Future Perspectives in Spinal Cord Repair: Brain as Saviour? TSCI with Concurrent TBI: Pathophysiological Interaction and Impact on MSC Treatment

Cells, 2021 · DOI: 10.3390/cells10112955 · Published: October 30, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Brain Injury Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

Traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) often occur together, worsening patient outcomes. This review explores how the interaction between TSCI and TBI affects the body. It highlights the impact on the nervous system, immune response, blood barriers, perfusion, hormones, metabolism and sleep cycles. Understanding these interactions is crucial for improving treatments, especially those using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The review suggests that by studying the combined effects of TSCI and TBI, researchers can identify new therapeutic targets and strategies to enhance regenerative therapies, ultimately improving MSC therapy for spinal cord injuries.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
TSCI and TBI interact bidirectionally, impacting cognitive and sensorimotor outcomes.
2
Autonomic dysregulation, particularly aberrant SNS activity, contributes to altered perfusion and immune modulation.
3
The effects of TSCI and TBI on MSC-mediated healing cascades require further characterization.

Research Summary

This review provides a detailed overview of the local and systemic alterations due to TSCI and TBI, which severely affect multiple physiological systems. It raises awareness of the impact of TSCI–TBI interaction on TSCI pathophysiology and MSC treatment. The review proposes that understanding the pathophysiology of TSCI with concomitant TBI will reveal promising pharmacological targets and therapeutic strategies.

Practical Implications

Improved Therapeutic Strategies

Unraveling TSCI-TBI interactions may lead to more effective therapies.

Optimized MSC Therapy

Understanding the impact of TBI on MSC treatment in TSCI could enhance outcomes.

Targeted Interventions

Identifying specific pathways influenced by TSCI-TBI interaction enables targeted interventions.

Study Limitations

1
Limited understanding of TSCI-TBI crosstalk and its effect on MSC treatment
2
Lack of direct studies on endocrine interaction with TSCI–TBI
3
Missing detailed analysis of the spatiotemporal aspects of TSCI and TBI interaction regarding re-perfusion damage

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