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Lee DH, Cao D, Moon Y, Chen C, Liu NK, Xu XM, Wu W. Enhancement of motor functional recovery in thoracic spinal cord injury: voluntary wheel running versus forced treadmill exercise. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:836-844. [PMID: 38886956 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202503000-00028/figure1/v/2024-06-17T092413Z/r/image-tiff Spinal cord injury necessitates effective rehabilitation strategies, with exercise therapies showing promise in promoting recovery. This study investigated the impact of rehabilitation exercise on functional recovery and morphological changes following thoracic contusive spinal cord injury. After a 7-day recovery period after spinal cord injury, mice were assigned to either a trained group (10 weeks of voluntary running wheel or forced treadmill exercise) or an untrained group. Bi-weekly assessments revealed that the exercise-trained group, particularly the voluntary wheel exercise subgroup, displayed significantly improved locomotor recovery, more plasticity of dopaminergic and serotonin modulation compared with the untrained group. Additionally, exercise interventions led to gait pattern restoration and enhanced transcranial magnetic motor-evoked potentials. Despite consistent injury areas across groups, exercise training promoted terminal innervation of descending axons. In summary, voluntary wheel exercise shows promise for enhancing outcomes after thoracic contusive spinal cord injury, emphasizing the role of exercise modality in promoting recovery and morphological changes in spinal cord injuries. Our findings will influence future strategies for rehabilitation exercises, restoring functional movement after spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Do-Hun Lee
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Dan Cao
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Younghye Moon
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Chen Chen
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Nai-Kui Liu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Xiao-Ming Xu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Wei Wu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Li J, Zhou T, Wang P, Yin R, Zhang S, Cao Y, Zong L, Xiao M, Zhang Y, Liu W, Deng L, Huang F, Sun J, Wang H. Magnetic Stimulation of Gigantocellular Reticular Nucleus with Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Combined Treadmill Training Enhanced Locomotor Recovery by Reorganizing Cortico-Reticulo-Spinal Circuit. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:7473-7492. [PMID: 39071504 PMCID: PMC11283264 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s464498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Gigantocellular reticular nucleus (GRNs) executes a vital role in locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury. However, due to its unique anatomical location deep within the brainstem, intervening in GRNs for spinal cord injury research is challenging. To address this problem, this study adopted an extracorporeal magnetic stimulation system to observe the effects of selective magnetic stimulation of GRNs with iron oxide nanoparticles combined treadmill training on locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury, and explored the possible mechanisms. Methods Superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles were stereotactically injected into bilateral GRNs of mice with moderate T10 spinal cord contusion. Eight-week selective magnetic stimulation produced by extracorporeal magnetic stimulation system (MSS) combined with treadmill training was adopted for the animals from one week after surgery. Locomotor function of mice was evaluated by the Basso Mouse Scale, Grid-walking test and Treadscan analysis. Brain MRI, anterograde virus tracer and immunofluorescence staining were applied to observe the tissue compatibility of SPIO in GRNs, trace GRNs' projections and evaluate neurotransmitters' expression in spinal cord respectively. Motor-evoked potentials and H reflex were collected for assessing the integrity of cortical spinal tract and the excitation of motor neurons in anterior horn. Results (1) SPIO persisted in GRNs for a minimum of 24 weeks without inducing apoptosis of GRN cells, and degraded slowly over time. (2) MSS-enabled treadmill training dramatically improved locomotor performances of injured mice, and promoted cortico-reticulo-spinal circuit reorganization. (3) MSS-enabled treadmill training took superimposed roles through both activating GRNs to drive more projections of GRNs across lesion site and rebalancing neurotransmitters' expression in anterior horn of lumbar spinal cord. Conclusion These results indicate that selective MSS intervention of GRNs potentially serves as an innovative strategy to promote more spared fibers of GRNs across lesion site and rebalance neurotransmitters' expression after spinal cord injury, paving the way for the structural remodeling of neural systems collaborating with exercise training, thus ultimately contributing to the reconstruction of cortico-reticulo-spinal circuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Nanjing, 210024, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ting Zhou
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Nanjing, 210024, People’s Republic of China
| | - Pei Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Nanjing, 210024, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ruian Yin
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Nanjing, 210024, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shengqi Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Nanjing, 210024, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yile Cao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Nanjing, 210024, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lijuan Zong
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Nanjing, 210024, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ming Xiao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yongjie Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wentao Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lingxiao Deng
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indianapolis, IN, 46202-2266, USA
| | - Fei Huang
- Institute of Neurobiology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianfei Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biomaterials and Devices, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongxing Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Nanjing, 210024, People’s Republic of China
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Ageeva T, Sabirov D, Sufianov A, Davletshin E, Plotnikova E, Shigapova R, Sufianova G, Timofeeva A, Chelyshev Y, Rizvanov A, Mukhamedshina Y. The Impact of Treadmill Training on Tissue Integrity, Axon Growth, and Astrocyte Modulation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3772. [PMID: 38612590 PMCID: PMC11011976 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073772] [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: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) presents a complex challenge in neurorehabilitation, demanding innovative therapeutic strategies to facilitate functional recovery. This study investigates the effects of treadmill training on SCI recovery, emphasizing motor function enhancement, neural tissue preservation, and axonal growth. Our research, conducted on a rat model, demonstrates that controlled treadmill exercises significantly improve motor functions post-SCI, as evidenced by improved scores on the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale and enhanced electromyography readings. Notably, the training facilitates the preservation of spinal cord tissue, effectively reducing secondary damage and promoting the maintenance of neural fibers in the injured area. A key finding is the significant stimulation of axonal growth around the injury epicenter in trained rats, marked by increased growth-associated protein 43 (GAP43) expression. Despite these advancements, the study notes a limited impact of treadmill training on motoneuron adaptation and highlights minimal changes in the astrocyte and neuron-glial antigen 2 (NG2) response. This suggests that, while treadmill training is instrumental in functional improvements post-SCI, its influence on certain neural cell types and glial populations is constrained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana Ageeva
- OpenLab Gene and Cell Technology, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Davran Sabirov
- OpenLab Gene and Cell Technology, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Albert Sufianov
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Research and Educational Institute of Neurosurgery, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN), 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Eldar Davletshin
- OpenLab Gene and Cell Technology, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Elizaveta Plotnikova
- OpenLab Gene and Cell Technology, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Rezeda Shigapova
- OpenLab Gene and Cell Technology, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Galina Sufianova
- Department of Pharmacology, Tyumen State Medical University, 625023 Tyumen, Russia
| | - Anna Timofeeva
- OpenLab Gene and Cell Technology, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Yuri Chelyshev
- Department of Histology, Cytology and Embryology, Kazan State Medical University, 420012 Kazan, Russia
| | - Albert Rizvanov
- OpenLab Gene and Cell Technology, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
- Division of Medical and Biological Sciences, Tatarstan Academy of Sciences, 420111 Kazan, Russia
| | - Yana Mukhamedshina
- OpenLab Gene and Cell Technology, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
- Department of Histology, Cytology and Embryology, Kazan State Medical University, 420012 Kazan, Russia
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Gray N, Shaikh J, Cowley A, Goosey-Tolfrey V, Logan P, Quraishi N, Booth V. The effect of early mobilisation (< 14 days) on pathophysiological and functional outcomes in animals with induced spinal cord injury: a systematic review with meta-analysis. BMC Neurosci 2024; 25:20. [PMID: 38528450 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-024-00862-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The optimum time to mobilise (standing, walking) following spinal cord injury (SCI) is unknown but may have implications for patient outcomes. There are no high-quality experimental studies that examine this issue, with a paucity of guidance for clinicians. Pre-clinical studies lead research in this field and can contribute to knowledge and support future clinical practice. OBJECTIVE to evaluate the effect of early compared to no mobilisation on pathophysiological and functional outcomes in animals with induced SCI. METHODS A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted by searching pre-clinical literature in MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase (Ovid), Web of Science, OpenGrey, and EThOS (June 2023). Studies were included of any research method giving numerical results comparing pathophysiological and functional outcomes in rats and mice mobilised within 14-days of induced SCI to those that did not mobilise. Data were synthesised using random-effects meta-analyses. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the CAMARADES checklist. The certainty of findings was reported using the GRADE approach. This study is registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023437494). RESULTS Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. Outcomes found that Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor levels were greater in those that initiated mobilisation within 14-days of SCI compared to the groups that did not. Mobilisation initiated within 14-days of SCI was also associated with statistically significant functional gains: (Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan locomotor rating score (BBB) = 2.13(0-21), CI 1.43, 2.84, Ladder Rung Walking Task = - 12.38(0-100), CI 20.01, - 4.76). Meta-analysis identified the greatest functional gains when mobilisation was initiated within 3 days of SCI (BBB = 3.00, CI 2.31-3.69, p < 0.001), or when delivered at low intensity (BBB = 2.88, CI 2.03-3.70, p < 0.001). Confidence in the findings from this review was low to moderate due to the risk of bias and mixed methodological quality. CONCLUSION Mobilisation instigated within 14-days of injury, may be an effective way of improving functional outcomes in animal models following SCI, with delays potentially detrimental to recovery. Outcomes from this study support further research in this field to guide future clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Gray
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
| | - Junaid Shaikh
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Alison Cowley
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Vicky Goosey-Tolfrey
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Loughborough, Loughborough, UK
| | - Pip Logan
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Nasir Quraishi
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Vicky Booth
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
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Dai Y, Cheng Y, Ge R, Chen K, Yang L. Exercise-induced adaptation of neurons in the vertebrate locomotor system. JOURNAL OF SPORT AND HEALTH SCIENCE 2024; 13:160-171. [PMID: 37914153 PMCID: PMC10980905 DOI: 10.1016/j.jshs.2023.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Vertebrate neurons are highly dynamic cells that undergo several alterations in their functioning and physiologies in adaptation to various external stimuli. In particular, how these neurons respond to physical exercise has long been an area of active research. Studies of the vertebrate locomotor system's adaptability suggest multiple mechanisms are involved in the regulation of neuronal activity and properties during exercise. In this brief review, we highlight recent results and insights from the field with a focus on the following mechanisms: (a) alterations in neuronal excitability during acute exercise; (b) alterations in neuronal excitability after chronic exercise; (c) exercise-induced changes in neuronal membrane properties via modulation of ion channel activity; (d) exercise-enhanced dendritic plasticity; and (e) exercise-induced alterations in neuronal gene expression and protein synthesis. Our hope is to update the community with a cellular and molecular understanding of the recent mechanisms underlying the adaptability of the vertebrate locomotor system in response to both acute and chronic physical exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Dai
- Key Lab of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of Ministry of Education, College of Physical Education and Health Care, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Multidimensional Information Processing, School of Communication and Electronic Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China.
