Neuroprotection and immunomodulation by dimethyl fumarate and a heterologous fibrin biopolymer after ventral root avulsion and reimplantation

Ventral root avulsion (VRA) is an experimental model where motor roots are abruptly separated from the spinal cord, leading to motoneuron degeneration and inflammation. Treatment with dimethyl fumarate (DMF), known for its neuroprotective and immunomodulatory effects, combined with a fibrin sealant (FS), a biological glue, can potentially improve the regenerative response after VRA. The study hypothesizes that this combined approach of DMF and FS may promote neuroprotection, preservation, and recovery of motor function after spinal cord injuries.

• 1
  DMF treatment at 15 mg/kg preserved motoneurons and synapses and decreased astrogliosis and microglial reactions, downregulating pro-inflammatory gene transcripts.
• 2
  The combination of DMF and fibrin sealant (FS) further enhanced the pharmacological benefit, allowing animals to recover at least 50% of motor function.
• 3
  This combined approach promotes a balance between anti- and pro-inflammatory cytokines, favoring an anti-inflammatory state, and influences macrophage polarization.