Secukinumab Attenuates Neuroinflammation and Neurobehavior Defect via PKCβ /ERK/NF-κB Pathway in a Rat Model of GMH

Abstract AimsGerminal matrix hemorrhage (GMH) is a disastrous clinical event for newborns. Neuroinflammation plays an important role in the development of neurological deficits after GMH. The purpose of this study is to investigate the anti-inflammatory role of secukinumab after GMH and its underlying mechanisms involving PKCβ/ERK/NF-κB signaling pathway.MethodsA total of 154 Sprague-Dawley P7 rat pups were used. GMH was induced by intraparenchymal injection of bacterial collagenase. Secukinumab was administered intranasally post-GMH. PKCβ activator PMA and p-ERK activator Ceramide C6 were administered intracerebroventricularly at 24h prior to GMH induction, respectively. Neurobehavioral tests, Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate the efficacy of secukinumab in both short-term and long-term studies.ResultsEndogenous IL-17A, IL-17RA, PKCβ and p-ERK were increased after GMH. Secukinumab treatment improved short- and long-term neurological outcomes, reduced the expression of MPO and Iba-1 in the perihematoma area, and inhibited the expression of proinflammatory factors, such as NF-κB, IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6. Additionally, PMA and ceramide C6 abolished the beneficial effects of secukinumab. ConclusionSecukinumab treatment suppressed neuroinflammation and attenuated neurological deficits after GMH, which was mediated through the downregulation of the PKCβ/ERK/NF-κB pathway. Secukinumab treatment may provide a promising therapeutic strategy for GMH patients.