Modulating Pro-inflammatory Cytokines, Tissue Damage Magnitude, and Motor Deficit in Spinal Cord Injury with Subventricular Zone-Derived Extracellular Vesicles

Background The upregulation of TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-18, and IL-6 exacerbates the spinal cord injury by amplifying the neuroinflammation. Impeding the release and activation of these cytokines can stop the progression of lesion and promote healing. Modulating the inflammatory response with subventricular zone-derived extracellular vesicles (SVZ-EVs) is one highly promising approach. Methods and materials SVZ tissue was cultured and EVs were prepared, isolated, and injected intrathecal, in spinal cord-injured (SCI) rats. BBB locomotor scoring, qRT-PCR, Western Blot, H&E, and Nissl staining techniques were applied to record the outcomes. Results The intracisternally injected SVZ-EVs significantly decreased the gene and protein expression of TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-18, and IL-6, prevented extensive tissue damage, allowed healing, and improved the hind limb motor function in SCI models. Conclusion The results of the present study showed that SVZ-EVs therapy ameliorate inflammation, tissue damage, and motor deficit in traumatic spinal cord injury.