In the future, people with spinal cord injuries may have the potential to heal their nerve connections using a groundbreaking device that delivers red light and near-infrared light directly to the site of damage.
This innovative therapeutic approach, developed by scientists at the University of Birmingham, involves an implant that can be inserted during surgery to target and repair spinal cord injuries.
Spinal cord surgeries are already common procedures following injuries, providing an opportune moment for doctors to simultaneously implant this light-delivering device. The device aims to aid in the treatment and regeneration of damaged nerve cells, potentially offering significant improvements in sensation and movement for patients.
In their study, the researchers identified the optimal ‘dose’ of light and demonstrated that their method could deliver substantial therapeutic benefits. These benefits included significant restoration of sensory and motor functions, as well as regeneration of nerve cells.
Remarkably, after just five days of treatment, the delivery of red light at a wavelength of 660nm for one minute per day increased cell viability by 45%.
Professor Zubair Ahmed, who led the study, said, “Excitingly, this aspect of the study showed the effect of 660nm light was both neuro-protective, meaning it improved survival of nerve cells, and neuro-regenerative, meaning it stimulated nerve cell growth.”
To determine the frequency and duration of light exposure required for maximum functional restoration and nerve cell regrowth, scientists utilized cell models of spinal cord injuries in adult rats.
The findings, published in the journal Bioengineering and Translational Medicine, revealed that both an implantable device and transcutaneous delivery methods were effective.
Transcutaneous delivery involves placing the light source against the skin, while the implantable device delivers light directly to the injury site. Both methods showed comparable results: a one-minute dose of 660nm light administered daily for seven days led to reduced tissue scarring and significant functional recovery.
Moreover, the researchers observed substantial reductions in cavities and scarring, along with increases in proteins associated with nerve cell regeneration and improvements in cell connections in the injured area of the spine.
This study marks the first time that transcutaneous and direct light delivery methods have been compared in the context of spina cord injuries, representing a significant milestone. The researchers noted that there are currently “no approaches that preserve cells or improve neurological function.”
The first author of the study, Neurosurgery Registrar Andrew Stevens, said, “Surgery after spinal cord injury is common, but currently these operations are only aimed at stabilizing injuries to the bones of the spine that have been damaged by the trauma.”
“This concept is incredibly exciting as it could offer surgeons the opportunity during the same operation to implant a device which could help protect and repair the spinal cord itself.”
Light therapy, known as photobiomodulation (PBM), has a strong evidence base supporting its effectiveness in various dermatological and oral applications. These applications involve precise, metered light dosing delivered directly to tissue.
For instance, PBM is already approved by NICE for treating oral mucositis, a condition characterized by debilitating ulcers and painful inflammation in the mouth caused by cancer treatments.
Professor Ahmed emphasized the need for an implantable device to ensure direct line of sight to the damaged tissue and achieve greater accuracy without being impeded by the skin and tissues surrounding the spinal cord.
Since securing a patent through the University of Birmingham Enterprise, the researchers have received additional funding to develop an implantable device for human clinical trials targeting patients with traumatic spinal cord injuries.
The implications of this research are profound, offering new hope for individuals suffering from spinal cord injuries. If successful in human trials, this light-delivering implant could revolutionize the way these injuries are treated, moving beyond merely stabilizing the spine to actively repairing nerve damage and restoring function. The potential to significantly improve the quality of life for those affected by spinal cord injuries underscores the importance of continued research and development in this promising field.
The journey from laboratory research to clinical application involves numerous steps, but the progress made thus far is encouraging. The University of Birmingham team remains dedicated to advancing their work, aiming to bring this novel therapeutic approach to patients who need it most.
As further studies and trials unfold, the possibility of using light to heal spinal cord injuries moves closer to becoming a reality, highlighting the innovative intersections of technology, medicine, and patient care.
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