Development of non-biologic therapeutic treatments to repair traumatic tissue injuries
Abstract
Physiological and clinical impact associated with traumatic injuries is of significant interest to US Military. While mechanisms responsible for adverse effects continue to be better elucidated, there is a lack of understanding of potential treatment or prevention modalities.Development of non-biologic treatment modalities would significantly improve the capability of the US Navy and Marine Corps to mitigate traumatic injuries that might occur on the battlefield. To this end, the PI proposes to validate the efficacy of administering two FDA-approved therapeutics to repair and regenerate the damaged tissue. First, non-ionic copolymers such as poloxamer P188 will be applied to repair the membrane damage in response to a traumatic injury. P188 has been proven to improve blood flow and increase cell viability. However, the dynamics of resealing the cell membrane defects remains to be determined and therefore will be investigated in detail using sophisticated imaging techniques such as confocal microscopy. Temporary resealing of the cell membrane is expected to promote the self-repair processes that are intrinsic to the living cells. Second, non-invasive low-intensity light therapy will be optimized to boost the metabolic activity in the injured cells and promote cellular repair. Moreover, in normal non-injured brain cells, an increase in the metabolic activity is correlated with mental alertness. We will validate the hypothesis an optimized photostimulation can elevate ATP production and resist fatigue. Finally, these two FDA-approved therapeutics will be applied as an adjuvant therapy to synergistically supplement the efficacy of the combined treatments. If proven successful, the novel therapeutic modalities that are expected to be established from the proposed work may contribute to the current efforts for designing a smart helmet for the warfighters. Upon completion of the proposed work, an innovative model for adjuvant therapy may be validated and potentially administered as either a therapeutic or preventive treatment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 15, 2021
- Source ID
- N000142112039
Entities
People
- Michael H Cho
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Texas at Arlington