Biochemical, pathological and ultrastructural investigation of whether lamotrigine has neuroprotective efficacy against spinal cord ischemia reperfusion injury.

INTRODUCTION: Lamotrigine, an anticonvulsant drug with inhibition properties of multi-ion channels, has been shown to be able to attenuates secondary neuronal damage by influencing different pathways. The aim of this study was to look into whether lamotrigine treatment could protect the spinal cord from experimental spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two rats, eight rats per group, were randomly assigned to the sham group in which only laparotomy was performed, and to the ischemia, methylprednisolone and lamotrigine groups, where the infrarenal aorta was clamped for thirty minutes to induce spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury. Tissue samples belonging to spinal cords were harvested from sacrificed animals twenty-four hours after reperfusion. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels, interleukin-1 beta levels, nitric oxide levels, superoxide dismutase activity, catalase activity, glutathione peroxidase activity, malondialdehyde levels and caspase-3 activity were studied. Light and electron microscopic evaluations were also performed to reveal the pathological alterations. Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan locomotor scale and the inclined-plane test was used to evaluate neurofunctional status at the beginning of the study and just before the animals were sacrificed. RESULTS: Lamotrigine treatment provided significant improvement in the neurofunctional status by preventing the increase in cytokine expression, increased lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress, depletion of antioxidant enzymes activity and increased apoptosis, all of which contributing to spinal cord damage through different paths after ischemia reperfusion injury. Furthermore, lamotrigine treatment has shown improved results concerning the histopathological and ultrastructural scores and the functional tests. CONCLUSION: These results proposed that lamotrigine may be a useful therapeutic agent to prevent the neuronal damage developing after spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Role of Adamts-1 in Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma Tumor Cells Progression.

AIM: To analyze the expression of ADAMTS-1, NF-?B, and STAT3 in human pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma specimens, and their correlation with glioma advancement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma tumor cell lines were treated with low and high doses of cytokines at 24 and 48 hours (h) to replicate the inflammatory environment. The effects of IL-1 were assessed with the scratch wound-healing assay, and the expression levels of ADAMTS-1, NF-?B, and STAT3 of the groups were determined by western blot analysis. RESULTS: Cytokine treatment significantly increased the migration of PXA glioma cells after scratching at 24h and 48h time points. Similarly, 10 and 30 ng/mL IL-1 induced 1.86 and 1.94 fold increases, respectively, in ADAMTS-1 expression after 24h, and 3 and 3.27 fold increases, respectively, after 48h, compared with the non-treatment control group.10 and 30 ng/mL IL-1 doses caused 2.5 and 2.6 fold increase, in NF-?B protein levels after 24h, and 3.16 and 3.41 fold increases after 48h, compared with the non-treatment group. The protein levels of STAT3 after 24h were 2.62 and 2.43 fold higher, and 3.78 and 3.84 fold higher after 48 hours, with 10 and 30 ng/mL IL-1, compared with the non-treatment group. CONCLUSION: The proliferation and progression of glioma cells were proportional to the increased expression levels of ADAMTS-1, NF-?B, and STAT3. Our findings indicate that the proteolytic function of ADAMTS-1 may be associated with the malignant transformation of low-grade gliomas.

Effects of Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharides on Different Pathways Involved in the Development of Spinal Cord Ischemia Reperfusion Injury: Biochemical, Histopathologic, and Ultrastructural Analysis in a Rat Model.

