An anti-inflammatory peptide and brain-derived neurotrophic factor-modified hyaluronan-methylcellulose hydrogel promotes nerve regeneration in rats with spinal cord injury

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) causes a cascade of detrimental events, including neuronal death and inflammation, leading to loss of nerve function. The study aims to develop a targeted therapy using a hydrogel to deliver an anti-inflammatory peptide and a growth factor to the injured site. The hyaluronan-methylcellulose (HAMC) hydrogel is modified with an anti-inflammatory peptide (KAFAK) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) to create a localized and sustained delivery system. The hydrogel's properties and its effect on cell proliferation are tested in vitro. The HAMC-KAFAK/BDNF hydrogel is injected into the injured spinal cord of rats. The study evaluates the hydrogel's impact on nerve regeneration by assessing inflammation, behavior, and tissue morphology over eight weeks.

• 1
  The HAMC-KAFAK/BDNF hydrogel demonstrates minimal swelling and sustained release of KAFAK and BDNF, suggesting its suitability for localized drug delivery.
• 2
  The hydrogel promotes the proliferation of PC12 cells in vitro without causing cytotoxicity, indicating its biocompatibility and potential to support neuronal growth.
• 3
  SCI rats treated with the hydrogel exhibit significant recovery in neurological function and nerve tissue morphology compared to control groups, highlighting its therapeutic potential.