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Gatto A, Capossela L, Conti G, Eftimiadi G, Ferretti S, Manni L, Curatola A, Graglia B, Di Sarno L, Calcagni ML, Di Giuda D, Cecere S, Romeo DM, Soligo M, Picconi E, Piastra M, Della Marca G, Staccioli S, Ruggiero A, Cocciolillo F, Pulitanò S, Chiaretti A. Intranasal human-recombinant NGF administration improves outcome in children with post-traumatic unresponsive wakefulness syndrome. Biol Direct 2023; 18:61. [PMID: 37789391 PMCID: PMC10546699 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-023-00418-1] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most dramatic events in pediatric age and, despite advanced neuro-intensive care, the survival rate of these patients remains low. Children suffering from severe TBI show long-term sequelae, more pronounced in behavioral, neurological and neuropsychological functions leading to, in the most severe cases, an unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS). Currently, no effective treatments can restore neuronal loss or produce significant improvement in these patients. In experimental animal models, human- recombinant Nerve Growth Factor (hr-NGF) promotes neural recovery supporting neuronal growth, differentiation and survival of brain cells and up-regulating the neurogenesis-associated processes. Only a few studies reported the efficacy of intranasal hr-NGF administration in children with post- traumatic UWS. METHODS Children with the diagnosis of post-traumatic UWS were enrolled. These patients underwent a treatment with intranasal hr-NGF administration, at a total dose of 50 gamma/kg, three times a day for 7 consecutive days. The treatment schedule was performed for 4 cycles, at one month distance each. Neuroradiogical evaluation by Positron Emission Tomography scan (PET), Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT), Electroencephalography (EEG), and Power Spectral Density (PSD) was determined before the treatment and one month after the end. Neurological assessment was also deepened by using modified Ashworth Scale, Gross Motor Function Measure, and Disability Rating Scale. RESULTS Three children with post-traumatic UWS were treated. hr-NGF administration improved functional (PET and SPECT) and electrophysiological (EEG and PSD) assessment. Also clinical conditions improved, mainly for the reduction of spasticity and with the acquisition of voluntary movements, facial mimicry, attention and verbal comprehension, ability to cry, cough reflex, oral motility, and feeding capacity, with a significant improvement of their neurological scores. No side effects were reported. CONCLUSION These promising results and the ease of administration of this treatment make it worthwhile to be investigated further, mainly in the early stages from severe TBI and in patients with better baseline neurological conditions, to explore more thoroughly the benefits of this new approach on neuronal function recovery after traumatic brain damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Gatto
- Dipartimento di Pediatria, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Lavinia Capossela
- Dipartimento di Pediatria, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Conti
- Terapia Intensiva Pediatrica, Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Emergenza, Anestesiologiche e Rianimazione, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Gemma Eftimiadi
- Dipartimento di Pediatria, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Ferretti
- Dipartimento di Pediatria, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Manni
- Istituto di Farmacologia Traslazionale, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Antonietta Curatola
- Dipartimento di Pediatria, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetta Graglia
- Dipartimento di Pediatria, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Di Sarno
- Dipartimento di Pediatria, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Lucia Calcagni
- UOC di Medicina Nucleare, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS - Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Di Giuda
- UOC di Medicina Nucleare, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS - Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Cecere
- Dipartimento di Pediatria, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Marco Romeo
- Unità di Neurologia Pediatrica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marzia Soligo
- Istituto di Farmacologia Traslazionale, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Enzo Picconi
- Terapia Intensiva Pediatrica, Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Emergenza, Anestesiologiche e Rianimazione, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Piastra
- Terapia Intensiva Pediatrica, Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Emergenza, Anestesiologiche e Rianimazione, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Della Marca
- Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Invecchiamento, Neurologiche, Ortopediche e della Testa-Collo, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Susanna Staccioli
- Dipartimento di Neuroriabilitazione Intensiva, Ospedale Pediatrico "Bambino Gesù", Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Ruggiero
- Oncologia Pediatrica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS - Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Cocciolillo
- UOC di Medicina Nucleare, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS - Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Pulitanò
- Terapia Intensiva Pediatrica, Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Emergenza, Anestesiologiche e Rianimazione, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Chiaretti
- Dipartimento di Pediatria, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
- Department of Women's Health Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli - IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy.
