Low-energy extracorporeal shockwave therapy improves locomotor functions, tissue regeneration, and modulating the inflammation induced FGF1 and FGF2 signaling to protect damaged tissue in spinal cord injury of rat model: an experimental animal study
Summary
This experimental animal study investigated the effects of low-energy extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) on spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. The study found that multiple ESWT sessions (ESWT3) significantly improved motor functions, promoted tissue regeneration, reduced inflammation, and enhanced mitochondrial function compared to a single session (ESWT). The therapy modulated FGF1, FGF2, FGFR1, and pERK signaling, suggesting it may protect damaged tissue in SCI.
Key Findings
"Low-energy ESWT had a dose-dependent effect, with three treatment sessions (ESWT3) showing superior outcomes compared to a single session"
"ESWT3 significantly improved motor functions [run patterns, run average speed, and maximum variation, as well as the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan score] and promoted tissue regeneration while reducing inflammation"
"ESWT3 significantly decreased levels of IL-1β, IL6, and macrophages (CD68) while increasing leukocyte (CD45) infiltration"
"ESWT3 upregulated NueN and mitofusin 2 (MFN2), suggesting enhanced neuronal health and mitochondrial function"
"ESWT3 modulated the expression of fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1), FGF2, their receptor FGFR1 and phosphorylation of ERK, aiding tissue repair, and regeneration in SCI"
Treatment Categories
Spinal Cord Injury
moderate effectivenessLow-energy ESWT demonstrated dose-dependent effects in a rat SCI model, with three treatment sessions (ESWT3) showing superior outcomes compared to a single session. ESWT3 significantly improved motor function, reduced inflammation, enhanced neuronal health, and protected mitochondrial function.
Specific Findings
Multiple sessions of low-energy ESWT (ESWT3) significantly improved motor function, tissue regeneration, and reduced inflammation in rats with spinal cord injury
Experimental animal study with BBB scores and CatWalk gait analysis showing improved locomotor function; histopathological examination showing tissue regeneration; reduced inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-6, CD68)
Patient Type
Animal model (Sprague-Dawley rats)
Shockwave Type
Focused ESWT
Protocol
Outcomes
Limitations
Rat model may not fully replicate human SCI complexity; optimal treatment parameters still undetermined; 6-week observation period doesn't address long-term effects
Study Limitations
- Rat model may not fully replicate the complexity of human SCI, limiting direct translational potential
- Optimal ESWT treatment regimen (frequency, intensity, duration) remains undetermined
- 6-week observation period does not address long-term effects
- Molecular mechanisms by which ESWT modulates FGF1, FGF2, FGFR1, and pERK signaling require further investigation