| | - Yi Cheng
- Key Lab of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of Ministry of Education, College of Physical Education and Health Care, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Renkai Ge
- School of Physical Education and Health Care, East China Jiaotong University, Nanchang 330013, China
| | - Ke Chen
- Key Laboratory of High Confidence Software Technologies of Ministry of Education, School of Computer Science, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Liming Yang
- Key Lab of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of Ministry of Education, College of Physical Education and Health Care, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
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Zhu Z, He Z, Tang T, Wang F, Chen H, Zhou J, Lin C, Chen G, Wang J, Li J, Liu X, Zhou Z, Liu S. Effect of mechanical stimulation on tissue heterotopic ossification: an in vivo experimental study. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1225898. [PMID: 37900947 PMCID: PMC10600381 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1225898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Heterotopic ossification of tendons and ligaments (HOTL) is a common clinical condition characterized by the absence of discernible features and a lack of effective treatment. In vitro experiments have demonstrated that mechanical stimulation can induce cell differentiation toward osteogenesis, thereby promoting heterotopic ossification. Currently, there are few experimental designs aimed at inducing ligament stretching in mice, and the mechanism of heterotopic ossification may not entirely mirror that observed in clinical cases. Therefore, there is an urgent imperative to develop a novel and feasible animal model. Methods: In this study, all the Enpp1 gene deficiency mice (a mouse model with heterotopic ossification of multiple ligaments) were divided into three groups: the control group, the spinal brake group, and the hyperactive group (treadmill training group). An external spinal fixation device was designed to restrict mice's spinal flexion and extension at 6 weeks of age. The brace was adjusted weekly according to the changes in the size of the mice. Additionally, treadmill training was used to increase activity in the spinal ligaments and Achilles tendons of the mice. Micro-CT scanning and HE staining were performed at 12, 20, and 28 W to evaluate the degree of ossification in the spinal ligament and Achilles tendon. What's more, As one of the mechanical stimulation transduction signals, YAP plays a crucial role in promoting osteogenic differentiation of cells. Immunofluorescence was utilized to assess YAP expression levels for the purpose of determining the extent of mechanical stimulation in tissues. Results: Our findings showed that a few ossification lesions were detected behind the vertebral space of mice at 8 weeks of age. Spinal immobilization effectively restricts the flexion and extension of cervical and thoracic vertebrae in mice, delaying spinal ligament ossification and reducing chronic secondary spinal cord injury. Running exercises not only enhance the ossification area of the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) and Achilles tendons but also exacerbate secondary spinal cord injury. Further immunofluorescence results revealed a notable increase in YAP expression levels in tissues with severe ossification, suggesting that these tissues may be subjected to higher mechanical stimulation. Conclusion: Mechanical stimulation plays a pivotal role in the process of heterotopic ossification in tissues. Our study provided valid animal models to further explore the pathological mechanism of mechanical stimulation in HOTL development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengya Zhu
- Innovation Platform of Regeneration and Repair of Spinal Cord and Nerve Injury, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zhongyuan He
- Innovation Platform of Regeneration and Repair of Spinal Cord and Nerve Injury, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Department of Spinal Surgery, Orthopaedic Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Tang
- Innovation Platform of Regeneration and Repair of Spinal Cord and Nerve Injury, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Department of Spinal Surgery, Orthopaedic Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fuan Wang
- Innovation Platform of Regeneration and Repair of Spinal Cord and Nerve Injury, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Department of Spinal Surgery, Orthopaedic Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongkun Chen
- Innovation Platform of Regeneration and Repair of Spinal Cord and Nerve Injury, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jiaxiang Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chengkai Lin
- Innovation Platform of Regeneration and Repair of Spinal Cord and Nerve Injury, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guoliang Chen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianmin Wang
- Innovation Platform of Regeneration and Repair of Spinal Cord and Nerve Injury, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jianfeng Li
- Innovation Platform of Regeneration and Repair of Spinal Cord and Nerve Injury, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xizhe Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Department of Spinal Surgery, Orthopaedic Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiyu Zhou
- Innovation Platform of Regeneration and Repair of Spinal Cord and Nerve Injury, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Department of Spinal Surgery, Orthopaedic Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaoyu Liu
- Innovation Platform of Regeneration and Repair of Spinal Cord and Nerve Injury, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Department of Spinal Surgery, Orthopaedic Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Xu Q, Li Z, Su J, Hu M, Yin Q, Chen S, Song J, Chen H. Body Weight Support Treadmill Training Combined With Sciatic Nerve Electrical Stimulation Ameliorating Motor Function by Enhancing PI3K/Akt Proteins Expression via BDNF/TrkB Signaling Pathway in Rats with Spinal Cord Injury. World Neurosurg 2023; 178:e239-e253. [PMID: 37467957 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.07.039] [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: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of body weight support treadmill training (BWSTT) and sciatic nerve electrical stimulation (SNES) on motor function recovery in spinal cord injury (SCI) rats and its possible mechanism. METHODS Modified Allen's method was utilized for T10 incomplete SCI. The Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) score and modified Tarlov score were applied to assess motor function. Pathologic alterations of the spinal cord and muscles were observed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The positive staining region of collagen fibers was assessed with Masson staining. Immunofluorescence was applied to count the positive cells of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB). BDNF, TrkB, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), and protein kinase B (Akt) relative mRNA and protein expressions were evaluated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting. RESULTS On the 21st day of the intervention, the motor scores in SNES and BWSTT + SNES groups were higher than that in SCI group (P < 0.05). Compared with SCI group, mRNA and protein expressions of BDNF/TrkB and PI3K/Akt were more significant on the 21st day of the intervention in SNES and BWSTT + SNES groups (P < 0.05), but there was no difference in BWSTT group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS This experiment demonstrated that BWSTT combined with SNES contributed to alleviating spinal cord tissue injury, delaying muscle atrophy and improving locomotion. One of the possible mechanisms may be related to the regulation of the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway, which changes the expression of PI3K/Akt protein. Furthermore, it was discovered that the ultra-early BWSTT may not be conducive to recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqin Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Junhong Su
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Mengxuan Hu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qiyong Yin
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Shi Chen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Juan Song
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hemu Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.
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Evancho A, Tyler WJ, McGregor K. A review of combined neuromodulation and physical therapy interventions for enhanced neurorehabilitation. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1151218. [PMID: 37545593 PMCID: PMC10400781 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1151218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Rehabilitation approaches for individuals with neurologic conditions have increasingly shifted toward promoting neuroplasticity for enhanced recovery and restoration of function. This review focuses on exercise strategies and non-invasive neuromodulation techniques that target neuroplasticity, including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), and peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS). We have chosen to focus on non-invasive neuromodulation techniques due to their greater potential for integration into routine clinical practice. We explore and discuss the application of these interventional strategies in four neurological conditions that are frequently encountered in rehabilitation settings: Parkinson's Disease (PD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), stroke, and Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Additionally, we discuss the potential benefits of combining non-invasive neuromodulation with rehabilitation, which has shown promise in accelerating recovery. Our review identifies studies that demonstrate enhanced recovery through combined exercise and non-invasive neuromodulation in the selected patient populations. We primarily focus on the motor aspects of rehabilitation, but also briefly address non-motor impacts of these conditions. Additionally, we identify the gaps in current literature and barriers to implementation of combined approaches into clinical practice. We highlight areas needing further research and suggest avenues for future investigation, aiming to enhance the personalization of the unique neuroplastic responses associated with each condition. This review serves as a resource for rehabilitation professionals and researchers seeking a comprehensive understanding of neuroplastic exercise interventions and non-invasive neuromodulation techniques tailored for specific diseases and diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Evancho
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - William J. Tyler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Keith McGregor
- Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Studies, School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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Deng J, Meng F, Gao J, Zhang K, Liu Z, Li M, Liu X, Li J, Wang Y, Zhang L, Tang P. Early-phase rotator training impairs tissue repair and functional recovery after spinal cord injury. Heliyon 2023; 9:e18158. [PMID: 37519672 PMCID: PMC10372239 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating disorder that often results in severe sensorimotor function impairment with limited recovery of function. In recent years, rehabilitation training for spinal cord injury has gradually emerged, and some of them play an important role in the repair of spinal cord injury However, the optimal training regimen for SCI remains to be determined. In this study, we explore the effects of rotarod training (began at 7 days post-injury) on the recovery of motor function after SCI, as well as its possible repair mechanism from the aspects of function and histopathological changes, the behaviors of specific trophic factors and cytokines, and the expression profile of specific genes. Multiple functional assessments showed that rotarod training initiated at 7 days post-injury is unsuitable for promoting neuro-electrophysiological improvement and trunk stability, but impaired functional coordination and motor recovery. In addition, rotarod training has negative effects on spinal cord repair after SCI, which is manifested as an increase of lesion area, a decrease in neuronal viability, a deterioration in immuno-microenvironment and remyelination, a significant reduction in the expression of trophic factors and an increase in the expression of pro-inflammatory factors. RNA sequencing suggested that the genes associated with angiogenesis and synaptogenesis were significantly downregulated and the PI3K-AKT pathway was inhibited, which was detrimental to spinal cord repair and impeded nerve regeneration. These results indicate that immediate rotarod training after SCI is currently unsuitable for rehabilitation in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhao Deng
- Department of Orthopedics, The Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Fanqi Meng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Jianpeng Gao
- Department of Orthopedics, The Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Kexue Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Zhongyang Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Jiantao Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Beijing Key Lab of Regenerative Medicine in Orthopaedics, Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Trauma and War Injuries PLA, Institue of Orthopaedics, The Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Licheng Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Peifu Tang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
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10
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Moderate-Intensity Treadmill Exercise Promotes mTOR-Dependent Motor Cortical Neurotrophic Factor Expression and Functional Recovery in a Murine Model of Crush Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:960-978. [PMID: 36385234 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03117-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Treadmill exercise is widely considered an effective strategy for restoration of skilled motor function after spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the specific exercise intensity that optimizes recovery and the underlying mechanistic basis of this recovery remain unclear. To that end, we sought to investigate the effect of different treadmill exercise intensities on cortical mTOR activity, a key regulator of functional recovery following CNS trauma, in an animal model of C5 crush spinal cord injury (SCI). Following injury, animals were subjected to treadmill exercise for 4 consecutive weeks at three different intensities (low intensity [LEI]; moderate intensity [MEI]; and high intensity [HEI]). Motor function recovery was assessed by horizontal ladder test, cylinder rearing test, and electrophysiology, while neurotrophic factors and cortical mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway-related proteins were assessed by Western blotting. The activation of the cortical mTOR pathway and axonal sprouting was evaluated by immunofluorescence and the changes of plasticity in motor cortex neurons were assessed by Golgi staining. In keeping with previous studies, we found that 4 weeks of treadmill training resulted in improved skilled motor function, enhanced nerve conduction capability, increased neuroplasticity, and axonal sprouting. Importantly, we also demonstrated that when compared with the LEI group, MEI and HEI groups demonstrated elevated expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), phosphorylated ribosomal S6 protein (p-S6), and protein kinase B (p-Akt), consistent with an intensity-dependent activation of the mTOR pathway and neurotrophic factor expression in the motor cortex. We also observed impaired exercise endurance and higher mortality during training in the HEI group than in the LEI and MEI groups. Collectively, our findings suggest that treadmill exercise following SCI is an effective means of promoting recovery and highlight the importance of the cortical mTOR pathway and neurotrophic factors as mediators of this effect. Importantly, our findings also demonstrate that excessive exercise can be detrimental, suggesting that moderation may be the optimal strategy. These findings provide an important foundation for further investigation of treadmill training as a modality for recovery following spinal cord injury and of the underlying mechanisms.
