1
|
Otani M, Kushida Y, Kuroda Y, Wakao S, Oguma Y, Sasaki K, Katahira S, Terai R, Ryoke R, Nonaka H, Kawashima R, Saiki Y, Dezawa M. New rat model of spinal cord infarction with long-lasting functional disabilities generated by intraspinal injection of endothelin-1. Stroke Vasc Neurol 2024:svn-2023-002962. [PMID: 38906547 DOI: 10.1136/svn-2023-002962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current method for generating an animal model of spinal cord (SC) infarction is highly invasive and permits only short-term observation, typically limited to 28 days. OBJECTIVE We aimed to establish a rat model characterised by long-term survival and enduring SC dysfunction by inducing selective ischaemic SC damage. METHODS In 8-week-old male Wistar rats, a convection-enhanced delivery technique was applied to selectively deliver endothelin-1 (ET-1) to the anterior horn of the SC at the Th13 level, leading to SC infarction. The Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor score was assessed for 56 days. The SC was examined by a laser tissue blood flowmeter, MRI, immunohistochemistry, triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, Western blots and TUNEL staining. RESULTS The puncture method was used to bilaterally inject 0.7 µL ET-1 (2.5 mg/mL) from the lateral SC into the anterior horns (40° angle, 1.5 mm depth) near the posterior root origin. Animals survived until day 56 and the BBB score was stably maintained (5.5±1.0 at day 14 and 6.2±1.0 at day 56). Rats with BBB scores ≤1 on day 1 showed stable scores of 5-6 after day 14 until day 56 while rats with BBB scores >1 on day 1 exhibited only minor dysfunction with BBB scores >12 after day 14. TTC staining, immunostaining and TUNEL staining revealed selective ischaemia and neuronal cell death in the anterior horn. T2-weighted MR images showed increasing signal intensity at the SC infarction site over time. Western blots revealed apoptosis and subsequent inflammation in SC tissue after ET-1 administration. CONCLUSIONS Selective delivery of ET-1 into the SC allows for more precise localisation of the infarcted area at the targeted site and generates a rat SC infarction model with stable neurological dysfunction lasting 56 days.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masayuki Otani
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Histology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Kushida
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Histology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Yasumasa Kuroda
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Histology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Shohei Wakao
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Histology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Yo Oguma
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Histology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Keisuke Sasaki
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Shintaro Katahira
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Ryohei Terai
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Histology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Rie Ryoke
- Institute of Development, Aging, and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Hiroi Nonaka
- Institute of Development, Aging, and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Ryuta Kawashima
- Institute of Development, Aging, and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Yoshikatsu Saiki
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Mari Dezawa
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Histology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang Y, Chen X, Wang X, Xu Y, Li J, Wu Y, Wang Z, Zhang S, Hu J, Qi Q. Hesperetin ameliorates spinal cord injury in rats through suppressing apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammatory response. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 971:176541. [PMID: 38556120 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176541] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI), a fatal condition, is characterized by progressive tissue degradation and extreme functional deficits with limited treatment options. Hesperetin, a natural flavonoid with potent antioxidant, antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties, has yet to be systematically investigated for its therapeutic effects on neurological damage in rat models of SCI. In this study, rats were given oral hesperetin once daily for 28 days, and their locomotion and histopathological changes were assessed. The findings demonstrated that hesperetin alleviates neurological damage caused by SCI. The observed behavioral improvement could be due to an increase in the survival rate of neurons and oligodendrocytes. This improvement further boosted the ability to repair tissue and form myelin after SCI, ultimately resulting in better neurological outcomes. Furthermore, the present study revealed that hesperetin possesses potent antioxidant capabilities in the context of SCI, reducing the levels of harmful oxygen free radicals and increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Additionally, hesperetin markedly inhibited injury-induced apoptosis, as assessed by caspase-3 immunofluorescence staining and the expression level of caspase-3, indicating the ability of hesperetin to prevent cell death after SCI. Finally, after SCI, hesperetin treatment effectively reduced the expression of inflammatory factors, including IL-1β, TNFα, and NF-kB, demonstrating the anti-inflammatory effect of hesperetin. Together, our results suggest that hesperetin should be considered a valuable therapeutic aid following SCI, as its positive effects on the nervous system, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects, may be crucial mechanisms through which hesperetin exerts neuroprotective effects against SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Zhang
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China; School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Xiaojie Chen
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China; School of Basic Medicine, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Wang
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China; Clinical Laboratory, Bengbu Municipal Second People Hospital, Bengbu, China
| | - Yibo Xu
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China; School of Basic Medicine, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Jiaxin Li
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China; School of Basic Medicine, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Yimin Wu
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China; School of Basic Medicine, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Ziyao Wang
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China; School of Basic Medicine, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Suhui Zhang
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China; School of Basic Medicine, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Jianguo Hu
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China.
