LPS-treated stem cells show reduced healing in stroke therapy choose

In a recent study published in Biocell, researchers from Lomonosov Moscow State University discovered that exposing mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) changes how the cells generate energy — shifting them toward a glycolysis-based metabolism. This shift significantly reduces their therapeutic effectiveness in treating ischemic stroke in rats.

MSCs are widely used in regenerative medicine due to their ability to modulate immune responses and promote tissue repair. However, when treated with LPS — a bacterial toxin that induces inflammation — the cells showed increased glycolytic activity while maintaining normal respiratory function. Surprisingly, this metabolic change led to reduced neuroprotective effects after stroke.

"We found that LPS treatment caused a clear switch in the cells' bioenergetics," said Dr. Egor Plotnikov, lead author of the study. "Instead of using oxygen-dependent respiration, they relied more on glycolysis. This switch made them less effective at promoting recovery after stroke."

The team monitored how LPS-treated MSCs affected neurological outcomes and brain damage in an animal model of stroke. Untreated MSCs significantly improved neurological function, but LPS-treated cells did not provide the same benefit.

This discovery challenges the assumption that priming MSCs with inflammation always boosts their therapeutic power. The results suggest that altering the metabolic profile of stem cells must be done carefully depending on the type of injury and treatment model.

"Our findings highlight the importance of cellular metabolism in determining the success of stem cell therapies," added Plotnikov. "Understanding how bioenergetic changes affect cell behavior can help us develop more targeted and effective treatments for stroke patients."