Fig. 4
From: Combination of stem cell therapy and acupuncture to treat ischemic stroke: a prospective review
The potential benefits of a stem cell therapy and acupuncture combination treatment for ischemic stroke. The implanted cells may protect the brain mostly depending on their paracrine effects and some peripheral immunomodulation activity. The acupuncture will mainly harmonize the internal environment, stimulate endogenous neurogenesis, and help the implanted cells to overcome some in vivo challenges. IL interleukin, TGF-β transforming growth factor beta