Lycium barbarum glycopeptide alleviates neuroinflammation in spinal cord injury via modulating docosahexaenoic acid to inhibiting MAPKs/NF‑kB and pyroptosis pathways

Journal of Translational Medicine, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-023-04648-9 · Published: November 15, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Pharmacology Immunology

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how Lycium barbarum glycopeptide (LbGp), a compound derived from the goji berry, can help alleviate neuroinflammation following spinal cord injury (SCI). The research focuses on the impact of LbGp on the inflammatory microenvironment. The study found that LbGp can improve the inflammatory microenvironment by inhibiting the NF-kB and pyroptosis pathways. Furthermore, LbGp induced the secretion of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by microglia. DHA, in turn, inhibits neuroinflammation through the MAPK/NF-κB and pyroptosis pathways, promoting nerve repair and motor function recovery. This suggests a new direction for SCI treatment.

Study Duration

28 days

Participants

70 male Sprague‒Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
LbGp treatment could improve the motor function of rats after SCI, with the BBB motor function score of the LbGp intervention group being higher than that of the SCI group on day 14.
2
LbGp promotes nerve regeneration by modulating BDNF and GDNF expression. On day 7, the protein expression levels of BDNF and GDNF were significantly higher in LbGp-treated rat spinal cord tissues than in the tissues of the SCI group.
3
LbGp regulates the production of DHA by microglia and thereby suppresses neuroinflammation, and DHA inhibits microglial MAPKs/NF-kB and pyroptosis-related pathways.

Research Summary

This study demonstrates that orally administered LbGp can improve the inflammatory microenvironment in SCI and promote spinal cord repair by inhibiting the MAPK-NF-κB/pyroptosis-related pathways. LbGp induces microglia to secrete DHA, which inhibits cellular pyroptosis. LbGp is widely available at low cost and has an excellent safety profile, making it a promising treatment for spinal cord injuries. The research elucidates a mechanism of action for LbGp in SCI treatment, involving the modulation of DHA secretion by microglia to suppress neuroinflammation and promote nerve repair and motor function recovery.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential for SCI

LbGp presents a novel therapeutic avenue for treating spinal cord injuries by targeting neuroinflammation and promoting nerve repair.

Drug Development

The findings support the development of LbGp-based therapies to improve motor function and reduce inflammation in SCI patients.

Cost-Effective Treatment

The wide availability and low cost of LbGp make it a potentially accessible treatment option for SCI, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Study Limitations

1
The specific LbGp metabolite responsible for inducing DHA release from microglia is unclear.
2
Further research is needed to fully elucidate the long-term effects of LbGp treatment on SCI recovery.
3
The study primarily focuses on the early stages of SCI; more investigation is required to understand its impact on chronic SCI.

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