Work

A synergistic strategy of subacute scar tissue resection and paclitaxel-loaded fibrin scaffold grafting for spinal cord injury repair

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Scar tissue impede axonal regeneration and hinder functional recovery after spinal cord injury. Previous studies have demonstrated excision of scar tissue during the subacute phase (particularly on day 10) not only enhances neuronal regeneration but also identifies microtubule stabilization as a key contributor to axonal regeneration in this process. Here we grafted fibrin scaffolds loaded with paclitaxel (a microtubule-stabilizing agent) immediately after scar excision during subacute stage, with the aim of stabilizing axonal microtubules. Our results showed that paclitaxel promoted functional recovery of injured rats by enhancing neuronal regeneration and axonal elongation post resecting scars in subacute stage. In paclitaxel-fibrin-grafted group, the microenvironment post injury was significantly improved. The secretion of pro-regenerative factors (laminin, BDNF and NT-3) was upregulated and the deposition of CSPG, a key inhibitory component of the scar tissue, was reduced in injured spinal tissue under paclitaxel-fibrin. Moreover, BSCB (blood spinal cord barrier) was reconstructed that alleviated the continuous infiltration of immune cells into the lesion site. Collectively, these findings suggest that the administration of paclitaxel following scar resection during subacute stage may hold significant potential in the treatment of SCI.

Source: Cell & Bioscience

DOI: 10.1186/s13578-026-01626-8

Authors: Baoguo Liu, Sumei Liu, Jun Bai, Kang Li, Longbing Ma, Fengzeng Jian

Institutions: Capital Medical University, Xuan Wu Hospital of the Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders

Language: English

Topic: Spinal Cord Injury Research

Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,890