Synergistic Effect of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor in the Mobilization of HSPCs Improves Overall Survival After PBSCT in a Preclinical Murine Model. Are We Far Enough for Therapy?

Stem Cell Rev Rep. 2024 Jan;20(1):206-217. doi: 10.1007/s12015-023-10648-5. Epub 2023 Nov 3.

Abstract

Strategies to improve hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) mobilization from the bone marrow can have a pivotal role in addressing iatrogenic bone-marrow insufficiency from chemo(radio)therapy and overcoming peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) limitations such as insufficient mobilization. Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) represents the standard mobilization strategy for HSPC and has done so for more than three decades since its FDA approval. Its association with non-G-CSF agents is often employed for difficult HSPC mobilization. However, obtaining a synergistic effect between the two classes is limited by different timing and mechanisms of action. Based on our previous in vitro results, we tested the mobilization potential of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), alone and in combination with G-CSF in vivo in a murine study. Our results show an improved mobilization capability of the combination, which seems to act synergistically in stimulating hematopoiesis. With the current understanding of the dynamics of HSPCs and their origins in more primitive cells related to the germline, new strategies to employ the mobilization of hematopoietic progenitors using chorionic gonadotropins could soon become clinical practice.

Keywords: HCG; HSPCs; Hematopoiesis; MSCs; PBSCT.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chorionic Gonadotropin / pharmacology
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor / pharmacology
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation*

Substances

  • Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor
  • Chorionic Gonadotropin