Abstract: Objective To explore the effect of trillin on oxidative stress response and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2/antioxidant response element (Nrf2/ARE) pathway in rats after spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods A total of 108 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham group (n = 36), model group (n = 36) and trillin group (n = 36), each group was divided into one day, three days and seven days subgroups, with twelve rats in each subgroup. The SCI model was established by modified Allen's heavy strike method in the model group and the trillin group, but no obvious injury in the sham group. The trillin group was given trillin 200 mg/kg every day, and the same amount of normal saline was given in the sham group and model group, twice a day. BBB score was performed one day, three days and seven days after modeling. Morphological changes were tested by Nissl's staining, and the changes of malonaldehyde (MDA) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were detected by ELISA seven days after modeling. The expression of Nrf2, Kelch like ECH associated protein 1 (Keap1), NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) and haemoxygenase 1 (HO-1) were detected by Western blotting one day, three days and seven days after modeling. Results Compared with the model group, BBB scores increased (P < 0.05); the structure of spinal cord was more complete and the number of Nissl bodies increased; SOD activity increased (P < 0.05) and MDA content decreased (P < 0.05); the expression of Nrf2, Keap1, NQO1 and HO-1 increased (P < 0.05) in the trillin group. Conclusion Trillin may play a protective role in spinal cord injury by inhibiting oxidative stress response and improving the motor function.

Key words: spinal cord injury, trillin, oxidative stress, nuclear factor E2-related factor 2/antioxidant response element pathway, rats