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Wu C, Chen Y, Chen X, Zhang Y, Zhao X, Deng Y, Li C, Zhang D, Zhang X, Wang S. 20-Deoxyingenol Activates Mitophagy Through TFEB and Promotes Functional Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04283-5. [PMID: 38865079 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04283-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) can lead to permanent paralysis and various motor, sensory and autonomic nervous system dysfunction. The complex pathophysiological processes limit the effectiveness of many clinical treatments. Mitochondria has been reported to play a key role in the pathogenesis of SCI; while mitophagy is a protective mechanism against mitochondrial dysfunction. However, there is recently little drugs that may targeted activate mitophagy to treat SCI. In this study, we evaluated the role of 20-Deoxyingenol (20-DOI) in SCI and explored its potential mechanisms. We used a SCI rat model and evaluated the functional outcomes after the injury. Western blotting and immunofluorescence techniques were used to analyze the levels of mitophagy, apoptosis, and TFEB-related signaling pathways. Our research results show that 20-DOI significantly improves the apoptosis of neural cells after TBHP stimulation and functional recovery after spinal cord injury. In addition, mitophagy, TFEB levels, and apoptosis are related to the mechanism of 20-DOI treatment for spinal cord injury. Specifically, our research results indicate that 20-DOI restored the autophagic flux after injury, thereby inducing mitophagy, eliminating the accumulation of Cyto C, and inhibiting apoptosis. Further mechanism research suggests that 20-DOI may regulate mitophagy by promoting TFEB nuclear translocation. These results indicate that 20-DOI can significantly promote recovery after spinal cord injury, which may be a promising treatment method for spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyu Wu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ximiao Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yekai Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaoying Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yuxin Deng
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chenchao Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
| | - Di Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China.
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China.
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China.
| | - Xiaolei Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China.
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China.
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China.
| | - Sheng Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China.
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China.
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China.
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2
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Barok R, Grittner JML, Miller S, Dougherty BJ. Sex hormone supplementation improves breathing and restores respiratory neuroplasticity following C2 hemisection in rats. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1390777. [PMID: 38803364 PMCID: PMC11128654 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1390777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
In addition to loss of sensory and motor function below the level of the lesion, traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) may reduce circulating steroid hormones that are necessary for maintaining normal physiological function for extended time periods. For men, who comprise nearly 80% of new SCI cases each year, testosterone is the most abundant circulating sex steroid. SCI often results in significantly reduced testosterone production and may result in chronic low testosterone levels. Testosterone plays a role in respiratory function and the expression of respiratory neuroplasticity. When testosterone levels are low, young adult male rats are unable to express phrenic long-term facilitation (pLTF), an inducible form of respiratory neuroplasticity invoked by acute, intermittent hypoxia (AIH). However, testosterone replacement can restore this respiratory neuroplasticity. Complicating the interpretation of this finding is that testosterone may exert its influence in three possible ways: 1) directly through androgen receptor (AR) activation, 2) through conversion to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by way of the enzyme 5α-reductase, or 3) through conversion to 17β-estradiol (E2) by way of the enzyme aromatase. DHT signals via AR activation similar to testosterone, but with higher affinity, while E2 activates local estrogen receptors. Evidence to date supports the idea that exogenous testosterone supplementation exerts its influence through estrogen receptor signaling under conditions of low circulating testosterone. Here we explored both recovery of breathing function (measured with whole body barometric plethysmography) and the expression of AIH-induced pLTF in male rats following C2-hemisection SCI. One week post injury, rats were supplemented with either E2 or DHT for 7 days. We hypothesized that E2 would enhance ventilation and reveal pLTF following AIH in SCI rats. To our surprise, though E2 did beneficially impact overall breathing recovery following C2-hemisection, both E2 supplementation and DHT restored the expression of AIH-induced pLTF 2 weeks post-SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Barok
- Rehabilitation Science Graduate Program, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Jessica M. L. Grittner
- Rehabilitation Science Graduate Program, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Shawn Miller
- Division of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Brendan J. Dougherty
- Division of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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3
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Piasecki J, Škarabot J, Spillane P, Piasecki M, Ansdell P. Sex Differences in Neuromuscular Aging: The Role of Sex Hormones. Exerc Sport Sci Rev 2024; 52:54-62. [PMID: 38329342 DOI: 10.1249/jes.0000000000000335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Males and females experience different trajectories of neuromuscular function across the lifespan, with females demonstrating accelerated deconditioning in later life. We hypothesize that the menopause is a critical period in the female lifespan, during which the dramatic reduction in sex hormone concentrations negatively impacts synaptic input to the motoneuron pool, as well as motor unit discharge properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Piasecki
- Sport, Health and Performance Enhancement Research Centre, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Jakob Škarabot
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Padraig Spillane
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Mathew Piasecki
- Centre of Metabolism, Ageing and Physiology (COMAP), MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Paul Ansdell
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Deng J, Sun C, Zheng Y, Gao J, Cui X, Wang Y, Zhang L, Tang P. In vivo imaging of the neuronal response to spinal cord injury: a narrative review. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:811-817. [PMID: 37843216 PMCID: PMC10664102 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.382225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Deciphering the neuronal response to injury in the spinal cord is essential for exploring treatment strategies for spinal cord injury (SCI). However, this subject has been neglected in part because appropriate tools are lacking. Emerging in vivo imaging and labeling methods offer great potential for observing dynamic neural processes in the central nervous system in conditions of health and disease. This review first discusses in vivo imaging of the mouse spinal cord with a focus on the latest imaging techniques, and then analyzes the dynamic biological response of spinal cord sensory and motor neurons to SCI. We then summarize and compare the techniques behind these studies and clarify the advantages of in vivo imaging compared with traditional neuroscience examinations. Finally, we identify the challenges and possible solutions for spinal cord neuron imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhao Deng
- Department of Orthopedics, The Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Orthopedics, Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Chang Sun
- Department of Orthopedics, The Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Orthopedics, Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Air Force Medical Center, PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Zheng
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Jianpeng Gao
- Department of Orthopedics, The Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Orthopedics, Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Xiang Cui
- Department of Orthopedics, The Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Orthopedics, Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Institute of Orthopedics, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Lab of Regenerative Medicine in Orthopedics, Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Trauma and War Injuries PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Licheng Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Orthopedics, Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Peifu Tang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Orthopedics, Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
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Xu X, Du HY, Talifu Z, Zhang CJ, Li ZH, Liu WB, Liang YX, Xu XL, Zhang JM, Yang DG, Gao F, Du LJ, Yu Y, Jing YL, Li JJ. Glycine and N-Acetylcysteine (GlyNAC) Combined with Body Weight Support Treadmill Training Improved Spinal Cord and Skeletal Muscle Structure and Function in Rats with Spinal Cord Injury. Nutrients 2023; 15:4578. [PMID: 37960231 PMCID: PMC10649910 DOI: 10.3390/nu15214578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle atrophy is a frequent complication after spinal cord injury (SCI) and can influence the recovery of motor function and metabolism in affected patients. Delaying skeletal muscle atrophy can promote functional recovery in SCI rats. In the present study, we investigated whether a combination of body weight support treadmill training (BWSTT) and glycine and N-acetylcysteine (GlyNAC) could exert neuroprotective effects, promote motor function recovery, and delay skeletal muscle atrophy in rats with SCI, and we assessed the therapeutic effects of the double intervention from both a structural and functional viewpoint. We found that, after SCI, rats given GlyNAC alone showed an improvement in Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) scores, gait symmetry, and results in the open field test, indicative of improved motor function, while GlyNAC combined with BWSTT was more effective than either treatment alone at ameliorating voluntary motor function in injured rats. Meanwhile, the results of the skeletal muscle myofiber cross-sectional area (CSA), hindlimb grip strength, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) immunostaining analysis demonstrated that GlyNAC improved the structure and function of the skeletal muscle in rats with SCI and delayed the atrophication of skeletal muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xu
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; (X.X.)
| | - Hua-Yong Du
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; (X.X.)
| | - Zuliyaer Talifu
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Chun-Jia Zhang
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; (X.X.)
| | - Ze-Hui Li
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; (X.X.)
| | - Wu-Bo Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Yi-Xiong Liang
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; (X.X.)
| | - Xu-Luan Xu
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; (X.X.)
| | - Jin-Ming Zhang
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; (X.X.)
| | - De-Gang Yang
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; (X.X.)
| | - Feng Gao
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; (X.X.)
| | - Liang-Jie Du
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; (X.X.)
| | - Yan Yu
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; (X.X.)
| | - Ying-Li Jing
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; (X.X.)
| | - Jian-Jun Li
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; (X.X.)
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6
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Alpogan O, Donmez EE, Vural F, Balık AÖ. Effects of Androgens on the Thickness of Retinal Layers in Transgender Men and in Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Transgend Health 2023; 8:363-370. [PMID: 37525838 PMCID: PMC10387147 DOI: 10.1089/trgh.2022.0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between androgens and the retinal thickness by comparing the macular thickness (MT), retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), and ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness of female-to-male transgender men (TGM), women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and cisgender women (CW). Methods Thirty-four eyes of 34 TGM, 34 eyes of 34 women with PCOS, and 45 eyes of 45 CW were evaluated by optical coherence tomography. One-way analysis of variance and body mass index (BMI)-adjusted one-way analysis of covariance were conducted to test the differences between groups for statistical evaluation. Results The parafoveal MT in TGM was significantly higher than women with PCOS and CW (p<0.001 and p=0.022, respectively). After adjusting for BMI, the perifoveal MT in TGM was significantly higher than women with PCOS and CW (p=0.041 and p=0.021, respectively). The nasal RNFL thickness in TGM was significantly higher than women with PCOS and CW (p=0.021 and p=0.009, respectively). The means of average and inferior RNFL, fovea, and the mean of all GCC values were higher in the TGM group than women with PCOS and CW, but these results were not statistically significant. Conclusions In this study, there was a significant difference between the TGM group and the CW group for the thickness of the nasal RNFL and parafoveal and perifoveal macular area. Androgens may have the potential to increase retinal thickness in TGM; however, there is a need for validation in larger study groups. Clinical Trial Registration Number: HNEAH-KAEK 2021/4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oksan Alpogan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Health Sciences University, Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Emin Erhan Donmez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Health Sciences University, Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fisun Vural
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Health Sciences University, Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayşe Özlem Balık
- Department of Radiology, Health Sciences University, Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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Taylor JA, Greenhaff PL, Bartlett DB, Jackson TA, Duggal NA, Lord JM. Multisystem physiological perspective of human frailty and its modulation by physical activity. Physiol Rev 2023; 103:1137-1191. [PMID: 36239451 PMCID: PMC9886361 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00037.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
"Frailty" is a term used to refer to a state characterized by enhanced vulnerability to, and impaired recovery from, stressors compared with a nonfrail state, which is increasingly viewed as a loss of resilience. With increasing life expectancy and the associated rise in years spent with physical frailty, there is a need to understand the clinical and physiological features of frailty and the factors driving it. We describe the clinical definitions of age-related frailty and their limitations in allowing us to understand the pathogenesis of this prevalent condition. Given that age-related frailty manifests in the form of functional declines such as poor balance, falls, and immobility, as an alternative we view frailty from a physiological viewpoint and describe what is known of the organ-based components of frailty, including adiposity, the brain, and neuromuscular, skeletal muscle, immune, and cardiovascular systems, as individual systems and as components in multisystem dysregulation. By doing so we aim to highlight current understanding of the physiological phenotype of frailty and reveal key knowledge gaps and potential mechanistic drivers of the trajectory to frailty. We also review the studies in humans that have intervened with exercise to reduce frailty. We conclude that more longitudinal and interventional clinical studies are required in older adults. Such observational studies should interrogate the progression from a nonfrail to a frail state, assessing individual elements of frailty to produce a deep physiological phenotype of the syndrome. The findings will identify mechanistic drivers of frailty and allow targeted interventions to diminish frailty progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A Taylor
- MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Paul L Greenhaff
- MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom.,NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - David B Bartlett
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina.,Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas A Jackson
- MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, https://ror.org/03angcq70University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Niharika A Duggal
- MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, https://ror.org/03angcq70University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Janet M Lord
- MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, https://ror.org/03angcq70University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.,NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Birmingham and University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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8
