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Atractylodin Suppresses Fibrotic Scar Formation and Enhances Functional Recovery Following Spinal Cord Injury
Zhenwei Li1,2, Chao Fang1,2, Chengcheng Feng1
1Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 230032 Hefei, Anhui, China.
Journal of Integrative Neuroscience
|April 29, 2026
Summary
Atractylodin (ATD) enhances motor function recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI) by reducing fibrotic scar formation. This natural compound targets the TGF-β/SMAD pathway to promote nerve regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Fibrous scar formation impedes axonal regeneration and functional recovery post-spinal cord injury (SCI).
- Atractylodin (ATD), a component of traditional Chinese medicine, possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties.
- The therapeutic potential and mechanisms of ATD in SCI require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic effects of ATD on SCI in a mouse model.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying ATD's action in mitigating fibrotic scarring and promoting recovery.
Main Methods:
- Established a spinal cord injury (SCI) model in C57 mice.
- Assessed motor function using behavioral tests (Basso Mouse Scale, inclined plane, swimming, footprint analysis).
- Evaluated fibrotic scar markers, neuronal survival via immunohistochemistry, and molecular mechanisms using Western blotting and qPCR.
Main Results:
- ATD treatment significantly improved motor function in SCI mice.
- ATD reduced fibrotic scar area and suppressed fibrotic marker expression.
- ATD inhibited SMAD2/3 phosphorylation, suppressed fibroblast activation, and promoted neuronal survival and axonal regeneration.
Conclusions:
- ATD mitigates SCI-induced fibrotic scar formation by modulating the TGF-β/SMAD pathway.
- ATD facilitates axonal regeneration and functional recovery, presenting a potential therapeutic strategy for SCI.
