Baicalin attenuates blood-spinal cord barrier disruption and apoptosis through PI3K/Akt signaling pathway after spinal cord injury

Wogonoside alleviates microglia-mediated neuroinflammation via TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling axis after spinal cord injury

Wogonoside (WG) is a natural flavonoid extracted from Scutellariae Radix, recognized for its established anti-inflammatory properties. However, the role of WG in the context of neuroinflammation after spinal cord injury (SCI) remains inadequately elucidated. This study employed in silico, in vitro, and in vivo methodologies to investigate the impact of WG on microglia-mediated neuroinflammation after SCI. In the in silico experiment, we identified 15 potential target genes of WG associated with SCI. These genes were linked to the regulation of inflammatory response and immune defense. Molecular docking maps revealed toll-like receptor 4 as a molecular target for WG, demonstrating binding through a hydrogen bond (Lys263, Ser120). In lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BV2 cells and SCI mice, WG significantly attenuated microglial activation and facilitated a phenotype shift from M1 to M2. This was evidenced by the reversal of the increased expressions of Iba1, GFAP, and iNOS, as well as the decreased expression of Arg1. WG also suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory mediators (NO, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1α, IL-1β, C1q). WG exerted these effects by suppressing the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling axis in microglia. Furthermore, by reducing levels of TNF-α, IL-1α, and C1q in supernatant of LPS-induced microglia, WG indirectly induced astrocytes change to A2 phenotype, evidenced by transcriptome sequencing result of primary mouse astrocytes. All these events above collectively created a favorable microenvironment, contributing to a significant alleviation of weight loss and neuronal damage at the lesion site of SCI mice. Our findings substantiate the efficacy of WG in mitigating neuroinflammation after SCI, thereby warranting further exploration.

Tetramethylpyrazine-loaded electroconductive hydrogels promote tissue repair after spinal cord injury by protecting the blood-spinal cord barrier and neurons

Spinal cord injury (SCI) usually induces profound microvascular dysfunction. It disrupts the integrity of the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB), which could trigger a cascade of secondary pathological events that manifest as neuronal apoptosis and axonal demyelination. These events can further lead to irreversible neurological impairments. Thus, reducing the permeability of the BSCB and maintaining its substructural integrity are essential to promote neuronal survival following SCI. Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) has emerged as a potential protective agent for treating the BSCB after SCI. However, its therapeutic potential is hindered by challenges in the administration route and suboptimal bioavailability, leading to attenuated clinical outcomes. To address this challenge, traditional Chinese medicine, TMP, was used in this study to construct a drug-loaded electroconductive hydrogel for synergistic treatment of SCI. A conductive hydrogel combined with TMP demonstrates good electrical and mechanical properties as well as superior biocompatibility. Furthermore, it also facilitates sustained local release of TMP at the implantation site. Furthermore, the TMP-loaded electroconductive hydrogel could suppress oxidative stress responses, thereby diminishing endothelial cell apoptosis and the breakdown of tight junction proteins. This concerted action repairs BSCB integrity. Concurrently, myelin-associated axons and neurons are protected against death, which meaningfully restore neurological functions post spinal cord injury. Hence, these findings indicate that combining the electroconductive hydrogel with TMP presents a promising avenue for potentiating drug efficacy and synergistic repair following SCI.

Mertk Reduces Blood-Spinal Cord Barrier Permeability Through the Rhoa/Rock1/P-MLC Pathway After Spinal Cord Injury

Disruption of the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) is a critical event in the secondary injury following spinal cord injury (SCI). Mertk has been reported to play an important role in regulating inflammation and cytoskeletal dynamics. However, the specific involvement of Mertk in BSCB remains elusive. Here, we demonstrated a distinct role of Mertk in the repair of BSCB. Mertk expression is decreased in endothelial cells following SCI. Overexpression of Mertk upregulated tight junction proteins (TJs), reducing BSCB permeability and subsequently inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis. Ultimately, this led to enhanced neural regeneration and functional recovery. Further experiments revealed that the RhoA/Rock1/P-MLC pathway plays a key role in the effects of Mertk. These findings highlight the role of Mertk in promoting SCI recovery through its ability to mitigate BSCB permeability and may provide potential targets for SCI repair.

