Quercetin Derivatives in Combating Spinal Cord Injury: A Mechanistic and Systematic Review

Life, 2022 · DOI: 10.3390/life12121960 · Published: November 23, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Pharmacology Neurology

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) lacks an FDA-approved treatment, with current interventions mainly addressing symptoms. SCI's secondary phase involves inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy, necessitating multi-targeting agents with fewer side effects and higher efficacy. Flavonoids, found in plants, are studied for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and autophagy-regulating effects. Quercetin, a well-known flavonol, has gained attention for its benefits in neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) and has demonstrated neuroprotective effects in preclinical studies. This systematic review aims to provide insights into the biological activities of quercetin and its derivatives against SCI, highlighting their neuroprotective mechanisms. The review also explores the pharmacological mechanisms of quercetin complexes, such as rutin and luteolin, in combating SCI.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Level 3: Systematic Review

Key Findings

1
Quercetin and its derivatives have shown potential in promoting neuronal cell regeneration in SCI by attenuating several dysregulated pathways.
2
Quercetin derivatives can block the p38MAPK/iNOS signaling pathway, suppress the production of inflammatory mediators, and increase 5-HT-positive nerve fibers and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
3
Quercetin complexes have demonstrated a promising future in the attenuation of dysregulated pathways after SCI, improving sensory and motor function, as well as neuronal survival, through anti-apoptosis, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory responses.

Research Summary

Spinal cord injury (SCI) remains a significant cause of disability, with oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy playing crucial roles in its pathogenesis. Increased inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis are associated with cell survival after SCI. Quercetin, a plant-derived flavonoid, exhibits antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and autophagy regulation in neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) and SCI. It promotes neuronal cell regeneration in SCI by attenuating dysregulated pathways. Future research should include extensive in vitro and in vivo experimentation to reveal precise signaling pathways, followed by well-controlled clinical trials to assess the potential of quercetin derivatives against SCI. This will highlight potential applications of quercetin derivatives in the prevention, management, and treatment of SCI.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

Quercetin derivatives may offer a multi-targeted approach to combatting SCI by addressing oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy.

Drug Development

The findings support further research into quercetin derivatives as potential candidates for drug development aimed at preventing or treating SCI.

Clinical Trials

The review highlights the need for well-controlled clinical trials to assess the efficacy of quercetin derivatives in treating SCI in humans.

Study Limitations

1
Lack of human clinical trials assessing the efficacy of quercetin derivatives in treating SCI.
2
The review relies on preclinical studies, which may not fully translate to human outcomes.
3
Further research is needed to elucidate the precise signaling pathways involved in the neuroprotective effects of quercetin derivatives.

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