Unveiling the effects of Rosa canina oligosaccharide liposome on neuropathic pain and motor dysfunction following spinal cord injury in rats: relevance to its antioxidative effects

Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2025 · DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2025.1533025 · Published: February 14, 2025

Spinal Cord Injury Pharmacology Biomedical

Simple Explanation

This study explores a new treatment for spinal cord injuries (SCI) using a special formulation (Oligo-L) made from Rosa canina, a type of rose, that's delivered in tiny packages called liposomes. Researchers tested Oligo-L on rats with SCI, looking at how it affected their ability to move, feel pain, and handle oxidative stress, which is damage to cells caused by an imbalance of certain chemicals. The results showed that Oligo-L helped rats regain some movement, reduced their pain, lowered oxidative stress, and protected nerve cells in their spinal cords, suggesting it could be a promising treatment for SCI.

Study Duration

4 Weeks

Participants

35 Wistar male rats

Evidence Level

Level: Not specified, Study type: Animal study

Key Findings

1
Oligo-L treatment significantly improved neuropathic pain and motor function performance in rats with SCI from the first week post-injury.
2
Oligo-L enhanced catalase and glutathione levels, while reducing serum nitrite levels, contributing to neuronal preservation after SCI.
3
Oligo-L increased neuronal survival in both the ventral (motor neurons) and dorsal (sensory neurons) horns of the spinal cord.

Research Summary

This study investigated the effects of Rosa canina oligosaccharide liposomal formulation (Oligo-L) on sensory-motor function, following SCI in rats. The findings indicated that Oligo-L treatment led to significant improvements in neuropathic pain, and motor function performance and weight of the animals from the first week post-SCI. Overall, Oligo-L, characterized by its beneficial physicochemical properties, showed promising potential as a neuroprotective agent and facilitated the recovery of sensory and motor functions after SCI.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

Oligo-L may represent a novel therapeutic approach for SCI by addressing oxidative stress and promoting neuronal survival.

Drug Delivery

Liposomal delivery of oligosaccharides enhances bioavailability and targeted delivery to the injured spinal cord.

Future Research

Further studies are warranted to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of Oligo-L in larger animal models and eventually in human clinical trials.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on rats, and the results may not be directly applicable to humans.
2
The study focused on a specific type of SCI (compression injury), and the efficacy of Oligo-L may vary in other types of SCI.
3
The long-term effects of Oligo-L treatment were not evaluated.

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