Table 3.

Main results of stem cells in animal models and cerebral infarct clinical trials

	Animal models	Clinical trials
Stem cells
Neural stem cells (NSCs)/neuronal cells	Promotes behavioural recovery and endogenous neurogenesis [79], reduces infarct volume [80] enhances axonal sprouting and the expression of genes involved in neurogenesis, gliogenesis, and neurotrophic support; modulates microglial response [118]. Anti-apoptotic activity [82]	Phase II (18 patients): No evidence of a significant benefit in motor function but safety and feasibility demonstrated in [107] Safety of a manufactured neural stem cell line (CTX0E03) is being tested (PISCES study, Phase I)
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)	Enhances structural/functional recovery [85], reduces lesion volume, decreases inflammatory cell proliferation [86, 88]	Stereotactic implantation: Safety: Open study (5 patients): with excellent tolerance [108] Intravenous administration: Safety: Open label (12 patients): no safety concerns [109] Safety and efficacy: Phase I/II (30 patients) no adverse events and better outcomes in MSC-treated patients [98] Open label long-term follow-up (52 patients): safe and clinical improvement [110]
Bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs)	CD34: enhanced neovascularisation, neurogenesis, functional recovery [119] EPCs: protected the brain against ischaemic injury, promoted neurovascular repair and improved long-term neurobehavioural outcomes [93]	Safety: Ongoing Phase I and Phase II trials. CD34: autologous CD34+ subset BMSC infusion and intercerebral implantation

Main results of stem cell therapy in animal models and clinical trials of cerebral ischaemia. The reference number for each study is shown in brackets. Information from ongoing clinical trials can be seen in the PubMed (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/) and Clinical trials (http://clinicaltrials.gov/) databases.