Treadmill training improves lung function and inhibits alveolar cell apoptosis in spinal cord injured rats

This study aimed to investigate how treadmill training affects lung injury in rats with spinal cord injury (SCI). The research focused on the MAPK/Erk signaling pathway and apoptosis, which are key factors in secondary lung injury after SCI. Rats with SCI were given treadmill training at different times post-injury. The researchers then analyzed lung function and the expression of apoptosis-related factors. They also manipulated miR145-5p levels to understand its role in the MAPK/Erk pathway and apoptosis in lung cells. The study suggests that treadmill training can reduce apoptosis (cell death) in lung cells after spinal cord injury. This is achieved by modulating the MAP3K3 protein through miR145-5p, which in turn regulates the MAPK/Erk signaling pathway.

• 1
  SCI increased apoptosis, activated the MAPK/Erk pathway, and impaired lung function in rats. Treadmill training, however, reduced alveolar cell apoptosis, suppressed the MAPK/Erk pathway, and improved lung function.
• 2
  The gene MAP3K3 was identified as a target of miR145-5p. Manipulating miR145-5p expression confirmed its influence on the MAPK/Erk pathway and its impact on apoptosis in alveolar cells.
• 3
  Upregulating miR145-5p in SCI rats decreased MAP3K3 protein expression in lung tissues, inhibiting the MAPK/Erk signaling pathway and reducing apoptosis. Conversely, miR145-5p knockdown increased MAP3K3 protein expression, activating the MAPK/Erk pathway and increasing lung cell apoptosis.