Down-regulated miR-10a protects against spinal cord injury by up-regulating SIRT1

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are essential modulators of gene expression and are associated with various pathological processes, including spinal cord injury (SCI). This investigation aimed to elucidate miR-10a activity in SCI and its potential interaction with sirtuin 1 (SIRT1). The SCI rat model was established to assess hind limb movement, measure levels of miR-10a, SIRT1, neuronal survival, and inflammatory factors. An in-vitro SCI cell model was also developed to evaluate cell viability and inflammatory factor levels. The interaction between miR10a and SIRT1 was verified. Upregulated miR-10a and downregulated SIRT1 expression were found in the tissues of SCI rats. miR-10a knockdown in SCI rats enhanced the recovery of motor function, increased neuronal survival, and reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines. Luciferase reporter assays confirmed that miR-10a targeted SIRT1 directly. In PC12 cells, downregulation of miR-10a increased SIRT1 expression, enhanced cell viability, and reduced inflammatory factor levels after LPS stimulation. Conversely, SIRT1 knockdown inhibited the protective effects of downregulated miR-10a on cell viability and inflammatory responses. The results suggest that miR-10a downregulation protects against SCI by upregulating SIRT1 expression, improving functional recovery, and reducing inflammation. Targeting the miR-10a/SIRT1 axis is a promising strategy for SCI treatment.