Resveratrol improves the prognosis of rats after spinal cord injury by inhibiting mitogen‑activated protein kinases signaling pathway

Scientific Reports, 2023 · DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46541-x · Published: November 2, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Pharmacology Immunology

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious condition that results in irreparable nerve damage and severe loss of motor or sensory function. Resveratrol is a naturally occurring plant-based polyphenol that has demonstrated powerful antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic pharmaceutical properties in previous studies. The administration of resveratrol protects motor function and neuronal survival in rats after SCI. Furthermore, resveratrol exerts an anti-inflammatory effect by blocking the JNK/p38MAPK signaling pathway.

Study Duration

8 weeks

Participants

44 female Wistar rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Resveratrol dramatically improved the hindlimb locomotor function and their electrophysiological outcomes.
2
Resveratrol boosted neuronal survival and attenuated glial cell overgrowth.
3
Resveratrol reduced the density and number of TUNEL-positive cells in rats after injury.

Research Summary

The results of this study showed that resveratrol treatment can promote the recovery of SCI in rat contusion models by inhibiting the activation of the JNK/p38MAPK signaling pathway. Resveratrol treatment suppressed gliosis and increased neuronal survival. Resveratrol inhibited the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines to protect the tissue from secondary damage resulting from inflammation.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

Resveratrol may be a potential therapeutic agent for spinal cord injury due to its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects.

Pathway Targeting

The JNK/p38MAPK signaling pathway is a key target for resveratrol's beneficial effects in SCI.

Further Research

Further studies are warranted to investigate the optimal dosage and delivery method of resveratrol for SCI treatment.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on a rat model, and results may not directly translate to humans.
2
The specific mechanisms by which resveratrol interacts with the JNK/p38MAPK signaling pathway require further elucidation.
3
The long-term effects of resveratrol treatment on SCI recovery were not assessed.

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