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Pereira MF, Shyti R, Testa G. In and out: Benchmarking in vitro, in vivo, ex vivo, and xenografting approaches for an integrative brain disease modeling pipeline. Stem Cell Reports 2024; 19:767-795. [PMID: 38865969 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2024.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Human cellular models and their neuronal derivatives have afforded unprecedented advances in elucidating pathogenic mechanisms of neuropsychiatric diseases. Notwithstanding their indispensable contribution, animal models remain the benchmark in neurobiological research. In an attempt to harness the best of both worlds, researchers have increasingly relied on human/animal chimeras by xenografting human cells into the animal brain. Despite the unparalleled potential of xenografting approaches in the study of the human brain, literature resources that systematically examine their significance and advantages are surprisingly lacking. We fill this gap by providing a comprehensive account of brain diseases that were thus far subjected to all three modeling approaches (transgenic rodents, in vitro human lineages, human-animal xenografting) and provide a critical appraisal of the impact of xenografting approaches for advancing our understanding of those diseases and brain development. Next, we give our perspective on integrating xenografting modeling pipeline with recent cutting-edge technological advancements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene F Pereira
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Via Santa Sofia 9, 20122 Milan, Italy; Neurogenomics Centre, Human Technopole, Viale Rita Levi-Montalcini 1, 20157 Milan, Italy.
| | - Reinald Shyti
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy; Neurogenomics Centre, Human Technopole, Viale Rita Levi-Montalcini 1, 20157 Milan, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Testa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Via Santa Sofia 9, 20122 Milan, Italy; Neurogenomics Centre, Human Technopole, Viale Rita Levi-Montalcini 1, 20157 Milan, Italy.
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2
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Inan SY, Yildirim S, Tanriover G, Ilhan B. P/Q type (Ca v2.1) Calcium Channel Blocker ω-Agatoxin IVA Alters Cleaved Caspase-3 and BDNF Expressions in the Rat Brain and Suppresses Seizure Activity. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:1861-1872. [PMID: 37798599 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03678-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
High-voltage-gated calcium channels have pivot role in the cellular and molecular mechanisms of various neurological disorders, including epilepsy. Similar to other calcium channels, P/Q-type calcium channels (Cav2.1) are also responsible for vesicle release at synaptic terminals. Up to date, there are very limited reports showing the mechanisms of Cav2.1 in epileptogenesis. In the present study, we investigated the anticonvulsive and neuroprotective effects of ω-agatoxin IVA, a specific Cav2.1 blocker, in a chemical kindling model of epileptogenesis. Righting reflex and inclined plane tests were used to assess motor coordination. Electroencephalography was recorded for electrophysiological monitoring of seizure activity in freely moving rats. Immunohistochemical analyses were performed for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cleaved caspase-3 expressions in the prefrontal cortex, striatum, hippocampus, and thalamic nucleus. ω-Agatoxin IVA injected into the right lateral ventricle significantly prolonged the onset of seizures in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, repeated intraperitoneal administrations of ω-agatoxin IVA significantly suppressed the development of kindling and epileptic discharges without altering motor coordination. In addition, ω-agatoxin IVA significantly increased BDNF expressions, and decreased cleaved caspase-3 expressions in the brain when compared to PTZ + saline group. Our current study emphasizes the significance of the inhibition of P/Q type calcium channels by ω-agatoxin IVA, which suppresses the development of epileptogenesis and provides a new potential pathway for epilepsy treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salim Yalcin Inan
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Meram Faculty of Medicine, University of Konya-NE, 42080 Akyokus, Meram, Konya, Turkey.
