Extract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality due to limited therapeutic options for the persistent pulmonary and systemic inflammation that characterises this condition [1]. Recently, pre-clinical studies of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in COPD demonstrate efficacy in alleviating inflammation and reducing emphysema following either systemic or intra-tracheal administration [2, 3]. Human trials have demonstrated that MSCs did not improve spirometry following administration of MSCs to COPD patients, however it was reported that C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker for systemic inflammation was reduced between 1–3 months post-infusion. Earlier timepoints were not assessed in detail in these trials which limits further investigation of these changes [4, 5]. Identifying the fate of intravenously-infused MSC and the potential implications of their biodistribution, as well as short-term MSC-induced systemic changes that were not explored in previous trials will better delineate the utility of MSC treatment for COPD.
Footnotes
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