Sustained delivery of NT-3 and curcumin augments microenvironment modulation effects of decellularized spinal cord matrix hydrogel for spinal cord injury repair

This study explores using a special gel made from spinal cord material (DSCM hydrogel) to help heal spinal cord injuries (SCI). The gel is designed to create a supportive environment for nerve cells to regenerate. To make the gel even better, the researchers added two substances: NT-3, which helps nerve cells grow, and curcumin, an anti-inflammatory compound. The idea is that these substances will work together to reduce inflammation and encourage nerve regeneration at the injury site. The study found that the gel with NT-3 and curcumin was more effective at reducing inflammation, promoting nerve cell growth, and improving movement in rats with spinal cord injuries. This suggests that the gel could be a promising treatment for SCI.

• 1
  The integration of both NT-3 and curcumin significantly enhanced NSCs proliferation and their neuronal differentiation.
• 2
  The release of curcumin promoted macrophages polarization into anti-inflammatory subtypes, which further facilitated NSCs differentiation into neurons.
• 3
  The in situ injected DSCM þ NT3 þ Cur hydrogel exerted superior capability in alleviating the inflammatory responses in rat contused spinal cord.