Photobiomodulation promotes spinal cord injury repair by inhibiting macrophage polarization through lncRNA TUG1‑miR‑1192/TLR3 axis

This study investigates how photobiomodulation (PBM) can help repair spinal cord injuries (SCI) by reducing inflammation and nerve damage. It focuses on bone-marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs), which are recruited to the injured area after SCI and can cause inflammation and neuronal apoptosis. The research explores the role of a specific molecular pathway involving lncRNA TUG1, miR-1192, and TLR3 in the process. PBM treatment was found to reduce the expression of TUG1, TLR3, and inflammatory cytokines, promoting nerve survival and motor function recovery in mice with SCI. The study concludes that the lncRNA TUG1/miR-1192/TLR3 axis is an important pathway for PBM to inhibit M1 macrophage polarization and inflammation. This provides a basis for using PBM in clinical applications for patients with SCI.

• 1
  LncRNA TUG1 is a potential target of PBM, regulating the polarization of BMDMs, inflammatory response, and the axial growth of DRG.
• 2
  TUG1 competes with TLR3 for binding to miR-1192, attenuating the inhibitory effect of miR-1192 on TLR3, which promotes the activation of downstream NF-κB signal and the release of inflammatory cytokines.
• 3
  PBM treatment reduces the expression of TUG1, TLR3, and inflammatory cytokines and promotes nerve survival and motor function recovery in SCI mice.