TXNIP Regulates NLRP3 Inflammasome-Induced Pyroptosis Related to Aging via cAMP/PKA and PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathways

Aging is an inevitable natural process with time-dependent dysfunction and the occurrence of various diseases, which impose heavy burdens on individuals, families, and society. It has been reported that NLRP3 inflammasome-induced pyroptosis contributes significantly to age-related diseases and aging, while TXNIP is suggested to be involved in regulating pyroptosis mediated by NLRP3. However, the mechanism between TXNIP and NLRP3 inflammasome is still unclear. In this study, we used HT-22 cells to explore the effect of TXNIP on pyroptosis and its potential association with the aging. Also, we delved into the underlying mechanisms. Our findings revealed that TXNIP significantly augmented pyroptosis in HT-22 cells, primarily by enhancing the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and promoting the release of proinflammatory cytokines. Remarkably, as TXNIP levels increased, we observed a corresponding rise in the number of p16-positive cells, which is indicative of aging. Furthermore, we conducted experiments to modulate the improvement of TXNIP on NLRP3 inflammasome-induced pyroptosis, that is, the PI3K activator 740 Y-P and the PKA activator DC2797 inhibited the effect, while the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 and the PKA inhibitor H89 enhanced the effect. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that TXNIP regulates NLRP3 inflammasome-induced pyroptosis in HT-22 cells related to aging via the PI3K/Akt and cAMP/PKA pathways.

Network pharmacology analysis and experimental validation to explore the effect and mechanism of tetramethylpyrazine for spinal cord injury

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect and mechanism of Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) in treating Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) using network pharmacology analysis and animal experiments.

METHODS

This study was based on public databases, including PharmMapper, BATMAN-TCM, and STRING, as well as KEGG pathway analysis and other methods of network pharmacology were used to preliminarily explore the molecular mechanism of TMP in the treatment of SCI. Using a mouse SCI compression injury model, the efficacy of TMP was evaluated, and the expression of predictive targets on the PI3K/AKT and MAPK signaling pathways was measured using Western blotting and q-PCR.

RESULTS

Network pharmacology analysis showed that TMP may exert therapeutic effects through the MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. In animal experimental validation studies, it was shown that after treatment with TMP, the hind limb motor function scores and ramp test scores of the TMP-treated mice improved significantly. HE staining showed that after treatment with TMP, cavities decreased, fewer glial cells proliferated, and fewer inflammatory cells infiltrated; Nielsen staining showed less neuronal loss. Western blot studies showed that compared with the model group, expression of RAS, ERK1/2, RAF1, PI3K, and p-AKT proteins in the spinal cord tissue of mice treated with high-dose TMP was significantly lower. Accordingly, q-PCR studies showed that compared with the model group, the expression levels of RAS, ERK1/2, RAF1, PI3K, and p-AKT genes in the spinal cords of mice in the high-dose TMP group were significantly lower.

CONCLUSION

TMP exhibits a good neuroprotective effect after SCI, which may be related to inhibition of the MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways.

Constructing and Validating a Network of Potential Olfactory Sheathing Cell Transplants Regulating Spinal Cord Injury Progression

The pathology of spinal cord injury (SCI), including primary and secondary injuries, primarily involves hemorrhage, ischemia, edema, and inflammatory responses. Cell transplantation has been the most promising treatment for SCI in recent years; however, its specific molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this study, bioinformatics analysis verified by experiment was used to elucidate the hub genes associated with SCI and to discover the underlying molecular mechanisms of cell intervention. GSE46988 data were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus dataset. In our study, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were reanalyzed using the "R" software (R v4.2.1). Functional enrichment and protein-protein interaction network analyses were performed, and key modules and hub genes were identified. Network construction was performed for the hub genes and their associated miRNAs. Finally, a semi-quantitative analysis of hub genes and pathways was performed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. In total, 718 DEGs were identified, mainly enriched in immune and inflammation-related functions. We found that Cd4, Tp53, Rac2, and Akt3 differed between vehicle and transplanted groups, suggesting that these genes may play an essential role in the transplantation of olfactory ensheathing cells, while a toll-like receptor signaling pathway was significantly enriched in Gene set enrichment analysis, and then, the differences were statistically significant by experimentally verifying the expression of their associated molecules (Tlr4, Nf-κb, Ikkβ, Cxcl2, and Tnf-α). In addition, we searched for upstream regulatory molecules of these four central genes and constructed a regulatory network. This study is the first to construct a regulatory network for olfactory ensheathing cell transplantation in treating SCI, providing a new idea for SCI cell therapy.