OBJECTIVE: Inflammation and oxidative stress are 2 important factors in the emergence of paraplegia associated with spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury (SCIRI) after thoracoabdominal aortic surgery. Here it is aimed to investigate the effects of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide (GLPS) on SCIRI. METHODS: Rats were randomly selected into 4 groups of 8 animals each: sham, ischemia, methylprednisolone, and GLPS. To research the impacts of various pathways that are efficacious in formation of SCIRI, tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 1ß, nitric oxide, superoxide dismutase levels, and catalase, glutathione peroxidase activities, malondialdehyde levels, and caspase-3 activity were measured in tissues taken from the spinal cord of rats in all groups killed 24 hours after ischemia reperfusion injury. The Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan locomotor scale and inclined plane test were used for neurologic assessment before and after SCIRI. In addition, histologic and ultrastructural analyses of tissue samples in all groups were performed. RESULTS: SCIRI also caused marked increase in tissue tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 1ß, nitric oxide, malondialdehyde levels, and caspase-3 activity, because of inflammation, increased free radical generation, lipid peroxidation, and apoptosis, respectively. On the other hand, SCIRI caused significant reduction in tissue superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase activities. Pretreatment with GLPS likewise diminished the level of the spinal cord edema, inflammation, and tissue injury shown by pathologic and ultrastructural examination. Pretreatment with GLPS reversed all these biochemical changes and improved the altered neurologic status. CONCLUSIONS: These outcomes propose that pretreatment with GLPS prevents progression of SCIRI by alleviating inflammation, oxidation, and apoptosis.

Therapeutic Evaluation of Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha Antagonist Etanercept against Traumatic Brain Injury in Rats: Ultrastructural, Pathological, and Biochemical Analyses.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of etanercept (ETA) on histopathological and biochemical changes after traumatic brain injury (TBI) in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six male Wistar albino rats were distributed into three groups (n = 12 each). Control group rats were not subjected to trauma. Trauma group rats were subjected to TBI only. ETA group rats were subjected to TBI plus ETA (5 mg/kg intraperitoneal [i.p.]). The groups were further subdivided into those sacrificed in the hyperacute stage (1 h after TBI) (control-1, trauma-1, and ETA-1 groups) and the acute stage (6 h after TBI) (control-6, trauma-6, and ETA-6 groups). Tissue levels of tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta, malondialdehyde, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase were analyzed. Histopathological and ultrastructural evaluations were also performed. RESULTS: i.p. administration of ETA at 1 and 6 h significantly reduced inflammatory cytokine expression, attenuated oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, prevented apoptosis, and increased antioxidant defense mechanism activity in comparison to trauma group. Histopathological and ultrastructural abnormalities were significantly reduced in ETA-treated rats compared to closed head injury trauma groups. CONCLUSIONS: ETA significantly improves neural function and prevents post-TBI histopathological damage in rats.

A very rare spinal cord tumor primary spinal oligodendroglioma: A review of sixty cases in the literature.

LITERATURE REVIEW: In this study, we evaluated a case of primary spinal oligodendroglioma (PSO) with a rare localization between L3 and S2, and also examined sixty cases in the literature in terms of demographic characteristics, clinical, radiological, and histopathological characteristics, and treatment planning. A case of PSO has been presented, and the relevant literature between 1931 and 2016 was reviewed. A total of 57 papers regarding PSO were found and utilized in this review. The main treatment options include radical surgical excision with neuromonitoring, followed by radiotherapy. Despite these treatment protocols, the relapse rate is high, and treatment does not significantly prolong survival. Oligodendrogliomas are rare among the primary spinal cord tumors. Oligodendrogliomas are predominantly found in the cervical spinal cord, thoracic spinal cord, or junctions during childhood and adulthood. Extension to the sacral region, inferior to the Conus, is very rare. Furthermore, of the sixty cases in the literature, the case we present here is the first to be reported in this particular age group. These localizations usually occur in the pediatric age group and after relapses. While for a limited number of cases the oligodendroglioma initiates in the thoracic region and reaches as far as L2, we encountered a case of an oligodendroglioma within the range of L3 to S2. Clinical findings are observed in accordance with location, and magnetic resonance imaging is the gold standard for diagnosis.

Punica granatum L. Juice Attenuates Experimental Cerebral Vasospasm in the Rabbit Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Model: A Basilar Artery Morphometric Study and Apoptosis.

