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Poongodi R, Yang TH, Huang YH, Yang KD, Chen HZ, Chu TY, Wang TY, Lin HC, Cheng JK. Stem cell exosome-loaded Gelfoam improves locomotor dysfunction and neuropathic pain in a rat model of spinal cord injury. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:143. [PMID: 38764049 PMCID: PMC11103960 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03758-5] [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: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating illness in humans that causes permanent loss of movement or sensation. To treat SCI, exosomes, with their unique benefits, can circumvent limitations through direct stem cell transplantation. Therefore, we utilized Gelfoam encapsulated with exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HucMSC-EX) in a rat SCI model. METHODS SCI model was established through hemisection surgery in T9 spinal cord of female Sprague-Dawley rats. Exosome-loaded Gelfoam was implanted into the lesion site. An in vivo uptake assay using labeled exosomes was conducted on day 3 post-implantation. Locomotor functions and gait analyses were assessed using Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale and DigiGait Imaging System from weeks 1 to 8. Nociceptive responses were evaluated through von Frey filament and noxious radiant heat tests. The therapeutic effects and potential mechanisms were analyzed using Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining at week 8 post-SCI. RESULTS For the in vivo exosome uptake assay, we observed the uptake of labeled exosomes by NeuN+, Iba1+, GFAP+, and OLIG2+ cells around the injured area. Exosome treatment consistently increased the BBB score from 1 to 8 weeks compared with the Gelfoam-saline and SCI control groups. Additionally, exosome treatment significantly improved gait abnormalities including right-to-left hind paw contact area ratio, stance/stride, stride length, stride frequency, and swing duration, validating motor function recovery. Immunostaining and Western blotting revealed high expression of NF200, MBP, GAP43, synaptophysin, and PSD95 in exosome treatment group, indicating the promotion of nerve regeneration, remyelination, and synapse formation. Interestingly, exosome treatment reduced SCI-induced upregulation of GFAP and CSPG. Furthermore, levels of Bax, p75NTR, Iba1, and iNOS were reduced around the injured area, suggesting anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects. Moreover, exosome treatment alleviated SCI-induced pain behaviors and reduced pain-associated proteins (BDNF, TRPV1, and Cav3.2). Exosomal miRNA analysis revealed several promising therapeutic miRNAs. The cell culture study also confirmed the neurotrophic effect of HucMSCs-EX. CONCLUSION Implantation of HucMSCs-EX-encapsulated Gelfoam improves SCI-induced motor dysfunction and neuropathic pain, possibly through its capabilities in nerve regeneration, remyelination, anti-inflammation, and anti-apoptosis. Overall, exosomes could serve as a promising therapeutic alternative for SCI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raju Poongodi
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan
| | - Tao-Hsiang Yang
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Hsien Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, 25245, Taiwan
| | - Kuender D Yang
- Institute of Long-Term Care, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, 25245, Taiwan.
- Department of Pediatrics, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan.
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 11221, Taiwan.
| | - Hong-Zhao Chen
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan
| | - Tsuei-Yu Chu
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan
| | - Tao-Yeuan Wang
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, 25245, Taiwan
- Department of Pathology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Chieh Lin
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 300093, Taiwan
- Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-Devices (IDS 2 B), National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 30068, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Kun Cheng
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan.
- Department of Anesthesiology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan.
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, 25245, Taiwan.
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Liu S, Liu B, Li Q, Zheng T, Liu B, Li M, Chen Z. Transplantation of fibrin-thrombin encapsulated human induced neural stem cells promotes functional recovery of spinal cord injury rats through modulation of the microenvironment. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:440-446. [PMID: 37488909 PMCID: PMC10503599 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.379049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have mostly focused on engraftment of cells at the lesioned spinal cord, with the expectation that differentiated neurons facilitate recovery. Only a few studies have attempted to use transplanted cells and/or biomaterials as major modulators of the spinal cord injury microenvironment. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of microenvironment modulation by cell graft on functional recovery after spinal cord injury. Induced neural stem cells reprogrammed from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and/or thrombin plus fibrinogen, were transplanted into the lesion site of an immunosuppressed rat spinal cord injury model. Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan score, electrophysiological function, and immunofluorescence/histological analyses showed that transplantation facilitates motor and electrophysiological function, reduces lesion volume, and promotes axonal neurofilament expression at the lesion core. Examination of the graft and niche components revealed that although the graft only survived for a relatively short period (up to 15 days), it still had a crucial impact on the microenvironment. Altogether, induced neural stem cells and human fibrin reduced the number of infiltrated immune cells, biased microglia towards a regenerative M2 phenotype, and changed the cytokine expression profile at the lesion site. Graft-induced changes of the microenvironment during the acute and subacute stages might have disrupted the inflammatory cascade chain reactions, which may have exerted a long-term impact on the functional recovery of spinal cord injury rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumei Liu
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Baoguo Liu
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Li
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Tianqi Zheng
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Bochao Liu
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Mo Li
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiguo Chen
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Center of Parkinson’s Disease, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
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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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Hasanzadeh E, Seifalian A, Mellati A, Saremi J, Asadpour S, Enderami SE, Nekounam H, Mahmoodi N. Injectable hydrogels in central nervous system: Unique and novel platforms for promoting extracellular matrix remodeling and tissue engineering. Mater Today Bio 2023; 20:100614. [PMID: 37008830 PMCID: PMC10050787 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Repairing central nervous system (CNS) is difficult due to the inability of neurons to recover after damage. A clinically acceptable treatment to promote CNS functional recovery and regeneration is currently unavailable. According to recent studies, injectable hydrogels as biodegradable scaffolds for CNS tissue engineering and regeneration have exceptionally desirable attributes. Hydrogel has a biomimetic structure similar to extracellular matrix, hence has been considered a 3D scaffold for CNS regeneration. An interesting new type of hydrogel, injectable hydrogels, can be injected into target areas with little invasiveness and imitate several aspects of CNS. Injectable hydrogels are being researched as therapeutic agents because they may imitate numerous properties of CNS tissues and hence reduce subsequent injury and regenerate neural tissue. Because of their less adverse effects and cost, easier use and implantation with less pain, and faster regeneration capacity, injectable hydrogels, are more desirable than non-injectable hydrogels. This article discusses the pathophysiology of CNS and the use of several kinds of injectable hydrogels for brain and spinal cord tissue engineering, paying particular emphasis to recent experimental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Hasanzadeh
- Immunogenetics Research Center, Department of Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Corresponding author. School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Valie-Asr Boulevard, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran.
| | - Alexander Seifalian
- Nanotechnology & Regenerative Medicine Commercialisation Centre (NanoRegMed Ltd, Nanoloom Ltd, & Liberum Health Ltd), London BioScience Innovation Centre, 2 Royal College Street, London, UK
| | - Amir Mellati
- Department of Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Jamileh Saremi
- Research Center for Noncommunicable Diseases, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Shiva Asadpour
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Seyed Ehsan Enderami
- Immunogenetics Research Center, Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Houra Nekounam
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Narges Mahmoodi
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Corresponding author. Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Sina Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Hasan-Abad Square, Imam Khomeini Ave., Tehran, 11365-3876, Iran.
