Application of silver nanoparticles for improving motor recovery after spinal cord injury via reduction of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages

Heliyon, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15689 · Published: May 9, 2023

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the potential of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to improve motor recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. AgNPs are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which could aid in tissue repair. The research focuses on how AgNPs affect M1 and M2 macrophages, which are immune cells that play different roles in the inflammatory response after SCI. M1 macrophages promote inflammation, while M2 macrophages help to resolve it. The study found that AgNPs preferentially target and reduce the activity of M1 macrophages, leading to improved motor function and reduced damage at the injury site. This suggests that AgNPs could be a potential therapeutic approach for promoting recovery after SCI.

Study Duration

14 Days

Participants

118 Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
AgNPs delivery could significantly recover locomotor function and exert neuroprotection through reducing of pro-inflammatory M1 survival in SCI rat model.
2
A higher level of AgNPs uptake and more pronounced cytotoxicity were detected in M1 compared to Raw 264.7-derived M0 and M2.
3
RNA-seq analysis revealed the apoptotic genes in M1 were upregulated by AgNPs, whereas in M0 and M2, pro-apoptotic genes were downregulated and PI3k-Akt pathway signaling pathway was upregulated.

Research Summary

The study explores the efficacy of AgNPs on functional recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI) in a rat model. Local AgNPs delivery significantly improved locomotor function and provided neuroprotection by reducing pro-inflammatory M1 macrophage survival. In vitro studies showed that AgNPs were preferentially internalized by M1 macrophages, leading to increased cytotoxicity compared to M0 and M2 macrophages. RNA-seq analysis revealed that AgNPs upregulated apoptotic genes in M1 macrophages while downregulating pro-apoptotic genes in M0 and M2. The findings suggest that AgNPs suppress M1 activity and have therapeutic potential in promoting motor recovery post-SCI. The study also indicates that AgNPs may serve as a neuroprotective agent during spinal operations.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential for SCI

AgNPs could be developed as a therapeutic agent to promote motor recovery after spinal cord injury by targeting and reducing pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages.

Neuroprotective Agent During Surgery

AgNPs may be used as a neuroprotective agent during spinal surgeries to improve surgical outcomes and prevent neural damage.

Clinical Translation

The preferential effect of AgNPs on human monocyte-derived M1 macrophages supports the potential for clinical translation in suppressing inflammation in humans.

Study Limitations

1
Toxicity concerns regarding AgNPs remain a concern and its safety has been debated.
2
The effects of dosage and administration approach should be explored in future.
3
The molecular mechanism of M1 could uptake more pathogens than M2 remains unclear.

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