Acidic Fibroblast Growth Factor in Spinal Cord Injury

Neurospine, 2019 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.14245/ns.1836216.108 · Published: December 1, 2019

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Genetics

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) remains a devastating disease with limited effective treatments due to the adult central nervous system's poor regenerative capacity. Experiments and clinical trials have explored neuro-regeneration in human SCI, encompassing cell- and molecule-based therapies to restore connections and promote axonal growth. Acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) has been investigated for nerve repair due to its mitogenic and pluripotent nature, potentially enhancing axonal growth and mitigating glial scarring.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Human and animal experiments

Evidence Level

Review Article

Key Findings

1
aFGF has shown promise for neural regeneration in multiple trials, including human and animal experiments, warranting further investigation as a neurotrophic factor.
2
The review summarizes the historical evolution of aFGF utilization in SCI and nerve injuries, presents applications and trials, briefly summarizes possible mechanisms, and provides future perspectives.
3
Clinical trials using aFGF mixed in fibrin glue have demonstrated significant improvements in ASIA motor and sensory scale scores in patients with chronic SCI.

Research Summary

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition with limited regenerative capacity, leading to lifelong disability. Current treatments primarily focus on neurorehabilitation and managing complications. Acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) has been investigated as a potential therapeutic agent for nerve repair, showing promise in enhancing axonal growth and mitigating glial scarring. Clinical trials have demonstrated the safety and feasibility of using aFGF in patients with chronic SCI, with some studies reporting significant improvements in motor and sensory function.

Practical Implications

Potential Therapeutic Agent

aFGF can be explored as a therapeutic intervention for promoting neural regeneration and functional recovery in patients with SCI.

Clinical Application

aFGF, particularly when combined with other strategies, shows potential for improving outcomes in SCI patients, enhancing motor and sensory functions.

Further Research

Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of aFGF in nerve repair and to optimize its application in clinical settings.

Study Limitations

1
Lack of effective treatments for SCI due to limitations in the regenerative capacity of the adult central nervous system.
2
The exact mechanisms of aFGF's action in nerve repair remain unclear.
3
Ethical issues hinder the inclusion of control groups in clinical trials, making it challenging to definitively prove the efficacy of aFGF.

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