Size effect-based improved antioxidant activity of selenium nanoparticles regulating Anti-PI3K-mTOR and Ras-MEK pathways for treating spinal cord injury to avoid hormone shock-induced immunosuppression

This study introduces ultra-small selenium nanoparticles modified with lentinan (LNT-UsSeNPs) as a potential treatment for spinal cord injury (SCI). These nanoparticles have superior ROS scavenging capabilities compared to larger, conventional selenium nanoparticles. The LNT-UsSeNPs can effectively penetrate the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) and inhibit the apoptosis of spinal neurons. They also directly regulate key signaling pathways involved in inflammation without compromising immune function, unlike traditional treatments like glucocorticoids. The ultra-small size of LNT-UsSeNPs allows them to cross the BSCB more effectively, enhancing drug accumulation and therapeutic efficacy at the injury site, while also providing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

• 1
  LNT-UsSeNPs exhibit superior ROS scavenging capabilities compared to conventional LNT-SeNPs, protecting PC-12 cells from oxidative stress-induced cytotoxicity and alleviating mitochondrial dysfunction.
• 2
  In vivo studies show that LNT-UsSeNPs efficiently penetrate the BSCB, inhibit spinal neuron apoptosis, and improve hindlimb motor function in mice with SCI.
• 3
  LNT-UsSeNPs regulate the PI3K-AKT-mTOR and Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK signaling pathways by regulating selenoproteins, achieving non-immunosuppressive anti-inflammatory therapy and neuroprotection.