| | - Qi Qi
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China; School of Basic Medicine, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Xu Z, Liu X, Pang Y, Chen Z, Jiang Y, Liu T, Zhang J, Xiong H, Gao X, Liu J, Liu S, Ning G, Feng S, Yao X, Guo S. Long-Acting Heterodimeric Paclitaxel-Idebenone Prodrug-Based Nanomedicine Promotes Functional Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:3548-3556. [PMID: 38457277 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c00856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
After spinal cord injury (SCI), successive systemic administration of microtubule-stabilizing agents has been shown to promote axon regeneration. However, this approach is limited by poor drug bioavailability, especially given the rapid restoration of the blood-spinal cord barrier. There is a pressing need for long-acting formulations of microtubule-stabilizing agents in treating SCI. Here, we conjugated the antioxidant idebenone with microtubule-stabilizing paclitaxel to create a heterodimeric paclitaxel-idebenone prodrug via an acid-activatable, self-immolative ketal linker and then fabricated it into chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan-binding nanomedicine, enabling drug retention within the spinal cord for at least 2 weeks and notable enhancement in hindlimb motor function and axon regeneration after a single intraspinal administration. Additional investigations uncovered that idebenone can suppress the activation of microglia and neuronal ferroptosis, thereby amplifying the therapeutic effect of paclitaxel. This prodrug-based nanomedicine simultaneously accomplishes neuroprotection and axon regeneration, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zunkai Xu
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Xinjie Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Department of Orthopedics, International Chinese Musculoskeletal Research Society Collaborating Center for Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Yilin Pang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Department of Orthopedics, International Chinese Musculoskeletal Research Society Collaborating Center for Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Zhixia Chen
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Yaoyao Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Jiawei Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Department of Orthopedics, International Chinese Musculoskeletal Research Society Collaborating Center for Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Haoning Xiong
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Department of Orthopedics, International Chinese Musculoskeletal Research Society Collaborating Center for Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Department of Orthopedics, International Chinese Musculoskeletal Research Society Collaborating Center for Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Jiao Liu
- Center of Medical and Health Analysis, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Shen Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Department of Orthopedics, International Chinese Musculoskeletal Research Society Collaborating Center for Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Guangzhi Ning
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Department of Orthopedics, International Chinese Musculoskeletal Research Society Collaborating Center for Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Shiqing Feng
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Department of Orthopedics, International Chinese Musculoskeletal Research Society Collaborating Center for Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300070, China
- Orthopedic Research Center of Shandong University and Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Xue Yao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Department of Orthopedics, International Chinese Musculoskeletal Research Society Collaborating Center for Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300070, China
- Orthopedic Research Center of Shandong University and Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Shutao Guo
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Modi AD, Parekh A, Patel ZH. Methods for evaluating gait associated dynamic balance and coordination in rodents. Behav Brain Res 2024; 456:114695. [PMID: 37783346 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Balance is the dynamic and unconscious control of the body's centre of mass to maintain postural equilibrium. Regulated by the vestibular system, head movement and acceleration are processed by the brain to adjust joints. Several conditions result in a loss of balance, including Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Menière's Disease and cervical spondylosis, all of which are caused by damage to certain parts of the vestibular pathways. Studies about the impairment of the vestibular system are challenging to carry out in human trials due to smaller study sizes limiting applications of the results and a lacking understanding of the human balance control mechanism. In contrast, more controlled research can be performed in animal studies which have fewer confounding factors than human models and allow specific conditions that affect balance to be replicated. Balance control can be studied using rodent balance-related behavioural tests after spinal or brain lesions, such as the Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) Locomotor Scale, Foot Fault Scoring System, Ledged Beam Test, Beam Walking Test, and Ladder Beam Test, which are discussed in this review article along with their advantages and disadvantages. These tests can be performed in preclinical rodent models of femoral nerve injury, stroke, spinal cord injury and neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akshat D Modi
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto, Scarborough, Ontario M1C 1A4, Canada; Department of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario M5T 0S8, Canada.
