Novel Strategies for Spinal Cord Regeneration

Abstract

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most devastating lesions, as it can damage the continuity and conductivity of the central nervous system, resulting in complex pathophysiology. Encouraged by the advances in nanotechnology, stem cell biology, and materials science, researchers have proposed various interdisciplinary approaches for spinal cord regeneration. In this respect, the present review aims to explore the most recent developments in SCI treatment and spinal cord repair. Specifically, it briefly describes the characteristics of SCIs, followed by an extensive discussion on newly developed nanocarriers (e.g., metal-based, polymer-based, liposomes) for spinal cord delivery, relevant biomolecules (e.g., growth factors, exosomes) for SCI treatment, innovative cell therapies, and novel natural and synthetic biomaterial scaffolds for spinal cord regeneration.

Future Treatment of Neuropathic Pain in Spinal Cord Injury: The Challenges of Nanomedicine, Supplements or Opportunities?

“…Recent advances highlight the need for collaborative research at multiple levels, ranging from the molecular level to cognitive and human sciences. Substantial research has also focused on improving clinical procedures related to spinal cord regeneration to improve repair outcomes [ 150 ]. However, as most of these studies have been conducted in vitro or in vivo in animals, further investigation of the effects in humans is needed before these strategies can be used in clinical practice [ 150 ].…”

“…Substantial research has also focused on improving clinical procedures related to spinal cord regeneration to improve repair outcomes [ 150 ]. However, as most of these studies have been conducted in vitro or in vivo in animals, further investigation of the effects in humans is needed before these strategies can be used in clinical practice [ 150 ]. The persistence of NP remains one of the most devastating diseases, emphasizing the importance of initiating pharmacological and non-invasive treatments for pain relief sooner after injury [ 26 , 27 , 28 ].…”

Bioadhesive Hyaluronic Acid-Based Hydrogels for Spinal Cord Injury

“…Therefore, the development of a new treatment to minimize apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation, as well as regenerating axons is crucial for successful nerve tissue repair. 4,5 Biomaterials can be used to bridge the lesion gap as well as to support nerve guidance. 6 Among biomaterials, hyaluronic acid (HA) has attracted great attention because it is a major extracellular matrix (ECM) component essential for neuro-genesis and inflammation processes that are pivotal for tissue healing.…”

“…However, current therapies do not fully restore neural functions and delay only pathology progression. Therefore, the development of a new treatment to minimize apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation, as well as regenerating axons is crucial for successful nerve tissue repair. , …”

Comparison of Printable Biomaterials for Use in Neural Tissue Engineering: An In Vitro Characterization and In Vivo Biocompatibility Assessment

“…One treatment for SCI involves administering high doses of methylprednisolone to reduce secondary damage; however, this therapy causes many critical side effects and does not yield substantial neurological improvements. Other therapeutic options are surgical interventions to anatomically stabilize and decompress the spinal cord and rehabilitative care, which have modest outcomes [8]. For these reasons, researchers and clinicians have been collaborating over the last decades to explore innovative strategies for treating nervous system injuries, and the fields of tissue engineering (TE) and regenerative medicine have emerged, with promising results.…”