Gene expression and locomotor recovery in adult rats with spinal cord injury and plasma-synthesized polypyrrole/iodine application combined with a mixed rehabilitation scheme

Front. Neurol., 2023 · DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1124245 · Published: May 23, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to paralysis, and current treatments don't fully restore lost functions. This study explores combining rehabilitation with plasma-synthesized polypyrrole/iodine (PPy/I), a special type of biopolymer, to see if it improves recovery in rats with SCI. The researchers analyzed gene activity in rats after SCI, treated with either PPy/I alone or PPy/I combined with a rehabilitation program involving swimming and an enriched environment (SW/EE). The goal was to understand how these treatments affect the genes involved in motor function recovery. The study found that PPy/I, especially when combined with SW/EE, can modify gene expression in ways that promote nerve regeneration and functional recovery after SCI. This suggests that this combined approach could be a promising therapeutic strategy.

Study Duration

1 Month

Participants

Adult female Long-Evans rats (250–300 g)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
PPy/I treatment upregulated genes related to developmental processes, biogenesis, synapses, and synaptic vesicle trafficking, suggesting a role in nerve regeneration and synaptic plasticity.
2
PPy/I combined with SW/EE increased the expression of genes related to proliferation, biogenesis, cell development, morphogenesis, cell differentiation, neurogenesis, neuron development, and synapse formation processes.
3
Animals treated with PPy/I+SW/EE showed significantly better motor function recovery compared to the control group, as measured by the BBB scale. They exhibited wider movements and better weight support.

Research Summary

This study investigated the effects of plasma-synthesized polypyrrole/iodine (PPy/I) alone and in combination with swimming and enriched environment (SW/EE) rehabilitation on gene expression and locomotor recovery in rats with spinal cord injury (SCI). Microarray analysis revealed that PPy/I upregulated genes related to developmental processes and synaptic function, while PPy/I+SW/EE enhanced the expression of genes involved in proliferation, neurogenesis, and cell differentiation. The combined treatment (PPy/I+SW/EE) resulted in better motor function recovery and nerve tissue preservation compared to PPy/I alone or the control group, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for SCI.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

PPy/I, particularly when combined with SW/EE, shows promise as a therapeutic approach for promoting motor function recovery after SCI.

Gene Regulation Insights

The study provides insights into the specific genes and biological processes modulated by PPy/I and SW/EE, which could inform the development of targeted therapies.

Combined Strategies

Combining biomaterials with rehabilitation strategies may offer synergistic benefits for SCI treatment, highlighting the importance of multimodal approaches.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on rats, and the results may not be directly applicable to humans.
2
The follow-up period was limited to 1 month, and longer-term effects of the treatment were not assessed.
3
The exact mechanisms by which PPy/I and SW/EE promote gene expression changes and functional recovery require further investigation.

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