Therapeutic efficacy of cyclosporin A against spinal cord injury in rats with hyperglycemia

MOLECULAR MEDICINE REPORTS, 2018 · DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.8422 · Published: January 1, 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Endocrinology Neurology

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the potential of Cyclosporin A (CsA) to treat spinal cord injuries (SCI) in rats that also have high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). The goal is to find new ways to treat SCI when it occurs alongside hyperglycemia. The study found that CsA improved the neurological function of SCI rats with hyperglycemia. CsA reduced the number of apoptotic cells exaggerated by hyperglycemia in the spinal cord of the SCI rats. The study suggests CsA can help treat SCI in hyperglycemic conditions by preventing the death of spinal cord cells. This points to a possible new drug and treatment approach for SCI patients who also have hyperglycemia.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

40 female Sprague‑Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
CsA significantly improved neurological function in SCI rats with hyperglycemia.
2
CsA markedly reduced apoptotic cells exaggerated by hyperglycemia in the spinal cord.
3
CsA significantly decreased the expression levels of IL‑10, TNF‑α, Cyp‑D and AIF in the spinal cord.

Research Summary

This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effects of CsA on SCI in rats with hyperglycemia and to identify a novel potential method to treat SCI in the presence of hyperglycemia. The results demonstrated that CsA significantly improved the neurological function of the SCI rats with hyperglycemia. CsA markedly reduced the number of apoptotic cells exaggerated by hyperglycemia in the spinal cord of the SCI rats. Overall, the present study revealed a significant role of CsA in the treatment of SCI in the presence of hyperglycemia by inhibiting the apoptosis of spinal cord cells.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Strategy

CsA could be a therapeutic option for SCI patients with hyperglycemia.

Drug Target

Apoptosis inhibition via CsA is a potential target for SCI treatment.

Further Research

The mechanisms of CsA in SCI treatment need further investigation, including in vitro studies.

Study Limitations

1
Lacking of in vitro experiments
2
No determination of the expression levels of IL‑10 and TNF‑α at each time point
3
Specific mechanisms need to be determined

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