An injectable recombinant human milk fat globule–epidermal growth factor 8–loaded copolymer system for spinal cord injury by reducing inflammation through NF-κB pathway and neuronal cell death

Abstract Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a common disease and a major cause of paralysis, carrying much burden around the world. Despite the progress made with growth factors therapy, the response rate of acute SCI treatment still remains unsatisfactory, due largely to complex and severe inflammatory reactions. Herein, we prepare a MFG-E8–loaded copolymer system–based anti-inflammation therapy for SCI treatment. It is shown that the MFG-E8–loaded copolymer system can decrease pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and neuron death. In a rat model of crush-caused SCI, the copolymer system shows significant therapeutic efficacy by ameliorating inflammation, decreasing fibrotic scar, promoting myelin regeneration and suppressing overall SCI severity.