Extracellular vesicles from human adipose stem cells are neuroprotective after stroke in rats

ABSTRACT Ischemic stroke is a prominent cause of death and disability, demanding innovative therapeutic strategies. Accordingly, extracellular vesicles (EVs) released from mesenchymal stem cells are promising tools for stroke treatment. In this study, we evaluated the potential neuroprotective properties of EVs released from human adipose tissue stem cells (hAT-MSC), which were obtained from a healthy individual submitted to liposuction. A single intranasal EVs administration was performed 24 h after the ischemic stroke in rats. The EVs brain penetration and the tropism to brain zone of ischemia was observed 18 h after administration. Thus, we measured EVs neuroprotection against the ischemic stroke-induced impairment on long-term motor and behavioral performance. Indeed, one single intranasal EVs administration reversed the stroke damages on: i) front paws symmetry; ii) working memory, short- and long-term memory; iii) anxiety-like behavior. These findings highlight hAT-MSC-derived EVs as a promising therapeutic strategy in stroke.