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Zhang Y, Wu Z, Wu J, Li T, Jiang F, Yang B. Current multi-scale biomaterials for tissue regeneration following spinal cord injury. Neurochem Int 2024; 178:105801. [PMID: 38971503 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2024.105801] [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: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) may cause loss of motor and sensory function, autonomic dysfunction, and thus disrupt the quality of life of patients, leading to severe disability and significant psychological, social, and economic burden. At present, existing therapy for SCI have limited ability to promote neural function recovery, and there is an urgent need to develop innovative regenerative approaches to repair SCI. Biomaterials have become a promising strategy to promote the regeneration and repair of damaged nerve tissue after SCI. Biomaterials can provide support for nerve tissue by filling cavities, and improve local inflammatory responses and reshape extracellular matrix structures through unique biochemical properties to create the optimal microenvironment at the SCI site, thereby promoting neurogenesis and reconnecting damaged spinal cord tissue. Considering the importance of biomaterials in repairing SCI, this article reviews the latest progress of multi-scale biomaterials in SCI treatment and tissue regeneration, and evaluates the relevant technologies for manufacturing biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuang Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, PR China
| | - Zhonghuan Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, People's Hospital of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Kaili, 556000, PR China; Department of Orthopedics, Qiandongnan Hospital of Guizhou Medical University Affiliated Hospital, Kaili, 556000, PR China
| | - Junfeng Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, People's Hospital of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Kaili, 556000, PR China; Department of Orthopedics, Qiandongnan Hospital of Guizhou Medical University Affiliated Hospital, Kaili, 556000, PR China
| | - Tingdong Li
- Department of Orthopedics, People's Hospital of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Kaili, 556000, PR China; Department of Orthopedics, Qiandongnan Hospital of Guizhou Medical University Affiliated Hospital, Kaili, 556000, PR China
| | - Fugui Jiang
- Department of Orthopedics, People's Hospital of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Kaili, 556000, PR China; Department of Orthopedics, Qiandongnan Hospital of Guizhou Medical University Affiliated Hospital, Kaili, 556000, PR China
| | - Biao Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, People's Hospital of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Kaili, 556000, PR China; Department of Orthopedics, Qiandongnan Hospital of Guizhou Medical University Affiliated Hospital, Kaili, 556000, PR China.
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Hu Y, Xing J, Zhang H, Pang X, Zhai Y, Cheng H, Xu D, Liao M, Qi Y, Wu D, Zhang B, Cheng L, Chu B, Zhang C, Zhao Y, Chai R. Electroacoustic Responsive Cochlea-on-a-Chip. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2309002. [PMID: 38488690 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202309002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Organ-on-chips can highly simulate the complex physiological functions of organs, exhibiting broad application prospects in developmental research, disease simulation, as well as new drug research and development. However, there is still less concern about effectively constructing cochlea-on-chips. Here, a novel cochlear organoids-integrated conductive hydrogel biohybrid system with cochlear implant electroacoustic stimulation (EAS) for cochlea-on-a-chip construction and high-throughput drug screening, is presented. Benefiting from the superior biocompatibility and electrical property of conductive hydrogel, together with cochlear implant EAS, the inner ear progenitor cells can proliferate and spontaneously shape into spheres, finally forming cochlear organoids with good cell viability and structurally mature hair cells. By incorporating these progenitor cells-encapsulated hydrogels into a microfluidic-based cochlea-on-a-chip with culture chambers and a concentration gradient generator, a dynamic and high-throughput evaluation of inner ear disease-related drugs is demonstrated. These results indicate that the proposed cochlea-on-a-chip platform has great application potential in organoid cultivation and deafness drug evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangnan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
- Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Jiayue Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Xinyi Pang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yabo Zhai
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Hong Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Dongyu Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Menghui Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Yanru Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Danqi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Lin Cheng
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610000, China
| | - Bo Chu
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
| | - Chen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Neurology and Oncology Drug Development, Nanjing, 210000, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair & Beijing Laboratory of Oral Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Renjie Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
- Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
- Department of Neurology, Aerospace Center Hospital, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
- Southeast University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518063, China
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Grigoryan EN, Markitantova YV. Tail and Spinal Cord Regeneration in Urodelean Amphibians. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:594. [PMID: 38792615 PMCID: PMC11122520 DOI: 10.3390/life14050594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Urodelean amphibians can regenerate the tail and the spinal cord (SC) and maintain this ability throughout their life. This clearly distinguishes these animals from mammals. The phenomenon of tail and SC regeneration is based on the capability of cells involved in regeneration to dedifferentiate, enter the cell cycle, and change their (or return to the pre-existing) phenotype during de novo organ formation. The second critical aspect of the successful tail and SC regeneration is the mutual molecular regulation by tissues, of which the SC and the apical wound epidermis are the leaders. Molecular regulatory systems include signaling pathways components, inflammatory factors, ECM molecules, ROS, hormones, neurotransmitters, HSPs, transcriptional and epigenetic factors, etc. The control, carried out by regulatory networks on the feedback principle, recruits the mechanisms used in embryogenesis and accompanies all stages of organ regeneration, from the moment of damage to the completion of morphogenesis and patterning of all its structures. The late regeneration stages and the effects of external factors on them have been poorly studied. A new model for addressing this issue is herein proposed. The data summarized in the review contribute to understanding a wide range of fundamentally important issues in the regenerative biology of tissues and organs in vertebrates including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yuliya V. Markitantova
