Biomaterial Approaches to Enhancing Neurorestoration after Spinal Cord Injury: Strategies for Overcoming Inherent Biological Obstacles.
While advances in technology and medicine have improved both longevity and quality of life in patients living with a spinal cord injury, restoration of full motor function is not often achieved. This is due to the failure of repair and regeneration of neuronal connections in the spinal cord after injury. In this review, the complicated nature of spinal cord injury is described, noting the numerous cellular and molecular events that occur in the central nervous system following a traumatic lesion. In short, postinjury tissue changes create a complex and dynamic environment that is highly inhibitory to the process of neural regeneration. Strategies for repair are outlined with a particular focus on the important role of biomaterials in designing a therapeutic treatment that can overcome this inhibitory environment. The importance of considering the inherent biological response of the central nervous system to both injury and subsequent therapeutic interventions is highlighted as a key consideration for all attempts at improving functional recovery.
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine at Seton Hill, Greensburg, PA 15601, USA.
Justin R
JR
Siebert
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine at Seton Hill, Greensburg, PA 15601, USA.
Amber M
AM
Eade
Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA.
Donna J
DJ
Osterhout
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000628:therapy*; D058630:Spinal Cord Regeneration
D001672:Biocompatible Materials