Electroacupuncture Promoting Axonal Regeneration in Spinal Cord Injury Rats via Suppression of Nogo/NgR and Rho/ROCK Signaling Pathway

Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 2019 · DOI: http://doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S216874 · Published: November 21, 2019

Spinal Cord Injury Alternative Medicine Neurology

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) often lead to significant disability, with limited effective treatments available in modern medicine. This study explores electroacupuncture (EA) as a potential therapy for SCI. EA has shown promise in improving recovery from SCIs, especially incomplete paraplegia, and may also help with bladder and bowel function, limb spasm, and neurological pain. The study investigates the Nogo/NgR and Rho/ROCK signaling pathways, which play a role in nerve regeneration. EA's effects on these pathways may explain its therapeutic benefits for SCI.

Study Duration

14 days

Participants

Sixty-four model rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
EA treatment significantly reduced mRNA and protein expression of Nogo-A, NgR, LINGO-1, RhoA and ROCK II in spinal cord tissues of SCI rats.
2
EA treatment increased mRNA and protein expression of MLCP, decreased p-MYPT1 protein expression and p-MYPT1/MYPT1 ratio, and decreased caspase3 expression.
3
The combination of EA and a blocking agent (Y27632) was superior to EA or the blocking agent alone in improving lower limb movement function.

Research Summary

This study investigates the mechanism of EA treatment on SCI at the molecular level, focusing on the Nogo/NgR and Rho/ROCK signaling pathways. EA may have an inhibitory effect on the Nogo/NgR and Rho/ROCK signaling pathway after SCI, thereby reducing the inhibition of axonal growth. EA might get the beneﬁcial effect in the treatment of SCI through the regulation of the inﬂammatory response and cell apoptosis.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

EA may serve as a potential therapeutic intervention for spinal cord injury by promoting axonal regeneration.

Molecular Mechanism

The study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of EA on SCI.

Combination Therapy

Combining EA with other treatments, such as blocking agents, may enhance therapeutic outcomes for SCI patients.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on rats, and the results may not be directly applicable to humans.
2
The exact mechanisms of EA remain to be fully elucidated.
3
Further research is needed to determine the optimal parameters for EA treatment and its long-term effects on SCI recovery.

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