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11
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Sun X, Huang LY, Pan HX, Li LJ, Wang L, Pei GQ, Wang Y, Zhang Q, Cheng HX, He CQ, Wei Q. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and exercise restore motor function following spinal cord injury by activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Neural Regen Res 2022; 18:1067-1075. [PMID: 36254995 PMCID: PMC9827790 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.355762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Although many therapeutic interventions have shown promise in treating spinal cord injury, focusing on a single aspect of repair cannot achieve successful and functional regeneration in patients following spinal cord injury . In this study, we applied a combinatorial approach for treating spinal cord injury involving neuroprotection and rehabilitation, exploiting cell transplantation and functional sensorimotor training to promote nerve regeneration and functional recovery. Here, we used a mouse model of thoracic contusive spinal cord injury to investigate whether the combination of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation and exercise training has a synergistic effect on functional restoration. Locomotor function was evaluated by the Basso Mouse Scale, horizontal ladder test, and footprint analysis. Magnetic resonance imaging, histological examination, transmission electron microscopy observation, immunofluorescence staining, and western blotting were performed 8 weeks after spinal cord injury to further explore the potential mechanism behind the synergistic repair effect. In vivo, the combination of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation and exercise showed a better therapeutic effect on motor function than the single treatments. Further investigations revealed that the combination of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation and exercise markedly reduced fibrotic scar tissue, protected neurons, and promoted axon and myelin protection. Additionally, the synergistic effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation and exercise on spinal cord injury recovery occurred via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. In vitro, experimental evidence from the PC12 cell line and primary cortical neuron culture also demonstrated that blocking of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway would aggravate neuronal damage. Thus, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation combined with exercise training can effectively restore motor function after spinal cord injury by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Sun
- Rehabilitation Medical Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Li-Yi Huang
- Rehabilitation Medical Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Hong-Xia Pan
- Rehabilitation Medical Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Li-Juan Li
- Rehabilitation Medical Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Rehabilitation Medical Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Gai-Qin Pei
- Rehabilitation Medical Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Rehabilitation Medical Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Rehabilitation Medical Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Hong-Xin Cheng
- Rehabilitation Medical Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Cheng-Qi He
- Rehabilitation Medical Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Quan Wei
- Rehabilitation Medical Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China,Correspondence to: Quan Wei, .
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12
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The Impact of Activity-Based Interventions on Neuropathic Pain in Experimental Spinal Cord Injury. Cells 2022; 11:cells11193087. [PMID: 36231048 PMCID: PMC9563089 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical activity-based rehabilitative interventions represent the main treatment concept for people suffering from spinal cord injury (SCI). The role such interventions play in the relief of neuropathic pain (NP) states is emerging, along with underlying mechanisms resulting in SCI-induced NP (SCI-NP). Animal models have been used to investigate the benefits of activity-based interventions (ABI), such as treadmill training, wheel running, walking, swimming, and bipedal standing. These activity-based paradigms have been shown to modulate inflammatory-related alterations as well as induce functional and structural changes in the spinal cord gray matter circuitry correlated with pain behaviors. Thus far, the research available provides an incomplete picture of the cellular and molecular pathways involved in this beneficial effect. Continued research is essential for understanding how such interventions benefit SCI patients suffering from NP and allow the development of individualized rehabilitative therapies. This article reviews preclinical studies on this specific topic, goes over mechanisms involved in SCI-NP in relation to ABI, and then discusses the effectiveness of different activity-based paradigms as they relate to different forms, intensity, initiation times, and duration of ABI. This article also summarizes the mechanisms of respective interventions to ameliorate NP after SCI and provides suggestions for future research directions.
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7,8-Dihydroxyflavone accelerates recovery of Brown-Sequard syndrome in adult female rats with spinal cord lateral hemisection. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113397. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Wu J, Li X, Wang Q, Wang S, He W, Wu Q, Dong C. LncRNA/miRNA/mRNA ceRNA network analysis in spinal cord injury rat with physical exercise therapy. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13783. [PMID: 35923891 PMCID: PMC9341448 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Noncoding RNAs have been implicated in the pathophysiology of spinal cord injury (SCI), including cell death, glial scar formation, axonal collapse and demyelination, and inflammation. The evidence suggests that exercise therapy is just as effective as medical treatment in SCI. However, studies of competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA)-mediated regulation mechanisms in the therapy of SCI with exercise are rare. The focus of this research was to investigate the effect of exercise therapy on the expression levels of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), microRNA (miRNA), and mRNA in rats with SCI. The RNA-seq technology has been used to examine the differentially expressed circRNAs (DECs), lncRNAs (DELs), miRNAs (DEMs), and genes (DEGs) between SCI and exercise therapy rats. The ceRNA network was established using interactions between miRNAs and mRNAs, as well as between miRNAs and lncRNAs/circRNAs. The Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery was used to anticipate the underlying functions of mRNAs. Our current study identified 76 DELs, 33 DEMs, and 30 DEGs between groups of SCI rats and exercise therapy rats. Subsequently, these newly discovered ceRNA interaction axes could be important targets for the exercise treatment of SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahuan Wu
- Suzhou Science & Technology Town Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Rehabilitation Medical Center, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiangzhe Li
- Suzhou Science & Technology Town Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Rehabilitation Medical Center, Suzhou, China
| | - Qinghua Wang
- Nantong University, Experimental Animal Center, Nantong, China
| | - Sheng Wang
- Suzhou Science & Technology Town Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Rehabilitation Medical Center, Suzhou, China
| | - Wenhua He
- Medical College of Nantong University, Department of Anatomy, Nantong, China
| | - Qinfeng Wu
- Suzhou Science & Technology Town Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Rehabilitation Medical Center, Suzhou, China
| | - Chuanming Dong
- Medical College of Nantong University, Department of Anatomy, Nantong, China
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15
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Jing Y, Bai F, Wang L, Yang D, Yan Y, Wang Q, Zhu Y, Yu Y, Chen Z. Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Exerts Neuroprotective Effects in a Mouse Spinal Cord Injury Model by Modulating the Microenvironment at the Lesion Site. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0017722. [PMID: 35467388 PMCID: PMC9241636 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00177-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The primary traumatic event that causes spinal cord injury (SCI) is followed by a progressive secondary injury featured by vascular disruption and ischemia, inflammatory responses and the release of cytotoxic debris, which collectively add to the hostile microenvironment of the lesioned cord and inhibit tissue regeneration and functional recovery. In a previous study, we reported that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) promotes functional recovery in a contusion SCI mouse model; yet whether and how FMT treatment may impact the microenvironment at the injury site are not well known. In the current study, we examined individual niche components and investigated the effects of FMT on microcirculation, inflammation and trophic factor secretion in the spinal cord of SCI mice. FMT treatment significantly improved spinal cord tissue sparing, vascular perfusion and pericyte coverage and blood-spinal cord-barrier (BSCB) integrity, suppressed the activation of microglia and astrocytes, and enhanced the secretion of neurotrophic factors. Suppression of inflammation and upregulation of trophic factors, jointly, may rebalance the niche homeostasis at the injury site and render it favorable for reparative and regenerative processes, eventually leading to functional recovery. Furthermore, microbiota metabolic profiling revealed that amino acids including β-alanine constituted a major part of the differentially detected metabolites between the groups. Supplementation of β-alanine in SCI mice reduced BSCB permeability and increased the number of surviving neurons, suggesting that β-alanine may be one of the mediators of FMT that participates in the modulation and rebalancing of the microenvironment at the injured spinal cord. IMPORTANCE FMT treatment shows a profound impact on the microenvironment that involves microcirculation, blood-spinal cord-barrier, activation of immune cells, and secretion of neurotrophic factors. Analysis of metabolic profiles reveals around 22 differentially detected metabolites between the groups, and β-alanine was further chosen for functional validation experiments. Supplementation of SCI mice with β-alanine significantly improves neuronal survival, and the integrity of blood-spinal cord-barrier at the lesion site, suggesting that β-alanine might be one of the mediators following FMT that has contributed to the recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingli Jing
- China Rehabilitation Science Institute, Feng tai District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- China Rehabilitation Research Center, Feng tai District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Feng tai District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University, Feng tai District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Feng tai District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Fan Bai
- China Rehabilitation Science Institute, Feng tai District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- China Rehabilitation Research Center, Feng tai District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Feng tai District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University, Feng tai District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Feng tai District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Limiao Wang
- China Rehabilitation Science Institute, Feng tai District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- China Rehabilitation Research Center, Feng tai District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Feng tai District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University, Feng tai District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Feng tai District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Degang Yang
- China Rehabilitation Research Center, Feng tai District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Feng tai District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University, Feng tai District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Feng tai District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yitong Yan
- China Rehabilitation Science Institute, Feng tai District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- China Rehabilitation Research Center, Feng tai District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Feng tai District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University, Feng tai District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Feng tai District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiuying Wang
- China Rehabilitation Science Institute, Feng tai District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- China Rehabilitation Research Center, Feng tai District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Feng tai District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University, Feng tai District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Feng tai District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanbing Zhu
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Xicheng District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Yu
- China Rehabilitation Science Institute, Feng tai District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- China Rehabilitation Research Center, Feng tai District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Feng tai District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University, Feng tai District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Feng tai District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiguo Chen
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Feng tai District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Xicheng District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xicheng District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Zawadzka M, Kwaśniewska A, Miazga K, Sławińska U. Perspectives in the Cell-Based Therapies of Various Aspects of the Spinal Cord Injury-Associated Pathologies: Lessons from the Animal Models. Cells 2021; 10:cells10112995. [PMID: 34831217 PMCID: PMC8616284 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic injury of the spinal cord (SCI) is a devastating neurological condition often leading to severe dysfunctions, therefore an improvement in clinical treatment for SCI patients is urgently needed. The potential benefits of transplantation of various cell types into the injured spinal cord have been intensively investigated in preclinical SCI models and clinical trials. Despite the many challenges that are still ahead, cell transplantation alone or in combination with other factors, such as artificial matrices, seems to be the most promising perspective. Here, we reviewed recent advances in cell-based experimental strategies supporting or restoring the function of the injured spinal cord with a particular focus on the regenerative mechanisms that could define their clinical translation.
