Zhenbao pill protects against acute spinal cord injury via miR-146a-5p regulating the expression of GPR17

Calycosin promotes axon growth by inhibiting PTPRS and alleviates spinal cord injury

Our former studies have identified the alleviating effect of Calycosin (CA) on spinal cord injury (SCI). In this study, our purpose is to explore the influence of CA on SCI from the perspective of promoting axon growth. The SCI animal model was constructed by spinal cord compression, wherein rat primary cortex neuronal isolation was performed, and the axonal growth restriction cell model was established via chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) treatment. The expressions of axon regeneration markers were measured via immunofluorescent staining and western blot, and the direct target of CA was examined using silver staining. Finally, the expression of the protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type S (PTPRS) was assessed using western blot. CA treatment increased neuronal process outgrowth and the expressions of axon regeneration markers, such as neurofilament H (NF-H), vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (vGlut1), and synaptophysin (Syn) in both SCI model rats and CSPG-treated primary cortical neurons, and PTPRS levels were elevated after SCI induction. In addition, PTPRS was the direct target of CA, and according to in vivo findings, exposure to CA reduced the PTPRS content. Furthermore, PTPRS overexpression inhibited CA's enhancement of axon regeneration marker content and neuronal axon lengths. CA improves SCI by increasing axon development through regulating PTPRS expression.

Long non-coding RNA DANCR increases spinal cord neuron apoptosis and inflammation of spinal cord injury by mediating the microRNA-146a-5p/MAPK6 axis

OBJECTIVE

This research was to unravel the impact of the lncRNA differentiation antagonizing non-protein coding RNA (DANCR)/microRNA (miR)-146a-5p/mitogen-activated protein kinase 6 (MAPK6) axis on spinal cord injury (SCI).

METHODS

SCI mouse models were established and injected with si-DANCR or miR-146a-5p agomir. The recovery of motor function was assessed by Basso Mouse Scale. SCI was pathologically evaluated, and serum inflammatory factors were measured in SCI mice. Mouse spinal cord neurons were injured by H2O2 and transfected, followed by assessment of proliferation and apoptosis. DANCR, miR-146a-5p, and MAPK6 in tissues and cells were detected, as well as their relationship.

RESULTS

DANCR increased and miR-146a-5p decreased in SCI. Silencing DANCR or enhancing miR-146a-5p stimulated the proliferation of mouse spinal cord neurons and reduced apoptosis. DANCR was bound to miR-146a-5p to target MAPK6. DANCR affected the proliferation and apoptosis of spinal cord neurons by mediating the miR-146a-5p/MAPK6 axis. Downregulating DANCR or upregulating miR-146a-5p improved inflammation, the destruction of spinal cord tissue structure, and apoptosis in SCI mice.

CONCLUSION

DANCR affects spinal cord neuron apoptosis and inflammation of SCI by mediating the miR-146a-5p/MAPK6 axis.

Elucidation of the mechanism of Zhenbao pills for the treatment of spinal cord injury by network pharmacology and molecular docking: A review

To explore the mechanism of the Zhenbao pill (ZBP) in treating spinal cord injury (SCI). The TCMSP Database, HERB Database and literature search were used to screen the effective ingredients and targets of ZBP; SCI-related genes were searched in GeneCards, OMIM, PharmGkb, TTD and DrugBank databases; the potential targets of ZBP for treating SCI were predicted and Venn diagrams were drawn, and the "herb-ingredient-target" network was constructed by Cytoscape software. The PPI network was constructed by STRING software, and the core targets were screened by cytoNCA plug-in; GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis were performed on the predicted targets using the DAVID Platform, and visualized with the Microbiology Network Platform. The molecular docking between the key ingredients and the core target was carried out by AutoDockVina software. 391 active ingredients and 836 action targets were obtained from ZBP and there are 1557 SCI related genes in 5 disease databases. The top 5 active ingredients were Quercetin, Camptothecin, Kaempferol, Ethyl iso-allocholate, and Ethyl linoleate, and 5 core genes were SRC, CTNNB1, TP53, AKT1, and STAT3. GO enrichment analysis showed that the core targets were involved in 1206 biological processes, 120 cellular components and 160 molecular functions; KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the core targets involved 183 pathways, including PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and other signaling pathways. Molecular docking indicated that CTNNB1, SRC, TP53, AKT1 and STAT3 showed good binding ability with the active ingredients quercetin, kaempferol and ethyl isobutyric acid. ZBP improves SCI through multi-components, multi-targets and multi-pathways.