| | - Sendegul Yildirim
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Akdeniz, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Gamze Tanriover
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Akdeniz, Antalya, Turkey
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Akdeniz, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Barkin Ilhan
- Department of Biophysics, Meram Faculty of Medicine, University of Konya-NE, Konya, Turkey
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MacKeigan D, Feja M, Gernert M. Chronic intermittent convection-enhanced delivery of vigabatrin to the bilateral subthalamic nucleus in an acute rat seizure model. Epilepsy Res 2024; 199:107276. [PMID: 38091904 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2023.107276] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Targeted intracerebral drug delivery is an attractive experimental approach for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsies. In this regard, the subthalamic nucleus (STN) represents a focus-independent target involved in the remote modulation and propagation of seizure activity. Indeed, acute and chronic pharmacological inhibition of the STN with vigabatrin (VGB), an irreversible inhibitor of GABA transaminase, has been shown to produce antiseizure effects. This effect, however, is lost over time as tolerance develops with chronic, continuous intracerebral pharmacotherapy. Here we investigated the antiseizure effects of chronic intermittent intra-STN convection-enhanced delivery of VGB in an acute rat seizure model focusing on circumventing tolerance development and preventing adverse effects. Timed intravenous pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) seizure threshold testing was conducted before and after implantation of subcutaneous drug pumps and bilateral intra-STN cannulas. Drug pumps infused vehicle or VGB twice daily (0.4 µg) or once weekly (2.5 µg, 5 µg) over three weeks. Putative adverse effects were evaluated and found to be prevented by intermittent compared to previous continuous VGB delivery. Clonic seizure thresholds were more clearly raised by intra-STN VGB compared to myoclonic twitch. Both twice daily and once weekly intra-STN VGB significantly elevated clonic seizure thresholds depending on dose and time point, with responder rates of up to 100% observed at tolerable doses. However, tolerance could not be completely avoided, as tolerance rates of 40-75% were observed with chronic VGB treatment. Results indicate that the extent of tolerance development after intermittent intra-STN VGB delivery varies depending on infusion dose and regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devlin MacKeigan
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, D-30559 Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 2, D-30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Malte Feja
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, D-30559 Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 2, D-30559 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Manuela Gernert
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, D-30559 Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 2, D-30559 Hannover, Germany.
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Xue T, Wang S, Chen S, Wang H, Liu C, Shi L, Bai Y, Zhang C, Han C, Zhang J. Subthalamic nucleus stimulation attenuates motor seizures via modulating the nigral orexin pathway. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1157060. [PMID: 37214393 PMCID: PMC10196042 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1157060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Focal motor seizures that originate in the motor region are a considerable challenge because of the high risk of permanent motor deficits after resection. Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS) is a potential treatment for motor epilepsy that may enhance the antiepileptic actions of the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr). Orexin and its receptors have a relationship with both STN-DBS and epilepsy. We aimed to investigate whether and how STN inputs to the SNr regulate seizures and the role of the orexin pathway in this process. Methods A penicillin-induced motor epileptic model in adult male C57BL/6 J mice was established to evaluate the efficacy of STN-DBS in modulating seizure activities. Optogenetic and chemogenetic approaches were employed to regulate STN-SNr circuits. Selective orexin receptor type 1 and 2 antagonists were used to inhibit the orexin pathway. Results First, we found that high-frequency ipsilateral or bilateral STN-DBS was effective in reducing seizure activity in the penicillin-induced motor epilepsy model. Second, inhibition of STN excitatory neurons and STN-SNr projections alleviates seizure activities, whereas their activation amplifies seizure activities. In addition, activation of the STN-SNr circuits also reversed the protective effect of STN-DBS on motor epilepsy. Finally, we observed that STN-DBS reduced the elevated expression of orexin and its receptors in the SNr during seizures and that using a combination of selective orexin receptor antagonists also reduced seizure activity. Conclusion STN-DBS helps reduce motor seizure activity by inhibiting the STN-SNr circuit. Additionally, orexin receptor antagonists show potential in suppressing motor seizure activity and may be a promising therapeutic option in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Xue
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shu Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shujun Chen
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Huizhi Wang
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chong Liu
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yutong Bai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chunkui Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chunlei Han
