibited significant improvements in grip strength, which increased from 200–300 grams during the early stroke phase to around 400 grams, recovering to about 66% of normal rat levels. Additionally, horizontal movement time and the number of standing attempts also improved significantly. Compared to the untreated group, the exosome-treated rats demonstrated greater mobility and improved balance.

Tissue Analysis: Exosomes Reduce Brain Damage

The research team further analyzed brain tissue through histological examinations, discovering that rats injected with exosomes had significantly smaller infarct volumes and less brain tissue damage compared to the control group. Dr. Yun-Hsiang Chen, Associate Professor at Fu Jen Catholic University and co-investigator at NHRI, and science advisor at YJ Biotechpointed out that exosomes have shown regulatory abilities over the brain’s microenvironment. "In ischemic brain tissue, the expression of anti-apoptotic factors (such as Bcl-2, Bcl-xL) and neurotrophic factors (such as BMP7, GDNF) increased, which are crucial for neuronal survival and functional recovery." Exosomes not only promote neural tissue repair but also modulate inflammatory responses, confirming their potential in early-stage treatment of ischemic stroke.

Further Investigation: Neuroprotective Effects of Exosomes on Neurons

Dr. Yun-Hsiang Chen, Science Advisor at YJ Biotech, indicated that the research team conducted in vitro experiments using rat cortical neurons. The neurons were damaged by glutamate and then cultured with exosomes to observe potential improvements. The results showed increased expression of MAP2, a key protein for stabilizing microvascular structures, and a reduction in chromosomal breaks, indicating better cell survival and reduced apoptosis. This suggests that exosomes have a neuroprotective function, and further exploration of their mechanisms and long-term therapeutic effects will benefit stroke patients.

Research Highlights and Future Prospects

Our research shows that intravenous injection of WJ-MSC-derived exosomes significantly reduces infarct volume in stroke rats while improving motor function and limb strength. Here are the key highlights of the study:

💡 Research Highlights:

• 🔬 In stroke animal models, exosomes significantly reduce neuronal damage and promote functional recovery.
• 🧪 Exosome therapy increases the expression of neuroprotective factors (such as BMP7, GDNF) and anti-apoptotic factors (such as Bcl2, Bcl-xL), indicating its potential to reduce brain damage.
• 🥼 This non-invasive therapy significantly improves the motor function and neurological scores of animals.
• 🔭 This research not only opens new possibilities for stroke treatment but also demonstrates the potential of exosomes from Wharton’s Jelly MSCs in neurodegenerative diseases. We look forward to these findings contributing to future clinical applications, providing greater benefits to patients.

Reference: Transplantation of Exosomes Derived From Human Wharton's Jelly Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Enhances Functional Improvement in Stroke Rats - PubMed