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Lutfi Ismaeel G, Makki AlHassani OJ, S Alazragi R, Hussein Ahmed A, H Mohamed A, Yasir Jasim N, Hassan Shari F, Almashhadani HA. Genetically engineered neural stem cells (NSCs) therapy for neurological diseases; state-of-the-art. Biotechnol Prog 2023; 39:e3363. [PMID: 37221947 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.3363] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) are multipotent stem cells with remarkable self-renewal potential and also unique competencies to differentiate into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes (ODCs) and improve the cellular microenvironment. In addition, NSCs secret diversity of mediators, including neurotrophic factors (e.g., BDNF, NGF, GDNF, CNTF, and NT-3), pro-angiogenic mediators (e.g., FGF-2 and VEGF), and anti-inflammatory biomolecules. Thereby, NSCs transplantation has become a reasonable and effective treatment for various neurodegenerative disorders by their capacity to induce neurogenesis and vasculogenesis and dampen neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Nonetheless, various drawbacks such as lower migration and survival and less differential capacity to a particular cell lineage concerning the disease pathogenesis hinder their application. Thus, genetic engineering of NSCs before transplantation is recently regarded as an innovative strategy to bypass these hurdles. Indeed, genetically modified NSCs could bring about more favored therapeutic influences post-transplantation in vivo, making them an excellent option for neurological disease therapy. This review for the first time offers a comprehensive review of the therapeutic capability of genetically modified NSCs rather than naïve NSCs in neurological disease beyond brain tumors and sheds light on the recent progress and prospect in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghufran Lutfi Ismaeel
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, University of Al-Ameed, Karbala, Iraq
| | | | - Reem S Alazragi
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ammar Hussein Ahmed
- Department of Radiology and Sonar, College of Medical Techniques, Al-Farahidi University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Asma'a H Mohamed
- Intelligent Medical Systems Department, Al-Mustaqbal University College, Babylon, Iraq
| | - Nisreen Yasir Jasim
- Collage of Pharmacy, National University of Science and Technology, Dhi Qar, Iraq
| | - Falah Hassan Shari
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq
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2
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David BT, Curtin JJ, Brown JL, Scorpio K, Kandaswamy V, Coutts DJC, Vivinetto A, Bianchimano P, Karuppagounder SS, Metcalfe M, Cave JW, Hill CE. Temporary induction of hypoxic adaptations by preconditioning fails to enhance Schwann cell transplant survival after spinal cord injury. Glia 2023; 71:648-666. [PMID: 36565279 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24302] [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: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxic preconditioning is protective in multiple models of injury and disease, but whether it is beneficial for cells transplanted into sites of spinal cord injury (SCI) is largely unexplored. In this study, we analyzed whether hypoxia-related preconditioning protected Schwann cells (SCs) transplanted into the contused thoracic rat spinal cord. Hypoxic preconditioning was induced in SCs prior to transplantation by exposure to either low oxygen (1% O2 ) or pharmacological agents (deferoxamine or adaptaquin). All preconditioning approaches induced hypoxic adaptations, including increased expression of HIF-1α and its target genes. These adaptations, however, were transient and resolved within 24 h of transplantation. Pharmacological preconditioning attenuated spinal cord oxidative stress and enhanced transplant vascularization, but it did not improve either transplanted cell survival or recovery of sensory or motor function. Together, these experiments show that hypoxia-related preconditioning is ineffective at augmenting either cell survival or the functional outcomes of SC-SCI transplants. They also reveal that the benefits of hypoxia-related adaptations induced by preconditioning for cell transplant therapies are not universal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian T David
- Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, New York, USA.,The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Jessica J Curtin
- Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, New York, USA.,The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Jennifer L Brown
- Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, New York, USA.,The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Kerri Scorpio
- Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, New York, USA.,The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Veena Kandaswamy
- Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, New York, USA.,The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA
| | - David J C Coutts
- Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, New York, USA.,The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Ana Vivinetto
- Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, New York, USA.,The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Paola Bianchimano
- Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, New York, USA.,The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Saravanan S Karuppagounder
- Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, New York, USA.,The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Mariajose Metcalfe
- Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, New York, USA.,The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA
| | - John W Cave
- InVitro Cell Research, LLC, Englewood, New Jersey, USA
| | - Caitlin E Hill
- Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, New York, USA.,The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA.,Neural Stem Cell Institute, Rensselaer, New York, USA
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3
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Cunningham C, Viskontas M, Janowicz K, Sani Y, Håkansson M, Heidari A, Huang W, Bo X. The potential of gene therapies for spinal cord injury repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis of pre-clinical studies. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:299-305. [PMID: 35900407 PMCID: PMC9396485 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.347941] [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] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, there is no cure for traumatic spinal cord injury but one therapeutic approach showing promise is gene therapy. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aim to assess the efficacy of gene therapies in pre-clinical models of spinal cord injury and the risk of bias. In this meta-analysis, registered at PROSPERO (Registration ID: CRD42020185008), we identified relevant controlled in vivo studies published in English by searching the PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases. No restrictions of the year of publication were applied and the last literature search was conducted on August 3, 2020. We then conducted a random-effects meta-analysis using the restricted maximum likelihood estimator. A total of 71 studies met our inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. Our results showed that overall, gene therapies were associated with improvements in locomotor score (standardized mean difference [SMD]: 2.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.68–2.47, Tau2 = 2.13, I2 = 83.6%) and axonal regrowth (SMD: 2.78, 95%CI: 1.92–3.65, Tau2 = 4.13, I2 = 85.5%). There was significant asymmetry in the funnel plots of both outcome measures indicating the presence of publication bias. We used a modified CAMARADES (Collaborative Approach to Meta-Analysis and Review of Animal Data in Experimental Studies) checklist to assess the risk of bias, finding that the median score was 4 (IQR:3–5). In particular, reports of allocation concealment and sample size calculations were lacking. In conclusion, gene therapies are showing promise as therapies for spinal cord injury repair, but there is no consensus on which gene or genes should be targeted.