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Liu JT, Wang SY, Xiao HP, Gu B, Li HN. Effects of methylprednisolone and treadmill training on spinal cord injury in experimental rats. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1413. [PMID: 34676006 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Methylprednisolone (MP) is widely used to treat clinical spinal cord injury (SCI). Treadmill training is also considered an important treatment after SCI to improve motor function in patients, resulting in an evident improvement. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate and contrast the effects of MP and treadmill training administered in combination or alone after SCI in adult rats. A rat spinal cord T10 contusion model was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats using an impact device. A total of 40 rats were divided into four groups (n=10 rats/group): the MP, MP + treadmill training, SCI and sham group. At 30 min after injury, MP sodium succinate was injected into the rats of the MP and MP + treadmill training groups. Treadmill training began on the second week post-trauma and was performed for 8 weeks. The results showed that MP therapy combined with treadmill training significantly ameliorated several parameters of hind limb function compared with those by MP treatment alone (all P<0.05). A significantly reduced immunopositive area of Nogo receptor and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans and reduced relative expression of these mRNAs were found in the MP + treadmill training group (P<0.05) compared with the findings in the MP group. In conclusion, the present study indicated that combined MP and treadmill training treatment improved the recovery of hind limb function in rats with SCI, thus potentially representing a promising strategy to cure SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Tao Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, P.R. China
| | - Shuo-Yu Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, P.R. China
| | - Han-Ping Xiao
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, P.R. China
| | - Bing Gu
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, P.R. China
| | - Hua-Nan Li
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
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The Role of Exercise in Reducing Hyperlipidemia-Induced Neuronal Damage in Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:5512518. [PMID: 34409103 PMCID: PMC8367587 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5512518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hyperlipidemia causes nervous system-related diseases. Exercise training has developed into an established evidence-based treatment strategy that is beneficial for neuronal injury. This study investigated the effect of exercise on hyperlipidemia-induced neuronal injury in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE-/-) mice. Male ApoE-/- mice (age: 8 weeks) were randomly divided into four groups as follows: mice fed a normal diet (ND), normal diet+swimming training (ND+S), high-fat diet (HD), and high-fat diet+swimming (HD+S). Exercise training consisted of swimming for 40 min/day, 5 days/week for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, we measured serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c). We also evaluated glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression levels using immunohistochemistry, real-time PCR, and immunoblotting. In addition, NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3), interleukin- (IL-) 18, caspase-1, Bax, Bcl-2, and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK) expression levels were measured using immunoblotting. Serum levels of TG, TC, and LDL-c were lower in ApoE-/- HD+S mice than in ApoE-/- HD mice. Immunohistochemistry, real-time PCR, and immunoblotting showed increased levels of GFAP in the ApoE-/- HD group. Immunoblotting revealed increased levels of NLRP3, IL-18, caspase-1, Bax, Bcl-2, and p-ERK in the ApoE-/- HD group; however, they were significantly suppressed in the ApoE-/- HD+S group. Therefore, exercise has protective effects against neuronal injury caused by hyperlipidemia.
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Treadmill training based on the overload principle promotes locomotor recovery in a mouse model of chronic spinal cord injury. Exp Neurol 2021; 345:113834. [PMID: 34370998 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Rehabilitative treatment, including treadmill training, is considered an important strategy for restoring motor function after spinal cord injury (SCI). However, many unexplained problems persist regarding the appropriate rehabilitative method and the mechanism underlying the beneficial effects of rehabilitation. Moreover, only a few preclinical studies have been performed on rehabilitative interventions for chronic SCI, although most patients have chronic injuries. In fact, several preclinical studies reported that rehabilitative training was less effective when applied during the chronic phase than when applied sooner. While numerous studies have examined the effects of treadmill training during the subacute phase, the training conditions vary considerably among preclinical reports. Therefore, establishing a standard training protocol is essential for achieving beneficial rehabilitation effects at the chronic stage. Since the difficulty of applying an appropriate training load hinders training at constant speeds, it is important to adjust the training intensity in accordance with the exercise tolerance of an individual animal to provide further functional recovery benefits. Here, we created a novel quadrupedal treadmill training protocol based on the overload principle for mice with incomplete thoracic SCI. We subjected SCI model mice to rehabilitative training according to the protocol for two consecutive weeks starting at 42 days after injury. We examined the treadmill speeds at which the mice were able to run based on the severity of paresis and investigated the impact of the protocol on functional recovery. Assessment of running speed changes during the treadmill training period revealed faster treadmill speeds for mice with mild paresis than for those with severe paresis. The training parameters, including the speed and distance traveled, were positively correlated with the changes in motor function. These results suggest that the most suitable running speed during treadmill training differs according to the level of motor dysfunction and that running longer distances has a positive impact on motor functional recovery. Based on this established protocol, we compared functional and histological results between the chronic SCI groups with and without rehabilitation. The gait analyses showed significantly better functional improvement in the rehabilitation group than in the nonrehabilitation group. Histological analyses revealed that the BDNF- and VGLUT1-positive areas of lumbar enlargement were significantly increased in the rehabilitation group. These findings implied that rehabilitation promoted not only motor performance but also motor control, including forelimb-hindlimb coordination, even in chronic SCI, resulting in functional improvement by treadmill training alone. Therefore, rehabilitative training based on the overload principle appears to be one of the appropriate treatment options for incomplete thoracic SCI, and evidence of its efficacy exists in actual clinical settings.
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Wang P, Yin R, Wang S, Zhou T, Zhang Y, Xiao M, Wang H, Xu G. Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) and Treadmill Training on Recovery of Motor Function in a Rat Model of Partial Spinal Cord Injury. Med Sci Monit 2021; 27:e931601. [PMID: 34304239 PMCID: PMC8317583 DOI: 10.12659/msm.931601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to investigate the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and treadmill training (TT) on motor function recovery in rats with partial spinal cord injury (SCI). MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty rats with moderate partial SCI at the 9th thoracic vertebral level induced by a Louisville Injury System Apparatus impactor were randomly allocated to 5 groups: Sham surgery (Intact); Sham rTMS without TT (S-rTMS/Non-TT); Sham rTMS with TT (S-rTMS/TT); rTMS without TT (rTMS/Non-TT); and rTMS with TT (rTMS/TT). Interventions commenced 8 days after SCI and continued for 8 weeks. Outcomes studied were Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan locomotor scale scores, grid walking test, and biochemical analysis of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), synapsin I (SYN), and postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95) in the motor cortex and spinal cord. RESULTS The rTMS/TT contributed to greater Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scores compared with the S-rTMS/Non-TT (P<0.01), S-rTMS/TT (P<0.05), and rTMS/Non-TT (P<0.05), and showed obviously reduced numbers of foot drops compared with the S-rTMS/Non-TT (P<0.05). The rTMS/TT significantly increased the expressions of BDNF, SYN, and PSD-95 compared with the S-rTMS/Non-TT, both in the motor cortex (P<0.01, P<0.01, P<0.001, respectively) and spinal cord (P<0.001, P<0.01, P<0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS In a modified rat model of SCI, combined rTMS with TT improved motor function, indicating that this combined approach promoted adaptive neuroplasticity between the motor cortex and the spinal cord. A combined app roach to improving motor function following SCI requires further evaluation to determine the possible clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Wang
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Center of Rehabilitation Medicine, 1 affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Jiangsu Shengze Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Ruian Yin
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Center of Rehabilitation Medicine, 1 affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Shuangyan Wang
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Center of Rehabilitation Medicine, 1 affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Ting Zhou
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Yongjie Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Ming Xiao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Hongxing Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Jiangsu Shengze Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, PR China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Guangxu Xu
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Center of Rehabilitation Medicine, 1 affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
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Cajigas I, Vedantam A. Brain-Computer Interface, Neuromodulation, and Neurorehabilitation Strategies for Spinal Cord Injury. Neurosurg Clin N Am 2021; 32:407-417. [PMID: 34053728 DOI: 10.1016/j.nec.2021.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
As neural bypass interfacing, neuromodulation, and neurorehabilitation continue to evolve, there is growing recognition that combination therapies may achieve superior results. This article briefly introduces these broad areas of active research and lays out some of the current evidence for their use for patients with spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iahn Cajigas
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Miami, 1095 Northwest 14th Terrace (D4-6), Miami, FL 33136, USA.
| | - Aditya Vedantam
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Miami, 1095 Northwest 14th Terrace (D4-6), Miami, FL 33136, USA
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22
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Bilchak JN, Caron G, Côté MP. Exercise-Induced Plasticity in Signaling Pathways Involved in Motor Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094858. [PMID: 34064332 PMCID: PMC8124911 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to numerous chronic and debilitating functional deficits that greatly affect quality of life. While many pharmacological interventions have been explored, the current unsurpassed therapy for most SCI sequalae is exercise. Exercise has an expansive influence on peripheral health and function, and by activating the relevant neural pathways, exercise also ameliorates numerous disorders of the central nervous system (CNS). While the exact mechanisms by which this occurs are still being delineated, major strides have been made in the past decade to understand the molecular underpinnings of this essential treatment. Exercise rapidly and prominently affects dendritic sprouting, synaptic connections, neurotransmitter production and regulation, and ionic homeostasis, with recent literature implicating an exercise-induced increase in neurotrophins as the cornerstone that binds many of these effects together. The field encompasses vast complexity, and as the data accumulate, disentangling these molecular pathways and how they interact will facilitate the optimization of intervention strategies and improve quality of life for individuals affected by SCI. This review describes the known molecular effects of exercise and how they alter the CNS to pacify the injury environment, increase neuronal survival and regeneration, restore normal neural excitability, create new functional circuits, and ultimately improve motor function following SCI.
