The effects of GelMA hydrogel on nerve repair and regeneration in mice with spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) can lead to movement and sensory problems, as well as anxiety and depression. Current treatments have limited success in restoring nerve function. This study explores using GelMA hydrogel to help nerve repair and regeneration in mice with SCI. GelMA hydrogels have properties that can encourage cell growth. They are similar to natural materials in the body and can be quickly crosslinked to form a support structure for cells. This study examines the effects of directly injecting GelMA hydrogel on nerve repair in mice with SCI. The study found that GelMA hydrogel improved movement, lengthened nerve cell axons, reduced syringomyelia, and modulated protein expression related to nerve repair. These results suggest GelMA hydrogel could be a useful treatment for SCI.

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  GelMA hydrogel improved exercise ability in mice with SCI. Mice treated with GelMA hydrogel had markedly higher total scores and sub-scores on the BMS compared to the model group.
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  GelMA hydrogel lengthened the axon of DRG neurons in mice. The axon length of neurons isolated from mice in the experimental group were significantly longer than the neurons isolated from mice in the model group.
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  GelMA hydrogel reduced the area of syringomyelia in mice with SCI. Mice in the experimental group showed a significantly decreased area of syringomyelia after treatment with GelMA hydrogel, compared with the model group.