VEGF-B Mediated Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for treating peripheral nerve damage, particularly in the peripheral nervous system, lack effective solutions for promoting nerve regeneration and functional recovery, with existing growth factors like VEGF-A and VEGF-B having unclear mechanisms of action and limited understanding of their effects independent of vascular roles.

Innovation Solution

Administering VEGF-B, potentially in combination with VEGF-A, to stimulate nerve growth and regeneration by topical application or intravenous injection, with a second administration of VEGF-B or VEGF-A to enhance regeneration, addressing nerve damage caused by trauma, surgery, or neurodegenerative diseases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If VEGF-A or VEGF-B is administered to treat peripheral nerve damage, then nerve regeneration and neuronal survival are improved, but the mechanism of action remains unclear and vascular effects may confound the results

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenerve regeneration efficacyVSAvoidmechanism understanding

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and isolates the specific neurotrophic effects of VEGF-B from its vascular functions by using the corneal injury model, which is avascular and therefore eliminates confounding angiogenic effects. This allows clear observation of VEGF-B's direct作用 on nerve regeneration and neuronal survival without vascular interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the cornea as an intermediary tissue model to study VEGF-B effects. The cornea serves as a controlled environment that allows researchers to observe VEGF-B's neurotrophic effects independently, then translate these findings to peripheral nerve injury contexts where both vascular and neural effects would occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If VEGF-B is administered to stimulate nerve growth, then anatomical and functional recovery is improved, but existing methods lack effective solutions for promoting regeneration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenerve regeneration rateVSAvoidtreatment effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the key parameter of VEGF-B dosage and administration timing to optimize nerve regeneration. By establishing that VEGF-B administered at specific doses and time points post-injury maximizes neurite outgrowth and neuronal survival, the patent provides a reliable protocol for enhancing regeneration productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If VEGF-B is administered topically or intravenously, then nerve regeneration is promoted, but the optimal administration route and timing are not established

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadministration flexibilityVSAvoiddosage control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by administering VEGF-B topically directly to the injury site in the cornea, ensuring high local concentration at the target tissue. This localized administration achieves precise dosage control where it is most needed while maintaining ease of application through topical instillation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9987329B2Methods for treating peripheral nerve damage

Publication Date: 2018.06.05 CORNELL UNIVERSITY

AI summary

VEGF-B, as well as a combination of VEGF-B and VEGF-A, mediates peripheral nerve repair. Methods to treat damage to the peripheral nervous system are described.