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianguo Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Gernert M, MacKeigan D, Deking L, Kaczmarek E, Feja M. Acute and chronic convection-enhanced muscimol delivery into the rat subthalamic nucleus induces antiseizure effects associated with high responder rates. Epilepsy Res 2023; 190:107097. [PMID: 36736200 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2023.107097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Intracerebral drug delivery is an emerging treatment strategy aiming to manage seizures in patients with systemic drug-resistant epilepsies. In rat seizure and epilepsy models, the GABAA receptor agonist muscimol has shown powerful antiseizure potential when injected acutely into the subthalamic nucleus (STN), known for its capacity to provide remote control of different seizure types. However, chronic intrasubthalamic muscimol delivery required for long-term seizure suppression has not yet been investigated. We tested the hypothesis that chronic convection-enhanced delivery (CED) of muscimol into the STN produces long-lasting antiseizure effects in the intravenous pentylenetetrazole seizure threshold test in female rats. Acute microinjection was included to verify efficacy of intrasubthalamic muscimol delivery in this seizure model and caused significant antiseizure effects at 30 and 60 ng per hemisphere with a dose-dependent increase of responders and efficacy and only mild adverse effects compared to controls. For the chronic study, muscimol was bilaterally infused into the STN over three weeks at daily doses of 60, 300, or 600 ng per hemisphere using an implantable pump and cannula system. Chronic intrasubthalamic CED of muscimol caused significant long-lasting antiseizure effects for up to three weeks at 300 and 600 ng daily. Drug responder rate increased dose-dependently, as did drug tolerance rates. Transient ataxia and body weight loss were the main adverse effects. Drug distribution was comparable (about 2-3 mm) between acute and chronic delivery. This is the first study providing proof-of-concept that not only acute, but also chronic, continuous CED of muscimol into the STN raises seizure thresholds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Gernert
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, D-30559 Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 2, D-30559 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Devlin MacKeigan
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, D-30559 Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 2, D-30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Lillian Deking
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, D-30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Edith Kaczmarek
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, D-30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Malte Feja
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, D-30559 Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 2, D-30559 Hannover, Germany.
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6
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Alayli A, Lockard G, Gordon J, Connolly J, Monsour M, Schimmel S, Dela Peña I, Borlongan CV. Stem Cells: Recent Developments Redefining Epilepsy Therapy. Cell Transplant 2023; 32:9636897231158967. [PMID: 36919673 PMCID: PMC10021095 DOI: 10.1177/09636897231158967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The field of stem cell therapy is growing rapidly and hopes to offer an alternative solution to diseases that are historically treated medically or surgically. One such focus of research is the treatment of medically refractory epilepsy, which is traditionally approached from a surgical or interventional standpoint. Research shows that stem cell transplantation has potential to offer significant benefits to the epilepsy patient by reducing seizure frequency, intensity, and neurological deficits that often result from the condition. This review explores the basic science progress made on the topic of stem cells and epilepsy by focusing on experiments using animal models and highlighting the most recent developments from the last 4 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Alayli
- University of South Florida Morsani
College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Gavin Lockard
- University of South Florida Morsani
College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jonah Gordon
- University of South Florida Morsani
College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jacob Connolly
- University of South Florida Morsani
College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Molly Monsour
- University of South Florida Morsani
College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Samantha Schimmel
- University of South Florida Morsani
College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Ike Dela Peña
- Department of Pharmaceutical and
Administrative Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Cesar V. Borlongan
- Center of Excellence for Aging and
Brain Repair, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL,
USA
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7
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Li D, Wu Q, Han X. Application of Medial Ganglionic Eminence Cell Transplantation in Diseases Associated With Interneuron Disorders. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:939294. [PMID: 35865112 PMCID: PMC9294455 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.939294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Excitatory projection neurons and inhibitory interneurons primarily accomplish the neural activity of the cerebral cortex, and an imbalance of excitatory-inhibitory neural networks may lead to neuropsychiatric diseases. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic interneurons mediate inhibition, and the embryonic medial ganglionic eminence (MGE) is a source of GABAergic interneurons. After transplantation, MGE cells migrate to different brain regions, differentiate into multiple subtypes of GABAergic interneurons, integrate into host neural circuits, enhance synaptic inhibition, and have tremendous application value in diseases associated with interneuron disorders. In the current review, we describe the fate of MGE cells derived into specific interneurons and the related diseases caused by interneuron loss or dysfunction and explore the potential of MGE cell transplantation as a cell-based therapy for a variety of interneuron disorder-related diseases, such as epilepsy, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, and Alzheimer’s disease.
