Age exacerbates microglial activation, oxidative stress, inflammatory and NOX2 gene expression, and delays functional recovery in a middle-aged rodent model of spinal cord injury.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Spinal cord injury (SCI) among people over age 40 has been steadily increasing since the 1980s and is associated with worsened outcome than injuries in young people. Age-related increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS) are suggested to lead to chronic inflammation. The NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) enzyme is expressed by microglia and is a primary source of ROS. This study aimed to determine the effect of age on inflammation, oxidative damage, NOX2 gene expression, and functional performance with and without SCI in young adult (3 months) and middle-aged (12 months) male rats.

Methods

Young adult and middle-aged rats were assessed in two groups-naïve and moderate contusion SCI. Functional recovery was determined by weekly assessment with the Basso, Beattie, and Breshnah

SUBMITTER: von Leden RE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5563003 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature