Dextran-based biodegradable nanoparticles: an alternative and convenient strategy for treatment of traumatic spinal cord injury

International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2018 · DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/IJN.S171925 · Published: January 1, 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Pharmacology Biomedical

Simple Explanation

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to the formation of an inhibitory environment containing chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) that prevent axonal regeneration and growth. The study explores using paclitaxel (PTX) incorporated into acetalated dextran (Ac-DEX) nanoparticles for sustained release, promoting neurite extension and neural regeneration in a rat SCI model. The use of PTX@Ac-DEX nanoparticles offers a convenient SCI therapy strategy that can improve neurite extension and avoid Cremophor-related toxicity caused by Taxol.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Female rats (170–220 g)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The prepared PTX-loaded Ac-DEX nanoparticles promoted neurite extension in the presence of CSPGs, suggesting a potential for overcoming inhibitory factors after SCI.
2
Both PTX@Ac-DEX and Taxol enhanced neural regeneration, inhibited CSPGs, protected the injured spinal cord, and improved locomotor recovery in a rat SCI model.
3
Single administration of PTX@Ac-DEX showed equal therapeutic effect with Taxol, which need to be administered for seven days using a surgically implanted miniosmotic pump.

Research Summary

This study introduces a novel drug delivery system utilizing dextran-based biodegradable nanoparticles to deliver paclitaxel (PTX) for treating traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). The PTX@Ac-DEX nanoparticles facilitated sustained release of PTX, promoting neurite extension, inhibiting CSPGs, and enhancing locomotor recovery in a rat SCI model. The single administration of PTX@Ac-DEX nanoparticles achieved comparable therapeutic effects to the continuous administration of Taxol via an invasive miniosmotic pump, while also eliminating Cremophor-related toxicity.

Practical Implications

Effective SCI Therapy

The findings suggest that PTX@Ac-DEX nanoparticles offer an effective approach to SCI therapy by improving neurite extension and avoiding Cremophor-related toxicity.

Reduced invasiveness

Single-dose administration of PTX@Ac-DEX nanoparticles provides a less invasive alternative to continuous Taxol administration via miniosmotic pumps.

Potential for Neurological Disease Treatment

The study opens perspectives on the application of PTX@Ac-DEX for treating severe neurological diseases beyond SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The study only involved a rat SCI model.
2
Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanism and leverage the multiple pathways that regulate microtubule stabilization.
3
The long-term effects of PTX@Ac-DEX administration were not evaluated.

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