Mitochondrial Transfer Therapy Using Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Restoring Bioenergetic Function in Ischemic Stroke and Evaluating Neuroprotective Mechanisms

Abstract

Ischemic stroke represents a devastating neurological condition characterized by acute interruption of cerebral blood flow, leading to profound mitochondrial dysfunction and subsequent neuronal death. Recent advances in regenerative medicine have illuminated the remarkable therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in stroke recovery, with particular emphasis on their capacity to transfer functional mitochondria to damaged neural cells. This comprehensive review examines the molecular mechanisms underlying MSC-mediated mitochondrial transfer, evaluates the restoration of bioenergetic function in ischemic brain tissue, and analyzes the neuroprotective pathways activated through this innovative therapeutic approach. We synthesize current evidence from preclinical and early clinical investigations, discuss the technical challenges associated with optimizing mitochondrial transfer efficiency, and propose future directions for translating this promising strategy into clinical practice. The mitochondrial transfer phenomenon represents a paradigm shift in our understanding of cellular communication and offers unprecedented opportunities for addressing the bioenergetic crisis that defines ischemic stroke pathophysiology.