Effects of Polyphenols on Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Interconnected Pathways during Spinal Cord Injury

Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2022 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/8100195 · Published: January 7, 2022

Pharmacology Neurology Genetics

Simple Explanation

This review discusses the potential of polyphenols, natural compounds found in plants, as alternative treatments for spinal cord injury (SCI). These compounds can modulate oxidative stress, inflammation, and other pathways involved in SCI. Oxidative stress and inflammation are key upstream factors in the dysregulation of pathways after SCI. Polyphenols can potentially be introduced as therapeutic agents. The co-administration of polyphenols and stem cells has shown a promising strategy for improving post-SCI complications, opening new avenues for treatment.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review Article

Key Findings

1
Polyphenols can modulate neuronal oxidative stress, neuroinflammatory, and extrinsic axonal dysregulated pathways in SCI.
2
Quercetin, EGCG, caﬀeic acid phenethyl ester, honokiol, rosmarinic acid, carvacrol, rutin, hesperidin, and resveratrol are examples of polyphenols that target upstream mediators of oxidative stress after SCI.
3
Combination therapy of polyphenols and stem cells post-SCI can provide synergistic effects, promoting functional recovery and modulating inflammation.

Research Summary

The review comprehensively covers the role of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the pathophysiology of SCI. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of these pathways and the need for multitarget therapeutics. Polyphenols are highlighted as potential multitarget agents that can modulate intrinsic oxidative stress pathways and extrinsic axonal pathways after SCI. Specific polyphenols like quercetin, EGCG, and resveratrol are discussed in detail. The combination of polyphenols with stem cell therapy is presented as a promising strategy for improving post-SCI complications. Clinical potentials of polyphenols against oxidative/inflammatory disorders are also discussed.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Development

Polyphenols could be developed into novel therapeutic agents for SCI due to their multitarget activity and potential for fewer side effects.

Stem Cell Therapy Enhancement

Combining polyphenols with stem cell therapies may enhance the effectiveness of stem cell transplantation in treating SCI.

Clinical Trials

Further well-controlled clinical trials are needed to evaluate the potential of polyphenols in combating sensory-motor dysfunction following SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Pharmacokinetic limitations of polyphenols require novel drug delivery systems.
2
Lack of clinical studies evaluating the potential of polyphenols in combating post-SCI complications.
3
Need for further research to reveal precise pathophysiological mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in SCI.

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