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia;
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Liu Z, Lai J, Kong D, Zhao Y, Zhao J, Dai J, Zhang M. Advances in electroactive bioscaffolds for repairing spinal cord injury. Biomed Mater 2024; 19:032005. [PMID: 38636508 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/ad4079] [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: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating neurological disorder, leading to loss of motor or somatosensory function, which is the most challenging worldwide medical problem. Re-establishment of intact neural circuits is the basis of spinal cord regeneration. Considering the crucial role of electrical signals in the nervous system, electroactive bioscaffolds have been widely developed for SCI repair. They can produce conductive pathways and a pro-regenerative microenvironment at the lesion site similar to that of the natural spinal cord, leading to neuronal regeneration and axonal growth, and functionally reactivating the damaged neural circuits. In this review, we first demonstrate the pathophysiological characteristics induced by SCI. Then, the crucial role of electrical signals in SCI repair is introduced. Based on a comprehensive analysis of these characteristics, recent advances in the electroactive bioscaffolds for SCI repair are summarized, focusing on both the conductive bioscaffolds and piezoelectric bioscaffolds, used independently or in combination with external electronic stimulation. Finally, thoughts on challenges and opportunities that may shape the future of bioscaffolds in SCI repair are concluded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeqi Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiahui Lai
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, People's Republic of China
| | - Dexin Kong
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, People's Republic of China
| | - Yannan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiakang Zhao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianwu Dai
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingming Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, People's Republic of China
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Liu J, Chen Z, Wu R, Yu H, Yang S, Xu J, Wu C, Guo Y, Hua N, Zeng X, Ma Y, Li G, Zhang L, Chen Y, Zeng Y, Ding Y, Lai B. Effects of tail nerve electrical stimulation on the activation and plasticity of the lumbar locomotor circuits and the prevention of skeletal muscle atrophy after spinal cord transection in rats. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14445. [PMID: 37752787 PMCID: PMC10916423 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14445] [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: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Severe spinal cord injury results in the loss of neurons in the relatively intact spinal cord below the injury area and skeletal muscle atrophy in the paralyzed limbs. These pathological processes are significant obstacles for motor function reconstruction. OBJECTIVE We performed tail nerve electrical stimulation (TNES) to activate the motor neural circuits below the injury site of the spinal cord to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of the excitatory afferent neurons in promoting the reconstruction of locomotor function. METHODS Eight days after T10 spinal cord transection in rats, TNES was performed for 7 weeks. Behavioral scores were assessed weekly. Electrophysiological tests and double retrograde tracings were performed at week 8. RESULTS After 7 weeks of TNES treatment, there was restoration in innervation, the number of stem cells, and mitochondrial metabolism in the rats' hindlimb muscles. Double retrograde tracings of the tail nerve and sciatic nerve further confirmed the presence of synaptic connections between the tail nerve and central pattern generator (CPG) neurons in the lumbar spinal cord, as well as motor neurons innervating the hindlimb muscles. CONCLUSION The mechanisms of TNES induced by the stimulation of primary afferent nerve fibers involves efficient activation of the motor neural circuits in the lumbosacral segment, alterations of synaptic plasticity, and the improvement of muscle and nerve regeneration, which provides the structural and functional foundation for the future use of cutting-edge biological treatment strategies to restore voluntary movement of paralyzed hindlimbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia‐Lin Liu
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat‐sen University), Ministry of EducationGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Zheng‐Hong Chen
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat‐sen University), Ministry of EducationGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Rehabilitation Medicine DepartmentThe First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Rong‐Jie Wu
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat‐sen University), Ministry of EducationGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Shantou University Medical CollegeShantouGuangdongChina
- Department of OrthopedicsGuangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical SciencesGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Hai‐Yang Yu
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat‐sen University), Ministry of EducationGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Department of OrthopedicsGuangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical SciencesGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Shang‐Bin Yang
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat‐sen University), Ministry of EducationGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Department of Histology and EmbryologyZhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Jing Xu
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat‐sen University), Ministry of EducationGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Department of Histology and EmbryologyZhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and DiseaseZhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Chuang‐Ran Wu
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat‐sen University), Ministry of EducationGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Department of OrthopedicsGuangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical SciencesGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Yi‐Nan Guo
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat‐sen University), Ministry of EducationGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Department of Histology and EmbryologyZhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Nan Hua
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat‐sen University), Ministry of EducationGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Xiang Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat‐sen University), Ministry of EducationGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Department of Histology and EmbryologyZhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Yuan‐Huan Ma
