Strychni Semen and its active compounds promote axon regeneration following peripheral nerve injury by suppressing myeloperoxidase in the dorsal root ganglia.
10.1016/j.joim.2025.03.001
- Author:
Yan ZHANG
1
;
Xin-Yue ZHAO
2
;
Meng-Ting LIU
1
;
Zhu-Chen ZHOU
1
;
Hui-Bin CHENG
3
;
Xu-Hong JIANG
3
;
Yan-Rong ZHENG
4
;
Zhong CHEN
5
Author Information
1. Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jinhua Academy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, Zhejiang Province, China.
2. Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jinhua Academy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, Zhejiang Province, China; Department of Internal Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310006, Zhejiang Province, China.
3. Department of Internal Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310006, Zhejiang Province, China.
4. Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jinhua Academy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, Zhejiang Province, China. Electronic address: yanrong_zh@zju.edu.cn.
5. Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jinhua Academy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, Zhejiang Province, China. Electronic address: chenzhong@zju.edu.cn.
- Publication Type:Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
- Keywords:
Axon regeneration;
Brucine;
Peripheral nerve injury;
Strychni Semen;
Strychnine
- MeSH:
Animals;
Nerve Regeneration/drug effects*;
Mice;
Peripheral Nerve Injuries/physiopathology*;
Male;
Ganglia, Spinal/enzymology*;
Axons/physiology*;
Peroxidase/antagonists & inhibitors*;
Mice, Inbred C57BL;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*;
Disease Models, Animal;
Strychnine/pharmacology*
- From:
Journal of Integrative Medicine
2025;23(2):169-181
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE:Treating peripheral nerve injury (PNI) presents a clinical challenge due to limited axon regeneration. Strychni Semen, a traditional Chinese medicine, is clinically used for numbness and hemiplegia. However, its role in promoting functional recovery after PNI and the related mechanisms have not yet been systematically studied.
METHODS:A mouse model of sciatic nerve crush (SNC) injury was established and the mice received drug treatment via intragastric gavage, followed by behavioral assessments (adhesive removal test, hot-plate test and Von Frey test). Transcriptomic analyses were performed to examine gene expression in the dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) from the third to the sixth lumbar vertebrae, so as to identify the significantly differentially expressed genes. Immunofluorescence staining was used to assess the expression levels of superior cervical ganglia neural-specific 10 protein (SCG10). The ultra-trace protein detection technique was used to evaluate changes in gene expression levels.
RESULTS:Strychni Semen and its active compounds (brucine and strychnine) improved functional recovery in mice following SNC injury. Transcriptomic data indicated that Strychni Semen and its active compounds initiated transcriptional reprogramming that impacted cellular morphology and extracellular matrix remodeling in DRGs after SNC, suggesting potential roles in promoting axon regeneration. Imaging data further confirmed that Strychni Semen and its active compounds facilitated axon regrowth in SNC-injured mice. By integrating protein-protein interaction predictions, ultra-trace protein detection, and molecular docking analysis, we identified myeloperoxidase as a potentially critical factor in the axon regenerative effects conferred by Strychni Semen and its active compounds.
CONCLUSION:Strychni Semen and its active compounds enhance sensory function by promoting axonal regeneration after PNI. These findings establish a foundation for the future applications of Strychni Semen and highlight novel therapeutic strategies and drug targets for axon regeneration. Please cite this article as: Zhang Y, Zhao XY, Liu MT, Zhou ZC, Cheng HB, Jiang XH, Zheng YR, Chen Z. Strychni Semen and its active compounds promote axon regeneration following peripheral nerve injury by suppressing myeloperoxidase in the dorsal root ganglia. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(2): 169-181.
