Effects of CFTR-ENaC on spinal cord edema after spinal cord injury

To explore the role of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conduction regulator (CFTR)-Epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) in spinal cord edema after spinal cord injury (SCI) and the related mechanism.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated M1830 astrocytes were applied as the SCI in vitro model. Immunohistochemistry, real-time PCR, and Western blotting were utilized to detect CFTR and ENaC expression. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18. Transmission electron microscope examined ultrastructure changes, while CFTR-172 or Capsazepine treatment assessed their effects on edema and inflammation. Western blot analysis was employed to evaluate the PI3K, p-PI3K, AKT, and p-AKT signaling pathways in treated cells.

LPS-treated M1830 cells exhibited increased levels of CFTR and pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18, alongside decreased ENaC expression and suppressed p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT levels. Degeneration of the myelin sheath and axons was observed in LPS-treated M1830, while changes in ultrastructural were recovered after adding CFTR-172 or Capsazepine. The level of CFTR, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18 was decreased, while the level of ENaC, p-PI3K/PI3K, and p-AKT/AKT was increased obviously in LPS-treated M1830 with CFTR-172, Capsazepine, or IGF-1.

Down-regulation of CFTR and up-regulation of ENaC can attenuate inflammation in SCI by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, highlighting a new therapeutic approach for SCI treatment. These findings address a critical gap in current SCI treatments and suggest a novel intervention strategy targeting ion channel regulation.