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Carrasco RA, Salih AK, Garcia MD, Khozeimeh ES, Adams GP, Phenix CP, Price EW. Development and Biodistribution of a Nerve Growth Factor Radioactive Conjugate for PET Imaging. Mol Imaging Biol 2023; 25:977-988. [PMID: 36692661 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-023-01805-w] [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: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of these studies was to develop a nerve growth factor (NGF) radiometal-chelator conjugate to determine the biodistribution and brain uptake of NGF by positron emission tomography/computerized tomography (PET-CT). PROCEDURES Purified NGF from llama seminal plasma was conjugated with FITC, and the chelator NOTA or DFO. NGF conjugates were evaluated for bioactivity. NOTA- and DFO-conjugated NGF were radiolabeled with gallium-68 or zirconium-89 ([68 Ga]GaCl3, half-life = 68 min; [89Zr]Zr(oxalate)4, half-life = 3.3 days). [89Zr]Zr-NGF was evaluated for biodistribution (0.5, 1, or 24 h), PET imaging (60 min), and brain autoradiography in mice. RESULTS Cell-based in vitro assays confirmed that the NGF conjugates maintained NGF receptor-binding and biological activity. Zirconium-89 and gallium-68 radiolabeling showed a high efficiency; however, only[89Zr]Zr-NGF was stable in vitro. Biodistribution studies showed that, as with most small proteins < 70 kDa, [89Zr]Zr-NGF uptake was predominantly in the kidney and was cleared rapidly with almost complete elimination of NGF at 24 h. Dynamic PET imaging from 0-60 min showed a similar pattern to ex vivo biodistribution with some transient liver uptake. Interestingly, although absolute brain uptake was very low, at 24 h after treatment, cerebral cortex uptake was higher than any other brain area examined and blood. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that conjugation of DFO to NGF through a thiourea linkage allows effective radiolabeling with zirconium-89 while maintaining NGF bioactivity. Following intravenous administration, the radiolabeled NGF targets non-neuronal tissues (e.g., kidney, liver), and although absolute brain uptake was very low, the brain uptake that was observed was restricted to the cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Carrasco
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Science, University of Saskatchewan, 110 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK, S7N5C9, Canada
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N5B4, Canada
| | - A K Salih
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Science, University of Saskatchewan, 110 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK, S7N5C9, Canada
| | - M Dominguez Garcia
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Science, University of Saskatchewan, 110 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK, S7N5C9, Canada
| | - E S Khozeimeh
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Science, University of Saskatchewan, 110 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK, S7N5C9, Canada
| | - G P Adams
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N5B4, Canada
| | - C P Phenix
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Science, University of Saskatchewan, 110 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK, S7N5C9, Canada.
| | - E W Price
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Science, University of Saskatchewan, 110 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK, S7N5C9, Canada.
