Activation of CREB-binding protein ameliorates spinal cord injury in tabersonine treatment by suppressing NLRP3/Notch signaling

Arch Med Sci, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/aoms.2019.89203 · Published: May 1, 2023

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) can lead to loss of motor and sensory function. This study explores the potential protective effects of tabersonine, a compound isolated from Catharanthus roseus, against SCI. The researchers induced SCI in rats and treated them with tabersonine. They then assessed the rats' neurological and motor functions, as well as levels of inflammation and activity of certain signaling pathways. The study found that tabersonine treatment improved neurological and motor functions, reduced inflammation, and modulated Notch and NLRP3 signaling pathways in SCI rats, suggesting a protective effect.

Study Duration

10 days

Participants

32 male SD rats of 200-230 g weight

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Tabersonine treatment improved neurological and motor functions in spinal cord injured rats, as indicated by higher Tarlov scale and BBB scores compared to the SCI group.
2
Tabersonine reduced inflammation in the spinal cord tissue of SCI rats by decreasing the levels of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-16.
3
Tabersonine modulated Notch and NLRP3 signaling pathways in SCI rats, as evidenced by altered expression of NICD, Nestin, Hes-1, Notch-1, Hes-1, IkB-α, NF-kB, and NLRP-3 proteins and mRNA.

Research Summary

The study investigates the protective effect of tabersonine against spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. SCI leads to multiple organ dysfunction and loss of motor and sensory function. The researchers evaluated locomotor and neurological function, mediators of inflammation, and Notch/inflammasome signaling in spinal cord injured rats treated with tabersonine. The investigation suggests that tabersonine protects against spinal cord injury by activating CREB and reducing NLRP3/Notch signaling, potentially serving as a clinical treatment option.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

Tabersonine could be a potential therapeutic agent for managing spinal cord injury due to its ability to improve neurological function and reduce inflammation.

Signaling Pathway Modulation

The study highlights the importance of CREB, NLRP3, and Notch signaling pathways in SCI and suggests that targeting these pathways with tabersonine could be beneficial.

Alternative Medicine

Tabersonine, derived from a natural source (Catharanthus roseus), supports the exploration of alternative medicines for chronic disorders like SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on rats, and the results may not be directly applicable to humans.
2
The exact mechanisms by which tabersonine exerts its protective effects require further investigation.
3
The study only evaluated the effects of tabersonine for a period of 10 days.

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