Activation of Three Major Signaling Pathways After Endurance Training and Spinal Cord Injury

Molecular Neurobiology, 2022 · DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02628-y · Published: November 22, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how endurance training affects the spinal cord after an injury. It looks at growth factors and signaling pathways that help with nerve regeneration and survival. Researchers examined rats with spinal cord injuries, some of whom underwent endurance training before the injury. The study measured the levels of growth factors and the activity of signaling pathways in the spinal cord tissue. The results suggest that endurance training before a spinal cord injury can increase growth factors in the spinal cord and improve neurological outcomes. This indicates that physical activity may play a vital role in recovery after such injuries.

Study Duration

6 weeks

Participants

48 adult female Wistar rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Endurance training significantly increased the expression of growth factors (BDNF, GDNF) and their receptors (TrkB, Gfrα) in the spinal cord.
2
Training prior to spinal cord injury markedly increased the activity of the PLCγ-PKC signaling pathway, which is responsible for neuroplasticity.
3
Rats that underwent physical activity prior to spinal cord injury showed better neurological scores and were more active.

Research Summary

The study aimed to investigate the effects of endurance training on the expression of growth factors and stimulation of neurotrophin-dependent signaling pathways after spinal cord injury (SCI). Endurance training markedly upregulated mRNA expression and protein levels of growth factors (BDNF, GDNF) and their receptors (TrkB, Gfrα) in low thoracic segments compared to levels in untrained animals. Rats which underwent physical activity prior to SCI were more active and had significantly better neurological scores at the 14th and 42nd days of survival.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategies

Regular physical activity, particularly endurance training, could be an important component of rehabilitation programs for individuals with spinal cord injuries.

Neuroplasticity Enhancement

Targeting the PLCγ-PKC signaling pathway could be a potential therapeutic strategy to enhance neuroplasticity and promote recovery after spinal cord injury.

Cell Survival and Regeneration

Pre-training influences PI3k/Akt and Ras/Erk1/2 signaling pathways promoting survival and regeneration of cells around the injury.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on female Wistar rats, and the results may not be generalizable to other populations or genders.
2
The exact mechanisms by which endurance training influences the signaling pathways and neuroplasticity require further investigation.
3
The study only examined a specific type of spinal cord injury (Th9 compression), and the effects of endurance training may vary depending on the location and severity of the injury.

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