Effects of albiflorin on oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in rats with acute spinal cord injury

Immun Inflamm Dis, 2023 · DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1015 · Published: September 5, 2023

Alternative Medicine Pharmacology Neurology

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the therapeutic potential of albiflorin (AF) in alleviating inflammation and oxidative stress in rats with spinal cord injury (SCI). The study found that AF could alleviate motor dysfunction and neuron cell loss in SCI-induced rats. AF was found to attenuate inflammatory responses by reducing oxidative stress and activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. This suggests a mechanism by which AF could protect against the aggravation of SCI. The anti-inflammatory activity of AF was counteracted by depleting antioxidant capacity. This highlights the importance of oxidative stress reduction in the therapeutic effect of AF.

Study Duration

4 weeks

Participants

SD adult male rats (180−250 g)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Albiflorin (AF) administration alleviated motor dysfunction caused by acute SCI in a dose-dependent manner, improving the balancing ability of rats after acute SCI induction.
2
AF treatment showed a dose-dependent protective effect against tissue degeneration and higher neuron cell counts after SCI induction, demonstrating neuroprotective effects against acute SCI.
3
AF treatment efficiently reduced the inflammatory response triggered by acute SCI in rats by suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activity and the production of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels.

Research Summary

This study revealed that the bioactive compound AF extracted from a peony (R. Paeoniae Alba) could efficiently improve motor function and reduce the loss of neuron cells in SCI rats. AF could reduce inflammatory responses by significantly attenuating oxidative stress and activating the Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway in SCI rats. Overall, these findings highlighted that AF could be used as a potential agent against SCI in model organisms.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Agent for SCI

Albiflorin has the potential to be developed as a therapeutic agent for spinal cord injury, offering a novel approach to mitigate neurodegeneration and improve motor function.

Target for Drug Development

The Nrf2/HO-1 pathway can be targeted for drug development to enhance antioxidant responses and reduce inflammation in SCI and other neurodegenerative conditions.

Clinical Applications of TCM

This study supports the potential of Traditional Chinese Medicine in treating complex conditions like SCI, highlighting the importance of further research in this area.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size for WB analysis
2
Mechanism by which AF activates the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway requires further investigation
3
Specific effects of AF treatment on different populations of immune cells in the SCI model need to be explored

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