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Zhang H, Ni W, Yu G, Geng Y, Lou J, Qi J, Chen Y, Li F, Ye H, Ma H, Xu H, Zhao L, Cai Y, Wang X, Xu H, Xiao J, Zhou K. 3,4-Dimethoxychalcone, a caloric restriction mimetic, enhances TFEB-mediated autophagy and alleviates pyroptosis and necroptosis after spinal cord injury. Theranostics 2023; 13:810-832. [PMID: 36632211 PMCID: PMC9830432 DOI: 10.7150/thno.78370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Caloric restriction mimetics (CRMs) mimic the favourable effects of caloric restriction (CR) and have been shown to have therapeutic effects in neuroinflammatory disease. However, whether CRMs improve the functional recovery from spinal cord injury (SCI) and the underlying mechanism of action remain unclear. In this study, we used the CRMs 3,4-dimethoxychalcone (3,4-DC) to evaluate the therapeutic value of CRMs for SCI. Methods: HE, Masson and Nissl staining; footprint analysis; and the Basso mouse scale were used to determine the functional recovery from SCI after 3,4-DC treatment. RNA sequencing was used to identify the mechanisms of 3,4-DC in SCI. Western blotting, qPCR and immunofluorescence were used to detect the levels of pyroptosis, necroptosis, autophagy and the AMPK-TRPML1-calcineurin signalling pathway. We employed a dual-luciferase reporter assay in vitro and applied AAV vectors to inhibit TFEB in vivo to explore the mechanism of 3,4-DC. Results: 3,4-DC reduced glial scar area and motor neuron death and improved functional recovery after SCI. RNA-sequencing results indicated that oxidative stress, pyroptosis, necroptosis, and autophagy may be involved in the ability of 3,4-DC to improve functional recovery. Furthermore, 3,4-DC inhibited pyroptosis and necroptosis by enhancing autophagy. We also found that 3,4-DC enhances autophagy by promoting TFEB activity. A decrease in the TFEB level abolished the protective effect of 3,4-DC. In addition, 3,4-DC partially regulated TFEB activity through the AMPK-TRPML1-calcineurin signalling pathway. Conclusions: 3,4-DC promotes functional recovery by upregulating TFEB-mediated autophagy and inhibiting pyroptosis and necroptosis after SCI, which may have potential clinical application value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haojie Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics, Wenzhou 325027, China,The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Wenfei Ni
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics, Wenzhou 325027, China,The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Gaoxiang Yu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics, Wenzhou 325027, China,The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Yibo Geng
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics, Wenzhou 325027, China,The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Junsheng Lou
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Jianjun Qi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241001, China
| | - Yituo Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics, Wenzhou 325027, China,The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Feida Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics, Wenzhou 325027, China,The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Hantao Ye
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics, Wenzhou 325027, China,The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Haiwei Ma
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics, Wenzhou 325027, China,The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Hui Xu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics, Wenzhou 325027, China,The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Luying Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325015, China
| | - Yuepiao Cai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Xiangyang Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics, Wenzhou 325027, China,The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Huazi Xu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics, Wenzhou 325027, China,The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China,✉ Corresponding authors: Huazi Xu, E-mail: , Tel/Fax number: +8613616632111. Jian Xiao, E-mail: , Tel/Fax number: +8613968857613. Kailiang Zhou, E-mail: , Tel/Fax number: +8615088555167
| | - Jian Xiao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China,✉ Corresponding authors: Huazi Xu, E-mail: , Tel/Fax number: +8613616632111. Jian Xiao, E-mail: , Tel/Fax number: +8613968857613. Kailiang Zhou, E-mail: , Tel/Fax number: +8615088555167
| | - Kailiang Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics, Wenzhou 325027, China,The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China,✉ Corresponding authors: Huazi Xu, E-mail: , Tel/Fax number: +8613616632111. Jian Xiao, E-mail: , Tel/Fax number: +8613968857613. Kailiang Zhou, E-mail: , Tel/Fax number: +8615088555167
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9
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Xu X, Talifu Z, Zhang CJ, Gao F, Ke H, Pan YZ, Gong H, Du HY, Yu Y, Jing YL, Du LJ, Li JJ, Yang DG. Mechanism of skeletal muscle atrophy after spinal cord injury: A narrative review. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1099143. [PMID: 36937344 PMCID: PMC10020380 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1099143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury leads to loss of innervation of skeletal muscle, decreased motor function, and significantly reduced load on skeletal muscle, resulting in atrophy. Factors such as braking, hormone level fluctuation, inflammation, and oxidative stress damage accelerate skeletal muscle atrophy. The atrophy process can result in skeletal muscle cell apoptosis, protein degradation, fat deposition, and other pathophysiological changes. Skeletal muscle atrophy not only hinders the recovery of motor function but is also closely related to many systemic dysfunctions, affecting the prognosis of patients with spinal cord injury. Extensive research on the mechanism of skeletal muscle atrophy and intervention at the molecular level has shown that inflammation and oxidative stress injury are the main mechanisms of skeletal muscle atrophy after spinal cord injury and that multiple pathways are involved. These may become targets of future clinical intervention. However, most of the experimental studies are still at the basic research stage and still have some limitations in clinical application, and most of the clinical treatments are focused on rehabilitation training, so how to develop more efficient interventions in clinical treatment still needs to be further explored. Therefore, this review focuses mainly on the mechanisms of skeletal muscle atrophy after spinal cord injury and summarizes the cytokines and signaling pathways associated with skeletal muscle atrophy in recent studies, hoping to provide new therapeutic ideas for future clinical work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xu
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Zuliyaer Talifu
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences and Engineering, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Chun-Jia Zhang
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Gao
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Han Ke
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences and Engineering, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Yun-Zhu Pan
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences and Engineering, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Han Gong
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Hua-Yong Du
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Yu
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Ying-Li Jing
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Liang-Jie Du
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Jun Li
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences and Engineering, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- *Correspondence: Jian-Jun Li
| | - De-Gang Yang
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
- De-Gang Yang
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10
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Meadows RM, Richards SMEV, Kitsis MR, Brown TJ, Jones KJ, Sengelaub DR. EMG Testing throughout behavioral recovery after rat sciatic nerve crush injury results in exuberant motoneuron dendritic hypertrophy. Restor Neurol Neurosci 2023; 41:241-256. [PMID: 38363624 DOI: 10.3233/rnn-231379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Background Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is the most common type of nerve trauma yet, while injured motoneurons exhibit a robust capacity for regeneration, behavioral recovery is protracted and typically poor. Neurotherapeutic approaches to PNI and repair have primarily focused on the enhancement of axonal regeneration, in terms of rate, axonal sprouting, and reconnection connectivity. Both electrical stimulation (ES) and treatment with androgens [e.g., testosterone propionate (TP)] have been demonstrated to enhance axonal sprouting, regeneration rate and functional recovery following PNI. To date, very little work has been done to examine the effects of ES and/or TP on dendritic morphology and organization within the spinal cord after PNI. Objective The objective of the current study was to examine the impact of treatment with TP and ES, alone or in combination, on the dendritic arbor of spinal motoneurons after target disconnection via sciatic nerve crush injury in the rat. Methods Rats received a crush injury to the sciatic nerve. Following injury, some animals received either (1) no further treatment beyond implantation with empty Silastic capsules, (2) electrical nerve stimulation immediately after injury, (3) implantation with Silastic capsules filled with TP, or (4) electrical nerve stimulation immediately after injury as well as implantation with TP. All of these groups of axotomized animals also received bi-weekly electromyography (EMG) testing. Additional groups of intact untreated animals as well as a group of injured animals who received no further treatment or EMG testing were also included. Eight weeks after injury, motoneurons innervating the anterior tibialis muscle were labeled with cholera toxin-conjugated horseradish peroxidase, and dendritic arbors were reconstructed in three dimensions. Results After nerve crush and ES and/or TP treatment, motoneurons innervating the anterior tibialis underwent marked dendritic hypertrophy. Surprisingly, this dendritic hypertrophy occurred in all animals receiving repeated bi-weekly EMG testing, regardless of treatment. When the EMG testing was eliminated, the dendritic arbor extent and distribution after nerve crush in the treated groups did not significantly differ from intact untreated animals. Conclusions The ability of repeated EMG testing to so dramatically affect central plasticity following a peripheral nerve injury was unexpected. It was also unexpected that gonadal steroid hormones and/or ES, two neurotherapeutic approaches with demonstrated molecular/behavioral changes consistent with peripheral improvements in axonal repair and target reconnection, do not appear to impact central plasticity in a similar manner. The significance of peripheral EMG testing and resulting central plasticity reorganization remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rena M Meadows
- Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Sarah M E V Richards
- Program in Neuroscience and Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Michelle R Kitsis
- Program in Neuroscience and Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Todd J Brown
- Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Kathy J Jones
- Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Dale R Sengelaub
- Program in Neuroscience and Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
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11
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Miller S, Abrahante JE, Roopra A, Dougherty BJ. A transcriptome dataset for gonadectomy-induced changes in rat spinal cord. Sci Data 2022; 9:789. [PMID: 36581616 PMCID: PMC9800375 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-022-01917-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating sex steroid hormones are critical for neural function and development of neuroplasticity in many regions of the central nervous system. In the spinal cord, our knowledge of steroid hormone influence mostly derives from mechanistic studies of pain processing in dorsal spinal cord circuits; less is known regarding hormonal influence of ventral spinal motor function. Gonadectomy (surgical removal of the testes in males and ovaries in females) rapidly and persistently reduces circulating sex steroids in both females and males, providing a means to interrogate the role of hormones on neural function. Here we provide a next-generation RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data set to evaluate the impact of gonadectomy on the transcriptome of ventral spinal cord tissue of adult female and male rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn Miller
- Divisions of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Juan E Abrahante
- University of Minnesota Informatics Institute, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Avtar Roopra
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Brendan J Dougherty
- Divisions of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
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12
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Li WY, Li ZG, Fu XM, Wang XY, Lv ZX, Sun P, Zhu XF, Wang Y. Transgenic Schwann cells overexpressing POU6F1 promote sciatic nerve regeneration within acellular nerve allografts. J Neural Eng 2022; 19. [PMID: 36317259 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ac9e1e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Objective.Acellular nerve allograft (ANA) is an effective surgical approach used to bridge the sciatic nerve gap. The molecular regulators of post-surgical recovery are not well-known. Here, we explored the effect of transgenic Schwann cells (SCs) overexpressing POU domain class 6, transcription factor 1 (POU6F1) on sciatic nerve regeneration within ANAs. We explored the functions of POU6F1 in nerve regeneration by using a cell model of H2O2-induced SCs injury and transplanting SCs overexpressing POU6F1 into ANA to repair sciatic nerve gaps.Approach.Using RNA-seq, Protein-Protein Interaction network analysis, gene ontology enrichment, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis, we identified a highly and differentially expressed transcription factor, POU6F1, following ANA treatment of sciatic nerve gap. Expressing a high degree of connectivity, POU6F1 was predicted to play a role in peripheral nervous system myelination.Main results.To test the role of POU6F1 in nerve regeneration after ANA, we infected SCs with adeno-associated virus-POU6F1, demonstrating that POU6F1 overexpression promotes proliferation, anti-apoptosis, and migration of SCsin vitro. We also found that POU6F1 significantly upregulated JNK1/2 and c-Jun phosphorylation and that selective JNK1/2 inhibition attenuated the effects of POU6F1 on proliferation, survival, migration, and JNK1/2 and c-Jun phosphorylation. The direct interaction of POU6F1 and activated JNK1/2 was subsequently confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation. In rat sciatic nerve injury model with a 10 mm gap, we confirmed the pattern of POU6F1 upregulation and co-localization with transplanted SCs. ANAs loaded with POU6F1-overexpressing SCs demonstrated the enhanced survival of transplanted SCs, axonal regeneration, myelination, and functional motor recovery compared to the ANA group loaded by SCs-only in line within vitrofindings.Significance.This study identifies POU6F1 as a novel regulator of post-injury sciatic nerve repair, acting through JNK/c-Jun signaling in SCs to optimize therapeutic outcomes in the ANA surgical approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Yuan Li
- Institute of Neural Tissue Engineering, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Gang Li
- The Second Department of General Surgery, Hongqi Hospital, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiu-Mei Fu
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengde Medical College, Chengde 067000, People's Republic of China.,Hebei Key Laboratory of Nerve Injury and Repair, Chengde 067000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Yu Wang
- Institute of Neural Tissue Engineering, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhong-Xiao Lv
- Institute of Neural Tissue Engineering, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Sun
- Institute of Neural Tissue Engineering, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Feng Zhu
- Institute of Neural Tissue Engineering, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Wang
- Institute of Neural Tissue Engineering, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
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13
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7,8-Dihydroxyflavone accelerates recovery of Brown-Sequard syndrome in adult female rats with spinal cord lateral hemisection. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113397. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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14
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Proaño B, Casani-Cubel J, Benlloch M, Rodriguez-Mateos A, Navarro-Illana E, Lajara-Romance JM, de la Rubia Ortí JE. Is Dutasteride a Therapeutic Alternative for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis? Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092084. [PMID: 36140184 PMCID: PMC9495995 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by the loss of upper and lower motor neurons (MNs) in the cerebral cortex, brainstem and spinal cord, with consequent weakness, atrophy and the progressive paralysis of all muscles. There is currently no medical cure, and riluzole and edaravone are the only two known approved drugs for treating this condition. However, they have limited efficacy, and hence there is a need to find new molecules. Dutasteride, a dual inhibitor of type 1 and type 2 5α-reductase (5AR) enzymes, the therapeutic purposes of which, to date, are the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and androgenic alopecia, shows great anti-ALS properties by the molecular-topology methodology. Based on this evidence, this review aims to assess the effects of dutasteride on testosterone (T), progesterone (PROG) and 17β-estradiol (17BE) as a therapeutic alternative for the clinical improvement of ALS, based on the hormonal, metabolic and molecular pathways related to the pathogenesis of the disease. According to the evidence found, dutasteride shows great neuroprotective, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It also appears effective against glutamate toxicity, and it is capable of restoring altered dopamine activity (DA). These effects are achieved both directly and through steroid hormones. Therefore, dutasteride seems to be a promising molecule for the treatment of ALS, although clinical studies are required for confirmation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belén Proaño
- Doctoral Degree School, Health Sciences, Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain
| | - Julia Casani-Cubel
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Catholic University San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.C.-C.); (M.B.)