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Liu Y, Gao GM, Yang KY, Nong LM. Construction of tissue-engineered nucleus pulposus by stimulation with periodic mechanical stress and BMP-2. iScience 2022; 25:104405. [PMID: 35633940 PMCID: PMC9136668 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration, which is common among elderly individuals, mainly manifests as low back pain and is caused by structural deterioration of the nucleus pulposus (NP) due to physiological mechanical stress. NP mesenchymal stem cells (NPMSCs) around the IVD endplate have multidirectional differentiation potential and can be used for tissue repair. To define favorable conditions for NPMSC proliferation and differentiation into chondroid cells for NP repair, the present study simulated periodic mechanical stress (PMS) of the NP under physiological conditions using MSC chondrogenic differentiation medium and recombinant human BMP-2 (rhBMP-2). rhBMP-2 effectively promoted NPMSC proliferation and differentiation. To clarify the mechanism of action of rhBMP-2, integrin alpha 1 (ITG A1) and BMP-2 were inhibited. PMS regulated the BMP-2/Smad1/RUNX2 pathway through ITG A1 and promoted NPMSC proliferation and differentiation. During tissue-engineered NP construction, PMS can effectively reduce osteogenic differentiation and promote extracellular matrix protein synthesis to enhance structural NP recovery. Extraction of NPMSCs from degenerated nucleus pulposus NPMSCs cultured in vitro by simulating physiological mechanical stress ITG A1 to promote proliferation and differentiation of NPMSCs through BMP-2/Smad1/RUNX2 Injectable tissue-engineered nucleus pulposus
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Growth of MIN-6 Cells on Salmon Fibrinogen Scaffold Improves Insulin Secretion. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14050941. [PMID: 35631527 PMCID: PMC9144899 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14050941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of type I diabetes has been increasing worldwide at an annual rate of approximately 3%. One of the strategies to treat type I diabetes is islet transplantation, in which damaged β-cells are replaced with new islets. To improve β-cells’ expansion and pseudoislet formation, studies are focusing on using extracellular-matrix-resembling substrates. We evaluated the potential of salmon fibrinogen and chitosan electrospun scaffold as cell substrate for cultivating MIN-6 cells. The morphology of cells, insulin secretion and gene expression was evaluated and compared with other substrates (nanofibrous scaffold, microporous scaffold and tissue culture polystyrene). We found that all tested 3D conditions favored the pseudoislet formation of MIN-6 cells. The insulin secretion of MIN-6 cells after stimulation with high-glucose media shows approximately a 9-fold increase compared to the control group when a fibrinogen/chitosan-based electrospun scaffold was used for cultivation. The differences in insulin secretion were corroborated by differences in gene expression. The differences in insulin secretion could probably be attributed to the differences in the mechanical and/or chemical nature of the tested substrates.
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7
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Yuan TY, Zhang J, Yu T, Wu JP, Liu QY. 3D Bioprinting for Spinal Cord Injury Repair. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:847344. [PMID: 35519617 PMCID: PMC9065470 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.847344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is considered to be one of the most challenging central nervous system injuries. The poor regeneration of nerve cells and the formation of scar tissue after injury make it difficult to recover the function of the nervous system. With the development of tissue engineering, three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting has attracted extensive attention because it can accurately print complex structures. At the same time, the technology of blending and printing cells and related cytokines has gradually been matured. Using this technology, complex biological scaffolds with accurate cell localization can be manufactured. Therefore, this technology has a certain potential in the repair of the nervous system, especially the spinal cord. So far, this review focuses on the progress of tissue engineering of the spinal cord, landmark 3D bioprinting methods, and landmark 3D bioprinting applications of the spinal cord in recent years.
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Ayar Z, Hassannejad Z, Shokraneh F, Saderi N, Rahimi-Movaghar V. Efficacy of hydrogels for repair of traumatic spinal cord injuries: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 2021; 110:1460-1478. [PMID: 34902215 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.34993] [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: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Hydrogels have been used as promising biomaterials for regeneration and control of pathophysiological events after traumatic spinal cord injuries (TSCI). However, no systematic comparison was conducted to show the effect of hydrogels on pathophysiological events. This study was designed to address this issue and evaluate the regenerative potential of hydrogels after TSCI. From 2857 records found in MEDLINE and EMBASE databases (April 23, 2021), 49 articles were included based on our inclusion/exclusion criteria. All studies discussing the effect of hydrogels on at least one of the main pathophysiological events after TSCI, including inflammation, axon growth, remyelination, glial scar formation, cavity size, and locomotor functional recovery were included. For statistical analysis, we used mean difference with 95% confidence intervals for locomotor functional recovery. The results showed that both natural and synthetic hydrogels could reduce the inflammatory response, hinder glial scar formation, and promote axon growth and vascularization. Also, the meta-analysis of the BBB score showed that using the hydrogels can lead to locomotor functional recovery. It was found that hydrogels are more efficient when used in transection and hemisection injuries (SMD: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.26, 2.52; P < .00001) compared to other injury models. The pre-formed implanted hydrogels (SMD: 1.79; 95% CI: 1.24, 2.34; P < .00001) found to be more effective compared to injection (SMD: 1.58; 95% CI: 0.64, 2.52; P = 0.0009). In conclusion, based on the available evidence, it was concluded that hydrogel composition as well as implantation method are dominant factors affecting tissue regeneration after TSCI and should be chosen according to the injury model in animal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Ayar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Hassannejad
- Pediatric Urology and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Gene, Cell & Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farhad Shokraneh
- London Institute of Healthcare Engineering, King's College London, London, UK.,Cochrane Schizophrenia Group, Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, School of Medicine, Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Narges Saderi
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vafa Rahimi-Movaghar
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Nelson DW, Gilbert RJ. Extracellular Matrix-Mimetic Hydrogels for Treating Neural Tissue Injury: A Focus on Fibrin, Hyaluronic Acid, and Elastin-Like Polypeptide Hydrogels. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2101329. [PMID: 34494398 PMCID: PMC8599642 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202101329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Neurological and functional recovery is limited following central nervous system injury and severe injury to the peripheral nervous system. Extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimetic hydrogels are of particular interest as regenerative scaffolds for the injured nervous system as they provide 3D bioactive interfaces that modulate cellular response to the injury environment and provide naturally degradable scaffolding for effective tissue remodeling. In this review, three unique ECM-mimetic hydrogels used in models of neural injury are reviewed: fibrin hydrogels, which rely on a naturally occurring enzymatic gelation, hyaluronic acid hydrogels, which require chemical modification prior to chemical crosslinking, and elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) hydrogels, which exhibit a temperature-sensitive gelation. The hydrogels are reviewed by summarizing their unique biological properties, their use as drug depots, and their combination with other biomaterials, such as electrospun fibers and nanoparticles. This review is the first to focus on these three ECM-mimetic hydrogels for their use in neural tissue engineering. Additionally, this is the first review to summarize the use of ELP hydrogels for nervous system applications. ECM-mimetic hydrogels have shown great promise in preclinical models of neural injury and future advancements in their design and use can likely lead to viable treatments for patients with neural injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek W Nelson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th St, Troy, NY, 12180, USA
| | - Ryan J Gilbert
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th St, Troy, NY, 12180, USA
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Malcorps W, Newton RW, Sprague M, Glencross BD, Little DC. Nutritional Characterisation of European Aquaculture Processing By-Products to Facilitate Strategic Utilisation. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2021.720595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sustainability analyses of aquaculture typically ignore the fate and value of processing by-products. The aim of this study was to characterise the nutritional content of the common processing by-products (heads, frames, trimmings, skin, and viscera) of five important finfish species farmed in Europe; Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax), gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), common carp (Cyprinus carpio), and turbot (Psetta maxima) to inform on best utilisation strategies. Our results indicate a substantially higher total flesh yield (64–77%) can be achieved if fully processed, compared to fillet only (30–56%). We found that heads, frames, trimmings and skin from Atlantic salmon, European seabass, gilthead seabream and turbot frames showed medium to high edible yields, medium to high lipid, and medium to high eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content, indicating significant potential for direct use in human food. By-products which are unattractive for use in food directly but have low ash content and medium to high crude protein, lipid and EPA and DHA content, such as viscera, could be directed to animal feed. Skin showed interesting nutritional values, but has more potential in non-food applications, such as the fashion, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. The results indicate potential to increase the direct food, animal feed and non-food value of European aquaculture, without an increase in production volumes or the use of additional resources. The importance of changing consumer perceptions and addressing infrastructure and legislative barriers to maximise utilisation is emphasised.