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat‐sen University), Ministry of EducationGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Institute of Clinical Medicine, South China University of TechnologyGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Ge Li
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat‐sen University), Ministry of EducationGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Targeted Prevention and Treatment of Heart DiseaseGuangdong Provincial People's Hospital(Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Ling Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat‐sen University), Ministry of EducationGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Rehabilitation Medicine DepartmentThe First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Yuan‐Feng Chen
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat‐sen University), Ministry of EducationGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Department of OrthopedicsGuangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical SciencesGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Yuan‐Shan Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat‐sen University), Ministry of EducationGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Department of Histology and EmbryologyZhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and DiseaseZhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Co‐innovation Center of NeuroregenerationNantong UniversityNantongJiangsuChina
| | - Ying Ding
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat‐sen University), Ministry of EducationGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Department of Histology and EmbryologyZhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and DiseaseZhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Bi‐Qin Lai
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat‐sen University), Ministry of EducationGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Department of Histology and EmbryologyZhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and DiseaseZhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Co‐innovation Center of NeuroregenerationNantong UniversityNantongJiangsuChina
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Li M, Sun H, Hou Z, Hao S, Jin L, Wang B. Engineering the Physical Microenvironment into Neural Organoids for Neurogenesis and Neurodevelopment. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2306451. [PMID: 37771182 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202306451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the signals from the physical microenvironment is critical for deciphering the processes of neurogenesis and neurodevelopment. The discovery of how surrounding physical signals shape human developing neurons is hindered by the bottleneck of conventional cell culture and animal models. Notwithstanding neural organoids provide a promising platform for recapitulating human neurogenesis and neurodevelopment, building neuronal physical microenvironment that accurately mimics the native neurophysical features is largely ignored in current organoid technologies. Here, it is discussed how the physical microenvironment modulates critical events during the periods of neurogenesis and neurodevelopment, such as neural stem cell fates, neural tube closure, neuronal migration, axonal guidance, optic cup formation, and cortical folding. Although animal models are widely used to investigate the impacts of physical factors on neurodevelopment and neuropathy, the important roles of human stem cell-derived neural organoids in this field are particularly highlighted. Considering the great promise of human organoids, building neural organoid microenvironments with mechanical forces, electrophysiological microsystems, and light manipulation will help to fully understand the physical cues in neurodevelopmental processes. Neural organoids combined with cutting-edge techniques, such as advanced atomic force microscopes, microrobots, and structural color biomaterials might promote the development of neural organoid-based research and neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghui Li
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Heng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Zongkun Hou
- Key Laboratory of Infectious Immune and Antibody Engineering of Guizhou Province, Engineering Research Center of Cellular Immunotherapy of Guizhou Province, School of Biology and Engineering/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Shilei Hao
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Liang Jin
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Bochu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
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Patil N, Korenfeld O, Scalf RN, Lavoie N, Huntemer-Silveira A, Han G, Swenson R, Parr AM. Electrical stimulation affects the differentiation of transplanted regionally specific human spinal neural progenitor cells (sNPCs) after chronic spinal cord injury. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:378. [PMID: 38124191 PMCID: PMC10734202 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03597-w] [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: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are currently no effective clinical therapies to ameliorate the loss of function that occurs after spinal cord injury. Electrical stimulation of the rat spinal cord through the rat tail has previously been described by our laboratory. We propose combinatorial treatment with human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived spinal neural progenitor cells (sNPCs) along with tail nerve electrical stimulation (TANES). The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of TANES on the differentiation of sNPCs with the hypothesis that the addition of TANES would affect incorporation of sNPCs into the injured spinal cord, which is our ultimate goal. METHODS Chronically injured athymic nude rats were allocated to one of three treatment groups: injury only, sNPC only, or sNPC + TANES. Rats were sacrificed at 16 weeks post-transplantation, and tissue was processed and analyzed utilizing standard histological and tissue clearing techniques. Functional testing was performed. All quantitative data were presented as mean ± standard error of the mean. Statistics were conducted using GraphPad Prism. RESULTS We found that sNPCs were multi-potent and retained the ability to differentiate into mainly neurons or oligodendrocytes after this transplantation paradigm. The addition of TANES resulted in more transplanted cells differentiating into oligodendrocytes compared with no TANES treatment, and more myelin was found. TANES not only promoted significantly higher numbers of sNPCs migrating away from the site of injection but also influenced long-distance axonal/dendritic projections especially in the rostral direction. Further, we observed localization of synaptophysin on SC121-positive cells, suggesting integration with host or surrounding neurons, and this finding was enhanced when TANES was applied. Also, rats that were transplanted with sNPCs in combination with TANES resulted in an increase in serotonergic fibers in the lumbar region. This suggests that TANES contributes to integration of sNPCs, as well as activity-dependent oligodendrocyte and myelin remodeling of the chronically injured spinal cord. CONCLUSIONS Together, the data suggest that the added electrical stimulation promoted cellular integration and influenced the fate of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived sNPCs transplanted into the injured spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandadevi Patil
