In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have found that a common drug can prevent damage to fat tissue following spinal cord injuries (SCIs). This development offers new hope for individuals affected by SCIs, which can lead to significant neurological deficits and lifelong disability.
One of the key drivers of SCI secondary damage is the breakdown of the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB), which results in oedema (excess fluid build-up around the spinal cord) and triggers an inflammatory response that can lead to nerve cell death. AZD1236 is a potent and selective inhibitor of two enzymes, MMP-9 and MMP-12, which are implicated in the inflammatory process. By suppressing the formation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, AZD1236 has been found to be 82% more effective at alleviating SCI-induced neuropathic pain sensitivity to cold, heat, and touch when compared to currently used pain medications such as pregabalin (Lyrica) and gabapentin.