Irisin Gene Delivery Ameliorates Burn-Induced Sensory and Motor Neuropathy

International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2020 · DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207798 · Published: October 21, 2020

Simple Explanation

Burn injuries can lead to nerve damage, causing pain, tingling, and muscle weakness. This study explores the use of irisin, a hormone released during exercise, to protect nerves after burn injuries. The study used a rat model with third-degree burns to test the effects of delivering irisin through gene therapy. Results showed that irisin reduced pain and muscle wasting by decreasing inflammation and nerve cell death. The researchers also found that irisin helped protect nerve cells from damage caused by an inflammatory substance called TNFα. These findings suggest irisin could be a potential treatment for nerve problems after burns.

Study Duration

4 weeks

Participants

Adult male Sprague Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Burn injury results in FNDC5/irisin downregulation in both the dorsal and ventral horns and decreased irisin levels in the CSF, even after wound healing.
2
Intrathecal Ad-irisin injection restored the expression of FNDC5/irisin and TNFα in the lumbar spinal cord, as well as irisin level in CSF, thereby alleviating neuroinﬂammation and preventing neuronal apoptosis.
3
Ad-irisin ameliorated burn-induced muscle atrophy.

Research Summary

This study investigates the therapeutic role of irisin/FNDC5 in a rat model of third-degree burn, focusing on burn-related neuropathy and its impact on pain, paresthesia, and muscle weakness. The research demonstrates that intrathecal administration of Ad-irisin attenuates pain sensitization and gastrocnemius muscle atrophy by modulating irisin levels in CSF and the expression of FNDC5/irisin and TNFα in the spinal cord. The study concludes that irisin attenuates allodynia and muscle wasting by ameliorating neuroinflammation-induced neuronal apoptosis, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for burn-related neuropathic complications.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

Irisin gene delivery could be a potential therapeutic intervention for burn-induced neuropathy, alleviating pain and muscle wasting.

Neuroprotective Mechanisms

Understanding the neuroprotective effects of irisin, particularly its role in modulating neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis, can provide insights into developing targeted therapies.

Clinical Translation

Further research is needed to translate these findings into clinical applications, exploring the feasibility and efficacy of irisin-based therapies for human burn patients.

Study Limitations

1
Investigation of the neuromuscular junction is warranted to validate burn-related denervation on muscle.
2
Further investigation of the role of irisin in BDNF/GDNF regulation on sensory or motor neurons is required.
3
how irisin regulates the GABA pathway remains unclear.

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