Enhanced Neural Differentiation of Epidermal Neural Crest Stem Cell by Synergistic Effect of Lithium carbonate and Crocin on BDNF and GDNF Expression as Neurotrophic Factors

Neurodegenerative diseases are incurable and debilitating conditions that result in progressive degeneration of nerve cells. Due to the complexity of conditions in neurodegenerative diseases, combination therapy including cell therapy and drug therapy is important as a new therapeutic strategy. Epidermal neural crest stem cells (EPI-NCSCs) are as one of the best option in cell therapy for various neurological diseases. In this study, the effect of Lithium carbonate and Crocin, with considering of their effects on cellular signaling pathways and neuroprotective properties were investigated on expression of neurotrophic factors BDNF and GDNF in EPI-NCSCs.EPI-NCSCs were isolated from hair follicle and after 72 hours of treatment with different concentration of drugs [Lithium, Crocin and lithium + Crocin], and trial doses were selected by MTT assay. The cells were treated with selected concentration (Lithium 1 mM, Crocin 1.5 mM, and for co-treatment Lithium 1mM and Crocin 1 mM) for 7 days.The Real Time PCR results indicated an increasing in expression of BDNF and GDNF in treated cells as compared with control (*p