The effects of scar resection in chronic complete spinal cord injury(SCI) and the effects of scar resection combined with decellularized hydrogel (scaffold)

This study examines the molecular effects of surgical scar resection in　complete chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) through RNA sequencing. Results show that scar resection alters gene expression, with downregulation of axonal growth inhibitors and upregulation of neuroprotective genes. Additionally, the application of a decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) hydrogel as a scaffold promoted angiogenesis. Gene Ontology analysis indicated enrichment of immune-related processes, suggesting that scar resection improves the spinal cord microenvironment for neural repair. These findings indicate the potential of combining scar resection with scaffolding to support recovery after chronic complete SCI. To confirm the treatment effects, we created a rat model of complete transection at the thoracic level 10 of the spinal cord and performed therapeutic intervention six weeks post-injury during the chronic phase. We created a group that underwent scar resection on the chronically injured spinal cord and another group where a scaffold was implanted after scar resection. The untreated group was used as the control.