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, 2-214 MTRF, 2001 6th St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Olivia Korenfeld
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, 2-214 MTRF, 2001 6th St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Rachel N Scalf
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, 2-214 MTRF, 2001 6th St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Nicolas Lavoie
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Anne Huntemer-Silveira
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, 2-214 MTRF, 2001 6th St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Guebum Han
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, University of Minnesota, 1100 Mechanical Engineering Building, 111 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Riley Swenson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, 2-214 MTRF, 2001 6th St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Ann M Parr
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, MMC 96, 420 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
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Yu C, Ying X, Shahbazi MA, Yang L, Ma Z, Ye L, Yang W, Sun R, Gu T, Tang R, Fan S, Yao S. A nano-conductive osteogenic hydrogel to locally promote calcium influx for electro-inspired bone defect regeneration. Biomaterials 2023; 301:122266. [PMID: 37597298 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Conductive nano-materials and electrical stimulation (ES) have been recognized as a synergetic therapy for ordinary excitable tissue repair. It is worth noting that hard tissues, such as bone tissue, possess bioelectrical properties as well. However, insufficient attention is paid to the synergetic therapy for bone defect regeneration via conductive biomaterials with ES. Here, a novel nano-conductive hydrogel comprising calcium phosphate-PEDOT:PSS-magnesium titanate-methacrylated alginate (CPM@MA) was synthesized for electro-inspired bone tissue regeneration. The nano-conductive CPM@MA hydrogel has demonstrated excellent electroactivity, biocompatibility, and osteoinductivity. Additionally, it has the potential to enhance cellular functionality by increasing endogenous transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) and activating TGF-β/Smad2 signaling pathway. The synergetic therapy could facilitate intracellular calcium enrichment, resulting in a 5.8-fold increase in calcium concentration compared to the control group in the CPM@MA ES + group. The nano-conductive CPM@MA hydrogel with ES could significantly promote electro-inspired bone defect regeneration in vivo, uniquely allowing a full repair of rat femoral defect within 4 weeks histologically and mechanically. These results demonstrate that our synergistic strategy effectively promotes bone restoration, thereby offering potential advancements in the field of electro-inspired hard tissue regeneration using novel nano-materials with ES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congcong Yu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China; Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration, Translational Research of Zhejiang Province Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China
| | - Xiaozhang Ying
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China; Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration, Translational Research of Zhejiang Province Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China; Department of Orthopaedics, Zhejiang Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mohammad-Ali Shahbazi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713, AV, Groningen, the Netherlands; W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713, AV, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Linjun Yang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China; Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration, Translational Research of Zhejiang Province Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China
| | - Zaiqiang Ma
- Center for Biomaterials and Biopathways, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, China
| | - Lin Ye
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China; Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration, Translational Research of Zhejiang Province Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China
| | - Wentao Yang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China; Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration, Translational Research of Zhejiang Province Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China
| | - Rongtai Sun
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China; Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration, Translational Research of Zhejiang Province Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China
| | - Tianyuan Gu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China; Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration, Translational Research of Zhejiang Province Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China
| | - Ruikang Tang
- Center for Biomaterials and Biopathways, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, China.
| | - Shunwu Fan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China; Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration, Translational Research of Zhejiang Province Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China.
| | - Shasha Yao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China; Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration, Translational Research of Zhejiang Province Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China.
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9
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Shahemi NH, Mahat MM, Asri NAN, Amir MA, Ab Rahim S, Kasri MA. Application of Conductive Hydrogels on Spinal Cord Injury Repair: A Review. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023. [PMID: 37364251 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c00194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes severe motor or sensory damage that leads to long-term disabilities due to disruption of electrical conduction in neuronal pathways. Despite current clinical therapies being used to limit the propagation of cell or tissue damage, the need for neuroregenerative therapies remains. Conductive hydrogels have been considered a promising neuroregenerative therapy due to their ability to provide a pro-regenerative microenvironment and flexible structure, which conforms to a complex SCI lesion. Furthermore, their conductivity can be utilized for noninvasive electrical signaling in dictating neuronal cell behavior. However, the ability of hydrogels to guide directional axon growth to reach the distal end for complete nerve reconnection remains a critical challenge. In this Review, we highlight recent advances in conductive hydrogels, including the incorporation of conductive materials, fabrication techniques, and cross-linking interactions. We also discuss important characteristics for designing conductive hydrogels for directional growth and regenerative therapy. We propose insights into electrical conductivity properties in a hydrogel that could be implemented as guidance for directional cell growth for SCI applications. Specifically, we highlight the practical implications of recent findings in the field, including the potential for conductive hydrogels to be used in clinical applications. We conclude that conductive hydrogels are a promising neuroregenerative therapy for SCI and that further research is needed to optimize their design and application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Hidayah Shahemi