| | - María Benlloch
- Department Nursing, Catholic University San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.C.-C.); (M.B.)
| | - Ana Rodriguez-Mateos
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, King’s College London, Franklin Wilkins Building, London SE1 9NH, UK
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Guo Y, Piasecki J, Swiecicka A, Ireland A, Phillips BE, Atherton PJ, Stashuk D, Rutter MK, McPhee JS, Piasecki M. Circulating testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone are associated with individual motor unit features in untrained and highly active older men. GeroScience 2022; 44:1215-1228. [PMID: 34862585 PMCID: PMC9213614 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-021-00482-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term exercise training has been considered as an effective strategy to counteract age-related hormonal declines and minimise muscle atrophy. However, human data relating circulating hormone levels with motor nerve function are scant. The aims of the study were to explore associations between circulating sex hormone levels and motor unit (MU) characteristics in older men, including masters athletes competing in endurance and power events. Forty-three older men (mean ± SD age: 69.9 ± 4.6 years) were studied based on competitive status. The serum concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), total testosterone (T) and estradiol were quantified using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Intramuscular electromyographic signals were recorded from vastus lateralis (VL) during 25% of maximum voluntary isometric contractions and processed to extract MU firing rate (FR), and motor unit potential (MUP) features. After adjusting for athletic status, MU FR was positively associated with DHEA levels (p = 0.019). Higher testosterone and estradiol were associated with lower MUP complexity; these relationships remained significant after adjusting for athletic status (p = 0.006 and p = 0.019, respectively). Circulating DHEA was positively associated with MU firing rate in these older men. Higher testosterone levels were associated with reduced MUP complexity, indicating reduced electrophysiological temporal dispersion, which is related to decreased differences in conduction times along axonal branches and/or MU fibres. Although evident in males only, this work highlights the potential of hormone administration as a therapeutic interventional strategy specifically targeting human motor units in older age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiao Guo
- MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research and NIHR Nottingham BRC, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Jessica Piasecki
- Musculoskeletal Physiology Research Group, Sport, Health and Performance Enhancement Research Centre, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Agnieszka Swiecicka
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Alex Ireland
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Musculoskeletal Science and Sports Medicine Research Centre, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Bethan E. Phillips
- MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research and NIHR Nottingham BRC, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Philip J. Atherton
- MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research and NIHR Nottingham BRC, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Daniel Stashuk
- Department of Systems Design Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON Canada
| | - Martin K. Rutter
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Jamie S. McPhee
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Musculoskeletal Science and Sports Medicine Research Centre, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Mathew Piasecki
- MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research and NIHR Nottingham BRC, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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16
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Li Y, Ritzel RM, Lei Z, Cao T, He J, Faden AI, Wu J. Sexual dimorphism in neurological function after SCI is associated with disrupted neuroinflammation in both injured spinal cord and brain. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 101:1-22. [PMID: 34954073 PMCID: PMC8885910 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Whereas human spinal cord injury (SCI) is more common in men, the prevalence is growing in women. However, little is known about the effect of biological sex on brain dysfunction and injury mechanisms. To model the highest per capita rate of injury (ages between 16 and 30 years old) in humans, in the present study, young adult or a young/middle-aged male and female C57BL/6 mice were subjected to moderate contusion SCI. When mice were injured at 10-12-week-old, transcriptomic analysis of inflammation-related genes and flow cytometry revealed a more aggressive neuroinflammatory profile in male than females following 3 d SCI, ostensibly driven by sex-specific changes myeloid cell function rather than cell number. Female mice were generally more active at baseline, as evidenced by greater distance traveled in the open field. After SCI, female mice had more favorable locomotor function than male animals. At 13 weeks post-injury, male mice showed poor performance in cognitive and depressive-like behavioral tests, while injured female mice showed fewer deficits in these tasks. However, when injured at 6 months old followed by 8 months post-injury, male mice had considerably less inflammatory activation compared with female animals despite having similar or worse outcomes in affective, cognitive, and motor tasks. Collectively, these findings indicate that sex differences in functional outcome after SCI are associated with the age at onset of injury, as well as disrupted neuroinflammation not only at the site of injury but also in remote brain regions. Thus, biological sex should be considered when designing new therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Li
- Department of Anesthesiology and Center for Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research (STAR), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201 USA
| | - Rodney M. Ritzel
- Department of Anesthesiology and Center for Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research (STAR), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201 USA
| | - Zhuofan Lei
- Department of Anesthesiology and Center for Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research (STAR), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201 USA
| | - Tuoxin Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology and Center for Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research (STAR), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201 USA
| | - Junyun He
- Department of Anesthesiology and Center for Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research (STAR), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201 USA
| | - Alan I Faden
- Department of Anesthesiology and Center for Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research (STAR), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201 USA,University of Maryland Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, 21201 USA
| | - Junfang Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Center for Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research (STAR), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; University of Maryland Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
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17
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Effects of menopause on the retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell complex and on intraocular pressure. Menopause 2022; 29:460-464. [DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000001936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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18
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Oughourlian TC, Wang C, Salamon N, Holly LT, Ellingson BM. Sex-Dependent Cortical Volume Changes in Patients with Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10173965. [PMID: 34501413 PMCID: PMC8432178 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10173965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is a progressive condition characterized by degeneration of osseocartilaginous structures within the cervical spine resulting in compression of the spinal cord and presentation of clinical symptoms. Compared to healthy controls (HCs), studies have shown DCM patients experience structural and functional reorganization in the brain; however, sex-dependent cortical differences in DCM patients remains largely unexplored. In the present study, we investigate the role of sex differences on the structure of the cerebral cortex in DCM and determine how structural differences may relate to clinical measures of neurological function. T1-weighted structural MRI scans were acquired in 85 symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with DCM and 90 age-matched HCs. Modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) scores were obtained for patients. A general linear model was used to determine vertex-level significant differences in gray matter volume (GMV) between the following groups (1) male HCs and female HCs, (2) male patients and female patients, (3) male patients and male HCs, and (4) female patients and female HCs. Within patients, males exhibited larger GMV in motor, language, and vision related brain regions compared to female DCM patients. Males demonstrated a significant positive correlation between GMV and mJOA score, in which patients with worsening neurological symptoms exhibited decreasing GMV primarily across somatosensory and motor related cortical regions. Females exhibited a similar association, albeit across a broader range of cortical areas including those involved in pain processing. In sensorimotor regions, female patients consistently showed smaller GMV compared with male patients, independent of mJOA score. Results from the current study suggest strong sex-related differences in cortical volume in patients with DCM, which may reflect hormonal influence or differing compensation mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talia C. Oughourlian
- UCLA Center for Computer Vision and Imaging Biomarkers, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA; (T.C.O.); (C.W.); (B.M.E.)
- Department of Radiological Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
- Neuroscience Interdepartmental Graduate Program, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Chencai Wang
- UCLA Center for Computer Vision and Imaging Biomarkers, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA; (T.C.O.); (C.W.); (B.M.E.)
- Department of Radiological Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
| | - Noriko Salamon
- Department of Radiological Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
| | - Langston T. Holly
- Department of Neurosurgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(310)-319-3475
| | - Benjamin M. Ellingson
- UCLA Center for Computer Vision and Imaging Biomarkers, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA; (T.C.O.); (C.W.); (B.M.E.)
- Department of Radiological Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
- Neuroscience Interdepartmental Graduate Program, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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19
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Effects of Different Types of Exercise Training on Fine Motor Skills and Testosterone Concentration in Adolescents: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18168243. [PMID: 34443992 PMCID: PMC8392117 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We sought to compare the effect of two types of exercise training on fine motor skills and to establish their association with the salivary testosterone. Research participants, 135 adolescents (68 adolescent females; mean age = 12.76, SD = 0.85) were assigned into three groups: coordinative exercise (CE), cardiovascular exercise (CVE), and the control group (CON). Fine motor skills were assessed with a drawing trail test and salivary testosterone concentration was measured before and after 10 weeks of intervention. There were no significant changes in fine motor skills and testosterone concentration after either CE or CVE training. However, a significant positive correlation between post-test fine motor skills and post-test testosterone concentration was found after the CVE training. One type of exercise training cannot be singled out as more effective for fine motor skills and testosterone activity. Nevertheless, our results showed a relationship between fine motor skills and testosterone concentration after the CVE training. Thus, the type of exercise training is important in the exercise-induced testosterone effect on fine motor skills.