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Chang DJ, Cho HY, Hwang S, Lee N, Choi C, Lee H, Hong KS, Oh SH, Kim HS, Shin DA, Yoon YW, Song J. Therapeutic Effect of BDNF-Overexpressing Human Neural Stem Cells (F3.BDNF) in a Contusion Model of Spinal Cord Injury in Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:6970. [PMID: 34203489 PMCID: PMC8269438 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The most common type of spinal cord injury is the contusion of the spinal cord, which causes progressive secondary tissue degeneration. In this study, we applied genetically modified human neural stem cells overexpressing BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) (F3.BDNF) to determine whether they can promote functional recovery in the spinal cord injury (SCI) model in rats. We transplanted F3.BDNF cells via intrathecal catheter delivery after a contusion of the thoracic spinal cord and found that they were migrated toward the injured spinal cord area by MR imaging. Transplanted F3.BDNF cells expressed neural lineage markers, such as NeuN, MBP, and GFAP and were functionally connected to the host neurons. The F3.BDNF-transplanted rats exhibited significantly improved locomotor functions compared with the sham group. This functional recovery was accompanied by an increased volume of spared myelination and decreased area of cystic cavity in the F3.BDNF group. We also observed that the F3.BDNF-transplanted rats showed reduced numbers of Iba1- and iNOS-positive inflammatory cells as well as GFAP-positive astrocytes. These results strongly suggest the transplantation of F3.BDNF cells can modulate inflammatory cells and glia activation and also improve the hyperalgesia following SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da-Jeong Chang
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA Stem Cell Institute, CHA University, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Korea; (D.-J.C.); (S.H.); (N.L.); (C.C.)
| | - Hwi-Young Cho
- Department of Physical Therapy, Gachon University, 191 Hambakmoero, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21936, Korea;
| | - Seyoung Hwang
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA Stem Cell Institute, CHA University, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Korea; (D.-J.C.); (S.H.); (N.L.); (C.C.)
| | - Nayeon Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA Stem Cell Institute, CHA University, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Korea; (D.-J.C.); (S.H.); (N.L.); (C.C.)
| | - Chunggab Choi
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA Stem Cell Institute, CHA University, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Korea; (D.-J.C.); (S.H.); (N.L.); (C.C.)
| | - Hyunseung Lee
- Research Center for Bioconvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, 162 Yeongudanji-ro, Ochang-eup, Cheongwon-gu, Cheongju-si 28119, Chungcheongbuk-do, Korea; (H.L.); (K.S.H.)
| | - Kwan Soo Hong
- Research Center for Bioconvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, 162 Yeongudanji-ro, Ochang-eup, Cheongwon-gu, Cheongju-si 28119, Chungcheongbuk-do, Korea; (H.L.); (K.S.H.)
| | - Seung-Hun Oh
- CHA Bundang Medical Center, Department of Neurology, CHA University, 59 Yatap-ro, Budang-gu, Seongnam-si 13496, Gyeonggi-do, Korea; (S.-H.O.); (H.S.K.)
| | - Hyun Sook Kim
- CHA Bundang Medical Center, Department of Neurology, CHA University, 59 Yatap-ro, Budang-gu, Seongnam-si 13496, Gyeonggi-do, Korea; (S.-H.O.); (H.S.K.)
| | - Dong Ah Shin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1, Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Young Wook Yoon
- Department of Physiology, Korea University College of Medicine, Anam-dong 5-ga, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Jihwan Song
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA Stem Cell Institute, CHA University, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Korea; (D.-J.C.); (S.H.); (N.L.); (C.C.)
- iPS Bio, Inc., 3F, 16 Daewangpangyo-ro 712 Beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
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Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) results in direct and indirect damage to neural tissues, which results in motor and sensory dysfunction, dystonia, and pathological reflex that ultimately lead to paraplegia or tetraplegia. A loss of cells, axon regeneration failure, and time-sensitive pathophysiology make tissue repair difficult. Despite various medical developments, there are currently no effective regenerative treatments. Stem cell therapy is a promising treatment for SCI due to its multiple targets and reactivity benefits. The present review focuses on SCI stem cell therapy, including bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, umbilical mesenchymal stem cells, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells, neural stem cells, neural progenitor cells, embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, and extracellular vesicles. Each cell type targets certain features of SCI pathology and shows therapeutic effects via cell replacement, nutritional support, scaffolds, and immunomodulation mechanisms. However, many preclinical studies and a growing number of clinical trials found that single-cell treatments had only limited benefits for SCI. SCI damage is multifaceted, and there is a growing consensus that a combined treatment is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyi Huang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine Center, 34753West China Hospital/West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China.,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, PR China
| | - Chenying Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, 34753West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Feng Xiong
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine Center, 34753West China Hospital/West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China.,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, PR China
| | - Chengqi He
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine Center, 34753West China Hospital/West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China.,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, PR China
| | - Quan Wei
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine Center, 34753West China Hospital/West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China.,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, PR China
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Qian K, Xu TY, Wang X, Ma T, Zhang KX, Yang K, Qian TD, Shi J, Li LX, Wang Z. Effects of neural stem cell transplantation on the motor function of rats with contusion spinal cord injuries: a meta-analysis. Neural Regen Res 2020; 15:748-758. [PMID: 31638100 PMCID: PMC6975148 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.266915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To judge the efficacies of neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation on functional recovery following contusion spinal cord injuries (SCIs). Data sources Studies in which NSCs were transplanted into a clinically relevant, standardized rat model of contusion SCI were identified by searching the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases, and the extracted data were analyzed by Stata 14.0. Data selection Inclusion criteria were that NSCs were used in in vivo animal studies to treat contusion SCIs and that behavioral assessment of locomotor functional recovery was performed using the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan lo-comotor rating scale. Exclusion criteria included a follow-up of less than 4 weeks and the lack of control groups. Outcome measures The restoration of motor function was assessed by the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan locomotor rating scale. Results We identified 1756 non-duplicated papers by searching the aforementioned electronic databases, and 30 full-text articles met the inclusion criteria. A total of 37 studies reported in the 30 articles were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis results showed that transplanted NSCs could improve the motor function recovery of rats following contusion SCIs, to a moderate extent (pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.73; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.47-1.00; P < 0.001). NSCs obtained from different donor species (rat: SMD = 0.74; 95% CI: 0.36-1.13; human: SMD = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.31-1.25), at different donor ages (fetal: SMD = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.43-0.92; adult: SMD = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.50-1.22) and from different origins (brain-derived: SMD = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.27-0.91; spinal cord-derived: SMD = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.22-0.79) had similar efficacies on improved functional recovery; however, adult induced pluripotent stem cell-derived NSCs showed no significant efficacies. Furthermore, the use of higher doses of transplanted NSCs or the administration of immunosuppressive agents did not promote better locomotor function recovery (SMD = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.21-0.70). However, shorter periods between the contusion induction and the NSC transplantation showed slightly higher efficacies (acute: SMD = 1.22; 95% CI: 0.81-1.63; subacute: SMD = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.42-1.09). For chronic injuries, NSC implantation did not significantly improve functional recovery (SMD = 0.25; 95% CI: -0.16 to 0.65). Conclusion NSC transplantation alone appears to be a positive yet limited method for the treatment of contusion SCIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Qian
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Tuo-Ye Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Tao Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing; Department of Neurosurgery, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Kai-Xin Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province; Department of Neurosurgery, Huangshan City People's Hospital, Huangshan, Anhui Province, China