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Muzamir Mahat
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nurul Ain Najihah Asri
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Abid Amir
- Faculty of Medicine, Sungai Buloh Campus, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 47000 Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sharaniza Ab Rahim
- Faculty of Medicine, Sungai Buloh Campus, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 47000 Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohamad Arif Kasri
- Kulliyyah of Science, International Islamic University Malaysia, 25200 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
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10
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Yu H, Yang S, Li H, Wu R, Lai B, Zheng Q. Activating Endogenous Neurogenesis for Spinal Cord Injury Repair: Recent Advances and Future Prospects. Neurospine 2023; 20:164-180. [PMID: 37016865 PMCID: PMC10080446 DOI: 10.14245/ns.2245184.296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
After spinal cord injury (SCI), endogenous neural stem cells are activated and migrate to the injury site where they differentiate into astrocytes, but they rarely differentiate into neurons. It is difficult for brain-derived information to be transmitted through the injury site after SCI because of the lack of neurons that can relay neural information through the injury site, and the functional recovery of adult mammals is difficult to achieve. The development of bioactive materials, tissue engineering, stem cell therapy, and physiotherapy has provided new strategies for the treatment of SCI and shown broad application prospects, such as promoting endogenous neurogenesis after SCI. In this review, we focus on novel approaches including tissue engineering, stem cell technology, and physiotherapy to promote endogenous neurogenesis and their therapeutic effects on SCI. Moreover, we explore the mechanisms and challenges of endogenous neurogenesis for the repair of SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Yu
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shangbin Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haotao Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Rongjie Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Biqin Lai
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
- Co-corresponding Author Biqin Lai Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiujian Zheng
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Corresponding Author Qiujian Zheng Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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11
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Song S, Li Y, Huang J, Cheng S, Zhang Z. Inhibited astrocytic differentiation in neural stem cell-laden 3D bioprinted conductive composite hydrogel scaffolds for repair of spinal cord injury. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2023; 148:213385. [PMID: 36934714 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting technology has attracted ever-increasing attention in engineered tissue fabrication for stem cell-based tissue repair. However, the in vivo performance of transplanted stem cells in the tissue engineering scaffolds is still a major concern for regenerative medicine researches. Especially for neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation, the uncontrollable differentiation of the NSCs in host often leads to a poor therapeutic effect in nerve tissue repair, such as spinal cord injury (SCI) repair. To address this issue, we have fabricated a conductive composite hydrogel (CCH) scaffold loading with NSCs by 3D bioprinting, for delivering the NSCs to injured spinal cord and repairing the propriospinal nerve circuit. In our strategy, a novel conductive polymer (PEDOT:CSMA,TA) was synthesized and introduced into a photocrosslinkable gelatin/polyethylene glycol physical-gel matrix, thereby forming a composite bioink with well shear-thinning and self-healing properties. The composite bioink we prepared was then printed into the NSC-laden CCH scaffold with high shape fidelity and similar physicochemical properties to native spinal cord tissues. The NSCs encapsulated in the bioprinted CCH scaffold extended their neurites to form superior physical contact with the neighboring cells as well as the electroconductive matrix, and maintained a predominant in vivo neuronal differentiation, accompanying with few astrocytic production in the lesion area after transplantation into the SCI sites. As a result, the removal of glial scar tissues and the regeneration of well-developed nerve fibres sequentially happened, which not only facilitated nerve tissue development, but also accelerated locomotor function recovery in the SCI rats. By exploring the application of conductive biomaterials in stem cell-based SCI therapy, this work represents a feasible, new approach to precisely construct tissue engineering scaffolds for stem cell-based therapy in traumatic SCI and other nervous system diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoshuai Song
- School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), 96 Jinzhai Road, Hefei 230026, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Division of Nanobiomedicine, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics (SINANO), Chinese Academy of Sciences, 398 Ruoshui Road, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yuxuan Li
- School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), 96 Jinzhai Road, Hefei 230026, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Division of Nanobiomedicine, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics (SINANO), Chinese Academy of Sciences, 398 Ruoshui Road, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jie Huang
- School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), 96 Jinzhai Road, Hefei 230026, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Division of Nanobiomedicine, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics (SINANO), Chinese Academy of Sciences, 398 Ruoshui Road, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Shengnan Cheng
- School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), 96 Jinzhai Road, Hefei 230026, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Division of Nanobiomedicine, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics (SINANO), Chinese Academy of Sciences, 398 Ruoshui Road, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Zhijun Zhang
- School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), 96 Jinzhai Road, Hefei 230026, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Division of Nanobiomedicine, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics (SINANO), Chinese Academy of Sciences, 398 Ruoshui Road, Suzhou 215123, China.
