4. Molecular alterations involved in injured spinal cord

An advanced physiopathology induced by SCI affects the cellular growth and overall integrity of nervous system by comprehensive and progressive molecular pathways [23]. The initial stages of SCI are recognized by higher expression of genes mostly involved in inflammation and lower expression of genes involved in tissue architecture and neuronal signal transduction. The later stages of SCI are characterized by upregulation of proteins involved in angiogenesis, cell growth, axon guidance and reformation of extracellular matrix. Other molecular mechanisms that support the struggle of tissue survival after SCI include higher expression of proteases and stress proteins and lower expression of cytoskeletal and synapsis-based messenger RNA [14]. Following are the molecular alterations after SCI.