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Ying X, Xie Q, Yu X, Li S, Wu Q, Chen X, Yue J, Zhou K, Tu W, Jiang S. Water treadmill training protects the integrity of the blood-spinal cord barrier following SCI via the BDNF/TrkB-CREB signalling pathway. Neurochem Int 2021; 143:104945. [PMID: 33359781 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2020.104945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Following spinal cord injury (SCI), destruction of the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) leads to increased microvascular permeability and tissue oedema. The BSCB, formed by a dense network of tight junctions (TJs) and adhesion junctions (AJs) is considered a therapeutic target. Most studies have focused on the effect of drug therapy on the neurovascular system after SCI, ignoring the protection and functional recovery of the vascular system by exercise training. Previously, we indicated that water treadmill training (TT) has a protective effect on the BSCB after SCI, but the specific molecular mechanism of the effect of TT on BSCB is still not clear. In this study, we used a specific inhibitor of TrkB (ANA-12) to explore whether the BDNF/TrkB-CREB signalling pathway is involved in TT-mediated BSCB protection after SCI. A New York University (NYU) impactor was used to establish the SCI model. Rats in the SI (Sham + ANA-12), IM (SCI + ANA-12) and ITM (SCI + TT + ANA-12) groups were injected with ANA-12 (0.5 mg/kg) daily, and rats in TM (SCI + TT) and ITM (SCI + TT + ANA-12) groups were treated with water TT for 7 or 14 d. The degree of neurological deficit, water content, BSCB permeability, protein expression and ultrastructure of vascular endothelial cells were assessed by the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) motor rating scale, Evans blue (EB), Western blot (WB) experiments, immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Our results suggest that TT upregulates the BDNF/TrkB-CREB signalling pathway following SCI. The BDNF/TrkB-CREB signalling pathway is involved in the protection of the BSCB. Application of the inhibitor blocked the protective effect of TT on the BSCB. We concluded that TT ameliorated SCI-induced BSCB impairment by upregulating the BDNF/TrkB-CREB signalling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinwang Ying
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qingfeng Xie
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiaolan Yu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Shengcun Li
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qiaoyun Wu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiaolong Chen
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jingjing Yue
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Kecheng Zhou
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Wenzhan Tu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Songhe Jiang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, China; Department of Intelligent Rehabilitation International (cross-strait) Alliance of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, China.
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Davaa G, Hong JY, Kim TU, Lee SJ, Kim SY, Hong K, Hyun JK. Exercise Ameliorates Spinal Cord Injury by Changing DNA Methylation. Cells 2021; 10:143. [PMID: 33445717 PMCID: PMC7828206 DOI: 10.3390/cells10010143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Exercise training is a traditional method to maximize remaining function in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI), but the exact mechanism by which exercise promotes recovery after SCI has not been identified; whether exercise truly has a beneficial effect on SCI also remains unclear. Previously, we showed that epigenetic changes in the brain motor cortex occur after SCI and that a treatment leading to epigenetic modulation effectively promotes functional recovery after SCI. We aimed to determine how exercise induces functional improvement in rats subjected to SCI and whether epigenetic changes are engaged in the effects of exercise. A spinal cord contusion model was established in rats, which were then subjected to treadmill exercise for 12 weeks. We found that the size of the lesion cavity and the number of macrophages were decreased more in the exercise group than in the control group after 12 weeks of injury. Immunofluorescence and DNA dot blot analysis revealed that levels of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) in the brain motor cortex were increased after exercise. Accordingly, the expression of ten-eleven translocation (Tet) family members (Tet1, Tet2, and Tet3) in the brain motor cortex also elevated. However, no macrophage polarization was induced by exercise. Locomotor function, including Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) and ladder scores, also improved in the exercise group compared to the control group. We concluded that treadmill exercise facilitates functional recovery in rats with SCI, and mechanistically epigenetic changes in the brain motor cortex may contribute to exercise-induced improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganchimeg Davaa
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 FOUR NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea; (G.D.); (J.Y.H.)
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea
| | - Jin Young Hong
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 FOUR NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea; (G.D.); (J.Y.H.)
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea
| | - Tae Uk Kim
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea; (T.U.K.); (S.J.L.); (S.Y.K.)
| | - Seong Jae Lee
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea; (T.U.K.); (S.J.L.); (S.Y.K.)
| | - Seo Young Kim
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea; (T.U.K.); (S.J.L.); (S.Y.K.)
| | - Kwonho Hong
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology and Institute of Advanced Regenerative Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea;
| | - Jung Keun Hyun
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 FOUR NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea; (G.D.); (J.Y.H.)
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea; (T.U.K.); (S.J.L.); (S.Y.K.)
- Wiregene, Co., Ltd., Cheonan 31116, Korea
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Liu Y, Xie JX, Niu F, Xu Z, Tan P, Shen C, Gao H, Liu S, Ma Z, So KF, Wu W, Chen C, Gao S, Xu XM, Zhu H. Surgical intervention combined with weight-bearing walking training improves neurological recoveries in 320 patients with clinically complete spinal cord injury: a prospective self-controlled study. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:820-829. [PMID: 33229715 PMCID: PMC8178778 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.297080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Although a large number of trials in the SCI field have been conducted, few proven gains have been realized for patients. In the present study, we determined the efficacy of a novel combination treatment involving surgical intervention and long-term weight-bearing walking training in spinal cord injury (SCI) subjects clinically diagnosed as complete or American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) Class A (AIS-A). A total of 320 clinically complete SCI subjects (271 male and 49 female), aged 16–60 years, received early (≤ 7 days, n = 201) or delayed (8–30 days, n = 119) surgical interventions to reduce intraspinal or intramedullary pressure. Fifteen days post-surgery, all subjects received a weight-bearing walking training with the “Kunming Locomotion Training Program (KLTP)” for a duration of 6 months. The neurological deficit and recovery were assessed using the AIS scale and a 10-point Kunming Locomotor Scale (KLS). We found that surgical intervention significantly improved AIS scores measured at 15 days post-surgery as compared to the pre-surgery baseline scores. Significant improvement of AIS scores was detected at 3 and 6 months and the KLS further showed significant improvements between all pair-wise comparisons of time points of 15 days, 3 or 6 months indicating continued improvement in walking scores during the 6-month period. In conclusion, combining surgical intervention within 1 month post-injury and weight-bearing locomotor training promoted continued and statistically significant neurological recoveries in subjects with clinically complete SCI, which generally shows little clinical recovery within the first year after injury and most are permanently disabled. This study was approved by the Science and Research Committee of Kunming General Hospital of PLA and Kunming Tongren Hospital, China and registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT04034108) on July 26, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yansheng Liu
- Kunming International Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Treatment Center, Kunming Tongren Hospital; Clinical Center for Spinal Cord Injury, Kunming General Hospital of Chengdu Military Command, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Jia-Xin Xie
- Clinical Center for Spinal Cord Injury, Kunming General Hospital of Chengdu Military Command, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Fang Niu
- Kunming International Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Treatment Center, Kunming Tongren Hospital; Clinical Center for Spinal Cord Injury, Kunming General Hospital of Chengdu Military Command, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Zhexi Xu
- Kunming International Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Treatment Center, Kunming Tongren Hospital; Clinical Center for Spinal Cord Injury, Kunming General Hospital of Chengdu Military Command, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Pengju Tan
- Kunming International Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Treatment Center, Kunming Tongren Hospital; Clinical Center for Spinal Cord Injury, Kunming General Hospital of Chengdu Military Command, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Caihong Shen
- Kunming International Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Treatment Center, Kunming Tongren Hospital; Clinical Center for Spinal Cord Injury, Kunming General Hospital of Chengdu Military Command, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Hongkun Gao
- Kunming International Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Treatment Center, Kunming Tongren Hospital; Clinical Center for Spinal Cord Injury, Kunming General Hospital of Chengdu Military Command, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Song Liu
- Kunming International Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Treatment Center, Kunming Tongren Hospital; Clinical Center for Spinal Cord Injury, Kunming General Hospital of Chengdu Military Command, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Zhengwen Ma
- Department of Laboratory Animal Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kwok-Fai So
- Department of Ophthalmology and State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administration Region; Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute for Central Nervous System Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wutian Wu
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute for Central Nervous System Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province; Re-Stem Biotechnology, Co., Ltd., Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Sujuan Gao
- Department of Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Xiao-Ming Xu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Hui Zhu
- Kunming International Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Treatment Center, Kunming Tongren Hospital; Clinical Center for Spinal Cord Injury, Kunming General Hospital of Chengdu Military Command, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
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Ying X, Xie Q, Li S, Yu X, Zhou K, Yue J, Chen X, Tu W, Yang G, Jiang S. Water treadmill training attenuates blood-spinal cord barrier disruption in rats by promoting angiogenesis and inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase-2/9 expression following spinal cord injury. Fluids Barriers CNS 2020; 17:70. [PMID: 33292360 PMCID: PMC7722327 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-020-00232-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The permeability of the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) is mainly determined by junction complexes between adjacent endothelial cells (ECs), including tight junctions (TJs) and adherens junctions (AJs), which can be severely damaged after spinal cord injury (SCI). Exercise training is a recognized method for the treatment of SCI. The destruction of the BSCB mediated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) leads to inflammation, neurotoxin production, and neuronal apoptosis. The failure of new blood vessels to effectively regenerate is also an important cause of delayed recovery after SCI. For the first time, we introduced water treadmill training (TT) to help SCI rats successfully exercise and measured the effects of TT in promoting recovery after SCI and the possible mechanisms involved. Methods Sprague-Dawley (200–250 g) rats were randomly divided into the following three groups: sham operated, SCI, and SCI + TT. Animals were sacrificed at 7 or 14 days post-surgery. The degree of neurological deficit, tissue morphology and BSCB permeability were assessed by the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) motor function scale and appropriate staining protocols, and apoptosis, protein expression and vascular EC ultrastructure were assessed by TUNEL staining, Western blotting, immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results Our experiments showed that TT reduced permeability of the BSCB and decreased structural tissue damage. TT significantly improved functional recovery when compared with that in the SCI group; TJ and AJ proteins expression increased significantly after TT, and training reduced apoptosis induced by SCI. TT could promote angiogenesis, and MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression was significantly inhibited by TT. Conclusions The results of this study indicate that TT promotes functional recovery for the following reasons: TT (1) protects residual BSCB structure from further damage, (2) promotes vascular regeneration, and (3) inhibits MMP-2/9 expression to mitigate BSCB damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinwang Ying
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Qingfeng Xie
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Shengcun Li
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Xiaolan Yu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Kecheng Zhou
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Jingjing Yue
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Xiaolong Chen
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Wenzhan Tu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Guanhu Yang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Songhe Jiang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, Wenzhou, 325000, China. .,Department of Intelligent Rehabilitation International (Cross-Strait), Alliance of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, Wenzhou, 325000, China.