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Curatola A, Graglia B, Granata G, Conti G, Capossela L, Manni L, Ferretti S, Di Giuda D, Romeo DM, Calcagni ML, Soligo M, Castelli E, Piastra M, Mantelli F, Marca GD, Staccioli S, Romeo T, Pani M, Cocciolillo F, Mancino A, Gatto A, Chiaretti A. Combined treatment of nerve growth factor and transcranical direct current stimulations to improve outcome in children with vegetative state after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Biol Direct 2023; 18:24. [PMID: 37165387 PMCID: PMC10170696 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-023-00379-5] [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: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is one of the most dramatic events in pediatric age and, despite advanced neurointensive care, the survival rate remains low. Currently, no effective treatments can restore neuronal loss or produce significant improvement in these patients. Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) is a neurotrophin potentially able to counteract many of the deleterious effects triggered by OHCA. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) has been reported to be neuroprotective in many neurological diseases, such as motor deficit and cognitive impairment. Children with the diagnosis of chronic vegetative state after OHCA were enrolled. These patients underwent a combined treatment of intranasal administration of human recombinant NGF (hr-NGF), at a total dose of 50 gamma/kg, and tDCS, in which current intensity was increased from zero to 2 mA from the first 5 s of stimulation and maintained constant for 20 min. The treatment schedule was performed twice, at one month distance each. Neuroradiogical evaluation with Positron Emission Tomography scan (PET), Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT), Electroencephalography (EEG) and Power Spectral Density of the brain (PSD) was determined before the treatment and one month after the end. Neurological assessment was deepened by using modified Ashworth Scale, Gross Motor Function Measure, and Disability Rating Scale. RESULTS Three children with a chronic vegetative state secondary to OHCA were treated. The combined treatment with hr-NGF and tDCS improved functional (PET and SPECT) and electrophysiological (EEG and PSD) assessment. Also clinical conditions improved, mainly for the reduction of spasticity and with the acquisition of voluntary finger movements, improved facial mimicry and reaction to painful stimuli. No side effects were reported. CONCLUSIONS These promising preliminary results and the ease of administration of this treatment make it worthwhile to be investigated further, mainly in the early stages from OHCA and in patients with better baseline neurological conditions, in order to explore more thoroughly the benefits of this new approach on neuronal function recovery after OHCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonietta Curatola
- Dipartimento di Pediatria, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetta Graglia
- Dipartimento di Pediatria, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Granata
- Istituto di Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Conti
- Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Emergenza, Anestesiologiche e Rianimazione, Terapia Intensiva Pediatrica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Lavinia Capossela
- Dipartimento di Pediatria, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Manni
- Istituto di Farmacologia Traslazionale, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Ferretti
- Dipartimento di Pediatria, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Di Giuda
- UOC di Medicina Nucleare, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS - Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Marco Romeo
- Unità di Neurologia Pediatrica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Lucia Calcagni
- UOC di Medicina Nucleare, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS - Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Marzia Soligo
- Istituto di Farmacologia Traslazionale, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Castelli
- Dipartimento di Neuroriabilitazione Intensiva, Ospedale Pediatrico "Bambino Gesù", Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Piastra
- Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Emergenza, Anestesiologiche e Rianimazione, Terapia Intensiva Pediatrica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Flavio Mantelli
- Dompé Farmaceutici Spa, Via Campo di Pile, snc, L'Aquila, 67100, Italy
| | - Giacomo Della Marca
- Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Invecchiamento, Neurologiche, Ortopediche e della Testa-Collo, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Susanna Staccioli
- Dipartimento di Neuroriabilitazione Intensiva, Ospedale Pediatrico "Bambino Gesù", Rome, Italy
| | - Tiziana Romeo
- Dompé Farmaceutici Spa, Via Campo di Pile, snc, L'Aquila, 67100, Italy
| | - Marcello Pani
- Direttore Farmacia Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Cocciolillo
- UOC di Medicina Nucleare, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Aldo Mancino
- Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Emergenza, Anestesiologiche e Rianimazione, Terapia Intensiva Pediatrica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Gatto
- Dipartimento di Pediatria, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Chiaretti
- Dipartimento di Pediatria, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
- Dipartimento di Pediatria, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
