Angiogenesis in Spinal Cord Injury: Progress and Treatment

Cureus, 2022 · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.25475 · Published: May 30, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Cardiovascular Science Surgery

Simple Explanation

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) starts a complex disease process. The initial injury damages small blood vessels and nerves, which leads to further damage. The body tries to fix this by growing new blood vessels, but this is often not enough. Treatments are being developed to help the body grow more blood vessels and improve recovery after SCI. After a spinal cord injury, the body's natural response includes the growth of new blood vessels to help repair the damage. However, this process is often insufficient. Researchers are exploring ways to enhance this natural response through various treatments. This study reviews how blood vessel regrowth happens after a spinal cord injury and looks at different treatments that aim to boost this process. The goal is to find ways to improve blood flow and help people recover better after such injuries.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review Article

Key Findings

1
Endogenous angiogenesis, while triggered by SCI and ischemia, is frequently inadequate to address the progressive local ischemia and cell death.
2
Revascularization is crucial in SCI rehabilitation, and interventions targeting the harmed vascular system can potentially diminish secondary progression and promote axonal guidance and functional recovery.
3
Various proangiogenic interventions, including proangiogenic factor administration, gene regulation, and cell-based therapeutic strategies, show promise in promoting local angiogenesis and functional recovery following SCI.

Research Summary

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) initiate a complex pathological process, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of intrinsic procedures for ensuring optimal treatment and recovery conditions. Vascular disruption following SCI plays a dominant role in the injury's progression, highlighting the importance of adequate blood supply and a well-functioning vascular system at the injury site. While improved technological methods and multiple studies aim to ensure adequate blood supply and develop well-functioned vascular systems, many aspects of pathophysiological and angiogenetic processes remain unspecified, suggesting the need for further research and integration of proangiogenic strategies.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Development

Further research into proangiogenic strategies could lead to the development of more effective treatments for spinal cord injuries.

Clinical Application

Understanding the role of vascular disruption can improve acute management and potentially long-term outcomes for SCI patients.

Personalized Medicine

Identifying specific angiogenetic factors and pathways could enable personalized treatment approaches based on the individual's injury profile.

Study Limitations

1
Many aspects of pathophysiological and angiogenetic processes remain unspecified.
2
Modulation of adjustable and controlled angiogenesis prevails the vast research confrontation.
3
Increased microvascular permeability carries the risk of spreading the lesion through leukocyte infiltration, while immoderate VEGF expression has been implicated in tumor formation.

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