Asiaticoside attenuates the effects of spinal cord injury through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and inhibition of the p38-MAPK mechanism

Recent advances on signaling pathways and their inhibitors in spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious and disabling central nervous system injury. Its complex pathological mechanism can lead to sensory and motor dysfunction. It has been reported that signaling pathway plays a key role in the pathological process and neuronal recovery mechanism of SCI. Such as PI3K/Akt, MAPK, NF-κB, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways. According to reports, various stimuli and cytokines activate these signaling pathways related to SCI pathology, thereby participating in the regulation of pathological processes such as inflammation response, cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, and glial scar formation after injury. Activation or inhibition of relevant pathways can delay inflammatory response, reduce neuronal apoptosis, prevent glial scar formation, improve the microenvironment after SCI, and promote neural function recovery. Based on the role of signaling pathways in SCI, they may be potential targets for the treatment of SCI. Therefore, understanding the signaling pathway and its inhibitors may be beneficial to the development of SCI therapeutic targets and new drugs. This paper mainly summarizes the pathophysiological process of SCI, the signaling pathways involved in SCI pathogenesis, and the potential role of specific inhibitors/activators in its treatment. In addition, this review also discusses the deficiencies and defects of signaling pathways in SCI research. It is hoped that this study can provide reference for future research on signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of SCI and provide theoretical basis for SCI biotherapy.

Advances of the MAPK pathway in the treatment of spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) represents a complex pathology within the central nervous system (CNS), leading to severe sensory and motor impairments. It activates various signaling pathways, notably the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Present treatment approaches primarily focus on symptomatic relief, lacking efficacy in addressing the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. Emerging research underscores the significance of the MAPK pathway in neuronal differentiation, growth, survival, axonal regeneration, and inflammatory responses post-SCI. Modulating this pathway post-injury has shown promise in attenuating inflammation, minimizing apoptosis, alleviating neuropathic pain, and fostering neural regeneration. Given its pivotal role, the MAPK pathway emerges as a potential therapeutic target in SCI management. This review synthesizes current knowledge on SCI pathology, delineates the MAPK pathway's characteristics, and explores its dual roles in SCI pathology and therapeutic interventions. Furthermore, it addresses the existing challenges in MAPK research in the context of SCI, proposing solutions to overcome these hurdles. Our aim is to offer a comprehensive reference for future research on the MAPK pathway and SCI, laying the groundwork for targeted therapeutic strategies.

Examining the Effects of Asiaticoside on Dental Pulp Stem Cell Viability and Proliferation: A Promising Approach to Root Canal Treatment

AIM

This study aims to evaluate the impact of asiaticoside (AC) on the viability and proliferation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), considering the known negative effects of routinely used intracanal medicaments. This evaluation will be compared with the outcomes from using traditional intracanal medicaments, specifically triple antibiotic paste (TAP) and calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2].

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The DPSCs were obtained from the third molars of an adult donor. The application of flow cytometry was employed to do a phenotypic analysis on DPSCs using CD90, CD73, CD105, CD34, CD14, and CD45 antibodies. The methylthiazol tetrazolium (MTT) assay was employed to assess cellular viability. The cells were treated with different concentrations of TAP and Ca(OH)2 (5, 2.5, 1, 0.5, and 0.25 mg/mL), along with AC (100, 50, 25, 12.5, and 6.25 µM). A cell proliferation rate was performed at 3, 5, and 7 days.

RESULTS

The characterization of DPSCs was conducted by flow cytometry analysis, which verified the presence of mesenchymal cell surface antigen molecules (CD105, CD73, and CD90) and demonstrated the absence of hematopoietic markers (CD34, CD45, and CD14). Cells treated with concentrations over 0.5 mg/mL of TAP and Ca(OH)2 showed a notable reduction in cell viability in comparison to the untreated cells (p < 0.05). Additionally, the cells treated with different concentrations of AC 12.5, 6.25, 25, and 50 µM did not differ significantly from the untreated cells (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, cells treated with concentrations of 100 µM showed a significant reduction in viability compared to the untreated cells (p < 0.05). After a period of 7 days, it was noted that cells exposed to three different concentrations of AC (50, 25, and 12.5 µM) had a notable rise in cell density in comparison to TAP and Ca(OH)2 (p < 0.05). Furthermore, cells that were exposed to a concentration of 12.5 µM exhibited the highest cell density.

CONCLUSION

The cellular viability of the AC-treated cells was superior to that of the TAP and Ca(OH)2-treated cells. Moreover, the AC with a concentration of 12.5 µM had the highest degree of proliferation.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

This study underscores the importance of evaluating alternative root canal medicaments and their effects on DPSCs' growth and vitality. The findings on AC, particularly its influence on the survival and proliferation of DPSCs, offer valuable insights for its probable use as an intracanal medication. This research contributes to the ongoing efforts to identify safer and more effective intracanal treatments, which are crucial for enhancing patient outcomes in endodontic procedures. How to cite this article: Alazemi MJ, Badawi MF, Elbeltagy MG, et al. Examining the Effects of Asiaticoside on Dental Pulp Stem Cell Viability and Proliferation: A Promising Approach to Root Canal Treatment. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(2):118-127.

A review of pharmacokinetic and pharmacological properties of asiaticoside, a major active constituent of Centella asiatica (L.) Urb

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Centella asiatica (L.) Urb., a potential medicinal plant, is widely used in orient traditional medicine. Its major active constituents include asiaticoside (AS), madecassoside (MS), asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Thereinto, AS is a pentacyclic triterpenoid saponin with a variety of pharmacological effects including antitumor, neuroprotective and wound healing effects.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this review, we summarize the pharmacokinetics, safety and pharmacological properties of AS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We gathered information about AS from articles published up to 2022 and listed in Google scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, Elsevier, and similar databases. The keywords used in our search included "asiaticoside", "Centella asiatica", "pharmacokinetics", "nerve", "cancer", "skin", etc. RESULTS: AS appeared to degrade through a first-order reaction and had low biotoxicity. However, the pharmacokinetic properties of AS differed according to species. AS is highly blood-brain-barrier permeable without any harmful side effect. It has a variety of pharmacological effects including anti-neural inflammation and anti-cancer properties, as well as protective properties for the skin, cardiovascular system, and pulmonary system.