| | - Anavi Parekh
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Zeenal H Patel
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto, Scarborough, Ontario M1C 1A4, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Scarborough, Ontario M1C 1A4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ommati MM, Rezaei H, Socorro RM, Tian W, Zhao J, Rouhani A, Sabouri S, Ghaderi F, Niknahad AM, Najibi A, Mazloomi S, Safipour M, Honarpishefard Z, Wang HW, Niknahad H, Heidari R. Pre/postnatal taurine supplementation improves neurodevelopment and brain function in mice offspring: A persistent developmental study from puberty to maturity. Life Sci 2024; 336:122284. [PMID: 38008208 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122284] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
Taurine (TAU) is a sulfur-containing amino acid abundantly found in the human body. Endogenously, TAU is synthesized from cysteine in the liver. However, newborns rely entirely on TAU's dietary supply (milk). There is no investigation on the effect of long-term TAU administration on next-generation neurological development. The current study evaluated the effect of long-term TAU supplementation during the maternal gestational and litter weaning time on several neurological parameters in mice offspring. Moreover, the effects of TAU on mitochondrial function and oxidative stress biomarkers as plausible mechanisms of its action in the whole brain and hippocampus have been evaluated. TAU (0.5 % and 1 % w/v) was dissolved in the drinking water of pregnant mice (Day one of pregnancy), and amino acid supplementation was continued during the weaning time (post-natal day; PND = 21) until litters maturity (PND = 65). It was found that TAU significantly improved cognitive function, memory performance, reflexive motor activity, and emotional behaviors in F1-mice generation. TAU measurement in the brain and hippocampus revealed higher levels of this amino acid. TAU and ATP levels were also significantly higher in the mitochondria isolated from the whole brain and hippocampus. Based on these data, TAU could be suggested as a supplement during pregnancy or in pediatric formula. The effects of TAU on cellular mitochondrial function and energy metabolism might play a fundamental role in the positive effects of this amino acid observed in this investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mehdi Ommati
- Henan Key Laboratory of Environmental and Animal Product Safety, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, Henan, China; Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Heresh Rezaei
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Retana-Márquez Socorro
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, México City, Mexico
| | - Weishun Tian
- Henan Key Laboratory of Environmental and Animal Product Safety, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, Henan, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Henan Key Laboratory of Environmental and Animal Product Safety, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, Henan, China
| | - Ayeh Rouhani
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Samira Sabouri
- Henan Key Laboratory of Environmental and Animal Product Safety, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, Henan, China; College of Animal Science and Veterinary, Shanxi agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, China
| | - Fatemeh Ghaderi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Amir Mohammad Niknahad
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Asma Najibi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, 244 Hughes Laboratories, 651 E. High Street, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Sahra Mazloomi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Moslem Safipour
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zahra Honarpishefard
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hong-Wei Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Environmental and Animal Product Safety, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, Henan, China.
| | - Hossein Niknahad
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Reproductive Biology, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, México City, Mexico.
| | - Reza Heidari
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ommati MM, Mobasheri A, Niknahad H, Rezaei M, Alidaee S, Arjmand A, Mazloomi S, Abdoli N, Sadeghian I, Sabouri S, Saeed M, Mousavi K, Najibi A, Heidari R. Low-dose ketamine improves animals' locomotor activity and decreases brain oxidative stress and inflammation in ammonia-induced neurotoxicity. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2023; 37:e23468. [PMID: 37491939 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Ammonium ion (NH4 + ) is the major suspected molecule responsible for neurological complications of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). No specific pharmacological action for NH4 + -induced brain injury exists so far. Excitotoxicity is a well-known phenomenon in the brain of hyperammonemic cases. The hyperactivation of the N-Methyl- d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors by agents such as glutamate, an NH4 + metabolite, could cause excitotoxicity. Excitotoxicity is connected with events such as oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Hence, utilizing NMDA receptor antagonists could prevent neurological complications of NH4 + neurotoxicity. In the current study, C57BL6/J mice received acetaminophen (APAP; 800 mg/kg, i.p) to induce HE. Hyperammonemic animals were treated with ketamine (0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/kg, s.c) as an NMDA receptor antagonist. Animals' brain and plasma levels of NH4 + were dramatically high, and animals' locomotor activities were disturbed. Moreover, several markers of oxidative stress were significantly increased in the brain. A significant increase in brain tissue levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β was also detected in hyperammonemic animals. It was found that ketamine significantly normalized animals' locomotor activity, improved biomarkers of oxidative stress, and decreased proinflammatory cytokines. The effects of ketamine on oxidative stress biomarkers and inflammation seem to play a key role in its neuroprotective mechanisms in the current study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mehdi Ommati
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Environmental and Animal Product Safety, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Ali Mobasheri
- Research Unit of Medical Imaging, Physics, and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Departments of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Hossein Niknahad
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Rezaei
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sepideh Alidaee
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Abdollah Arjmand
