In vitro modulation of Schwann cell behavior by VEGF and PDGF in an inflammatory environment

This study explores how two growth factors, VEGF and PDGF, affect Schwann cells (SCs) in an inflammatory environment, relevant to spinal cord injury (SCI) treatment. SCs are important for nerve repair, and combining them with growth factors could enhance regenerative outcomes after SCI. The researchers found that inflammation reduces the ability of SCs to clear myelin debris, a key obstacle after SCI. However, adding VEGF and PDGF, particularly PDGF, improved the SCs' myelin-clearing ability even in the presence of inflammation. PDGF also reduced the production of a pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α) by SCs, suggesting it can create a more favorable environment for nerve regeneration. These findings suggest that using VEGF and/or PDGF with SC transplantation could be beneficial for SCI therapy.

• 1
  Inflammation impairs SC-mediated clearance of myelin debris, but the addition of VEGF and PDGF (alone and combined) improved phagocytosis, with PDGF eliciting the strongest effect.
• 2
  PDGF reduces secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α by SCs in an inflammatory environment, while IL-6 and anti-inflammatory cytokines (TGF-β and IL-10) remain unaltered.
• 3
  PDGF downregulates the expression of the myelination-associated gene Oct6 (Pou3f1) in the presence of an inflammatory environment, suggesting a shift towards nerve repair.