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Bexarotene improves motor function after spinal cord injury in mice
Xingyu Wang1, Zhihao Shen1, Haojie Zhang1
1Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics; The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
Bexarotene, a retinoid, shows promise for treating spinal cord injury by promoting autophagy and enhancing motor function recovery. This study demonstrates its neuroprotective effects, reducing damage and improving outcomes in a mouse model.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes irreversible central nervous system damage, necessitating early therapeutic interventions.
- Bexarotene, a retinoid, is known for treating other conditions and promoting autophagy, but its potential in SCI is unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic effects of bexarotene on spinal cord injury in a mouse model.
- To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of bexarotene's action in SCI.
Main Methods:
- A mouse model of T11-T12 spinal cord contusion was established.
- Daily intraperitoneal injections of bexarotene were administered for five consecutive days.
- Inhibition of autophagy and key signaling pathways (AMPK-SKP2-CARM1, AMPK-mTOR) were used to validate bexarotene's effects.
Main Results:
- Bexarotene reduced collagen deposition and neuronal damage, while increasing synaptic connections.
- It mitigated oxidative stress and pyroptosis, significantly improving motor function recovery and reducing mortality.
- The drug's effects were reversed by inhibiting autophagy and blocking AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling.
Conclusions:
- Bexarotene promotes autophagy and neuroprotection in SCI by regulating transcription factor E3 (TF E3) nuclear translocation via AMPK-SKP2-CARM1 and AMPK-mTOR pathways.
- These mechanisms decrease reactive oxygen species, inhibit pyroptosis, and ultimately improve motor function after spinal cord injury.
