Trehalose–Carnosine Prevents the Effects of Spinal Cord Injury Through Regulating Acute Inflammation and Zinc(II) Ion Homeostasis

Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10571-022-01273-w · Published: September 19, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Genetics

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are severe conditions leading to motor dysfunctions and nervous system abnormalities. This study investigates the effects of trehalose-carnosine (Tre–car) in reducing inflammation in in vitro and in vivo models of SCI. The in vitro study used rat pheochromocytoma cells (PC12 cell line) to investigate Zn2+ homeostasis after treatments with Tre–car, Car, Tre, and Tre + Car mixture. The in vivo model involved extradural compression of the spinal cord in mice at the T6–T8 levels, followed by treatments with Tre, Car and Tre–Car conjugate. The study demonstrated that Tre–car conjugate treatment counteracted the activation of the early inflammatory cascade, oxidative stress, and apoptosis after SCI. Tre–car also stimulated neurotrophic factors release and influenced Zn2+ homeostasis, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for SCI.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Male adult CD1 mice, 6 weeks old (25–30 g)

Evidence Level

Level 1: In vitro and in vivo study

Key Findings

1
Tre–car conjugate treatment counteracted the activation of the early inflammatory cascade, oxidative stress and apoptosis after SCI.
2
Tre–car stimulated neurotrophic factors release, and influenced Zn2+ homeostasis.
3
Tre–car, Tre and Car treatments improved tissue recovery after SCI.

Research Summary

This study investigated the effects of trehalose-carnosine (Tre–car) conjugate on spinal cord injury (SCI) in both in vitro and in vivo models, focusing on inflammation, apoptosis, and zinc ion homeostasis. The results demonstrated that Tre–car treatment effectively reduced inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis following SCI. It also stimulated the release of neurotrophic factors and restored zinc ion homeostasis. The findings suggest that Tre–car may represent a promising therapeutic agent for counteracting the consequences of SCI by targeting multiple pathological mechanisms.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

Tre–car may serve as a novel therapeutic agent for SCI due to its multitargeted approach, addressing inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and zinc homeostasis.

Neuroprotective Strategy

The study supports the use of Tre–car as a neuroprotective strategy to mitigate the secondary damage cascade following SCI, promoting tissue recovery and neuronal survival.

Drug development

Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects and optimal administration routes of Tre–car for clinical translation in SCI treatment.

Study Limitations

1
The study primarily focuses on the acute phase of SCI (24 hours post-injury).
2
The study used a mouse model, which may not fully replicate the complexities of human SCI.
3
The exact biochemical pathways involved in trehalose’s effects on mammalian cells, including neuronal cells, are not yet under-stood

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury