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Updated: Sep 17, 2025
Identifying Microglia and Peripheral Infiltrating Macrophages in the Injured Spinal Cords Using Flow Cytometry
Published on: June 24, 2025
Mitophagy: A key regulator in the pathophysiology and treatment of spinal cord injury
Qiuyang Gu1,2, Shengye Yuan1,2, Yumei An2
1Department of Orthopedics, Suzhou BenQ Medical Center, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
Abstract:
Mitophagy is closely associated with the pathogenesis of secondary spinal cord injury. Abnormal mitophagy may contribute significantly to secondary spinal cord injury, leading to the impaired production of adenosine triphosphate, ion imbalance, the excessive production of reactive oxygen species, neuroinflammation, and neuronal cell death. Therefore, maintaining an appropriate balance of mitophagy is crucial when treating spinal cord injury, as both excessive and insufficient mitophagy can impede recovery. In this review, we summarize the pathological changes associated with spinal cord injury, the mechanisms of mitophagy, and the direct and indirect relationships between mitophagy and spinal cord injury. We also consider therapeutic approaches that target mitophagy for the treatment of spinal cord injury, including ongoing clinical trials and other innovative therapies, such as use of stem cells, nanomaterials, and small molecule polymers. Finally, we highlight the current challenges facing this field and suggest potential directions for future research. The aim of our review is to provide a theoretical reference for future studies targeting mitophagy in the treatment of spinal cord injury.
Insights
Mitophagy, the process of clearing damaged mitochondria, is vital for spinal cord injury recovery. Balancing mitophagy is key to improving outcomes and reducing secondary injury effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Secondary spinal cord injury (SCI) involves complex pathological changes.
- Mitophagy, the selective degradation of damaged mitochondria, plays a critical role in SCI pathogenesis.
- Dysregulated mitophagy contributes to ATP depletion, ion imbalance, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and neuronal death in SCI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathological mechanisms of SCI.
- To elucidate the role and mechanisms of mitophagy in SCI.
- To explore therapeutic strategies targeting mitophagy for SCI treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on SCI pathology and mitophagy.
- Analysis of the relationship between mitophagy and SCI.
- Evaluation of current and emerging therapeutic approaches for SCI targeting mitophagy.
Main Results:
- Abnormal mitophagy exacerbates SCI by disrupting cellular homeostasis.
- Both excessive and insufficient mitophagy negatively impact SCI recovery.
- Therapeutic interventions targeting mitophagy show promise for SCI treatment.
Conclusions:
- Maintaining optimal mitophagy is crucial for managing secondary SCI.
- Targeting mitophagy offers a promising avenue for novel SCI therapies.
- Further research is needed to address challenges and optimize mitophagy-based treatments for SCI.
