Endocrine Therapy for the Functional Recovery of Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to significant physical disability and reduced quality of life. This review explores the potential of endocrine hormones to promote nerve regeneration and functional recovery after SCI, focusing on their neuroprotective roles and possible therapeutic applications. The review discusses several endocrine hormones, including estrogen, testosterone, erythropoietin (EPO), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and thyroid hormones (THs). It analyzes their mechanisms of action in promoting neuronal regrowth, oligodendrocyte differentiation, axon regeneration, and inhibiting the inflammatory response. The authors propose that administering endocrine hormones could be a promising therapeutic strategy for SCI. They highlight the importance of further research to determine the appropriate hormones, dosages, and balance for effective and safe clinical applications.

• 1
  Estrogen exhibits neuroprotective effects by reducing oxidative stress, cell death, and inflammation in neurodegenerative diseases and SCI. It activates neuroprotective signaling pathways and promotes the expression of anti-apoptotic factors.
• 2
  Testosterone promotes muscle synthesis, protein synthesis, and bone formation, and can attenuate ectopic fat accumulation. It also increases axon regeneration and oligodendrocyte proliferation, contributing to improved motor function.
• 3
  Erythropoietin (EPO) demonstrates neuroprotective effects by promoting angiogenesis, neurogenesis, and oligodendrocyte survival. It also inhibits apoptosis and regulates autophagy dysfunction, contributing to nerve regeneration.