X-ray Irradiation Improves Neurological Function Recovery of Injured Spinal Cord by Inhibiting Inflammation and Glial Scar Formation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a common clinical disease that can cause permanent disruption of nerve function. Inflammation and glial scar formation influence the recovery of injured spinal cord. X-ray irradiation can reduce inflammation, inhibit cell proliferation and increase cell apoptosis. However, the regulatory effects of X-ray irradiation on inflammation and glial scars and the underlying molecular mechanisms are still unclear. This study was aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect and molecular mechanism of X-ray irradiation on spinal cord injury. Behavioural experiments showed that X-ray irradiation can promote the recovery of nerve function after SCI. X-ray irradiation inhibited the inflammatory response by reducing the expression of inflammatory factors (TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta) at the lesion site, thereby reducing neuronal apoptosis. X-ray irradiation inhibited the formation of the glial scar (GFAP and vimentin) in the lesion. P38MAPK and Akt signalling pathways were involved in these processes. Furthermore, the 10 Gy dose had the most significant effects among the 2 Gy, 10 Gy and 20 Gy doses. In summary, X-ray irradiation may exert an active therapeutic effect on SCI by inhibiting inflammation and glial scar formation, which may be related to the inhibition of p38MAPK and Akt signalling pathways.