TNF-α Mediated the Disruption of Hepatic Tight Junction Expression in Blood-Biliary Barrier of Colitis via Downregulating PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway

Hepatocyte tight junctions (TJ) constituted blood-biliary barrier is the most important hepatic barrier for separating bile from the bloodstream, disruption or dysfunction of TJ barrier is involved in hepatobiliary manifestations of colitis, but the underlying mechanism is still not clear. This study aims to investigate the effect and underlying mechanism of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) on hepatic TJ protein expression in blood-biliary barrier and identify its role in the pathogenesis of acute colitis-related cholestasis. Acute colitis rat model was induced by trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) intra-colonic administration. TJs expression of blood-biliary barrier was tested in colitis rats, the serum TNF-α level was also determined in order to elucidate the correlation of TNF-α and TJs. HepaRG cells were used to investigate the effect of TNF-α on TJs, and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway were also evaluated in rats and TNF-α treated HepaRG cells. Acute colitis was induced in rats at 5 d post TNBS, which is accompanied with cholestasis-like alteration. Serum TNF-α level was increased in colitis rats and positively correlated with the alteration of total bile acids and bilirubin, marked decrease in TJs was found in TNF-α treated HepaRG cells and the rats, down-regulated PI3K/AKT signaling pathway were also identified in TNF-α treated HepaRG cells and the rats. The study concluded that serum TNF-α mediated the down-regulation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which contributed to the reduction of TJ protein expression in acute colitis-related intrahepatic cholestasis. These findings suggest that TNF-α plays an important role in the pathogenesis of intrahepatic cholestasis of colitis.

LncRNA TSIX aggravates spinal cord injury by regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway via the miR-532-3p/DDOST axis

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA)-X-inactive-specific transcript (TSIX) expression is upregulated in spinal cord tissues following spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the role of lncRNA-TSIX in SCI remains elusive. SCI animal model was established using C57BL/6 mice. LncRNA TSIX and miR-532-3p expression were determined using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Apoptosis, cell proliferation, and migration were evaluated by transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining, CCK-8, and Transwell assays, respectively. The interaction of miR-532-3p with lncRNA TSIX and DDOST was explored via a dual-luciferase reporter system. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan locomotor rating (BBB) scale were performed to investigate SCI progression. The expression of the lncRNA TSIX was found to be significantly upregulated in the serum of SCI patients and spinal cord tissues of SCI mice. The overexpression of lncRNA TSIX enhanced spinal cord neural stem cell (SC-NSC) proliferation and migration in vitro while inhibiting apoptosis and inflammatory cell infiltration in vivo. Moreover, lncRNA TSIX acted as a molecular sponge for miR-532-3p, and the knockdown of miR-532-3p promoted proliferation and migration and inhibited apoptosis of SC-NSCs. Moreover, DDOST was found to be the downstream target of miR-532-3p, and DDOST overexpression showed a similar effect as miR-532-3p silencing on the proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of SC-NSCs. Furthermore, we found that lncRNA TSIX overexpression promoted the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. LncRNA TSIX aggravates SCI by regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway via the miR-532-3p/DDOST axis, indicating potential applications for targeted therapy of SCI regeneration.

