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  4. Curcumin protects against ischemic spinal cord injury: the pathway effect

Curcumin protects against ischemic spinal cord injury: the pathway effect

Neural Regen Res, 2013 · DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.36.004 · Published: December 1, 2013

Spinal Cord InjuryPharmacologyNeurology

Simple Explanation

This research investigates the potential of curcumin, a substance found in turmeric, to protect against spinal cord injury caused by ischemia (reduced blood flow). A rat model was used to simulate spinal cord ischemia, and the effects of curcumin on nerve cell damage and motor function were observed. The study found that curcumin treatment led to improved motor function in rats with spinal cord ischemia. This suggests that curcumin may have a protective effect on the spinal cord following ischemic injury. The researchers also explored the mechanisms by which curcumin might exert its protective effects, focusing on the expression of specific molecules involved in nerve cell damage during ischemia. The results indicate that curcumin may reduce the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, potentially mitigating nerve cell injury.

Study Duration
Not specified
Participants
30 Sprague-Dawley rats
Evidence Level
Level 3, Animal Study

Key Findings

  • 1
    Curcumin significantly improved motor function of the rat hind limb after spinal cord ischemia.
  • 2
    Curcumin significantly decreased inducible nitric oxide synthase and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor mRNA and protein expression in the ischemic spinal cord.
  • 3
    Curcumin exerts a neuroprotective effect against ischemic spinal cord injury by decreasing inducible nitric oxide synthase and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor expression.

Research Summary

This study investigated the protective effect of curcumin on ischemic spinal cord injury in rats. Spinal cord ischemia models were created by ligating the lumbar artery, and curcumin was administered after model establishment. The results showed that curcumin significantly improved motor function in rats with spinal cord ischemia and reduced the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor mRNA and protein. The findings suggest that curcumin exerts a neuroprotective effect against ischemic spinal cord injury by decreasing inducible nitric oxide synthase and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor expression, potentially protecting cells in the spinal cord from ischemia.

Practical Implications

Potential Therapeutic Agent

Curcumin may be a potential therapeutic agent for preventing and treating ischemic spinal cord injury.

Mechanism of Action

The study provides insights into the potential mechanisms by which curcumin protects against ischemic spinal cord injury, specifically by reducing inducible nitric oxide synthase and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor expression.

Clinical Applications

The results offer a theoretical basis and methodology for the prevention and treatment of spinal cord ischemia in clinical settings.

Study Limitations

  • 1
    The study was conducted on a rat model, and the results may not be directly applicable to humans.
  • 2
    The exact mechanisms by which curcumin exerts its protective effects require further investigation.
  • 3
    Whether the protective effect of curcumin on ischemic spinal cord injury was associated with anti-inflammation, antioxidation, inhibition of cell apoptosis, or inhibition of the neurotoxic effects of excitatory amino acid remains unclear.

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