Bexarotene improves motor function after spinal cord injury in mice

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) pose significant challenges due to the limited regenerative capacity of the central nervous system. Early intervention is crucial to prevent further damage. This study investigates the potential therapeutic effects of bexarotene (Bex) on SCI in mice. The study found that bexarotene treatment reduced collagen deposition and pathological neurons in the injured spinal cord. It also increased the number of nerve cell synapses, reduced oxidative stress, and inhibited pyroptosis, a form of cell death. These improvements were linked to the activation of autophagy, a cellular process that clears damaged components. Further experiments showed that bexarotene enhances the translocation of transcription factor E3 into the nucleus, which in turn activates signaling pathways that promote autophagy.

• 1
  Bexarotene reduces collagen deposition and the number of pathological neurons in the injured spinal cord.
• 2
  Bexarotene increases the number of synapses of nerve cells, reduces oxidative stress, and inhibits pyroptosis.
• 3
  Bexarotene regulates nuclear translocation of transcription factor E3 through the AMP-activated protein kinase-S-phase kinase-associated protein 2-coactivator-associated arginine methyltransferase 1 and AMP-activated protein kinase-mammalian target of rapamycin signal pathways.