FM19G11 and Ependymal Progenitor/Stem Cell Combinatory Treatment Enhances Neuronal Preservation and Oligodendrogenesis after Severe Spinal Cord Injury

International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2018 · DOI: 10.3390/ijms19010200 · Published: January 9, 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Neurology

Simple Explanation

This study investigates a combined treatment approach for severe spinal cord injury (SCI) using ependymal stem/progenitor cells (epSPCi) and a drug called FM19G11. The combination aims to improve neuronal preservation and the generation of oligodendrocytes, which are crucial for nerve cell function. The results suggest that this combined therapy may offer a more effective strategy for recovering neuronal activity after severe SCI compared to individual treatments.

Study Duration

8 Weeks

Participants

Female Sprague Dawley rats (~200 g)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The combination of epSPCi and FM19G11 improves locomotor tasks compared to the control group, though not significantly better than individual treatments in BBB scores.
2
Histological analysis shows the combined treatment improves the environment for neuronal preservation by reducing glial scar extension.
3
The combinatorial treatment enhances oligodendrocyte precursor cells by inducing Olig1 expression in vivo.

Research Summary

This study explores the combined therapeutic effects of epSPCi transplantation and FM19G11 administration in rats with severe SCI. The combined treatment showed improvements in locomotor tasks and histological outcomes, including reduced glial scar extension and enhanced oligodendrocyte precursor cell presence. These findings suggest that combining cell therapy and pharmacological approaches may offer a more effective strategy for treating severe SCI.

Practical Implications

Enhanced SCI Treatment Strategies

The study suggests that combining cell therapies with pharmacological treatments like FM19G11 can enhance neuronal preservation and functional recovery after severe SCI.

Targeting Glial Scar Formation

The findings highlight the importance of reducing glial scar formation to create a more permissive environment for neuronal regeneration and axon growth after SCI.

Promoting Oligodendrogenesis

The study supports the development of treatments that promote oligodendrocyte precursor cell development and remyelination to improve nerve cell function after SCI.

Study Limitations

1
BBB scores did not significantly improve compared to individual treatments.
2
Further investigation is needed to demonstrate plausible functional benefits by adjusting doses and/or treatment administrations for long-term treatment and analysis.
3
Global analysis of inﬁltrating macrophages may have limited the detection of specific M1/M2 cell changes.

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