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Modeling Central Nervous System Injury In Vitro: Current Status and Promising Future Strategies
Kristina Pilipović1, Anja Harej Hrkać1, Natalia Kučić2
1Department of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia.
Abstract:
The central nervous system (CNS) injury, which occurs because of mechanical trauma or ischemia/hypoxia, is one of the main causes of mortality and morbidity in the modern society. Until know, despite the fact that numerous preclinical and clinical studies have been undertaken, no significant neuroprotective strategies have been discovered that could be used in the brain trauma or ischemia treatment. Although there are many potential explanations for the failure of those studies, it is clear that there are questions regarding the use of experimental models, both in vivo and in vitro, when studying CNS injury and searching new therapeutics. Due to some ethical issues with the use of live animals in biomedical research, implementation of experimental strategies that prioritize the use of cells and tissues in the in vitro environment has been encouraged. In this review, we examined some of the most commonly used in vitro models and the most frequently utilized cellular platforms in the research of traumatic brain injury and cerebral ischemia. We also proposed some future strategies that could improve the usefulness of these studies for better bench-to-bedside translational outcomes.
Insights
Central nervous system (CNS) injury research faces challenges with current experimental models. This review examines in vitro platforms for traumatic brain injury and cerebral ischemia, proposing strategies for improved neuroprotective therapy development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Research
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Central nervous system (CNS) injuries from trauma or ischemia/hypoxia are major causes of mortality and morbidity.
- Despite extensive research, effective neuroprotective strategies for brain trauma and ischemia remain elusive.
- Existing experimental models raise questions regarding their translational validity for CNS injury therapeutics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review commonly used in vitro models for studying traumatic brain injury (TBI) and cerebral ischemia.
- To evaluate frequently utilized cellular platforms in CNS injury research.
- To propose future strategies for enhancing the translational outcomes of in vitro CNS injury studies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of in vitro models for CNS injury.
- Analysis of cellular platforms used in traumatic brain injury and cerebral ischemia research.
- Discussion of ethical considerations favoring in vitro approaches.
Main Results:
- Identification of prevalent in vitro models and cellular platforms for CNS injury research.
- Highlighting the increasing importance of in vitro methods due to ethical considerations.
- Analysis of limitations in current experimental models for CNS injury.
Conclusions:
- In vitro models are crucial for advancing neuroprotection research in CNS injury.
- Further refinement of in vitro strategies is needed to bridge the gap between preclinical findings and clinical application.
- Developing improved in vitro models will enhance the discovery of effective treatments for brain trauma and ischemia.