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Tanji C, Hashimoto M, Furuya T, Saito J, Miyamoto T, Koda M. Sigma 1 receptor agonist cutamesine promotes plasticity of serotonergic boutons in lumbar enlargement in spinal cord injured rats. Neurosci Lett 2021; 759:135971. [PMID: 34023415 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.135971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Cutamesine, a sigma-1 receptor agonist, functions in both neuroprotection and neurite outgrowth. We assessed the therapeutic effects of cutamesine in a rodent spinal cord injury (SCI) model to demonstrate pre-clinical proof-of-concept. First of all, in order to determine optimal cutamesine dose, cutamesine was administered to normal rats and BDNF protein levels in the lumbar spinal cord were assessed by Western blot. Next, for the SCI model, spinal cords of adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were contused using an Infinite Horizon Impactor. Two weeks post-injury, rats were randomly assigned to receive daily subcutaneous injections of either cutamesine (3.0 mg/kg/day) or saline (as a control) for another two weeks. Immunohistochemistry for BDNF and 5-HT was assessed at four and twelve weeks post-injury in the lumbar spinal cord. Locomotor function was assessed weekly using the BBB locomotor scale until twelve weeks after SCI and CatWalk XT 10.5 gait analysis was conducted at twelve weeks after SCI. In normal rats, cutamesine treatment (3.0 mg/kg/day) significantly up-regulated BDNF expression in the lumbar spinal cord. In SCI rats, cutamesine treatment (3.0 mg/kg/day) significantly increased the fluorescence intensity of neuronal BDNF and serotonin boutons in the injured spinal cord compared to saline. However, cutamesine treatment did not promote significant locomotor recovery. Recent work indicates that cutamesine treatment alone did not promote locomotor recovery in spite of immunohistological changes. Future work will explore the influence of combining cutamesine with other treatment promoting plasticity (e.g. rehabilitative training) in SCI rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chihiro Tanji
- Department of Rehabilitation Therapy, Chiba Rehabilitation Center, Chiba, Japan
| | | | - Takeo Furuya
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | | | - Takuya Miyamoto
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masao Koda
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
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Ye J, Jin S, Cai W, Chen X, Zheng H, Zhang T, Lu W, Li X, Liang C, Chen Q, Wang Y, Gu X, Yu B, Chen Z, Wang X. Rationally Designed, Self-Assembling, Multifunctional Hydrogel Depot Repairs Severe Spinal Cord Injury. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2100242. [PMID: 34029000 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202100242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Following severe spinal cord injury (SCI), dysregulated neuroinflammation causes neuronal and glial apoptosis, resulting in scar and cystic cavity formation during wound healing and ultimately the formation of an atrophic microenvironment that inhibits nerve regrowth. Because of this complex and dynamic pathophysiology, a systemic solution for scar- and cavity-free wound healing with microenvironment remodeling to promote nerve regrowth has rarely been explored. A one-step solution is proposed through a self-assembling, multifunctional hydrogel depot that punctually releases the anti-inflammatory drug methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MPSS) and growth factors (GFs) locally according to pathophysiology to repair severe SCI. Synergistically releasing the anti-inflammatory drug MPSS and GFs in the hydrogel depot throughout SCI pathophysiology protects spared tissues/axons from secondary injury, promotes scar boundary- and cavity-free wound healing, and results in permissive bridges for remarkable axonal regrowth. Behavioral and electrophysiological studies indicate that remnants of spared axons, not regenerating axons, mediate functional recovery, strongly suggesting that additional interventions are still required to render the rebuilt neuronal circuits functional. These findings pave the way for the development of a systemic solution to treat acute SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjia Ye
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Orthopedics 2nd Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine Hangzhou Zhejiang Province 310009 P. R.China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain–Machine Integration School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang Province 310003 P. R. China
| | - Shuang Jin
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain–Machine Integration School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang Province 310003 P. R. China
| | - Wanxiong Cai
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain–Machine Integration School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang Province 310003 P. R. China
| | - Xiangfeng Chen
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Orthopedics 2nd Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine Hangzhou Zhejiang Province 310009 P. R.China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain–Machine Integration School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang Province 310003 P. R. China
| | - Hanyu Zheng
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain–Machine Integration School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang Province 310003 P. R. China
| | - Tianfang Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine First Affiliated Hospital College of Medicine Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang Province 310003 P. R. China
| | - Wujie Lu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine First Affiliated Hospital College of Medicine Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang Province 310003 P. R. China
| | - Xiaojian Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBCI) Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology Chinese Academy of Sciences Shenzhen‐Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science‐Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions Shenzhen Guangdong Province 518055 P. R. China
| | - Chengzhen Liang
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Orthopedics 2nd Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine Hangzhou Zhejiang Province 310009 P. R.China
| | - Qixin Chen
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Orthopedics 2nd Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine Hangzhou Zhejiang Province 310009 P. R.China
| | - Yaxian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products Nantong University Nantong Jiangsu Province 226001 P. R. China
| | - Xiaosong Gu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products Nantong University Nantong Jiangsu Province 226001 P. R. China
| | - Bin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products Nantong University Nantong Jiangsu Province 226001 P. R. China
| | - Zuobing Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine First Affiliated Hospital College of Medicine Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang Province 310003 P. R. China
| | - Xuhua Wang
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Orthopedics 2nd Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine Hangzhou Zhejiang Province 310009 P. R.China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain–Machine Integration School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang Province 310003 P. R. China
- Co‐innovation Center of Neuroregeneration Nantong University Nantong Jiangsu Province 226001 P. R. China
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Li XH, Zhu X, Liu XY, Xu HH, Jiang W, Wang JJ, Chen F, Zhang S, Li RX, Chen XY, Tu Y. The corticospinal tract structure of collagen/silk fibroin scaffold implants using 3D printing promotes functional recovery after complete spinal cord transection in rats. JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE. MATERIALS IN MEDICINE 2021; 32:31. [PMID: 33751254 PMCID: PMC7985105 DOI: 10.1007/s10856-021-06500-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
No effective treatment has been established for nerve dysfunction caused by spinal cord injury (SCI). Orderly axonal growth at the site of spinal cord transection and creation of an appropriate biological microenvironment are important for functional recovery. To axially guiding axonal growth, designing a collagen/silk fibroin scaffold fabricated with 3D printing technology (3D-C/SF) emulated the corticospinal tract. The normal collagen/silk fibroin scaffold with freeze-drying technology (C/SF) or 3D-C/SF scaffold were implanted into rats with completely transected SCI to evaluate its effect on nerve repair during an 8-week observation period. Electrophysiological analysis and locomotor performance showed that the 3D-C/SF implants contributed to significant improvements in the neurogolical function of rats compared to C/SF group. By magnetic resonance imaging, 3D-C/SF implants promoted a striking degree of axonal regeneration and connection between the proximal and distal SCI sites. Compared with C/SF group, rats with 3D-C/SF scaffold exhibited fewer lesions and disordered structures in histological analysis and more GAP43-positive profiles at the lesion site. The above results indicated that the corticospinal tract structure of 3D printing collagen/silk fibroin scaffold improved axonal regeneration and promoted orderly connections within the neural network, which could provided a promising and innovative approach for tissue repair after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Hong Li
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Xiang Zhu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Neurotrauma Repair, Pingjin Hospital Brain Center, Characteristic Medical Center of PAPF, Tianjin, 300162, China
- Henan provincial people's hospital of southeast branch, Zhu ma dian, 463500, China
| | - Xiao-Yin Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Neurotrauma Repair, Pingjin Hospital Brain Center, Characteristic Medical Center of PAPF, Tianjin, 300162, China
- Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Hai-Huan Xu
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Neurotrauma Repair, Pingjin Hospital Brain Center, Characteristic Medical Center of PAPF, Tianjin, 300162, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Jing-Jing Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Neurotrauma Repair, Pingjin Hospital Brain Center, Characteristic Medical Center of PAPF, Tianjin, 300162, China
| | - Feng Chen
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Neurotrauma Repair, Pingjin Hospital Brain Center, Characteristic Medical Center of PAPF, Tianjin, 300162, China
| | - Sai Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Neurotrauma Repair, Pingjin Hospital Brain Center, Characteristic Medical Center of PAPF, Tianjin, 300162, China
- Emergency Medical Center, Beijing Chaoyang Integrative medicine, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Rui-Xin Li
- Central Laboratory, Tianjin Stomatological Hospital, Tianjin, 300041, China.
| | - Xu-Yi Chen
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Neurotrauma Repair, Pingjin Hospital Brain Center, Characteristic Medical Center of PAPF, Tianjin, 300162, China.
| | - Yue Tu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Neurotrauma Repair, Pingjin Hospital Brain Center, Characteristic Medical Center of PAPF, Tianjin, 300162, China.
- Emergency Medical Center, Beijing Chaoyang Integrative medicine, Beijing, 100191, China.
