Amy Cy Lo

Collagen-Based Scaffolds for Cell Therapies in the Injured Brain

Current therapies for treating brain injuries, including stroke and traumatic brain injury, are designed to modify symptoms pharmacologically but do not promote full structural and functional regeneration of the brain. Integrating the merits of cell, biomaterials scaffolds and pharmaceutical therapies, biodegradable scaffold-facilitated cell therapy is a promising multifaceted approach to modify the local injury environment, and also to promote transplanted cell replacement and endogenous regeneration mechanisms. Collagen is an attractive candidate for providing a temporary supportive matrix for cell and drug delivery to the brain. With good biocompatibility, design flexibility and biomimetic properties of the natural extracellular matrix, collagen-based cell transplantation has demonstrated therapeutic potentials in preclinical studies of brain injury. In this review, we will discuss the properties and design considerations of collagen-based scaffolds for brain tissue engineering. Also, the current developments of collagen-based scaffolds in conveying different sources of cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells, neural stem/progenitor cells, embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells and derivatives to the brain will be illustrated. Advanced understanding in the interactions between collagen, cells and the local injury environment has greatly expanded the potential of these biomimetic systems to repair and regeneration the brain.

Lycium Barbarum: Neuroprotective Effects in Ischemic Stroke

Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of death worldwide, bringing about serious long-lasting disability and considerable social burden. Stroke patients suffer from various disabilities, including hemiplegia, dysesthesia, ataxia, and sometimes visual impairment. During an ischemic stroke, ischemia takes place due to blood flow interruption as a result of a cerebral artery blockade. The disruption in oxygen and glucose supply and subsequent reperfusion trigger a complex cascade of molecular events that eventually results in irreversible cell death in the affected brain area, affecting the functioning of the body. Treatment of ischemic stroke is important to alleviate the subsequent outcome. Yet, no ideal neuroprotective agents are available. Some research has turned to traditional medicine that has shown efficacy in animal models, making it an attractive option in the treatment of ischemic stroke. Another appealing alternative would be the prevention of ischemic stroke using traditional medicine, which may be beneficial for patients at high risk for ischemic stroke. One traditional medicine that shows promising results is Lycium barbarum (wolfberry, Goji, Fructus Lycii), an important traditional medicine in promoting health and longevity as well as a food supplement in the Western countries.