Background This study investigated the effect of Punica granatum L. (pomegranate) juice on the rabbit basilar artery in an experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) model. Methods Eighteen adult male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: a control group (n = 6), SAH group (n = 6), and SAH + treatment group (n = 6). Basilar artery diameter was measured with magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in all groups at the beginning of the study. Experimental SAH was created by injecting autologous arterial blood into the cisterna magna. In the treatment group, the subjects were administered a daily dose of 30 ml/kg pomegranate juice via gastric gavage for 4 days after the SAH. The SAH group and SAH + treatment group underwent cerebral MRA after 72 hours. After a neurologic score assessment, all the animals were killed. The wall thickness and lumen area of the basilar artery were measured histometrically in all groups, and the apoptotic cell percentage in the artery was identified. The mean diameter of the basilar artery during MRA was measured. Results Pomegranate improved neurologic functions compared with the SAH group (p < 0.01). The mean basilar artery diameter on MRA in the SAH + treatment group was larger than in the SAH group and smaller than in the control group (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). The mean vessel wall thickness value in the SAH + treatment group was lower than in the SAH group (p < 0.01), whereas there was no difference between the control and the SAH + treatment group (p > 0.05). The apoptotic cell rate in the SAH + treatment group was significantly lower than in the SAH group (p < 0.001). Evaluation of the basilar artery luminal area showed no difference between the three groups (p > 0.05). Discussion Pomegranate was shown to have a vasospasm- attenuating effect on the basilar artery in the rabbit SAH model for the first time in our study.

Neuroprotective Effects of Pregabalin Against Spinal Cord Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of pregabalin pre-treatment on spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and compare with methylprednisolone (MP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into four groups as follow: Group 1 (sham)(n=8), group 2 (ischemia only)(n=8), group 3 (30 mg/kg pregabalin)(n=8), and group 4 (30 mg/kg methylprednisolone)(n=8). Laparotomy was performed without aortic clamp in the sham group. All animals were sacrificed 24 hours after surgery. The spinal cord tissue samples were harvested and caspase-3 activity, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and Interleukin-1 Beta (IL-1ß) levels, catalase (CAT) activity, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and nitric oxide (NO) levels were analyzed to investigate the effects of different excitatory and inflammatory pathways in mechanism of I/R injury. Ultrastructural and histopathological examinations were carried out. Neurological recovery was measured by Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan (BBB) test and Inclined Plane Test. RESULTS: Decresead caspase-3 activity and decreased inflammatory markers like TNF-α, IL-1ß, and decresaed excitotatory pathways like CAT, GPx, MDA, NO and SOD were observed in both pregabalin pre-treatment and MP treatment groups. Pregabalin pre-treatment produced better ultrastructural results compared to MP treatment, as with histopathological examination. Pregabalin group showed better recovery compared to MP treament group according to BBB scoring system. CONCLUSION: Pregabalin pre-treatmet and MP treatment both has neuroprotective effect on I/R injury by decreasing caspase dependant apoptosis, and inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. In addition, pregabalin pre-treatment had better clinical effects compared to MP treatment.

Relationship of biological factors to survival in spinal gunshot injuries.

BACKGROUND: Gunshot injuries are the third leading cause of spinal injuries, after falls from a significant height and traffic accidents. Severity of spinal damage from gunshot injury depends upon certain mechanical and biological factors. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of biological factors on survival in cases of spinal gunshot injury. METHODS: A total of 110 cases of spinal gunshot injury admitted multiple times to emergency services between 2012 and 2014 were included. Age, sex, region of trauma, additional organ or systemic involvement, treatment modalities (conservative, surgical), and mortality rates were analyzed. Effects of biological factors on survival were evaluated. RESULTS: Mean age of the study population was 25.51±11.74 years (min: 4; max: 55) and 95.5% of the population was male. Regions of trauma were thoracic in 50 (45.4%) subjects, cervical in 42 (38.2%), and lumbar in 18 (16.4%). Most common American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) score was category A, as was found in 77 (70%) cases. No significant correlation was found among age, sex, ASIA score, treatment modality (conservative or surgical), and survival (p>0.05). Additional organ or systemic injury was present in 66 (60%) patients. Additional organ or systemic injury significantly affected survival, independent of the spinal region of trauma (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Spinal gunshot injuries are complex, with unclear treatment protocol. Irrespective of the indications of spinal surgery, additional organ injuries unfavorably affect survival in cases of spinal gunshot injury. Appropriate management of all biological factors directly affects mortality rate in cases of spinal gunshot injury.

