Polyethylene glycol repairs membrane damage and enhances functional recovery: a tissue engineering approach to spinal cord injury

Neurosci Bull, 2013 · DOI: 10.1007/s12264-013-1364-5 · Published: August 1, 2013

Simple Explanation

The integrity of the neuronal membrane is crucial for its function and cellular survival; thus, ineffective repair of damaged membranes may be one of the key elements underlying the neuronal degeneration and overall functional loss that occurs after spinal cord injury (SCi). PEG repairs mechanically injured cells by at least two distinct pathways: resealing of the disrupted plasma membrane and direct protection of mitochondria. Besides repairing primary membrane damage, PEG treatment also results in significant attenuation of oxidative stress, likely due to its capacity to reseal the membrane, thereby breaking the cycle of cellular damage and free-radical production.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Multiple in vitro and in vivo injury models

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) can reseal axonal membranes following various injuries in multiple in vitro and in vivo injury models.
2
PEG may also directly prevent the effects of mitochondria-derived oxidative stress on intracellular components.
3
PEG treatment also resulted in significant reduction of injury size.

Research Summary

Membrane disruption has serious downstream structural and functional consequences in the mechanical injury of neuronal tissue. PEG-mediated resealing of cell membranes is a practical method to repair or reverse the continuous cellular damage subsequent to injury and enhance functional recovery. Based on this, as well as the practicality of application, we expect that PEG may be established as an effective treatment not only for SCi, but also for mechanical injuries in other tissue types where membrane disruption and mitochondrial damage are implicated.

Practical Implications

Effective Treatment for SCI

PEG may be established as an effective treatment for SCI where membrane disruption and mitochondrial damage are implicated.

Combination Therapy

Future development of combination therapy, such as PEG combined with other recovery-promoting agents would prove beneficial for therapeutic efficacy.

Drug Carrier

PEG can be used as a drug-carrier to deliver effective agents to the injury site in both SCi and traumatic brain injury.

Study Limitations

1
Axonal reconnection after transection requires manipulation (aligning and gently pressing together at the two cut ends), which is not possible in vivo.
2
Loss of the plasma membrane is not the only pathology present during traumatic injuries.
3
Not specified

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