Application of Chitosan Hydrogels in Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury; A Therapeutic Approach Based on the Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of Selenium Nanoparticles

Abstract

Purpose: The pathophysiological progression of traumatic Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) includes primary and secondary injury. Secondary injury destroys the spinal cord tissue and neurological disorders. After primary mechanical damage, inflammation is the most important factor inducing astrogliosis and scar formation. The activation of inflammatory cells in the area of damage produces free radicals, all of which damage cell membranes. A significant level of oxygen-free radical production is involved in the pathology of SCI. Therefore, limiting secondary damage is very important in the clinical treatment of acute traumatic spinal cord injury.

Materials and Methods: In this review article, the articles indexed in various databases were used. The collection of articles was evaluated without time constraints using keywords inducing traumatic SCI, inflammation, oxidative stress, chitosan, and selenium nanoparticles.

Results: Inflammation and oxygen-free radicals play a key role in secondary damage after SCI. Therefore, as a new therapeutic approach, the use of hydrogels based on chitosan has been considered in SCI. The biocompatibility and biological properties of chitosan have made it considered a suitable material for nerve regeneration.

Conclusion: The use of reactive oxygen species scavengers, including metal nanoparticles, can control inflammation and oxidative stress in spinal cord injuries. Selenium nanoparticle treatment may reduce secondary damage in SCI by using its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Therefore, the use of selenium nanoparticles in the chitosan hydrogel bed can control the degeneration and functional improvement of the nerve tissue of the spinal cord.