CONCLUSION

This review comprehensively summarized current information regarding the pharmacokinetic and pharmacological properties of AS, and supported the pharmaceutical value of this compound. Future research should focus on improving bioavailability of AS and conducting clinical assessment.

Therapeutic properties and pharmacological activities of asiaticoside and madecassoside: A review

Centella asiatica is an ethnomedicinal herbaceous species that grows abundantly in tropical and sub-tropical regions of China, India, South-Eastern Asia and Africa. It is a popular nutraceutical that is employed in various forms of clinical and cosmetic treatments. C. asiatica extracts are reported widely in Ayurvedic and Chinese traditional medicine to boost memory, prevent cognitive deficits and improve brain functions. The major bioactive constituents of C. asiatica are the pentacyclic triterpenoid glycosides, asiaticoside and madecassoside, and their corresponding aglycones, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Asiaticoside and madecassoside have been identified as the marker compounds of C. asiatica in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and these triterpene compounds offer a wide range of pharmacological properties, including neuroprotective, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-allergic, anti-depressant, anxiolytic, antifibrotic, antibacterial, anti-arthritic, anti-tumour and immunomodulatory activities. Asiaticoside and madecassoside are also used extensively in treating skin abnormalities, burn injuries, ischaemia, ulcers, asthma, lupus, psoriasis and scleroderma. Besides medicinal applications, these phytocompounds are considered cosmetically beneficial for their role in anti-ageing, skin hydration, collagen synthesis, UV protection and curing scars. Existing reports and experimental studies on these compounds between 2005 and 2022 have been selectively reviewed in this article to provide a comprehensive overview of the numerous therapeutic advantages of asiaticoside and madecassoside and their potential roles in the medical future.

Asiaticoside reverses M2 phenotype macrophage polarization-evoked osteosarcoma cell malignant behaviour by TRAF6/NF-κB inhibition

CONTEXT

M2 phenotype macrophage polarization is an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. Asiaticoside (ATS) has multiple pharmacological functions.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates the effect of ATS on M2 phenotype macrophage polarization in osteosarcoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The differentiation of human THP-1 monocytes into M0 phenotype macrophages was induced by 100 nM phorbol myristate acetate for 24 h, and treated with 20 ng/mL IL-4 and 20 ng/mL IL-13 for 48 h to obtain M2 phenotype macrophages. The function of ATS on the growth and invasion was investigated by cell counting kit-8, transwell, and western blot under the co-culture of M2 phenotype macrophages and osteosarcoma cells for 24 h. The mechanism of ATS on osteosarcoma was assessed using molecular experiments.

RESULTS

ATS reduced the THP-1 cell viability with an IC₅₀ of 128.67 μM. Also, ATS repressed the M2 phenotype macrophage polarization induced by IL-4/IL-13, and the effect was most notably at a 40 μM dose. ATS (40 μM) restrained the growth and invasion of osteosarcoma cells induced by M2 phenotype macrophages. In addition, ATS reduced the tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6)/NF-κB activity in osteosarcoma cells and the TRAF6 knockdown reduced the growth and invasion of osteosarcoma cells induced by M2 phenotype macrophages. TRAF6 (2 μg/mL) attenuated the inhibitory effect of ATS on the growth and invasion of osteosarcoma cells caused by M2 phenotype macrophages. In vivo studies further confirmed ATS (2.5, 5, or 10 mg/kg) repressed osteosarcoma tumour growth.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

ATS reversed M2 phenotype macrophage polarization-evoked osteosarcoma cell malignant behaviour by reducing TRAF6/NF-κB activity, suggesting ATS might be a promising drug for the clinical treatment of osteosarcoma.

Asiaticoside ameliorates osteoarthritis progression through activation of Nrf2/HO-1 and inhibition of the NF-κB pathway

Osteoarthritis has become the fourth cause of disability in the world and its occurrence and development are caused by apoptosis and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation of chondrocytes. Asiaticoside (ASI) is a triterpene saponin compound obtained from Centella Asiatica and has anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects in various diseases. However, its effects on OA are not clear. In this study, we reported that ASI has a protective effect on the occurrence and progression of OA in vivo and in vitro, and demonstrated its potential molecular mechanism. In vitro, ASI treatment inhibited the release of pro-apoptotic factors induced by TBHP and promoted the release of the anti-apoptotic proteins. In addition, ASI promotes the expression of Aggrecan and Collagen II, while inhibiting the expression of thrombospondin motifs 5 (ADAMTS5) and matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13), which causes extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. Mechanistically, ASI exerts its anti-apoptotic effect by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and preventing p65 from binding to DNA. Similarly, in vivo, ASI has been shown to have a protective effect in a mouse OA model. The conclusion is that our research shows that ASI can be used as a potential drug for the treatment of OA.

