Abstract: The incurability of central nervous system diseases is due, on the one hand, to the intricate structure of the central nervous system and, on the other hand, to the lack of regeneration capacity of adult central nervous system neurons. Therefore, the fundamental reason for the failure to recover from central nervous system diseases lies in the inability of neurons to regenerate. Over the past few decades, numerous studies have established that endogenous neurogenesis occurs in the adult central nervous system, including in humans. This finding challenges the long-held scientific consensus that the number of neurons remains constant and that the adult central nervous system cannot produce new neurons or renew itself. In this paper, we present a comprehensive overview of the alterations and regulatory mechanisms of endogenous neurogenesis following central nervous system injury, as well as a review of novel treatment strategies that target endogenous neurogenesis and newborn neurons in the treatment of central nervous system injury. Central nervous system injury frequently results in alterations of endogenous neurogenesis, encompassing the activation, proliferation, ectopic migration, differentiation, and functional integration of endogenous neural stem cells. However, due to the unfavorable local microenvironment, the majority of activated neural stem cells differentiate into glial cells rather than neurons. Consequently, the injury-induced endogenous neurogenesis response is inadequate for repairing the impaired neural function. Scientists have attempted to enhance endogenous neurogenesis using various strategies, including the utilization of neurotrophic factors, the employment of bioactive materials, and the implementation of cell reprogramming techniques. When used alone or in combination, these therapeutic strategies can promote the targeted migration of neural stem cells to the injured area, ensure their survival and differentiation into mature functional neurons, and facilitate their integration into the neural circuit. This integration, in turn, can replenish lost neurons after central nervous system injury by improving the local microenvironment. By regulating each phase of endogenous neurogenesis, endogenous neural stem cells can be harnessed to promote the effective regeneration of newborn neurons. This offers a novel approach for the treatment of central nervous system injury.

Key words: bioactive materials, brain trauma, endogenous neurogenesis, hippocampal dental gyrus, neural stem cells, neurotrophic factors, newborn neurons, spinal cord injury, stroke, subventricular zone