| | - Kun Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Department of Neurosurgery, Nanjing Brain Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Teng-Da Qian
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing; Department of Neurosurgery, Jintan Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Jintan, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jing Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Li-Xin Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of Gerontology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
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Hwang DH, Park HH, Shin HY, Cui Y, Kim BG. Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Receptor Dictates Beneficial Effects of Treadmill Training by Regulating Survival and Migration of Neural Stem Cell Grafts in the Injured Spinal Cord. Exp Neurobiol 2018; 27:489-507. [PMID: 30636901 PMCID: PMC6318559 DOI: 10.5607/en.2018.27.6.489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Survival and migration of transplanted neural stem cells (NSCs) are prerequisites for therapeutic benefits in spinal cord injury. We have shown that survival of NSC grafts declines after transplantation into the injured spinal cord, and that combining treadmill training (TMT) enhances NSC survival via insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Here, we aimed to obtain genetic evidence that IGF-1 signaling in the transplanted NSCs determines the beneficial effects of TMT. We transplanted NSCs heterozygous (+/-) for Igf1r, the gene encoding IGF-1 receptor, into the mouse spinal cord after injury, with or without combining TMT. We analyzed the influence of genotype and TMT on locomotor recovery and survival and migration of NSC grafts. In vitro experiments were performed to examine the potential roles of IGF-1 signaling in the migratory ability of NSCs. Mice receiving +/- NSC grafts showed impaired locomotor recovery compared with those receiving wild-type (+/+) NSCs. Locomotor improvement by TMT was more pronounced with +/+ grafts. Deficiency of one allele of Igf1r significantly reduced survival and migration of the transplanted NSCs. Although TMT did not significantly influence NSC survival, it substantially enhanced the extent of migration for only +/+ NSCs. Cultured neurospheres exhibited dynamic motility with cytoplasmic protrusions, which was regulated by IGF-1 signaling. IGF-1 signaling in transplanted NSCs may be essential in regulating their survival and migration. Furthermore, TMT may promote NSC graft-mediated locomotor recovery via activation of IGF-1 signaling in transplanted NSCs. Dynamic NSC motility via IGF-1 signaling may be the cellular basis for the TMT-induced enhancement of migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Hoon Hwang
- Department of Brain Science, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Korea
| | - Hee Hwan Park
- Department of Brain Science, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Korea.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Korea
| | - Hae Young Shin
- Department of Brain Science, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Korea.,Logos Biosystems, Anyang 14055, Korea
| | - Yuexian Cui
- Department of Brain Science, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Korea.,Department of Neurology, Yanbian University Hospital, Yanji 133000, Jilin, China
| | - Byung Gon Kim
- Department of Brain Science, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Korea.,Department of Neurology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Korea.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Korea
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8
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Nutritional Regulators of Bcl-xL in the Brain. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23113019. [PMID: 30463183 PMCID: PMC6278276 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23113019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-xL) is an anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein found in the mitochondrial membrane. Bcl-xL is reported to support normal brain development and protects neurons against toxic stimulation during pathological process via its roles in regulation of mitochondrial functions. Despite promising evidence showing neuroprotective properties of Bcl-xL, commonly applied molecular approaches such as genetic manipulation may not be readily applicable for human subjects. Therefore, findings at the bench may be slow to be translated into treatments for disease. Currently, there is no FDA approved application that specifically targets Bcl-xL and treats brain-associated pathology in humans. In this review, we will discuss naturally occurring nutrients that may exhibit regulatory effects on Bcl-xL expression or activity, thus potentially providing affordable, readily-applicable, easy, and safe strategies to protect the brain.
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9
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Pang AL, Xiong LL, Xia QJ, Liu F, Wang YC, Liu F, Zhang P, Meng BL, Tan S, Wang TH. Neural Stem Cell Transplantation Is Associated with Inhibition of Apoptosis, Bcl-xL Upregulation, and Recovery of Neurological Function in a Rat Model of Traumatic Brain Injury. Cell Transplant 2018; 26:1262-1275. [PMID: 28933221 PMCID: PMC5657736 DOI: 10.1177/0963689717715168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common disease that usually causes severe neurological damage, and current treatment is far from satisfactory. The neuroprotective effects of neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation in the injured nervous system have largely been known, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear, and their limited sources impede their clinical application. Here, we established a rat model of TBI by dropping a weight onto the cortical motor area of the brain and explored the effect of engrafted NSCs (passage 3, derived from the hippocampus of embryonic 12- to 14-d green fluorescent protein transgenic mice) on TBI rats. Moreover, RT-PCR and Western blotting were employed to investigate the possible mechanism associated with NSC grafts. We found rats with TBI exhibited a severe motor and equilibrium dysfunction, while NSC transplantation could partly improve the motor function and significantly reduce cell apoptosis and increase B-cell lymphoma–extra large (Bcl-xL) expression at 7 d postoperation. However, other genes including Bax, B-cell lymphoma 2, Fas ligand, and caspase3 did not exhibit significant differences in expression. Moreover, to test whether Bcl-xL could be used as a therapeutic target, herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1 carrying Bcl-xL recombinant was constructed and injected into the pericontusional cortices. Bcl-xL overexpression not only resulted in a significant improvement in neurological function but also inhibits cell apoptosis, as compared with the TBI rats, and exhibits the same effects as the administration of NSC. The present study therefore indicated that NSC transplantation could promote the recovery of TBI rats in a manner similar to that of Bcl-xL overexpression. Therefore, Bcl-xL overexpression, to some extent, could be considered as a useful strategy to replace NSC grafting in the treatment of TBI in future clinical practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Lan Pang
- 1 Department of Neurology, Zhujiang Hospital Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,4 Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Liu-Lin Xiong
- 3 Institute of Neurological Disease, Department of Anesthesiology, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qing-Jie Xia
- 3 Institute of Neurological Disease, Department of Anesthesiology, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fen Liu
- 3 Institute of Neurological Disease, Department of Anesthesiology, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - You-Cui Wang
- 3 Institute of Neurological Disease, Department of Anesthesiology, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fei Liu
- 3 Institute of Neurological Disease, Department of Anesthesiology, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Piao Zhang
- 2 Institute of Neuroscience, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Bu-Liang Meng
- 5 Department of Human Anatomy Histology and Embryology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Sheng Tan
- 1 Department of Neurology, Zhujiang Hospital Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ting-Hua Wang
- 2 Institute of Neuroscience, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China.,3 Institute of Neurological Disease, Department of Anesthesiology, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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10
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Park SY, Han JS. Phospholipase D1 Signaling: Essential Roles in Neural Stem Cell Differentiation. J Mol Neurosci 2018; 64:333-340. [PMID: 29478139 PMCID: PMC5874277 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-018-1042-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Phospholipase D1 (PLD1) is generally accepted as playing an important role in the regulation of multiple cell functions, such as cell growth, survival, differentiation, membrane trafficking, and cytoskeletal organization. Recent findings suggest that PLD1 also plays an important role in the regulation of neuronal differentiation of neuronal cells. Moreover, PLD1-mediated signaling molecules dynamically regulate the neuronal differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs). Rho family GTPases and Ca2+-dependent signaling, in particular, are closely involved in PLD1-mediated neuronal differentiation of NSCs. Moreover, PLD1 has a significant effect on the neurogenesis of NSCs via the regulation of SHP-1/STAT3 activation. Therefore, PLD1 has now attracted significant attention as an essential neuronal signaling molecule in the nervous system. In the current review, we summarize recent findings on the regulation of PLD1 in neuronal differentiation and discuss the potential role of PLD1 in the neurogenesis of NSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin-Young Park
- Biomedical Research Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Joong-Soo Han
- Biomedical Research Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea.