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Carrasco RA, Leonardi CE, Hutt K, Singh J, Adams GP. Kisspeptin induces LH release and ovulation in an induced ovulator†. Biol Reprod 2021; 103:49-59. [PMID: 32307518 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Kisspeptin has been implicated in the ovulatory process of several species of spontaneous ovulators but in only one induced ovulator. In contrast, NGF in semen is the principal trigger of ovulation in other species of induced ovulators-camelids. We tested the hypotheses that kisspeptin induces luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion in llamas through a hypothalamic mechanism, and kisspeptin neurons are the target of NGF in its ovulation-inducing pathway. In Experiment 1, llamas were given either NGF, kisspeptin, or saline intravenously, and LH secretion and ovulation were compared among groups. All llamas treated with NGF (5/5) or kisspeptin (5/5) had an elevation of LH blood concentrations after treatment and ovulated, whereas none of the saline group did (0/5). In Experiment 2, llamas were either pretreated with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor antagonist or saline and treated 2 h later with kisspeptin. Llamas pretreated with saline had elevated plasma LH concentrations and ovulated (6/6) whereas llamas pretreated with cetrorelix did not (0/6). In Experiment 3, we evaluated the hypothalamic kisspeptin-GnRH neuronal network by immunohistochemistry. Kisspeptin neurons were detected in the arcuate nucleus, the preoptic area, and the anterior hypothalamus, establishing synaptic contacts with GnRH neurons. We found no colocalization between kisspeptin and NGF receptors by double immunofluorescence. Functional and morphological findings support the concept that kisspeptin is a mediator of the LH secretory pathway in llamas; however, the role of kisspeptins in the NGF ovulation-inducing pathway in camelids remains unclear since NGF receptors were not detected in kisspeptin neurons in the hypothalamus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo A Carrasco
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Carlos E Leonardi
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Kylie Hutt
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Jaswant Singh
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Gregg P Adams
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
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5
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Carrasco RA, Pezo S, Adams GP. Evidence for the LH-releasing pathway of seminal plasma NGF in male camelids. Theriogenology 2021; 164:100-104. [PMID: 33582512 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In the female camelid, systemic administration of NGF induces a preovulatory LH surge that results in ovulation, but the effects of seminal NGF in the male are unknown. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that the LH-releasing pathway of NGF is present in male camelids. In Experiment 1, male llamas and alpacas were treated with NGF or GnRH (n = 2 llamas and 3 alpacas) and blood samples were collected from 1 h before to 3 h after treatment. Plasma LH concentrations increased after treatment in a surge-like fashion in both GnRH- and NGF-treated groups, but concentrations reached a maximum 2.5 times higher and remained elevated for at least 2 h longer in the NGF-treated group (treatment-by-time interaction, P = 0.01). In Experiment 2, we evaluated the LH and testosterone response to NGF vs saline treatment (n = 3 llamas and 3 alpacas). The LH response to NGF was similar to that in Experiment 1, and plasma testosterone concentrations were higher in the NGF group than in the saline group at 2, 4 and 6 h after treatment (P < 0.05). Results support the hypothesis that the LH-releasing pathway for NGF exists in male South American camelids. The LH response to NGF sustained circulating testosterone concentrations in llamas, suggesting a moderate role of NGF in testosterone secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo A Carrasco
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus drive, Saskatoon, S7N5B4, Canada
| | - Sergio Pezo
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus drive, Saskatoon, S7N5B4, Canada
| | - Gregg P Adams
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus drive, Saskatoon, S7N5B4, Canada.
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Chiaretti A, Conti G, Falsini B, Buonsenso D, Crasti M, Manni L, Soligo M, Fantacci C, Genovese O, Calcagni ML, Di Giuda D, Mattoli MV, Cocciolillo F, Ferrara P, Ruggiero A, Staccioli S, Colafati GS, Riccardi R. Intranasal Nerve Growth Factor administration improves cerebral functions in a child with severe traumatic brain injury: A case report. Brain Inj 2017; 31:1538-1547. [PMID: 28972396 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2017.1376760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Chiaretti
- Institute of Pediatrics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Conti
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetto Falsini
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Danilo Buonsenso
- Institute of Pediatrics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Crasti
- Institute of Pediatrics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Manni
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Marzia Soligo
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Fantacci
- Institute of Pediatrics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Orazio Genovese
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Lucia Calcagni
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Di Giuda
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Fabrizio Cocciolillo
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Pietro Ferrara
- Institute of Pediatrics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Ruggiero
