Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor-releasing Polyglycolic Acid Duras Improve Neurological Function after Cerebral Infarction.

Abstract

Objective: Regenerative therapy using stem cells to treat cerebral infarction is currently in the research phase. However, this method is costly. It also faces other significant challenges, including optimization of timing, delivery methods, and dosage. Therefore, more practical and effective therapies are required. Bioabsorbable artificial dura mater made from nonwoven Polyglycolic Acid (PGA) fabric is used clinically to treat cerebral infarction. Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF) has attracted considerable attention as a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of cerebral infarctions. In this study, we aimed to prepare a bFGF-releasing PGA dura mater and investigate its therapeutic efficacy for the recovery of neurological function in a mouse model of focal cerebral infarction.

Methods: An artificial dura mater (Durawave) made from nonwoven PGA fabric was subjected to oxygen plasma treatment, followed by bFGF adsorption. The release of bFGF from the resulting PGA dura mater was evaluated in vitro using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. bFGF-releasing PGA dura mater was placed at the site of induced cerebral infarctions in mice. Neurological function was assessed 14 days after insertion, followed by a histological assessment.

Results: The prepared PGA dura mater released bFGF in a dose-dependent manner. Neurological function in the bFGF-treated groups was significantly better than that in the control group. bFGFreleasing PGA dura mater also significantly increased the number of neural progenitor cells in the peri-infarct cortex and striatum and showed a trend toward promoting angiogenesis.

Conclusion: bFGF-releasing PGA dura mater improved neurological function in a mouse model of focal cerebral infarction.