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8
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Gala D, Gurusamy V, Patel K, Damodar S, Swaminath G, Ullal G. Stem Cell Therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Novel Therapeutic Approach. Diseases 2021; 9:diseases9040077. [PMID: 34842629 PMCID: PMC8628773 DOI: 10.3390/diseases9040077] [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: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cell therapy is a rapidly evolving field of regenerative medicine being employed for the management of various central nervous system disorders. The ability to self-renew, differentiate into specialized cells, and integrate into neuronal networks has positioned stem cells as an ideal mechanism for the treatment of epilepsy. Epilepsy is characterized by repetitive seizures caused by imbalance in the GABA and glutamate neurotransmission following neuronal damage. Stem cells provide benefit by reducing the glutamate excitotoxicity and strengthening the GABAergic inter-neuron connections. Similar to the abnormal neuroanatomic location in epilepsy, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is caused by hyperarousal in the amygdala and decreased activity of the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex. Thus, stem cells could be used to modulate neuronal interconnectivity. In this review, we provide a rationale for the use of stem cell therapy in the treatment of PTSD.
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Righes Marafiga J, Vendramin Pasquetti M, Calcagnotto ME. GABAergic interneurons in epilepsy: More than a simple change in inhibition. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 121:106935. [PMID: 32035792 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.106935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The pathophysiology of epilepsy has been historically grounded on hyperexcitability attributed to the oversimplified imbalance between excitation (E) and inhibition (I) in the brain. The decreased inhibition is mostly attributed to deficits in gamma-aminobutyric acid-containing (GABAergic) interneurons, the main source of inhibition in the central nervous system. However, the cell diversity, the wide range of spatiotemporal connectivity, and the distinct effects of the neurotransmitter GABA especially during development, must be considered to critically revisit the concept of hyperexcitability caused by decreased inhibition as a key characteristic in the development of epilepsy. Here, we will discuss that behind this known mechanism, there is a heterogeneity of GABAergic interneurons with distinct functions and sources, which have specific roles in controlling the neural network activity within the recruited microcircuit and altered network during the epileptogenic process. This article is part of the Special Issue "NEWroscience 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseane Righes Marafiga
- Neurophysiology and Neurochemistry of Neuronal Excitability and Synaptic Plasticity Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil; Graduate Program in Biological Science: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil
| | - Mayara Vendramin Pasquetti
- Neurophysiology and Neurochemistry of Neuronal Excitability and Synaptic Plasticity Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil; Graduate Program in Biological Science: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil
| | - Maria Elisa Calcagnotto
- Neurophysiology and Neurochemistry of Neuronal Excitability and Synaptic Plasticity Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil; Graduate Program in Biological Science: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90046-900, RS, Brazil.
