Revitalizing Lower Motor Neurons Function: Role of Pirfenidone in Recovery of Post-Compression Spinal Cord Injury

ABSTRACT Background: Spinal cord compression injury can cause severe motor deficits and significantly reduce quality of life and Effective motor recovery therapies are limited. This article examines the latest research on pirfenidone potential to enhance motor recovery in SCCI and transform therapeutic approaches. Objective: The aim of study was to establish whether pirfenidone delivered intraperitoneally can improve lower motor neuron activity in rats following compression injury to spinal cord or otherwise. Material and Method: This experimental study was carried out at the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan, from September 2021 to December 2022. Induction of injury to T7 spinal cord level was performed by 70gm force aneurysm clip on rats. The group “A” was given a placebo daily, the group “B” was given 200 mg/kg/day daily dose of pirfenidone, and the group “C” was given a daily dose of pirfenidone 500 mg/kg/day. Using 14 & 28 day experimental durations, sub-grouping of all 3 groups was done into groups 1 & 2 (each sub-group having 5 rats). On the final day of the experiment, BBB scoring was conducted to assess lower motor neuron activity in the hind limbs of all rats. Results: The BBB (Basso, Beattie, Brenham) scores were statistically different between and within groups. The spinal cord injury (SCI) groups that received pirfenidone treatment exhibited higher BBB scores in comparison to the SCI groups that did not receive pirfenidone. The 500 mg/kg/day and a 28-day period of pirfenidone were more effective in improving motor recovery after spinal cord injury than 200 mg/kg/day for a 14-day period. Conclusion: Pirfenidone is likely to enhance motor functions, contributing to improved functional neurological recovery following spinal cord injury.