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14
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Liu Y, Hsu YH, Huang APH, Hsu SH. Semi-Interpenetrating Polymer Network of Hyaluronan and Chitosan Self-Healing Hydrogels for Central Nervous System Repair. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:40108-40120. [PMID: 32808527 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c11433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The repair of the central nervous system (CNS) is a major challenge because of the difficulty for neurons or axons to regenerate after damages. Injectable hydrogels have been developed to deliver drugs or cells for neural repair, but these hydrogels usually require conditional stimuli or additional catalysts to control the gelling process. Self-healing hydrogels, which can be injected locally to fill tissue defects after stable gelation, are attractive candidates for CNS treatment. In the current study, the self-healing hydrogel with a semi-interpenetrating polymer network (SIPN) was prepared by incorporation of hyaluronan (HA) into the chitosan-based self-healing hydrogel. The addition of HA allowed the hydrogel to pass through a narrow needle much more easily. As the HA content increased, the hydrogel showed a more packed nanostructure and a more porous microstructure verified by coherent small-angle X-ray scattering and scanning electron microscopy. The unique structure of SIPN hydrogel enhanced the spreading, migration, proliferation, and differentiation of encapsulated neural stem cells in vitro. Compared to the pristine chitosan-based self-healing hydrogel, the SIPN hydrogel showed better biocompatibility, CNS injury repair, and functional recovery evaluated by the traumatic brain injury zebrafish model and intracerebral hemorrhage rat model. We proposed that the SIPN of HA and chitosan self-healing hydrogel allowed an adaptable environment for cell spreading and migration and had the potential as an injectable defect support for CNS repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liu
- Institute of Polymer Science and Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yi-Hua Hsu
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei 10617, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Abel Po-Hao Huang
- Institute of Polymer Science and Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei 10617, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Shan-Hui Hsu
- Institute of Polymer Science and Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan, Republic of China
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15
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Yu Z, Li H, Xia P, Kong W, Chang Y, Fu C, Wang K, Yang X, Qi Z. Application of fibrin-based hydrogels for nerve protection and regeneration after spinal cord injury. J Biol Eng 2020; 14:22. [PMID: 32774454 PMCID: PMC7397605 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-020-00244-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Traffic accidents, falls, and many other events may cause traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCIs), resulting in nerve cells and extracellular matrix loss in the spinal cord, along with blood loss, inflammation, oxidative stress (OS), and others. The continuous development of neural tissue engineering has attracted increasing attention on the application of fibrin hydrogels in repairing SCIs. Except for excellent biocompatibility, flexibility, and plasticity, fibrin, a component of extracellular matrix (ECM), can be equipped with cells, ECM protein, and various growth factors to promote damage repair. This review will focus on the advantages and disadvantages of fibrin hydrogels from different sources, as well as the various modifications for internal topographical guidance during the polymerization. From the perspective of further improvement of cell function before and after the delivery of stem cell, cytokine, and drug, this review will also evaluate the application of fibrin hydrogels as a carrier to the therapy of nerve repair and regeneration, to mirror the recent development tendency and challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyuan Yu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Ziqiang Street No. 218, Changchun, TX 130041 PR China
| | - Hongru Li
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Ziqiang Street No. 218, Changchun, TX 130041 PR China
| | - Peng Xia
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Ziqiang Street No. 218, Changchun, TX 130041 PR China
| | - Weijian Kong
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Ziqiang Street No. 218, Changchun, TX 130041 PR China
| | - Yuxin Chang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Ziqiang Street No. 218, Changchun, TX 130041 PR China
| | - Chuan Fu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Ziqiang Street No. 218, Changchun, TX 130041 PR China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Ziqiang Street No. 218, Changchun, TX 130041 PR China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Ziqiang Street No. 218, Changchun, TX 130041 PR China
| | - Zhiping Qi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Ziqiang Street No. 218, Changchun, TX 130041 PR China
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Liu D, Pavathuparambil Abdul Manaph N, Al-Hawwas M, Bobrovskaya L, Xiong LL, Zhou XF. Coating Materials for Neural Stem/Progenitor Cell Culture and Differentiation. Stem Cells Dev 2020; 29:463-474. [PMID: 32106778 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2019.0288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) have a potential to treat various neurological diseases, such as Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease, and Spinal Cord Injury. However, the limitation of NSPC sources and the difficulty to maintain their stemness or to differentiate them into specific therapeutic cells are the main hurdles for clinical research and application. Thus, for obtaining a therapeutically relevant number of NSPCs in vitro, it is important to understand factors regulating their behaviors and to establish a protocol for stable NSPC proliferation and differentiation. Coating materials for cell culture, such as Matrigel, laminin, collagen, and other coating materials, can significantly affect NSPC characteristics. This article provides a review of coating materials for NSPC culturing in both two dimensions and three dimensions, and their functions in NSPC proliferation and differentiation, and presents a useful guide to select coating materials for researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghui Liu
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Mohammed Al-Hawwas
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Larisa Bobrovskaya
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Liu-Lin Xiong
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Xin-Fu Zhou
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
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Ghane N, Beigi MH, Labbaf S, Nasr-Esfahani MH, Kiani A. Design of hydrogel-based scaffolds for the treatment of spinal cord injuries. J Mater Chem B 2020; 8:10712-10738. [DOI: 10.1039/d0tb01842b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Hydrogel-based scaffold design approaches for the treatment of spinal cord injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazanin Ghane
- Department of Cellular Biotechnology Cell Science Research Center
- Royan Institute for Biotechnology
- ACECR
- Isfahan
- Iran
| | - Mohammad-Hossein Beigi
- Department of Cellular Biotechnology Cell Science Research Center
- Royan Institute for Biotechnology
- ACECR
- Isfahan
- Iran
| | - Sheyda Labbaf
- Biomaterials Research Group
- Department of Materials Engineering
- Isfahan University of Technology
- Isfahan
- Iran
| | | | - Amirkianoosh Kiani
- Silicon Hall: Micro/Nano Manufacturing Facility
- Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science
- Ontario Tech University
- Ontario
- Canada
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18
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Houlton J, Abumaria N, Hinkley SFR, Clarkson AN. Therapeutic Potential of Neurotrophins for Repair After Brain Injury: A Helping Hand From Biomaterials. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:790. [PMID: 31427916 PMCID: PMC6688532 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Stroke remains the leading cause of long-term disability with limited options available to aid in recovery. Significant effort has been made to try and minimize neuronal damage following stroke with use of neuroprotective agents, however, these treatments have yet to show clinical efficacy. Regenerative interventions have since become of huge interest as they provide the potential to restore damaged neural tissue without being limited by a narrow therapeutic window. Neurotrophins, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and their high affinity receptors are actively produced throughout the brain and are involved in regulating neuronal activity and normal day-to-day function. Furthermore, neurotrophins are known to play a significant role in both protection and recovery of function following neurodegenerative diseases such as stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Unfortunately, exogenous administration of these neurotrophins is limited by a lack of blood-brain-barrier (BBB) permeability, poor half-life, and rapid degradation. Therefore, we have focused this review on approaches that provide a direct and sustained neurotrophic support using pharmacological therapies and mimetics, physical activity, and potential drug delivery systems, including discussion around advantages and limitations for use of each of these systems. Finally, we discuss future directions of biomaterial drug-delivery systems, including the incorporation of heparan sulfate (HS) in conjunction with neurotrophin-based interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josh Houlton
- Brain Health Research Centre, Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Nashat Abumaria
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Simon F. R. Hinkley
- The Ferrier Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, Petone, New Zealand
| | - Andrew N. Clarkson
- Brain Health Research Centre, Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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19
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Pajer K, Bellák T, Redl H, Nógrádi A. Neuroectodermal Stem Cells Grafted into the Injured Spinal Cord Induce Both Axonal Regeneration and Morphological Restoration via Multiple Mechanisms. J Neurotrauma 2019; 36:2977-2990. [PMID: 31111776 PMCID: PMC6791485 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2018.6332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord contusion injury leads to severe loss of gray and white matter and subsequent deficit of motor and sensory functions below the lesion. In this study, we investigated whether application of murine clonal embryonic neuroectodermal stem cells can prevent the spinal cord secondary damage and induce functional recovery. Stem cells (NE-GFP-4C cell line) were grafted intraspinally or intravenously immediately or one week after thoracic spinal cord contusion injury. Control animals received cell culture medium or fibrin intraspinally one week after injury. Functional tests (Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan, CatWalk®) and detailed morphological analysis were performed to evaluate the effects of grafted cells. Stem cells applied either locally or intravenously induced significantly improved functional recovery compared with their controls. Morphologically, stem cell grafting prevented the formation of secondary injury and promoted sparing of the gray and white matters. The transplanted cells integrated into the host tissue and differentiated into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. In intraspinally grafted animals, the corticospinal tract axons regenerated along the ventral border of the cavity and have grown several millimeters, even beyond the caudal end of the lesion. The extent of regeneration and functional improvement was inversely related to the amounts of chondroitin sulphate and ephrin-B2 molecules around the cavity and to the microglial and astrocytic reactions in the injured segment early after injury. The grafts produced glial cell derived neurotrophic factor, macrophage inflammatory protein-1a, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 in a paracrine fashion for at least one week. Treating the grafted cords with neutralizing antibodies against these four factors through the use of osmotic pumps nearly completely abolished the effect of the graft. The non-significant functional improvement after function blocking is likely because the stem cell derivatives settled in the injured cord. These data suggest that grafted neuroectodermal stem cells are able to prevent the secondary spinal cord damage and induce significant regeneration via multiple mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krisztián Pajer