Asiaticoside alleviates cardiomyocyte apoptosis and oxidative stress in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury via activating the PI3K-AKT-GSK3β pathway in vivo and in vitro

Background

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) is one of the most important links in myocardial injury, causing damage to cardiac tissues including cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, and other serious consequences. Asiaticoside (AS), a new compound synthesized from genistein, is cardioprotective. This paper presents new evidence for the protective role of AS against MI/R injury in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

First, BALB/c mice underwent surgical ligation of the left anterior descending (LAD) artery to establish an MI/R animal model, and HL-1 cells were subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) to establish an in vitro model. Myocardial infarct size was examined by triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, histopathological changes detected in heart tissues were observed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson staining, heart tissue apoptosis was assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits were used to analyze cardiac troponin I (CTnI), creatine kinase-muscle and brain (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and reduced glutathione (GSH). Cell viability was evaluated using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and live/dead assay. Cell apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential, and mitochondrial superoxide were detected by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. Both the protein expression in myocardial tissues and cardiomyocytes were examined by western blot.

Results

In the in vivo MI/R experiments,pretreatment of AS reduced myocardial infarct size, decrease leakage of myocardial enzyme, suppressed myocardial apoptosis, myocardial collagen deposition, and oxidative stress. In the in vitro OGD/R experiments, HL-1 cells pretreated with AS had increased cell viability, decreased apoptosis rates and depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential, and attenuated intracellular ROS and mitochondrial superoxide. Moreover, AS downregulated the expression of apoptotic protein, and promoted phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT, and GSK3β, which was reversed by PI3K inhibitor LY294002.

Conclusions

The AS compound protects against MI/R injury by attenuating oxidative stress and apoptosis via activating the PI3K/AKT/GSK3β pathway in vivo and vitro.

Asiaticoside-laden silk nanofiber hydrogels to regulate inflammation and angiogenesis for scarless skin regeneration

Scarless skin regeneration remains a challenge due to the complicated microenvironment involved in wound healing. Here, the hydrophobic drug, asiaticoside (AC), was loaded inside silk nanofiber hydrogels to achieve bioactive and injectable matrices for skin regeneration. AC was dispersed in aqueous silk nanofiber hydrogels with retention of biological functions that regulated inflammatory reactions and vascularization in vitro. After implantation in full-thickness wound defects, these AC-laden hydrogel matrices achieved scarless wound repair. Inflammatory reactions and angiogenesis were regulated during inflammation and remodeling, which was responsible for wound regeneration similar to normal skin. Both in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated promising applications of these AC-laden silk hydrogels towards scarless tissue regeneration.

Euxanthone inhibits traumatic spinal cord injury via anti-oxidative stress and suppression of p38 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in a rat model

Background

Owing to neurite promoting, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Euxanthone (Eux), the investigation was aimed to probe the neuroprotective efficacy of Eux against traumatic spinal cord injury (t-SCI) in rats and whether Eux can improve neuropathic function in t-SCI.

Method

Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomized in – Sham, t-SCI, Eux30, and Eux60 (t-SCI + 30 and 60 mg/kg respectively). Animals with compression force-induced t-SCI were subjected to estimation of locomotor functions. Spinal cord water content and Evans blue (EB) effusion were determined for quantifying edema and intactness of the spinal cord. Oxidative stress and immunochemical markers were quantified by ELISA and western blotting.

Results

Findings revealed that Eux60 group animals had greater Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) and (incline plane test) IPT score indicating improved locomotor functions. There was a reduction in the spinal edema and water content after Eux treatment, together with lowering of oxidative stress markers. The expression of IL-6, IL-12, IL-1β, caspase-3, RANKL, TLR4, NF-κB, p-38, PI3K, and Akt in spinal cord tissues of t-SCI-induced rats was lowered after Eux treatment.

Conclusion

Overall, the investigation advocates that Eux attenuates t-SCI and associated inflammation, oxidative damage, and resulting apoptosis via modulation of TLR4/NF-κB/p38 and PI3K/Akt signaling cascade.

Development of a colorless Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. extract using a natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) optimized by response surface methodology

This study outlines a green process for Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. (CA) extraction. Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) were combined to provide a high bioactive compound yield and high antioxidant activity. Among the NADESs evaluated, the combination of acetylcholine chloride : malic acid : water (1 : 2 : 2): water (40 : 60) was the best for extraction. These conditions provide high madecassoside (MS) (21.7 mg g-1 dry weight) and asiaticoside (AS) (12.7 mg g-1 dry weight) yields, with greater than 80% (v/v) EtOH (13.3 mg g-1 MS and 7.80 mg g-1 AS). In addition, the extracts from this process showed higher antioxidant activity (IC50 = 0.26 mg mL-1) than the CA aqueous EtOH and water extracts. Moreover, the color of the extract products was less green than that of the extracts prepared using EtOH and aqueous EtOH as solvents, which are suitable for cosmeceutical products. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used for MAE optimization. The ANOVA data from the central composition design (CCD) of RSM were fitted with quadratic models yielding acceptable R 2 (>0.93), adjusted R 2 (>0.87), predicted R 2 (>0.81), and nonsignificant lack of fit (p  > 0.05) values. The quadratic model was validated using optimal conditions (30 s, power 300 W, and a liquid to solid ratio 20 mL g-1), and the model validation showed more than 80% accuracy in both MS and AS yields. This research presented an effective green process for CA extraction, which resulted in an environmentally friendly CA extract requiring little energy consumption and no organic solvents.

Asiaticoside ameliorates acinar cell necrosis in acute pancreatitis via toll-like receptor 4 pathway

Acinar cell necrosis is one of the most prominent pathophysiological changes of acute pancreatitis (AP). Asiaticoside (AS) is a triterpene compound with confirmed apoptosis-and necrosis-related activities. However, the specific effects of AS on AP have not been determined. In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effect of AS on AP using two mouse models. In the caerulein-induced mild acute pancreatitis (MAP) model, We found that AS administration reduced serum amylase levels and alleviated the histopathological manifestations of pancreatic tissue in a dose-dependent manner. And the levels of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and necrotic related proteins (RIP3 and p-MLKL) of pancreatic tissue were reduced after AS administration. In addition, TLR4 deficiency eliminated the protective effect of AS on AP induced by caerulein in mice. Correspondingly, we elucidated the effect of AS in vitro and found that AS protected against pancreatic acinar cells necrosis and TAK-242 counteracted this protective effect. Meanwhile, we found that AS ameliorated the severity of pancreatic tissue injury and pancreatitis-associated lung injury in a severe acute pancreatitis model induced by l-arginine. Furthermore, Molecular docking results revealed interaction between AS and TLR4. Taken together, our data for the first time confirmed the protective effects of AS on AP in mice via TLR4 pathway.

Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability of Asiaticoside, Madecassoside and Asiatic Acid in Porcine Brain Endothelial Cell Model

Neurotherapeutic potentials of Centella asiatica and its reputation to boost memory, prevent cognitive deficits and improve brain functions are widely acknowledged. The plant's bioactive compounds, i.e. asiaticoside, madecassoside and asiatic acid were reported to have central nervous system (CNS) actions, particularly in protecting the brain against neurodegenerative disorders. Hence, it is important for these compounds to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to be clinically effective therapeutics. This study aimed to explore the capability of asiaticoside, madecassoside and asiatic acid to cross the BBB using in vitro BBB model from primary porcine brain endothelial cells (PBECs). Our findings showed that asiaticoside, madecassoside and asiatic acid are highly BBB permeable with apparent permeability (P_app) of 70.61 ± 6.60, 53.31 ± 12.55 and 50.94 ± 10.91 × 10^-6 cm/s respectively. No evidence of cytotoxicity and tight junction disruption of the PBECs were observed in the presence of these compounds. Asiatic acid showed cytoprotective effect towards the PBECs against oxidative stress. This study reported for the first time that Centella asiatica compounds demonstrated high capability to cross the BBB, comparable to central nervous system drugs, and therefore warrant further development as therapeutics for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Butylphthalide has an Anti-Inflammatory Role in Spinal Cord Injury by Promoting Macrophage/Microglia M2 Polarization via p38 Phosphorylation

STUDY DESIGN

An experimental animal study of treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI).

OBJECTIVE

This report aims to evaluate the in vivo effects of butylphthalide NBP on SCI biology and to explore its potential mechanism.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

SCI causes great damage to humans. The inflammatory and reconstructive processes after SCI is regulated by activation of astroglial and microglial cells. Activated microglia/macrophages can be divided into M2 (anti-inflammatory) and M1 (pro-inflammatory) phenotypes. Butylphthalide (3-n-butylphthalide or NBP) treatment can significantly alleviate ischemic brain damage, and further study has confirmed that central neuroprotective effects can be realized by converting M1 polarized microglia/macrophages to the M2 phenotype. Thus far, it remains unknown whether NBP can modulate the transition of macrophages/microglia between the M1 and M2 phenotypes.

METHODS

We randomly divided male mice into three groups (sham group, SCI group, SCI+ NBP group). Molecular and histological tests were performed to detect the macrophage/microglia polarization as well as the potential mechanism of NBP in vivo and in vitro.

RESULT

It was found that NBP treatment significantly attenuated the motor dysfunction and neuronal apoptosis induced by SCI. Treatment with NBP could also reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine release after SCI and could facilitate macrophage/microglia M2 polarization and inhibit M1 polarization after SCI. To verify the findings in animal experiments, we examined the effect of NBP on BV2 cell polarization, the results showed that NBP treatment could enhance M2 polarization and inhibit M1 polarization, and that M2 polarization occurred in a p38-dependent manner.

CONCLUSION

NBP plays an important role in the anti-inflammatory response in SCI via the facilitation of macrophage/microglia M2 polarization as well as the inhibition of macrophage/microglia M1 polarization. The M2 polarization of macrophages/microglia occurs via activation of p38 pathway.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Asiaticoside suppresses cell proliferation by inhibiting the NF‑κB signaling pathway in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-associated mortality. Asiaticoside (AC) exhibits antitumor effects; however, to the best of our knowledge, the biological function of AC in CRC cells remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of AC on CRC cells. In the present study, CCK-8 and colony formation assays were performed to assess the effects of AV on human CRC cell lines (HCT116, SW480 and LoVo). Mitochondrial membrane potential was examined by JC-1 staining. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle were monitored by flow cytometry, and the expression of genes was evaluated using RT-qPCR and western blot analysis. Furthermore, the biological effect of AC in vivo was detected using a xenograft mouse model. The findings revealed that 2 µM AC suppressed the proliferation of CRC cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner, but had no adverse effects on normal human intestinal FHC cells at a range of concentrations. AC decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential and increased the apoptosis of CRC cells in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, AC induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase. AC attenuated IκBα phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner, thereby preventing P65 from entering the nucleus, and resulting in inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway. In addition, AC significantly reduced the expression of CDK4 and Cyclin D1 in a dose-dependent manner, significantly upregulated the activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3, and decreased the Bcl-2/Bax mRNA ratio. Furthermore, treatment with the NF-κB signaling pathway inhibitor JSH-23 significantly increased the cytotoxicity of AC in CRC cells. Findings of the xenograft mice model experiments revealed that AC significantly inhibited colorectal tumor growth in a dose-dependent manner. Overall, AC suppressed activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway by downregulating IκBα phosphorylation. This resulted in inhibition of CRC cell viability and an increase of cell apoptosis, which may form the basis of AC use in the treatment of patients with CRC.

