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Inhibiting HMGB1-RAGE axis prevents pro-inflammatory macrophages/microglia polarization and affords neuroprotection after spinal cord injury

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Paper Summary

Paperzilla title
Blocking HMGB1 could reduce inflammation and improve recovery after spinal cord injury

The study found that inhibiting the HMGB1-RAGE axis decreased the number of pro-inflammatory cells while increasing anti-inflammatory cells in rats with spinal cord injuries. This led to reduced neuronal and myelin loss, and improved functional recovery. It suggests that targeting HMGB1-RAGE may be a promising therapeutic strategy for SCI.

Explain Like I'm Five

Scientists found that blocking a bad signal after a spinal cord injury helped stop harmful cells and boost healing cells. This made the spinal cord less damaged and helped rats move better.

Possible Conflicts of Interest

The authors received funding from various research foundations and universities, including the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, Shaanxi Science Research Project, Xi'an Health Commission, and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of China. However, no direct conflicts related to the subject matter of the research were identified.

Identified Limitations

Use of inappropriate drug
The study uses Glycyrrhizin to inhibit HMGB1 which, according to cited studies, is better suited for in-vitro testing. The study would be stronger if it had used an inhibitor more suited to in-vivo use.
Comparison between different doses
The study would have been stronger if the authors compared different doses of Glycyrrhizin and FPS-ZM1 to determine the optimum dosage for inhibiting HMGB1.

Rating Explanation

The research demonstrates the potential of targeting the HMGB1-RAGE axis to control inflammatory responses and improve recovery after SCI. It uses a variety of methods to study the effects of treatment, both in-vitro and in-vivo. While there may be some debate about the choice of drugs used, the thoroughness of the research and the positive outcomes warrant a rating of 4.

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File Information

Original Title: Inhibiting HMGB1-RAGE axis prevents pro-inflammatory macrophages/microglia polarization and affords neuroprotection after spinal cord injury
Uploaded: July 14, 2025 at 07:01 AM
Privacy: Public