FGF23 alleviates neuronal apoptosis and inflammation, and promotes locomotion recovery via activation of PI3K/AKT signalling in spinal cord injury

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) regulates neuronal morphology, synaptic growth and inflammation; however, its involvement in spinal cord injury (SCI) remains unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of FGF23 on neuronal apoptosis, inflammation and locomotion recovery, as well as its underlying mechanism in experimental SCI models. Primary rat neurons were stimulated with H₂O₂ to establish an in vitro model of SCI and were then transfected with an FGF23 overexpression (oeFGF23) or short hairpin RNA (shFGF23) adenovirus-associated virus and treated with or without LY294002 (a PI3K/AKT inhibitor). Subsequently, an SCI rat model was constructed, followed by treatment with oeFGF23, LY294002 or a combination of the two. FGF23 overexpression (oeFGF23 vs. oeNC) decreased the cell apoptotic rate and cleaved-caspase3 expression, but increased Bcl-2 expression in H₂O₂-stimulated neurons, whereas shFGF23 transfection (shFGF23 vs. shNC) exhibited the opposite effect (all P<0.05). Furthermore, FGF23 overexpression (oeFGF23 vs. oeNC) could activate the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway, whereas treatment with the PI3K/AKT inhibitor (LY294002) (oeFGF23 + LY294002 vs. LY294002) attenuated these effects in H₂O₂-stimulated neurons (all P<0.05). In SCI model rats, FGF23 overexpression (oeFGF23 vs. oeNC) reduced the laceration and inflammatory cell infiltration in injured tissue, decreased TNF-α and IL-1β levels, and improved locomotion recovery (all P<0.05); these effects were attenuated by additional administration of LY294002 (oeFGF23 + LY294002 vs. LY294002) (all P<0.05). In conclusion, FGF23 alleviated neuronal apoptosis and inflammation, and promoted locomotion recovery via activation of the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway in SCI, indicating its potential as a treatment option for SCI; however, further studies are warranted for validation.

Chinese Medicine as Supporting Therapy for Psoriasis: Past, Present, and Future

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease and an important health concern. Western medicine and therapies are the main treatment strategies for psoriasis vulgaris (PV); however, the overall prognosis of patients with PV is still poor. Therefore, PV prevention is especially crucial. Chinese medicine (CM) has a long history of treating psoriasis, and it has unique wisdom in different cognitive angles and treatment modes from modern medicine. In this review, we first summarized the herbs and ancient CM formulas that have therapeutic effects on PV. Second, the research status and obstacles to the current development of CM in modern medicine were reviewed. Finally, the future of CM in the context of precision medicine and integrated medicine was discussed. After a detailed reading of the abundant literature, we believe that CM, through thousands of years of continuous development and clinical practice, has achieved high effectiveness and safety for PV treatment, despite its surrounding controversy. Moreover, precise analyses and systematic research methods have provided new approaches for the modernization of CM in the future. The treatment of PV with CM is worth popularizing, and we hope it can benefit more patients.

Sitagliptin attenuates neuronal apoptosis via inhibiting the endoplasmic reticulum stress after acute spinal cord injury

Regulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER) stress-induced apoptosis and nerve regeneration is a hopeful way for acute spinal cord injury (SCI). Sitagliptin (Sita) is one of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, which is beneficial neurons damaged diseases. However, its protective mechanisms of avoiding nerve injury remain unclear. In this study, we further investigated the mechanism of the anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective effects of Sita in promoting locomotor recovery from SCI. In vivo results showed that Sita treatment reduced neural apoptosis caused by SCI. Moreover, Sita effectively attenuated the ER tress and associated apoptosis in rats with SCI. A striking feature was the occurrence of nerve fiber regeneration at the lesion site, which eventually led to significant locomotion recovery. In vitro results showed that the PC12 cell injury model induced by Thapsigargin (TG) also showed similar neuroprotective effects. Overall, sitagliptin showed potent neuroprotective effects by targeting the ER stress-induced apoptosis both in vivo and vitro, thus facilitating the regeneration of the injured spinal cord.

