The Effect of Glycine and N‑Acetylcysteine on Oxidative Stress in the Spinal Cord and Skeletal Muscle After Spinal Cord Injury

Inflammation, 2024 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10753-023-01929-9 · Published: April 1, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Genetics Musculoskeletal Medicine

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to secondary damage, including oxidative stress and muscle atrophy. Glycine and N-acetylcysteine (GlyNAC) have shown antioxidant properties, but their effect on SCI hasn't been studied. This study used a rat model of SCI to investigate the effects of GlyNAC supplementation. The rats were given GlyNAC for four weeks, and their motor and sensory functions were assessed. The results indicated that GlyNAC improved motor function, promoted weight recovery, and enhanced antioxidant capacity in the spinal cord and skeletal muscle, suggesting it could protect against SCI-related damage.

Study Duration

8 weeks

Participants

50 female Sprague–Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
GlyNAC treatment significantly elevated BBB scores from the first to the eighth week after intervention, suggesting improved motor function recovery in rats with SCI.
2
GlyNAC promoted a significant recovery of body weight in SCI rats, indicating an improvement in their nutritional and metabolic status.
3
GlyNAC intervention increased glutathione and superoxide dismutase levels while decreasing malondialdehyde levels in spinal cord tissues, suggesting reduced oxidative stress.

Research Summary

This study investigates the therapeutic potential of GlyNAC (glycine and N-acetylcysteine) in treating spinal cord injury (SCI) by reducing oxidative stress and skeletal muscle atrophy in a rat model. The findings reveal that GlyNAC supplementation improves motor and sensory function, enhances antioxidant capacity in spinal cord and skeletal muscle tissues, and delays skeletal muscle atrophy in SCI rats. The study concludes that GlyNAC has value and potential for use as a nutritional therapy for patients with SCI, promoting functional recovery and protecting against oxidative damage.

Practical Implications

Nutritional Therapy for SCI Patients

GlyNAC can be added to the diets of patients with SCI as a nutritional therapy.

Potential for Functional Recovery

GlyNAC supplementation may promote functional recovery after SCI by protecting against oxidative injury.

Delay of Skeletal Muscle Atrophy

GlyNAC can delay skeletal muscle atrophy, potentially improving long-term outcomes for SCI patients.

Study Limitations

1
Long-term efficacy of GlyNAC following SCI was not determined.
2
Effectiveness of GlyNAC was demonstrated only in rats.
3
Other skeletal muscles should also be used as the research target for a comprehensive analysis.

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