Ultrashort Wave Combined with Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell (HUC-MSC) Transplantation Inhibits NLRP3 Inflammasome and Improves Spinal Cord Injury via MK2/TTP Signalling Pathway

BioMed Research International, 2020 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/3021750 · Published: December 7, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Genetics Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) often results in loss of sensation and motor function below the injury site, drastically affecting life quality. This study explores combining human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUC-MSCs) with ultrashort wave (USW) therapy to treat SCI in rats. The study aims to understand how this combined treatment affects inflammation at the injury site and to investigate the mechanisms involving the MK2/TTP pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

50 SPF-grade SD male rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The combination of USW and HUC-MSCs significantly improved motor function in SCI rats, with USW playing a more prominent role.
2
The combined therapy can inhibit the expression of MK2; downregulate NLRP3 inflammasome; suppress the expression levels of pro-caspase-1, pro-IL-1β, and pro-IL-18.
3
Upregulation of MK2 blocked the microglia polarization promoted by the combination therapy, increasing levels of inflammatory factors.

Research Summary

This study investigates the combined effect of ultrashort wave (USW) therapy and human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (HUC-MSC) transplantation on spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. The combination therapy significantly improved motor functions and reduced spinal cord injury in SCI rats, with USW treatment playing a crucial role and HUC-MSC transplantation providing assistance. The study reveals that the combination therapy downregulates NLRP3 expression, relieves inflammatory responses, improves the immune microenvironment, and rescues spinal cord injury by suppressing the phosphorylation level of MK2.

Practical Implications

Clinical Translation

The findings provide a scientific basis for improving treatment strategies for SCI using HUC-MSC transplantation in conjunction with USW therapy.

Therapeutic Target

MK2 phosphorylation is identified as a potential therapeutic target for managing inflammation and improving outcomes in SCI.

Microenvironment Modulation

The study underscores the importance of modulating the inflammatory microenvironment in SCI to promote neural repair and functional recovery.

Study Limitations

1
The study is conducted on rats, and the results may not be directly applicable to humans.
2
The exact mechanisms by which USW influences the inflammatory microenvironment require further investigation.
3
Long-term effects of the combination therapy on SCI recovery were not assessed.

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