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20
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Alpogan O, Donmez EE, Balık AÖ, Vural F, Kaplan G. Effects of testosterone on intraocular pressure, thicknesses of retinal nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell complex, macula and on ocular blood flow in female-to-male transgender persons. Int Ophthalmol 2021; 41:3651-3661. [PMID: 34240322 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-021-01921-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the effects of testosterone on intraocular pressure (IOP), thicknesses of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell complex (GCC), macula and on ocular blood flow between female-to-male transgender (FMT) persons who use testosterone and healthy women and healthy men. METHOD The study included 39 eyes of 20 FMT(Group 1), 40 eyes of 20 healthy women (Group 2), and 42 eyes of 21 healthy men (Group 3). In all subjects, RNFL, GCC and, macular thicknesses (MT) were measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Ocular blood flow was measured by Color Doppler Ultrasonography in all subjects. RESULTS IOP levels in FMT were significantly higher than men (p = 0.025). Superior (Sup), inferior (Inf) thicknesses of parafovea, and nasal thickness of perifovea in FMT were significantly higher than the Group 2 (p = 0.024, p = 0.037, p = 0.018). Sup thickness of perifovea in FMT was significantly higher than Group 3 (p = 0.011). Inf thickness of perifovea in FMT was significantly higher than Group 2 and 3 (p = 0.038, p = 0.002). Mean thickness of RNFL Inf in FMT was significantly higher than the Group 2 and 3 (p = 0.039, p = 0.032). Avg and Inf thicknesses of GCC in FMT were significantly higher than group 2 (p = 0.02, p = 0.005). In correlation test, systole/diastole ratio(S/D) in ophthalmic artery (OA) (r = 0.504, p = 0.028) and Inf thickness of perifovea (r = 0.485, p = 0.035) were positively correlated with the serum levels of testosterone in FMT. CONCLUSIONS We found that the use of supraphysiologic testosterone dose increased IOP and the thicknesses of macula, RNFL, and GCC in FMT. Serum testosterone level was positively correlated with S/D ratio in the OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oksan Alpogan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Tibbiye Cad No 23, Uskudar, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Emin Erhan Donmez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayşe Özlem Balık
- Department of Radiology, Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fisun Vural
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gizem Kaplan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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21
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Liu NK, Byers JS, Lam T, Lu QB, Sengelaub DR, Xu XM. Inhibition of Cytosolic Phospholipase A 2 Has Neuroprotective Effects on Motoneuron and Muscle Atrophy after Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma 2021; 38:1327-1337. [PMID: 25386720 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2014.3690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Surviving motoneurons undergo dendritic atrophy after spinal cord injury (SCI), suggesting an important therapeutic target for neuroprotective strategies to improve recovery of function after SCI. Our previous studies showed that cytosolic phospholipase A2 (PLA2) may play an important role in the pathogenesis of SCI. In the present study, we investigated whether blocking cytosolic PLA2 (cPLA2) pharmacologically with arachidonyl trifluoromethyl ketone (ATK) or genetically using cPLA2 knockout (KO) mice attenuates motoneuron atrophy after SCI. C57BL/6 mice received either sham or contusive SCI at the T10 level. At 30 min after SCI, mice were treated with ATK or vehicle. Four weeks later, motoneurons innervating the vastus lateralis muscle of the quadriceps were labeled with cholera toxin-conjugated horseradish peroxidase, and dendritic arbors were reconstructed in three dimensions. Soma volume, motoneuron number, lesion volume, and tissue sparing were also assessed, as were muscle weight, fiber cross-sectional area, and motor endplate size and density. ATK administration reduced percent lesion volume and increased percent volume of spared white matter, compared to the vehicle-treated control animals. SCI with or without ATK treatment had no effect on the number or soma volume of quadriceps motoneurons. However, SCI resulted in a decrease in dendritic length of quadriceps motoneurons in untreated animals, and this decrease was completely prevented by treatment with ATK. Similarly, vastus lateralis muscle weights of untreated SCI animals were smaller than those of sham surgery controls, and these reductions were prevented by ATK treatment. No effects on fiber cross-sectional areas, motor endplate area, or density were observed across treatment groups. Remarkably, genetically deleting cPLA2 in cPLA2 KO mice attenuated dendritic atrophy after SCI. These findings suggest that, after SCI, cord tissue damage and regressive changes in motoneuron and muscle morphology can be reduced by inhibition of cPLA2, further supporting a role for cPLA2 as a neurotherapeutic target for SCI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nai-Kui Liu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery and Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - James S Byers
- Program in Neuroscience and Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Tom Lam
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Qing-Bo Lu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery and Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Dale R Sengelaub
- Program in Neuroscience and Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Xiao-Ming Xu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery and Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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22
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Chew C, Sengelaub DR. Exercise is neuroprotective on the morphology of somatic motoneurons following the death of neighboring motoneurons via androgen action at the target muscle. Dev Neurobiol 2021; 81:22-35. [PMID: 33289343 PMCID: PMC10905969 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Motoneuron loss is a severe medical problem that can result in loss of motor control and eventually death. We have previously demonstrated that partial motoneuron loss can result in dendritic atrophy and functional deficits in nearby surviving motoneurons, and that an androgen-dependent effect of exercise following injury can be neuroprotective against this dendritic atrophy. In this study, we explored where the necessary site of androgen action is for exercise-driven neuroprotective effects on induced dendritic atrophy. Motoneurons innervating the vastus medialis muscles of adult male rats were selectively killed by intramuscular injection of cholera toxin-conjugated saporin. Simultaneously, some saporin-injected animals were given implants of the androgen receptor antagonist hydroxyflutamide, either directly at the adjacent vastus lateralis musculature ipsilateral to the saporin-injected vastus medialis or interscapularly as a systemic control. Following saporin injections, some animals were allowed free access to a running wheel attached to their home cages. Four weeks later, motoneurons innervating the same vastus lateralis muscle were labeled with cholera toxin-conjugated horseradish peroxidase, and dendritic arbors were reconstructed in three dimensions. Dendritic arbor lengths of saporin-injected animals allowed to exercise were significantly longer than those not allowed to exercise. Androgen receptor blockade locally at the vastus lateralis muscle prevented the protective effect of exercise. These findings indicate that exercise following neural injury exerts a protective effect on motoneuron dendrites, which acts via androgen receptor action at the target muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cory Chew
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Dale R Sengelaub
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
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23
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Li WY, Jia H, Wang ZD, Zhai FG, Sun GD, Ma D, Liu GB, Li CM, Wang Y. Combinatory transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells with flavonoid small molecule in acellular nerve graft promotes sciatic nerve regeneration. J Tissue Eng 2020; 11:2041731420980136. [PMID: 34956585 PMCID: PMC8693221 DOI: 10.1177/2041731420980136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous animal studies have demonstrated that the flavonoid small-molecule TrkB agonist, 7, 8-dihydroxyflavone (DHF), promotes axon regeneration in transected peripheral nerves. In the present study, we investigated the combined effects of 7, 8-DHF treatment and bone marrow-derived stem/stromal cells (BMSCs) engraftment into acellular nerve allografts (ANAs) and explore relevant mechanisms that may be involved. Our results show that TrkB and downstream ERK1/2 phosphorylation are increased upon 7, 8-DHF treatment compared to the negative control group. Also, 7, 8-DHF promotes proliferation, survival, and Schwann-like cell differentiation of BMSCs in vitro. While selective ERK1/2 inhibitor U0126 suppressed the effect of upregulation of ERK1/2 phosphorylation and decreased cell proliferation, survival, and Schwann-like cell differentiation partially induced by 7, 8-DHF. In vivo, 7, 8-DHF promotes survival of transplanted BMSCs and upregulates axonal growth and myelination in regenerating ANAs. 7, 8-DHF+BMSCs also improved motor endplate density of target musculature. These benefits were associated with increased motor functional recovery. 7, 8-DHF+BMSCs significantly upregulated TrkB and ERK1/2 phosphorylation expression in regenerating ANA, and increased TrkB expression in the lumbar spinal cord. The mechanism of 7, 8-DHF action may be related to its ability to upregulate TrkB signaling, and downstream activation of survival signaling molecules ERK1/2 in the regenerating ANAs and spinal cord and improved survival of transplanted BMSCs. This study provides novel foundational data connecting the benefits of 7, 8-DHF treatment in neural injury and repair to BMSCs biology and function and demonstrates a potential combination approach for the treatment of injured peripheral nerve via nerve graft transplant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-yuan Li
- Institute of Neural Tissue Engineering, Mudanjiang College of Medicine, Mudanjiang, China
| | - Hua Jia
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- Center for Reproductive Biology and Health, College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Zhen-Dong Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Mudanjiang College of Medicine, Mudanjiang, China
| | - Feng-guo Zhai
- Department of Pharmacology, Mudanjiang College of Medicine, Mudanjiang, China
| | - Guang-da Sun
- Institute of Neural Tissue Engineering, Mudanjiang College of Medicine, Mudanjiang, China
| | - Duo Ma
- Institute of Neural Tissue Engineering, Mudanjiang College of Medicine, Mudanjiang, China
| | - Gui-Bo Liu
- Institute of Neural Tissue Engineering, Mudanjiang College of Medicine, Mudanjiang, China
| | - Chun-Mei Li
- Department of Basic Psychological, Mudanjiang College of Medicine, Mudanjiang, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Institute of Neural Tissue Engineering, Mudanjiang College of Medicine, Mudanjiang, China
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24
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Wang H, Zhou WX, Huang JF, Zheng XQ, Tian HJ, Wang B, Fu WL, Wu AM. Endocrine Therapy for the Functional Recovery of Spinal Cord Injury. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:590570. [PMID: 33390881 PMCID: PMC7773784 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.590570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a major cause of physical disability and leads to patient dissatisfaction with their quality of life. Patients with SCI usually exhibit severe clinical symptoms, including sensory and motor dysfunction below the injured levels, paraplegia, quadriplegia and urinary retention, which can exacerbate the substantial medical and social burdens. The major pathological change observed in SCI is inflammatory reaction, which induces demyelination, axonal degeneration, and the apoptosis and necrosis of neurons. Traditional medical treatments are mainly focused on the recovery of motor function and prevention of complications. To date, numerous studies have been conducted to explore the cellular and molecular mechanism of SCI and have proposed lots of effective treatments, but the clinical applications are still limited due to the complex pathogenesis and poor prognosis after SCI. Endocrine hormones are kinds of molecules that are synthesized by specialized endocrine organs and can participate in the regulation of multiple physiological activities, and their protective effects on several disorders have been widely discussed. In addition, many studies have identified that endocrine hormones can promote nerve regeneration and functional recovery in individuals with central nervous system diseases. Therefore, studies investigating the clinical applications of endocrine hormones as treatments for SCI are necessary. In this review, we described the neuroprotective roles of several endocrine hormones in SCI; endocrine hormone administration reduces cell death and promotes functional repair after SCI. We also proposed novel therapies for SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics, Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wen-Xian Zhou
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics, Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jin-Feng Huang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics, Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xuan-Qi Zheng
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics, Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Hai-Jun Tian
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Implants, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Sports Medicine and Adult Reconstruction Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei-Li Fu
- Department of Orthopaedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ai-Min Wu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics, Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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25
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Stewart AN, MacLean SM, Stromberg AJ, Whelan JP, Bailey WM, Gensel JC, Wilson ME. Considerations for Studying Sex as a Biological Variable in Spinal Cord Injury. Front Neurol 2020; 11:802. [PMID: 32849242 PMCID: PMC7419700 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In response to NIH initiatives to investigate sex as a biological variable in preclinical animal studies, researchers have increased their focus on male and female differences in neurotrauma. Inclusion of both sexes when modeling neurotrauma is leading to the identification of novel areas for therapeutic and scientific exploitation. Here, we review the organizational and activational effects of sex hormones on recovery from injury and how these changes impact the long-term health of spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. When determining how sex affects SCI it remains imperative to expand outcomes beyond locomotor recovery and consider other complications plaguing the quality of life of patients with SCI. Interestingly, the SCI field predominately utilizes female rodents for basic science research which contrasts most other male-biased research fields. We discuss the unique caveats this creates to the translatability of preclinical research in the SCI field. We also review current clinical and preclinical data examining sex as biological variable in SCI. Further, we report how technical considerations such as housing, size, care management, and age, confound the interpretation of sex-specific effects in animal studies of SCI. We have uncovered novel findings regarding how age differentially affects mortality and injury-induced anemia in males and females after SCI, and further identified estrus cycle dysfunction in mice after injury. Emerging concepts underlying sexually dimorphic responses to therapy are also discussed. Through a combination of literature review and primary research observations we present a practical guide for considering and incorporating sex as biological variable in preclinical neurotrauma studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew N Stewart
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.,Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Steven M MacLean