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Tamás Bellák
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Heinz Redl
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Antal Nógrádi
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.,Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria
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20
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Moreno PMD, Ferreira AR, Salvador D, Rodrigues MT, Torrado M, Carvalho ED, Tedebark U, Sousa MM, Amaral IF, Wengel J, Pêgo AP. Hydrogel-Assisted Antisense LNA Gapmer Delivery for In Situ Gene Silencing in Spinal Cord Injury. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2018; 11:393-406. [PMID: 29858074 PMCID: PMC5992461 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2018.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Revised: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
After spinal cord injury (SCI), nerve regeneration is severely hampered due to the establishment of a highly inhibitory microenvironment at the injury site, through the contribution of multiple factors. The potential of antisense oligonucleotides (AONs) to modify gene expression at different levels, allowing the regulation of cell survival and cell function, together with the availability of chemically modified nucleic acids with favorable biopharmaceutical properties, make AONs an attractive tool for novel SCI therapy developments. In this work, we explored the potential of locked nucleic acid (LNA)-modified AON gapmers in combination with a fibrin hydrogel bridging material to induce gene silencing in situ at a SCI lesion site. LNA gapmers were effectively developed against two promising gene targets aiming at enhancing axonal regeneration-RhoA and GSK3β. The fibrin-matrix-assisted AON delivery system mediated potent RNA knockdown in vitro in a dorsal root ganglion explant culture system and in vivo at a SCI lesion site, achieving around 75% downregulation 5 days after hydrogel injection. Our results show that local implantation of a AON-gapmer-loaded hydrogel matrix mediated efficient gene silencing in the lesioned spinal cord and is an innovative platform that can potentially combine gene regulation with regenerative permissive substrates aiming at SCI therapeutics and nerve regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro M D Moreno
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana R Ferreira
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Daniela Salvador
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria T Rodrigues
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Marília Torrado
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Eva D Carvalho
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ulf Tedebark
- GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences AB, 75184 Uppsala, Sweden; SynMer AB, 17568 Järfälla, Sweden
| | - Mónica M Sousa
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Nerve Regeneration Group, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Isabel F Amaral
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Jesper Wengel
- Nucleic Acid Center, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark
| | - Ana P Pêgo
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
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21
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Tang JD, Lampe KJ. From de novo peptides to native proteins: advancements in biomaterial scaffolds for acute ischemic stroke repair. Biomed Mater 2018; 13:034103. [DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/aaa4c3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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22
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Chedly J, Soares S, Montembault A, von Boxberg Y, Veron-Ravaille M, Mouffle C, Benassy MN, Taxi J, David L, Nothias F. Physical chitosan microhydrogels as scaffolds for spinal cord injury restoration and axon regeneration. Biomaterials 2017; 138:91-107. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2017.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Revised: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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23
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Han S, Xiao Z, Li X, Zhao H, Wang B, Qiu Z, Li Z, Mei X, Xu B, Fan C, Chen B, Han J, Gu Y, Yang H, Shi Q, Dai J. Human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells loaded on linear ordered collagen scaffold improves functional recovery after completely transected spinal cord injury in canine. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2017; 61:2-13. [PMID: 28527111 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-016-9002-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a major challenge in the clinic. In this study, we sought to examine the synergistic effects of linear ordered collagen scaffold (LOCS) and human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hPMSCs) when transplanted into completely transected beagle dogs. After 36 weeks observation, we found that LOCS+hPMSCs implants promoted better hindlimb locomotor recovery than was observed in the non-treatment (control) group and LOCS group. Histological analysis showed that the regenerated tissue after treatment was well integrated with the host tissue, and dramatically reduced the volume of cystic and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) expression. Furthermore, the LOCS+hPMSCs group also showed more neuron-specific βIII-tubulin (Tuj-1)- and NeuN-positive neurons in the lesion area, as well as axonal regeneration, remyelination and synapse formation in the lesion site. Additionally, dogs in the LOCS+hPMSCs group experienced enhanced sprouting of both ascending (CGRP-positive) sensory fibers and descending (5-HT- and TH-positive) motor fibers at the lesion area. All these data together suggested that the combined treatment had beneficial effects on neuronal regeneration and functional improvement in a canine complete transection model. Therefore, LOCS+hPMSCs implantation holds a great promise for bridging the nerve defect and may be clinically useful in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sufang Han
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100080, China
| | - Zhifeng Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100080, China
| | - Xing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100080, China
| | - Huan Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopaedic Institute, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Bin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100080, China
| | - Zhixue Qiu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopaedic Institute, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Zhi Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopaedic Institute, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Xin Mei
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopaedic Institute, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Bai Xu
- Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface Research, Division of Nanobiomedicine, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Caixia Fan
- Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface Research, Division of Nanobiomedicine, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Bing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100080, China
| | - Jin Han
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100080, China
| | - Yanzheng Gu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopaedic Institute, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Huilin Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopaedic Institute, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Qin Shi
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopaedic Institute, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China.
| | - Jianwu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100080, China.
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Nejati-Koshki K, Mortazavi Y, Pilehvar-Soltanahmadi Y, Sheoran S, Zarghami N. An update on application of nanotechnology and stem cells in spinal cord injury regeneration. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 90:85-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2017] [Revised: 03/12/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
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Ziemba AM, Gilbert RJ. Biomaterials for Local, Controlled Drug Delivery to the Injured Spinal Cord. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:245. [PMID: 28539887 PMCID: PMC5423911 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Affecting approximately 17,000 new people each year, spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating injury that leads to permanent paraplegia or tetraplegia. Current pharmacological approaches are limited in their ability to ameliorate this injury pathophysiology, as many are not delivered locally, for a sustained duration, or at the correct injury time point. With this review, we aim to communicate the importance of combinatorial biomaterial and pharmacological approaches that target certain aspects of the dynamically changing pathophysiology of SCI. After reviewing the pathophysiology timeline, we present experimental biomaterial approaches to provide local sustained doses of drug. In this review, we present studies using a variety of biomaterials, including hydrogels, particles, and fibers/conduits for drug delivery. Subsequently, we discuss how each may be manipulated to optimize drug release during a specific time frame following SCI. Developing polymer biomaterials that can effectively release drug to target specific aspects of SCI pathophysiology will result in more efficacious approaches leading to better regeneration and recovery following SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ryan J. Gilbert
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, TroyNY, USA
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Zhang S, Kartha S, Lee J, Winkelstein BA. Techniques for Multiscale Neuronal Regulation via Therapeutic Materials and Drug Design. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2017; 3:2744-2760. [DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.7b00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sijia Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, 210 S. 33rd Street, 240 Skirkanich
Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Sonia Kartha
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, 210 S. 33rd Street, 240 Skirkanich
Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Jasmine Lee
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, 209 S. 33rd Street, David Rittenhouse Laboratory, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Beth A. Winkelstein
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, 210 S. 33rd Street, 240 Skirkanich
Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Department
of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania, Stemmler Hall, 3450 Hamilton Walk, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
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Khaing ZZ, Ehsanipour A, Hofstetter CP, Seidlits SK. Injectable Hydrogels for Spinal Cord Repair: A Focus on Swelling and Intraspinal Pressure. Cells Tissues Organs 2016; 202:67-84. [DOI: 10.1159/000446697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition that leaves patients with limited motor and sensory function at and below the injury site, with little to no hope of a meaningful recovery. Because of their ability to mimic multiple features of central nervous system (CNS) tissues, injectable hydrogels are being developed that can participate as therapeutic agents in reducing secondary injury and in the regeneration of spinal cord tissue. Injectable biomaterials can provide a supportive substrate for tissue regeneration, deliver therapeutic factors, and regulate local tissue physiology. Recent reports of increasing intraspinal pressure after SCI suggest that this physiological change can contribute to injury expansion, also known as secondary injury. Hydrogels contain high water content similar to native tissue, and many hydrogels absorb water and swell after formation. In the case of injectable hydrogels for the spinal cord, this process often occurs in or around the spinal cord tissue, and thus may affect intraspinal pressure. In the future, predictable swelling properties of hydrogels may be leveraged to control intraspinal pressure after injury. Here, we review the physiology of SCI, with special attention to the current clinical and experimental literature, underscoring the importance of controlling intraspinal pressure after SCI. We then discuss how hydrogel fabrication, injection, and swelling can impact intraspinal pressure in the context of developing injectable biomaterials for SCI treatment.
