OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the potentially protective effect of 
neuroglobin (Ngb) gene-modified bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on 
traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) in rabbits.
METHODS: A lentiviral vector containing an Ngb gene was constructed and used to 
deliver Ngb to BMSCs. Ngb gene-modified BMSCs were then injected at the SCI 
sites 24 hours after SCI. The motor functions of the rabbits were evaluated by 
the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan rating scale. Fluorescence microscopy, quantitative 
real-time PCRs, Western blots, malondialdehyde (MDA) tests, and terminal 
deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated UTP end labeling assays were also 
performed.
RESULTS: Ngb expression in the Ngb-BMSC group increased significantly. A more 
significant functional improvement was observed in the Ngb-BMSC group compared 
with those in the other groups. Traumatic SCI seemingly led to an increase in 
MDA level and number of apoptotic cells, which can be prevented by Ngb-BMSC 
treatment.
CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that Ngb gene-modified BMSCs can strengthen 
the therapeutic benefits of BMSCs in reducing secondary damage and improving the 
neurological outcome after traumatic SCI. Therefore, the combined strategy of 
BMSC transplantation and Ngb gene therapy can be used to treat traumatic SCI.