Aged Garlic Extract Attenuates Neuronal Injury in a Rat Model of Spinal Cord Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury.

Garlic has been used as a food as well as a component of traditional medicine. Aged garlic extract (AGE) is claimed to promote human health through antioxidant/anti-inflammatory activities with neuroprotective effects. We evaluated the possible beneficial effect of AGE neurologically, pathologically, ultrastructurally, and biochemically in a spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) model of rats. Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: sham (no I/R), I/R, and AGE (I/R+AGE); each group consisted of eight animals. Animals were evaluated neurologically with the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scoring system. The spinal cord tissue samples were harvested for pathological and ultrastructural examinations. Oxidative products (Malondialdehyde, nitric oxide), antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase), inflammatory cytokines (tissue tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1), and caspase-3 activity were analyzed. The AGE group had significantly higher BBB scores than the I/R group. Pathologically, AGE group revealed reduced degree of ischemia and spinal cord edema. Ultrastructural results also showed preservation of tissue structure in the AGE group. Oxidative product levels of the I/R group were significantly higher than both the other groups, and antioxidant enzyme levels of AGE group were significantly higher than the I/R group. There was also significant difference between the sham and AGE groups in terms of total antioxidant enzyme levels. Furthermore, AGE treatment significantly reduced the inflammatory cytokines and caspase-3 activity than the I/R group. This study demonstrates the considerable neuroprotective effect of AGE on the neurological, pathological, ultrastructural, and biochemical status of rats with I/R-induced spinal cord injury.

Curcumin Attenuates Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Ultrastructural Damage Induced by Spinal Cord Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats.

OBJECTIVES: Curcumin is a molecule found in turmeric root that possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and has been widely used to treat neurodegenerative diseases. We investigated whether curcumin stimulates the neurorepair process and improves locomotor function in a rat model of spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury. METHODS: Thirty-two Wistar albino rats (190-220 g) were randomly allocated into 4 groups of 8 rats each: 1 sham-operated group and 3 ischemia-reperfusion injury groups that received intraperitoneal injections of saline vehicle, methylprednisolone (MP, 30 mg/kg following induction of ischemia-reperfusion [IR] injury), or curcumin (200 mg/kg for 7 days before induction of IR injury). Spinal cord IR injury was induced by occlusion of the abdominal aorta for 30 minutes. After 24 hours of reperfusion, locomotor function was assessed using the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scale. All animals were sacrificed. Spinal cord tissues were harvested to evaluate histopathological and ultrastructural alterations and to analyze levels of malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta, nitric oxide, and caspase-3, as well as enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. RESULTS: Intraperitoneal administration of curcumin significantly reduced inflammatory cytokine expression, attenuated oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, prevented apoptosis, and increased antioxidant defense mechanism activity in comparison to treatment with MP or saline. Histopathological and ultrastructural abnormalities were significantly reduced in curcumin-treated rats compared to the MP- and saline-treated groups. Furthermore, curcumin significantly improved locomotor function. CONCLUSIONS: Curcumin treatment preserves neuronal viability against inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis associated with ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Neuroprotective effects of thymoquinone against spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury by attenuation of inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis.

