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  4. Erxian decoction inhibits apoptosis by activating Akt1 and repairs spinal cord injury in rats

Erxian decoction inhibits apoptosis by activating Akt1 and repairs spinal cord injury in rats

Heliyon, 2022 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11279 · Published: October 20, 2022

Spinal Cord InjuryAlternative MedicineGenetics

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) can cause significant harm. Erxian Decoction (EXD) shows promise in treating SCI after surgery, but how it works is not well understood. This research uses computer analysis and lab tests to study how EXD might help with SCI. The study looks at how EXD affects the spinal cord in rats. The study found that EXD improves motor function, reduces swelling, and changes the levels of certain proteins in rats with SCI. It suggests that EXD may help by preventing cell death through the activation of a protein called Akt1.

Study Duration
Not specified
Participants
82 adult female Wistar rats
Evidence Level
In vivo study

Key Findings

  • 1
    EXD improved motor function at 7 days post-injury (dpi) in SCI rats.
  • 2
    EXD significantly reduced spinal cord edema.
  • 3
    EXD inhibits apoptosis by activating Akt1 phosphorylation.

Research Summary

The study investigates the effect of Erxian Decoction (EXD) on spinal cord injury (SCI) repair in rats, focusing on the underlying molecular mechanisms. The research demonstrates that EXD significantly improves motor function, reduces spinal cord edema, and upregulates the expression of key neural markers around the injury site. The study identifies that EXD inhibits apoptosis by activating Akt1 phosphorylation, suggesting EXD as a potential therapeutic agent for SCI.

Practical Implications

Potential Therapeutic Agent

EXD may serve as a promising therapeutic agent for spinal cord injury due to its ability to improve motor function and reduce spinal cord edema.

Mechanism Identification

The study identifies a novel mechanism through which EXD attenuates apoptosis via the activation of Akt1 phosphorylation, providing insights into targeted SCI treatment.

Clinical Application

The findings support the potential clinical application of EXD in postoperative treatment of spinal cord injury, highlighting its role in restoring behavioral function.

Study Limitations

  • 1
    The study was conducted on rats, and the results may not directly translate to humans.
  • 2
    The study could not determine whether other members of the Akt family are involved in the effects of EXD on SCI-induced apoptosis.
  • 3
    Further investigation is required to determine the mechanism.

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