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.,Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Arnold J Stromberg
- Department of Statistics, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Jessica P Whelan
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.,Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - William M Bailey
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.,Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - John C Gensel
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.,Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Melinda E Wilson
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
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26
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Swiecicka A, Piasecki M, Stashuk D, Jones D, Wu F, McPhee JS, Rutter MK. Relationship of Anabolic Hormones With Motor Unit Characteristics in Quadriceps Muscle in Healthy and Frail Aging Men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5781153. [PMID: 32133493 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Anabolic hormones are important factors in maintaining muscle mass for aging men, but their role in overall motor unit structure and function is unclear. OBJECTIVE The objective of this work is to determine associations of anabolic and reproductive hormone levels with motor unit characteristics in quadriceps muscle in older healthy and frail men. DESIGN This work is an observational cohort study of community-dwelling men. PARTICIPANTS Participants included healthy and frail men younger than 65 years. INTERVENTION No intervention was performed. OUTCOME MEASURE Quantitative assessments of electromyography-derived motor unit potential size (MUP) and compound muscle action potential size (CMAP) of the vastus lateralis muscle. RESULTS We studied 98 men (mean ± SD: age 73 ± 6 years; body mass index [BMI] 25.7 ± 4.0 kg/m2; diabetes 11%) of whom 45% were prefrail and 18% frail. After adjusting for age, BMI, and prevalent diabetes, higher total and free testosterone levels were significantly related to larger CMAP (total testosterone: β [95% CI]: 0.3 [0.08-0.53]; free testosterone: 0.34 [0.13-0.56]). Exploratory analysis showed the relationship between free testosterone and CMAP was stronger in frail rather than robust men. In univariate analyses, estradiol was associated with CMAP size (0.37 [0.16-0.57]); and vitamin D was associated with MUP size (0.22 [0.01-0.43]) but these relationships were no longer significant after adjusting for potential confounders. CONCLUSION Our data highlight the associations between androgen levels and the electrophysiological characteristics of older men, particularly in the frail. Clinical trials involving administration of androgens will help to elucidate the potential benefits of intervention on neuromuscular function and/or frailty status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Swiecicka
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Gastroenterology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Mathew Piasecki
- Clinical, Metabolic and Molecular Physiology, MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, and National Institute of Health Research (NIHR), Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Daniel Stashuk
- Department of Systems Design Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - David Jones
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Frederick Wu
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Gastroenterology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jamie S McPhee
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Martin K Rutter
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Gastroenterology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Manchester Diabetes Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
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27
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Yarrow JF, Kok HJ, Phillips EG, Conover CF, Lee J, Bassett TE, Buckley KH, Reynolds MC, Wnek RD, Otzel DM, Chen C, Jiron JM, Graham ZA, Cardozo C, Vandenborne K, Bose PK, Aguirre JI, Borst SE, Ye F. Locomotor training with adjuvant testosterone preserves cancellous bone and promotes muscle plasticity in male rats after severe spinal cord injury. J Neurosci Res 2019; 98:843-868. [PMID: 31797423 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Loading and testosterone may influence musculoskeletal recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). Our objectives were to determine (a) the acute effects of bodyweight-supported treadmill training (TM) on hindlimb cancellous bone microstructure and muscle mass in adult rats after severe contusion SCI and (b) whether longer-term TM with adjuvant testosterone enanthate (TE) delivers musculoskeletal benefit. In Study 1, TM (40 min/day, 5 days/week, beginning 1 week postsurgery) did not prevent SCI-induced hindlimb cancellous bone loss after 3 weeks. In Study 2, TM did not attenuate SCI-induced plantar flexor muscles atrophy nor improve locomotor recovery after 4 weeks. In our main study, SCI produced extensive distal femur and proximal tibia cancellous bone deficits, a deleterious slow-to-fast fiber-type transition in soleus, lower muscle fiber cross-sectional area (fCSA), impaired muscle force production, and levator ani/bulbocavernosus (LABC) muscle atrophy after 8 weeks. TE alone (7.0 mg/week) suppressed bone resorption, attenuated cancellous bone loss, constrained the soleus fiber-type transition, and prevented LABC atrophy. In comparison, TE+TM concomitantly suppressed bone resorption and stimulated bone formation after SCI, produced near-complete cancellous bone preservation, prevented the soleus fiber-type transition, attenuated soleus fCSA atrophy, maintained soleus force production, and increased LABC mass. 75% of SCI+TE+TM animals recovered voluntary over-ground hindlimb stepping, while no SCI and only 20% of SCI+TE animals regained stepping ability. Positive associations between testosterone and locomotor function suggest that TE influenced locomotor recovery. In conclusion, short-term TM alone did not improve bone, muscle, or locomotor recovery in adult rats after severe SCI, while longer-term TE+TM provided more comprehensive musculoskeletal benefit than TE alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua F Yarrow
- Research Service, Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Hui Jean Kok
- Research Service, Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Ean G Phillips
- Research Service, Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Christine F Conover
- Research Service, Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jimmy Lee
- Research Service, Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Taylor E Bassett
- Research Service, Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kinley H Buckley
- Research Service, Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Michael C Reynolds
- Research Service, Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Russell D Wnek
- Research Service, Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Dana M Otzel
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Cong Chen
- Divison of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jessica M Jiron
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Zachary A Graham
- National Center for the Medical Consequences of Spinal Cord Injury, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA.,Departments of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christopher Cardozo
- National Center for the Medical Consequences of Spinal Cord Injury, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA.,Departments of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Rehabilitation Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Krista Vandenborne
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Prodip K Bose
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Division of Neurology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jose Ignacio Aguirre
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Stephen E Borst
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Fan Ye
- Research Service, Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL, USA
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28
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Ghergherehchi CL, Hibbard EA, Mikesh M, Bittner GD, Sengelaub DR. Behavioral recovery and spinal motoneuron remodeling after polyethylene glycol fusion repair of singly cut and ablated sciatic nerves. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223443. [PMID: 31584985 PMCID: PMC6777790 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyethylene glycol repair (PEG-fusion) of severed sciatic axons restores their axoplasmic and membrane continuity, prevents Wallerian degeneration, maintains muscle fiber innervation, and greatly improves recovery of voluntary behaviors. We examined alterations in spinal connectivity and motoneuron dendritic morphology as one potential mechanism for improved behavioral function after PEG-fusion. At 2–112 days after a single-cut or allograft PEG-fusion repair of transected or ablated sciatic nerves, the number, size, location, and morphology of motoneurons projecting to the tibialis anterior muscle were assessed by retrograde labeling. For both lesion types, labeled motoneurons were found in the appropriate original spinal segment, but also in inappropriate segments, indicating mis-pairings of proximal-distal segments of PEG-fused motor axons. Although the number and somal size of motoneurons was unaffected, dendritic distributions were altered, indicating that PEG-fusion preserves spinal motoneurons but reorganizes their connectivity. This spinal reorganization may contribute to the remarkable behavioral recovery seen after PEG-fusion repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron L. Ghergherehchi
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States of America
| | - Emily A. Hibbard
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Michelle Mikesh
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States of America
| | - George D. Bittner
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States of America
| | - Dale R. Sengelaub
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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29
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Li WY, Zhu GY, Yue WJ, Sun GD, Zhu XF, Wang Y. KLF7 overexpression in bone marrow stromal stem cells graft transplantation promotes sciatic nerve regeneration. J Neural Eng 2019; 16:056011. [PMID: 31296795 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ab3188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our previous study demonstrated that the transcription factor, Krüppel-like Factor 7 (KLF7), stimulates axon regeneration following peripheral nerve injury. In the present study, we used a gene therapy approach to overexpress KLF7 in bone marrow-derived stem/stromal cells (BMSCs) as support cells, combined with acellular nerve allografts (ANAs) and determined the potential therapeutic efficacy of a KLF7-transfected BMSC nerve graft transplantation in a rodent model for sciatic nerve injury and repair. APPROACH We efficiently transfected BMSCs with adeno-associated virus (AAV)-KLF7, which were then seeded in ANAs for bridging sciatic nerve defects. MAIN RESULTS KLF7 overexpression promotes proliferation, survival, and Schwann-like cell differentiation of BMSCs in vitro. In vivo, KLF7 overexpression promotes transplanted BMSCs survival and myelinated fiber regeneration in regenerating ANAs; however, KLF7 did not improve Schwann-like cell differentiation of BMSCs within in the nerve grafts. KLF7-BMSCs significantly upregulated expression and secretion of neurotrophic factors by BMSCs, including nerve growth factor, ciliary neurotrophic factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor in regenerating ANA. KLF7-BMSCs also improved motor axon regeneration, and subsequent neuromuscular innervation and prevention of muscle atrophy. These benefits were associated with increased motor functional recovery of regenerating ANAs. SIGNIFICANCE Our findings suggest that KLF7-BMSCs promoted peripheral nerve axon regeneration and myelination, and ultimately, motor functional recovery. The mechanism of KLF7 action may be related to its ability to enhance transplanted BMSCs survival and secrete neurotrophic factors rather than Schwann-like cell differentiation. This study provides novel foundational data connecting the benefits of KLF7 in neural injury and repair to BMSC biology and function, and demonstrates a potential combination approach for the treatment of injured peripheral nerve via nerve graft transplant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Yuan Li
- Institute of Neural Tissue Engineering, Mudanjiang College of Medicine, Mudanjiang 157011, People's Republic of China
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30
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Chew C, Sengelaub DR. Neuroprotective Effects of Exercise on the Morphology of Somatic Motoneurons Following the Death of Neighboring Motoneurons. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2019; 33:656-667. [PMID: 31286830 DOI: 10.1177/1545968319860485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background. Motoneuron loss is a severe medical problem that can result in loss of motor control and eventually death. We have previously demonstrated that partial motoneuron loss can result in dendritic atrophy and functional deficits in nearby surviving motoneurons, and that treatment with androgens can be neuroprotective against this dendritic atrophy. Exercise has also been shown to be protective following a variety of neural injury models and, in some cases, is dependent on androgen action. Objective. In this study, we explored whether exercise shows the same neuroprotective effect on induced dendritic atrophy as that seen with androgen treatment. Methods. Motoneurons innervating the vastus medialis muscles of adult male rats were selectively killed by intramuscular injection of cholera toxin-conjugated saporin. Following saporin injections, some animals were allowed free access to a running wheel attached to their home cages. Four weeks later, motoneurons innervating the ipsilateral vastus lateralis muscle were labeled with cholera toxin-conjugated horseradish peroxidase, and dendritic arbors were reconstructed in 3 dimensions. Results. Dendritic arbor lengths of animals allowed to exercise were significantly longer than those not allowed to exercise. Conclusions. These findings indicate that exercise following neural injury exerts a protective effect on motoneuron dendrites comparable to that seen with exogenous androgen treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cory Chew
- 1 Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
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31
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McCallum-Loudeac J, Anderson G, Wilson MJ. Age and Sex-Related Changes to Gene Expression in the Mouse Spinal Cord. J Mol Neurosci 2019; 69:419-432. [PMID: 31267314 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-019-01371-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The spinal cord is essential for neuronal communication between the brain and rest of the body. To gain further insight into the molecular changes underpinning maturation of the mouse spinal cord, we analysed gene expression differences between 4 weeks of age (prior to puberty onset) and adulthood (8 weeks). We found 800 genes were significantly differentially expressed between juvenile and adult spinal cords. Gene ontology analysis revealed an overrepresentation of genes with roles in myelination and signal transduction among others. The expression of a further 19 genes was sexually dimorphic; these included both autosomal and sex-linked genes. Given the presence of steroid hormone receptors in the spinal cord, we also looked at the impact of two major steroid hormones, oestradiol and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on spinal cord gene expression for selected genes. In gonadectomised male animals, implants with oestradiol and DHT produced significant changes to spinal cord gene expression. This study provides an overview of the global gene expression changes that occur as the spinal cord matures, over a key period of maturation. This confirms that both age and sex are important considerations in studies involving the spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy McCallum-Loudeac
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Greg Anderson
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Megan J Wilson
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand.