- Pediatric Oncology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Susanna Staccioli
- Department of Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Riccardo Riccardi
- Pediatric Oncology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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Mantelli F, Sacchetti M, Scuderi G, Lambiase A. A closer look at nerve growth factor: from biology to clinical trials in ophthalmology. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2015. [DOI: 10.1517/21678707.2015.1006196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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8
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The role of neurotrophic factors conjugated to iron oxide nanoparticles in peripheral nerve regeneration: in vitro studies. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:267808. [PMID: 25133160 DOI: 10.1155/2014/267808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2014] [Accepted: 06/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Local delivery of neurotrophic factors is a pillar of neural repair strategies in the peripheral nervous system. The main disadvantage of the free growth factors is their short half-life of few minutes. In order to prolong their activity, we have conjugated to iron oxide nanoparticles three neurotrophic factors: nerve growth factor (βNGF), glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2). Comparative stability studies of free versus conjugated factors revealed that the conjugated neurotrophic factors were significantly more stable in tissue cultures and in medium at 37°C. The biological effects of free versus conjugated neurotrophic factors were examined on organotypic dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cultures performed in NVR-Gel, composed mainly of hyaluronic acid and laminin. Results revealed that the conjugated neurotrophic factors enhanced early nerve fiber sprouting compared to the corresponding free factors. The most meaningful result was that conjugated-GDNF, accelerated the onset and progression of myelin significantly earlier than the free GDNF and the other free and conjugated factors. This is probably due to the beneficial and long-acting effect that the stabilized conjugated-GDNF had on neurons and Schwann cells. These conclusive results make NVR-Gel enriched with conjugated-GDNF, a desirable scaffold for the reconstruction of severed peripheral nerve.
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Tian L, Guo R, Yue X, Lv Q, Ye X, Wang Z, Chen Z, Wu B, Xu G, Liu X. Intranasal administration of nerve growth factor ameliorate β-amyloid deposition after traumatic brain injury in rats. Brain Res 2012; 1440:47-55. [PMID: 22284619 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2011.12.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2011] [Revised: 10/10/2011] [Accepted: 12/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The marked increase of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide after traumatic brain injury (TBI), confers a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD) in patients' later life. Nerve growth factor (NGF) is great potential to repair brain injury. But its clinical application is limited because of lacking feasible methods for delivering NGF into brain. This study investigated the effects of NGF, delivered intranasally, on the Aβ burden in the injured ipsilateral cortex and hippocampus of rats with TBI. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to the modified Feeney's weight-drop model and treated without or with NGF by intranasal route. Motor and cognitive functional outcome, immunostaining, ELISA assay and western blot were performed. Compared to sham operated rats, TBI rats exhibited significantly increased APP and Aβ₄₂ expression as well as decreased functional outcome after TBI. Intranasal administration of NGF significantly attenuated Aβ₄₂ deposits, and improved functional outcome after TBI. Thus, intranasal delivery of NGF provides a potential strategy for reducing the risk of developing AD in the later life of TBI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Tian
- Department of Neurology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, 305 East Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210002, Jiangsu Province, China
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Effects of pcDNA3-beta-NGF gene-modified BMSC on the rat model of Parkinson's disease. J Mol Neurosci 2008; 35:161-9. [PMID: 18273710 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-007-9032-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2007] [Accepted: 12/06/2007] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
This study determined the effects of pcDNA3-beta-nerve growth factor (NGF) gene-modified bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) on the rat model of Parkinson's disease (PD). The recombinant plasmid pcDNA3-beta-NGF was transfected into BMSC, and NGF expression and its biological activity in vitro were detected. BMSC modified by the NGF gene were then grafted into the corpus striatum of PD rats, and the rotation behavior was evaluated at 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks post-transplantation. A significant improvement in rotation behavior was observed in PD rats subjected to cell transplantation, especially in PD rats receiving NGF-modified BMSC. The genetically modified BMSC survived and expressed beta-NGF but did not differentiate into tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells in vivo. The present findings suggested that genetically modified BMSC could be effective for PD treatment, and the mechanisms might involve the neuroprotective effects of beta-NGF.
