Zinc regulates microglial polarization and inﬂammation through IKBα after spinal cord injury and promotes neuronal repair and motor function recovery in mice

Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2025 · DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2025.1510372 · Published: January 29, 2025

Spinal Cord Injury Pharmacology Neurology

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to inflammation and nerve damage, causing loss of movement and sensation. This study explores how zinc ions, known for their potential in reducing inflammation and promoting cell survival, can help in SCI. The research shows that zinc ions work by increasing the expression of IKBα, a protein that reduces inflammation. This reduces inflammation, cell polarization, and cell death in SCI models. These findings suggest that zinc ions could be a potential treatment for SCI and other inflammatory conditions. Further research is needed to explore the clinical benefits of zinc ions.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

C57BL/6 mice (20–35 g, 10–12 weeks)

Evidence Level

Original Research

Key Findings

1
Zinc ions modulate inflammatory pathways through IKBα, which inhibits NF-κB activity, reducing inflammation and cell death in SCI mouse model.
2
Zinc treatment upregulates IKBα expression, promoting a shift in microglia towards the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype, which facilitates neural repair.
3
Zinc ions promote motor function recovery and reduce glial scar formation after spinal cord injury, effects dependent on the upregulation of IKBα.

Research Summary

This study investigates the mechanisms of zinc ion treatment in SCI, focusing on its effects on inflammation, cell polarization, and apoptosis, using transcriptomic analysis and in vitro/in vivo studies. Results showed that zinc ions modulate inflammatory pathways through IKBα, upregulating its expression, reducing inflammation and cell death. These findings were confirmed in a SCI mouse model. The study concludes that zinc ions exert anti-inflammatory effects and promote motor function recovery by upregulating IKBα, suggesting potential therapeutic applications in SCI and other inflammatory conditions.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

Zinc ions may be a viable therapeutic approach for managing inflammation and promoting neuronal repair in spinal cord injury.

Drug Development

The findings provide a foundation for developing new therapeutic strategies targeting the IKBα pathway for SCI treatment.

Clinical Trials

Further clinical investigations into the benefits of zinc ions are warranted to improve the quality of life for SCI patients.

Study Limitations

1
The study focuses primarily on the role of IKBα; other potential mechanisms of zinc ions were not fully explored.
2
The long-term effects of zinc ion treatment on SCI recovery require further investigation.
3
The study is limited to a mouse model; translational studies are needed to confirm the efficacy in humans.

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