Delivery of FGF10 by implantable porous gelatin microspheres for treatment of spinal cord injury

MOLECULAR MEDICINE REPORTS, 2023 · DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2023.13024 · Published: April 25, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Pharmacology Neurology

Simple Explanation

Porous gelatin microspheres (GMSs) were constructed to enhance the neuroprotective effects of fibroblast growth factor 10 (FGF10) against spinal cord injury (SCI). Compared with the groups intravenously administered FGF10 alone, disruption of the blood‑spinal cord barrier and tissue injury were attenuated in the FGF10‑GMS group; this group also showed less neuronal apoptosis, as well as enhanced neuronal and axonal rehabilitation. Implantable porous GMSs could serve as carriers for FGF10 in the treatment of SCI.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

48 female Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
FGF10-GMS treatment led to superior outcomes in terms of neuroprotection, motor function and morphological recovery compared with FGF10 treatment.
2
FGF10‑GMS treatment suppressed apoptosis to a greater degree than did FGF10.
3
FGF10 reduced EB staining intensity on day 1, which was strongly associated with BSCB penetrability; this effect was even greater in the FGF10‑GMS group.

Research Summary

Porous GMSs were synthesized using a simple FGF10‑encapsulating procedure. More specifically, GMSs loaded with FGF10 were administered to SCI rats; FGF10 was then slowly released at the site of injury. In the rat SCI model of the present study, FGF10‑GMS treatment led to superior outcomes in terms of neuroprotection, motor function and morphological recovery compared with FGF10 treatment. FGF10 was encapsulated into implantable porous GMSs and released in a sustained manner in SCI rats. This delivery exerted improved neuroprotective effects and created conditions promoting axonal regeneration and functional restoration compared with free FGF10.

Practical Implications

Targeted Drug Delivery

Porous GMSs can be used as a targeted delivery system for FGF10 to the site of spinal cord injury.

Enhanced Neuroprotection

FGF10-GMS treatment improves neuroprotection, motor function, and morphological recovery compared to FGF10 alone.

Clinical Potential

GMS-loaded FGF10 delivery has huge potential when used in the hyperacute period in SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on rats, and results may not directly translate to humans.
2
The study did not investigate the long-term effects of FGF10-GMS treatment.
3
The study did not explore the potential side effects of FGF10-GMS treatment.

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