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The Bu Shen Yi Sui Formula Promotes Axonal Regeneration via Regulating the Neurotrophic Factor BDNF/TrkB and the Downstream PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway

Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2019 · DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00796 · Published: July 17, 2019

Alternative MedicinePharmacologyNeurology

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the Bu Shen Yi Sui formula's (BSYS) effect on axonal regeneration, critical for treating multiple sclerosis (MS). BSYS, a traditional Chinese medicine, has shown promise in promoting nerve repair, but its mechanism isn't fully understood. The research examines how BSYS and its components influence brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and related pathways, which are essential for nerve growth and repair. Experiments were conducted on damaged cells and in mice with a model of MS. Results indicate BSYS enhances cell viability, increases key proteins associated with nerve regeneration, and activates specific signaling pathways. These findings suggest BSYS promotes nerve regeneration by upregulating BDNF/TrkB and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways.

Study Duration
40 Days
Participants
SPF-grade male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats (n = 60) and female C57BL/6 mice (n = 80)
Evidence Level
Not specified

Key Findings

  • 1
    BSYS-containing serum increased cell viability and levels of GAP-43, p-CREB, BDNF, TrkB, and p-PI3K in damaged SH-SY5Y cells.
  • 2
    BSYS treatment significantly increased the expression of neurofilaments and BDNF, TrkB, PI3K, and Akt mRNA and proteins in the brain or spinal cord of EAE mice.
  • 3
    The PI3K pathway plays a crucial role in BSYS-mediated axonal regeneration, with the ERK pathway also contributing to this neurogenic activity.

Research Summary

This study investigates the mechanism by which Bu Shen Yi Sui formula (BSYS), a traditional Chinese medicine, promotes axonal regeneration in multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). The research demonstrates that BSYS promotes nerve regeneration by upregulating the BDNF/TrkB and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways, as evidenced by in vitro experiments on damaged SH-SY5Y cells and in vivo studies on EAE mice. The findings suggest that BSYS and its decomposed forms, BS and HTHX, promote axonal regeneration, with BSYS exhibiting superior effects compared to its individual components, offering experimental support for the use of this herbal medicine in MS treatment.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential for MS

BSYS holds promise as a therapeutic agent for promoting axonal regeneration in MS patients.

Underlying Mechanisms Revealed

The study elucidates the mechanisms of action of BSYS, providing a scientific basis for its clinical application.

Combination Therapy Support

The findings support the use of BSYS as part of a combination therapy approach for treating MS.

Study Limitations

  • 1
    The exact mechanisms by which specific components of BSYS contribute to the observed effects require further investigation.
  • 2
    The study primarily focused on the BDNF/TrkB and PI3K/Akt pathways, and other potential pathways involved in BSYS-mediated axonal regeneration should be explored.
  • 3
    Further research is needed to determine the optimal dosage and administration route of BSYS for clinical use in MS patients.

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