Facilitation of neurological recovery in a complete spinal cord injury with NeuroAiD: case report

• Published in: SPINAL CORD SERIES AND CASES
• Main Authors: Zainudin, Muhamad Faizal; Abu Hassan, Salmah Anim; Khin, Nyein Yin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SPRINGERNATURE 2024
• Subjects: Neurosciences & Neurology; Rehabilitation
• Online Access: https://www-webofscience-com.uitm.idm.oclc.org/wos/woscc/full-record/WOS:001196996300001

IntroductionNeuroAiD (MLC601 & MLC901)'s neuroprotective capabilities include limiting exaggerated calcium influx, decreasing excitotoxicity, reducing oxidative stress, and preventing glutamate-induced cell death. It has also been shown to facilitate synaptogenesis, neurogenesis, and neuroplasticity. However, its clinical efficacy has primarily been studied in the context of brain injuries, particularly stroke. NeuroAiD's potential application in SCI remains largely untapped.Case presentationA 34-year-old male presented with C4 complete tetraplegia. Following surgical decompression and initial inpatient rehabilitation, he started consuming MLC901 two capsules three times daily at month 4 post injury for 6 months. He regained considerable neurological recovery following the supplementation. Apart from the improvement in the neurological level of injury, the patient exhibited motor recovery beyond the initial zone of partial preservation up to 24 months post injury.DiscussionOur findings align with a recent animal study demonstrating MLC901's potential to downregulate Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), a molecule known to increase vascular permeability and exacerbate tissue edema and infarction. In another animal study involving stroke-affected mice, MLC901 demonstrates the ability to promote neurological recovery by regulating the expression of proteins mediating angiogenesis, such as hypoxic inducible factor 1 alpha, erythropoietin, angiopoietins 1 and 2, as well as VEGF. The anecdotal findings from this case report offer preliminary insights into NeuroAiD's potential in facilitating recovery during post-acute and chronic phases of severe SCI, necessitating further exploration.