OBJECTIVES: To present recent scientific evidence on the effects of stem cell transplantation in animal models of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury and address the translational relevance of cell therapy for clinical application in this context. SOURCES: The PubMed and Scopus databases were used to select articles. The selection criterion was the specificity of articles regarding the subject studied, preferably articles published from 2000 onward. We also reviewed classic articles from previous years that were applicable to this review. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: Stem cells from different exogenous sources may exhibit neuroprotective properties in experimental models of neonatal hypoxia-ischemia. In most animal experiments, the morphological and functional benefits observed were independent of neural differentiation, suggesting associated mechanisms of action, such as the release of trophic factors and inflammatory modulation. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the experimental studies analyzed, cell therapy may become a promising therapeutic approach in the treatment of children with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. However, further studies are warranted to elucidate potential mechanisms of action of these cells and to define safe and effective clinical strategies.
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy; stem cells; asphyxia; cell therapy