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Muheremu A, Peng J, Ao Q. Stem cell based therapies for spinal cord injury. Tissue Cell 2016; 48:328-33. [PMID: 27318871 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2016.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Revised: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of spinal cord injury has always been a challenge for clinical practitioners and scientists. The development in stem cell based therapies has brought new hopes to patients with spinal cord injuries. In the last a few decades, a variety of stem cells have been used to treat spinal cord injury in animal experiments and some clinical trials. However, there are many technical and ethical challenges to overcome before this novel therapeutic method can be widely applied in clinical practice. With further research in pluripotent stem cells and combined application of genetic and tissue engineering techniques, stem cell based therapies are bond to play increasingly important role in the management of spinal cord injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aikeremujiang Muheremu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, No. 118, Henan West Street, Xinshi District, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China; Institute of Orthopaedics, General Hospital of People's Liberation Army, No. 28 Fuxing Rd, Haidian District, Beijing 100853, China; Department of Tissue Engineering, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 112011, P.R. China
| | - Jiang Peng
- Institute of Orthopaedics, General Hospital of People's Liberation Army, No. 28 Fuxing Rd, Haidian District, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Qiang Ao
- Department of Tissue Engineering, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 112011, P.R. China.
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12
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Roux C, Lesueur C, Aligny C, Brasse-Lagnel C, Genty D, Marret S, Laquerrière A, Bekri S, Gonzalez BJ. 3-MA Inhibits Autophagy and Favors Long-Term Integration of Grafted Gad67–GFP GABAergic Precursors in the Developing Neocortex by Preventing Apoptosis. Cell Transplant 2014; 23:1425-50. [DOI: 10.3727/096368913x670174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In human neonates, immature GABAergic interneurons are markedly affected by an excitotoxic insult. While in adults the interest of cell transplantation has been demonstrated in several neurological disorders, few data are available regarding the immature brain. The low survival rate constitutes a strong limitation in the capacity of transplanted neurons to integrate the host tissue. Because i) autophagy is an adaptive process to energetic/nutrient deprivation essential for cell survival and ii) literature describes cross-talks between autophagy and apoptosis, we hypothesized that regulation of autophagy would represent an original strategy to favor long-term survival of GABAergic precursors grafted in the immature neocortex. Morphological, neurochemical, and functional data showed that in control conditions, few grafted Gad67-GFP precursors survived. The first hours following transplantation were a critical period with intense apoptosis. Experiments performed on E15.5 ganglionic eminences revealed that Gad67-GFP precursors were highly sensitive to autophagy. Rapamycin and 3-MA impacted on LC3 cleavage, LC3II translocation, and autophagosome formation. Quantification of Bax, mitochondrial integrity, caspase-3 cleavage, and caspase-3 immunolocalization and activity showed that 3-MA induced a significant decrease of Gad67-GFP precursor apoptosis. In vivo, 3-MA induced, within the first 24 h, a diffuse LC3 pattern of grafted Gad67-GFP precursors, an increase of precursors with neurites, a reduction of the density of caspase-3 immunoreactive cells. A twofold increase in the survival rate occurred 15 days after the graft. Surviving neurons were localized in the cortical layers II–IV, which were still immature when the transplantation was done. Altogether, these data indicate that inhibition of autophagy represents an original strategy to allow GABAergic interneurons to overpass the first critical hours following transplantation and to increase their long-term survival in mice neonates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Roux
- NeoVasc Laboratory, ERI28, Microvascular Endothelium and Neonate Brain Lesions, Institute of Research for Innovation in Biomedicine, Normandy University, Rouen, France
| | - Céline Lesueur
- NeoVasc Laboratory, ERI28, Microvascular Endothelium and Neonate Brain Lesions, Institute of Research for Innovation in Biomedicine, Normandy University, Rouen, France
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | - Caroline Aligny
- NeoVasc Laboratory, ERI28, Microvascular Endothelium and Neonate Brain Lesions, Institute of Research for Innovation in Biomedicine, Normandy University, Rouen, France
| | - Carole Brasse-Lagnel
- NeoVasc Laboratory, ERI28, Microvascular Endothelium and Neonate Brain Lesions, Institute of Research for Innovation in Biomedicine, Normandy University, Rouen, France
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | - Damien Genty
- Department of Pathology, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | - Stéphane Marret
- NeoVasc Laboratory, ERI28, Microvascular Endothelium and Neonate Brain Lesions, Institute of Research for Innovation in Biomedicine, Normandy University, Rouen, France
- Department of Neonatal Paediatrics and Intensive Care, Rouen Hospital, Rouen, France
| | - Annie Laquerrière
- NeoVasc Laboratory, ERI28, Microvascular Endothelium and Neonate Brain Lesions, Institute of Research for Innovation in Biomedicine, Normandy University, Rouen, France
- Department of Pathology, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | - Soumeya Bekri
- NeoVasc Laboratory, ERI28, Microvascular Endothelium and Neonate Brain Lesions, Institute of Research for Innovation in Biomedicine, Normandy University, Rouen, France
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | - Bruno J. Gonzalez
- NeoVasc Laboratory, ERI28, Microvascular Endothelium and Neonate Brain Lesions, Institute of Research for Innovation in Biomedicine, Normandy University, Rouen, France
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Anilkumar U, Prehn JHM. Anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins in acute neural injury. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:281. [PMID: 25324720 PMCID: PMC4179715 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells under stress activate cell survival and cell death signaling pathways. Cell death signaling frequently converges on mitochondria, a process that is controlled by the activities of pro- and anti-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) proteins. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the control of neuronal survival, development and injury by anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins. We discuss overlapping and differential effects of the individual family members BCL-2, BCL-extra long (BCL-XL), myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL-1), and BCL2-like 2 (BCL-W) in the control of survival during development and pathophysiological processes such as trophic factor withdrawal, ischemic injury, excitotoxicity, oxidative stress and energy stress. Finally we discuss recent evidence that several anti-apoptotic BCL-2 proteins influence mitochondrial bioenergetics and control neuronal Ca2+ homeostasis independent of their classical role in cell death signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ujval Anilkumar
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Centre for the Study of Neurological Disorders, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jochen H M Prehn
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Centre for the Study of Neurological Disorders, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Dublin, Ireland
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Nishimura Y, Natsume A, Ito M, Hara M, Motomura K, Fukuyama R, Sumiyoshi N, Aoki I, Saga T, Lee HJ, Wakabayashi T, Kim SU. Interferon-β Delivery via Human Neural Stem Cell Abates Glial Scar Formation in Spinal Cord Injury. Cell Transplant 2013; 22:2187-201. [DOI: 10.3727/096368912x657882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial scar formation is the major impedance to axonal regrowth after spinal cord injury (SCI), and scar-modulating treatments have become a leading therapeutic goal for SCI treatment. In this study, human neural stem cells (NSCs) encoding interferon-β (INF-β) gene were administered intravenously to mice 1 week after SCI. Animals receiving NSCs encoding IFN-β exhibited significant neurobehavioral improvement, electrophysiological recovery, suppressed glial scar formation, and preservation of nerve fibers in lesioned spinal cord. Systemic evaluation of SCI gliosis lesion site with lesion-specific microdissection, genome-wide microarray, and MetaCore pathway analysis identified upregulation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in SCI gliosis lesion site, and this led us to focus on TLR4 signaling in reactive astrocytes. Examination of primary astrocytes from TLR4 knockout mice, and in vivo inhibition of TLR4, revealed that the effect of IFN-β on the suppression of glial scar formation in SCI requires TLR4 stimulation. These results suggest that IFN-β delivery via intravenous injection of NSCs following SCI inhibits glial scar formation in spinal cord through stimulation of TLR4 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Atsushi Natsume
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Motokazu Ito
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masahito Hara
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kazuya Motomura
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | | | | | - Ichio Aoki
- MR Molecular Imaging Team, Molecular Imaging Center, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, Chiba, Japan
| | - Tsuneo Saga
- MR Molecular Imaging Team, Molecular Imaging Center, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hong J. Lee
- Medical Research Institute, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | | | - Seung U. Kim
- Medical Research Institute, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, UBC Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Yang X, Bi Y, Chen E, Feng D. Overexpression of Wnt3a facilitates the proliferation and neural differentiation of neural stem cells in vitro and after transplantation into an injured rat retina. J Neurosci Res 2013; 92:148-61. [PMID: 24254835 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2013] [Revised: 09/12/2013] [Accepted: 09/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xi‐Tao Yang
- Department of NeurosurgeryNo. 3 People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai China
| | - Yong‐Yan Bi
- Department of NeurosurgeryNo. 3 People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai China
| | - Er‐Tao Chen
- Department of NeurosurgeryNo. 3 People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai China
| | - Dong‐Fu Feng
- Department of NeurosurgeryNo. 3 People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai China
- Institute of Traumatic MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai China
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16
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Madeira C, Rodrigues CAV, Reis MSC, Ferreira FFCG, Correia RESM, Diogo MM, Cabral JMS. Nonviral Gene Delivery to Neural Stem Cells with Minicircles by Microporation. Biomacromolecules 2013; 14:1379-87. [DOI: 10.1021/bm400015b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Madeira
- Department of Bioengineering and Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (IBB), Instituto Superior Técnico, Technical University of Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Carlos A. V. Rodrigues
- Department of Bioengineering and Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (IBB), Instituto Superior Técnico, Technical University of Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mónica S. C. Reis
- Department of Bioengineering and Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (IBB), Instituto Superior Técnico, Technical University of Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Filipa F. C. G. Ferreira
- Department of Bioengineering and Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (IBB), Instituto Superior Técnico, Technical University of Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Raquel E. S. M. Correia
- Department of Bioengineering and Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (IBB), Instituto Superior Técnico, Technical University of Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria M. Diogo
- Department of Bioengineering and Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (IBB), Instituto Superior Técnico, Technical University of Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Joaquim M. S. Cabral
- Department of Bioengineering and Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (IBB), Instituto Superior Técnico, Technical University of Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal
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Neuro-immune interactions of neural stem cell transplants: from animal disease models to human trials. Exp Neurol 2013; 260:19-32. [PMID: 23507035 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2013.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2012] [Revised: 03/05/2013] [Accepted: 03/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Stem cell technology is a promising branch of regenerative medicine that is aimed at developing new approaches for the treatment of severely debilitating human diseases, including those affecting the central nervous system (CNS). Despite the increasing understanding of the mechanisms governing their biology, the application of stem cell therapeutics remains challenging. The initial idea that stem cell transplants work in vivo via the replacement of endogenous cells lost or damaged owing to disease has been challenged by accumulating evidence of their therapeutic plasticity. This new concept covers the remarkable immune regulatory and tissue trophic effects that transplanted stem cells exert at the level of the neural microenvironment to promote tissue healing via combination of immune modulatory and tissue protective actions, while retaining predominantly undifferentiated features. Among a number of promising candidate stem cell sources, neural stem/precursor cells (NPCs) are under extensive investigation with regard to their therapeutic plasticity after transplantation. The significant impact in vivo of experimental NPC therapies in animal models of inflammatory CNS diseases has raised great expectations that these stem cells, or the manipulation of the mechanisms behind their therapeutic impact, could soon be translated to human studies. This review aims to provide an update on the most recent evidence of therapeutically-relevant neuro-immune interactions following NPC transplants in animal models of multiple sclerosis, cerebral stroke and traumas of the spinal cord, and consideration of the forthcoming challenges related to the early translation of some of these exciting experimental outcomes into clinical medicines.
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Microglia-derived TNFα induces apoptosis in neural precursor cells via transcriptional activation of the Bcl-2 family member Puma. Cell Death Dis 2013; 4:e538. [PMID: 23492769 PMCID: PMC3613837 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2013.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a common feature of acute neurological conditions such as stroke and spinal cord injury, as well as neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Previous studies have demonstrated that acute neuroinflammation can adversely affect the survival of neural precursor cells (NPCs) and thereby limit the capacity for regeneration and repair. However, the mechanisms by which neuroinflammatory processes induce NPC death remain unclear. Microglia are key mediators of neuroinflammation and when activated to induce a pro-inflammatory state produce a number of factors that could affect NPC survival. Importantly, in the present study we demonstrate that tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) produced by lipopolysaccharide-activated microglia is necessary and sufficient to trigger apoptosis in mouse NPCs in vitro. Furthermore, we demonstrate that microglia-derived TNFα induces NPC apoptosis via a mitochondrial pathway regulated by the Bcl-2 family protein Bax. BH3-only proteins are known to play a key role in regulating Bax activation and we demonstrate that microglia-derived TNFα induces the expression of the BH3-only family member Puma in NPCs via an NF-κB-dependent mechanism. Specifically, we show that NF-κB is activated in NPCs treated with conditioned media from activated microglia and that Puma induction and NPC apoptosis is blocked by the NF-κB inhibitor BAY-117082. Importantly, we have determined that NPC apoptosis induced by activated microglia-derived TNFα is attenuated in Puma-deficient NPCs, indicating that Puma induction is required for NPC death. Consistent with this, we demonstrate that Puma-deficient NPCs exhibit an ∼13-fold increase in survival as compared with wild-type NPCs following transplantation into the inflammatory environment of the injured spinal cord in vivo. In summary, we have identified a key signaling pathway that regulates neuroinflammation induced apoptosis in NPCs in vitro and in vivo that could be targeted to promote regeneration and repair in diverse neurological conditions.
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Liu W, Yue W, Wu R. Overexpression of Bcl-2 promotes survival and differentiation of neuroepithelial stem cells after transplantation into rat aganglionic colon. Stem Cell Res Ther 2013; 4:7. [PMID: 23324128 PMCID: PMC3706929 DOI: 10.1186/scrt155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2012] [Accepted: 01/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Neural stem cell transplantation is a promising tool for the restoration of the enteric nervous system in a variety of motility disorders. However, limited cell viability after transplantation has restricted its regenerative capacity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of transplantation of neuroepithelial stem cell (NESC) overexpressing anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 on the survival, differentiation and function of grafted cells in rat aganglionic colon. Methods NESCs were isolated from neural tube of embryonic rat (embryonic day 11.5) and manipulated to overexpress the Bcl-2 gene. After transplantation into the benzalkonium chloride-induced rat aganglionic colon, grafted cells were visualized in colonic sections. Apoptosis and differentiation of the implanted cells were assessed 1, 4 and 8 weeks post transplantation, respectively. Eight weeks post transplantation, neuronal function of the colon was assessed by measuring the response of muscle strips to electrical field stimulation. Results Transplantation with Bcl-2-NESCs reduced apoptosis within the transplant at 1 week compared with the vector-NESC grafted group. Our findings also indicated that overexpression of Bcl-2 in the transplanted NESCs enhanced differentiation into PGP9.5-positive and neuronal nitric oxide synthase-positive neurons at 8-week assessment. Moreover, electrical field stimulation-induced relaxation of colonic strips was also significantly increased in the Bcl-2-NESC grafted group. Conclusion Transplantation of NESCs genetically modified to overexpress Bcl-2 may have value for enhancing survival and neurogenesis of grafted cells in the adult gut environment and for improving the efficacy of stem cell therapy following a broad range of gastrointestinal motility disorders.
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Calatrava-Ferreras L, Gonzalo-Gobernado R, Herranz AS, Reimers D, Montero Vega T, Jiménez-Escrig A, Richart López LA, Bazán E. Effects of intravenous administration of human umbilical cord blood stem cells in 3-acetylpyridine-lesioned rats. Stem Cells Int 2012; 2012:135187. [PMID: 23150735 PMCID: PMC3488418 DOI: 10.1155/2012/135187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2012] [Accepted: 08/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebellar ataxias include a heterogeneous group of infrequent diseases characterized by lack of motor coordination caused by disturbances in the cerebellum and its associated circuits. Current therapies are based on the use of drugs that correct some of the molecular processes involved in their pathogenesis. Although these treatments yielded promising results, there is not yet an effective therapy for these diseases. Cell replacement strategies using human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (HuUCBMCs) have emerged as a promising approach for restoration of function in neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of this work was to investigate the potential therapeutic activity of HuUCBMCs in the 3-acetylpyridine (3-AP) rat model of cerebellar ataxia. Intravenous administered HuUCBMCs reached the cerebellum and brain stem of 3-AP ataxic rats. Grafted cells reduced 3-AP-induced neuronal loss promoted the activation of microglia in the brain stem, and prevented the overexpression of GFAP elicited by 3-AP in the cerebellum. In addition, HuUCBMCs upregulated the expression of proteins that are critical for cell survival, such as phospho-Akt and Bcl-2, in the cerebellum and brain stem of 3-AP ataxic rats. As all these effects were accompanied by a temporal but significant improvement in motor coordination, HuUCBMCs grafts can be considered as an effective cell replacement therapy for cerebellar disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Calatrava-Ferreras
- Servicio de Neurobiología, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Gonzalo-Gobernado
- Servicio de Neurobiología, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio S. Herranz
- Servicio de Neurobiología, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Diana Reimers
- Servicio de Neurobiología, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Teresa Montero Vega
- Servicio de Bioquímica, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Eulalia Bazán
- Servicio de Neurobiología, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Servicio de Neurobiología-Investigación, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Carretera de Colmenar Km. 9, 1, 28034 Madrid, Spain
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21
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Cellular Therapy for Ischemic Stroke. Transl Stroke Res 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-9530-8_38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Stem Cells and Spinal Cord Injury Repair. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2012; 760:53-73. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-4090-1_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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23
