Neural Regeneration Research ›› 2025, Vol. 20 ›› Issue (5): 1293-1308.doi: 10.4103/NRR.NRR-D-24-00061

Previous Articles     Next Articles

Combinatorial therapies for spinal cord injury repair

Carla S. Sousa1, 2 , Andreia Monteiro1, 2 , António J. Salgado1, 2 , Nuno A. Silva1, 2, *   

  1. 1Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar – gualtar, Braga, Portugal; 

    2ICVS/3B’s Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, Campus de Gualtar – gualtar, Braga, Portugal

  • Online:2025-05-15 Published:2024-10-29
  • Contact: Nuno A. Silva, PhD, nunosilva@med.uminho.pt.
  • Supported by:
    This work has been funded by Nattonal funds, through the Foundatton for Science and Technology (FCT) - project UIDB/50026/2020 (DOI 10.54499/ UIDB/50026/2020), UIDP/50026/2020 (DOI 10.54499/UIDP/50026/2020) and LA/P/0050/2020 (DOI 10.54499/LA/P/0050/2020) (to NAS). Financial support was also provided by Prémios Santa Casa Neurociências–Prize Melo e Castro for Spinal Cord Injury Research (MC-18-2021) and by Wings for Life Spinal Cord Research Foundatton (WFL-PT-14/23) (to NAS).

Abstract: Spinal cord injuries have profound detrimental effects on individuals, regardless of whether they are caused by trauma or non-traumatic events. The compromised regeneration of the spinal cord is primarily attributed to damaged neurons, inhibitory molecules, dysfunctional immune response, and glial scarring. Unfortunately, currently, there are no effective treatments available that can fully repair the spinal cord and improve functional outcomes. Nevertheless, numerous pre-clinical approaches have been studied for spinal cord injury recovery, including using biomaterials, cells, drugs, or technological-based strategies. Combinatorial treatments, which target various aspects of spinal cord injury pathophysiology, have been extensively tested in the last decade. These approaches aim to synergistically enhance repair processes by addressing various obstacles faced during spinal cord regeneration. Thus, this review intends to provide scientists and clinicians with an overview of pre-clinical combinatorial approaches that have been developed toward the solution of spinal cord regeneration as well as update the current knowledge about spinal cord injury pathophysiology with an emphasis on the current clinical management.

Key words: electric stimulation, neural tissue regeneration, neuroprotection, polytherapy, spinal cord injury