Andrographolide contributes to spinal cord injury repair via inhibition of apoptosis, oxidative stress and inﬂammation

Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2022 · DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.949502 · Published: October 7, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Pharmacology Neurology

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a common disorder of the central nervous system that causes a significant burden. Andrographolide (Andro), a component of Andrographis paniculata, has neuroprotective effects. This study aimed to investigate Andro's effects on SCI and its mechanisms. The study used rats with induced SCI, dividing them into groups treated with Andro, saline, or sham surgery. The rats received Andro or saline for 28 days, after which tissue repair and functional recovery were assessed using various tests and staining techniques. The results showed that Andro treatment improved tissue repair and functional recovery after SCI by reducing apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Andro also promoted the polarization of microglial cells and contributed to axonal regeneration and remyelination.

Study Duration

28 days

Participants

48 male Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Level III, Animal Study

Key Findings

1
Andro treatment significantly improved tissue repair and functional recovery after SCI by reducing apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation through the Nrf-2/HO-1 and NF-κB signaling pathways.
2
Andro treatment promoted M2 polarization of the microglial cells and contributed to axonal regeneration and remyelination to improve functional recovery after SCI.
3
Andro also attenuated apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation in H2O2-stimulated cortical neurons in vitro, indicating a direct protective effect on neuronal cells.

Research Summary

This study investigated the neuroprotective effects of Andrographolide (Andro) on spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. The findings suggest that Andro treatment can alleviate SCI by reducing apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation in injured tissues and cortical neurons. Andro promotes axonal regeneration and remyelination, leading to improved functional recovery. The mechanisms involve the Nrf-2/HO-1 and NF-κB signaling pathways, and M2 polarization of macrophages. In vitro experiments using H2O2-stimulated cortical neurons confirmed Andro's ability to attenuate apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation, supporting its potential as a therapeutic agent for SCI.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

Andrographolide may be a potential therapeutic agent for spinal cord injury due to its ability to reduce apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation.

Signaling Pathways

The Nrf-2/HO-1 and NF-κB signaling pathways are key targets for Andrographolide's neuroprotective effects, providing insights for further drug development.

Macrophage Polarization

Promoting M2 polarization of macrophages may be a crucial mechanism for Andrographolide's beneficial effects on axonal regeneration and remyelination after SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on rats, and further research is needed to confirm the findings in human subjects.
2
The exact dosage and administration route of Andrographolide for optimal therapeutic effects in humans need to be determined.
3
The long-term effects of Andrographolide treatment on spinal cord injury recovery were not assessed in this study.

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