The Therapeutic Potential of Human Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation for Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury and Ischemic Stroke

Human umbilical cord blood (HUCB) cells are rich source of immature stem cells, which have the potential to repair lost tissue. Intractable central nervous system (CNS) disorders are important targets for regenerative medicine, and the application of HUCB cells is being investigated in animal models of CNS disorders. Transplantation of HUCB has induced functional improvements in these animal models due to multiple therapeutic effects including neuroprotection, anti-inflammation, angiogenesis, and neurogenesis. HUCB cells are easily available and safer than other stem cells used in transplantation therapy. In this review, we focus on HUCB transplantation as an encouraging therapeutic approach for animal models of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury and ischemic stroke.