Neuroprotective effect of rapamycin on spinal cord injury via activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Rapamycin, typically used as an antifungal and immunosuppressant, has shown potential in reducing neural tissue damage and improving motor function recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). This study explores how rapamycin affects the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which is crucial for neural development and survival. The researchers investigated whether rapamycin could influence the Wnt/β-catenin pathway after SCI. They injected rats with spinal cord injuries with rapamycin and then analyzed the expression levels of proteins involved in the pathway, such as β-catenin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The study found that rapamycin increased β-catenin and BDNF levels in the injured spinal cord, improved tissue morphology, reduced motor neuron loss, and enhanced motor function recovery. These results suggest that rapamycin's neuroprotective effects are linked to the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

• 1
  Rapamycin treatment significantly increased the levels of β-catenin protein in the spinal cords of SCI rats, indicating activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
• 2
  Rapamycin inhibited apoptosis in the spinal cords of SCI rats, as evidenced by the reduced expression level of caspase-3 protein.
• 3
  Rapamycin treatment boosted the expression of BDNF in the spinal cord of SCI rats, suggesting a beneficial environment for functional recovery.