Isosteviol Sodium Promotes Neurological Function Recovery in a Model of Spinal Cord Injury in Rats

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is an incurable condition that is the largest cause of disability. In previous studies, Isosteviol sodium (STVNa) has been shown to protect rats against acute focal cerebral ischemia; however, the effects of STVNa on SCI recovery in rats remain unknown.

STVNa was given intraperitoneally after SCI to see if it had any neuroprotective benefits. On Days 7, 14, 21, and 28 post-SCI, functional recovery was measured using the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scoring system along with the oblique plate test. Following these evaluations, spinal cord tissues were harvested for analysis. All behavioral testing occurred between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.

We found that STVNa improved spinal cord functional recovery in rats, as evidenced by enhanced BBB locomotor rating scale, angle of inclination, decreased cavity of spinal cord damage, and neuron death in vivo. In addition, STVNa reduced inflammation in rats following SCI, as demonstrated by a reduction in proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and interleukin (IL)-1β. STVNa also reduced oxidative damage in SCI rats by lowering ROS while raising SOD levels.

These findings suggest that STVNa protects SCI rats through a variety of pathways. STVNa, in particular, may benefit the recovery of SCI by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to enhanced locomotor activity in rats with SCI.