Apelin alleviated neuroinflammation and promoted endogenous neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation after spinal cord injury in rats

Journal of Neuroinflammation, 2022 · DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02518-7 · Published: June 5, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Immunology

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to neurological damage, with neuroinflammation playing a significant role. Apelin, a molecule that binds to a specific receptor, has shown promise in treating central nervous system disorders. This study investigates the potential of Apelin in reducing inflammation and promoting the activation of neural stem cells (NSCs) after SCI in rats. The researchers used induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to deliver Apelin to the injury site, aiming to prolong its effects and enhance recovery.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

127 specific pathogen-free 8-week female Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Apelin expression decreases after SCI and then increases later, suggesting its involvement in both injury and repair.
2
Apelin promotes the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) into neurons in vitro.
3
Transplantation of iPSCs overexpressing Apelin alleviates inflammation, promotes motor function recovery, and enhances NSC activation after SCI in rats.

Research Summary

This study investigates the role of Apelin in treating spinal cord injury (SCI) by reducing neuroinflammation and promoting neural stem cell (NSC) proliferation and differentiation. The researchers found that Apelin expression changes after SCI, suggesting its involvement in the injury and repair processes. Apelin also promotes NSC proliferation and differentiation in vitro. Transplanting iPSCs that overexpress Apelin can alleviate inflammation, improve motor function, and promote NSC activation and differentiation in rats with SCI.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Target

Apelin may be a promising therapeutic target for spinal cord injury recovery.

Drug Delivery System

iPSCs can be used as a drug carrier system to prolong the effects of short half-life drugs like Apelin.

Inflammation Management

Targeting Apelin pathways can help modulate the inflammatory response after SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The short half-life of Apelin necessitates novel drug delivery systems.
2
The study focuses on a rat model; further research is needed to confirm these findings in humans.
3
Further investigation is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms by which Apelin promotes NSC proliferation and differentiation.

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