Protective effect of valproic acid on ischemia-reperfusion induced spinal cord injury in a rat model

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2024 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2023.2257854 · Published: May 1, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Cardiovascular Science Neurology

Simple Explanation

This study investigates if valproic acid (VPA) can protect the spinal cord from damage caused by interrupted blood flow (ischemia) followed by the return of blood flow (reperfusion). This type of injury can happen during surgeries involving the aorta. The researchers tested VPA in rats by blocking blood flow to the spinal cord and then giving VPA either before or after restoring blood flow. They then looked at markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell death in the spinal cord tissue. The study found that VPA, especially when given before restoring blood flow, reduced inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell death in the spinal cord. This suggests VPA could be a useful drug to protect the spinal cord during aortic surgeries.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

32 male Sprague Dawley rats weighing 190–260 g

Evidence Level

Level-II, Prospective Rat Trial

Key Findings

1
VPA administration before or after ischemia-reperfusion reduced IL-18 level but not to pre-ischemic levels.
2
Pre- and post-IR VPA treatments significantly improved TAS and OSI levels but not TOS levels compared to the sham.
3
Both pre and post-IR VPA administration improved compared to the sham group but did not reach the control.

Research Summary

The main focus of the study research was the potential role of VPA in aortic surgeries. The research elucidated VPA’s anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-apoptotic attributes in the spinal cord IR process, employing biochemical and immunohistochemical methodologies. Advocating its routine administration before aortic surgical procedures, especially in emergencies, could portend a promising strategy for facilitating spinal cord IR injuries.

Practical Implications

Prophylactic Use in Aortic Surgeries

VPA should be considered for prophylactic use before aortic surgery to mitigate the risk of IR injuries.

Therapeutic Potential

VPA exhibited therapeutic potential in spinal cord IR injuries.

Further Research

Further research is needed to examine long-term effects of VPA and to investigate other biochemical and immunohistochemical factors associated with VPA.

Study Limitations

1
The study examined the values of biomarkers at the 24th hour to examine the effects of VPA in the emergency period, but there may be differences in the long-term effects.
2
The study enrolled the biochemical and immunohistochemical parameters that we thought might be crucial in the pathophysiology. Still, other biochemical and immunohistochemical factors that play a role in spinal cord IR injury may also be associated with the VPA.
3
The last limitation of the study is the death of three animals in the fourth group.

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