Major ozonated autohemotherapy promoted functional recovery following spinal cord injury in adult rats via the inhibition of oxidative stress and inﬂammation

Open Life Sciences, 2024 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/biol-2022-1004 · Published: October 18, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Alternative Medicine Immunology

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the use of major ozonated autohemotherapy (MOA) for treating spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. MOA involves mixing a patient's blood with ozone and re-infusing it. The study found that MOA treatment improved motor function and reduced bladder dysfunction in rats with SCI. The researchers observed that MOA reduced inflammation and oxidative stress in the injured spinal cords of the rats. It also prevented the activation of harmful immune cells called M1 microglia and promoted the growth of nerve fibers. These findings suggest that MOA could be a promising new treatment for SCI by protecting the spinal cord, reducing inflammation, and promoting nerve regeneration.

Study Duration

28 days

Participants

54 female Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Level 2: Animal study

Key Findings

1
MOA treatment improved locomotor scores and reduced residual urine volume in rats after SCI, indicating improved motor and bladder function.
2
MOA suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1α, C1q, and IL-6) and alleviated oxidative stress by enhancing superoxide dismutase activity and reducing malondialdehyde levels.
3
MOA inhibited the maturation of M1 microglia, promoted the growth of neurons, and modulated astrocyte polarization, contributing to the repair of spinal cord tissue.

Research Summary

This study explored the therapeutic potential of major ozonated autohemotherapy (MOA) for spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. MOA treatment led to improved motor function, reduced bladder dysfunction, and protection against necrotic tissue damage in the spinal cord. MOA suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, alleviated oxidative stress, and inhibited the maturation of M1 microglia, suggesting its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects contribute to SCI recovery. The findings suggest that MOA holds promise as a novel treatment for SCI by promoting nerve regeneration, modulating immune responses, and protecting spinal cord integrity.

Practical Implications

Clinical Translation

MOA could be a cost-effective and readily available alternative to hyperbaric oxygen therapy for SCI patients, especially in hospitals lacking specialized equipment.

Therapeutic Target

MOA's ability to modulate astrocyte and microglia polarization suggests that targeting these cells could be a key strategy for SCI treatment.

Further Research

Clinical trials are needed to validate the therapeutic benefits of MOA in SCI patients and to further elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on a rat model, and the results may not be directly applicable to humans.
2
The study focused on female rats, and the effects of MOA may differ in male rats.
3
Further studies are needed to fully elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying MOA's therapeutic effects.

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