[Combined application of neural stem cell and self-assembly isoleucine-lysine-valine-alanine-valine nanofiber gel transplantation in the promotion of function recovery of spinal cord injury in rats].

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effects of neural stem cells (NSC) plus self-assembly isoleucine-lysine-valine-alanine-valine (IKVAV) nanofiber gel transplantation on the promotion of function recovery of spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats.

METHODS

A total of 230 SD rats were randomized into gel, NSC, NSC plus self-assembly IKVAV nanofiber gel transplantation, normal saline and sham-operation groups. Function repair was evaluated by bundle branch block (BBB) score, immunofluorescence and Western blot respectively at Day 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 28, 56 and 92 post-operation.

RESULTS

There were statistically significant differences among bundle branch block (BBB) scores of different treatment groups (P < 0.01). Moreover, statistical significance existed between each treatment group and combined transplantation group (P = 0.000). The expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein in combined transplantation group (rats with spinal injury) was lower than that in other treatment groups (except for sham operation) and the expression of NF-200 in this group was higher than that in other treatment groups (except for sham operation). Significant differences existed in the expressions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor between combined transplantation and other treatment groups (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Transplantation with IKVAV nanofiber gel, NSC and NSC plus self-assembly IKVAV nanofiber gel may promote the repair of SCI in rats. But the method of NSC plus self-assembly IKVAV nanofiber gel is more effective.