CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, 2022 · DOI: 10.1111/cns.13929 · Published: July 15, 2022
Spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to scar formation, which can hinder nerve regeneration and motor function recovery. This study investigates the potential of apigenin, a natural compound, in reducing fibrous scar formation after SCI. The researchers used a mouse model of SCI and treated the mice with apigenin for 28 days. They assessed scar formation and motor function recovery using various methods, including BMS scoring, staining techniques, and molecular analyses. The study found that apigenin inhibits fibrous scar formation, promotes motor function recovery, and reduces the expression of fibrosis-related parameters after SCI. It suggests that apigenin could be a potential therapeutic agent for SCI by modulating the TGFβ/SMADs signaling pathway.
Apigenin could be explored as a potential therapeutic agent for reducing fibrous scar formation and promoting motor function recovery after spinal cord injury.
The study identifies TGFβ/SMADs signaling as a key pathway through which apigenin exerts its effects, providing a specific molecular target for future drug development.
Using a natural compound like apigenin offers a potentially safer and more accessible approach to managing SCI-related fibrosis compared to synthetic drugs.