The inhibition of microRNA-31 weakens acute spinal cord injury through nuclear factor-κB and TGF-β/Smad 2 in rat.

Therefore, the aim of the present study is to evaluate that the therapeutic potential of microRNA-31 after spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats and to expound the potential neuroprotective mechanisms. In SCI model, microRNA-31 expression was up-regulated, compared with negative group. In vitro model, over-expression of microRNA-31 increases cell apoptosis and inflammation, compared with negative control group. Over-expression of microRNA-31 induced nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), TGF-β and p-Smad 2 protein expression in vitro model of SCI, compared with negative control group. NF-κB inhibitor suppressed the effects of microRNA-31 on inflammation of vitro model of SCI. Meanwhile, TGF-β inhibitor suppressed the effects of microRNA-31 on apoptosis of in vitro model of SCI. The results clearly show that anti-microRNA-31 weakens inflammation and apoptosis by NF-κB and TGF-β/Smad 2 pathway in SCI.