Supplementation With Vitamin E, Zinc, Selenium, and Copper Re-Establishes T-Cell Function and Improves Motor Recovery in a Rat Model of Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes a dysfunction of sympathetic nervous system innervation that affects the immune system, leading to immunosuppression syndrome (ISS) and contributing to patient degeneration and increased risk of several infections. A possible therapeutic strategy that could avoid further patient deterioration is the supplementation with Vitamin E or trace elements, such as Zinc, Selenium, and Copper, which individually promotes T-cell differentiation and proliferative responses. For this reason, the aim of the present study was to evaluate whether Vitamin E, Zinc, Selenium, and Copper supplementation preserves the number of T-lymphocytes and improves their proliferative function after traumatic SCI. Sprague–Dawley female rats were subjected to moderate SCI and then randomly allocated into three groups: (1) SCI + supplements; (2) SCI + vehicle (olive oil and phosphate-buffered saline); and (3) sham-operated rats. In all rats, the intervention was initiated 15 min after SCI and then administered daily until the end of study. Locomotor recovery was assessed at 7 and 15 days after SCI. At 15 days after supplementation, the quantification of the number of T-cells and its proliferation function were examined. Our results showed that the SCI + supplements group presented a significant improvement in motor recovery at 7 and 15 days after SCI. In addition, this group showed a better T-cell number and proliferation rate than that observed in the group with SCI + vehicle. Our findings suggest that Vitamin E, Zinc, Selenium, and Copper supplementation could be part of a therapy for patients suffering from acute SCI, helping to preserve T-cell function, avoiding complications, and promoting a better motor recovery. All procedures were approved by the Animal Bioethics and Welfare Committee (Approval No. 201870; CSNBTBIBAJ 090812960).