OBJECTIVE Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury of the spinal cord following thoracoabdominal aortic surgery remains the most devastating complication, with a life-changing impact on the patient. Thymoquinone (TQ), the main constituent of the volatile oil from Nigella sativa seeds, is reported to possess strong antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties. This study investigated the effects of TQ administration following I/R injury to the spinal cord. METHODS Thirty-two rats were randomly allocated into 4 groups. Group 1 underwent only laparotomy. For Group 2, aortic clip occlusion was introduced to produce I/R injury. Group 3 was given 30 mg/kg of methylprednisolone intraperitoneally immediately after the I/R injury. Group 4 was given 10 mg/kg of TQ intraperitoneally for 7 days before induction of spinal cord I/R injury, and administration was continued until the animal was euthanized. Locomotor function (Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scale and inclined plane test) was assessed at 24 hours postischemia. Spinal cord tissue samples were harvested to analyze tissue concentrations of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-peroxidase, catalase, and caspase-3. In addition, histological and ultrastructural evaluations were performed. RESULTS Thymoquinone treatment improved neurological outcome, which was supported by decreased levels of oxidative products (malondialdehyde and nitric oxide) and proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1), increased activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione-peroxidase, and catalase), as well as reduction of motor neuron apoptosis. Light microscopy and electron microscopy results also showed preservation of tissue structure in the treatment group. CONCLUSIONS As shown by functional, biochemical, histological, and ultrastructural analysis, TQ exhibits an important protective effect against I/R injury of the spinal cord.

Neuroprotective effects of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides against traumatic spinal cord injury in rats.

INTRODUCTION: Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) is a mushroom belonging to the polyporaceae family of Basidiomycota and has widely been used as a traditional medicine for thousands of years. G. lucidum has never been studied in traumatic spinal cord injury. The aim of this study is to investigate whether G. lucidum polysaccharides (GLPS) can protect the spinal cord after experimental spinal cord injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were randomized into five groups of eight animals each: control, sham, trauma, GLPS, and methylprednisolone. In the control group, no surgical intervention was performed. In the sham group, only a laminectomy was performed. In all the other groups, the spinal cord trauma model was created by the occlusion of the spinal cord with an aneurysm clip. In the spinal cord tissue, caspase-3 activity, tumour necrosis factor-alpha levels, myeloperoxidase activity, malondialdehyde levels, nitric oxide levels, and superoxide dismutase levels were analysed. Histopathological and ultrastructural evaluations were also performed. Neurological evaluation was performed using the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan locomotor scale and the inclined-plane test. RESULTS: After traumatic spinal cord injury, increases in caspase-3 activity, tumour necrosis factor-alpha levels, myeloperoxidase activity, malondialdehyde levels, and nitric oxide levels were detected. After the administration of GLPS, decreases were observed in tissue caspase-3 activity, tumour necrosis factor-alpha levels, myeloperoxidase activity, malondialdehyde levels, and nitric oxide levels. Furthermore, GLPS treatment showed improved results in histopathological scores, ultrastructural scores, and functional tests. CONCLUSIONS: Biochemical, histopathological, and ultrastructural analyses and functional tests reveal that GLPS exhibits meaningful neuroprotective effects against spinal cord injury.

Evaluation of topical application and systemic administration of rosuvastatin in preventing epidural fibrosis in rats.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Epidural fibrosis is a major challenge in spine surgery, with some patients having recurrent symptoms secondary to excessive formation of scar tissue resulting in neurologic compression. One of the most important factors initiating the epidural fibrosis is assumed to be the transforming growth factor-1ß (TGF-1ß). Rosuvastatin (ROS) has shown to demonstrate preventive effects over fibrosis via inhibiting the TGF-1ß. PURPOSE: We hypothesized that ROS might have preventive effects over epidural fibrosis through the inhibition of TGF-1ß pathways. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental animal study. METHODS: Forty-eight adult male Wistar Albino rats were equally and randomly divided into four groups (laminectomy, spongostan, topical ROS, and systemic ROS). Laminectomy was performed at the L3 level in all rats. Four weeks later, the extent of epidural fibrosis was assessed both macroscopically and histopathologically. RESULTS: Our data revealed that topical application and systemic administration of ROS both were effective in reducing epidural fibrosis formation. Furthermore, the systemic administration of ROS yielded better results than topical application. CONCLUSIONS: Both topical application and systemic administration of ROS show meaningful preventive effects over epidural fibrosis through multiple mechanisms. The results of our study provide the first experimental evidence of the preventive effects of ROS over epidural fibrosis.