Exosomes from microRNA 146a overexpressed bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells protect against spinal cord injury in rats

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the effect of microRNA 146a (miR-146a) overexpressed bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) exosomes on spinal cord injury (SCI) recovery.

METHODS

Rat BMMSCs were isolated and transfected with miR-146a mimic (miR-mimic) and control mimic (NC-mimic), after which their exosomes were isolated. Afterward, SCI rat models were constructed, then treated with phosphate buffer saline (PBS), NC BMMSCs exosomes (separated from the culture medium of BMMSCs with NC-mimic), and miR-146a overexpressed BMMSCs exosomes (isolated from the culture medium of BMMSCs with miR-mimic), respectively; additionally, rats underwent sham surgery were treated with PBS as controls.

RESULTS

MiR-146a was upregulated in BMMSCs, and BMMSCs derived exosomes post miR-mimic transfection. Then in SCI rats, BMMSCs exosomes elevated the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) score and reduced hematoxylin&eosin-reflected spinal cord tissue injury. In addition, BMMSCs exosomes did not affect TUNEL positive cells rate while increased NeuN(+) cells/field in spinal cord tissue from SCI rats. As for inflammation, BMMSCs exosomes repressed pro-inflammatory cytokine expressions, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, in spinal cord tissue from SCI rats. Furthermore, miR-146a overexpressed BMMSCs exosomes presented with notably better effects regarding elevating BBB score in SCI rats and reducing tissue injury, neuron apoptosis, and inflammation while enhancing neuron viability in spinal cord tissue from SCI rats.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-146a overexpressed BMMSCs exosomes enhance locomotor capacity and neuron viability while reducing neuron apoptosis and spinal cord tissue inflammation in SCI rats.

MiRNA-146a-A Key Player in Immunity and Diseases

miRNA-146a, a single-stranded, non-coding RNA molecule, has emerged as a valuable diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for numerous pathological conditions. Its primary function lies in regulating inflammatory processes, haemopoiesis, allergic responses, and other key aspects of the innate immune system. Several studies have indicated that polymorphisms in miRNA-146a can influence the pathogenesis of various human diseases, including autoimmune disorders and cancer. One of the key mechanisms by which miRNA-146a exerts its effects is by controlling the expression of certain proteins involved in critical pathways. It can modulate the activity of interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase, IRAK1, IRAK2 adaptor proteins, and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) targeting protein receptor 6, which is a regulator of the TNF signalling pathway. In addition, miRNA-146a affects gene expression through multiple signalling pathways, such as TNF, NF-κB and MEK-1/2, and JNK-1/2. Studies have been carried out to determine the effect of miRNA-146a on cancer pathogenesis, revealing its involvement in the synthesis of stem cells, which contributes to tumourigenesis. In this review, we focus on recent discoveries that highlight the significant role played by miRNA-146a in regulating various defence mechanisms and oncogenesis. The aim of this review article is to systematically examine miRNA-146a's impact on the control of signalling pathways involved in oncopathology, immune system development, and the corresponding response to therapy.

Calycosin ameliorates spinal cord injury by targeting Hsp90 to inhibit oxidative stress and apoptosis of nerve cells

BACKGROUND

Zhenbao pill is effective in protecting against spinal cord injury (SCI). We attempt to explore the characteristics of calycosin (a main monomer of Zhenbao pill) in SCI and its relative mechanism.

METHODS

The target of calycosin was screened using pharmacological network analysis. The SCI cell model was constructed using hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and the animal model was developed by compressing spinal cord with a vascular clamp. Flow cytometry was conducted to test reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and cell apoptosis. Detection of malondialdehyde (MDA) activity and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were performed using relative kits. Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) was examined using western blot and quantitative real-time PCR. Motor function tests were carried out. The hematoxylin-eosin and Nissl staining were conducted.

RESULTS

In SCI models, ROS, MDA, and cell apoptosis were elevated, SOD and HSP90 levels were restrained, while calycosin addition reversed the above results. Besides, calycosin application or HSP90 overexpression enhanced phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt) but weakened that of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) and p38, while HSP90 inhibitor 17-AAG treatment restrained the above results. Meanwhile, the injection of calycosin improved the motor function in SCI model rats. Furthermore, the pathologic results also clarified the positive effect of calycosin on SCI.

