Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of death and disability. This study investigated the neuroprotective potential of extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hiPS-MSC-EVs) in ischemic stroke models. In vitro, hiPS-MSC-EVs promoted HT22 cell proliferation, reduced apoptosis, and improved cell morphology after oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R). In vivo, using a mouse model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), hiPS-MSC-EVs reduced infarct volume, improved motor function, and enhanced angiogenesis via VEGF and CXCR4 expression. These findings suggest hiPS-MSC-EVs hold promise as a cell-free therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke.

Gang Lu, Xianwei Su, Lihon Wang, Chi-Kwan Leu, Jingye Zhou, Zhiqiang Xiong, Wuming Wang, Hongbin Liu, Wai-Yee Chan