Effect of hierarchically aligned fibrin hydrogel in regeneration of spinal cord injury demonstrated by tractography: A pilot study

Scientific Reports, 2017 · DOI: 10.1038/srep40017 · Published: January 9, 2017

Spinal Cord Injury Biomedical Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the use of a new biomaterial, aligned fibrin hydrogel (AFG), to promote spinal cord regeneration after injury in canines. The study uses tractography, an imaging technique, to visualize the regeneration process induced by AFG. The researchers found that AFG implantation led to the growth of new nerve fibers across the injury site in some canines. This was confirmed by both imaging and histological examination. The study suggests that AFG can help restore fibers in spinal cord injury lesions, potentially leading to improved functional recovery. This provides a promising avenue for developing new treatments for spinal cord injuries.

Study Duration

12 weeks

Participants

8 canines

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Tractography revealed new fibers running across the spinal cord injury in three canines treated with AFG.
2
Histological examination confirmed limited glial scarring and the presence of regenerated nerve fibers in the lesions of AFG-treated canines.
3
Repeated Measures Analysis showed a significant difference in fractional anisotropy (FA) between the AFG and control groups, with an increase in FA in the AFG group, indicating a beneficial effect on injured axons.

Research Summary

This study demonstrates the potential of aligned fibrin hydrogel (AFG) to promote spinal cord regeneration in canines with spinal cord injury (SCI). Tractography imaging revealed new nerve fibers growing across the injury site in AFG-treated animals. Histological analysis supported these findings, showing reduced scarring and the presence of regenerated nerve fibers in the AFG group. The AFG biomaterial appears to act as a guide for nerve fiber regeneration. The study also found that AFG treatment led to improvements in hindlimb locomotion, suggesting a functional benefit of the biomaterial in promoting spinal cord repair after injury.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

AFG shows promise as a therapeutic intervention for spinal cord injury, potentially promoting nerve regeneration and functional recovery.

Imaging Biomarker

Tractography can be used as an imaging biomarker to assess the effectiveness of regenerative therapies for spinal cord injury.

Biomaterial Design

The study highlights the importance of biomaterial design in promoting nerve regeneration, with aligned fibrin hydrogels providing a favorable environment for axonal growth.

Study Limitations

1
The study used a hemisection model of SCI, which may not fully represent human traumatic SCI.
2
The sample size was limited, which may affect the reliability of the statistical analysis.
3
Secondary injury processes may have limited the regeneration process, which was not fully examined in the study.

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