Study Design Retrospective Study. Objectives Spinal cord injury (SCI) has become a major health threat, and existing diagnostic tools such as MRI and CT have limitations. This study aims to investigate the expression changes of miR-200a-3p and its target PTEN in SCI and explore their potential diagnostic and therapeutic values. Methods A total of 148 SCI patients were enrolled. An in vitro SCI model was established using PC12 cells treated with LPS. The levels of miR-200a-3p and PTEN were measured using qRT-PCR. The diagnostic value of both for SCI was evaluated using ROC curve analysis. The targeting relationship between miR-200a-3p and PTEN was validated through dual-luciferase reporter assays, and RNA pull-down experiments. Cell viability and apoptosis were analyzed using MTT and flow cytometry. ELISA was used to measure pro-inflammatory cytokines. Levels of ROS, CAT, and SOD were determined using respective kits. Results miR-200a-3p was significantly decreased, while PTEN was upregulated in SCI patients. Both miR-200a-3p and PTEN could distinguish SCI patients from individuals with normal neurological function, as well as complete vs incomplete SCI. Furthermore, miR-200a-3p directly targets and suppresses PTEN; overexpression of miR-200a-3p enhanced cell viability, reduced inflammation and oxidative stress, and inhibited apoptosis. Conversely, PTEN overexpression reversed these protective effects. Conclusions miR-200a-3p and PTEN have certain diagnostic value for SCI, and miR-200a-3p exerts neuroprotective effects by targeting PTEN to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. This study provides promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the early diagnosis and intervention of SCI.
Liu et al. (Fri,) studied this question.