ERK2 small interfering RNAs prevent epidural fibrosis via the efficient inhibition of collagen expression and inflammation in laminectomy rats

Laminectomy is a widely accepted treatment for lumbar disorders. Epidural Fibrosis (EF) is a common post-laminectomy or post-discectomy complication, which is thought to cause recurrent pain. RNA interference (RNAi) is a process by which double-stranded RNA triggers the destruction of mRNAs sharing the same sequence. Previously, extra-cellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 2 plays crucial roles in suppressing the collagen expression. To investigate the effects of lentiviral ERK2 siRNA on the prevention of post-laminectomy EF formation in a rat model, a controlled double-blinded study was conducted in 75 healthy adult Wistar rats that underwent laminectomy. They were divided randomly into 3 groups according to the treatment method: (1) control group; (2) ERK scrRNA group; (3) ERK siRNA group. All rats were euthanized humanely 4 weeks post-laminectomy. The hydroxyproline content, Rydell score, vimentin cells density, fibroblasts density, inflammatory cells density and inflammatory factors expressions were performed. The hydroxyproline content, Rydell score, vimentin cells density, fibroblasts density, inflammatory cells density and inflammatory factors expressions all suggested better results in ERK siRNA group than other two groups. None of the rats expired and no obvious adverse effects were observed. Local delivery of a lentiviral siRNA targeting ERK2 can prevent epidural scar adhesion in post-laminectomy rat via inhibiting collagen expression and inflammation.