Neuroprotective effects of rosuvastatin against traumatic spinal cord injury in rats.

Rosuvastatin, which is a potent statin, has never been studied in traumatic spinal cord injury. The aim of this study was to investigate whether rosuvastatin treatment could protect the spinal cord after experimental spinal cord injury. Rats were randomized into the following five groups of eight animals each: control, sham, trauma, rosuvastatin, and methylprednisolone. In the control group, no surgical intervention was performed. In the sham group, only laminectomy was performed. In all the other groups, the spinal cord trauma model was created by the occlusion of the spinal cord with an aneurysm clip. In the spinal cord tissue, caspase-3 activity, tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels, myeloperoxidase activity, malondialdehyde levels, nitric oxide levels, and superoxide dismutase levels were analyzed. Histopathological and ultrastructural evaluations were also performed. Neurological evaluation was performed using the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan locomotor scale and the inclined-plane test.After traumatic spinal cord injury, increases in caspase-3 activity, tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels, myeloperoxidase activity, malondialdehyde levels, and nitric oxide levels were detected. In contrast, the superoxide dismutase levels were decreased. After the administration of rosuvastatin, decreases were observed in the tissue caspase-3 activity, tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels, myeloperoxidase activity, malondialdehyde levels, and nitric oxide levels. In contrast, tissue superoxide dismutase levels were increased. Furthermore, rosuvastatin treatment showed improved results concerning the histopathological scores, the ultrastructural score and the functional tests. Biochemical, histopathological, ultrastructural analysis and functional tests revealed that rosuvastatin exhibits meaningful neuroprotective effects against spinal cord injury.

Intramedullary spinal cord involvement from metastatic gastric carcinoma: a case report.

Intramedullary spinal cord metastasis (ISCM) is a rarely seen complication of cancer. We report a case of ISCM from gastric cancer. A 42-year-old male presented with a rare intramedullary spinal cord metastasis from gastric carcinoma manifesting as rapidly worsening motor and sphincter disturbances. The primary tumor had been treated 2 years previously. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed the tumor localized in the thoracic spinal cord. The tumor was totally removed. The histological diagnosis was gastric adenocarcinoma. He has been stable postoperatively. Surgical treatment may be considered for cases with even rapid-growing tumors such as gastric carcinoma with no evidence of multi-organ dissemination, especially when presenting with progressive neurological deterioration.

Effects of the aged garlic extract on spinal cord injury model in rat.

BACKGROUND: Aged garlic extract (AGE) is a potent antioxidant agent with an established neuroprotective effect in cerebral ischemia. However, the potential protective effect of AGE in spinal cord injury (SCI) is still unknown. METHODS: Spinal cord trauma was applied to 19 adult male Wistar rats using the clip compression method. Animals were divided into three groups. Animals in the AGE group were administered 250 mg/kg per day of AGE diluted in tap water orally by gavage for 15 days prior to trauma. After spinal cord trauma, malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels of the AGE group were compared with the animals in the control and SCI groups. The animals were examined by inclined plane 24 hours (h) after the trauma. At the end of the experiment, spinal cord tissue samples were harvested for pathological evaluation. RESULTS: Regarding tissue MDA and SOD levels after trauma, animals in the AGE group demonstrated decreased MDA levels and increased SOD levels when compared with the SCI group. However, these results were no better than in the control group. The AGE group demonstrated better pathological findings than the SCI group. The result regarding the functional finding was similar. CONCLUSION: AGE demonstrated neuroprotective effects in SCI. Further studies with different experimental settings are required to achieve conclusive results.