Multipotent Neurotrophic Eﬀects of Hepatocyte Growth Factor in Spinal Cord Injury

International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2019 · DOI: 10.3390/ijms20236078 · Published: December 2, 2019

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Neurology

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to loss of neural tissue and functional impairment. The body's response to limit damage, such as glial scar formation, can also hinder nerve regeneration. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a neurotrophic growth factor that has anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic activities which promote neural regeneration. HGF also supports stem cell differentiation into neurons, making it a potential therapeutic agent for SCI.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
HGF minimizes secondary damage in the acute phase of SCI through its anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic activities.
2
HGF promotes neuronal differentiation of grafted NSCs and enhances synapse formation between new neurons and the descending corticospinal ﬁbers.
3
Combination therapies with HGF, cells, and scaffolds may offer synergistic benefits for neural regeneration in SCI.

Research Summary

Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in neural tissue loss and so far untreatable functional impairment. The highlighted eﬀects of HGF on neural regeneration are associated with its anti-inﬂammatory and anti-ﬁbrotic activities. This paper reviews the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic eﬀects of HGF in SCI recovery, and introduces recent advances in the clinical applications of HGF therapy.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

HGF's anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, angiogenic, and anti-fibrotic effects suggest it can be a valuable therapeutic agent for SCI.

Combination Therapy

Combining HGF with cell transplantation and scaffolds may enhance neural regeneration and functional recovery after SCI.

Clinical Trials

Further clinical trials are needed to explore the optimal routes and timing of HGF administration, and to assess its potential side effects.

Study Limitations

1
Limited endogenous HGF in the acute phase of SCI necessitates local administration.
2
Dynamics of HGF and c-Met expression in human spinal cord after SCI remain unknown.
3
Interactions between HGF, transplanted cells, and scaffolds are not fully understood.

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