Neuroprotective effect of curcumin on spinal cord in rabbit model with ischemia/reperfusion

Abstract

Background

Ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) injury of the spinal cord is a serious complication that can result from thoracoabdominal aortic surgery.

Objective

To investigate the neuroprotective effect of curcumin against I/R injury in a rabbit model.

Methods

A total of 36 rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: sham, I/R, and curcumin-treated group. Rabbits were subject to 30-min aortic occlusion to induce transient spinal cord ischemia. Neurological function was observed after reperfusion and spinal cord segment (L3–L5) was collected for histopathological evaluation. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and total superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were also assayed.

Results

Rabbits in I/R group were induced to paraplegia. While after 48-hour treatment, compared with I/R group, curcumin significantly improved neurological function, reduced cell apoptosis and MDA levels as well as increased SOD activity (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The results suggest that curcumin, at least in an animal model, can attenuate transient spinal cord ischemic injury potentially via reducing oxidative damage, which may provide a novel approach in the treatment of spinal cord ischemic injury.

Keywords:

• Curcumin
• Spinal cord
• Ischemia/reperfusion injury
• Rabbits
• Paraplegia
• Aneurysm
• Abdominal
• Aortic
• Neuroprotection

Acknowledgements

This work was funded by the Young Scientists Star Program of Jinan City (grant no. 09114), Natural Science Foundation (grant no. ZR2009CQ023) and Medical Science Development Plan (grant no. 2009QZ025) of Shandong Province.

Author contributions

Zhi-Qiang Liu and Shan-Shan Xing were responsible for the data collection and were also responsible for the draft of the manuscript. Wei Zhang conceived and designed the study and was also responsible for the statistical analysis.