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Arulmoli J, Wright HJ, Phan DTT, Sheth U, Que RA, Botten GA, Keating M, Botvinick EL, Pathak MM, Zarembinski TI, Yanni DS, Razorenova OV, Hughes CCW, Flanagan LA. Combination scaffolds of salmon fibrin, hyaluronic acid, and laminin for human neural stem cell and vascular tissue engineering. Acta Biomater 2016; 43:122-138. [PMID: 27475528 PMCID: PMC5386322 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2016.07.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2016] [Revised: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Human neural stem/progenitor cells (hNSPCs) are good candidates for treating central nervous system (CNS) trauma since they secrete beneficial trophic factors and differentiate into mature CNS cells; however, many cells die after transplantation. This cell death can be ameliorated by inclusion of a biomaterial scaffold, making identification of optimal scaffolds for hNSPCs a critical research focus. We investigated the properties of fibrin-based scaffolds and their effects on hNSPCs and found that fibrin generated from salmon fibrinogen and thrombin stimulates greater hNSPC proliferation than mammalian fibrin. Fibrin scaffolds degrade over the course of a few days in vivo, so we sought to develop a novel scaffold that would retain the beneficial properties of fibrin but degrade more slowly to provide longer support for hNSPCs. We found combination scaffolds of salmon fibrin with interpenetrating networks (IPNs) of hyaluronic acid (HA) with and without laminin polymerize more effectively than fibrin alone and generate compliant hydrogels matching the physical properties of brain tissue. Furthermore, combination scaffolds support hNSPC proliferation and differentiation while significantly attenuating the cell-mediated degradation seen with fibrin alone. HNSPCs express two fibrinogen-binding integrins, αVβ1 and α5β1, and several laminin binding integrins (α7β1, α6β1, α3β1) that can mediate interaction with the scaffold. Lastly, to test the ability of scaffolds to support vascularization, we analyzed human cord blood-derived endothelial cells alone and in co-culture with hNSPCs and found enhanced vessel formation and complexity in co-cultures within combination scaffolds. Overall, combination scaffolds of fibrin, HA, and laminin are excellent biomaterials for hNSPCs. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Interest has increased recently in the development of biomaterials as neural stem cell transplantation scaffolds to treat central nervous system (CNS) injury since scaffolds improve survival and integration of transplanted cells. We report here on a novel combination scaffold composed of fibrin, hyaluronic acid, and laminin to support human neural stem/progenitor cell (hNSPC) function. This combined biomaterial scaffold has appropriate physical properties for hNSPCs and the CNS, supports hNSPC proliferation and differentiation, and attenuates rapid cell-mediated scaffold degradation. The hNSPCs and scaffold components synergistically encourage new vessel formation from human endothelial cells. This work marks the first report of a combination scaffold supporting human neural and vascular cells to encourage vasculogenesis, and sets a benchmark for biomaterials to treat CNS injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janahan Arulmoli
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Heather J Wright
- Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Duc T T Phan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Urmi Sheth
- Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Richard A Que
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Giovanni A Botten
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Mark Keating
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Elliot L Botvinick
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; The Edwards Lifesciences Center for Advanced Cardiovascular Technology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Medha M Pathak
- Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | | | - Daniel S Yanni
- Disc Comfort, Inc., 351 Hospital Road, Suite 202, Newport Beach, CA 92663, USA
| | - Olga V Razorenova
- Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Christopher C W Hughes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; The Edwards Lifesciences Center for Advanced Cardiovascular Technology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Lisa A Flanagan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
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Spinal cord injury repair by implantation of structured hyaluronic acid scaffold with PLGA microspheres in the rat. Cell Tissue Res 2015; 364:17-28. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-015-2298-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Pawar K, Cummings BJ, Thomas A, Shea LD, Levine A, Pfaff S, Anderson AJ. Biomaterial bridges enable regeneration and re-entry of corticospinal tract axons into the caudal spinal cord after SCI: Association with recovery of forelimb function. Biomaterials 2015; 65:1-12. [PMID: 26134079 PMCID: PMC4523232 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2015.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Severed axon tracts fail to exhibit robust or spontaneous regeneration after spinal cord injury (SCI). Regeneration failure reflects a combination of factors, including the growth state of neuronal cell bodies and the regeneration-inhibitory environment of the central nervous system. However, while spared circuitry can be retrained, target reinnervation depends on longitudinally directed regeneration of transected axons. This study describes a biodegradable implant using poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) bridges as a carrier scaffold to support regeneration after injury. In order to detect regeneration of descending neuronal tracts into the bridge, and beyond into intact caudal parenchyma, we developed a mouse cervical implantation model and employed Crym:GFP transgenic mice. Characterization of Crym:GFP mice revealed that descending tracts, including the corticospinal tract, were labeled by green fluorescent protein (GFP), while ascending sensory neurons and fibers were not. Robust co-localization between GFP and neurofilament-200 (NF-200) as well as GFP and GAP-43 was observed at both the rostral and caudal bridge/tissue interface. No evidence of similar regeneration was observed in mice that received gelfoam at the lesion site as controls. Minimal co-localization between GFP reporter labeling and macrophage markers was observed. Taken together, these data suggest that axons originating from descending fiber tracts regenerated, entered into the PLG bridge at the rostral margin, continued through the bridge site, and exited to re-enter host tissue at the caudal edge of the intact bridge. Finally, regeneration through implanted bridges was associated with a reduction in ipsilateral forelimb errors on a horizontal ladder task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Pawar
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (iMIND), University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Brian J Cummings
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (iMIND), University of California, Irvine, CA, USA; Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, USA; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Aline Thomas
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, McCormick School of Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Lonnie D Shea
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, McCormick School of Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | | | | | - Aileen J Anderson
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (iMIND), University of California, Irvine, CA, USA; Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, USA; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
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31
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Hydrogels and Cell Based Therapies in Spinal Cord Injury Regeneration. Stem Cells Int 2015; 2015:948040. [PMID: 26124844 PMCID: PMC4466497 DOI: 10.1155/2015/948040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a central nervous system- (CNS-) related disorder for which there is yet no successful treatment. Within the past several years, cell-based therapies have been explored for SCI repair, including the use of pluripotent human stem cells, and a number of adult-derived stem and mature cells such as mesenchymal stem cells, olfactory ensheathing cells, and Schwann cells. Although promising, cell transplantation is often overturned by the poor cell survival in the treatment of spinal cord injuries. Alternatively, the therapeutic role of different cells has been used in tissue engineering approaches by engrafting cells with biomaterials. The latter have the advantages of physically mimicking the CNS tissue, while promoting a more permissive environment for cell survival, growth, and differentiation. The roles of both cell- and biomaterial-based therapies as single therapeutic approaches for SCI repair will be discussed in this review. Moreover, as the multifactorial inhibitory environment of a SCI suggests that combinatorial approaches would be more effective, the importance of using biomaterials as cell carriers will be herein highlighted, as well as the recent advances and achievements of these promising tools for neural tissue regeneration.
