Cord Blood Stem Cells Improve Autism-Like Behaviors in Mice via IGF-1 Pathway

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social communication deficits and repetitive behaviors, affecting millions globally. Current treatments primarily focus on symptom management, with no definitive cure. The Valproic Acid (VPA)-induced mouse model is a widely used preclinical model that mimics many core ASD features. This study addresses the critical knowledge gap regarding the therapeutic potential and underlying mechanisms of human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs) as a novel intervention for ASD-like behaviors.

The study found that hUCB-MSCs significantly ameliorated ASD-like behaviors in the VPA-induced mouse model. In social interaction tests, hUCB-MSC-treated mice spent 45% more time interacting with novel mice compared to untreated VPA controls (p<0.001). Repetitive behaviors, such as excessive self-grooming, were reduced by 30% in the treatment group (p<0.01). Furthermore, the researchers observed a 2.5-fold increase in the phosphorylation of Akt (p-Akt) and a 1.8-fold increase in IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor-1, a protein crucial for cell growth and survival) expression in the hippocampus of treated mice, indicating activation of the IGF-1/Akt signaling pathway. hUCB-MSCs significantly restored social interaction deficits and reduced repetitive behaviors in VPA-treated mice, demonstrating a 45% increase in social interaction time and a 30% reduction in repetitive grooming compared to untreated controls, alongside activation of the IGF-1/Akt pathway.