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Journal of Neuroinflammation
Published in: Journal of Neuroinflammation 1/2022

Open Access 01-12-2022 | Research

Apelin alleviated neuroinflammation and promoted endogenous neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation after spinal cord injury in rats

Authors: Qing Liu, Shuai Zhou, Xiao Wang, Chengxu Gu, Qixuan Guo, Xikai Li, Chunlei Zhang, Naili Zhang, Luping Zhang, Fei Huang

Published in: Journal of Neuroinflammation | Issue 1/2022

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Abstract

Background

Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes devastating neurological damage, including secondary injuries dominated by neuroinflammation. The role of Apelin, an endogenous ligand that binds the G protein-coupled receptor angiotensin-like receptor 1, in SCI remains unclear. Thus, our aim was to investigate the effects of Apelin in inflammatory responses and activation of endogenous neural stem cells (NSCs) after SCI.

Methods

Apelin expression was detected in normal and injured rats, and roles of Apelin in primary NSCs were examined. In addition, we used induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as a carrier to prolong the effective duration of Apelin and evaluate its effects in a rat model of SCI.

Results

Co-immunofluorescence staining suggested that Apelin was expressed in both astrocytes, neurons and microglia. Following SCI, Apelin expression decreased from 1 to 14 d and re-upregulated at 28 d. In vitro, Apelin promoted NSCs proliferation and differentiation into neurons. In vivo, lentiviral-transfected iPSCs were used as a carrier to prolong the effective duration of Apelin. Transplantation of transfected iPSCs in situ immediately after SCI reduced polarization of M1 microglia and A1 astrocytes, facilitated recovery of motor function, and promoted the proliferation and differentiation of endogenous NSCs in rats.

Conclusion

Apelin alleviated neuroinflammation and promoted the proliferation and differentiation of endogenous NSCs after SCI, suggesting that it might be a promising target for treatment of SCI.
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Metadata
Title
Apelin alleviated neuroinflammation and promoted endogenous neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation after spinal cord injury in rats
Authors
Qing Liu
Shuai Zhou
Xiao Wang
Chengxu Gu
Qixuan Guo
Xikai Li
Chunlei Zhang
Naili Zhang
Luping Zhang
Fei Huang
Publication date
01-12-2022
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Neuroinflammation / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 1742-2094
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12974-022-02518-7

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