Micro electrical fields induced MSC-sEVs attenuate neuronal cell apoptosis by activating autophagy via lncRNA MALAT1/miR-22-3p/SIRT1/AMPK axis in spinal cord injury

Journal of Nanobiotechnology, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12951-023-02217-2 · Published: November 17, 2023

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a traumatic condition that can cause paralysis. This study explores using micro electric fields (EF) to help nerve repair after SCI. The researchers used EF to stimulate small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) from stem cells. These EF-sEVs were injected into rats with SCI to see if they could help. The study found that EF-sEVs increased autophagy (a cell cleaning process) and decreased apoptosis (cell death) in the injured spinal cord, leading to improved motor function.

Study Duration

4 Weeks

Participants

Eight-week-old female Sprague–Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
EF-sEVs promote functional behavioral recovery after SCI in rats, improving hindlimb movement and coordination.
2
EF-sEVs induce autophagy and inhibit apoptosis in vivo by activating the SIRT1/AMPK signaling pathway.
3
The lncRNA-MALAT1 in EF-sEVs plays a neuroprotective role via the miRNA-22-3p/SIRT1/AMPK axis.

Research Summary

This study investigates the therapeutic effects of micro electric fields (EF)-induced mesenchymal stem cell-derived small extracellular vesicles (MSC-sEVs) on spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. The findings demonstrate that EF-sEVs promote functional recovery, nerve tissue regeneration, autophagy activation, and apoptosis inhibition in SCI rats. The neuroprotective effects of EF-sEVs are attributed to the lncRNA-MALAT1/miRNA-22-3p/SIRT1/AMPK axis, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for SCI.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Strategy

EF-sEVs offer a novel cell-free therapeutic approach for improving SCI outcomes by modulating autophagy and apoptosis.

Targeted Delivery

sEVs can be engineered for targeted delivery of therapeutic molecules to the injured spinal cord, enhancing treatment efficacy.

Clinical Translation

Further research is warranted to translate these findings into clinical applications for SCI patients, potentially improving motor function and quality of life.

Study Limitations

1
Intralesional injection may cause damage and leakage of sEVs at the injection site.
2
PC12 cells may not fully replicate the complexity of primary spinal cord neurons.
3
The detailed molecular mechanisms in vivo need further study.

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