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12
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Lai BQ, Wu RJ, Han WT, Bai YR, Liu JL, Yu HY, Yang SB, Wang LJ, Ren JL, Ding Y, Li G, Zeng X, Ma YH, Quan Q, Xing LY, Jiang B, Wang YQ, Zhang L, Chen ZH, Zhang HB, Chen YF, Zheng QJ, Zeng YS. Tail nerve electrical stimulation promoted the efficiency of transplanted spinal cord-like tissue as a neuronal relay to repair the motor function of rats with transected spinal cord injury. Biomaterials 2023; 297:122103. [PMID: 37028111 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Following transected spinal cord injury (SCI), there is a critical need to restore nerve conduction at the injury site and activate the silent neural circuits caudal to the injury to promote the recovery of voluntary movement. In this study, we generated a rat model of SCI, constructed neural stem cell (NSC)-derived spinal cord-like tissue (SCLT), and evaluated its ability to replace injured spinal cord and repair nerve conduction in the spinal cord as a neuronal relay. The lumbosacral spinal cord was further activated with tail nerve electrical stimulation (TNES) as a synergistic electrical stimulation to better receive the neural information transmitted by the SCLT. Next, we investigated the neuromodulatory mechanism underlying the action of TNES and its synergism with SCLT in SCI repair. TNES promoted the regeneration and remyelination of axons and increased the proportion of glutamatergic neurons in SCLT to transmit brain-derived neural information more efficiently to the caudal spinal cord. TNES also increased the innervation of motor neurons to hindlimb muscle and improved the microenvironment of muscle tissue, resulting in effective prevention of hindlimb muscle atrophy and enhanced muscle mitochondrial energy metabolism. Tracing of the neural circuits of the sciatic nerve and tail nerve identified the mechanisms responsible for the synergistic effects of SCLT transplantation and TNES in activating central pattern generator (CPG) neural circuits and promoting voluntary motor function recovery in rats. The combination of SCLT and TNES is expected to provide a new breakthrough for patients with SCI to restore voluntary movement and control their muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bi-Qin Lai
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China; Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Rong-Jie Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510100, China; Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Wei-Tao Han
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Yu-Rong Bai
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jia-Lin Liu
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Hai-Yang Yu
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510100, China
| | - Shang-Bin Yang
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Lai-Jian Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jia-Le Ren
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ying Ding
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ge Li
- Medical Research Center, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Science, Guangzhou, 510100, China
| | - Xiang Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yuan-Huan Ma
- Guangzhou Institute of Clinical Medicine, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, China
| | - Qi Quan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Trauma & War Injuries PLA, Beijing Key Lab of Regenerative Medicine in Orthopedics, the 4th Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Ling-Yan Xing
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Bin Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ya-Qiong Wang
- Department of Electron Microscope, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Zheng-Hong Chen
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Hong-Bo Zhang
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Yuan-Feng Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510100, China.
| | - Qiu-Jian Zheng
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510100, China.
| | - Yuan-Shan Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China; Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Institute of Spinal Cord Injury, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510800, China.
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13
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3D bio-printed living nerve-like fibers refine the ecological niche for long-distance spinal cord injury regeneration. Bioact Mater 2023; 25:160-175. [PMID: 36817821 PMCID: PMC9931763 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
3D bioprinting holds great promise toward fabricating biomimetic living constructs in a bottom-up assembly manner. To date, various emergences of living constructs have been bioprinted for in vitro applications, while the conspicuous potential serving for in vivo implantable therapies in spinal cord injury (SCI) has been relatively overlooked. Herein, living nerve-like fibers are prepared via extrusion-based 3D bioprinting for SCI therapy. The living nerve-like fibers are comprised of neural stem cells (NSCs) embedded within a designed hydrogel that mimics the extracellular matrix (ECM), assembled into a highly spatial ordered architecture, similar to densely arranged bundles of the nerve fibers. The pro-neurogenesis ability of these living nerve-like fibers is tested in a 4 mm-long complete transected SCI rat model. Evidence shows that living nerve-like fibers refine the ecological niche of the defect site by immune modulation, angiogenesis, neurogenesis, neural relay formations, and neural circuit remodeling, leading to outstanding functional reconstruction, revealing an evolution process of this living construct after implantation. This effective strategy, based on biomimetic living constructs, opens a new perspective on SCI therapies.
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14
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Hao F, Jia F, Hao P, Duan H, Wang Z, Fan Y, Zhao W, Gao Y, Fan OR, Xu F, Yang Z, Sun YE, Li X. Proper wiring of newborn neurons to control bladder function after complete spinal cord injury. Biomaterials 2023; 292:121919. [PMID: 36455486 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Activation of endogenous neurogenesis by bioactive materials enables restoration of sensory/motor function after complete spinal cord injury (SCI) via formation of new relay neural circuits. The underlying wiring logic of newborn neurons in adult central nervous system (CNS) is unknown. Here, we report neurotrophin3-loaded chitosan biomaterial substantially recovered bladder function after SCI. Multiple neuro-circuitry tracing technologies using pseudorabies virus (PRV), rabies virus (RV), and anterograde adeno-associated virus (AAV), demonstrated that newborn neurons were integrated into the micturition neural circuits and reconnected higher brain centers and lower spinal cord centers to control voiding, and participated in the restoration of the lower urinary tract function, even in the absence of long-distance axonal regeneration. Opto- and chemo-genetic studies further supported the notion that the supraspinal control of the lower urinary tract function was partially recovered. Our data demonstrated that regenerated relay neurons could be properly integrated into disrupted long-range neural circuits to restore function of adult CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Hao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Fan Jia
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Translational Research Center for the Nervous System (TRCNS), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, 518055, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Peng Hao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Hongmei Duan
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Zijue Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yubo Fan
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of the Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China; School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Wen Zhao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yudan Gao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Orion R Fan
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis, CA, 90007, USA
| | - Fuqiang Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Translational Research Center for the Nervous System (TRCNS), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, 518055, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, Wuhan Center for Magnetic Resonance, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| | - Zhaoyang Yang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
| | - Yi E Sun
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200065, China; Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China.
