Role of CXCL10 in Spinal Cord Injury

International Journal of Medical Sciences, 2022 · DOI: 10.7150/ijms.76694 · Published: November 14, 2022

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) can lead to a harmful cycle of inflammation and secondary damage, affecting nerve and glial cells, axons, the protective blood-brain barrier and overall nerve function. CXCL10, a protein expressed after SCI, is involved in this process. Blocking CXCL10 may reduce inflammation and support nerve regeneration and recovery. This review explores CXCL10's structure, function, and role in inflammation, damage, and complications after SCI, suggesting it as a potential target for new SCI treatments. The review elucidates the critical role of CXCL10 in the pathogenesis of inflammatory responses and secondary damages to SCI, which may provide a theoretical basis for CXCL10 as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target of the central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory responses.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
CXCL10, a chemokine, is significantly upregulated following SCI and plays a crucial role in the development of neuroinflammation.
2
The CXCL10 / CXCR3 axis contributes to secondary damage after SCI by inhibiting angiogenesis and axonal regeneration, leading to tissue loss.
3
CXCL10 is implicated in various SCI complications, including neuropathic pain, joint inflammation, genitourinary dysfunction, and pressure sores.

Research Summary

This review summarizes the role of CXCL10 in spinal cord injury (SCI), highlighting its involvement in acute inflammatory responses, secondary damages, and complications. CXCL10, a chemokine, is upregulated after SCI and contributes to neuroinflammation by recruiting and activating inflammatory cells, inhibiting angiogenesis and myelin formation, and promoting apoptosis. Targeting the CXCL10 / CXCR3 axis may offer a potential therapeutic strategy for SCI by reducing inflammation, promoting regeneration, and alleviating complications.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Target

CXCL10 and its receptor, CXCR3, are potential therapeutic targets for managing SCI by modulating inflammatory responses.

Biomarker Potential

CXCL10 can serve as a biomarker for monitoring the progression of secondary damage and complications after SCI.

Combination Therapy

CXCL10 antagonist treatment should be combined with other therapeutic means to optimize outcomes for SCI patients.

Study Limitations

1
CXCL10 antagonist alone cannot achieve the desired therapeutic effect, suggesting involvement of other growth-inhibiting molecules.
2
CXCL10-induced inflammation may also play a neuroprotective role in the CNS.
3
Lack of evidence in human beings.

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