Nrf2 regulates angiogenesis in spinal cystic echinococcosis via RTN4

model of the spinal cord in Nrf2 knockout mice. Transcriptome sequencing revealed a strong correlation between RTN4 and Nrf2, and the upregulation and inhibition of RTN4 via lentivirus confirmed its impact on angiogenesis. The results indicated that RTN4 negatively correlated with Nrf2, inhibiting lumen formation in HUVECs when influenced by PSCs. Furthermore, RTN4 was found to be negatively regulated by Nrf2. In conclusion, Nrf2 might promote angiogenesis by inhibiting RTN4, positioning it as a potential therapeutic target for spinal cystic echinococcosis treatment. IMPORTANCE: to stimulate neovascularization. Elucidating this Nrf2/RTN4 regulatory pathway provides fundamental insights into host-parasite interactions and unveils a novel mechanistic basis for angiogenesis within the unique bony microenvironment. These findings position the Nrf2/RTN4 axis as a promising therapeutic target for anti-angiogenic strategies aimed at improving the management of this debilitating disease.