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32
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Samandari R, Hassanpour-Ezatti M, Fakhri S, Abbaszadeh F, Jorjani M. Sex Differences and Role of Gonadal Hormones on Glutamate LevelAfter Spinal Cord Injury in Rats: A Microdialysis Study. Basic Clin Neurosci 2019; 10:225-234. [PMID: 31462977 PMCID: PMC6712632 DOI: 10.32598/bcn.9.10.260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 04/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Sex differences in outcomes of Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) suggest a sex-hormone-mediated effect on post-SCI pathological events, including glutamate excitotoxicity. This study aimed to investigate the importance of gonadal hormones on glutamate release subsequent to SCI in rats. Methods: After laminectomy at T8–T9, an electrolytic lesion was applied to the spinothalamic tracts of male and female rats. Using spinal microdialysis, we assessed glutamate levels at the site of lesion in both intact and gonadectomized rats for 4 hours. In this way, we examined the sex differences in the glutamate concentrations. Results: The peak retention time of glutamate level was 10.6 min and spinal glutamate concentration reached a maximum level 40 min following SCI. In male SCI rats, gonadectomy caused a significant elevation of glutamate level (P<0.001) following injury which was maximum 40 min post-SCI as well. However, no significant alterations were seen in gonadectomized female rats. Conclusion: The significant differences in glutamate levels between both intact and gonadectomized SCI male and female rats show the sex-hormone-related mechanisms underlying the molecular events in the second phase of SCI. It seems that the role of male gonadal hormones to prevent glutamate excitotoxicity is more prominent. The exact mechanisms of these hormones on the functional recovery after SCI should be clarified in further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razieh Samandari
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Sajad Fakhri
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Abbaszadeh
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Jorjani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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33
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Walker CL, Fry CME, Wang J, Du X, Zuzzio K, Liu NK, Walker MJ, Xu XM. Functional and Histological Gender Comparison of Age-Matched Rats after Moderate Thoracic Contusive Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma 2019; 36:1974-1984. [PMID: 30489213 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2018.6233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) afflicts hundreds of thousands of Americans, and most SCI (∼80%) occurs in males. In experimental animal models, however, many studies used females. Funding agencies like the National Institutes of Health recommend that new proposed studies should include both genders due to variations in gender response to injuries, diseases, and treatments. However, cost and considerations for some animal models, such as SCI, affect investigators in adapting to this recommendation. Research has increased comparing gender effects in various disease and injury models, including SCI. However, most studies use weight-matched animals, which poses issues in comparing results and outcomes. The present study compared histologic and functional outcomes between age-matched male and female Sprague-Dawley rats in a moderate thoracic contusion SCI model. Cresyl violet and eosin staining showed no significant differences in lesion volume between genders after 9 weeks post-SCI (p > 0.05). Luxol fast blue-stained spared myelin was similar between genders, although slightly greater (∼6%) in spared myelin, compared with cord volume (p = 0.044). Glial reactivity and macrophage labeling in the lesion area was comparable between genders, as well. Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan (BBB) functional scores were not significantly different between genders, and Hargreaves thermal hyperalgesia and Gridwalk sensorimotor analyses also were similar between genders, compared with uninjured gender controls. Analysis of covariance showed weight did not influence functional recovery as assessed through BBB (p = 0.65) or Gridwalk assessment (p = 0.63) in this study. In conclusion, our findings suggest age-matched male and female rats recover similarly in a common clinically relevant SCI model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandler L Walker
- 1 Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.,3 Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.,5 Department of Biomedical and Applied Sciences, Indiana University School of Dentistry, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Colin M E Fry
- 1 Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.,2 Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.,4 Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Junmei Wang
- 5 Department of Biomedical and Applied Sciences, Indiana University School of Dentistry, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Xiaolong Du
- 1 Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Kirstin Zuzzio
- 5 Department of Biomedical and Applied Sciences, Indiana University School of Dentistry, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Nai-Kui Liu
- 1 Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.,2 Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.,4 Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Melissa J Walker
- 1 Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.,2 Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Xiao-Ming Xu
- 1 Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.,2 Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.,3 Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.,4 Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
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34
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Chew C, Kiley BJ, Sengelaub DR. Neuroprotective Effects on the Morphology of Somatic Motoneurons Following the Death of Neighboring Motoneurons: A Role for Microglia? Dev Neurobiol 2019; 79:131-154. [PMID: 30430756 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Partial depletion of spinal motoneuron populations induces dendritic atrophy in neighboring motoneurons, and treatment with testosterone protects motoneurons from induced dendritic atrophy. We explored a potential mechanism for this induced atrophy and protection by testosterone, examining the microglial response to partial depletion of motoneurons. Motoneurons innervating the vastus medialis muscles of adult male rats were killed by intramuscular injection of cholera toxin-conjugated saporin; some saporin-injected rats were treated with testosterone. Microglia were later visualized via immunohistochemical staining, classified as monitoring or activated, and counted stereologically. Partial motoneuron depletion increased the number of activated microglia in the quadriceps motor pool, and this increase was attenuated with testosterone treatment. The attenuation in microglial response could reflect an effect of testosterone on suppressing microglia activation, potentially sparing motoneuron dendrites. Alternatively, testosterone could be neuroprotective, sparing motoneuron dendrites, secondarily resulting in reduced microglial activation. To discriminate between these hypotheses, following partial motoneuron depletion, rats were treated with minocycline to inhibit microglial activation. Motoneurons innervating the ipsilateral vastus lateralis muscle were later labeled with cholera toxin-conjugated horseradish peroxidase, and dendritic arbors were reconstructed. Reduction of microglial activation by minocycline did not prevent induced dendritic atrophy following partial motoneuron depletion. Further, reduction of microglial activation by minocycline treatment resulted in dendritic atrophy in intact animals. Together, these findings indicate that the neuroprotective effect of testosterone on dendrites following motoneuron death is not due to inhibiting microglial activation, and that microglial activity contributes to the normal maintenance of dendritic arbors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cory Chew
- Program in Neuroscience and Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, 47405
| | - Brandon J Kiley
- Program in Neuroscience and Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, 47405
| | - Dale R Sengelaub
- Program in Neuroscience and Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, 47405
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35
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Wang Y, Wu W, Wu X, Sun Y, Zhang YP, Deng LX, Walker MJ, Qu W, Chen C, Liu NK, Han Q, Dai H, Shields LB, Shields CB, Sengelaub DR, Jones KJ, Smith GM, Xu XM. Remodeling of lumbar motor circuitry remote to a thoracic spinal cord injury promotes locomotor recovery. eLife 2018; 7:39016. [PMID: 30207538 PMCID: PMC6170189 DOI: 10.7554/elife.39016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Retrogradely-transported neurotrophin signaling plays an important role in regulating neural circuit specificity. Here we investigated whether targeted delivery of neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) to lumbar motoneurons (MNs) caudal to a thoracic (T10) contusive spinal cord injury (SCI) could modulate dendritic patterning and synapse formation of the lumbar MNs. In vitro, Adeno-associated virus serotype two overexpressing NT-3 (AAV-NT-3) induced NT-3 expression and neurite outgrowth in cultured spinal cord neurons. In vivo, targeted delivery of AAV-NT-3 into transiently demyelinated adult mouse sciatic nerves led to the retrograde transportation of NT-3 to the lumbar MNs, significantly attenuating SCI-induced lumbar MN dendritic atrophy. NT-3 enhanced sprouting and synaptic formation of descending serotonergic, dopaminergic, and propriospinal axons on lumbar MNs, parallel to improved behavioral recovery. Thus, retrogradely transported NT-3 stimulated remodeling of lumbar neural circuitry and synaptic connectivity remote to a thoracic SCI, supporting a role for retrograde transport of NT-3 as a potential therapeutic strategy for SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States.,Neural Tissue Engineering Research Institute, Mudanjiang College of Medicine, Mudanjiang, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States
| | - Xiangbing Wu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States
| | - Yan Sun
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States.,Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi P Zhang
- Norton Neuroscience Institute, Norton Healthcare, Louisville, United States
| | - Ling-Xiao Deng
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States
| | - Melissa Jane Walker
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States
| | - Wenrui Qu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States
| | - Chen Chen
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States.,Program in Medical Neuroscience, Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana, United States
| | - Nai-Kui Liu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States
| | - Qi Han
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States
| | - Heqiao Dai
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States
| | - Lisa Be Shields
- Norton Neuroscience Institute, Norton Healthcare, Louisville, United States
| | | | - Dale R Sengelaub
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, United States
| | - Kathryn J Jones
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States
| | - George M Smith
- Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Xiao-Ming Xu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States
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36
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Otzel DM, Lee J, Ye F, Borst SE, Yarrow JF. Activity-Based Physical Rehabilitation with Adjuvant Testosterone to Promote Neuromuscular Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19061701. [PMID: 29880749 PMCID: PMC6032131 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19061701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular impairment and reduced musculoskeletal integrity are hallmarks of spinal cord injury (SCI) that hinder locomotor recovery. These impairments are precipitated by the neurological insult and resulting disuse, which has stimulated interest in activity-based physical rehabilitation therapies (ABTs) that promote neuromuscular plasticity after SCI. However, ABT efficacy declines as SCI severity increases. Additionally, many men with SCI exhibit low testosterone, which may exacerbate neuromusculoskeletal impairment. Incorporating testosterone adjuvant to ABTs may improve musculoskeletal recovery and neuroplasticity because androgens attenuate muscle loss and the slow-to-fast muscle fiber-type transition after SCI, in a manner independent from mechanical strain, and promote motoneuron survival. These neuromusculoskeletal benefits are promising, although testosterone alone produces only limited functional improvement in rodent SCI models. In this review, we discuss the (1) molecular deficits underlying muscle loss after SCI; (2) independent influences of testosterone and locomotor training on neuromuscular function and musculoskeletal integrity post-SCI; (3) hormonal and molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic efficacy of these strategies; and (4) evidence supporting a multimodal strategy involving ABT with adjuvant testosterone, as a potential means to promote more comprehensive neuromusculoskeletal recovery than either strategy alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana M Otzel
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA.
| | - Jimmy Lee
- Research Service, Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA.
| | - Fan Ye
- Research Service, Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA.
| | - Stephen E Borst
- Department of Applied Physiology, Kinesiology and University of Florida College of Health and Human Performance, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA.
| | - Joshua F Yarrow
- Research Service, Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA.
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
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37
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Sengelaub DR, Xu XM. Protective effects of gonadal hormones on spinal motoneurons following spinal cord injury. Neural Regen Res 2018; 13:971-976. [PMID: 29926818 PMCID: PMC6022470 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.233434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in lesions that destroy tissue and disrupt spinal tracts, producing deficits in locomotor and autonomic function. The majority of treatment strategies after SCI have concentrated on the damaged spinal cord, for example working to reduce lesion size or spread, or encouraging regrowth of severed descending axonal projections through the lesion, hoping to re-establish synaptic connectivity with caudal targets. In our work, we have focused on a novel target for treatment after SCI, surviving spinal motoneurons and their target musculature, with the hope of developing effective treatments to preserve or restore lost function following SCI. We previously demonstrated that motoneurons, and the muscles they innervate, show pronounced atrophy after SCI. Importantly, SCI-induced atrophy of motoneuron dendrites can be attenuated by treatment with gonadal hormones, testosterone and its active metabolites, estradiol and dihydrotestosterone. Similarly, SCI-induced reductions in muscle fiber cross-sectional areas can be prevented by treatment with androgens. Together, these findings suggest that regressive changes in motoneuron and muscle morphology seen after SCI can be ameliorated by treatment with gonadal hormones, further supporting a role for steroid hormones as neurotherapeutic agents in the injured nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dale R. Sengelaub
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Xiao-Ming Xu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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38
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Phillips EG, Beggs LA, Ye F, Conover CF, Beck DT, Otzel DM, Ghosh P, Bassit ACF, Borst SE, Yarrow JF. Effects of pharmacologic sclerostin inhibition or testosterone administration on soleus muscle atrophy in rodents after spinal cord injury. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0194440. [PMID: 29579075 PMCID: PMC5868788 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Sclerostin is a circulating osteocyte-derived glycoprotein that negatively regulates Wnt-signaling after binding the LRP5/LRP6 co-receptors. Pharmacologic sclerostin inhibition produces bone anabolic effects after spinal cord injury (SCI), however, the effects of sclerostin-antibody (Scl-Ab) on muscle morphology remain unknown. In comparison, androgen administration produces bone antiresorptive effects after SCI and some, but not all, studies have reported that testosterone treatment ameliorates skeletal muscle atrophy in this context. Our purposes were to determine whether Scl-Ab prevents hindlimb muscle loss after SCI and compare the effects of Scl-Ab to testosterone enanthate (TE), an agent with known myotrophic effects. Male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 5 months received: (A) SHAM surgery (T8 laminectomy), (B) moderate-severe contusion SCI, (C) SCI+TE (7.0 mg/wk, im), or (D) SCI+Scl-Ab (25 mg/kg, twice weekly, sc). Twenty-one days post-injury, SCI animals exhibited a 31% lower soleus mass in comparison to SHAM, accompanied by >50% lower soleus muscle fiber cross-sectional area (fCSA) (p<0.01 for all fiber types). Scl-Ab did not prevent soleus atrophy, consistent with the relatively low circulating sclerostin concentrations and with the 91–99% lower LRP5/LRP6 gene expressions in soleus versus tibia (p<0.001), a tissue with known anabolic responsiveness to Scl-Ab. In comparison, TE partially prevented soleus atrophy and increased levator ani/bulbocavernosus (LABC) mass by 30–40% (p<0.001 vs all groups). The differing myotrophic responsiveness coincided with a 3-fold higher androgen receptor gene expression in LABC versus soleus (p<0.01). This study provides the first direct evidence that Scl-Ab does not prevent soleus muscle atrophy in rodents after SCI and suggests that variable myotrophic responses in rodent muscles after androgen administration are influenced by androgen receptor expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ean G. Phillips
- Research Service, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Luke A. Beggs
- Research Service, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Fan Ye
- Research Service, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Christine F. Conover
- Research Service, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Darren T. Beck
- School of Kinesiology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States of America
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine-Auburn Campus, Auburn, AL, United States of America
| | - Dana M. Otzel
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Payal Ghosh
- Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States of America
| | - Anna C. F. Bassit
- Orthopedics Department, Shriners Hospital for Children, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Stephen E. Borst
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Joshua F. Yarrow
- Research Service, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Sengelaub DR, Han Q, Liu NK, Maczuga MA, Szalavari V, Valencia SA, Xu XM. Protective Effects of Estradiol and Dihydrotestosterone following Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma 2018; 35:825-841. [PMID: 29132243 PMCID: PMC5863086 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2017.5329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in lesions that destroy tissue and disrupt spinal tracts, producing deficits in locomotor and autonomic function. We previously demonstrated that motoneurons and the muscles they innervate show pronounced atrophy after SCI, and these changes are prevented by treatment with testosterone. Here, we assessed whether the testosterone active metabolites estradiol and dihydrotestosterone have similar protective effects after SCI. Young adult female rats received either sham or T9 spinal cord contusion injuries and were treated with estradiol, dihydrotestosterone, both, or nothing via Silastic capsules. Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan locomotor testing was performed weekly and voiding behavior was assessed at 3 weeks post-injury. Four weeks after SCI, lesion volume and tissue sparing, quadriceps muscle fiber cross-sectional area, and motoneuron dendritic morphology were assessed. Spontaneous locomotor behavior improved after SCI, but hormone treatments had no effect. Voiding behavior was disrupted after SCI, but was significantly improved by treatment with either estradiol or dihydrotestosterone; combined treatment was maximally effective. Treatment with estradiol reduced lesion volume, but dihydrotestosterone alone and estradiol combined with dihydrotestosterone were ineffective. SCI-induced decreases in motoneuron dendritic length were attenuated by all hormone treatments. SCI-induced reductions in muscle fiber cross-sectional areas were prevented by treatment with either dihydrotestosterone or estradiol combined with dihydrotestosterone, but estradiol treatment was ineffective. These findings suggest that deficits in micturition and regressive changes in motoneuron and muscle morphology seen after SCI are ameliorated by treatment with estradiol or dihydrotestosterone, further supporting a role for steroid hormones as neurotherapeutic agents in the injured nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dale R. Sengelaub
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Qi Han
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Nai-Kui Liu
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Melissa A. Maczuga
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Violetta Szalavari
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
| | | | - Xiao-Ming Xu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
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Ganzer PD, Beringer CR, Shumsky JS, Nwaobasi C, Moxon KA. Serotonin receptor and dendritic plasticity in the spinal cord mediated by chronic serotonergic pharmacotherapy combined with exercise following complete SCI in the adult rat. Exp Neurol 2018. [PMID: 29526741 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2018.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Severe spinal cord injury (SCI) damages descending motor and serotonin (5-HT) fiber projections leading to paralysis and serotonin depletion. 5-HT receptors (5-HTRs) subsequently upregulate following 5-HT fiber degeneration, and dendritic density decreases indicative of atrophy. 5-HT pharmacotherapy or exercise can improve locomotor behavior after SCI. One might expect that 5-HT pharmacotherapy acts on upregulated spinal 5-HTRs to enhance function, and that exercise alone can influence dendritic atrophy. In the current study, we assessed locomotor recovery and spinal proteins influenced by SCI and therapy. 5-HT, 5-HT2AR, 5-HT1AR, and dendritic densities were quantified both early (1 week) and late (9 weeks) after SCI, and also following therapeutic interventions (5-HT pharmacotherapy, bike therapy, or a combination). Interestingly, chronic 5-HT pharmacotherapy largely normalized spinal 5-HTR upregulation following injury. Improvement in locomotor behavior was not correlated to 5-HTR density. These results support the hypothesis that chronic 5-HT pharmacotherapy can mediate recovery following SCI, despite acting on largely normal spinal 5-HTR levels. We next assessed spinal dendritic plasticity and its potential role in locomotor recovery. Single therapies did not normalize the loss of dendritic density after SCI. Groups displaying significantly atrophied dendritic processes were rarely able to achieve weight supported open-field locomotion. Only a combination of 5-HT pharmacotherapy and bike therapy enabled significant open-field weigh-supported stepping, mediated in part by restoring spinal dendritic density. These results support the use of combined therapies to synergistically impact multiple markers of spinal plasticity and improve motor recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick D Ganzer
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, 3141 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States.
