British scientists are developing a treatment which could allow
damaged nerve fibers to regenerate within the spinal cord.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge have identified a
bacteria enzyme called chondroitinase, which is capable of
digesting molecules within scar tissue to allow some nerve fibers
to regrow, according to the BBC on Sunday.
Spinal injuries are difficult to treat because the body cannot
repair damage to the brain or spinal cord. Nerves could regenerate,
but they are blocked by the scar tissue that forms at the site of
the spinal injury.
The enzyme also promotes nerve plasticity, which potentially
means that remaining undamaged nerve fibers have an increased
likelihood of making new connections that could bypass the area of
damage, said the report.
Preliminary tests show that combining chondroitinase with
rehabilitation produces better results than using either technique
alone. However, trials have yet to begin in patients.
"Chondroitinase offers us hope in two ways: firstly it allows
some nerve fibers to regenerate and secondly it enables other
nerves to take on the role of those fibers that cannot be
repaired," lead scientist James Fawcett was quoted as saying.
"Along with rehabilitation we are very hopeful that at last we
may be able to offer paralyzed patients a treatment to improve
their condition," he added.
In Britain, there are more than 40,000 people suffering from
spinal injuries, which can cause anything from loss of sensation to
full paralysis.
(Xinhua News Agency February 18, 2008)