Activation of Astrocytes In Vitro by Macrophages Polarized with Keratin Biomaterial Treatment

The study investigated the impact of keratin-treated macrophage conditioned media (K-MCM) on reactive astrocytes in vitro, revealing that K-MCM significantly reduced aggrecan and GFAP levels in reactive astrocytes, unlike macrophage media alone. This indicated that keratin biomaterial treatment could modulate astrocyte behavior, potentially reducing the inhibitory environment of the glial scar post-spinal cord injury (SCI). The findings suggested that keratin biomaterials might promote neural repair by influencing macrophage polarization towards an M2 phenotype, thereby reducing astrocyte reactivity and CSPG production. Further in vivo studies were recommended to validate these results.