The combined effect of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) treatment and exercise in rats with spinal cord injury

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2020 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2018.1521567 · Published: May 1, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Neuroplasticity Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates whether combining G-CSF treatment with treadmill exercise improves functional recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats, compared to either treatment alone. Rats were divided into four groups: G-CSF treatment only, treadmill exercise plus G-CSF, treadmill exercise only, and a control group with no treatment. Functional recovery was assessed using the BBB scale and the inclined plane test. The study found that the group receiving both G-CSF and treadmill exercise showed the most effective functional recovery, suggesting a synergistic effect of the combined treatment.

Study Duration

5 weeks

Participants

24 male Sprague–Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Rats in the G-CSF/exercise group showed the most effective functional recovery based on the BBB scale and inclined plane test results.
2
The G-CSF/exercise group had the smallest spinal cord cavity size, indicating less tissue damage.
3
Immunohistochemistry revealed higher expression of BDNF and VEGF, and lower expression of GFAP in the G-CSF/exercise group compared to the other groups.

Research Summary

The study aimed to determine if combined G-CSF and treadmill exercise treatment provides a greater functional recovery advantage after spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats compared to either treatment alone. The results indicated that the combined treatment (G-CSF/exercise group) led to the most significant improvements in motor function recovery, reduced spinal cord cavity size, and favorable changes in the expression of key proteins (BDNF, VEGF, and GFAP). The conclusion is that combined G-CSF and treadmill exercise is more effective for neuroplasticity and functional recovery after SCI than either treatment alone.

Practical Implications

Enhanced Motor Recovery

Combining G-CSF treatment with treadmill exercise can significantly improve motor function recovery after SCI compared to individual treatments.

Neuroplasticity Promotion

The combined approach promotes neuroplasticity by modulating key factors like BDNF, VEGF, and GFAP, leading to better outcomes.

Reduced Tissue Damage

The combined treatment can reduce spinal cord cavity size, indicating less tissue damage and potentially better long-term outcomes.

Study Limitations

1
Limited scale of the study, requiring larger-scale studies to confirm findings.
2
The BDNF and VEGF levels did not completely represent neuroplasticity and angiogenesis.
3
Intraperitoneal injection of G-CSF immediately after injury is not applicable in clinical cases.

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