Apelin-13 can regulate adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells to improve traumatic brain injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most serious neurological diseases worldwide. At present, there is no effective treatment for TBI. The regenerative effects of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) on neuronal injury have garnered considerable concern in the scientific community over the past decade. Apelin-13, a key member of the apelin family, has anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative stress effects. ADSCs can modify the microenvironment to enhance neuronal survival through secreting regulatory factors. Apelin-13 can regulate the microenvironment of ADSC differentiation to promote the growth and differentiation of ADSCs. This review delves into ADSCs' therapeutic potential in brain injury pathogenesis, explores apelin-13 protective mechanism against neurological damage, and analyzes how apelin-13 regulates ADSCs to achieve the modulatory effect on neurological recovery.