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27
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Gallegos C, Carey M, Zheng Y, He X, Cao QL. Reaching and Grasping Training Improves Functional Recovery After Chronic Cervical Spinal Cord Injury. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:110. [PMID: 32536855 PMCID: PMC7266985 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies suggest locomotion training could be an effective non-invasive therapy after spinal cord injury (SCI) using primarily acute thoracic injuries. However, the majority of SCI patients have chronic cervical injuries. Regaining hand function could significantly increase their quality of life. In this study, we used a clinically relevant chronic cervical contusion to study the therapeutic efficacy of rehabilitation in forelimb functional recovery. Nude rats received a moderate C5 unilateral contusive injury and were then divided into two groups with or without Modified Montoya Staircase (MMS) rehabilitation. For the rehabilitation group, rats were trained 5 days a week starting at 8 weeks post-injury (PI) for 6 weeks. All rats were assessed for skilled forelimb functions with MMS test weekly and for untrained gross forelimb locomotion with grooming and horizontal ladder (HL) tests biweekly. Our results showed that MMS rehabilitation significantly increased the number of pellets taken at 13 and 14 weeks PI and the accuracy rates at 12 to 14 weeks PI. However, there were no significant differences in the grooming scores or the percentage of HL missteps at any time point. Histological analyses revealed that MMS rehabilitation significantly increased the number of serotonergic fibers and the amount of presynaptic terminals around motor neurons in the cervical ventral horns caudal to the injury and reduced glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-immunoreactive astrogliosis in spinal cords caudal to the lesion. This study shows that MMS rehabilitation can modify the injury environment, promote axonal sprouting and synaptic plasticity, and importantly, improve reaching and grasping functions in the forelimb, supporting the therapeutic potential of task-specific rehabilitation for functional recovery after chronic SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrystine Gallegos
- The Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States.,Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Matthew Carey
- The Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States.,Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States.,Summer Undergraduate Research Program, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Yiyan Zheng
- The Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States.,Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Xiuquan He
- The Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States.,Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Anatomy and Histoembryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qi Lin Cao
- The Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States.,Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
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28
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Treadmill training improves survival and differentiation of transplanted neural precursor cells after cervical spinal cord injury. Stem Cell Res 2020; 45:101812. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2020.101812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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29
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Han Q, Xie Y, Ordaz JD, Huh AJ, Huang N, Wu W, Liu N, Chamberlain KA, Sheng ZH, Xu XM. Restoring Cellular Energetics Promotes Axonal Regeneration and Functional Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury. Cell Metab 2020; 31:623-641.e8. [PMID: 32130884 PMCID: PMC7188478 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2020.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Axonal regeneration in the central nervous system (CNS) is a highly energy-demanding process. Extrinsic insults and intrinsic restrictions lead to an energy crisis in injured axons, raising the question of whether recovering energy deficits facilitates regeneration. Here, we reveal that enhancing axonal mitochondrial transport by deleting syntaphilin (Snph) recovers injury-induced mitochondrial depolarization. Using three CNS injury mouse models, we demonstrate that Snph-/- mice display enhanced corticospinal tract (CST) regeneration passing through a spinal cord lesion, accelerated regrowth of monoaminergic axons across a transection gap, and increased compensatory sprouting of uninjured CST. Notably, regenerated CST axons form functional synapses and promote motor functional recovery. Administration of the bioenergetic compound creatine boosts CST regenerative capacity in Snph-/- mice. Our study provides mechanistic insights into intrinsic regeneration failure in CNS and suggests that enhancing mitochondrial transport and cellular energetics are promising strategies to promote regeneration and functional restoration after CNS injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Han
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Yuxiang Xie
- Synaptic Function Section, The Porter Neuroscience Research Center, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Josue D Ordaz
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Andrew J Huh
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Ning Huang
- Synaptic Function Section, The Porter Neuroscience Research Center, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Wei Wu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Naikui Liu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Kelly A Chamberlain
- Synaptic Function Section, The Porter Neuroscience Research Center, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Zu-Hang Sheng
- Synaptic Function Section, The Porter Neuroscience Research Center, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Xiao-Ming Xu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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30
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Han Q, Ordaz JD, Liu NK, Richardson Z, Wu W, Xia Y, Qu W, Wang Y, Dai H, Zhang YP, Shields CB, Smith GM, Xu XM. Descending motor circuitry required for NT-3 mediated locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury in mice. Nat Commun 2019; 10:5815. [PMID: 31862889 PMCID: PMC6925225 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13854-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Locomotor function, mediated by lumbar neural circuitry, is modulated by descending spinal pathways. Spinal cord injury (SCI) interrupts descending projections and denervates lumbar motor neurons (MNs). We previously reported that retrogradely transported neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) to lumbar MNs attenuated SCI-induced lumbar MN dendritic atrophy and enabled functional recovery after a rostral thoracic contusion. Here we functionally dissected the role of descending neural pathways in response to NT-3-mediated recovery after a T9 contusive SCI in mice. We find that residual projections to lumbar MNs are required to produce leg movements after SCI. Next, we show that the spared descending propriospinal pathway, rather than other pathways (including the corticospinal, rubrospinal, serotonergic, and dopaminergic pathways), accounts for NT-3-enhanced recovery. Lastly, we show that NT-3 induced propriospino-MN circuit reorganization after the T9 contusion via promotion of dendritic regrowth rather than prevention of dendritic atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Han
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Josue D Ordaz
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Nai-Kui Liu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Zoe Richardson
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Wei Wu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Yongzhi Xia
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Wenrui Qu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Ying Wang
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Heqiao Dai
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Yi Ping Zhang
- Norton Neuroscience Institute, Norton Healthcare, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Christopher B Shields
- Norton Neuroscience Institute, Norton Healthcare, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA.,Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA
| | - George M Smith
- Department of Neuroscience, Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center, Center for Neural Rehabilitation and Repair, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA
| | - Xiao-Ming Xu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA. .,Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
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31
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Pukos N, Goodus MT, Sahinkaya FR, McTigue DM. Myelin status and oligodendrocyte lineage cells over time after spinal cord injury: What do we know and what still needs to be unwrapped? Glia 2019; 67:2178-2202. [PMID: 31444938 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) affects over 17,000 individuals in the United States per year, resulting in sudden motor, sensory and autonomic impairments below the level of injury. These deficits may be due at least in part to the loss of oligodendrocytes and demyelination of spared axons as it leads to slowed or blocked conduction through the lesion site. It has long been accepted that progenitor cells form new oligodendrocytes after SCI, resulting in the acute formation of new myelin on demyelinated axons. However, the chronicity of demyelination and the functional significance of remyelination remain contentious. Here we review work examining demyelination and remyelination after SCI as well as the current understanding of oligodendrocyte lineage cell responses to spinal trauma, including the surprisingly long-lasting response of NG2+ oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) to proliferate and differentiate into new myelinating oligodendrocytes for months after SCI. OPCs are highly sensitive to microenvironmental changes, and therefore respond to the ever-changing post-SCI milieu, including influx of blood, monocytes and neutrophils; activation of microglia and macrophages; changes in cytokines, chemokines and growth factors such as ciliary neurotrophic factor and fibroblast growth factor-2; glutamate excitotoxicity; and axon degeneration and sprouting. We discuss how these changes relate to spontaneous oligodendrogenesis and remyelination, the evidence for and against demyelination being an important clinical problem and if remyelination contributes to motor recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Pukos
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Belford Center for Spinal Cord Injury, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Matthew T Goodus
- Belford Center for Spinal Cord Injury, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Neuroscience, Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Fatma R Sahinkaya
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Dana M McTigue
- Belford Center for Spinal Cord Injury, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Neuroscience, Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
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Erwin A, Gallegos C, Cao Q, O'Malley MK. A Robotic Platform for 3D Forelimb Rehabilitation with Rats. IEEE Int Conf Rehabil Robot 2019; 2019:429-434. [PMID: 31374667 DOI: 10.1109/icorr.2019.8779405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In an attempt to promote greater functional recovery after spinal cord injury, researchers have begun exploring combinatorial treatments, such as robotic rehabilitation combined with stem cell transplantation. Since these treatment methods are in their nascent stages, rodent models have been proposed for initial investigations. Robots have been built for locomotion rehabilitation and planar forelimb reach and grasp assessment with rodents; however, a robotic platform suitable for three-dimensional movement rehabilitation of the rodent forelimb has not yet been developed. In this paper, a novel three degree of freedom robotic manipulator for automated forelimb rehabilitation combined with stem cell transplantation after cervical spinal cord injury with rats is proposed. The robot interfaces with a rat in an end-effector manner, measuring and interacting with the forelimb in the 3D Cartesian space. In this work, we trained two rats through behavioral shaping to actively interact with the device during two robot control modes. This work provides preliminary investigations into the feasibility of 3D forelimb rehabilitation with rats, which could be translated as a paradigm for combinatorial treatments after spinal cord injury in a controlled manner.
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Hyperbaric oxygen therapy reduces apoptosis and dendritic/synaptic degeneration via the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathways in SCI rats. Life Sci 2019; 229:187-199. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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34
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Health Benefits of Endurance Training: Implications of the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor-A Systematic Review. Neural Plast 2019; 2019:5413067. [PMID: 31341469 PMCID: PMC6613032 DOI: 10.1155/2019/5413067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This article presents a concept that wide expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptors (TrkB) in the nervous tissue, evoked by regular endurance training (ET), can cause numerous motor and metabolic adaptations, which are beneficial for human health. The relationships between the training-evoked increase of endogenous BDNF and molecular and/or physiological adaptations in the nervous structures controlling both motor performance and homeostasis of the whole organism have been presented. Due to a very wide range of plastic changes that ET has exerted on various systems of the body, the improvement of motor skills and counteraction of the development of civilization diseases resulting from the posttraining increase of BDNF/TrkB levels have been discussed, as important for people, who undertake ET. Thus, this report presents the influence of endurance exercises on the (1) transformation of motoneuron properties, which are a final element of the motor pathways, (2) reduction of motor deficits evoked by Parkinson disease, and (3) prevention of the metabolic syndrome (MetS). This review suggests that the increase of posttraining levels of BDNF and its TrkB receptors causes simultaneous changes in the activity of the spinal cord, the substantia nigra, and the hypothalamic nuclei neurons, which are responsible for the alteration of the functional properties of motoneurons innervating the skeletal muscles, for the enhancement of dopamine release in the brain, and for the modulation of hormone levels involved in regulating the metabolic processes, responsively. Finally, training-evoked increase of the BDNF/TrkB leads to a change in a manner of regulation of skeletal muscles, causes a reduction of motor deficits observed in the Parkinson disease, and lowers weight, glucose level, and blood pressure, which accompany the MetS. Therefore, BDNF seems to be the molecular factor of pleiotropic activity, important in the modulation processes, underlying adaptations, which result from ET.