CONCLUSION

HSP90 was lowly expressed in SCI models. Calycosin alleviated SCI by promoting HSP90 up-regulation and inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis of nerve cells.

Elucidating the Molecular Mechanism of Ischemic Stroke Using Integrated Analysis of miRNA, mRNA, and lncRNA Expression Profiles

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the possible molecular mechanisms associated with ischemic stroke through the construction of a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network. miRNA expression profile in GSE55937, mRNA and lncRNA expression profiles in GSE122709, and mRNA expression profile in GSE146882 were downloaded from the NCBI GEO database. After the identification of the differentially expressed miRNA, lncRNA, and mRNA using GSE55937 and GSE122709 in ischemic stroke vs. control groups, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed. The lncRNA-miRNA, lncRNA-mRNA, and miRNA-mRNA pairs were predicted, and a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network was constructed. Additionally, the gene-drug interactions were predicted. Characteristic genes were used to construct a support vector machine (SVM) model and verified using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. In total 38 miRNAs, 115 lncRNAs, and 990 mRNAs were identified between ischemic stroke and control groups. A PPI network with 371 nodes and 2306 interaction relationships was constructed. The constructed lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network contained 7 mRNAs, 14 lncRNAs, such as SND1-IT1, NAPA-AS1, LINC01001, LUCAT1, and ASAP1-IT2, and 8 miRNAs, such as miR-93-3p and miR-24-3p. The drug action analysis of the seven differential mRNAs included in the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network showed that four genes (GPR17, ADORA1, OPRM1 and LPAR3) were predicted as molecular targets of drugs. The area under the curve of the constructed SVM model was 0.886. The verification results of the relative expression of RNA by qRT-PCR were consistent with the results of bioinformatics analysis. LPAR3, ADORA1, GPR17, and OPRM1 may serve as therapeutic targets of ischemic stroke. lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory axis such as SND1-IT1/NAPA-AS1/LINC01001-miR-24-3p-LPAR3/ADORA1 and LUCAT1/ASAP1-IT2-miR-93-3p-GPR17 may play important roles in the progression of ischemic stroke.

Zhenbao pill attenuates hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis by inhibiting autophagy in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The Zhenbao pill (ZBP) is composed of 29 traditional Chinese medicines and has been proven to exhibit a valid therapeutic effect in nervous system diseases, such as stroke and hemiplegia sequelae.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Whether ZBP has a protective effect on vascular endothelial cells remains unknown. In this study, we established hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) as an in vitro model to investigate the pharmacological effects of ZBP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Following the intragastric administration of ZBP (0.25, 0.5, and 1 g/kg for seven days) in rats, drug-containing serum was obtained and cultivated with HUVECs before H2O2 treatment. The viability of HUVECs in the presence of H2O2 was measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, lactate dehydrogenase assay, and flow cytometry. Furthermore, we estimated the effects of ZBP on the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Autophagic puncta were detected using a fluorescence microscope. Western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to detect the expression levels of several genes associated with apoptosis and autophagy.

RESULTS

Drug-containing serum separated from rats at 1 h after intragastric administration of ZBP (0.5 g/kg) significantly offered a protective effect to HUVECs and reduced cell apoptosis rates. Meanwhile, ZBP-containing serum also repressed ROS production induced by H2O2 exposure and maintained MMP. Further investigation revealed that ZBP-containing serum effectively reduced the accumulation of autophagic puncta. ZBP-mediated inhibition on cell autophagy was found to contribute to ameliorating cell apoptosis. Western blotting also confirmed that ZBP maintained AKT and mTOR phosphorylation and antagonized the imbalance of BCL2/BAX, thereby protecting cells from apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, our data indicate that ZBP inhibits ROS production, mitochondrial damage, cell autophagy, and cell apoptosis. ZBP can offer protection to vascular endothelial cells against oxidative injury through the antagonism of apoptosis and autophagy. Thus, this study enhances the understanding of the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of ZBP in the process of recovery from myocardial and cerebral ischemic stroke.

