AKBA Promotes Axonal Regeneration via RhoA/Rictor to Repair Damaged Sciatic Nerve

Abstract

The existing studies by our team demonstrated the pro-recovery effect of 3-Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA) on a sciatic nerve injury. To further investigate the role of AKBA in peripheral nerve injury repair, The TMT quantitative proteomics technique was used to obtain differentially significant proteins in a Sham group, Model group, and AKBA group. After that, three time points (5, 14, and 28 d) and four groups (Sham + AKBA, Sham, Model, and AKBA) were set up, and immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, and cellular assays were applied to investigate the expression of CDC42, Rac1, RhoA, and Rictor in the sciatic nerve at different time points for each group in more depth. The results showed that AKBA enriched the cellular components of the myelin sheath and axon regeneration after a sciatic nerve injury and that AKBA upregulated CDC42 and Rac1 and downregulated RhoA expression 5 d after a sciatic nerve injury, promoting axon regeneration and improving the repair of a sciatic nerve injury in rats. Rictor is regulated by AKBA and upregulated in PC12 cells after AKBA action. Our findings provide a new basis for AKBA treatment of a peripheral nerve injury.

Acetyl‐11‐keto‐beta‐boswellic acid modulates macrophage polarization and Schwann cell migration to accelerate spinal cord injury repair in rats

“…Schwann cells are most likely involved in endogenous repair after spinal cord injury 13 . Our previous studies have shown that AKBA can promote the expression of BDNF and NGF 24 . The results of this experiment show that AKBA promotes the migration of Schwann cells through the polarization of macrophages to M2, and secretes neurotrophic factors to promote the repair of spinal cord injuries.…”

“… 13 Our previous studies have shown that AKBA can promote the expression of BDNF and NGF. 24 The results of this experiment show that AKBA promotes the migration of Schwann cells through the polarization of macrophages to M2, and secretes neurotrophic factors to promote the repair of spinal cord injuries. Therefore, AKBA not only reduces spinal cord injury by reducing inflammation but also promotes the migration of Schwann cells and facilitates the repair of spinal cord injury.…”

“…13 Our previous studies have shown that AKBA can promote the expression of BDNF and NGF. 24 The results of this experiment…”

“… 20 , 21 It has been shown that AKBA can promote sciatic nerve injury and repair. 22 , 23 , 24 It has also been shown to reduce experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis through Nrf2. 25 We hypothesized a view: “AKBA can regulate the polarization of macrophages via Nrf2/HO‐1 and accelerate the repair of spinal cord injury”.…”

“…It is shown that AKBA can upregulate Nrf2, downregulate NF‐κB, reduce oxidative stress and inflammation 20,21 . It has been shown that AKBA can promote sciatic nerve injury and repair 22–24 . It has also been shown to reduce experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis through Nrf2 25 .…”