miR-129-5p Induces Cell Apoptosis and Inhibits Inflammation by Inflammatory Signaling to Alleviate Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a spinal cord nerve dysfunction secondary to trauma. Until now, still no appropriate drug with unclear etiology. Therefore, it is to develop effective SCI treatment methods. Herein, we intended to detect the impact of miR-129-5p in SCI After establishment of a mouse SCI model, the animals received intrathecal injection of agomir-miR-129-5p or normal saline. Then, the miR-129-5p’s effect was evaluated by assessing motor function, spinal cord tissue edema, apoptosis and inflammation of mice upon treatments and potential targeted pathways of the miRNA were detected. Overexpressed miR-129-5p facilitated the wound healing with less spare tissue and water content. Additionally, overexpressed miR-129-5p suppressed the in vivo inflammation with decreased apoptotic rate of neurons. As SCI induced increased expression of HMGB1, TLR4, and NF-κB in tissues, but the presence of miR-129-5p reversed the expressions. Collectively, this study elucidate miR-129-5p significantly improves inflammatory response and apoptosis, thereby improving the condition of SCI. These findings might provide a new theory for the disorder, and promote the research progress on the disease.

Experimental treatments to attenuate blood spinal cord barrier rupture in rats with traumatic spinal cord injury: A meta-analysis and systematic review

Background: Traumatic spinal cord injury (t-SCI) is a severe injury that has a devastating impact on neurological function. Blood spinal cord barrier (BSCB) destruction following SCI aggravates the primary injury, resulting in a secondary injury. A series of experimental treatments have been proven to alleviate BSCB destruction after t-SCI.

Methods: From a screen of 1,189 papers, which were retrieved from Pubmed, Embase, and Web of science, we identified 28 papers which adhered to strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Evans blue (EB) leakage on the first day post-SCI was selected as the primary result. Secondary outcomes included the expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins and adhesion junction (AJ) proteins in protein immunoblotting. In addition, we measured functional recovery using the Basso, Beattie, Besnahan (BBB) score and we analyzed the relevant mechanisms to explore the similarities between different studies.

Result: The forest plot of Evans blue leakage (EB leakage) reduction rate: the pooled effect size of the 28 studies was 0.54, 95% CI: 0.47–0.61, p < 0.01. This indicates that measures to mitigate BSCB damage significantly improved in reducing overall EB leakage. In addition TJ proteins (Occludin, Claudin-5, and ZO-1), AJ proteins (P120 and β-catenin) were significantly upregulated after treatment in all publications. Moreover, BBB scores were significantly improved. Comprehensive studies have shown that in t-SCI, inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is the most commonly used mechanism to mitigate BSCB damage, followed by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the Akt pathway. In addition, we found that bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (BMSC-Exos), which inhibit the TIMP2/MMP signaling pathway, may be the most effective way to alleviate BSCB injury.

Conclusion: This study systematically analyzes the experimental treatments and their mechanisms for reducing BSCB injury in the early stage of t-SCI. BMSC-Exos, which inhibit MMP expression, are currently the most effective therapeutic modality for alleviating BSCB damage. In addition, the regulation of MMPs in particular as well as the Akt pathway and the ER stress pathway play important roles in alleviating BSCB injury.

Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022324794.

[Advances of the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the spinal cord injury and its relevant treatments]

OBJECTIVE

To review the advances of the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the spinal cord injury (SCI) and its relevant treatments.

METHODS

Focusing on various mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction, recent relevant literature at home and abroad was identified to summarize the therapeutic strategies for SCI.

RESULTS

Mitochondrial dysfunction is mainly manifested in abnormalities in mitochondrial energy metabolism, mitochondrial oxidative stress, mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis, mitophagy, mitochondrial permeability transition, and mitochondrial biogenesis, playing a vital role in the development of SCI. Drug that enhanced mitochondrial function have been proved beneficial for the treatment of SCI.

CONCLUSION

Mitochondrial dysfunction can serve as a potential therapeutic target for SCI, providing ideas and basis for the development of SCI therapeutic candidates in the future.

The PI3K/AKT signalling pathway in inflammation, cell death and glial scar formation after traumatic spinal cord injury: Mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities

Objects

Traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) causes neurological dysfunction below the injured segment of the spinal cord, which significantly impacts the quality of life in affected patients. The phosphoinositide 3kinase/serine‐threonine kinase (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway offers a potential therapeutic target for the inhibition of secondary TSCI. This review summarizes updates concerning the role of the PI3K/AKT pathway in TSCI.

Materials and Methods

By searching articles related to the TSCI field and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, we summarized the mechanisms of secondary TSCI and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway; we also discuss current and potential future treatment methods for TSCI based on the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Results

Early apoptosis and autophagy after TSCI protect the body against injury; a prolonged inflammatory response leads to the accumulation of pro‐inflammatory factors and excessive apoptosis, as well as excessive autophagy in the surrounding normal nerve cells, thus aggravating TSCI in the subacute stage of secondary injury. Initial glial scar formation in the subacute phase is a protective mechanism for TSCI, which limits the spread of damage and inflammation. However, mature scar tissue in the chronic phase hinders axon regeneration and prevents the recovery of nerve function. Activation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway can inhibit the inflammatory response and apoptosis in the subacute phase after secondary TSCI; inhibiting this pathway in the chronic phase can reduce the formation of glial scar.

Conclusion

The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway has an important role in the recovery of spinal cord function after secondary injury. Inducing the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in the subacute phase of secondary injury and inhibiting this pathway in the chronic phase may be one of the potential strategies for the treatment of TSCI.

Levetiracetam Attenuates the Spinal Cord Injury Induced by Acute Trauma via Suppressing the Expression of Perforin

The spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the major reasons causing the motor dysfunctions of the patients. At present, few therapeutic strategies can effectively improve the symptom of SCI. Levetiracetam has been confirmed to alleviate the injury of nerve cells, while its functions in SCI remains unclear. In this study, C57BL/6J mice were used to establish SCI models to observe the effect of levetiracetam on SCI. The mice were fed with 180 mg/kg levetiracetam when suffering from SCI, and Basso mouse score (BMS) and CatWalk-assisted gait analysis were used to observe the motor functions of the mice. Nissl staining and TUNEL staining were used to observe the injury of nerve cells. The abundance of inflammatory factors was measured by ELISA. The permeability of blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) in mice was detected with macrophage infiltration analysis. Moreover, the abundance of perforin in the tissues was detected by western blot. The results showed that the SCI mice treated with levetiracetam exhibited lighter motor dysfunction compared with the mice treated with saline. Levetiracetam can effectively reduce the inflammatory reactions and alleviate apoptosis of the nerve cells. Moreover, levetiracetam remarkably decreased the BSCB permeability of SCI mice. Besides, it was also found that levetiracetam can significantly inhibit the expression of perforin. In conclusion, this study suggests that levetiracetam can attenuate the injury of BSCB to block the progression of SCI via suppressing the expression of perforin.

Bazedoxifene, a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator, Promotes Functional Recovery in a Spinal Cord Injury Rat Model

In research on various central nervous system injuries, bazedoxifene acetate (BZA) has shown two main effects: neuroprotection by suppressing the inflammatory response and remyelination by enhancing oligodendrocyte precursor cell differentiation and oligodendrocyte proliferation. We examined the effects of BZA in a rat spinal cord injury (SCI) model. Anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects were investigated in RAW 264.7 cells, and blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) permeability and angiogenesis were evaluated in a human brain endothelial cell line (hCMEC/D3). In vivo experiments were carried out on female Sprague Dawley rats subjected to moderate static compression SCI. The rats were intraperitoneally injected with either vehicle or BZA (1mg/kg pre-SCI and 3 mg/kg for 7 days post-SCI) daily. BZA decreased the lipopolysaccharide-induced production of proinflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide in RAW 264.7 cells and preserved BSCB disruption in hCMEC/D3 cells. In the rats, BZA reduced caspase-3 activity at 1 day post-injury (dpi) and suppressed phosphorylation of MAPK (p38 and ERK) at dpi 2, hence reducing the expression of IL-6, a proinflammatory cytokine. BZA also led to remyelination at dpi 20. BZA contributed to improvements in locomotor recovery after compressive SCI. This evidence suggests that BZA may have therapeutic potential to promote neuroprotection, remyelination, and functional outcomes following SCI.