Thermosensitive bFGF-Modiﬁed Hydrogel with Dental Pulp Stem Cells on Neuroinﬂammation of Spinal Cord Injury

ACS Omega, 2020 · DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c01379 · Published: June 25, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Immunology

Simple Explanation

This study explores a new approach to treating spinal cord injuries by using a combination of a growth factor (bFGF) and dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) delivered via a special gel (hydrogel). The goal is to reduce inﬂammation and promote nerve repair after a spinal cord injury. The researchers tested this approach in rats with spinal cord injuries and found that the combination of bFGF and DPSCs in the hydrogel helped to control inﬂammation, support nerve regeneration, and improve tissue recovery. The study suggests that this method could be a promising way to treat spinal cord injuries by creating a less inﬂammatory environment that allows nerves to repair themselves.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

75 female adult Sprague−Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Level 2: Animal Study

Key Findings

1
bFGF and DPSCs together effectively attenuate tissue inflammation in the injured spinal cord, leading to better nerve repair.
2
The combination of bFGF and DPSCs prevented microglia/macrophage activation and reduced the release of proinﬂammatory cytokines.
3
HeP-bFGF-DPSCs hydrogel treatment decreased the area of injury occupied by reducing the proinﬂammatory factor levels and block the microglia/macrophage activation and following injury.

Research Summary

This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of bFGF and DPSCs, delivered via a thermosensitive hydrogel, in a rat model of spinal cord injury. The results showed that the combined use of bFGF and DPSCs in the hydrogel effectively regulated inflammatory reactions, promoted nerve regeneration, and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine release. The study concludes that this approach is a promising therapeutic solution for spinal cord injuries by controlling inflammation and supporting nerve repair.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

The thermosensitive hydrogel delivering bFGF and DPSCs can be further developed as a therapeutic intervention for spinal cord injuries.

Inflammation Control

The study highlights the importance of inflammation control in promoting nerve repair after SCI.

Combined Therapy

The combined application of hydrogel scaffold materials, growth factors, and stem cells is a feasible solution to tissue engineering and SCI treatment.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on rats, and further research is needed to confirm these findings in humans.
2
The long-term effects of the treatment were not fully evaluated.
3
The specific biomolecular pathways of NF-κB signals in SCI repair are not so much understood.

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