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Yokota K, Kubota K, Kobayakawa K, Saito T, Hara M, Kijima K, Maeda T, Katoh H, Ohkawa Y, Nakashima Y, Okada S. Pathological changes of distal motor neurons after complete spinal cord injury. Mol Brain 2019; 12:4. [PMID: 30626449 PMCID: PMC6327522 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-018-0422-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) causes serious disruption of neuronal circuits that leads to motor functional deficits. Regeneration of disrupted circuits back to their original target is necessary for the restoration of function after SCI, but the pathophysiological condition of the caudal spinal cord has not been sufficiently studied. Here we investigated the histological and biological changes in the distal part of the injured spinal cord, using a mice model of complete thoracic SCI in the chronic stage (3 months after injury). Atrophic changes were widely observed in the injured spinal cord both rostral and caudal to the lesion, but the decrease in area was mainly in the white matter in the rostral spinal cord while both the white and gray matter decreased in the caudal spinal cord. The number of the motor neurons was maintained in the chronic phase of injury, but the number of presynaptic boutons decreased in the lumbar motor neurons caudal to the lesion. Using laser microdissection, to investigate gene expressions in motor neurons caudal to the lesion, we observed a decrease in the expressions of neuronal activity markers. However, we found that the synaptogenic potential of postsynapse molecules was maintained in the motor neurons after SCI with the expression of acetylcholine-related molecules actually higher after SCI. Collectively, our results show that the potential of synaptogenesis is maintained in the motor neurons caudal to the lesion, even though presynaptic input is decreased. Although researches into SCI concentrate their effort on the lesion epicenter, our findings suggest that the area caudal to the lesion could be an original therapeutic target for the chronically injured spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuya Yokota
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.,Department of Immunology and Neuroscience, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Spinal Injuries Center, 550-4 Igisu, Iizuka, Fukuoka, 820-8508, Japan
| | - Kensuke Kubota
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.,Department of Immunology and Neuroscience, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Spinal Injuries Center, 550-4 Igisu, Iizuka, Fukuoka, 820-8508, Japan
| | - Kazu Kobayakawa
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.,Department of Immunology and Neuroscience, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Takeyuki Saito
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.,Department of Immunology and Neuroscience, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Masamitsu Hara
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.,Department of Immunology and Neuroscience, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Ken Kijima
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.,Department of Immunology and Neuroscience, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Takeshi Maeda
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Spinal Injuries Center, 550-4 Igisu, Iizuka, Fukuoka, 820-8508, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Katoh
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Ohkawa
- Department of Transcriptomics, JST-CREST, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Yasuharu Nakashima
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Seiji Okada
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan. .,Department of Immunology and Neuroscience, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
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Diogo CC, da Costa LM, Pereira JE, Filipe V, Couto PA, Geuna S, Armada-da-Silva PA, Maurício AC, Varejão ASP. Kinematic and kinetic gait analysis to evaluate functional recovery in thoracic spinal cord injured rats. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 98:18-28. [PMID: 30611796 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The recovery of walking function following spinal cord injury (SCI) is of major importance to patients and clinicians. In experimental SCI studies, a rat model is widely used to assess walking function, following thoracic spinal cord lesion. In an effort to provide a resource which investigators can refer to when seeking the most appropriate functional assay, the authors have compiled and categorized the behavioral assessments used to measure the deficits and recovery of the gait in thoracic SCI rats. These categories include kinematic and kinetic measurements. Within this categorization, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each type of measurement. The present review includes the type of outcome data that they produce, the technical difficulty and the time required to potentially train the animals to perform them, and the need for expensive or highly specialized equipment. The use of multiple kinematic and kinetic parameters is recommended to identify subtle deficits and processes involved in the compensatory mechanisms of walking function after experimental thoracic SCI in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Cardoso Diogo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, UTAD, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Luís Maltez da Costa
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, UTAD, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; CECAV, Centre for Animal Sciences and Veterinary Studies, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - José Eduardo Pereira
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, UTAD, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; CECAV, Centre for Animal Sciences and Veterinary Studies, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Vítor Filipe
- Department of Engineering, School of Science and Technology, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, UTAD, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; INESC TEC, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200 - 465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro Alexandre Couto
- Department of Engineering, School of Science and Technology, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, UTAD, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; CITAB, Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Stefano Geuna
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Paulo A Armada-da-Silva
- Faculdade de Motricidade Humana (FMH), Universidade de Lisboa (ULisboa), Estrada da Costa, 1499-002, Dafundo, Cruz Quebrada, Portugal; CIPER-FMH: Centro Interdisciplinar de Estudo de Performance Humana, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana (FMH), Universidade de Lisboa (ULisboa), Estrada da Costa, 1499-002, Cruz Quebrada - Dafundo, Portugal
| | - Ana Colette Maurício
- Department of Veterinary Clinics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto (UP), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, nº 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Animal Science and Study Centre (CECA), Institute of Sciences, Technologies and Agroenvironment of the University of Porto (ICETA), Rua D. Manuel II, Apartado 55142, 4051-401, Porto, Portugal
| | - Artur S P Varejão
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, UTAD, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; CECAV, Centre for Animal Sciences and Veterinary Studies, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal.
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37
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Loy K, Bareyre FM. Rehabilitation following spinal cord injury: how animal models can help our understanding of exercise-induced neuroplasticity. Neural Regen Res 2019; 14:405-412. [PMID: 30539806 PMCID: PMC6334617 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.245951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury is a devastating condition that is followed by long and often unsuccessful recovery after trauma. The state of the art approach to manage paralysis and concomitant impairments is rehabilitation, which is the only strategy that has proven to be effective and beneficial for the patients over the last decades. How rehabilitation influences the remodeling of spinal axonal connections in patients is important to understand, in order to better target these changes and define the optimal timing and onset of training. While clinically the answers to these questions remain difficult to obtain, rodent models of rehabilitation like bicycling, treadmill training, swimming, enriched environments or wheel running that mimic clinical rehabilitation can be helpful to reveal the axonal changes underlying motor recovery. This review will focus on the different animal models of spinal cord injury rehabilitation and the underlying changes in neuronal networks that are improved by exercise and rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Loy
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Florence M Bareyre
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität München; Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
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38
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Yu P, Zhang W, Liu Y, Sheng C, So KF, Zhou L, Zhu H. The effects and potential mechanisms of locomotor training on improvements of functional recovery after spinal cord injury. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2019; 147:199-217. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2019.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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39
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Locomotor Training Promotes Time-dependent Functional Recovery after Experimental Spinal Cord Contusion. Neuroscience 2018; 392:258-269. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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40
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Wang Y, Wu W, Wu X, Sun Y, Zhang YP, Deng LX, Walker MJ, Qu W, Chen C, Liu NK, Han Q, Dai H, Shields LB, Shields CB, Sengelaub DR, Jones KJ, Smith GM, Xu XM. Remodeling of lumbar motor circuitry remote to a thoracic spinal cord injury promotes locomotor recovery. eLife 2018; 7:39016. [PMID: 30207538 PMCID: PMC6170189 DOI: 10.7554/elife.39016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Retrogradely-transported neurotrophin signaling plays an important role in regulating neural circuit specificity. Here we investigated whether targeted delivery of neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) to lumbar motoneurons (MNs) caudal to a thoracic (T10) contusive spinal cord injury (SCI) could modulate dendritic patterning and synapse formation of the lumbar MNs. In vitro, Adeno-associated virus serotype two overexpressing NT-3 (AAV-NT-3) induced NT-3 expression and neurite outgrowth in cultured spinal cord neurons. In vivo, targeted delivery of AAV-NT-3 into transiently demyelinated adult mouse sciatic nerves led to the retrograde transportation of NT-3 to the lumbar MNs, significantly attenuating SCI-induced lumbar MN dendritic atrophy. NT-3 enhanced sprouting and synaptic formation of descending serotonergic, dopaminergic, and propriospinal axons on lumbar MNs, parallel to improved behavioral recovery. Thus, retrogradely transported NT-3 stimulated remodeling of lumbar neural circuitry and synaptic connectivity remote to a thoracic SCI, supporting a role for retrograde transport of NT-3 as a potential therapeutic strategy for SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States.,Neural Tissue Engineering Research Institute, Mudanjiang College of Medicine, Mudanjiang, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States
| | - Xiangbing Wu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States
| | - Yan Sun
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States.,Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi P Zhang
- Norton Neuroscience Institute, Norton Healthcare, Louisville, United States
| | - Ling-Xiao Deng
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States
| | - Melissa Jane Walker
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States
| | - Wenrui Qu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States
| | - Chen Chen
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States.,Program in Medical Neuroscience, Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana, United States
| | - Nai-Kui Liu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States
| | - Qi Han
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States
| | - Heqiao Dai
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States
| | - Lisa Be Shields
- Norton Neuroscience Institute, Norton Healthcare, Louisville, United States
| | | | - Dale R Sengelaub
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, United States
| | - Kathryn J Jones
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States
| | - George M Smith
- Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Xiao-Ming Xu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States
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Li X, Wu Q, Xie C, Wang C, Wang Q, Dong C, Fang L, Ding J, Wang T. Blocking of BDNF-TrkB signaling inhibits the promotion effect of neurological function recovery after treadmill training in rats with spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord 2018; 57:65-74. [DOI: 10.1038/s41393-018-0173-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Revised: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Otzel DM, Lee J, Ye F, Borst SE, Yarrow JF. Activity-Based Physical Rehabilitation with Adjuvant Testosterone to Promote Neuromuscular Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19061701. [PMID: 29880749 PMCID: PMC6032131 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19061701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular impairment and reduced musculoskeletal integrity are hallmarks of spinal cord injury (SCI) that hinder locomotor recovery. These impairments are precipitated by the neurological insult and resulting disuse, which has stimulated interest in activity-based physical rehabilitation therapies (ABTs) that promote neuromuscular plasticity after SCI. However, ABT efficacy declines as SCI severity increases. Additionally, many men with SCI exhibit low testosterone, which may exacerbate neuromusculoskeletal impairment. Incorporating testosterone adjuvant to ABTs may improve musculoskeletal recovery and neuroplasticity because androgens attenuate muscle loss and the slow-to-fast muscle fiber-type transition after SCI, in a manner independent from mechanical strain, and promote motoneuron survival. These neuromusculoskeletal benefits are promising, although testosterone alone produces only limited functional improvement in rodent SCI models. In this review, we discuss the (1) molecular deficits underlying muscle loss after SCI; (2) independent influences of testosterone and locomotor training on neuromuscular function and musculoskeletal integrity post-SCI; (3) hormonal and molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic efficacy of these strategies; and (4) evidence supporting a multimodal strategy involving ABT with adjuvant testosterone, as a potential means to promote more comprehensive neuromusculoskeletal recovery than either strategy alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana M Otzel
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA.
| | - Jimmy Lee
- Research Service, Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA.
| | - Fan Ye
- Research Service, Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA.
| | - Stephen E Borst
- Department of Applied Physiology, Kinesiology and University of Florida College of Health and Human Performance, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA.
| | - Joshua F Yarrow
- Research Service, Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA.
