Intraspinal Injection of Platelet-Rich Plasma Promotes Regeneration of the Spinal Cord and Improves Locomotor Function by Modulating the Apoptosis and the Wnt Signaling Pathways

Background: There are complex mechanisms for reducing intrinsic repair ability and neuronal regeneration following spinal cord injury (SCI). Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a rich source of growth factors and has been used to stimulate regeneration of peripheral nerves in degenerationtive diseases. However, only a few studies have investigated the effects of PRP on the SCI models. We examined whether PRP derived from human umbilical cord blood (HUCB-PRP) could recover motor function in animals with spinal cord injury. We also investigate the role of Wnt signaling pathway.Methods: Ault male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=60) as control, sham, SCI, vehicle (SCI+platelet-poor plasma), PRP2day (SCI+injection 2 days after SCI) and PRP14day (SCI+injection 14 days after SCI). SCI was performed at the T12-T13 level. BBB tests were done weekly after injury for six weeks. caspase3 expression was determined using the Immunohistochemistry technique. The expression of GSK3β, Tau and MAG were determined using the Western blot technique. Data were analyzed by PRISM & SPSS software. Results: PRP injected animals showed a higher locomotor function recovery than those in the SCI group (p<0.0001). The level of caspase3, GSK3β and CSF- Tau reduced and MAG level in the spinal cord increased by injection of HUCB-PRP in animals with spinal cord injury. Conclusions: Injection of HUCB-PRP enhanced hind limb locomotor performance by modulation of caspase3, GSK3β, tau and MAG expression. Using HUCB-PRP could be a new therapeutic option for recovering the motor function and axonal regeneration after spinal cord injury.