Neurotrophin treatment to promote regeneration after traumatic CNS injury

Front Biol (Beijing), 2013 · DOI: 10.1007/s11515-013-1269-8 · Published: October 1, 2013

Simple Explanation

Neurotrophins are growth factors crucial for the nervous system's development and function, aiding in neuron creation, survival, axon growth, synapse formation, and synaptic plasticity. After nervous system trauma, neurotrophic factors can help repair neurons and rebuild functional circuits by activating growth signals and regenerative programs. This review explores how different neurotrophins can aid recovery after spinal cord injuries in adults.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Neurotrophin treatments can induce sensory axonal regeneration after dorsal root lesions, promoting nerve regeneration and functional recovery from root avulsion injuries.
2
Neurotrophin delivery, particularly BDNF and NT3, can enhance neuronal survival and reduce atrophy after spinal cord injury, with the location of neurotrophin expression influencing the extent of regeneration.
3
Combined treatment with neurotrophins and glial-restricted precursor cells within grafts may be a useful therapeutic strategy to repair spinal cord injury caused by axonal demyelination.

Research Summary

Neurotrophins play vital roles in nerve regeneration following traumatic CNS injury, enhancing neuronal survival, axonal regrowth, remyelination, and synaptic plasticity. NT-mediated nerve regeneration after neurotrauma leads to functional recovery, achievable through NT protein delivery or gene therapy. Despite challenges like reciprocal collaboration and the dual action of p75NTR, a deeper understanding of NTs could broaden their clinical use for nerve regeneration after neurotrauma.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

Neurotrophin treatments offer promising avenues for enhancing nerve regeneration and functional recovery following CNS injuries, including spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries.

Combined Therapies

Combining neurotrophin delivery with other strategies such as cell transplantation, growth-inhibitory molecule manipulation, and gene therapy may yield synergistic effects in promoting nerve repair.

Optimizing Delivery

Careful consideration of neurotrophin delivery methods, dosage, and timing is crucial to maximize therapeutic benefits and minimize potential inhibitory effects or adverse outcomes such as hyperalgesia.

Study Limitations

1
NT treatments can sometimes have inhibitory effects on nerve regeneration.
2
The positive/negative action of the low-affinity receptor p75NTR presents a challenge.
3
Dosing of NTs could greatly effect nerve regeneration, in some cases.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Regenerative Medicine