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Kato R, Wolfe D, Coyle CH, Huang S, Wechuck JB, Goins WF, Krisky DM, Tsukamoto T, Nelson JB, Glorioso JC, Chancellor MB, Yoshimura N. Herpes simplex virus vector-mediated delivery of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor rescues erectile dysfunction following cavernous nerve injury. Gene Ther 2007; 14:1344-52. [PMID: 17611585 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3302990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is frequently associated with injury to the cavernous nerve sustained during pelvic surgery. Functional recovery from cavernous nerve injury is generally incomplete and occurs over an extended time frame. We employed a therapeutic gene transfer approach with herpes simplex virus (HSV) vector expressing glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). Rat cavernous nerve was injured bilaterally using a clamp and dry ice. For HSV-treated groups, 20 microl of purified vector stock was administered directly to and around the damaged nerve. Delivery of an HSV vector expressing both green fluorescent protein (GFP) and lacZ (HSV-LacZ) was used as a control. Intracavernous pressure along with systemic arterial pressure (ICP/AP) was measured 2 and 4 weeks after the nerve injury. Fluorogold (FG) was injected into the penile crus 7 days before killing to assess nerve survival. Approximately 60% of major pelvic ganglion (MPG) cells were GFP positive after viral administration. At 4 weeks after nerve injury, rats treated with HSV-GDNF exhibited significant recovery of ICP/AP compared with control vector or untreated groups. The HSV-GDNF group also yielded more FG-positive MPG cells than the control vector group. HSV vector-mediated delivery of GDNF presents a viable approach for the treatment of ED following cavernous nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Kato
- Department of Urology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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Jung KH, Kim DH, Paik JY, Ko BH, Bae JS, Choe YS, Lee KH, Kim BT. Pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of a small radioiodine labeled nerve growth factor fragment. Ann Nucl Med 2007; 20:535-40. [PMID: 17134020 DOI: 10.1007/bf03026817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) exerts various actions on neuronal and non-neuronal tissues and has potential therapeutic utility, but difficulties in using the whole protein have stimulated interest in small NGF fragments. We radioiodinated a small cyclic peptide derived from NGF using the Bolton-Hunter method [125I-C(92-96)], and confirmed binding to high affinity NGF receptors by cross-linkage analysis. Pharmacokinetic characteristics in intravenously injected mice were T 1/2 alpha 5.2 min, T 1/2beta 121.3 min, clearance 11.8+/-0.5 ml/min, and volume of distribution 69.7+/-4.6 ml. Dose-proportionate increases in areas-under-curve and peak-concentrations indicated linear pharmacokinetics. Biodistribution data revealed that clinically relevant doses allowed C(92-96) accumulation sufficient to elicit biological responses in receptor expressing organs including the lungs, liver, spleen, and pancreas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Ho Jung
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Wolfe D, Goins WF, Kaplan TJ, Capuano SV, Fradette J, Murphey-Corb M, Robbins PD, Cohen JB, Glorioso JC. Herpesvirus-mediated systemic delivery of nerve growth factor. Mol Ther 2001; 3:61-9. [PMID: 11162312 DOI: 10.1006/mthe.2000.0225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Sustained systemic dissemination of therapeutic proteins from peripheral sites is an attractive prospect for gene therapy applications. Replication-defective genomic herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) vectors were evaluated for their ability to express nerve growth factor (NGF) as a model gene product both locally and systemically. Intra-articular inoculation of NGF expression vectors in rabbits resulted in significant increases in joint lavage and blood plasma NGF that persisted for 1 year. A rhesus macaque injected intra-articularly displayed a comparable increase in plasma NGF for at least 6 months, at which time the serum NGF levels of this animal were sufficient to cause differentiation of PC12 cells in culture, but not to increase footpad epidermis innervation. Long-term reporter transgene expression was observed primarily in ligaments, a finding confirmed by direct inoculation of patellar ligament. Patellar ligament inoculation with a NGF vector resulted in elevated levels of circulating NGF similar to those observed following intra-articular vector delivery. These results represent the first demonstration of sustained systemic release of a transgene product using HSV vectors, raising the prospect of new applications for HSV-1 vectors in the treatment of systemic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Wolfe
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA
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