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10
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Jiang LL, Li H, Liu L. Xenogeneic stem cell transplantation: Research progress and clinical prospects. World J Clin Cases 2021; 9:3826-3837. [PMID: 34141739 PMCID: PMC8180210 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i16.3826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Organ transplantation is the ultimate treatment for end-stage diseases such as heart and liver failure. However, the severe shortage of donor organs has limited the organ transplantation progress. Xenogeneic stem cell transplantation provides a new strategy to solve this problem. Researchers have shown that xenogeneic stem cell transplantation has significant therapeutic effects and broad application prospects in treating liver failure, myocardial infarction, advanced type 1 diabetes mellitus, myelosuppression, and other end-stage diseases by replacing the dysfunctional cells directly or improving the endogenous regenerative milieu. In this review, the sources, problems and solutions, and potential clinical applications of xenogeneic stem cell transplantation will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Li Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Hui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Lei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
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11
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Sadanandan N, Saft M, Gonzales-Portillo B, Borlongan CV. Multipronged Attack of Stem Cell Therapy in Treating the Neurological and Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Epilepsy. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:596287. [PMID: 33815100 PMCID: PMC8010689 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.596287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy stands as a life-threatening disease that is characterized by unprovoked seizures. However, an important characteristic of epilepsy that needs to be examined is the neuropsychiatric aspect. Epileptic patients endure aggression, depression, and other psychiatric illnesses. Therapies for epilepsy can be divided into two categories: antiepileptic medications and surgical resection. Antiepileptic drugs are used to attenuate heightened neuronal firing and to lessen seizure frequency. Alternatively, surgery can also be conducted to physically cut out the area of the brain that is assumed to be the root cause for the anomalous firing that triggers seizures. While both treatments serve as viable approaches that aim to regulate seizures and ameliorate the neurological detriments spurred by epilepsy, they do not serve to directly counteract epilepsy's neuropsychiatric traits. To address this concern, a potential new treatment involves the use of stem cells. Stem cell therapy has been employed in experimental models of neurological maladies, such as Parkinson's disease, and neuropsychiatric illnesses like depression. Cell-based treatments for epilepsy utilizing stem cells such as neural stem cells (NSCs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and interneuron grafts have been explored in preclinical and clinical settings, highlighting both the acute and chronic stages of epilepsy. However, it is difficult to create an animal model to capitalize on all the components of epilepsy due to the challenges in delineating the neuropsychiatric aspect. Therefore, further preclinical investigation into the safety and efficacy of stem cell therapy in addressing both the neurological and the neuropsychiatric components of epilepsy is warranted in order to optimize cell dosage, delivery, and timing of cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Cesar V. Borlongan
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, United States
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12
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Bröer S. Not Part of the Temporal Lobe, but Still of Importance? Substantia Nigra and Subthalamic Nucleus in Epilepsy. Front Syst Neurosci 2020; 14:581826. [PMID: 33381016 PMCID: PMC7768985 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2020.581826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The most researched brain region in epilepsy research is the temporal lobe, and more specifically, the hippocampus. However, numerous other brain regions play a pivotal role in seizure circuitry and secondary generalization of epileptic activity: The substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) and its direct input structure, the subthalamic nucleus (STN), are considered seizure gating nuclei. There is ample evidence that direct inhibition of the SNr is capable of suppressing various seizure types in experimental models. Similarly, inhibition via its monosynaptic glutamatergic input, the STN, can decrease seizure susceptibility as well. This review will focus on therapeutic interventions such as electrical stimulation and targeted drug delivery to SNr and STN in human patients and experimental animal models of epilepsy, highlighting the opportunities for overcoming pharmacoresistance in epilepsy by investigating these promising target structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Bröer
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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13
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Lybrand ZR, Goswami S, Hsieh J. Stem cells: A path towards improved epilepsy therapies. Neuropharmacology 2019; 168:107781. [PMID: 31539537 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Despite the immense growth of new anti-seizure drugs (ASDs), approximately one-third of epilepsy patients remain resistant to current treatment options. Advancements in whole genome sequencing technology continues to identify an increasing number of epilepsy-associated genes at a rate that is outpacing the development of in vivo animal models. Patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) show promise in providing a platform for modeling genetic epilepsies, high throughput drug screening, and personalized medicine. This is largely due to the ease of collecting donor cells for iPSC reprogramming, and their ability to be maintained in vitro, while preserving the patient's genetic background. In this review, we summarize the current state of iPSC research in epilepsy and closely related syndromes, discuss the growing need for high-throughput drug screening (HTS), and review the use of stem cell technology for the purpose of autologous transplantation for epilepsy stem cell therapy. Although the use of iPSC technology, as it applies to ASD discovery, is in its infancy, we highlight the significant progress that has been made in phenotype and assay development to facilitate systematic HTS for personalized medicine. This article is part of the special issue entitled 'New Epilepsy Therapies for the 21st Century - From Antiseizure Drugs to Prevention, Modification and Cure of Epilepsy'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zane R Lybrand
- Department of Biology and Brain Health Consortium, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Sonal Goswami
- Department of Biology and Brain Health Consortium, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Jenny Hsieh
- Department of Biology and Brain Health Consortium, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
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