BIRMINGHAM, England,
May 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Patients
with spinal cord injury (SCI) could benefit from future treatment
to repair nerve connections using red and near-infrared light.
The method, invented by University of
Birmingham scientists and patented by University of Birmingham Enterprise, delivers light
directly to the site of the injury.
Their latest research, published in Bioengineering and
Translational Medicine, determined an optimal 'dose' for this novel
approach, and showed it can deliver therapeutic improvements
including significant restoration of sensation and movement, and
regeneration of damaged nerve cells.
Researchers led by Professor Zubair
Ahmed used cell models of SCI to determine the frequency and
duration of light required to achieve maximum restoration of
function and stimulate nerve cell regrowth.
They found delivery at a wavelength of 660nm for one minute a
day increased cell viability (the number of live cells) by 45% over
five days' treatment.
Professor Ahmed said: "The effect of 660nm light was both
neuroprotective, meaning it improved survival of nerve cells, and
neuroregenerative, meaning it stimulated nerve cell
growth."
The researchers also investigated the effect of light therapy in
preclinical models of SCI, using an implantable device and
transcutaneous delivery with the light source placed against the
skin. They showed comparable results for both methods, with a
one-minute dose of 660nm light, delivered daily for seven days
resulting in reduced tissue scarring, increased levels of proteins
associated with nerve cell regeneration, improvements in the
connections between cells and significant functional
recovery.
This is the first time transcutaneous and direct light delivery
have been compared in SCI. Professor Ahmed said: "To make
light therapy viable for treating SCI in humans an implantable
device will be required, to provide line of sight to damaged tissue
and the opportunity for greater accuracy and standardise dosing
without impedance due to the thickness of the skin and other
tissues surrounding the spinal cord."
The researchers are planning to develop an implantable device
for use in humans with traumatic SCI. They have already received
further funding and are seeking commercial partners or investors to
develop a prototype device to take into first-in-man clinical
trials.
Full release here.
University of Birmingham
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