Abstract

Background:
Spinal cord injury (SCI) significantly impairs nervous system function and sexual health, affecting male reproductive organs such as the prostate and seminal vesicles, leading to sexual dysfunction and reduced semen quality. Recent biomaterials such as alginate-chitosan hydrogels support nerve regeneration and tissue repair by mimicking the extracellular matrix and enabling targeted drug delivery. Erythropoietin (EPO) has shown promise in enhancing neural and reproductive functions through these hydrogels.

Aim:
This study explores the use of EPO-loaded alginate-chitosan hydrogels to promote nerve regeneration and restoring accessory genital gland function, aiming to improve treatment outcomes for SCI-related sexual disorders.

Methods:
Fifteen 8-week-old intact male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to Sham, SCI, and treatment groups. SPC was induced at thoracic vertebra 10 (T10) using a weight-drop impactor, and treatment with EPO-loaded alginatechitosan hydrogel was applied immediately post-injury. After 28 days, blood samples were collected for testosterone analysis, and tissues from the prostate and seminal vesicles were examined for tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) levels, as well as the gene expression of Bcl-2-associated X (Bax) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance with Tukey’s post hoc test, considering p < 0.05 as significant.

Results:
SCI reduced testosterone, increased Bax, and decreased Bcl-2 in the prostate and seminal vesicles. EPO treatment improved testosterone levels, reduced inflammation and apoptosis markers, and supported tissue recovery. SCI increased prostate TNFα, but EPO reduced it. Seminal vesicle TNFα was unaffected by SCI or EPO.

Conclusion:
The results suggest that EPO treatment reduces tissue damage, inflammation, and supports hormonal balance, indicating its therapeutic potential.

Key words: Alginate-chitosan hydrogel; Erythropoietin; Reproductive function; Spinal cord injury; Tissue regeneration.