الفهرس 
IntroductionOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
In conclusion, this study demonstrates that administration of MSCs enhances contractile function of repaired external anal sphincters treated with MSCs in an animal model after 90 days compared with repaired sphincter treated with PBS. The mechanisms by which MSCs improved function of the repaired sphincter are not known. Previous studies indicate that stem cells are incorporated into injured anal sphincter. Studies in other models of tissue injury indicate that stem cells improve organ function through secretion of anti-inflammatory proteins. Our study did not address this issue but demonstrated functional improvement of the sphincter with stem cell injection. Studies are in progress to determine whether these results are unique to MSCs and if enhancement of the microenvironment through growth factor release, secretion of anti-inflammatory molecules, and matrix reconstruction contributes to this phenomenon.
Taken together, findings from this study provide experimental evidence that MSCs may serve as positive adjunctive therapy in the treatment of anal sphincter injury. MSCs improve both acute and long-term function of the external anal sphincter after mechanical injury. Perhaps equally significant, the results underscore the importance of recognition of anal sphincter defects and subsequent repair.