Abstract

Drug Delivery using genetically modified Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A promising targeted-delivery method

Hygeia.J.D.Med. 2013; 5(1):90-104

Ammar Ebrahimi1*, Neda Lalvand2

1. Departmentof Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Technology, Tehran Universityof Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

2. Department of Biology, School of Sciences, Shahid Chamran University,Ahvaz, Iran

Article history: Received: 25November 2012,   revised: 20 December 2012, accepted: 1January2013, Available online: 3 April 2013

Abstract

Plan: The review covers the uniquerole of Mesenchymal stem cells to improve, the poor solubility, prematuremetabolic inactivation, excretion and bioavailability of different classes ofdrugs which are insoluble or sparingly soluble in water.

Preface: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)exhibit unique characteristics including their ability to differentiate andmigrate to sites of tissue injury/inflammation, genetic modifiability, andexpression of protein. Many of the most promising drug targets areintracellular and can only be accessed by drugs capable of traversing the cellmembrane. Gene and drug delivery using genetically modified cells offersseveral unique advantages including ease of modifying, inducible or continuousdrug production inside the body, more control on drug target and safety.

Outcome: In this review article, weexamine the promising of using MSCs as a drug delivery vehicle for genetherapy, and summarize various challenges and concerns regarding thesetherapies.

Key words: Mesenchymal stem cell, Drugdelivery, Gene delivery

Ammar Ebrahimi, Neda Lalvand. Drug Delivery usinggenetically modified Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A promising targeted-delivery method. Hygeia.J.D.Med. 2013;5(1):90-104. Available at   http://www.hygeiajournal.com / Article ID- Hygeia.J.D.Med/93/13