ArticleBrain and behavior2026
Human Umbilical Cord Blood Mesenchymal Stem Cells Ameliorate Autism-Like Behaviors in a Valproic Acid-Induced Mouse Model via the IGF-1/Akt Signaling Pathway.
Article in Brain and behavior, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that significantly impacts children's physical and mental health, yet effective pharmacological treatments remain limited. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) on ASD, evaluate the safety profile of hUC-MSCs, and elucidate their underlying mechanisms and functional roles.
methodsIn this study, we utilized the offspring of pregnant mice exposed to valproic acid (VPA) as an animal model of ASD. At the beginning of 5 weeks of age, 5 × 10
resultsHere, we demonstrate that hUC-MSCs effectively mitigate behavioral abnormalities in a VPA-induced mouse model of autism without notable adverse effects. Mechanistically, hUC-MSC treatment promotes cortical neuronal dendritic development and restores the phosphorylation levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) and protein kinase B (Akt). Furthermore, mRNA expression of synaptic plasticity-associated genes GAP-43 and SYP, as well as the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, was significantly upregulated, while the expression of proapoptotic genes Bax and Caspase-3, along with pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-1β, was markedly suppressed.
conclusionsThese findings suggest that hUC-MSCs may exert neuroprotective effects by modulating the IGF-1/Akt signaling pathway, promoting neuronal development, reducing neuroinflammation, and inhibiting apoptosis, ultimately alleviating core ASD-like symptoms. The therapeutic benefits may stem from paracrine factors secreted by hUC-MSCs or their ability to regulate gene expression linked to neuronal development. Our study provides new insights into ASD pathogenesis and highlights the potential of hUC-MSCs as a novel stem cell-based therapy for ASD.
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