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  4. Multi‑omics uncovers immune‑modulatory molecules in plasma contributing to resistance exercise‑ameliorated locomotor disability after incomplete spinal cord injury

Multi‑omics uncovers immune‑modulatory molecules in plasma contributing to resistance exercise‑ameliorated locomotor disability after incomplete spinal cord injury

Genome Medicine, 2025 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13073-025-01434-8 · Published: January 24, 2025

Spinal Cord InjuryBioinformaticsRehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This research investigates how resistance exercise improves recovery in people with spinal cord injuries. The study looks at molecular changes in the blood and immune cells following resistance exercise. The study uses both human trials and mouse models to understand these changes. The findings suggest that resistance exercise leads to the release of specific molecules in the blood that can directly protect nerve cells and improve motor function after a spinal cord injury.

Study Duration
4 weeks (Human trial), 4 weeks (Mouse training)
Participants
20 patients with incomplete SCI, C57BL/6J mice
Evidence Level
Randomized controlled clinical trial and animal study

Key Findings

  • 1
    Resistance exercise, especially isotonic exercise, improves muscle strength, walking ability, and balance in individuals with incomplete SCI.
  • 2
    Resistance exercise modulates the complement pathway and humoral immune response, which are crucial for locomotor function recovery.
  • 3
    Exercise plasma contains factors that can directly protect nerve cells, reduce demyelination, and inhibit neuronal apoptosis after SCI in mice.

Research Summary

The study investigates the molecular mechanisms behind resistance exercise-induced recovery in incomplete SCI patients and in mice. Multi-omics analyses reveal that resistance exercise modulates the complement pathway and humoral immune response, which are crucial for locomotor function recovery. Exercise plasma has neuroprotective effects, reducing demyelination and neuronal apoptosis, and improving locomotor function after SCI, suggesting potential therapeutic strategies.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential of Exercise Mimetics

Identifies potential for developing exercise mimetics to promote recovery after SCI.

Personalized Rehabilitation Strategies

Highlights the importance of considering isotonic versus isometric exercises for optimized rehabilitation.

Immunomodulatory Therapies

Suggests that immunomodulatory molecules in exercise plasma could be used for targeted therapies.

Study Limitations

  • 1
    Small sample size in clinical trials, which may limit statistical power and the detection of subtle differences.
  • 2
    Lack of a parallel control group of incomplete SCI patients not receiving resistance rehabilitation therapy.
  • 3
    Use of a single-sex mouse model for resistance exercise protocol, potentially diminishing the generalizability of findings.

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