Quercetin enhances survival and axonal regeneration of motoneurons after spinal root avulsion and reimplantation: experiments in a rat model of brachial plexus avulsion

Inflammation and Regeneration, 2022 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s41232-022-00245-3 · Published: December 1, 2022

Simple Explanation

Brachial plexus avulsion (BPA) is a severe injury where nerve roots are torn from the spinal cord, leading to permanent paralysis. This injury causes inflammation, oxidative damage, and motoneuron apoptosis. Quercetin (QCN), a natural compound found in fruits and vegetables, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. This study investigates if QCN can improve motor function recovery after spinal root avulsion and reimplantation in rats. The study found that QCN significantly improved motor function recovery, accelerated motor axon regeneration, and enhanced motoneuron survival in rats after spinal root avulsion and reimplantation. QCN also alleviated muscle atrophy and inhibited inflammation.

Study Duration

8 weeks

Participants

Adult female Sprague–Dawley rats (weighing 180–220 g)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
QCN significantly expedited motor function recovery in the forelimb, as shown by increased Terzis grooming test scores.
2
QCN accelerated motor axon regeneration, as evidenced by the increased number of Fluoro-Ruby-labeled and P75-positive regenerative motoneurons.
3
QCN treatment markedly alleviated muscle atrophy and restored functional motor endplates in biceps.

Research Summary

This study investigated the effects of Quercetin (QCN) on motor function recovery in a rat model of brachial plexus avulsion (BPA) characterized by spinal ventral root avulsion/reimplantation and illuminate the underlying molecular mechanisms. The results demonstrated that QCN significantly expedited motor function recovery, accelerated motor axon regeneration, enhanced motoneuron survival, alleviated muscle atrophy, and inhibited inflammation in the rat model of BPA. The findings suggest that QCN has promising potential as a novel therapeutic in conjunction with reimplantation surgery for the treatment of BPA.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

QCN could be a promising therapeutic option to assist reimplantation surgery in the treatment of BPA.

Neuroprotective Strategy

QCN's neuroprotective effects, attributed to the inhibition of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, suggest a potential strategy for treating nerve injuries.

Drug Development

Further research into the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying QCN's protective effects on motoneurons could lead to the development of targeted therapies.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on a rat model, and the results may not be directly applicable to humans.
2
The precise cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effects of QCN on motoneurons after root avulsion injury require further investigation.
3
The long-term effects of QCN treatment on motor function recovery and motoneuron survival were not assessed.

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