Ultrastructural Evidence of Synapse Preservation and Axonal Regeneration Following Spinal Root Repair with Fibrin Biopolymer and Therapy with Dimethyl Fumarate

Polymers, 2023 · DOI: 10.3390/polym15153171 · Published: July 26, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Neurology

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how to improve recovery after spinal cord injuries, specifically ventral root avulsion, where motor roots are torn from the spinal cord. The researchers tested a combination of surgical repair using a fibrin biopolymer and treatment with dimethyl fumarate (DMF), an anti-inflammatory drug. The experiment involved rats with surgically induced spinal root damage. Some rats received only the surgical repair, some received only the drug, and others received both. The results were then compared to a control group. The findings suggest that using both the fibrin biopolymer for surgical repair and the dimethyl fumarate drug together helped to protect nerve cells, promote nerve regeneration, and improve motor function recovery in the rats.

Study Duration

12 weeks

Participants

Forty adult 8-week-old female Lewis rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The combination of fibrin biopolymer and dimethyl fumarate is neuroprotective, preserving synapses near motoneurons.
2
Nerve sprouting occurred, restoring the ‘g’ ratio and large axon diameter with the combined treatment.
3
The combined treatment led to up to 50% gait recovery, as observed in walking track tests.

Research Summary

This study evaluates the effectiveness of combining surgical repair with a fibrin biopolymer and dimethyl fumarate (DMF) treatment for spinal root avulsion in rats. Ventral root avulsion (VRA) in rats has become an animal model widely used since it can recapitulate both acute and chronic phases following injury. The results indicate that the combined approach enhances motoneuron survival and regeneration after proximal lesions, with evidence of synapse preservation and axonal regeneration. The early repair of the lesioned roots is crucial for both motoneuron survival and the preservation of intrinsic spinal circuitry. Motor function recovery was significantly improved in the group receiving both treatments, suggesting a potential therapeutic application. Pharmacological treatment with DMF associated with lesioned root reimplantation showed neuroprotective and anti-inﬂammatory capacity.

Practical Implications

Clinical Translation

The combined therapy of DMF with root replantation with fibrin biopolymer may be further studied, aiming at future therapeutic application.

Neuroprotective Strategies

The study highlights the importance of neuroprotective strategies in enhancing recovery after spinal cord injuries.

Synaptic Preservation

Focusing on synaptic preservation can lead to improved motor function recovery following nerve damage.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on rats, and results may not directly translate to humans.
2
Further research is needed to understand the long-term effects of the combined treatment.
3
The specific mechanisms of action of DMF and the fibrin biopolymer require further investigation.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury