Effect of electroacupuncture on the mRNA and protein expression of Rho-A and Rho-associated kinase II in spinal cord injury rats

Neural Regeneration Research, 2017 · DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.200811 · Published: February 1, 2017

Spinal Cord Injury Alternative Medicine Genetics

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) often results in profound disability, and there is no effective treatment at present. The regeneration of neurons in the adult central nervous system (CNS) is limited and their axons are unable to regenerate after severe injury. Electroacupuncture (EA) is widely used to treat SCI, and has been shown to be beneficial for the recovery of SCI. In the present study, we investigated the effect of EA on the repair of SCI, and whether EA could inhibit the Rho/ROCK signaling pathway after SCI. The Rho/ROCK signaling pathway is a vital part in promoting the growth of neural axons and in the regulation of the cytoskeleton. The two essential components of Rho/ROCK signaling pathway are Rho-A and Rho-associated kinase II (ROCKII).

Study Duration

14 days

Participants

80 Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Electroacupuncture (EA) treatment improved hindlimb motor function of SCI rats.
2
EA treatment suppressed Rho-A and ROCKII mRNA and protein expression in the injured spinal cord of rats.
3
Monosialoganglioside promoted the recovery of hindlimb motor function of SCI rats, it did not affect the expression of Rho-A and ROCKII.

Research Summary

This study investigated the mechanism underlying the effects of EA on SCI at the molecular level. The results demonstrated that EA treatment improved hindlimb motor function of SCI rats. The mRNA and protein expression of Rho-A and ROCKII were enhanced after SCI compared with sham group, indicating the Rho/ROCK signaling pathway plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of SCI. EA could inhibit activation of Rho/ROCK signaling pathway after SCI by suppressing expression of Rho-A and ROCKII, thereby promoting axon regrowth and inducing recovery from SCI.

Practical Implications

Clinical Utilization of EA

The findings provide evidence to support the widespread clinical utilization of EA for spinal cord injury.

Neuromodulatory Effects of EA

The research augments understanding of the neuromodulatory effects of EA.

Insight into SCI Biology and Repair

The study provides an enhanced insight into the biology of SCI and repair.

Study Limitations

1
The synergistic effects of EA and other therapies could be explored in subsequent experiments.
2
Precisely where EA acts in inhibiting the Rho/ROCK pathway requires further research.
3
In the experiment, it was not possible to observe the recovery after SCI rats for long enough to observe a better efficacy or further recovery of motor function.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury