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Huang Y, Mai Y, Ye W, Lv S, Zhou Y, Wu P, Zhou L, Li Y, Zhong K. Brachial Plexus Root Avulsion Injury-Induced Endothelin-Converting Enzyme-Like 1 Overexpression Is Associated with Injured Motor Neurons Survival. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:5194-5205. [PMID: 38170441 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03887-7] [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: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Brachial plexus root avulsion (BPRA) injury arises from challenging delivery during childbirth, sports-related incidents, or car accidents, leading to extensive loss of motor neurons (MNs) and subsequent paralysis, including both motor and sensory impairment. Surgical nerve re-implantation cannot effectively restore motor function, and the survival of injured MNs is vital for axon regeneration and re-innervating the target muscles. Therefore, identifying novel molecular targets to improve injured MNs survival is of great significance in the treatment of BPRA injuries. Endothelin-converting enzyme-like 1 (ECEL1), a membrane-bound metallopeptidase, was initially identified as a molecule associated with nerve injuries. Damaged neurons exhibit a significant increase in the expression of ECEL1 following various types of nerve injuries, such as optic nerve injury and sciatic nerve injury. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between ECEL1 overexpression and the survival of injured MNs following BPRA injury. Our results observed a significant elevation in ECEL1 expression in injured MNs and positively correlated with MNs survival following BPRA injury. The transcription of ECEL1 is regulated by the transcription factors c-Jun and ATF3 in the context of BPRA injury, which is consistent with previous other nerve injuries study. In addition, the expression of TrkA gradually decreases in ECEL1-positive MNs and ECEL1 possibly preserves the activity of downstream AKT-GSK3β pathway of TrkA in injured MNs. In conclusion, our results introduce a promising therapeutic molecular target to assist re-implantation surgery for the treatment of BPRA injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Huang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yunlin Mai
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Weijian Ye
- Center of Cyclotron and PET Radiopharmaceuticals, Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT-MRI Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shiqin Lv
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yingying Zhou
- Department of Anatomy, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Pingzhen Wu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Lihua Zhou
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yingqin Li
- Department of Radiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 52 Mei Hua East Road, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, China.
| | - Ke Zhong
- Department of Pharmacy, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 107 Yanjiang West Road, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China.
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Wei C, Guo Y, Ci Z, Li M, Zhang Y, Zhou Y. Advances of Schwann cells in peripheral nerve regeneration: From mechanism to cell therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116645. [PMID: 38729050 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116645] [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] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) frequently occur due to various factors, including mechanical trauma such as accidents or tool-related incidents, as well as complications arising from diseases like tumor resection. These injuries frequently result in persistent numbness, impaired motor and sensory functions, neuropathic pain, or even paralysis, which can impose a significant financial burden on patients due to outcomes that often fall short of expectations. The most frequently employed clinical treatment for PNIs involves either direct sutures of the severed ends or bridging the proximal and distal stumps using autologous nerve grafts. However, autologous nerve transplantation may result in sensory and motor functional loss at the donor site, as well as neuroma formation and scarring. Transplantation of Schwann cells/Schwann cell-like cells has emerged as a promising cellular therapy to reconstruct the microenvironment and facilitate peripheral nerve regeneration. In this review, we summarize the role of Schwann cells and recent advances in Schwann cell therapy in peripheral nerve regeneration. We summarize current techniques used in cell therapy, including cell injection, 3D-printed scaffolds for cell delivery, cell encapsulation techniques, as well as the cell types employed in experiments, experimental models, and research findings. At the end of the paper, we summarize the challenges and advantages of various cells (including ESCs, iPSCs, and BMSCs) in clinical cell therapy. Our goal is to provide the theoretical and experimental basis for future treatments targeting peripheral nerves, highlighting the potential of cell therapy and tissue engineering as invaluable resources for promoting nerve regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuqiao Wei
- Department of Oral Implantology, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China; Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Tooth Development and Bone Remodeling, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuanxin Guo
- Department of Oral Implantology, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China; Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Tooth Development and Bone Remodeling, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhen Ci
- Department of Oral Implantology, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China; Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Tooth Development and Bone Remodeling, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Mucong Li
- Department of Oral Implantology, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China; Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Tooth Development and Bone Remodeling, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yidi Zhang
- Department of Oral Implantology, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China; Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Tooth Development and Bone Remodeling, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China.
| | - Yanmin Zhou
- Department of Oral Implantology, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China; Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Tooth Development and Bone Remodeling, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China.
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Wang L, Lao J. Microarray analysis of potential biomarkers of brachial plexus avulsion caused neuropathic pain in male rat. BMC Neurosci 2022; 23:31. [PMID: 35619085 PMCID: PMC9134582 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-022-00717-9] [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: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the expression of mRNA in the brachial plexus avulsion neuropathic pain model and analyze biological functions. Microarray mRNA assay and reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were conducted. The whole blood was collected from two groups for Microarray mRNA analysis. The predicted mRNA targets were studied by gene ontology analysis and pathway analysis. We identified 3 targeted mRNAs, including PIK3CB, HRAS, and JUN. The results showed that PIK3CB, HRAS, and JUN gene expression was increased in the control group but decreased in the neuropathic pain group. These findings indicate that certain genes may be important biomarkers for the potential targets for the prevention and treatment of brachial plexus avulsion caused neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Affiliated Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical School, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Lao
- Department of Hand Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Hand Reconstruction, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Peripheral Nerve and Microsurgery, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
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Zhong K, Li Y, Tang Y, Yu G, Zilundu PLM, Wang Y, Zhou Y, Xu X, Fu R, Zhou L. Cytokine profile and glial activation following brachial plexus roots avulsion injury in mice. J Neuroimmunol 2021; 353:577517. [PMID: 33582398 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2021.577517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Inflammation and tissue infiltration by various immune cells play a significant role in the pathogenesis of neurons suffering the central nervous systems diseases. Although brachial plexus root avulsion (BPRA) leads to dramatic motoneurons (MNs) death and permanent loss of function, however, the knowledge gap on cytokines and glial reaction in the spinal cord injury is still existing. The current study is sought to investigate the alteration of specific cytokine expression patterns of the BPRA injured spinal cord during an acute and subacute period. The cytokine assay, transmission electron microscopy, and histological staining were utilized to assess cytokine network alteration, ultrastructure morphology, and glial activation and MNs loss within two weeks post-injury on a mouse unilateral BPRA model. The BPRA injury caused a progressively spinal MNs loss, reduced the alpha-(α) MNs synaptic inputs, whereas enhanced glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule-1 (IBA-1), F4/80 expression in ipsilateral but not the contralateral spinal segments. Additionally, cytokine assays revealed BPRA significantly altered the level of CXCL1, ICAM1, IP10, MCP-5, MIP1-α, and CD93. Notably, the elevated MIP1-α was mainly expressed in the injured spinal MNs. While the re-distribution of CD93 expression, from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, occasionally occurred at neurons of the ipsilateral spinal segment after injury. Overall, these findings suggest that the inflammatory cytokines associated with glial cell activation might contribute to the pathophysiology of the MNs death caused by nerve roots injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Zhong
- Department of Anatomy, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China.
| | - Yingqin Li
- Department of Radiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong 51900, China.
| | - Ying Tang
- Department of Anatomy, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China.
| | - Guangyin Yu
- Department of Anatomy, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China.
| | - Prince Last Mudenda Zilundu
- Department of Anatomy, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Yaqiong Wang
- Department of Electron Microscope, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510089, China.
| | - Yingying Zhou
- Department of Anatomy, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China.
| | - Xiaoying Xu
- Department of Anatomy, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China.
| | - Rao Fu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510089, China.
| | - Lihua Zhou
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510089, China.
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Artemisinin protects motoneurons against axotomy-induced apoptosis through activation of the PKA-Akt signaling pathway and promotes neural stem/progenitor cells differentiation into NeuN + neurons. Pharmacol Res 2020; 159:105049. [PMID: 32598944 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Brachial plexus axotomy is a common peripheral nerve trauma. Artemisinin, an FDA-approved antimalarial drug, has been described to possess neuroprotective properties. However, the specific mechanisms by which artemisinin protects neurons from axotomy-induced neurotoxicity remain to be elucidated. In this study, we assessed the neuroprotective effects of artemisinin on an experimental animal model of brachial plexus injury and explored the possible mechanisms involved. Artemisinin treatment restored both athletic ability and sensation of the affected upper limb, rescued motoneurons and attenuated the inflammatory response in the ventral horn of the spinal cord. Additionally, artemisinin inhibited the molecular signals of apoptosis, activated signaling pathways related to cell survival and induced NSCPs differentiation into NeuN-positive neurons. Further validation of the involved key signaling molecules, using an in vitro model of hydrogen peroxide-induced neurotoxicity, revealed that both the inhibition of PKA signaling pathway or the silencing of Akt reversed the neuroprotective action of artemisinin on motoneurons. Our results indicate that artemisinin provides neuroprotection against axotomy and hydrogen peroxide-induced neurotoxicity, an effect that might be mediated by the PKA-Akt signaling pathway.
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Michael FM, Chandran P, Chandramohan K, Iyer K, Jayaraj K, Sundaramoorthy R, Venkatachalam S. Prospects of siRNA cocktails as tools for modifying multiple gene targets in the injured spinal cord. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2019; 244:1096-1110. [PMID: 31461324 DOI: 10.1177/1535370219871868] [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] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene silencing through RNA interference (RNAi) has been touted as a boon for identifying potential therapies for difficult-to-treat pathologies. In this regard, siRNA-mediated gene silencing for tackling the multifaceted pathophysiology of spinal cord injury seemed promising. The genes caspase 3 and sarm1 were targeted in the present study, using siRNAs in a rodent model of spinal cord injury, as the feasibility of concomitant silencing of more than one gene had not been previously attempted. The results indicated meager benefits in terms of functional recovery and tissue preservation. Interestingly, differential transfection efficiencies due to the heterogeneous nature of cells in the spinal cord along with variability in efficacy based on time of intervention affected the reproducibility of this approach. Complex gene interactions and inadequacies in molecular evaluation strategies further complicated the interpretation of the outcome. If these glitches are resolved through further research, gene therapy in general and RNAi, in particular, may become a mainstay approach for treating contusion spinal cord injury.Impact statementGene therapy has reached the level of clinical trials. However, safety and efficacy are yet to be confirmed. The present study tested the prospects of gene silencing using siRNAs in a rat model of spinal cord injury. Some noteworthy observations include the effective and long-lasting silencing effects of siRNAs, inhibition of one gene's expression resulting in silencing of multiple genes in associated pathways, possibility of targeting more than one gene through siRNA cocktails, and differential gene silencing effects based on temporal changes in their expression patterns. It is argued that differential uptake of siRNAs by cells as observed and limitations in the analysis methods available can skew interpretations. Thus, this study may serve as a cautionary tale indicating that gene silencing using siRNAs for spinal cord injury can be a potential therapy, but practical issues are to be addressed in order to ensure consistency and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicia Mary Michael
- Department of Anatomy, Dr. Arcot Lakshmanasamy Mudaliar Postgraduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai 600 113, India
| | - Preeja Chandran
- Department of Anatomy, Dr. Arcot Lakshmanasamy Mudaliar Postgraduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai 600 113, India
| | - Khaviyaa Chandramohan
- Department of Anatomy, Dr. Arcot Lakshmanasamy Mudaliar Postgraduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai 600 113, India
| | - Krithika Iyer
- Department of Anatomy, Dr. Arcot Lakshmanasamy Mudaliar Postgraduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai 600 113, India
| | - Kevin Jayaraj
- Department of Anatomy, Dr. Arcot Lakshmanasamy Mudaliar Postgraduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai 600 113, India
| | - Revathidevi Sundaramoorthy
- Department of Genetics, Dr. Arcot Lakshmanasamy Mudaliar Postgraduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai 600 113, India
| | - Sankar Venkatachalam
- Department of Anatomy, Dr. Arcot Lakshmanasamy Mudaliar Postgraduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai 600 113, India
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Dibble CF, Khalifeh JM, VanVoorhis A, Rich JT, Ray WZ. Novel Nerve Transfers for Motor and Sensory Restoration in High Cervical Spinal Cord Injury. World Neurosurg 2019; 128:611-615.e1. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2019.04.264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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