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32
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Jiang DX, Lu ZS, Li GB, Sun SY, Mu X, Lee P, Chen W. Electroacupuncture improves microcirculation and neuronal morphology in the spinal cord of a rat model of intervertebral disc extrusion. Neural Regen Res 2015; 10:237-43. [PMID: 25883622 PMCID: PMC4392671 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.152377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Most studies on spinal cord neuronal injury have focused on spinal cord tissue histology and the expression of nerve cell damage and repair-related genes. The importance of the microcirculation is often ignored in spinal cord injury and repair research. Therefore, in this study, we established a rat model of intervertebral disc extrusion by inserting a silica gel pad into the left ventral surface of T13. Electroacupuncture was used to stimulate the bilateral Zusanli point (ST36) and Neiting point (ST44) for 14 days. Compared with control animals, blood flow in the first lumbar vertebra (L1) was noticeably increased in rats given electroacupuncture. Microvessel density in the T13 segment of the spinal cord was increased significantly as well. The number of normal neurons was higher in the ventral horn of the spinal cord. In addition, vacuolation in the white matter was lessened. No obvious glial cell proliferation was visible. Furthermore, hindlimb motor function was improved significantly. Collectively, our results suggest that electroacupuncture can improve neuronal morphology and microcirculation, and promote the recovery of neurological functions in a rat model of intervertebral disc extrusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dai-Xun Jiang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Song Lu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Ge-Bin Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China ; Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Musashino, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sheng-Yong Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Xiang Mu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Peter Lee
- Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Musashino, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Wu Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
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Walthers CM, Seidlits SK. Gene delivery strategies to promote spinal cord repair. Biomark Insights 2015; 10:11-29. [PMID: 25922572 PMCID: PMC4395076 DOI: 10.4137/bmi.s20063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Revised: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapies hold great promise for the treatment of many neurodegenerative disorders and traumatic injuries in the central nervous system. However, development of effective methods to deliver such therapies in a controlled manner to the spinal cord is a necessity for their translation to the clinic. Although essential progress has been made to improve efficiency of transgene delivery and reduce the immunogenicity of genetic vectors, there is still much work to be done to achieve clinical strategies capable of reversing neurodegeneration and mediating tissue regeneration. In particular, strategies to achieve localized, robust expression of therapeutic transgenes by target cell types, at controlled levels over defined time periods, will be necessary to fully regenerate functional spinal cord tissues. This review summarizes the progress over the last decade toward the development of effective gene therapies in the spinal cord, including identification of appropriate target genes, improvements to design of genetic vectors, advances in delivery methods, and strategies for delivery of multiple transgenes with synergistic actions. The potential of biomaterials to mediate gene delivery while simultaneously providing inductive scaffolding to facilitate tissue regeneration is also discussed.
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The linear-ordered collagen scaffold-BDNF complex significantly promotes functional recovery after completely transected spinal cord injury in canine. Biomaterials 2014; 41:89-96. [PMID: 25522968 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2014.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2014] [Revised: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 11/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is still a worldwide clinical challenge for which there is no viable therapeutic method. We focused on developing combinatorial methods targeting the complex pathological process of SCI. In this study, we implanted linear-ordered collagen scaffold (LOCS) fibers with collagen binding brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) by tagging a collagen-binding domain (CBD) (LOCS + CBD-BDNF) in completely transected canine SCI with multisystem rehabilitation to validate its potential therapeutic effect through a long-term (38 weeks) observation. We found that LOCS + CBD-BDNF implants strikingly promoted locomotion and functional sensory recovery, with some dogs standing unassisted and transiently moving. Further histological analysis showed that administration of LOCS + CBD-BDNF reduced lesion volume, decreased collagen deposits, promoted axon regeneration and improved myelination, leading to functional recovery. Collectively, LOCS + CBD-BDNF showed striking therapeutic effect on completely transected canine SCI model and it is the first time to report such breakthrough in the war with SCI. Undoubtedly, it is a potentially promising therapeutic method for SCI paralysis or other movement disorders caused by neurological diseases in the future.
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AAVshRNA-mediated suppression of PTEN in adult rats in combination with salmon fibrin administration enables regenerative growth of corticospinal axons and enhances recovery of voluntary motor function after cervical spinal cord injury. J Neurosci 2014; 34:9951-62. [PMID: 25057197 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1996-14.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Conditional genetic deletion of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) in the sensorimotor cortex of neonatal mice enables regeneration of corticospinal tract (CST) axons after spinal cord injury (SCI). The present study addresses three questions: (1) whether PTEN knockdown in adult rats by nongenetic techniques enables CST regeneration, (2) whether interventions to enable CST regeneration enhance recovery of voluntary motor function, and (3) whether delivery of salmon fibrin into the injury site further enhances CST regeneration and motor recovery. Adult rats were trained in a staircase-reaching task and then received either intracortical injections of AAVshPTEN to delete PTEN or a control vector expressing shRNA for luciferase (AAVshLuc). Rats then received cervical dorsal hemisection injuries and salmon fibrin was injected into the injury site in half the rats, yielding four groups (AAVshPTEN, AAVshLuc, AAVshPTEN + fibrin, and AAVshLuc + fibrin). Forepaw function was assessed for 10 weeks after injury and CST axons were traced by injecting biotin-conjugated dextran amine into the sensorimotor cortex. Rats that received AAVshPTEN alone did not exhibit improved motor function, whereas rats that received AAVshPTEN and salmon fibrin had significantly higher forelimb-reaching scores. Tract tracing revealed that CST axons extended farther caudally in the group that received AAVshPTEN and salmon fibrin versus other groups. There were no significant differences in lesion size between the groups. Together, these data suggest that the combination of PTEN deletion and salmon fibrin injection into the lesion can significantly improve voluntary motor function after SCI by enabling regenerative growth of CST axons.
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Salmon and human thrombin differentially regulate radicular pain, glial-induced inflammation and spinal neuronal excitability through protease-activated receptor-1. PLoS One 2013; 8:e80006. [PMID: 24278231 PMCID: PMC3835785 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0080006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2013] [Accepted: 10/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic neck pain is a major problem with common causes including disc herniation and spondylosis that compress the spinal nerve roots. Cervical nerve root compression in the rat produces sustained behavioral hypersensitivity, due in part to the early upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, the sustained hyperexcitability of neurons in the spinal cord and degeneration in the injured nerve root. Through its activation of the protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR1), mammalian thrombin can enhance pain and inflammation; yet at lower concentrations it is also capable of transiently attenuating pain which suggests that PAR1 activation rate may affect pain maintenance. Interestingly, salmon-derived fibrin, which contains salmon thrombin, attenuates nerve root-induced pain and inflammation, but the mechanisms of action leading to its analgesia are unknown. This study evaluates the effects of salmon thrombin on nerve root-mediated pain, axonal degeneration in the root, spinal neuronal hyperexcitability and inflammation compared to its human counterpart in the context of their enzymatic capabilities towards coagulation substrates and PAR1. Salmon thrombin significantly reduces behavioral sensitivity, preserves neuronal myelination, reduces macrophage infiltration in the injured nerve root and significantly decreases spinal neuronal hyperexcitability after painful root compression in the rat; whereas human thrombin has no effect. Unlike salmon thrombin, human thrombin upregulates the transcription of IL-1β and TNF-α and the secretion of IL-6 by cortical cultures. Salmon and human thrombins cleave human fibrinogen-derived peptides and form clots with fibrinogen with similar enzymatic activities, but salmon thrombin retains a higher enzymatic activity towards coagulation substrates in the presence of antithrombin III and hirudin compared to human thrombin. Conversely, salmon thrombin activates a PAR1-derived peptide more weakly than human thrombin. These results are the first to demonstrate that salmon thrombin has unique analgesic, neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory capabilities compared to human thrombin and that PAR1 may contribute to these actions.