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
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Chen YH, Kuo TT, Kao JH, Huang EYK, Hsieh TH, Chou YC, Hoffer BJ. Exercise Ameliorates Motor Deficits and Improves Dopaminergic Functions in the Rat Hemi-Parkinson's Model. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3973. [PMID: 29507426 PMCID: PMC5838260 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22462-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
To determine the influences of exercise on motor deficits and dopaminergic transmission in a hemiparkinson animal model, we measured the effects of exercise on the ambulatory system by estimating spatio-temporal parameters during walking, striatal dopamine (DA) release and reuptake and synaptic plasticity in the corticostriatal pathway after unilateral 6-OHDA lesions. 6-OHDA lesioned hemiparkinsonian rats were exercised on a fixed speed treadmill for 30 minutes per day. Controls received the same lesion but no exercise. Animals were subsequently analyzed for behavior including gait analysis, rotarod performance and apomorphine induced rotation. Subsequently, in vitro striatal dopamine release was analyzed by using FSCV and activity-dependent plasticity in the corticostriatal pathway was measured in each group. Our data indicated that exercise could improve motor walking speed and increase the apomorphine-induced rotation threshold. Exercise also ameliorated spatiotemporal impairments in gait in PD animals. Exercise increased the parameters of synaptic plasticity formation in the corticostriatal pathway of PD animals as well as the dynamics of dopamine transmission in PD animals. Fixed speed treadmill training 30 minutes per day could ameliorate spatial-temporal gait impairment, improve walking speed, dopamine transmission as well as corticostriatal synaptic plasticity in the unilateral 6-OHDA lesioned rat model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Hao Chen
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C..
| | - Tung-Tai Kuo
- Graduate Institute of Computer and Communication Engineering, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jen-Hsin Kao
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Eagle Yi-Kung Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Tsung-Hsun Hsieh
- Department of Physical Therapy and Graduate Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ching Chou
- School of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Barry J Hoffer
- Graduate Program on Neuroregeneration, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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de Freitas GR, Santo CCDE, de Machado-Pereira NAMM, Bobinski F, Dos Santos ARS, Ilha J. Early Cyclical Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Improves Strength and Trophism by Akt Pathway Signaling in Partially Paralyzed Biceps Muscle After Spinal Cord Injury in Rats. Phys Ther 2018; 98:172-181. [PMID: 29240948 DOI: 10.1093/ptj/pzx116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electrical stimulation is often used to treat weakness in people with spinal cord injury (SCI); however its efficacy for increasing strength and trophism is weak, and the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic benefits are unknown. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on muscle function, trophism, and the Akt pathway signaling involved in muscular plasticity after incomplete SCI in rats. DESIGN This was an experimental study. METHODS Twenty-one adult female Wistar rats were divided into sham, SCI, and SCI plus NMES groups. In injured animals, SCI hemisection was induced by a surgical procedure at the C5-C7 level. The 5-week NMES protocol consisted of biceps brachii muscle stimulation 5 times per week, initiated 48 h after injury. Forepaw function and strength, biceps muscle trophism, and the expression of phosphorylated Akt, p70S6K, and GSK-3ß cellular anabolic pathway markers in stimulated muscle tissue were assessed. RESULTS There was an increase in bicep muscle strength in the NMES group compared with the untreated SCI group, from postoperative day 21 until the end of the evaluation period. Also, there was an increase in muscle trophism in the NMES group compared with the SCI group. Forelimb function gradually recovered in both the SCI group and the NMES group, with no differences between them. Regarding muscle protein expression, the NMES group had higher values for phospho-Akt, phospho-p70S6K, and phospho-GSK-3ß than did the SCI group. LIMITATIONS The experimental findings were limited to an animal model of incomplete SCI and may not be fully generalizable to humans. CONCLUSIONS Early cyclical NMES therapy was shown to increase muscle strength and induce hypertrophy after incomplete SCI in a rat model, probably by increasing phospho-Akt, phospho-p70S6K, and phospho-GSK-3ß signaling protein synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel R de Freitas
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Lesão Medular (Core of Spinal Cord Injury Research) (NULEME), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Fisioterapia (PPGFt), Departamento de Fisioterapia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde e do Esporte (CEFID), Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Caroline C do Espírito Santo
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Lesão Medular (NULEME), Laboratório Neurobiologia da Dor e Inflamação (Neurobiology Laboratory of Pain and Inflammation) (LANDI), Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Nicolas A M M de Machado-Pereira
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Lesão Medular (NULEME), Departamento de Fisioterapia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde e do Esporte (CEFID), Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC)
| | - Franciane Bobinski
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Lesão Medular (NULEME), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Fisioterapia (PPGFt), Departamento de Fisioterapia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde e do Esporte (CEFID), Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), and Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina (UNISUL), Palhoça, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Adair R S Dos Santos
- Laboratório Neurobiologia da Dor e Inflamação (LANDI), Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC)
| | - Jocemar Ilha
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Lesão Medular (NULEME), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Fisioterapia (PPGFt), Departamento de Fisioterapia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde e do Esporte (CEFID), Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Rua Pascoal Simone, 358-Coqueiros, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, CEP 88080-350, Brazil
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Khalki L, Sadlaoud K, Lerond J, Coq JO, Brezun JM, Vinay L, Coulon P, Bras H. Changes in innervation of lumbar motoneurons and organization of premotor network following training of transected adult rats. Exp Neurol 2018; 299:1-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2017.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Revised: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Hinahon E, Estrada C, Tong L, Won DS, de Leon RD. Robot-Applied Resistance Augments the Effects of Body Weight-Supported Treadmill Training on Stepping and Synaptic Plasticity in a Rodent Model of Spinal Cord Injury. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2017; 31:746-757. [PMID: 28741434 DOI: 10.1177/1545968317721016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The application of resistive forces has been used during body weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) to improve walking function after spinal cord injury (SCI). Whether this form of training actually augments the effects of BWSTT is not yet known. OBJECTIVE To determine if robotic-applied resistance augments the effects of BWSTT using a controlled experimental design in a rodent model of SCI. METHODS Spinally contused rats were treadmill trained using robotic resistance against horizontal (n = 9) or vertical (n = 8) hind limb movements. Hind limb stepping was tested before and after 6 weeks of training. Two control groups, one receiving standard training (ie, without resistance; n = 9) and one untrained (n = 8), were also tested. At the terminal experiment, the spinal cords were prepared for immunohistochemical analysis of synaptophysin. RESULTS Six weeks of training with horizontal resistance increased step length, whereas training with vertical resistance enhanced step height and movement velocity. None of these changes occurred in the group that received standard (ie, no resistance) training or in the untrained group. Only standard training increased the number of step cycles and shortened cycle period toward normal values. Synaptophysin expression in the ventral horn was highest in rats trained with horizontal resistance and in untrained rats and was positively correlated with step length. CONCLUSIONS Adding robotic-applied resistance to BWSTT produced gains in locomotor function over BWSTT alone. The impact of resistive forces on spinal connections may depend on the nature of the resistive forces and the synaptic milieu that is present after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lin Tong
- 1 California State University Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Exercise Training Promotes Functional Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury. Neural Plast 2016; 2016:4039580. [PMID: 28050288 PMCID: PMC5168470 DOI: 10.1155/2016/4039580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The exercise training is an effective therapy for spinal cord injury which has been applied to clinic. Traditionally, the exercise training has been considered to improve spinal cord function only through enhancement, compensation, and replacement of the remaining function of nerve and muscle. Recently, accumulating evidences indicated that exercise training can improve the function in different levels from end-effector organ such as skeletal muscle to cerebral cortex through reshaping skeletal muscle structure and muscle fiber type, regulating physiological and metabolic function of motor neurons in the spinal cord and remodeling function of the cerebral cortex. We compiled published data collected in different animal models and clinical studies into a succinct review of the current state of knowledge.
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Emerging Roles of Filopodia and Dendritic Spines in Motoneuron Plasticity during Development and Disease. Neural Plast 2015; 2016:3423267. [PMID: 26843990 PMCID: PMC4710938 DOI: 10.1155/2016/3423267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Revised: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Motoneurons develop extensive dendritic trees for receiving excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs to perform a variety of complex motor tasks. At birth, the somatodendritic domains of mouse hypoglossal and lumbar motoneurons have dense filopodia and spines. Consistent with Vaughn's synaptotropic hypothesis, we propose a developmental unified-hybrid model implicating filopodia in motoneuron spinogenesis/synaptogenesis and dendritic growth and branching critical for circuit formation and synaptic plasticity at embryonic/prenatal/neonatal period. Filopodia density decreases and spine density initially increases until postnatal day 15 (P15) and then decreases by P30. Spine distribution shifts towards the distal dendrites, and spines become shorter (stubby), coinciding with decreases in frequency and increases in amplitude of excitatory postsynaptic currents with maturation. In transgenic mice, either overexpressing the mutated human Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (hSOD1G93A) gene or deficient in GABAergic/glycinergic synaptic transmission (gephyrin, GAD-67, or VGAT gene knockout), hypoglossal motoneurons develop excitatory glutamatergic synaptic hyperactivity. Functional synaptic hyperactivity is associated with increased dendritic growth, branching, and increased spine and filopodia density, involving actin-based cytoskeletal and structural remodelling. Energy-dependent ionic pumps that maintain intracellular sodium/calcium homeostasis are chronically challenged by activity and selectively overwhelmed by hyperactivity which eventually causes sustained membrane depolarization leading to excitotoxicity, activating microglia to phagocytose degenerating neurons under neuropathological conditions.
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