X-ray Irradiation Inhibits Inflammation and Glial Scar Formation through p38 MAPK and Akt Signaling Pathways and Promotes the Recovery of Nerve Function after Spinal Cord Injury in Rats

Abstract

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a common clinical disease that can cause permanent disruption of nerve function. Inflammation and glial scar formation influence the recovery of injured spinal cord. X-ray irradiation can reduce inflammation, inhibit cell proliferation and increase cell apoptosis. However, the regulatory effects of X-ray irradiation on inflammation and glial scars and the underlying molecular mechanisms are still unclear. This study aimed to explore the effect of X-ray irradiation on the progression of SCI. Behavioural experiments show that X-ray irradiation can effectively improve the motor function of SCI rats. X-ray irradiation inhibits the inflammatory response by reducing the expression of inflammatory factors (including TNF-α and IL-1β) at the lesion site, thereby enhancing the survival of neuronal cells .X-ray irradiation effectively inhibited the formation of the glial scar (the expression of the related proteins GFAP and vimentin) in the lesion. In addition, the p38 MAPK and Akt signaling pathways were activated after SCI in rats, but these signaling pathways were significantly blocked after X-ray irradiation. Furthermore, the 10 Gy dose had the most significant effects among the 2 Gy, 10 Gy and 20 Gy doses. In summary, X-ray irradiation can inhibit inflammation and glial scar formation by blocking the p38 MAPK and Akt signaling pathways, thereby improving the recovery of nerve function in rats with SCI. Therefore, X-ray irradiation provides a new strategy for the treatment of SCI.