Mildronate Has Ameliorative Effects on the Experimental Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury Model in the Rabbit Spinal Cord

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Mildronate exhibits anti-ischemic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties.
• Spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury (SCIRI) is a critical condition requiring effective therapeutic interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the neuroprotective potential of mildronate in an experimental rabbit model of SCIRI.
• To assess the biochemical and histopathological changes associated with SCIRI and the effects of mildronate treatment.

Main Methods:

• A rabbit model of SCIRI was established via aortic occlusion.
• Animals were treated with mildronate (100 mg/kg), methylprednisolone (30 mg/kg), or vehicle.
• Biochemical markers (malondialdehyde, catalase, caspase-3, myeloperoxidase), neurological function (modified Tarlov score), and histopathology were assessed.

Main Results:

• Mildronate significantly reduced markers of oxidative stress and inflammation, including myeloperoxidase, malondialdehyde, and caspase-3 levels.
• Mildronate treatment led to significantly higher catalase levels compared to the ischemia/vehicle groups.
• Histopathological and neurological evaluations showed significant improvements in the mildronate group compared to the ischemia/vehicle groups.

Conclusions:

• Mildronate exhibits significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects in the context of SCIRI.
• The findings support the neuroprotective role of mildronate in SCIRI.
• Further clinical studies are warranted to explore the therapeutic utility of mildronate for SCIRI.