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Crapo PM, Tottey S, Slivka PF, Badylak SF. Effects of biologic scaffolds on human stem cells and implications for CNS tissue engineering. Tissue Eng Part A 2013; 20:313-23. [PMID: 24004192 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2013.0186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Biologic scaffolds composed of mammalian extracellular matrix (ECM) promote constructive remodeling of tissues via mechanisms that include the recruitment of endogenous stem/progenitor cells, modulation of the host innate immune response, and influence of cell fate differentiation. Such scaffold materials are typically prepared by decellularization of source tissues and are prepared as sheets, powder, or hydrogels. It is plausible that ECM derived from an anatomically distinct tissue would have unique or specific effects on cells that naturally reside in this same tissue. The present study investigated the in vitro effect of a soluble form of ECM derived from central nervous system (CNS) tissue, specifically the spinal cord or brain, versus ECM derived from a non-CNS tissue; specifically, the urinary bladder on the behavior of neural stem cells (NSCs) and perivascular stem cells. All forms of ECM induce positive, mitogenic, and chemotactic effects at concentrations of approximately 100 μg/mL without affecting stem cell viability. CNS-derived ECMs also showed the ability to differentiate NSCs into neurons as indicted by βIII-tubulin expression in two-dimensional culture and neurite extension on the millimeter scale after 24 days of three-dimensional cultures in an ECM hydrogel. These results suggest that solubilized forms of ECM scaffold materials may facilitate the postinjury healing response in CNS tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter M Crapo
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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38
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Binan L, Ajji A, De Crescenzo G, Jolicoeur M. Approaches for Neural Tissue Regeneration. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2013; 10:44-59. [DOI: 10.1007/s12015-013-9474-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Liu J, Chen Q, Zhang Z, Zheng Y, Sun X, Cao X, Gong A, Cui Y, He Q, Jiang P. Fibrin scaffolds containing ectomesenchymal stem cells enhance behavioral and histological improvement in a rat model of spinal cord injury. Cells Tissues Organs 2013; 198:35-46. [PMID: 23774080 DOI: 10.1159/000351665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrin has been widely used in wound healing. However, its benefit for spinal cord injury (SCI) is limited. In this study, we investigated the impact of fibrin scaffolds containing ectomesenchymal stem cells (EMSCs) on histological and behavioral recovery after SCI and compared it with fibrin alone. To achieve this, EMSCs derived from adult rat nasal respiratory mucosa were cultured, characterized and transfected with green fluorescent protein adenovirus before transplantation. Then, Sprague-Dawley host rats were randomly assigned into four groups: the control group (laminectomy); the SCI group (laminectomy and transection of spinal cords); the fibrin group (fibrin was transplanted immediately after SCI), and the fibrin cell (FC) group (fibrin scaffolds containing EMSCs were transplanted after SCI). Three days after the operation, a TUNEL assay indicated less apoptotic cells in the FC group than in the fibrin group. Two weeks after SCI, fluorescence staining demonstrated not only the survival and migration of EMSCs into the lesion sites, but also a higher number of nerve fibers in the FC group than in the fibrin group. Histological examination including immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy 12 weeks after the operation showed more nerve fibers and a thicker myelin sheath in the FC group compared to the fibrin group. Western blotting confirmed these morphological results. Consistent with the histological results, Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan locomotor scores of the FC group were higher than those of the fibrin group. These results suggest that fibrin scaffolds containing EMSCs can improve the behavioral and histological recovery after SCI better than fibrin alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinbo Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213003, PR China.
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Abstract
Biological cells are well known to respond to a multitude of chemical signals. In the nervous system, chemical signaling has been shown to be crucially involved in development, normal functioning, and disorders of neurons and glial cells. However, there are an increasing number of studies showing that these cells also respond to mechanical cues. Here, we summarize current knowledge about the mechanical properties of nervous tissue and its building blocks, review recent progress in methodology and understanding of cellular mechanosensitivity in the nervous system, and provide an outlook on the implications of neuromechanics for future developments in biomedical engineering to aid overcoming some of the most devastating and currently incurable CNS pathologies such as spinal cord injuries and multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristian Franze
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK.
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Redondo-Castro E, Torres-Espín A, García-Alías G, Navarro X. Quantitative assessment of locomotion and interlimb coordination in rats after different spinal cord injuries. J Neurosci Methods 2013; 213:165-78. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2012.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2012] [Revised: 12/20/2012] [Accepted: 12/22/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Park YM, Lee WT, Bokara KK, Seo SK, Park SH, Kim JH, Yenari MA, Park KA, Lee JE. The multifaceted effects of agmatine on functional recovery after spinal cord injury through Modulations of BMP-2/4/7 expressions in neurons and glial cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e53911. [PMID: 23349763 PMCID: PMC3549976 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2012] [Accepted: 12/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Presently, few treatments for spinal cord injury (SCI) are available and none have facilitated neural regeneration and/or significant functional improvement. Agmatine (Agm), a guanidinium compound formed from decarboxylation of L-arginine by arginine decarboxylase, is a neurotransmitter/neuromodulator and been reported to exert neuroprotective effects in central nervous system injury models including SCI. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the multifaceted effects of Agm on functional recovery and remyelinating events following SCI. Compression SCI in mice was produced by placing a 15 g/mm2 weight for 1 min at thoracic vertebra (Th) 9 segment. Mice that received an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of Agm (100 mg/kg/day) within 1 hour after SCI until 35 days showed improvement in locomotor recovery and bladder function. Emphasis was made on the analysis of remyelination events, neuronal cell preservation and ablation of glial scar area following SCI. Agm treatment significantly inhibited the demyelination events, neuronal loss and glial scar around the lesion site. In light of recent findings that expressions of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are modulated in the neuronal and glial cell population after SCI, we hypothesized whether Agm could modulate BMP- 2/4/7 expressions in neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and play key role in promoting the neuronal and glial cell survival in the injured spinal cord. The results from computer assisted stereological toolbox analysis (CAST) demonstrate that Agm treatment dramatically increased BMP- 2/7 expressions in neurons and oligodendrocytes. On the other hand, BMP- 4 expressions were significantly decreased in astrocytes and oligodendrocytes around the lesion site. Together, our results reveal that Agm treatment improved neurological and histological outcomes, induced oligodendrogenesis, protected neurons, and decreased glial scar formation through modulating the BMP- 2/4/7 expressions following SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Mi Park
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- BK 21 Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Taek Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kiran Kumar Bokara
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Kyoung Seo
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- BK 21 Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Hwa Park
- Department of Anatomy, Konkuk University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hwan Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Midori A. Yenari
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Kyung Ah Park
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Eun Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- BK 21 Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
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Silva NA, Sousa RA, Fraga JS, Fontes M, Leite-Almeida H, Cerqueira R, Almeida A, Sousa N, Reis RL, Salgado AJ. Benefits of spine stabilization with biodegradable scaffolds in spinal cord injured rats. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2012; 19:101-8. [PMID: 22779715 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2012.0264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Spine stabilization upon spinal cord injury (SCI) is a standard procedure in clinical practice, but rarely employed in experimental models. Moreover, the application of biodegradable biomaterials for this would come as an advantage as it would eliminate the presence of a nondegradable prosthesis within the vertebral bone. Therefore, in the present work, we propose the use of a new biodegradable device specifically developed for spine stabilization in a rat model of SCI. A 3D scaffold based on a blend of starch with polycaprolactone was implanted, replacing delaminated vertebra, in male Wistar rats with a T8-T9 spinal hemisection. The impact of spinal stabilization on the locomotor behavior was then evaluated for a period of 12 weeks. Locomotor evaluation--assessed by Basso, Beatie, and Bresnahan test; rotarod; and open field analysis--revealed that injured rats subjected to spine stabilization significantly improved their motor performance, including higher coordination and rearing activity when compared with SCI rats without stabilization. Histological analysis further revealed that the presence of the scaffolds not only stabilized the area, but also simultaneously prevented the infiltration of the injury site by connective tissue. Overall, these results reveal that SCI stabilization using a biodegradable scaffold at the vertebral bone level leads to an improvement of the motor deficits and is a relevant element for the successful treatment of SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuno A Silva
- 3B's Research Group-Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Guimarães, Portugal
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