Polypyrrole/polylactic acid nanofibrous scaffold cotransplanted with bone marrow stromal cells promotes the functional recovery of spinal cord injury in rats

CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, 2019 · DOI: 10.1111/cns.13135 · Published: September 1, 2019

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to loss of movement and sensation. Current treatments have limitations, and new approaches are needed to promote nerve regeneration. This study explores using a combination of a special scaffold made of polypyrrole/polylactic acid (PPy/PLA) and bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) to help heal spinal cord injuries in rats. The results suggest that this combination can help reduce scar tissue, promote nerve regeneration, and improve functional recovery after SCI.

Study Duration

6 Weeks

Participants

54 Female Sprague‐Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The PPy/PLA/BMSCs group showed a shorter latent period compared with PPy/PLA and compared with control groups.
2
The PPy/PLA/BMSCs group showed the best performance in locomotion among these three experimental groups with the mean average BBB scores (5.4 ± 1.17).
3
Rats treated with PPy/PLA/BMSCs showed higher NF‐positive signals (533.57 ± 62.16; **P < 0.01) compared with the control group (407.20 ± 29.71) and the PPy/PLA‐administered group (474.42 ± 34.40).

Research Summary

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a polypyrrole/polylactic acid (PPy/PLA) nanofibrous scaffold cotransplanted with bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) in enhancing functional recovery in rats with spinal cord injury (SCI). The results indicated that the PPy/PLA nanofibrous scaffold, when combined with BMSCs, promoted functional recovery of the spinal cord, reduced scar tissue formation, and facilitated axon regeneration. The study concludes that the implantation of the PPy/PLA nanofibrous scaffold and BMSCs has significant potential for restoring electrical conduction and promoting functional recovery by inhibiting scar tissue formation and bridging the lesion gap.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

The combination of PPy/PLA scaffold and BMSCs cotransplantation offers a promising therapeutic strategy for spinal cord injury treatment.

Regeneration Enhancement

This approach can be used to improve nerve regeneration and functional outcomes in SCI by creating a conducive microenvironment.

Clinical Translation

Further research is needed to translate these findings into clinical applications for human spinal cord injury patients.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on rats, and the results may not be directly applicable to humans.
2
The long-term effects of the PPy/PLA/BMSCs treatment were not evaluated beyond 6 weeks.
3
The exact mechanisms by which PPy/PLA and BMSCs promote nerve regeneration require further investigation.

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