Comprehensive analysis of the differential expression profile of microRNAs in rats with spinal cord injury treated by electroacupuncture

Molecular Medicine Reports, 2020 · DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11161 · Published: April 22, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Alternative Medicine Genetics

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how electroacupuncture (EA) affects the recovery of spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats by examining changes in microRNA (miRNA) expression. miRNAs are small molecules that regulate gene expression and can influence various biological processes. The researchers compared miRNA expression profiles in SCI rats treated with EA to those without EA treatment. They used next-generation sequencing to identify differentially expressed miRNAs and analyzed their potential target genes and related signaling pathways. The findings suggest that EA treatment can alter miRNA expression, which may contribute to improved motor function and reduced inflammation in SCI rats. Specific miRNAs, like miR-136-5p, were found to play a role in these processes.

Study Duration

31 days

Participants

18 male Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Electroacupuncture (EA) treatment improved hindlimb motor function in spinal cord injury (SCI) rats, as indicated by higher Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) scores.
2
EA treatment reduced inflammation in SCI rats, as evidenced by decreased levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in spinal cord tissues.
3
168 miRNAs were differentially expressed between the SCI and SCI+EA groups, with 29 upregulated and 139 downregulated in the SCI+EA group.

Research Summary

The study investigated the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in spinal cord injury (SCI) rats to understand the potential mechanisms involved in SCI recovery. The results showed that EA treatment improved motor function, reduced inflammation, and altered the expression of several miRNAs in SCI rats. Specifically, 168 miRNAs were differentially expressed between the SCI and SCI+EA groups. Integrated miRNA-mRNA-pathway analysis suggested that the MAPK, Wnt and NF-κB signaling pathways were involved in EA-mediated recovery from SCI, highlighting the potential therapeutic role of EA in SCI treatment.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

Electroacupuncture may offer a therapeutic approach for promoting recovery after spinal cord injury by modulating miRNA expression and reducing inflammation.

Drug Development

Identifying specific miRNAs, such as miR-136-5p, involved in SCI recovery could lead to the development of novel drugs targeting these miRNAs to enhance functional outcomes.

Clinical Application

The findings support further investigation into the clinical application of electroacupuncture as an adjunctive therapy for spinal cord injury patients.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on rats, and the results may not be directly applicable to humans.
2
The specific mechanisms by which miRNAs regulate EA treatment through various signaling pathways remain to be fully elucidated.
3
No funding declared.

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