Production and characterization of poly lactic-co-glycolic acid particles containing anti-inflammatory substances for skin lesion recovery

Poly lactic-co-glycolic acid particles are biodegradable and biocompatible drug delivery systems that provide a controlled release of drugs in specific sites. These characteristics minimize the occurrence of side effects related to overdosing. To overcome the issues associated with the conservative treatment for wound healing, the objective of this work was to develop a poly lactic-co-glycolic acid particles system to deliver anti-inflammatory compounds (epigallocatechin gallate and asiaticoside) to fibroblasts. Nanoscale (~200 nm) and microscale (~10 µm) poly lactic-co-glycolic acid particles were produced using two different protocols. Nanoscale particles reduced cell proliferation by 46% compared with untreated human skin fibroblasts, whereas microscale particles did not affect fibroblast viability significantly. The toxicity of nanoparticles and the nontoxic nature of microparticles were confirmed in live and dead cell staining experiments. In vitro drug release assays showed that particles containing epigallocatechin gallate and asiaticoside were able to release most of their payload during the first 8 h of incubation. The treatment of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated fibroblasts with epigallocatechin gallate- and asiaticoside-loaded microparticles effectively suppressed the expression of inflammatory factors: tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6. In this study, we found that the optimal size of biodegradable poly lactic-co-glycolic acid particles for the delivery of physiologically active substances to fibroblasts is about 10 μm. Moreover, our findings indicate that poly lactic-co-glycolic acid particles of this size can be effectively applied to ameliorate tissue regeneration by delivering physiologically active substances to improve skin lesion recovery.

Asiaticoside produces an antidepressant‑like effect in a chronic unpredictable mild stress model of depression in mice, involving reversion of inflammation and the PKA/pCREB/BDNF signaling pathway

Asiaticoside is one of the triterpenoid components found in Centella asiatica that has promising neuroprotective properties. The present study aimed to evaluate the antidepressant‑like properties of asiaticoside and to investigate the possible mechanisms underlying its mode of action using a mouse model of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CMS). Behavioral tests, including sucrose preference test, forced swimming test and tail suspension test, were performed to evaluate symptoms of depression. The expression levels of neurotransmitters, 5‑hydroxytryptamine (5‑HT) and norepinephrine (NE), in the hippocampus were measured by high‑performance liquid chromatography. ELISA and western blotting were used to detect protein expression. It was demonstrated that asiaticoside treatment (20 and 40 mg/kg; intragastric) significantly reversed the decrease in sucrose consumption, and reduced the immobility time in tail suspension tests and forced swimming tests in CMS mice. Furthermore, asiaticoside treatment upregulated the expression of 5‑HT and NE in the CMS mouse model. Asiaticoside administration also downregulated the levels of interleukin (IL)‑1β, IL‑6 and tumor necrosis factor‑α in the hippocampus, and reduced the phosphorylation of nuclear factor (NF)‑κBp65 and the expression of nod‑like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), thus decreasing the expression of mature caspase‑1. Furthermore, asiaticoside significantly increased the levels of cAMP and protein kinase A (PKA), and enhanced phosphorylation of the cAMP‑related specific marker vasodilator‑stimulated phosphoprotein at serine 157. Therefore, asiaticoside may activate the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway to inhibit NF‑κB‑ and NLRP3‑related inflammation. Moreover, phosphorylation of the cAMP‑responsive element‑binding protein at serine 133 and the expression of brain‑derived neurotrophic factor were increased after asiaticoside administration. Collectively, the present results suggested that asiaticoside may play a vital role as an antidepressant and anti‑inflammatory agent in the CMS mouse model by regulating the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway.

Terpenoids as Potential Geroprotectors

Terpenes and terpenoids are the largest groups of plant secondary metabolites. However, unlike polyphenols, they are rarely associated with geroprotective properties. Here we evaluated the conformity of the biological effects of terpenoids with the criteria of geroprotectors, including primary criteria (lifespan-extending effects in model organisms, improvement of aging biomarkers, low toxicity, minimal adverse effects, improvement of the quality of life) and secondary criteria (evolutionarily conserved mechanisms of action, reproducibility of the effects on different models, prevention of age-associated diseases, increasing of stress-resistance). The number of substances that demonstrate the greatest compliance with both primary and secondary criteria of geroprotectors were found among different classes of terpenoids. Thus, terpenoids are an underestimated source of potential geroprotectors that can effectively influence the mechanisms of aging and age-related diseases.

CacyBP/SIP in the rat spinal cord in norm and after transection - Influence on the phosphorylation state of ERK1/2 and p38 kinases

INTRODUCTION

CacyBP/SIP is a multifunctional protein present in various mammalian tissues, among them in brain. Recently, it has been shown that CacyBP/SIP exhibits phosphatase activity towards ERK1/2 and p38 kinases.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of our study was to analyze the localization and level of CacyBP/SIP and its substrates, phosphorylated ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2) and phosphorylated p38 (p-p38) kinases, in an intact and transected rat spinal cord.

METHODS

To achieve our goals we have performed Western blot/densitometric analysis and double immunofluorescence staining using rat spinal cord tissue, intact and after total transection at different time points.

RESULTS

We have observed a decrease in the level of CacyBP/SIP and an increase in the level of p-ERK1/2 and of p-p38 in fragments of the spinal cord excised 1 and 3 months after transection. Moreover, immunofluorescence staining has shown that CacyBP/SIP, p-ERK1/2 or p-p38 co-localized with a neuronal marker, NeuN, and with an oligodendrocyte marker, Olig2.

CONCLUSION

The inverse correlation between CacyBP/SIP and p-ERK1/2 or p-p38 levels suggests that CacyBP/SIP may dephosphorylate p-ERK1/2 and p-p38 kinases and be involved in neural plasticity following spinal cord injury.

Asiaticoside Inhibits Neuronal Apoptosis and Promotes Functional Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury in Rats

Spinal cord injury is a critical traumatic injury. This study aimed to investigate the possible protective effects of asiaticoside on neuronal injury in a rat model of spinal cord injury and to clarify the possible molecular mechanisms underlying these protective effects. Rats were randomly divided into the following four groups: naïve, sham, spinal cord injury (moderate mechanical compression injury model), and spinal cord injury + asiaticoside. Time to spontaneous urination after spinal cord injury was measured. The Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan scoring method, inclined plate grasp experiments, and footprint experiments were used to evaluate motor function. Neuritin and TNF-α levels in the spinal cord were detected via ELISA, and caspase-3 level was detected via Western blotting. Spinal cord morphology was assessed via hematoxylin-eosin staining. Apoptosis in the spinal cord was assessed using Fluoro-Jade B staining. Recovery times for spontaneous urination and motor function were shorter in the spinal cord injury + asiaticoside group than in the spinal cord injury group. The neuritin level was increased and TNF-α and caspase-3 levels were decreased in the spinal cord injury + asiaticoside group. Morphological integrity of neurons was better in the spinal cord injury + asiaticoside group than in the spinal cord injury group. It can thus be said that asiaticoside decreased apoptosis of spinal cord neurons. Asiaticoside exerts protective effects against spinal cord injury in rats, possibly by inhibiting the apoptosis of neurons and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Asiaticoside attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in A2aR-/- mice by promoting the BMP7/Smad1/5 signaling pathway

Idiopathic Pulmonary fibrosis(PF)is a chronic progressive disease, which is a lack of effective treatment,and the pathogenesis of IPF is not fully elucidated. Asiaticoside(AS) is isolated from Centella asiatica and has the effect of promoting scar healing and reducing scar formation. However,its possible role in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis remains unclear. Adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) is reported a protective factor in pulmonary fibrosis, and the bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in fibrosis in multiple organs. But the impact of A2AR on the BMP7 pathway has not yet been reported. Therefore, we hypothesized AS may promote the expression of A2AR, and then influence the BMP7/Smad1/5 pathway to alleviate pulmonary fibrosis. A2AR^-/- mice and wild-type (WT) mice were administered bleomycin (BLM) by intratracheal injection. AS (50 mg/kg/d) was given daily for 28 days. AS reduced collagen deposition in lung tissue, interstitial lung inflammation. Furthermore, AS promoted A2AR expression and BMP7 pathway. Collectively, AS may attenuate BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis by upregulating the BMP7 signaling pathway through A2AR.

Asiaticoside attenuates neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain damage through inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB/STAT3 pathway

Background

Neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is currently a leading cause of neonatal death. Asiaticoside (AT), a bioactive constituent isolated from Centella asiatica, possesses numerous biological properties. For instance, previous studies showed that AT could protect ischemia hypoxia neurons by mediating BCL-2 protein. However, the roles and underlying mechanisms of AT in neonatal HIE have not been clarified.

Methods

Rice-Vannucci was applied to construct a hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) model. Pathological damage of brain neuron tissue was determined by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, while apoptosis was evaluated by terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl transferase nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. Western blot and immunohistochemistry were applied to monitor related proteins levels. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted to measure the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines.

Results

The present study indicated that AT dose-dependently ameliorated histologic damage and inhibited apoptosis induced by hypoxic ischemia (HI) (P<0.01). AT also dose-dependently alleviated oxidative damage and reduced the levels of proinflammatory cytokines (ICAM-1, IL-18, and IL-1β) and TLR4 level. In terms of mechanism, decrease of TLR and IL-18 suppressed NF-κB phosphorylation and reduced the levels of TNFα, IL-6, and p-STAT3, leading to the inactivation of NF-κB/STAT3 pathway. Interestingly, with the addition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the increase of TLR4 activated NF-κB/STAT3 pathway again.

Conclusions

Collectively, the data provide insight into a novel mechanism by which AT may be an effective agent for HIE via the TLR4/NF-κB/STAT3 pathway.

Regional Hyperexcitability and Chronic Neuropathic Pain Following Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes maladaptive changes to nociceptive synaptic circuits within the injured spinal cord. Changes also occur at remote regions including the brain stem, limbic system, cortex, and dorsal root ganglia. These maladaptive nociceptive synaptic circuits frequently cause neuronal hyperexcitability in the entire nervous system and enhance nociceptive transmission, resulting in chronic central neuropathic pain following SCI. The underlying mechanism of chronic neuropathic pain depends on the neuroanatomical structures and electrochemical communication between pre- and postsynaptic neuronal membranes, and propagation of synaptic transmission in the ascending pain pathways. In the nervous system, neurons are the only cell type that transmits nociceptive signals from peripheral receptors to supraspinal systems due to their neuroanatomical and electrophysiological properties. However, the entire range of nociceptive signaling is not mediated by any single neuron. Current literature describes regional studies of electrophysiological or neurochemical mechanisms for enhanced nociceptive transmission post-SCI, but few studies report the electrophysiological, neurochemical, and neuroanatomical changes across the entire nervous system following a regional SCI. We, along with others, have continuously described the enhanced nociceptive transmission in the spinal dorsal horn, brain stem, thalamus, and cortex in SCI-induced chronic central neuropathic pain condition, respectively. Thus, this review summarizes the current understanding of SCI-induced neuronal hyperexcitability and maladaptive nociceptive transmission in the entire nervous system that contributes to chronic central neuropathic pain.

Hexokinase II Upregulation Contributes to Asiaticoside-Induced Protection of H9c2 Cardioblasts During Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation/Reoxygenation

Asiaticoside (AS), one of the main functional components of Centella asiatica, has been reported to protect neurons from ischemia-hypoxia-induced injury. However, the role of AS in myocardial oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) injury has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of AS in OGD/R-treated H9c2 cardiomyocytes and the underlying mechanism involved. Cell viability was detected using MTT assay. Cell apoptosis was measured using flow cytometry. The oxidative stress was assessed by detecting the malonaldehyde (MDA) content and activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase (CAT). The glucose consumption and lactate production were determined to reflect glycolysis rate. The expression levels of hexokinase II (HK2) were detected using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. H9c2 cells were transfected with small interfering RNA targeting HK2 (si-HK2) to knockdown HK2. Results showed that AS improved cell viability and inhibited apoptosis in OGD/R-injured H9c2 cells. AS pretreatment prevented OGD/R-induced oxidative stress, as evidenced by the decreased MDA content, and increased activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and CAT. The decreased glucose consumption and lactate production in OGD/R-injured H9c2 cells were reversed after AS treatment. Mechanically, AS induced the expression of HK2 in OGD/R-injured H9c2 cells. Knockdown of HK2 abolished the protective effects of AS on OGD/R-injured H9c2 cells. In conclusion, the protective effects of AS on cardiomyocytes from OGD/R-induced injury were mediated at least partly by upregulating HK2.

Effects of Asiaticoside Treatment on the Survival of Random Skin Flaps in Rats

Background: Asiaticoside (AS) is extracted from the traditional herbal medicine Centella asiatica, and has angiogenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing effects. We investigated the effects of AS on skin flap survival. Methods: Dorsal McFarlane flaps were harvested from 36 rats and divided into two groups: an experimental group treated with 40 mg/kg AS administered orally once daily, and a control group administered normal saline in an identical manner. On day 2, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and production of the cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin (IL)-6 were evaluated. On day 7, tissue slices were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), IL-6, and IL-1β were immunohistochemically evaluated. Microcirculatory flow was measured using laser Doppler flowmetry. Flap angiography, using the lead oxide-gelatin injection technique, was performed with the aid of a soft X-ray machine. Results: The AS group exhibited greater mean flap survival area, improved microcirculatory flow, and higher expression levels of SOD and VEGF compared with the control group. However, MDA levels and the inflammatory response were significantly reduced. Conclusions: AS exhibits promise as a therapeutic option due to its effects on the viability and function of random skin flaps in rats.

Effects of Centella asiatica extract on antioxidant status and liver metabolome of rotenone-treated rats using GC-MS

Centella asiatica has been used as a culinary vegetable or medicinal herb. In this study, the hepatoprotective effect of the standardized extract of C. asiatica (ECa233) in rotenone-treated rats was examined using a GC-MS-based metabolomic approach. ECa233 contains >80% triterpenoids with a ratio of madecassoside to asiaticoside of 1.5(±0.5):1. Rats were randomly divided into three groups (with six rats/group): sham negative control, rotenone positive control and the ECa233 test group. Rats in the ECa233 group received 10 mg/kg ECa233 orally for 20 days, followed by 2.5 mg/kg intraperitoneal rotenone injection to induce toxicity before being sacrificed. Metabolomic analysis showed that supplementation of ECa233 protected rat liver against rotenone toxicity. Pipecolinic acid was one of the most important metabolites; its level was decreased in the rotenone group as compared with the control. Supplementation with ECa233 before administration of rotenone raised pipecolinic acid to levels intermediate between controls and rotenone alone. The metabolomics approach also helped discover a possible new genuine epimetabolite in the present work. Antioxidant tests revealed that ECa233 inhibited lipid peroxidation and increased catalase activities in liver tissue.

Asiaticoside, a component of Centella asiatica attenuates RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis via NFATc1 and NF-κB signaling pathways

Identification of natural compounds that inhibit osteoclastogenesis will facilitate the development of antiresorptive treatment of osteolytic bone diseases. Asiaticoside is a triterpenoid derivative isolated from Centella asiatica, which exhibits varying biological effects like angiogenesis, anti-inflammation, wound healing, and osteogenic differentiation. However, its role in osteoclastogenesis remains unknown. Here, we show that Asiaticoside can suppress RANKL-induced osteoclast formation and bone resorption in a dose-dependent manner. Asiaticoside attenuated the expression of osteoclast marker genes including Ctsk, Atp6v0d2, Nfatc1, Acp5, and Dc-stamp. Furthermore, Asiaticoside inhibited RANKL-mediated NF-κB and NFATc1 activities, and RANKL-induced calcium oscillation. Collectively, this study demonstrates that Asiaticoside inhibited osteoclast formation and function through attenuating RANKL-induced key signaling pathways, which may indicate that Asiaticoside is a potential antiresorptive agent against osteoclast-related osteolytic bone diseases.

Stress-Activated Protein Kinases in Spinal Cord Injury: Focus on Roles of p38

Spinal cord injury (SCI) consists of three phases-acute, secondary, and chronic damages-and limiting the development of secondary damage possibly improves functional recovery after SCI. A major component of the secondary phase of SCI is regarded as inflammation-triggered events: induction of cytokines, edema, microglial activation, apoptosis of cells including oligodendrocytes and neurons, demyelination, formation of the astrocytic scar, and so on. Two major stress-activated protein kinases (SAPKs)-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK)-are activated in various types of cells in response to cellular stresses such as apoptotic stimuli and inflammatory waves. In animal models of SCI, inhibition of either JNK or p38 has been shown to promote neuroprotection-associated functional recovery. Here, we provide an overview on the roles of SAPKs in SCI and, in particular, the pathological role of p38 will be discussed as a promising target for therapeutic intervention in SCI.

Anti inflammatory effect of asiaticoside on human umbilical vein endothelial cells induced by ox-LDL

Early diagnosis and changes associated with atherosclerosis are crucial in clinical medicine. However, atherosclerosis is a multifactorial disease. Asiaticoside (AA), a triterpenoid derived from Centella asiatica, has anti-inflammatory activity. Endothelium-derived nitric oxide is important in modulating vascular tone in a distinct vessel size-dependent manner; it plays a dominant role in conduit arteries and endothelium-dependent hyperpolarisation in resistance vessels. This study evaluated the effects of AA administration on human umbilical endothelial cells with oxidised low-density lipoprotein-induced inflammation. We measured the levels of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). Our results indicated that 10-30 μM AA modulated endothelial hyper permeability, adenosine triphosphate levels, ICAM-1 expression, VCAM-1 expression, E-selectin levels, and PECAM-1 expression to 90% (p < 0.005), 80% (p < 0.05), 105% (p < 0.01), 65% (p < 0.005), 70% (p < 0.05), and 105% (p < 0.01), respectively. Taken together, our data suggest that AA inhibits the augmentation of endothelial permeability, thus preventing the early events of atherosclerosis.