| | - Carl R Beringer
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, 3141 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Jed S Shumsky
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900 Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19129, United States
| | - Chiemela Nwaobasi
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, 3141 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Karen A Moxon
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, 3141 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States; Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900 Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19129, United States
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Li WY, Zhang WT, Cheng YX, Liu YC, Zhai FG, Sun P, Li HT, Deng LX, Zhu XF, Wang Y. Inhibition of KLF7-Targeting MicroRNA 146b Promotes Sciatic Nerve Regeneration. Neurosci Bull 2018; 34:419-437. [PMID: 29356943 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-018-0206-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A previous study has indicated that Krüppel-like factor 7 (KLF7), a transcription factor that stimulates Schwann cell (SC) proliferation and axonal regeneration after peripheral nerve injury, is a promising therapeutic transcription factor in nerve injury. We aimed to identify whether inhibition of microRNA-146b (miR-146b) affected SC proliferation, migration, and myelinated axon regeneration following sciatic nerve injury by regulating its direct target KLF7. SCs were transfected with miRNA lentivirus, miRNA inhibitor lentivirus, or KLF7 siRNA lentivirus in vitro. The expression of miR146b and KLF7, as well as SC proliferation and migration, were subsequently evaluated. In vivo, an acellular nerve allograft (ANA) followed by injection of GFP control vector or a lentiviral vector encoding an miR-146b inhibitor was used to assess the repair potential in a model of sciatic nerve gap. miR-146b directly targeted KLF7 by binding to the 3'-UTR, suppressing KLF7. Up-regulation of miR-146b and KLF7 knockdown significantly reduced the proliferation and migration of SCs, whereas silencing miR-146b resulted in increased proliferation and migration. KLF7 protein was localized in SCs in which miR-146b was expressed in vivo. Similarly, 4 weeks after the ANA, anti-miR-146b increased KLF7 and its target gene nerve growth factor cascade, promoting axonal outgrowth. Closer analysis revealed improved nerve conduction and sciatic function index score, and enhanced expression of neurofilaments, P0 (anti-peripheral myelin), and myelinated axon regeneration. Our findings provide new insight into the regulation of KLF7 by miR-146b during peripheral nerve regeneration and suggest a potential therapeutic strategy for peripheral nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Yuan Li
- Department of Anatomy, Mudanjiang College of Medicine, Mudanjiang, 157011, China
| | - Wei-Ting Zhang
- The Affiliated Hongqi Hospital, Mudanjiang College of Medicine, Mudanjiang, 157011, China
| | - Yong-Xia Cheng
- Department of Pathology, Mudanjiang College of Medicine, Mudanjiang, 157011, China
| | - Yan-Cui Liu
- Department of Anatomy, Mudanjiang College of Medicine, Mudanjiang, 157011, China
| | - Feng-Guo Zhai
- Department of Pharmacy, Mudanjiang College of Medicine, Mudanjiang, 157011, China
| | - Ping Sun
- Department of Anatomy, Mudanjiang College of Medicine, Mudanjiang, 157011, China
| | - Hui-Ting Li
- The Affiliated Hongqi Hospital, Mudanjiang College of Medicine, Mudanjiang, 157011, China
| | - Ling-Xiao Deng
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Xiao-Feng Zhu
- Department of Anatomy, Mudanjiang College of Medicine, Mudanjiang, 157011, China.
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Anatomy, Mudanjiang College of Medicine, Mudanjiang, 157011, China.
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Zhang C, Rong W, Zhang GH, Wang AH, Wu CZ, Huo XL. Early electrical field stimulation prevents the loss of spinal cord anterior horn motoneurons and muscle atrophy following spinal cord injury. Neural Regen Res 2018; 13:869-876. [PMID: 29863018 PMCID: PMC5998640 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.232483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Our previous study revealed that early application of electrical field stimulation (EFS) with the anode at the lesion and the cathode distal to the lesion reduced injury potential, inhibited secondary injury and was neuroprotective in the dorsal corticospinal tract after spinal cord injury (SCI). The objective of this study was to further evaluate the effect of EFS on protection of anterior horn motoneurons and their target musculature after SCI and its mechanism. Rats were randomized into three equal groups. The EFS group received EFS for 30 minutes immediately after injury at T10. SCI group rats were only subjected to SCI and sham group rats were only subjected to laminectomy. Luxol fast blue staining demonstrated that spinal cord tissue in the injury center was better protected; cross-sectional area and perimeter of injured tissue were significantly smaller in the EFS group than in the SCI group. Immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy showed that the number of spinal cord anterior horn motoneurons was greater and the number of abnormal neurons reduced in the EFS group compared with the SCI group. Wet weight and cross-sectional area of vastus lateralis muscles were smaller in the SCI group to in the sham group. However, EFS improved muscle atrophy and behavioral examination showed that EFS significantly increased the angle in the inclined plane test and Tarlov's motor grading score. The above results confirm that early EFS can effectively impede spinal cord anterior horn motoneuron loss, promote motor function recovery and reduce muscle atrophy in rats after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetism, Institute of Electrical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Rong
- Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Medical Center, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Guang-Hao Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetism, Institute of Electrical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ai-Hua Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetism, Institute of Electrical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chang-Zhe Wu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetism, Institute of Electrical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Lin Huo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetism, Institute of Electrical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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AAV-KLF7 Promotes Descending Propriospinal Neuron Axonal Plasticity after Spinal Cord Injury. Neural Plast 2017; 2017:1621629. [PMID: 28884027 PMCID: PMC5572611 DOI: 10.1155/2017/1621629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Revised: 05/27/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
DPSN axons mediate and maintain a variety of normal spinal functions. Unsurprisingly, DPSN tracts have been shown to mediate functional recovery following SCI. KLF7 could contribute to CST axon plasticity after spinal cord injury. In the present study, we assessed whether KLF7 could effectively promote DPSN axon regeneration and synapse formation following SCI. An AAV-KLF7 construct was used to overexpress KLF7. In vitro, KLF7 and target proteins were successfully elevated and axonal outgrowth was enhanced. In vivo, young adult C57BL/6 mice received a T10 contusion followed by an AAV-KLF7 injection at the T7–9 levels above the lesion. Five weeks later, overexpression of KLF7 was expressed in DPSN. KLF7 and KLF7 target genes (NGF, TrkA, GAP43, and P0) were detectably increased in the injured spinal cord. Myelin sparring at the lesion site, DPSN axonal regeneration and synapse formation, muscle weight, motor endplate morphology, and functional parameters were all additionally improved by KLF7 treatment. Our findings suggest that KLF7 promotes DPSN axonal plasticity and the formation of synapses with motor neurons at the caudal spinal cord, leading to improved functional recovery and further supporting the potential of AAV-KLF7 as a therapeutic agent for spinal cord injury.
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Wang Y, Li WY, Jia H, Zhai FG, Qu WR, Cheng YX, Liu YC, Deng LX, Guo SF, Jin ZS. KLF7-transfected Schwann cell graft transplantation promotes sciatic nerve regeneration. Neuroscience 2016; 340:319-332. [PMID: 27826105 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.10.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 10/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Our former study demonstrated that Krüppel-like Factor 7 (KLF7) is a transcription factor that stimulates axonal regeneration after peripheral nerve injury. Currently, we used a gene therapy approach to overexpress KLF7 in Schwann cells (SCs) and assessed whether KLF7-transfected SCs graft could promote sciatic nerve regeneration. SCs were transfected by adeno-associated virus 2 (AAV2)-KLF7 in vitro. Mice were allografted by an acellular nerve (ANA) with either an injection of DMEM (ANA group), SCs (ANA+SCs group) or AAV2-KLF7-transfected SCs (ANA+KLF7-SCs group) to assess repair of a sciatic nerve gap. The results indicate that KLF7 overexpression promoted the proliferation of both transfected SCs and native SCs. The neurite length of the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) explants was enhanced. Several beneficial effects were detected in the ANA+KLF7-SCs group including an increase in the compound action potential amplitude, sciatic function index score, enhanced expression of PKH26-labeling transplant SCs, peripheral myelin protein 0, neurofilaments, S-100, and myelinated regeneration nerve. Additionally, HRP-labeled motoneurons in the spinal cord, CTB-labeled sensory neurons in the DRG, motor endplate density and the weight ratios of target muscles were increased by the treatment while thermal hyperalgesia was diminished. Finally, expression of KLF7, NGF, GAP43, TrkA and TrkB were enhanced in the grafted SCs, which may indicate that several signal pathways may be involved in conferring the beneficial effects from KLF7 overexpression. We concluded that KLF7-overexpressing SCs promoted axonal regeneration of the peripheral nerve and enhanced myelination, which collectively proved KLF-SCs as a novel therapeutic strategy for injured nerves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Department of Anatomy, Mudanjiang College of Medicine, Mudanjiang 157011, China
| | - Wen-Yuan Li
- Department of Anatomy, Mudanjiang College of Medicine, Mudanjiang 157011, China.
| | - Hua Jia
- Department of Anatomy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Feng-Guo Zhai
- Department of Pharmacology, Mudanjiang College of Medicine, Mudanjiang 157011, China
| | - Wen-Rui Qu
- Hand & Foot Surgery and Reparative & Reconstructive Surgery Center, Orthopaedic Hospital of the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Yong-Xia Cheng
- Department of Pathology, Mudanjiang College of Medicine, Mudanjiang 157011, China
| | - Yan-Cui Liu
- Department of Anatomy, Mudanjiang College of Medicine, Mudanjiang 157011, China
| | - Ling-Xiao Deng
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Su-Fen Guo
- Hand & Foot Surgery and Reparative & Reconstructive Surgery Center, Orthopaedic Hospital of the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Zai-Shun Jin
- Hand & Foot Surgery and Reparative & Reconstructive Surgery Center, Orthopaedic Hospital of the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
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Transcriptional and Epigenetic Regulation in Injury-Mediated Neuronal Dendritic Plasticity. Neurosci Bull 2016; 33:85-94. [PMID: 27730386 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-016-0071-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Injury to the nervous system induces localized damage in neural structures and neuronal death through the primary insult, as well as delayed atrophy and impaired plasticity of the delicate dendritic fields necessary for interneuronal communication. Excitotoxicity and other secondary biochemical events contribute to morphological changes in neurons following injury. Evidence suggests that various transcription factors are involved in the dendritic response to injury and potential therapies. Transcription factors play critical roles in the intracellular regulation of neuronal morphological plasticity and dendritic growth and patterning. Mounting evidence supports a crucial role for epigenetic modifications via histone deacetylases, histone acetyltransferases, and DNA methyltransferases that modify gene expression in neuronal injury and repair processes. Gene regulation through epigenetic modification is of great interest in neurotrauma research, and an early picture is beginning to emerge concerning how injury triggers intracellular events that modulate such responses. This review provides an overview of injury-mediated influences on transcriptional regulation through epigenetic modification, the intracellular processes involved in the morphological consequences of such changes, and potential approaches to the therapeutic manipulation of neuronal epigenetics for regulating gene expression to facilitate growth and signaling through dendritic arborization following injury.
