Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy-Induced Molecular and Pathway Changes in a Rat Model of Spinal Cord Injury: A Proteomic Analysis

Dose-Response: An International Journal, 2022 · DOI: 10.1177/15593258221141579 · Published: October 1, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Pharmacology Bioinformatics

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats by analyzing changes in protein expression. The researchers used a technique called iTRAQ to identify proteins that are expressed differently in SCI rats compared to SCI rats treated with HBOT. The study found that HBOT influences several biological processes, including oxygen transport, gas transport, and the regulation of T cell proliferation, suggesting HBOT may improve oxygen delivery to injured tissues and modulate the immune response.

Study Duration

28 days

Participants

45 Sprague–Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
HBOT influences biological processes such as oxygen transport, gas transport and regulation of T cell proliferation.
2
HBOT activates LXR/RXR activation, acute phase response signaling, and the intrinsic prothrombin pathway in SCI rats.
3
Hemoglobin subunit alpha-1/2 (HBA) expression was increased after HBOT treatment and regulates important signal factors such as TGFB1 and STAT5A.

Research Summary

This study used iTRAQ proteomics to investigate the molecular mechanisms of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in a rat model of spinal cord injury (SCI). The study identified differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between SCI rats and SCI rats treated with HBOT, focusing on changes observed on postoperative day 21. The results suggest that HBOT increases oxygen binding capacity, promotes oxygen transport, modulates the immune response, and activates specific signaling pathways, potentially contributing to the therapeutic effects of HBOT on SCI.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic target identification

Prothrombin-related proteins may be potential therapeutic targets for SCI.

Signaling pathway modulation

HBA regulates signaling factors like TGFB1 and STAT5A, suggesting potential therapeutic targets within these pathways.

MicroRNA targets for HBOT

rno-mir-9a-5p and rno-mir-125b-5p may be important targets for HBOT in SCI treatment.

Study Limitations

1
The study is limited to a rat model of SCI.
2
The study focuses primarily on the DEPs observed on POD 21, potentially overlooking important changes at other time points.
3
The study identifies potential molecular mechanisms, further research is needed to validate these findings and explore their clinical relevance.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury