Thermo-sensitive hydrogel combined with SHH expressed RMSCs for rat spinal cord regeneration

Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 2022 · DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1001396 · Published: October 21, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Biomedical

Simple Explanation

This research explores a new method to treat spinal cord injuries (SCI) in rats by combining a thermo-sensitive hydrogel with rat bone-marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (RMSCs) that express Sonic Hedgehog (SHH). The hydrogel provides a supportive structure, while the SHH-expressing RMSCs aim to promote nerve regeneration. The study involved isolating RMSCs from rats, introducing the SHH gene into these cells using cationic liposomes, and creating a thermo-sensitive hydrogel. A rat model of SCI was then established, and the rats were divided into groups receiving different treatments, including RMSCs with hydrogel and SHH-RMSCs with hydrogel. The results showed that the SHH-RMSC group exhibited significant improvements in motor function and nerve regeneration compared to the other groups. This suggests that transplanting RMSCs with SHH could enhance the function of SCI and promote nerve regeneration.

Study Duration

8 Weeks

Participants

Male SD rats (200–250 g, 14–16 weeks old) randomized into four groups: sham operation (n = 10), model (n = 10), RMSC treated (n = 10) and SHH-RMSC treated groups (n = 40)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Transfection of SHH with cationic liposomes exhibited more effect in RMSCs than lipofectamine 2000.
2
Both RMSCs and SHH-RMSCs groups could signiﬁcantly promote BBB and inclined plate scores (p < 0.01) compared with the model.
3
The SHH-RMSC group was signiﬁcantly improved than RMSC with the expression of related proteins, where NF200, MBP, and GAP43 were principally enhanced with the GFAP expression being virtually down-regulated.

Research Summary

This study investigates a novel approach for treating spinal cord injuries (SCI) in rats by combining thermo-sensitive hydrogel with Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) expressed in rat bone-marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (RMSCs). The method involves isolating RMSCs, transfecting them with the SHH gene using cationic liposomes, and embedding them in a hyaluronate (HA) and Pluronic F127 thermo-sensitive hydrogel. This composite is then transplanted into a rat SCI model. Results indicate that transplantation of RMSCs with SHH improves SCI function and promotes nerve regeneration, suggesting a promising therapeutic strategy for SCI.

Practical Implications

Potential Therapeutic Strategy

The combination of thermo-sensitive hydrogel and SHH-expressing RMSCs shows promise as a functional therapy for spinal cord injury.

Enhanced Nerve Regeneration

The study demonstrates that SHH-RMSCs can significantly improve nerve regeneration in SCI models.

Improved Motor Function

Treatment with SHH-RMSCs resulted in significant improvements in motor function, as assessed by BBB and inclined plate scores.

Study Limitations

1
The study is limited to a rat model of SCI.
2
Further research is needed to understand the long-term effects of this treatment.
3
The fate of transplanted RMSCs in the host tissue should be tracked.

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