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Hwang DH, Jeong SR, Kim BG. Gene transfer mediated by stem cell grafts to treat CNS injury. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2011; 11:1599-610. [PMID: 22017608 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2011.631908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Stem cell transplantation holds promise for promoting anatomical repair and functional recovery after traumatic or ischemic injuries to the CNS. Harnessing stem cells with therapeutic genes of interest is regarded as an attractive approach to augment therapeutic benefits of stem cell grafts. AREAS COVERED The advantage of stem-cell-mediated gene transfer is the engraftibility of stem cells that can ensure a long-term and stable expression of therapeutic genes. In addition, stem-cell-gene interaction may synergistically amplify therapeutic benefits. Delivery of classical neurotrophic factor genes provided neuroprotective and pro-regenerative effects in various injury models. Some studies employed therapeutic genes targeting post-injury microenvironment to support endogenous repair. Recent trials of stem-cell-mediated transfer of nonclassical growth factors showed relatively novel biological effects. Combinatorial strategies seem to have the potential to improve therapeutic efficacy. EXPERT OPINION Future development of induced pluripotent stem cells and novel scaffolding biomaterials will greatly expedite the advances in ex vivo gene therapy to treat CNS injury. Before moving to a clinical stage, rigorous preclinical evaluations are needed to identify an optimal gene or gene combination in different injury settings. Improving the safety of viral vectors will be a critical prerequisite for the clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong H Hwang
- Ajou University School of Medicine, Brain Disease Research Center, Institute for Medical Sciences, Suwon, Republic of Korea
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Hwang DH, Kim HM, Kang YM, Joo IS, Cho CS, Yoon BW, Kim SU, Kim BG. Combination of Multifaceted Strategies to Maximize the Therapeutic Benefits of Neural Stem Cell Transplantation for Spinal Cord Repair. Cell Transplant 2011; 20:1361-79. [DOI: 10.3727/096368910x557155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) possess therapeutic potentials to reverse complex pathological processes following spinal cord injury (SCI), but many obstacles remain that could not be fully overcome by NSC transplantation alone. Combining complementary strategies might be required to advance NSC-based treatments to the clinical stage. The present study was undertaken to examine whether combination of NSCs, polymer scaffolds, neurotrophin-3 (NT3), and chondroitinase, which cleaves chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans at the interface between spinal cord and implanted scaffold, could provide additive therapeutic benefits. In a rat hemisection model, poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) was used as a bridging scaffold and as a vehicle for NSC delivery. The PCL scaffolds seeded with F3 NSCs or NT3 overexpressing F3 cells (F3.NT3) were implanted into hemisected cavities. F3.NT3 showed better survival and migration, and more frequently differentiated into neurons and oligodendrocytes than F3 cells. Animals with PCL scaffold containing F3.NT3 cells showed the best locomotor recovery, and motor evoked potentials (MEPs) following transcranial magnetic stimulation were recorded only in PCL-F3.NT3 group in contralateral, but not ipsilateral, hindlimbs. Implantation of PCL scaffold with F3.NT3 cells increased NT3 levels, promoted neuroplasticity, and enhanced remyelination of contralateral white matter. Combining chondroitinase treatment after PCL-F3.NT3 implantation further enhanced cell migration and promoted axonal remodeling, and this was accompanied by augmented locomotor recovery and restoration of MEPs in ipsilateral hindlimbs. We demonstrate that combining multifaceted strategies can maximize the therapeutic benefits of NSC transplantation for SCI. Our results may have important clinical implications for the design of future NSC-based strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong H. Hwang
- Brain Disease Research Center, Institute of Medical Sciences, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyuk M. Kim
- Brain Disease Research Center, Institute of Medical Sciences, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Young M. Kang
- Brain Disease Research Center, Institute of Medical Sciences, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - In S. Joo
- Department of Neurology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Chong-Su Cho
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Woo Yoon
- Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung U. Kim
- Department of Neurology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Medical Research Institute, Chungang University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung G. Kim
- Brain Disease Research Center, Institute of Medical Sciences, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Neurology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
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Hu X, Wei L, Taylor TM, Wei J, Zhou X, Wang JA, Yu SP. Hypoxic preconditioning enhances bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell migration via Kv2.1 channel and FAK activation. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2011; 301:C362-72. [PMID: 21562308 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00013.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Transplantation using stem cells including bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) is emerging as a potential regenerative therapy after ischemic attacks in the heart and brain. The migration capability of transplanted cells is a critical cellular function for tissue repair. Based on our recent observations that hypoxic preconditioning (HP) has multiple benefits in improving stem cell therapy and that the potassium Kv2.1 channel acts as a promoter for focal adhesion kinase (FAK) activation and cell motility, the present investigation tested the hypothesis that HP treatment can increase BMSC migration via the mechanism of increased Kv2.1 expression and FAK activities. BMSCs derived from green fluorescent protein-transgenic mice were treated under either normoxic (N-BMSC) or hypoxic (0.5% O(2)) (HP-BMSC) conditions for 24 h. Western blot analysis showed HP selectively upregulated Kv2.1 expression while leaving other K(+) channels, such as Kv1.5 and Kv1.4, unaffected. Compared with normoxic controls, significantly larger outward delayed rectifier K(+) currents were recorded in HP-BMSCs. HP enhanced BMSC migration/homing activities in vitro and after intravenous transplantation into rats subjected to permanent myocardial infarction (MI). The HP-promoted BMSC migration was inhibited by either blocking K(+) channels or knocking down Kv2.1. Supporting a relationship among HP, Kv2.1, and FAK activation, HP increased phosphorylation of FAK(397) and FAK(576/577), and this effect was antagonized by blocking K(+) channels. These findings provide novel evidence that HP enhances the ability of BMSCs to migrate and home to the injured region; this effect is mediated through a regulatory role of Kv2.1 on FAK phosphorylation/activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyang Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University College of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Optimal Location and Time for Neural Stem Cell Transplantation into Transected Rat Spinal Cord. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2010; 31:407-14. [DOI: 10.1007/s10571-010-9633-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2010] [Accepted: 11/19/2010] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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27
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Baratchi S, Kanwar RK, Kanwar JR. Survivin: A target from brain cancer to neurodegenerative disease. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2010; 45:535-54. [DOI: 10.3109/10409238.2010.516740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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28
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Kim BG, Kang YM, Phi JH, Kim YH, Hwang DH, Choi JY, Ryu S, Elastal AE, Paek SH, Wang KC, Lee SH, Kim SU, Yoon BW. Implantation of polymer scaffolds seeded with neural stem cells in a canine spinal cord injury model. Cytotherapy 2010; 12:841-5. [DOI: 10.3109/14653249.2010.501784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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29
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Kim HM, Lee HJ, Lee MY, Kim SU, Kim BG. Organotypic spinal cord slice culture to study neural stem/progenitor cell microenvironment in the injured spinal cord. Exp Neurobiol 2010; 19:106-13. [PMID: 22110349 PMCID: PMC3214779 DOI: 10.5607/en.2010.19.2.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2010] [Accepted: 09/28/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular microenvironment of the injured spinal cord does not support survival and differentiation of either grafted or endogenous NSCs, restricting the effectiveness of the NSC-based cell replacement strategy. Studying the biology of NSCs in in vivo usually requires a considerable amount of time and cost, and the complexity of the in vivo system makes it difficult to identify individual environmental factors. The present study sought to establish the organotypic spinal cord slice culture that closely mimics the in vivo environment. The cultured spinal cord slices preserved the cytoarchitecture consisting of neurons in the gray matter and interspersed glial cells. The majority of focally applied exogenous NSCs survived up to 4 weeks. Pre-exposure of the cultured slices to a hypoxic chamber markedly reduced the survival of seeded NSCs on the slices. Differentiation into mature neurons was severely limited in this co-culture system. Endogenous neural progenitor cells were marked by BrdU incorporation, and applying an inflammatory cytokine IL-1β significantly increased the extent of endogenous neural progenitors with the oligodendrocytic lineage. The present study shows that the organotypic spinal cord slice culture can be properly utilized to study molecular factors from the post-injury microenvironment affecting NSCs in the injured spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyuk Min Kim
- Brain Disease Research Center, Institute for Medical Sciences, and Department of Neurology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 442-721, Korea
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Han X, Yang N, Xu Y, Zhu J, Chen Z, Liu Z, Dang G, Song C. Simvastatin treatment improves functional recovery after experimental spinal cord injury by upregulating the expression of BDNF and GDNF. Neurosci Lett 2010; 487:255-9. [PMID: 20851742 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2010.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2010] [Revised: 08/31/2010] [Accepted: 09/02/2010] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the therapeutic efficacy of simvastatin treatment starting 1 day after spinal cord injury (SCI) in rat and to investigate the underlying mechanism. Spinal cord injury was induced in adult female Sprague-Dawley rats after laminectomy at T9-T10. Then additionally with sham group (laminectomy only) the SCI animals were randomly divided into 3 groups: vehicle-treated group; 5-mg/kg simvastatin-treated group; and 10-mg/kg simvastatin-treated group. Simvastatin or vehicle was administered orally at 1 day after SCI and then daily for 5 weeks. Locomotor functional recovery was assessed during 8 weeks postoperation by performing open-field locomotor test and inclined-plane test. At the end of study, motor evoked potentials (MEPs) and somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) were assessed to evaluate the integrity of spinal cord pathways. Then, the animals were killed, and 1-cm segments of spinal cord encompassing the injury site were removed for histopathological analysis. Immunohistochemistry was performed to observe the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in the spinal cord. Results show that the simvastatin-treated animals showed significantly better locomotor function recovery, better electrophysiological outcome, less myelin loss, and higher expression of BDNF and GDNF. These findings suggest that simvastatin treatment starting 1 day after SCI can significantly improve locomotor recovery, and this neuroprotective effect may be related to the upregulation of BDNF and GDNF. Therefore, simvastatin may be useful as a promising therapeutic agent for SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoguang Han
- Department of Orthopedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
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31
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Chen C, Chen Q, Mao Y, Xu S, Xia C, Shi X, Zhang JH, Yuan H, Sun X. Hydrogen-Rich Saline Protects Against Spinal Cord Injury in Rats. Neurochem Res 2010; 35:1111-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-010-0162-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/22/2010] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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32
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Huang H, Chen L, Sanberg P. Cell Therapy From Bench to Bedside Translation in CNS Neurorestoratology Era. CELL MEDICINE 2010; 1:15-46. [PMID: 21359168 DOI: 10.3727/215517910x516673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in cell biology, neural injury and repair, and the progress towards development of neurorestorative interventions are the basis for increased optimism. Based on the complexity of the processes of demyelination and remyelination, degeneration and regeneration, damage and repair, functional loss and recovery, it would be expected that effective therapeutic approaches will require a combination of strategies encompassing neuroplasticity, immunomodulation, neuroprotection, neurorepair, neuroreplacement, and neuromodulation. Cell-based restorative treatment has become a new trend, and increasing data worldwide have strongly proven that it has a pivotal therapeutic value in CNS disease. Moreover, functional neurorestoration has been achieved to a certain extent in the CNS clinically. Up to now, the cells successfully used in preclinical experiments and/or clinical trial/treatment include fetal/embryonic brain and spinal cord tissue, stem cells (embryonic stem cells, neural stem/progenitor cells, hematopoietic stem cells, adipose-derived adult stem/precursor cells, skin-derived precursor, induced pluripotent stem cells), glial cells (Schwann cells, oligodendrocyte, olfactory ensheathing cells, astrocytes, microglia, tanycytes), neuronal cells (various phenotypic neurons and Purkinje cells), mesenchymal stromal cells originating from bone marrow, umbilical cord, and umbilical cord blood, epithelial cells derived from the layer of retina and amnion, menstrual blood-derived stem cells, Sertoli cells, and active macrophages, etc. Proof-of-concept indicates that we have now entered a new era in neurorestoratology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyun Huang
- Center for Neurorestoratology, Beijing Rehabilitation Center, Beijing, P.R. China
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Madhavan L, Collier TJ. A synergistic approach for neural repair: cell transplantation and induction of endogenous precursor cell activity. Neuropharmacology 2009; 58:835-44. [PMID: 19853620 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2009.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2009] [Revised: 10/12/2009] [Accepted: 10/15/2009] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Stem cell research offers enormous potential for treating many diseases of the nervous system. At present, therapeutic strategies in stem cell research segregate into two approaches: cell transplantation or endogenous cell stimulation. Realistically, future cell therapies will most likely involve a combination of these two approaches, a theme of our current research. Here, we propose that there exists a 'synergy' between exogenous (transplanted) and endogenous stem cell actions that can be utilized to achieve therapeutic ends. Elucidating mechanisms underlying this exogenous-endogenous stem cell synergism may lead to the development of optimal cell therapies for neural disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lalitha Madhavan
- Department of Neurology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
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