Neuroprotective effect of asiatic acid against spinal cord injury in rats.

摘要: Abstract Aims The present study investigated the therapeutic efficacy of asiatic acid (AA) on spinal cord injury (SCI) as well underlying mechanisms. Main methods Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 150) were randomly assigned to five groups: sham, SCI, SCI + methylprednisolone (30 mg/kg), SCI + AA and (75 mg/kg). Motor function, histological changes, neutrophil infiltration, proinflammatory cytokine production, oxidative stress nuclear factor erythroid 2-related (Nrf)2, heme oxygenase (HO)-1, nucleotide-binding domain-like receptor protein (NLRP)3 levels evaluated. Key findings AA treatment increased Basso, Beattie Bresnahan scores inclined plane test that reduced by SCI. In addition, suppressed myeloperoxidase activity interleukin-1β, -18, -6 tumor necrosis factor-α reactive oxygen species (ROS), H2O2, malondialdehyde while increasing superoxide dismutase glutathione production. results in upregulation Nrf2/HO-1 downregulation NLRP3 inflammasome expression SC tissue. Significance protects against SCI via suppression inflammation stress. mechanism likely involves activation Nrf2 HO-1 inhibition ROS pathway. has potential for treatment.