Clemastine in remyelination and protection of neurons and skeletal muscle after spinal cord injury

Neural Regeneration Research, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/1673-5374.355749 · Published: May 1, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Pharmacology Regenerative Medicine

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) damage nerves and tissues around the spinal cord, leading to axon and myelin degeneration, causing neuronal impairment, muscle weakness, and atrophy. Protecting neurons and promoting myelin regeneration are vital for functional recovery after SCI. Clemastine, an FDA-approved antihistamine, has shown potential in reducing inflammation, protecting cells, promoting remyelination, and preserving myelin integrity. It may also stimulate oligodendrocyte progenitor cell differentiation into mature oligodendrocytes, which are responsible for myelination. This review discusses SCI pathophysiology and clemastine's role in protecting neurons, myelin, and axons, as well as reducing muscle loss after SCI. Current treatments have limited effectiveness, making clemastine a promising potential therapy.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Animal models, rat models, and clinical trials with human participants

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
Clemastine enhances oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination, which helps to delay axonal degeneration and promote motor function recovery in rat SCI models.
2
Clemastine treatment preserves myelin integrity and decreases the loss of axons, leading to improved functional recovery in rat SCI models.
3
Clemastine has been clinically proven to provide protection of axonal nerve endings after SCI as well as inducing remyelination through oligodendrocyte promotion and stimulating muscle fiber growth.

Research Summary

Spinal cord injury results in the loss of functional mobility, sensations, and neuromuscular and skeletal function. Injury can lead to apoptosis of the neurons and degradation of oligodendrocytes causing demyelination of the axon. Clemastine has been clinically proven to provide protection of axonal nerve endings after SCI as well as inducing remyelination through oligodendrocyte promotion and stimulating muscle fiber growth. Clemastine treatments negate cell death and the formation of glial scars while protecting further damages to the spinal cord and muscle tissue through remyelination and promoting the recovery of cognitive function.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential for SCI

Clemastine shows promise as a therapeutic treatment for spinal cord injuries by promoting remyelination, protecting neurons, and stimulating muscle fiber growth.

Improved Functional Recovery

The use of clemastine alongside other therapies and exercise may improve muscle function, mobility, and overall quality of life for individuals with SCI.

Further Research Needed

Additional research is needed to explore clemastine's mechanisms of action and optimize its therapeutic application for SCI patients.

Study Limitations

1
The role of clemastine in neurogenic muscle loss remains unclear.
2
Clinical research on clemastine is relatively new, and more findings are needed.
3
Effects of clemastine may vary based on the severity and location of the spinal cord lesion.

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