Stem Cells with Extra Water Channels May Help Brain Recovery After Bleeding by Reducing Inflammation Signals

Transplantation of AQP4-modified mesenchymal stem cells significantly reduced cerebral edema and blood-brain barrier disruption in a mouse model of intracerebral hemorrhage.

• AQP4-modified mesenchymal stem cells improved neurological function and stabilized astrocyte morphology.
• These cells enhanced glymphatic transport and waste clearance after intracerebral hemorrhage.
• AQP4-modified mesenchymal stem cells decreased inflammatory cytokine secretion.
• The therapy increased the release of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor.
• AQP4 was found to bind directly to TLR4 on glial cells, which may block inflammatory stimulation and inhibit neuronal injury.

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