Serial brain FDG-PET and IMZ-SPECT following intracerebral MSC transplantation in patients with subacute ischemic stroke

• Intracerebral transplantation of autologous mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) in subacute ischemic stroke patients led to significant increases in FDG-PET and IMZ-SPECT uptake in peri-infarct cortical regions, indicating improved glucose metabolism and synaptic density/viability. • The observed improvements in brain imaging biomarkers were strongly correlated with functional recovery, suggesting that MSC transplantation may enhance neuronal integrity and promote neurological rehabilitation. • This study provides the first serial imaging evidence in humans that cell therapy can modulate host brain metabolism and receptor binding potential, supporting the translational potential of MSC-based regenerative medicine for stroke. • The findings highlight the importance of multimodal neuroimaging (FDG-PET and IMZ-SPECT) in monitoring therapeutic responses and guiding patient selection for cell-based interventions in stroke.