Metformin Promotes Axon Regeneration after Spinal Cord Injury through Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Stabilizing Microtubule

Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2020 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/9741369 · Published: January 7, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Genetics

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) can lead to lifelong disability, and finding drugs to promote nerve regeneration after SCI is important. This study investigates metformin's potential protective effect on nerve regeneration after SCI. The study found that metformin improved functional recovery after SCI by reducing neuronal cell death and repairing neurites. It stabilized microtubules through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Metformin also weakened oxidative stress and improved mitochondrial function by activating the Nrf2 pathway. This suggests metformin could be a potential therapy for SCI.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

80 female Sprague-Dawley rats (220-250 g)

Evidence Level

Level III, Animal study

Key Findings

1
Metformin improves functional recovery after SCI in rats, as evidenced by improved BBB scores and reduced tissue damage.
2
Metformin's protective effect involves the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, as inhibiting this pathway reverses metformin's benefits.
3
Metformin reduces neuronal apoptosis and promotes neurite repair by stabilizing microtubules, potentially through the PI3K/Akt pathway.

Research Summary

This study investigates the role of metformin in antioxidant and neuronal regeneration after SCI, finding that it promotes microtubule stabilization and reduces apoptosis by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway. Metformin's neuroprotective effect is also related to inhibiting excessive oxidative stress and improving mitochondrial function by activating the Nrf2/ARE pathway. The findings suggest that metformin administration promotes the recovery of SCI and has the potential to be used in the clinical treatment of SCI.

Practical Implications

Potential Therapeutic Strategy

Metformin could be a potential therapeutic strategy for spinal cord injury recovery.

Microtubule Stabilization

The study suggests that stabilizing microtubules is a key mechanism for promoting axonal regeneration after SCI.

Targeting Oxidative Stress

Reducing oxidative stress and improving mitochondrial function are important therapeutic targets for SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Oral administration of metformin needs further study.
2
Efficacy of metformin in diabetic rats with SCI needs validation.
3
Further research is needed to fully clarify the mechanisms underlying metformin treatment for SCI.

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