From the bench to the bedside: Spinal cord regeneration, niacin for stroke, magnetic nanoparticles, stimulation for epilepsy, role of galanins in epilepsy, functions of the supramarginal gyri, and the role of inflammation in postoperative cognitive disturbances

Surgical Neurology International, 2010 · DOI: 10.4103/2152-7806.71985 · Published: October 20, 2010

Simple Explanation

The review discusses how deletion of the Pten enzyme in adult corticospinal neurons can induce robust new axonal projections following spinal cord injury in animal models. Niacin, a common cholesterol-lowering drug, may improve functional outcomes after stroke by promoting neuronal recovery and synapse formation, potentially through increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. Magnetic nanoparticles, delivered via focused ultrasound, can target drugs to brain tumors and reduce tumor progression in animal models, opening new avenues for targeted drug delivery in neurosurgical oncology and other fields.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Rats, mice, cultured neurons, and human subjects in reviewed studies

Evidence Level

Level V, Review of preclinical and clinical studies

Key Findings

1
Pten deletion enhances regenerative ability of adult corticospinal neurons following spinal cord injury in animal models.
2
Niacin treatment increases synaptic plasticity and axon growth after stroke in rats by increasing BDNF/TrkB-mediated neurite outgrowth.
3
Inflammation plays a crucial role in postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD), and pretreatment with anti-inflammatory agents may prevent its occurrence.

Research Summary

This review summarizes recent advances in translational neuroscience, covering topics from spinal cord regeneration and stroke recovery to brain tumor treatment and epilepsy management. The authors highlight studies that explore potential therapeutic interventions, including Pten deletion for spinal cord injury, niacin for stroke, magnetic nanoparticles for brain tumors, and low-frequency stimulation and galanin receptor modulation for epilepsy. The review also discusses research on the functions of the supramarginal gyri in speech and phonological processing, as well as the role of inflammation in postoperative cognitive disturbances.

Practical Implications

Spinal Cord Injury Treatment

Pharmacological manipulation of Pten may enhance recovery following corticospinal injury.

Stroke Rehabilitation

Niacin treatment may improve neurological outcomes after stroke and should be further investigated.

Targeted Drug Delivery

Focused ultrasound and magnetic nanoparticles offer a promising approach for targeted drug delivery to specific brain regions.

Study Limitations

1
Functionality of new synapses formed after Pten deletion needs further investigation.
2
Long-term effects of low-frequency stimulation for epilepsy require more data.
3
Effects of anti-inflammatory medications on pain perception may confound POCD testing.

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