EZH2 Mediates miR-146a-5p/HIF-1α to Alleviate Inflammation and Glycolysis after Acute Spinal Cord Injury

Acute spinal cord injury (ASCI) is a severe traumatic disease of the central nervous system, the underlying mechanism of which is unclear. This study was intended to study the role of EZH2 and miR-146a-5p/HIF-1α in inflammation and glycolysis after ASCI, providing reference and basis for the clinical treatment and prognosis of ASCI injury. We used lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce inflammation of microglia, and we constructed the ASCI animal model. qRT-PCR detected the relative expression levels of EZH2, HIF-1α, miR-146a-5p, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-17, PKM2, GLUT1, and HK2 in cells and tissues. Western blot was performed to detect the expression levels of EZH2, HIF-1α, H3K27me3, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-17, PKM2, GLUT1, and HK2. ChIP verified the enrichment of H3K27me3 in the miR-146a-5p promoter region. Bioinformatics predicted the binding sites of HIF-1α and miR-146a-5p, and dual-luciferase reporter assay verified the binding of HIF-1α and miR-146a-5p. ELISA detects the levels of inflammatory factors IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-17 in the cerebrospinal fluid of rats. The GC-TOFMS was used to detect the changes of glycolytic metabolites in the cerebrospinal fluid of rats. EZH2 could mediate inflammation and glycolysis of microglia. EZH2 regulates inflammation and glycolysis through HIF-1α. EZH2 indirectly regulated the HIF-1α expression by mediating miR-146a-5p. EZH2 mediates miR-146a-5p/HIF-1α to alleviate inflammation and glycolysis in ASCI rats. In the present study, our results demonstrated that EZH2 could mediate miR-146a-5p/HIF-1α to alleviate the inflammation and glycolysis after ASCI. Therefore, EZH2/miR-146a-5p/HIF-1α might be a novel potential target for treating ASCI.

Silencing of Long Noncoding RNA Growth Arrest-Specific 5 Alleviates Neuronal Cell Apoptosis and Inflammatory Responses Through Sponging microRNA-93 to Repress PTEN Expression in Spinal Cord Injury

A secondary injury induced by a spinal cord injury (SCI) remains the main cause of devastating neural dysfunction; therefore, it has been the subject of focused research for many years. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) has been found to participate in the SCI process, and this finding presents a high potential for diagnosis and treatment; however, the role of lncRNA in a secondary injury induced by SCI remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the regulatory effect of lncRNA growth arrest–specific transcript 5 (GAS5) in secondary injury during SCI. The SCI mice model and hypoxic cellular model were established to research the roles of lncRNA GAS5 during SCI. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was conducted to determine the expression levels of microR-93 (miR-93) and lncRNA GAS5. Western blot analysis of the apoptosis regulator protein and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay was conducted to evaluate neuron cell apoptosis. Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scores were calculated to assess neurological function. Flow cytometry was used to determine neuron cell apoptosis. The associations among GAS5, miR-93, and the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) were disclosed using RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay, RNA pulldown assay, and dual-luciferase reporter assay. QRT-PCR demonstrated that GAS5 was significantly upregulated in both the SCI mice and hypoxic cellular models. GAS5 knockdown suppressed neuron cell apoptosis and inflammatory response in the SCI mice model. Further studies have indicated that GAS5 functions as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) by sponging miR-93 in neuronal cells. In addition, PTEN was a target of miR-93, and GAS5 knockdown exhibited its anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects through the miR-93/PTEN axis. These findings suggest that the GAS5/miR-93/PTEN axis may be a promising therapeutic target for SCI.

Research progress on the regulatory role of microRNAs in spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe CNS injury that results in abnormalities in, or loss of, motor, sensory and autonomic nervous function. miRNAs belong to a new class of noncoding RNA that regulates the production of proteins and biological function of cells by silencing translation or interfering with the expression of target mRNAs. Following SCI, miRNAs related to oxidative stress, inflammation, autophagy, apoptosis and many other secondary injuries are differentially expressed, and these miRNAs play an important role in the progression of secondary injuries after SCI. The purpose of this review is to elucidate the differential expression and functional roles of miRNAs after SCI, thus providing references for further research on miRNAs in SCI.

