Thermomineral water promotes axonal sprouting but does not reduce glial scar formation in a mouse model of spinal cord injury

Neural Regeneration Research, 2014 · DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.147950 · Published: December 1, 2014

Spinal Cord Injury Alternative Medicine Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the potential of thermomineral water from the Atomic Spa Gornja Trepča to aid in nerve regeneration after spinal cord injury in mice. The research focuses on how drinking this water affects recovery, axonal sprouting, neuronal survival, and glial scar formation following a spinal cord injury. The findings suggest that the thermomineral water promotes nerve regeneration by enhancing axonal sprouting but does not reduce glial scar formation.

Study Duration

12 weeks

Participants

24 female 3-month-old C57BL/6J mice

Evidence Level

Level 2; Animal model

Key Findings

1
Mice drinking thermomineral water showed significantly better locomotor recovery at 4, 8, and 12 weeks post-injury compared to the control group.
2
The number of catecholaminergic axons caudal to the injury site was more than double in mice treated with thermomineral water.
3
Thermomineral water intake did not significantly influence neuronal survival or glial scar formation after spinal cord injury.

Research Summary

This study examined the effects of oral intake of thermomineral water on nerve regeneration in a mouse model of spinal cord injury. The results indicate that thermomineral water promotes locomotor recovery and axonal sprouting after spinal cord injury in mice. However, the treatment did not reduce glial scar formation or prevent neuronal loss following the injury.

Practical Implications

Potential Therapeutic Agent

Thermomineral water may be a potential therapeutic agent for promoting nerve regeneration after spinal cord injury.

Combination Therapies

The water may be particularly useful when combined with other therapies aimed at reducing glial scar formation.

Rehabilitation Support

The water could be used during rehabilitation to enhance the restoration of innervation in the acute and sub-chronic phases after injury.

Study Limitations

1
The improvement of locomotor recovery after injury was modest in both experimental and control groups, indicating high severity of injury.
2
This study used a mouse model, and the results may not directly translate to humans.
3
The exact mechanism of action of the thermomineral water is not fully understood and requires further investigation.

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