| | - Xiaoguang Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China; Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
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15
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Payal N, Sharma L, Sharma A, Hobanii YH, Hakami MA, Ali N, Rashid S, Sachdeva M, Gulati M, Yadav S, Chigurupati S, Singh A, Khan H, Behl T. Understanding the Therapeutic Approaches for Neuroprotection. Curr Pharm Des 2023; 29:3368-3384. [PMID: 38151849 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128275761231103102125] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
The term "neurodegenerative disorders" refers to a group of illnesses in which deterioration of nerve structure and function is a prominent feature. Cognitive capacities such as memory and decision-making deteriorate as a result of neuronal damage. The primary difficulty that remains is safeguarding neurons since they do not proliferate or regenerate spontaneously and are therefore not substituted by the body after they have been damaged. Millions of individuals throughout the world suffer from neurodegenerative diseases. Various pathways lead to neurodegeneration, including endoplasmic reticulum stress, calcium ion overload, mitochondrial dysfunction, reactive oxygen species generation, and apoptosis. Although different treatments and therapies are available for neuroprotection after a brain injury or damage, the obstacles are inextricably connected. Several studies have revealed the pathogenic effects of hypothermia, different breathed gases, stem cell treatments, mitochondrial transplantation, multi-pharmacological therapy, and other therapies that have improved neurological recovery and survival outcomes after brain damage. The present review highlights the use of therapeutic approaches that can be targeted to develop and understand significant therapies for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazrana Payal
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Biotechnology, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Lalit Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Aditi Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Yahya Hosan Hobanii
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Nemat Ali
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Summya Rashid
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Monika Sachdeva
- Department of Pharmacy, Fatima College of Health Sciences, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Monica Gulati
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 1444411, India
- ARCCIM, Faculty of Health, University of Technology, Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Shivam Yadav
- School of Pharmacy, Babu Banarasi Das University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sridevi Chigurupati
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraydah 52571, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Saveetha Nagar, Thandalam, Chennai 602105, India
| | - Abhiav Singh
- Department of Pharmacy, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Haroon Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | - Tapan Behl
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Bidholi, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
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16
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Mediate neurite outgrowth of PC-12 cells using polypyrrole-assisted laser-induced graphene flexible composite electrodes combined with electrical stimulation. Eur Polym J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2022.111634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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17
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Shen Y, Cao X, Lu M, Gu H, Li M, Posner DA. Current treatments after spinal cord injury: Cell engineering, tissue engineering, and combined therapies. SMART MEDICINE 2022; 1:e20220017. [PMID: 39188731 PMCID: PMC11235943 DOI: 10.1002/smmd.20220017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Both traumatic and non-traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCIs) can be categorized as damages done to our central nervous system (CNS). The patients' physical and mental health may suffer greatly because of traumatic SCI. With the widespread use of motor vehicles and increasingly aged population, the occurrence of SCI is more frequent than before, creating a considerable burden to global public health. The regeneration process of the spinal cord is hampered by a series of events that occur following SCI like edema, hemorrhage, formation of cystic cavities, and ischemia. An effective strategy for the treatment of SCI and functional recovery still has not been discovered; however, recent advances have been made in bioengineering fields that therapies based on cells, biomaterials, and biomolecules have proved effective in the repair of the spinal cord. In the light of worldwide importance of treatments for SCI, this article aims to provide a review of recent advances by first introducing the physiology, etiology, epidemiology, and mechanisms of SCI. We then put emphasis on the widely used clinical treatments and bioengineering strategies (cell-based, biomaterial-based, and biomolecule-based) for the functional regeneration of the spinal cord as well as challenges faced by scientists currently. This article provides scientists and clinicians with a comprehensive outlook on the recent advances of preclinical and clinical treatments of SCI, hoping to help them find keys to the functional regeneration of SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingbo Shen
- State Key Laboratory of BioelectronicsSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSoutheast UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Xinyue Cao
- State Key Laboratory of BioelectronicsSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSoutheast UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Minhui Lu
- State Key Laboratory of BioelectronicsSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSoutheast UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Hongcheng Gu
- State Key Laboratory of BioelectronicsSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSoutheast UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Minli Li
- State Key Laboratory of BioelectronicsSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSoutheast UniversityNanjingChina
| | - David A. Posner
- Molecular Immunity UnitCambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious DiseasesDepartment of MedicineUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