Inhibition of GPR17 with pranlukast protects against TNF-α-induced loss of type II collagen in ATDC5 cells

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disease affecting millions of elderly people worldwide. However, the mechanism of OA is complicated and remains poorly understood. Thus, a safe and effective therapeutic strategy has yet to be developed. G protein-coupled receptor 17 (GPR17) is an orphan receptor that is widely distributed in the central nervous system (CNS). GPR17 has become a target for the treatment of inflammation in brain diseases. In this study, we demonstrate that GPR17 is expressed in ATDC5 cells and is increased in response to TNF-α exposure. We also found that antagonism of GPR17 with pranlukast significantly inhibited oxidative stress by downregulating the intracellular level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increasing the activity of super oxide dismutase (SOD) against TNF-α. Interestingly, treatment with pranlukast prevented TNF-α-induced reduction of type II collagen. Additionally, knockdown of GPR17 with siRNA ameliorated TNF-α-induced loss of type II collagen, suggesting the importance of the role of GPR17 in mediating the impairment of type II collagen. Blockage of GPR17 with pranlukast suppressed the expression of matrix metalloproteinases 3 (MMP-3) and matrix metalloproteinases 13 (MMP-13), which contribute to the degradation of type II collagen. Pranlukast also prevented the activation of the JAK2/STAT1/IRF-1 signaling pathway, thereby suppressing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes. Furthermore, pranlukast rescued TNF-α-induced reduced SOX-9 expression. Together, our data indicate that GPR17 might be a potential target for the treatment of OA.

MicroRNA-146a Is a Wide-Reaching Neuroinflammatory Regulator and Potential Treatment Target in Neurological Diseases

Progressive functional deterioration and loss of neurons underlies neurological diseases and constitutes an important cause of disability and death worldwide. The causes of various types of neurological diseases often share several critical nerve-related cellular mechanisms and pathological features, particularly the neuroinflammatory response in the nervous system. A rapidly growing body of evidence indicates that various microRNAs play pivotal roles in these processes in neurological diseases and might be viable therapeutic targets. Among these microRNAs, microRNA-146a (miR-146a) stands out due to the rapid increase in recent literature on its mechanistic involvement in neurological diseases. In this review, we summarize and highlight the critical role of miR-146a in neurological diseases. MiR-146a polymorphisms are associated with the risk of neurological disease. Alterations in miR-146a expression levels are crucial events in the pathogenesis of numerous neurological diseases that are spatially and temporally diverse. Additionally, the target genes of miR-146a are involved in the regulation of pathophysiological processes in neurological diseases, particularly the neuroinflammatory response. In summary, miR-146a mainly plays a critical role in neuroinflammation during the progression of neurological diseases and might be a prospective biomarker and therapeutic target. Understanding the mechanisms by which miR-146a affects the neuroinflammatory response in different neurological injuries, different cell types, and even different stages of certain neurological diseases will pave the way for its use as a therapeutic target in neurodegenerative diseases.

Research progress in use of traditional Chinese medicine for treatment of spinal cord injury

BACKGROUND

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious central nervous system disorder caused by trauma that has gradually become a major challenge in clinical medical research. As an important branch of worldwide medical research, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is rapidly moving towards a path of reform and innovation. Therefore, this paper systematically reviews research related to existing TCM treatments for SCI, with the aims of identifying deficits and shortcomings within the field, and proposing feasible alternative prospects.

METHODS

All data and conclusions in this paper were obtained from articles published by peers in relevant fields. PubMed, SciFinder, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and CNKI databases were searched for relevant articles. Results regarding TCM for SCI were identified and retrieved, then manually classified and selected for inclusion in this review.

RESULTS

The literature search identified a total of 652 articles regarding TCM for SCI. Twenty-eight treatments (16 active ingredients, nine herbs, and three compound prescriptions) were selected from these articles; the treatments have been used for the prevention and treatment of SCI. In general, these treatments involved antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and/or antiapoptotic effects of TCM compounds.

CONCLUSIONS

This paper showed that TCM treatments can serve as promising auxiliary therapies for functional recovery of patients with SCI. These findings will contribute to the development of diversified treatments for SCI.

Regulation and signaling of the GPR17 receptor in oligodendroglial cells

Remyelination, namely, the formation of new myelin sheaths around denuded axons, counteracts axonal degeneration and restores neuronal function. Considerable advances have been made in understanding this regenerative process that often fails in diseases like multiple sclerosis, leaving axons demyelinated and vulnerable to damage, thus contributing to disease progression. The identification of the membrane receptor GPR17 on a subset of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), which mediate remyelination in the adult central nervous system (CNS), has led to a huge amount of evidence that validated this receptor as a new attractive target for remyelinating therapies. Here, we summarize the role of GPR17 in OPC function, myelination and remyelination, describing its atypical pharmacology, its downstream signaling, and the genetic and epigenetic factors modulating its activity. We also highlight crucial insights into GPR17 pathophysiology coming from the demonstration that oligodendrocyte injury, associated with inflammation in chronic neurodegenerative conditions, is invariably characterized by abnormal and persistent GPR17 upregulation, which, in turn, is accompanied by a block of OPCs at immature premyelinating stages. Finally, we discuss the current literature in light of the potential exploitment of GPR17 as a therapeutic target to promote remyelination.

