Systematic Evaluation of Spinal Cord Injury Animal Models in the Field of Biomaterials

TISSUE ENGINEERING: Part B, 2022 · DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2021.0194 · Published: March 14, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Biomedical Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

This study systematically reviews animal models used in spinal cord injury (SCI) research involving biomaterials, aiming to identify appropriate models for testing biomaterial-based therapies. The review evaluates 149 unique animal models based on factors like SCI confirmation and animal survival rates, providing an evidence-based list of well-documented models. The findings highlight the need for better reporting of methods and results, consideration of bias risks, and improvement of clinical relevance in current animal models to enhance the translation of biomaterial-based therapies for SCI.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

404 individual animal experiments

Evidence Level

Systematic Review

Key Findings

1
The review identified well-documented mid-thoracic rat models with high SCI confirmation rates and survival, making them suitable for biomaterial-based therapy studies.
2
Transection and hemisection injuries were the most prevalent methods to induce injury, in contrast to contusion and compression injuries.
3
Female animals were more frequently used compared with male animals.

Research Summary

This systematic review aimed to identify and evaluate animal models used to simulate spinal cord injury (SCI) for investigating biomaterial-mediated repair, following a predefined protocol. The study analyzed 393 references, identifying 404 separate animal experiments and 149 unique animal models, assessing factors like injury type, level, animal characteristics, SCI confirmation, and survival rates. The review provides a list of promising preclinical models, emphasizes the importance of clinical relevance, and calls for improved reporting standards and data sharing to enhance the translation of biomaterial-based therapies for SCI.

Practical Implications

Model Selection Guidance

Provides researchers with an evidence-based list of well-documented animal models for SCI, specifically highlighting mid-thoracic rat models with high SCI confirmation and survival rates, aiding in the selection of appropriate models for studying biomaterial-based therapies.

Improved Reporting Standards

Emphasizes the need for better reporting of methods and results, including randomization procedures, allocation concealment, and sample size calculations, to decrease bias and enhance the validity of SCI research using animal models.

Clinical Relevance Focus

Highlights the importance of enhancing the clinical relevance of animal models by considering various types of injuries, more cervical models, multiple species, and both sexes, to improve the translation of biomaterial-based treatment strategies for SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Cross-species differences complicating clinical translation
2
Highly standardized injuries in animal models, not resembling the heterogeneity of clinical SCI
3
Over-representation of acute therapies

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