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Cai Y, Chew C, Muñoz F, Sengelaub DR. Neuroprotective effects of testosterone metabolites and dependency on receptor action on the morphology of somatic motoneurons following the death of neighboring motoneurons. Dev Neurobiol 2016; 77:691-707. [PMID: 27569375 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Revised: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Partial depletion of spinal motoneuron populations induces dendritic atrophy in neighboring motoneurons, and treatment with testosterone is neuroprotective, attenuating induced dendritic atrophy. In this study we examined whether the protective effects of testosterone could be mediated via its androgenic or estrogenic metabolites. Furthermore, to assess whether these neuroprotective effects were mediated through steroid hormone receptors, we used receptor antagonists to attempt to prevent the neuroprotective effects of hormones after partial motoneuron depletion. Motoneurons innervating the vastus medialis muscles of adult male rats were selectively killed by intramuscular injection of cholera toxin-conjugated saporin. Simultaneously, some saporin-injected rats were treated with either dihydrotestosterone or estradiol, alone or in combination with their respective receptor antagonists, or left untreated. Four weeks later, motoneurons innervating the ipsilateral vastus lateralis muscle were labeled with cholera toxin-conjugated horseradish peroxidase, and dendritic arbors were reconstructed in three dimensions. Compared with intact normal animals, partial motoneuron depletion resulted in decreased dendritic length in remaining quadriceps motoneurons. Dendritic atrophy was attenuated with both dihydrotestosterone and estradiol treatment to a degree similar to that seen with testosterone, and attenuation of atrophy was prevented by receptor blockade. Together, these findings suggest that neuroprotective effects on motoneurons can be mediated by either androgenic or estrogenic hormones and require action via steroid hormone receptors, further supporting a role for hormones as neurotherapeutic agents in the injured nervous system. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 77: 691-707, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Cai
- Program in Neuroscience and Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, 47405
| | - Cory Chew
- Program in Neuroscience and Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, 47405
| | - Fernando Muñoz
- Program in Neuroscience and Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, 47405
| | - Dale R Sengelaub
- Program in Neuroscience and Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, 47405
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Wang Y, Jia H, Li WY, Guan LX, Deng L, Liu YC, Liu GB. Molecular examination of bone marrow stromal cells and chondroitinase ABC-assisted acellular nerve allograft for peripheral nerve regeneration. Exp Ther Med 2016; 12:1980-1992. [PMID: 27698684 PMCID: PMC5038205 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2016.3585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate the molecular mechanisms underlying combinatorial bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC) transplantation and chondroitinase ABC (Ch-ABC) therapy in a model of acellular nerve allograft (ANA) repair of the sciatic nerve gap in rats. Sprague Dawley rats (n=24) were used as nerve donors and Wistar rats (n=48) were randomly divided into the following groups: Group I, Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) control group (ANA treated with DMEM only); Group II, Ch-ABC group (ANA treated with Ch-ABC only); Group III, BMSC group (ANA seeded with BMSCs only); Group IV, Ch-ABC + BMSCs group (Ch-ABC treated ANA then seeded with BMSCs). After 8 weeks, the expression of nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor and vascular endothelial growth factor in the regenerated tissues were detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Axonal regeneration, motor neuron protection and functional recovery were examined by immunohistochemistry, horseradish peroxidase retrograde neural tracing and electrophysiological and tibialis anterior muscle recovery analyses. It was observed that combination therapy enhances the growth response of the donor nerve locally as well as distally, at the level of the spinal cord motoneuron and the target muscle organ. This phenomenon is likely due to the propagation of retrograde and anterograde transport of growth signals sourced from the graft site. Collectively, growth improvement on the donor nerve, target muscle and motoneuron ultimately contribute to efficacious axonal regeneration and functional recovery. Thorough investigation of molecular peripheral nerve injury combinatorial strategies are required for the optimization of efficacious therapy and full functional recovery following ANA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Department of Anatomy, Mudanjiang College of Medicine, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang 157011, P.R. China
| | - Hua Jia
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui 750004, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Yuan Li
- Department of Anatomy, Mudanjiang College of Medicine, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang 157011, P.R. China
| | - Li-Xin Guan
- Department of Anatomy, Mudanjiang College of Medicine, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang 157011, P.R. China
| | - Lingxiao Deng
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Yan-Cui Liu
- Department of Anatomy, Mudanjiang College of Medicine, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang 157011, P.R. China
| | - Gui-Bo Liu
- Department of Anatomy, Mudanjiang College of Medicine, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang 157011, P.R. China
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Bittner GD, Sengelaub DR, Trevino RC, Peduzzi JD, Mikesh M, Ghergherehchi CL, Schallert T, Thayer WP. The curious ability of polyethylene glycol fusion technologies to restore lost behaviors after nerve severance. J Neurosci Res 2015; 94:207-30. [PMID: 26525605 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Revised: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic injuries to PNS and CNS axons are not uncommon. Restoration of lost behaviors following severance of mammalian peripheral nerve axons (PNAs) relies on regeneration by slow outgrowths and is typically poor or nonexistent when after ablation or injuries close to the soma. Behavioral recovery after severing spinal tract axons (STAs) is poor because STAs do not naturally regenerate. Current techniques to enhance PNA and/or STA regeneration have had limited success and do not prevent the onset of Wallerian degeneration of severed distal segments. This Review describes the use of a recently developed polyethylene glycol (PEG) fusion technology combining concepts from biochemical engineering, cell biology, and clinical microsurgery. Within minutes after microsuturing carefully trimmed cut ends and applying a well-specified sequence of solutions, PEG-fused axons exhibit morphological continuity (assessed by intra-axonal dye diffusion) and electrophysiological continuity (assessed by conduction of action potentials) across the lesion site. Wallerian degeneration of PEG-fused PNAs is greatly reduced as measured by counts of sensory and/or motor axons and maintenance of axonal diameters and neuromuscular synapses. After PEG-fusion repair, cut-severed, crush-severed, or ablated PNAs or crush-severed STAs rapidly (within days to weeks), more completely, and permanently restore PNA- or STA-mediated behaviors compared with nontreated or conventionally treated animals. PEG-fusion success is enhanced or decreased by applying antioxidants or oxidants, trimming cut ends or stretching axons, and exposure to Ca(2+) -free or Ca(2+) -containing solutions, respectively. PEG-fusion technology employs surgical techniques and chemicals already used by clinicians and has the potential to produce a paradigm shift in the treatment of traumatic injuries to PNAs and STAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- G D Bittner
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - D R Sengelaub
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - R C Trevino
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Wellspan Health, York, Pennsylvania
| | - J D Peduzzi
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - M Mikesh
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - C L Ghergherehchi
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - T Schallert
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - W P Thayer
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
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49
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Wang H, Liu NK, Zhang YP, Deng L, Lu QB, Shields CB, Walker MJ, Li J, Xu XM. Treadmill training induced lumbar motoneuron dendritic plasticity and behavior recovery in adult rats after a thoracic contusive spinal cord injury. Exp Neurol 2015; 271:368-78. [PMID: 26164199 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2015.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Revised: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is devastating, causing sensorimotor impairments and paralysis. Persisting functional limitations on physical activity negatively affect overall health in individuals with SCI. Physical training may improve motor function by affecting cellular and molecular responses of motor pathways in the central nervous system (CNS) after SCI. Although motoneurons form the final common path for motor output from the CNS, little is known concerning the effect of exercise training on spared motoneurons below the level of injury. Here we examined the effect of treadmill training on morphological, trophic, and synaptic changes in the lumbar motoneuron pool and on behavior recovery after a moderate contusive SCI inflicted at the 9th thoracic vertebral level (T9) using an Infinite Horizon (IH, 200 kDyne) impactor. We found that treadmill training significantly improved locomotor function, assessed by Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale, and reduced foot drops, assessed by grid walking performance, as compared with non-training. Additionally, treadmill training significantly increased the total neurite length per lumbar motoneuron innervating the soleus and tibialis anterior muscles of the hindlimbs as compared to non-training. Moreover, treadmill training significantly increased the expression of a neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the lumbar motoneurons as compared to non-training. Finally, treadmill training significantly increased synaptic density, identified by synaptophysin immunoreactivity, in the lumbar motoneuron pool as compared to non-training. However, the density of serotonergic terminals in the same regions did not show a significant difference between treadmill training and non-training. Thus, our study provides a biological basis for exercise training as an effective medical practice to improve recovery after SCI. Such an effect may be mediated by synaptic plasticity, and neurotrophic modification in the spared lumbar motoneuron pool caudal to a thoracic contusive SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxing Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, PR China; Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Nai-Kui Liu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Yi Ping Zhang
- Norton Neuroscience Institute, Norton Healthcare, Louisville, KY 40202, United States
| | - Lingxiao Deng
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Qing-Bo Lu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Christopher B Shields
- Norton Neuroscience Institute, Norton Healthcare, Louisville, KY 40202, United States
| | - Melissa J Walker
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Jianan Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, PR China.
| | - Xiao-Ming Xu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States.
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50
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Bauman WA, Cirnigliaro CM, La Fountaine MF, Martinez L, Kirshblum SC, Spungen AM. Zoledronic acid administration failed to prevent bone loss at the knee in persons with acute spinal cord injury: an observational cohort study. J Bone Miner Metab 2015; 33:410-21. [PMID: 25158630 DOI: 10.1007/s00774-014-0602-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2014] [Accepted: 05/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
After acute spinal cord injury (SCI), rapid depletion of the sublesional skeleton occurs, particularly at the distal femur and proximal tibia. Subsequently, fragility fractures of the knee may occur. We determined the efficacy of zoledronic acid to prevent sublesional bone mineral density (BMD) loss at 6 and 12 months after acute SCI. Thirteen subjects with acute motor-complete SCI were prospectively studied: 6 patients received zoledronic acid (5 mg) and 7 subjects did not receive the drug (controls). Zoledronic acid was administered intravenously within 16 weeks of acute injury. Areal BMD was performed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry at baseline, 6, and 12 months after administration of drug. The treatment group demonstrated sparing of BMD at the total hip at month 6 (p < 0.0006) and at month 12 (p < 0.01). In contrast to the findings at the hip, the treatment group had a greater loss of BMD compared to the control group at the distal femur and proximal tibia at month 6 (-7.9% ± 3.4 vs.-2.7% ± 5.0, respectively, p = 0.054; and -10.5% ± 6.4 vs. -4.8% ± 6.8, respectively, p = NS) and at month 12 (-18.5% ± 3.9 vs. -8.4% ± 7.2, respectively, p = 0.01; and -20.4% ± 8.8 vs.-7.9% ± 12.3, respectively, p = 0.06). A single dose of zoledronic acid administered soon after acute SCI reduced the %BMD loss at the hip, but appeared to have no effect to prevent %BMD loss at the knee, the site where fracture risk is greatest in persons with SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- William A Bauman
- VA RR&D National Center of Excellence for the Medical Consequences of Spinal Cord Injury, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, 130 West Kingsbridge Road, Bronx, NY, 10468, USA,
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