Selection of Reliable Reference Genes for Analysis of Gene Expression in Spinal Cord during Rat Postnatal Development and after Injury

In order to obtain unbiased results of target gene expression, selection of the most appropriate reference gene (RG) remains a key precondition. However, an experimental study focused on the validation of stably expressed RGs in the rat spinal cord (SC) during development or after spinal cord injury (SCI) is missing. In our study, we tested the stability of the expression of nine selected RGs in rat SC tissue during normal development (postnatal days 1-43, adulthood) and after minimal (mSCI) and contusion (cSCI) spinal cord injury. The following RGs were tested: common housekeeping genes of basal cell metabolism (Gapdh, Hprt1, Mapk6) and protein translation (Rpl29, Eef1a1, Eif2b2), as well as newly designed RGs (Gpatch1, Gorasp1, Cds2) selected according to the RefGenes tool of GeneVestigator. The stability of RGs was assessed by geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper. All three applets favored Gapdh and Eef1a1 as the most stable genes in SC during development. In both models of SCI, Eif2b2 displayed the highest stability of expression, followed by Gapdh and Gorasp1/Hprt1 in cSCI, and Gapdh and Eef1a1 in the mSCI experiments. To verify our results, selected RGs were employed for normalization of the expression of genes with a clear biological context in the SC-Gfap and Slc1a3/Glast during postnatal development and Aif1/Iba1 and Cd68/Ed1 after SCI.

Zhenbao Pill reduces Treg cell proportion in acute spinal cord injury rats by regulating TUG1/miR-214/HSP27 axis

Background: Acute spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the weakest pathologies that seriously affect the quality of life of patients. Objective: To study the mechanism of how Zhenbao Pill reduces Treg cell proportion and improves acute SCI. Methods: A rat SCI model was established. Flow cytometry analysis was performed to determine the Treg cell proportion. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and RNA pull-down were applied in confirming taurine up-regulated gene 1 (TUG1) and miR-214 binding. Intrathecal injection of TUG1 siRNA was also conducted to determine the effect of TUG1 in vivoResults: Zhenbao Pill promoted the expression of TUG1 and heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) protein, and reduced the expression of miR-214 and forkhead box protein p3 (Foxp3) as well as Treg cell proportion in a concentration-dependent manner in SCI rats or in vitro cultured CD4+ T cells. Knockdown of TUG1 reversed the high protein expression of HSP27 and the inhibition of Treg cell proportion as well as Foxp3 protein induced by Zhenbao Pill, and miR-214 inhibitor canceled the TUG1 knockdown effect. Further, miR-214 mimic reversed the inhibition of Treg cell proportion and Foxp3 protein expression by Zhenbao Pill, which was abolished by the overexpression of HSP27. The mechanism was validated in animal experiments. Conclusion: Zhenbao Pill regulated TUG1/miR-214/HSP27 signaling pathway to reduce Treg cell proportion and thus relieve acute SCI.

LncRNA DGCR5 suppresses neuronal apoptosis to improve acute spinal cord injury through targeting PRDM5

Spinal cord injury (SCI) usually results in neurological damage. DGCR5 is closely related to neurological disorders, and this study aims to explore its role in neuronal apoptosis in acute SCI. The ASCI model was established in rats, and the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scoring was used to assess the neurological function. The expression of RNA and protein was quantified by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blotting, respectively. The oxygenglucose deprivation (OGD) was performed upon neurons and apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry. The interaction and binding between DGCR5 and PRDM5 was detected with RNA pull-down and RIP assay, respectively. DGCR5 was down-regulated in ASCI model rat and in neurons treated with hypoxia. Over-expression of DGCR5 inhibited neuronal apoptosis. Interaction between DGCR5 negatively regulated PRDM5 protein expression by binding and interacting with it. DGCR5 inhibited neuronal apoptosis through PRDM5. Over-expressed DGCR5 ameliorated ASCI in rat. DGCR5 suppresses neuronal apoptosis through directly binding and negatively regulating PRDM5, and thereby ameliorating ASCI.