Relationships between microRNA-20a and microRNA-125b expression and apoptosis and inflammation in experimental spinal cord injury. (2nd November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Şaker, Dilek; Sencar, Leman; Yılmaz, Derviş Mansuri; Polat, Sait
• Is Part Of: Neurological research. Volume 41:Number 11(2019)
• Page Start: 991
• Page End: 1000
• Publication Date: 2019-11-02
• Subjects: MicroRNA-20a -- microRNA-125b -- apoptosis -- inflammation -- spinal cord injury; Neurology -- Periodicals; Neurosciences -- Periodicals; 616.8005
• DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2019.1652014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0161-6412

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Objectives : The aim of the study was to determine the relationships between microRNA-20a and microRNA-125b expression and apoptosis and inflammation in a rat model of spinal cord injury (SCI) using microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and molecular biology. Methods : Sixty-one rats were divided into three groups: a control group that was not subjected to any operation; a sham-operated group; and an experimental group that was subjected to spinal cord compression. The experimental group was further subdivided into two subgroups: the experimental control group, which did not receive any drug treatment; and the methylprednisolone treatment group, which received 30 mg/kg methylprednisolone on day 0 followed by 10 mg/kg/day methylprednisolone from days 1–14. Results : Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-6 levels increased in the experimental control group on days 1 and 3, and decreased in the experimental control group and methylprednisolone treatment group on days 7 and 14. Caspase-3 levels increased in the experimental control group on day 1, and decreased in the experimental control group and methylprednisolone treatment group on days 3, 7, and 14. MicroRNA-20a expression was upregulated in the experimental control group on days 1 and 3, and microRNA-125b expression was downregulated on days 3 and 7. Conclusions : After SCI, upregulated microRNA-20a expression and increased proinflammatory cytokines may lead to an increase in inflammation. MicroRNA-125b may be associated with caspase-3, and microRNA-125b downregulation may inhibit apoptosis. Although the results of this study suggest potential relationships between microRNA-20a and microRNA-125b expression and apoptosis and inflammation in SCI, further studies are needed to confirm microRNA-20a and microRNA-125b as biomarkers in SCI and to develop new strategies for the treatment of SCI.