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Luo J, Xie M, Peng C, Ma Y, Wang K, Lin G, Yang H, Chen T, Liu Q, Zhang G, Lin H, Ji Z. Protein disulfide isomerase A6 promotes the repair of injured nerve through interactions with spastin. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:950586. [PMID: 36090256 PMCID: PMC9449696 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.950586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The maintenance of appropriate endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis is critical to effective spinal cord injury (SCI) repair. In previous reports, protein disulfide isomerase A6 (PDIA6) demonstrated to serve as a reversible functional modulator of ER stress responses, while spastin can coordinate ER organization through the modulation of the dynamic microtubule network surrounding this organelle. While both PDIA6 and spastin are thus important regulators of the ER, whether they interact with one another for SCI repair still needs to be determined. Here a proteomics analysis identified PDIA6 as being related to SCI repair, and protein interaction mass spectrometry further confirmed the ability of PDIA6 and spastin to interact with one another. Pull-down and co-immunoprecipitation assays were further performed to validate and characterize the interactions between these two proteins. The RNAi-based knockdown of PDIA6 in COS-7 cells inhibited the activity of spastin-dependent microtubule severing. PDIA6 was also found to promote injured neuron repair, while spastin knockdown reversed this reparative activity. Together, these results thus confirm that PDIA6 and spastin function together as critical mediators of nerve repair, highlighting their potential value as validated targets for efforts to promote SCI repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxian Luo
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Xie
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University (Zhuhai People’s Hospital), Zhuhai, China
- Orthopedics Department I, Zhuhai Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhuhai, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanming Ma
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ke Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gengxiong Lin
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hua Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tianjun Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiuling Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guowei Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Guowei Zhang,
| | - Hongsheng Lin
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Hongsheng Lin,
| | - Zhisheng Ji
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Zhisheng Ji,
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19
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Advanced Equipment Development and Clinical Application in Neurorehabilitation for Spinal Cord Injury: Historical Perspectives and Future Directions. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12094532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Partial to complete paralysis following spinal cord injury (SCI) causes deterioration in health and has severe effects on the ability to perform activities of daily living. Following the discovery of neural plasticity, neurorehabilitation therapies have emerged that aim to reconstruct the motor circuit of the damaged spinal cord. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) has been incorporated into devices that reconstruct purposeful motions in the upper and lower limbs, the most recent of which do not require percutaneous electrode placement surgery and thus enable early rehabilitation after injury. FES-based devices have shown promising results for improving upper limb movement, including gripping and finger function, and for lower limb function such as the ability to stand and walk. FES has also been employed in hybrid cycling and rowing to increase total body fitness. Training using rehabilitation robots is advantageous in terms of consistency of quality and quantity of movements and is particularly applicable to walking training. Initiation of motor reconstruction at the early stage following SCI is likely to advance rapidly in the future, with the combined use of technologies such as regenerative medicine, brain machine interfaces, and rehabilitation robots with FES showing great promise.
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20
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Zeng YS, Ding Y, Xu HY, Zeng X, Lai BQ, Li G, Ma YH. Electro-acupuncture and its combination with adult stem cell transplantation for spinal cord injury treatment: A summary of current laboratory findings and a review of literature. CNS Neurosci Ther 2022; 28:635-647. [PMID: 35174644 PMCID: PMC8981476 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence and disability rate of spinal cord injury (SCI) worldwide are high, imposing a heavy burden on patients. Considerable research efforts have been directed toward identifying new strategies to effectively treat SCI. Governor Vessel electro‐acupuncture (GV‐EA), used in traditional Chinese medicine, combines acupuncture with modern electrical stimulation. It has been shown to improve the microenvironment of injured spinal cord (SC) by increasing levels of endogenous neurotrophic factors and reducing inflammation, thereby protecting injured neurons and promoting myelination. In addition, axons extending from transplanted stem cell‐derived neurons can potentially bridge the two severed ends of tissues in a transected SC to rebuild neuronal circuits and restore motor and sensory functions. However, every single treatment approach to severe SCI has proven unsatisfactory. Combining different treatments—for example, electro‐acupuncture (EA) with adult stem cell transplantation—appears to be a more promising strategy. In this review, we have summarized the recent progress over the past two decades by our team especially in the use of GV‐EA for the repair of SCI. By this strategy, we have shown that EA can stimulate the nerve endings of the meningeal branch. This would elicit the dorsal root ganglion neurons to secrete excess amounts of calcitonin gene‐related peptide centrally in the SC. The neuropeptide then activates the local cells to secrete neurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3), which mediates the survival and differentiation of donor stem cells overexpressing the NT‐3 receptor, at the injury/graft site of the SC. Increased local production of NT‐3 facilitates reconstruction of host neural tissue such as nerve fiber regeneration and myelination. All this events in sequence would ultimately strengthen the cortical motor‐evoked potentials and restore the motor function of paralyzed limbs. The information presented herein provides a basis for future studies on the clinical application of GV‐EA and adult stem cell transplantation for the treatment of SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Shan Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.,Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China.,Institute of Spinal Cord Injury, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ying Ding
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.,Institute of Spinal Cord Injury, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hao-Yu Xu
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.,Institute of Spinal Cord Injury, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Bi-Qin Lai
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.,Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China.,Institute of Spinal Cord Injury, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ge Li
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.,Institute of Spinal Cord Injury, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yuan-Huan Ma
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.,Institute of Spinal Cord Injury, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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