The protective effects of the lentivirus-mediated neuroglobin gene transfer on spinal cord injury in rabbits

Abstract

Study design: We introduced a lentiviral vector containing the neuroglobin (Ngb) gene into the injured spinal cords to evaluate the therapeutic potential of Ngb in a rabbit model of spinal cord injury (SCI).

Objectives: It is not clear whether Ngb has the neuroprotective role to SCI. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible protective effects of the Ngb overexpression on traumatic SCI in rabbits.

Setting: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China.

Methods: A lentiviral vector containing Ngb gene was constructed and injected at the SCI sites 24 h after SCI. The rabbits' motor functions were evaluated by the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan rating scale. Quantitative real-time PCRs, western blots, malondialdehyde (MDA) tests and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated UTP end labeling assays were also performed.

Results: The Ngb expression in the LV-Ngb group increased significantly at days 7, 14 and 21. A more significant functional improvement was observed in the LV-Ngb group compared with the improvements in all other groups at days 14 and 21. The traumatic SCI seemed to lead to an increase in the levels of MDA and in the number of the apoptotic cells, which could be prevented by the LV-Ngb treatment.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the Ngb overexpression may have potential therapeutic benefits for both reducing secondary damages and improving the outcomes after traumatic SCI.