The optimal therapeutic timing and mechanism of puerarin treatment of spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

Abstract

AIM OF THE STUDY:

The purpose of this study was to explore the optimal therapeutic timing and mechanism of puerarin treatment of spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The spinal ischemia-reperfusion injury was conducted in male Sprague-Dawley rats, and 50mg/kg of puerarin was injected intraperitoneally at 1, 2, 4 and 6h after the injury. Motor function was measured 48 h after reperfusion started. Thioredoxin expression and apoptosis indices were determined.

RESULTS:

Improvement of motor function at 1, 2, and 4h was demonstrated in the animals with puerarin treatment. Ischemia-reperfusion injury resulted in a decrease in the expression of thioredoxin, while puerarin administration elevated the expression of thioredoxin-1/thioredoxin-2 mRNA. Apoptosis indices were significantly reduced by puerarin administration.

CONCLUSIONS:

We conclude that administration of puerarin within 4h of spinal ischemia-reperfusion injury reduces ischemic reperfusion damage, and that the neuroprotective effect of puerarin involves an increase in the transcription of thioredoxin and a reduction of apoptosis.

• Authors: Feng Tian, Li-Hui Xu, Wei Zhao, Li-Jie Tian, Xiang-Lu Ji
• Journal: Journal of ethnopharmacology (J Ethnopharmacol) Vol. 134 Issue 3 Pg. 892-6 (Apr 12 2011) ISSN: 1872-7573 [Electronic] Ireland
• PMID: 21296138 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Isoflavones
• RNA, Messenger
• Thioredoxins
• puerarin

Topics

• Animals
• Apoptosis (drug effects)
• Drug Administration Schedule
• Isoflavones (administration & dosage, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Male
• RNA, Messenger (genetics)
• Rats
• Rats, Sprague-Dawley
• Reperfusion Injury (drug therapy, metabolism)
• Spinal Cord (blood supply)
• Thioredoxins (genetics, metabolism)