Modern advances in spinal cord regeneration: hydrogel combined with neural stem cells

Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2024 · DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1419797 · Published: June 27, 2024

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) lead to loss of functional activity below the injury site, affecting self-care ability and performance. Endogenous regenerative potential is insufficient to overcome SCI consequences, leading to complications years after injury. A primary treatment task is creating artificial conditions for nerve fiber regeneration through the SCI area. Tissue neuroengineering, involving replacing natural tissue with synthetic matrices like hydrogels combined with neural stem cells (NSPCs), offers maximum stimulation and support for damaged neuron axon regeneration and myelination. This complex approach strengthens endogenous regeneration, prevents inflammation, and promotes reflex, motor, and sensory function restoration. This review considers options for improving SCI conditions by using NSC transplantation or/and replacing the damaged SCI area with a hydrogel matrix. It emphasizes the expediency and effectiveness of hydrogel matrix + NSCs complex system used for spinal cord tissue reconstruction after injury.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
NSCs secrete active compounds that promote nerve tissue regeneration, improve nerve cell survival, neuroplasticity, and neuroimmune modulation.
2
Hydrogels can create a trimeric framework for neuronal regeneration and axon elongation, initiating cell growth, proliferation, and cell migration; contribute to SC delivery precisely to the damaged site, reducing cell loss in the adjacent tissue.
3
Combining stem cells and polymer matrices is considered the most optimal approach for injured nerve tissue regeneration, in particular, SC.

Research Summary

This review discusses the use of hydrogels combined with neural stem cells (NSCs) for spinal cord injury (SCI) regeneration. It highlights the limitations of endogenous regeneration and the potential of tissue neuroengineering to create artificial conditions for nerve fiber regeneration. The review examines NSC transplantation and the use of hydrogel matrices to replace damaged tissue, emphasizing the benefits of a complex approach combining tissue engineering and cell therapy. This approach aims to support endogenous regeneration, prevent inflammation, and restore lost functions. The authors conclude that complex approaches using hydrogels populated with stem cells show promise for SCI nerve tissue regeneration, though further research is needed to clarify specific application details and optimize the amount of stem cells for maximum positive effect.

Practical Implications

Clinical Application Prospects

Hydrogel + NSC combinations could improve axon sprouting, remyelination, and synapse formation, enhancing locomotor and sensory functions in SCI patients.

Functional Recovery Enhancement

Hydrogel implantation in the injured SC region could have hemostatic effects, reduce primary and secondary inflammatory responses, and provide a supportive mechanical microenvironment for tissue connection.

Systemic Improvement

Using hydrogels populated with stem cells offers promise for enhancing neurogenesis, activating angiogenesis, and promoting tissue repair, thus systemically improving the condition of patients after SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Matrices immune reaction initiation.
2
Difficulty regulating the toxicity of decomposition products of biodegradable matrices.
3
Ethical norms do not allow the use of NSCs in the clinic.

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