Regenerative medicine for the treatment of spinal cord injury: more than just promises?

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2012

Authors

Ana Paula Pego (Author) FEUP; Sarka Kubinova (Author) Other; Dasa Cizkova (Author) Other; Ivo Vanicky (Author) Other; Fernando Milhazes Mar (Author) Other; Monica Mendes Sousa (Author) FEUP; Eva Sykova (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Journal Of Cellular And Molecular Medicine

Vol. 16

Pages: 2564-2582

ISSN: 1582-1838

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 56 Citations

Scopus - 59 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Medical and Health sciences > Other medical sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-002-3QT

DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2012.01603.x

Abstract (EN): Spinal cord injury triggers a complex set of events that lead to tissue healing without the restoration of normal function due to the poor regenerative capacity of the spinal cord. Nevertheless, current knowledge about the intrinsic regenerative ability of central nervous system axons, when in a supportive environment, has made the prospect of treating spinal cord injury a reality. Among the range of strategies under investigation, cell-based therapies offer the most promising results, due to the multifactorial roles that these cells can fulfil. However, the best cell source is still a matter of debate, as are clinical issues that include the optimal cell dose as well as the timing and route of administration. In this context, the role of biomaterials is gaining importance. These can not only act as vehicles for the administered cells but also, in the case of chronic lesions, can be used to fill the permanent cyst, thus creating a more favourable and conducive environment for axonal regeneration in addition to serving as local delivery systems of therapeutic agents to improve the regenerative milieu. Some of the candidate molecules for the future are discussed in view of the knowledge derived from studying the mechanisms that facilitate the intrinsic regenerative capacity of central nervous system neurons. The future challenge for the multidisciplinary teams working in the field is to translate the knowledge acquired in basic research into effective combinatorial therapies to be applied in the clinic.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 19