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The presence of endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells in the adult mammalian brain suggests that the central nervous system can be repaired and regenerated after injury. However, whether it is possible to stimulate neurogenesis and reconstruct cortical layers II to VI in non-neurogenic regions, such as the cortex, remains unknown. In this study, we implanted a hyaluronic acid collagen gel loaded with basic fibroblast growth factor into the motor cortex immediately following traumatic injury. Our findings reveal that this gel effectively stimulated the proliferation and migration of endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells, as well as their differentiation into mature and functionally integrated neurons. Importantly, these new neurons reconstructed the architecture of cortical layers II to VI, integrated into the existing neural circuitry, and ultimately led to improved brain function. These findings offer novel insight into potential clinical treatments for traumatic cerebral cortex injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attempts have been made to use cell transplantation and biomaterials to promote cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and survival, as well as angiogenesis, in the context of brain injury. However, whether bioactive materials can repair the damage caused by ischemic stroke by activating endogenous neurogenesis and angiogenesis is still unknown. In this study, we applied chitosan gel loaded with basic fibroblast growth factor to the stroke cavity 7 days after ischemic stroke in rats. The gel slowly released basic fibroblast growth factor, which improved the local microenvironment, activated endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells, and recruited these cells to migrate toward the penumbra and stroke cavity and subsequently differentiate into neurons, while enhancing angiogenesis in the penumbra and stroke cavity and ultimately leading to partial functional recovery. This study revealed the mechanism by which bioactive materials repair ischemic strokes, thus providing a new strategy for the clinical application of bioactive materials in the treatment of ischemic stroke., Competing Interests: None