Mitochondrial dysfunction as a target in spinal cord injury: intimate correlation between pathological processes and therapeutic approaches

Neural Regen Res, 2023 · DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.369094 · Published: March 3, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Genetics

Simple Explanation

Traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCI) interrupt the connection of axonal projections, leading to alterations in locomotor, sensory, and autonomic functions. Mitochondrial dysfunction during the secondary stage of SCI reduces adenosine triphosphate levels, leading to calcium overload, reactive oxygen species formation, and excitotoxicity. Restoring mitochondrial function early in the secondary injury stage could be a potentially effective therapeutic intervention to overcome motor and sensory failure after SCI.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
Mitochondrial dysfunction is intimately linked with axonal regeneration failure in the context of spinal cord injury.
2
Mitochondria-targeted therapeutical approaches, such as antioxidant molecules, removing mitochondrial anchor proteins, and increasing energetic metabolism through creatine treatment, may enhance functional recovery.
3
Proper crosstalk between ATP formation and a decrease in ROS levels is necessary to promote neuronal repair.

Research Summary

Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in the interruption of axonal connections, leading to motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunction. Mitochondrial dysfunction during the secondary stage of SCI exacerbates the injury through a cascade of events, including reduced ATP levels, calcium overload, and reactive oxygen species formation. Targeting mitochondrial function with therapies like antioxidants and creatine treatment shows promise for promoting axonal regeneration and functional recovery after SCI.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Target Identification

Mitochondrial dysfunction is identified as a key therapeutic target for SCI.

Treatment Strategies

Antioxidant molecules and creatine treatment are potential therapeutic approaches to improve functional recovery.

Future Research

Genetic technologies and minimally invasive methods like creatine treatment should be further explored in human trials.

Study Limitations

1
The review is based on preclinical studies, and further research is needed to translate these findings to human clinical trials.
2
The mechanisms by which Netrin-1 promotes neurorestorative effects are not fully understood.
3
The systemic administration of creatine had less potency regarding axonal regeneration in comparison to that observed in SnPh gene therapy

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury