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Published on: July 11, 2017
Quercetin Can Improve Spinal Cord Injury by Regulating the mTOR Signaling Pathway
Xichen Wang1, Yuke Fu1, Benson O A Botchway2
1Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Zhejiang, China.
Abstract:
The pathogenesis of spinal cord injury (SCI) is complex. At present, there is no effective treatment for SCI, with most current interventions focused on improving the symptoms. Inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, and oxidative stress caused by secondary SCI may instigate serious consequences in the event of SCI. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), as a key signaling molecule, participates in the regulation of inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy in several processes associated with SCI. Quercetin can reduce the loss of myelin sheath, enhance the ability of antioxidant stress, and promote axonal regeneration. Moreover, quercetin is also a significant player in regulating the mTOR signaling pathway that improves pathological alterations following neuronal injury. Herein, we review the therapeutic effects of quercetin in SCI through its modulation of the mTOR signaling pathway and elaborate on how it can be a potential interventional agent for SCI.
Insights
Quercetin shows promise for treating spinal cord injury (SCI) by regulating the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. This natural compound may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, aiding nerve regeneration after injury.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) pathogenesis is complex, with secondary injury mechanisms like inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress causing severe consequences.
- Current SCI treatments primarily focus on symptom management, lacking effective restorative therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the therapeutic potential of quercetin in SCI.
- To explore quercetin's mechanism of action via modulation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on studies investigating quercetin's effects on SCI.
- Analysis of quercetin's role in regulating inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, and oxidative stress.
- Examination of quercetin's interaction with the mTOR signaling pathway in neuronal injury models.
Main Results:
- Quercetin demonstrates neuroprotective effects, including reduced myelin sheath loss and enhanced antioxidant capacity.
- Quercetin promotes axonal regeneration, a critical factor for functional recovery after SCI.
- Quercetin modulates the mTOR signaling pathway, influencing key cellular processes involved in SCI pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Quercetin exhibits significant therapeutic potential for SCI by targeting the mTOR pathway.
- Quercetin's ability to mitigate secondary injury processes and promote regeneration makes it a promising interventional agent for SCI.
