Asian Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

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Rapid Communication - Asian Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (2024) Volume 14, Issue 104

Hydrogel advances applied to degenerative diseases

Cong Park *

Department of Molecular Science, Ajou University, Republic of Korea

*Corresponding Author:

Department of Molecular Science
Ajou University
Republic of Korea
E-mail: park@cong.kr

Received:08-Mar-2024, Manuscript No. AABPS-24-131608; Editor assigned:09-Mar-2024, PreQC No. AABPS-24-131608 (PQ); Reviewed:23-Mar-2024, QC No. AABPS-24-131608; Revised:28-Mar-2024, Manuscript No. AABPS-24-131608(R); Published:04-Apr-2024, DOI:10.35841/ 14.104.224

Citation: Park C. Hydrogel advances applied to degenerative diseases. Asian J Biomed Pharm Sci. 2024; 14(104):224

Introduction

Degenerative diseases pose significant challenges to the healthcare sector, affecting millions of lives worldwide. These conditions, characterized by the progressive deterioration of tissue or organ function, often result in chronic pain, disability, and decreased quality of life for patients. While conventional treatments offer symptomatic relief, they often fall short in addressing the underlying causes of degeneration. However, recent advancements in hydrogel technology have opened new avenues for therapeutic intervention, offering hope for more effective management and even reversal of degenerative processes. Hydrogels are three-dimensional networks of hydrophilic polymers capable of absorbing and retaining large amounts of water [1, 2].

These materials exhibit remarkable versatility and tunability, making them ideal candidates for various biomedical applications. Hydrogels can mimic the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) found in tissues, providing a supportive environment for cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. Moreover, their biocompatibility and ability to deliver therapeutic agents in a controlled manner make them attractive for tissue engineering, drug delivery, and regenerative medicine. The unique properties of hydrogels have spurred interest in their application to degenerative diseases across multiple organ systems. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disorder characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone changes [3, 4].

Hydrogels loaded with growth factors, anti-inflammatory agents, or mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be injected directly into the joint space to promote tissue regeneration, reduce inflammation, and alleviate symptoms. These hydrogel-based therapies offer the potential for disease modification and long-term joint preservation. Degeneration of the intervertebral discs (IVDs) in the spine contributes to conditions such as degenerative disc disease and disc herniation, leading to back pain and neurological symptoms. Hydrogels engineered to mimic the mechanical properties of native IVDs can serve as injectable scaffolds for cell encapsulation or as carriers for growth factors and biological agents [5, 6].

By providing structural support and promoting disc hydration and cell viability, these hydrogel formulations hold promise for restoring spinal function and alleviating symptoms associated with disc degeneration. Diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's are characterized by the progressive loss of neurons and cognitive decline. Hydrogel-based delivery systems offer a means of administering neuroprotective agents, growth factors, or cell-based therapies directly to the affected regions of the brain or spinal cord. These targeted approaches aim to slow disease progression, promote neuronal survival, and enhance functional recovery in patients with neurodegenerative disorders. While hydrogel-based therapies show great potential in the treatment of degenerative diseases, several challenges remain to be addressed [7, 8].

These include optimizing the mechanical properties and degradation kinetics of hydrogels, ensuring long-term biocompatibility and safety, and overcoming barriers to effective drug delivery and cell engraftment. Additionally, the translation of hydrogel-based therapies from preclinical studies to clinical practice requires rigorous validation through well-designed clinical trials. Looking ahead, ongoing research efforts aim to enhance the functionality and therapeutic efficacy of hydrogels through innovative biomaterial design, incorporation of bioactive molecules, and advanced manufacturing techniques. Moreover, advances in tissue engineering, stem cell biology, and regenerative medicine hold promise for the development of personalized hydrogel-based therapies tailored to individual patient needs [9, 10].

Conclusion

Hydrogel technology represents a paradigm shift in the management of degenerative diseases, offering targeted and minimally invasive therapeutic interventions with the potential to modify disease progression and improve patient outcomes. By harnessing the unique properties of hydrogels, researchers and clinicians are striving to usher in a new era of precision medicine where degenerative conditions are not simply managed but effectively treated and even reversed. As the field continues to evolve, hydrogel-based approaches are poised to play a central role in shaping the future of healthcare for millions of individuals worldwide affected by degenerative diseases.

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