Electroacupuncture-Modulated MiR-106b-5p Expression Enhances Autophagy by Targeting Beclin-1 to Promote Motor Function Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury in Rats

Neurospine, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.14245/ns.2346446.223 · Published: September 1, 2023

Alternative Medicine Neurology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how electroacupuncture (EA) affects recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. It focuses on a molecule called miR-106b-5p, which is linked to autophagy (a cellular cleaning process) and apoptosis (programmed cell death). The research shows that EA can lower the levels of miR-106b-5p. By reducing miR-106b-5p, EA promotes autophagy and reduces apoptosis in the injured spinal cord, which helps improve motor function. The findings suggest that EA could be a useful therapy for SCI, and miR-106b-5p could be a target for future treatments to help nerve regeneration and functional recovery.

Study Duration

7 days (EA treatment)

Participants

SCI patients (n=10), healthy controls (n=10), Sprague Dawley rats (130)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
MiR-106b-5p levels are increased in SCI patients and rat models.
2
EA treatment reduces miR-106b-5p expression after SCI.
3
EA enhances autophagy and inhibits apoptosis by downregulating miR-106b-5p, promoting motor function recovery.

Research Summary

This study elucidates the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on spinal cord injuries (SCIs). It demonstrates that EA downregulates miR-106b-5p expression, which in turn promotes autophagy and inhibits apoptosis in SCI-affected tissues. The study's findings reveal that miR-106b-5p directly targets Beclin-1, a key regulator of autophagy, and that EA-mediated downregulation of miR-106b-5p enhances autophagic flux and reduces neuronal apoptosis. Functional assessments, histological analyses, and molecular investigations collectively support the conclusion that EA treatment can alleviate SCI-mediated injuries and promote motor function recovery through the miR-106b-5p/autophagy/apoptosis pathway.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

EA may serve as a potential therapeutic intervention for SCIs.

Targeted Therapy

MiR-106b-5p could be a target for future treatments aimed at promoting nerve regeneration.

Clinical Application

EA treatment at specific acupoints (Jiaji and Zusanli) can improve motor neuron survival and alleviate tissue damage.

Study Limitations

1
Microarray analysis of spinal cord samples from SCI rats before and after EA treatment was not performed.
2
Autophagy inhibitors were not used to explore the effects of EA.
3
Whether miR-106-5p inhibitors affect motor function after an SCI remains unclear.

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