Asiaticoside Attenuates Cell Growth Inhibition and Apoptosis Induced by Aβ1-42 via Inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Human Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a very common progressive neurodegenerative disorder with the highest incidence in the world. Dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) may be responsible for the pathogenesis and pathology of AD for abnormally transporting amyloid-β (Aβ, the main component of the senile plaques) from the sera into the central nervous system. Aβ peptides induce apoptosis in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hBMECs), the main component of BBB. Apoptosis in neuronal cells plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of AD. Asiaticoside, a natural glycoside extracted from Centella asiatica (L.) Urban, has an anti-apoptotic effect on hBMECs but the molecule mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, we investigate the protective effect of asiaticoside on Aβ_1-42-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis as well as associated mechanism in hBMECs with commonly used in vitro methods for clinical development of asiaticoside as a novel anti-AD agent. In the present study, we investigated the effects of asiaticoside on cytotoxicity by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, mitochondrial membrane potential by JC-1 fluorescence analysis, anti-apoptosis by Hoechst 33258 staining and Annexin V-FITC (fluorescein isothiocyanate) and propidium iodide (PI) analyses, the expressions of TNF-α and IL-6 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and TLR4, MyD88, TRAF6, p-NF-κB p65, and total NF-κB p65 by Western blotting, and nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 by immunofluorescence analysis in hBMECs. The results showed that pretreatment of asiaticoside (25, 50, and 100 μM) for 12 h significantly attenuated cell growth inhibition and apoptosis, and restored declined mitochondrial membrane potential induced by Aβ_1-42 (50 μM) in hBMECs. Asiaticoside also significantly downregulated the elevated expressions of TNF-α, IL-6, TLR4, MyD88, TRAF6, and p-NF-κB p65, as well as inhibited NF-κB p65 translocation from cytoplasm to nucleus induced by Aβ_1-42 in hBMECs in a concentration-dependent manner. The possible underlying molecular mechanism of asiaticoside may be through inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. Therefore, asiaticoside may be developed as a novel agent for the prevention and/or treatment of AD clinically.

Gambogic acid inhibits spinal cord injury and inflammation through suppressing the p38 and Akt signaling pathways

Gamboge is the dry resin secreted by Garcinia hanburyi Hook.f, with the function of promoting blood circulation, detoxification, hemostasis and killing insects, used for the treatment of cancer, brain edema and other diseases. Gambogic acid is the main effective constituent of Gamboge. The present study investigated the protective effects of gambogic acid on spinal cord injury (SCI) and its anti‑inflammatory mechanism in an SCI model in vivo. Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) testing was used to detect the protective effects of gambogic acid on nerve function of SCI rats. The water content of the spinal cord was used to analyze the protective effects of gambogic acid on the damage of SCI. Treatment with gambogic acid effectively improved BBB scores and inhibited water content of the spinal cord in SCI rats. Also, gambogic acid significantly reduced inflammatory cytokines levels of [tumor necrosis factor‑α, interleukin (IL)‑6, IL‑12 and IL‑1β] and oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, glutathione and glutathione‑peroxidase) factors, and suppressed receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand, phosphorylated p38 protein expression and toll‑like receptor 4/nuclear factor‑κB pathway activation, and increased phosphatidylinositol 3‑kinase/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway activation in SCI rats. These results provide evidence that gambogic acid inhibits SCI and inflammation through suppressing the p38 and Akt signaling pathways.

Bioinformatics Genes and Pathway Analysis for Chronic Neuropathic Pain after Spinal Cord Injury

It is well known spinal cord injury (SCI) can cause chronic neuropathic pain (NP); however its underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. This study aimed to disclose differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and activated signaling pathways in association with SCI induced chronic NP, in order to identify its diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Microarray dataset GSE5296 has been downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Significant analysis of microarray (SAM), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, and pathway network analysis have been used to compare changes of DEGs and signaling pathways between the SCI and sham-injury group. As a result, DEGs analysis showed there were 592 DEGs with significantly altered expression; among them Ccl3 expression showed the highest upregulation which implicated its association with SCI induced chronic NP. Moreover, KEGG analysis found 209 pathways changed significantly; among them the most significantly activated one is MAPK signaling pathway, which is in line with KEGG analysis results. Our results show Ccl3 is highly associated with SCI induced chronic NP; as the exosomes with Ccl3 can be easily and efficiently detected in peripheral blood, Ccl3 may serve as a potential prognostic target for the diagnosis and treatment of SCI induced chronic NP.

Nanofiber Scaffolds as Drug Delivery Systems to Bridge Spinal Cord Injury

The complex pathophysiology of spinal cord injury (SCI) may explain the current lack of an effective therapeutic approach for the regeneration of damaged neuronal cells and the recovery of motor functions. A primary mechanical injury in the spinal cord triggers a cascade of secondary events, which are involved in SCI instauration and progression. The aim of the present review is to provide an overview of the therapeutic neuro-protective and neuro-regenerative approaches, which involve the use of nanofibers as local drug delivery systems. Drugs released by nanofibers aim at preventing the cascade of secondary damage (neuro-protection), whereas nanofibrous structures are intended to re-establish neuronal connectivity through axonal sprouting (neuro-regeneration) promotion, in order to achieve a rapid functional recovery of spinal cord.