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahra Mazloomi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Narges Abdoli
- Food and Drug Administration, Iran Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Issa Sadeghian
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Biotechnology Incubator, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Samira Sabouri
- Henan Key Laboratory of Environmental and Animal Product Safety, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Mohsen Saeed
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Mousavi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Asma Najibi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Reza Heidari
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhang J, Xu J, Li S, Chen W, Wu Y. Electroacupuncture Relieves HuR/KLF9-Mediated Inflammation to Enhance Neurological Repair after Spinal Cord Injury. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0190-23.2023. [PMID: 37940560 PMCID: PMC10668228 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0190-23.2023] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Electroacupuncture (EA) is widely applied in clinical therapy for spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the associated molecular mechanism has yet to be elucidated. The current study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanism of EA in neurologic repair after SCI. First, we investigated the role of EA in the neurologic repair of the SCI rat model. The expression levels of human antigen R (HuR) and Krüppel-like factor 9 (KLF9) in spinal cord tissues were quantified after treatment. Second, we conducted bioinformatics analysis, RNA pull-down assays, RNA immunoprecipitation, and luciferase reporter gene assay to verify the binding of HuR and KLF9 mRNA for mRNA stability. Last, HuR inhibitor CMLD-2 was used to verify the enhanced effect of EA on neurologic repair after SCI via the HuR/KLF9 axis. Our data provided convincing evidence that EA facilitated the recovery of neuronal function in SCI rats by reducing apoptosis and inflammation of neurons. We found that EA significantly diminished the SCI-mediated upregulation of HuR, and HuR could bind to the 3' untranslated region of KLF9 mRNA to protect its decay. In addition, a series of in vivo experiments confirmed that CMLD-2 administration increased EA-mediated pain thresholds and motor function in SCI rats. Collectively, the present study showed that EA improved pain thresholds and motor function in SCI rats via impairment of HuR-mediated KLF9 mRNA stabilization, thus providing a better understanding of the regulatory mechanisms regarding EA-mediated neurologic repair after SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junfeng Zhang
- Department of Acupuncture, Tuina and Traumatology, The Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200233, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjie Xu
- Department of Acupuncture, Tuina and Traumatology, The Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200233, People's Republic of China
| | - Shisheng Li
- Department of Acupuncture, Tuina and Traumatology, The Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200233, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Acupuncture, Tuina and Traumatology, The Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200233, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaochi Wu
- Department of Acupuncture, Tuina and Traumatology, The Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200233, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Niknahad H, Mobasheri A, Arjmand A, Rafiei E, Alidaee S, Razavi H, Bagheri S, Rezaei H, Sabouri S, Najibi A, Khodaei F, Kashani SMA, Ommati MM, Heidari R. Hepatic encephalopathy complications are diminished by piracetam via the interaction between mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and locomotor activity. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20557. [PMID: 37810869 PMCID: PMC10551565 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20557] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background of the study: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a complication in which brain ammonia (NH4+) levels reach critically high concentrations because of liver failure. HE could lead to a range of neurological complications from locomotor and behavioral disturbances to coma. Several tactics have been established for subsiding blood and brain NH4+. However, there is no precise intervention to mitigate the direct neurological complications of NH4+. Purpose It has been found that oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, and neuro-inflammation play a fundamental role in NH4+ neurotoxicity. Piracetam is a drug used clinically in neurological complications such as stroke and head trauma. Piracetam could significantly diminish oxidative stress and improve brain mitochondrial function. Research methods In the current study, piracetam (100 and 500 mg/kg, oral) was used in a mice model of HE induced by thioacetamide (TA, 800 mg/kg, single dose, i.p). Results Significant disturbances in animals' locomotor activity, along with increased oxidative stress biomarkers, including reactive oxygen species formation, protein carbonylation, lipid peroxidation, depleted tissue glutathione, and decreased antioxidant capacity, were evident in the brain of TA-treated mice. Meanwhile, mitochondrial permeabilization, mitochondrial depolarization, suppression of dehydrogenases activity, and decreased ATP levels were found in the brain of the TA group. The level of pro-inflammatory cytokines was also significantly high in the brain of HE animals. Conclusion It was found that piracetam significantly enhanced mice's locomotor activity, blunted oxidative stress biomarkers, decreased inflammatory cytokines, and improved mitochondrial indices in hyperammonemic mice. These data suggest piracetam as a neuroprotective agent which could be repurposed for the management of HE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Niknahad
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Mobasheri
- Research Unit of Medical Imaging, Physics, And Technology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, FI-90014, Oulu, Finland
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Departments of Orthopedics Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, 3508, GA, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, LT-08406, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Abdollah Arjmand
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elahe Rafiei
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sepideh Alidaee
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hadi Razavi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sara Bagheri
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Heresh Rezaei
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Samira Sabouri
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Ecological, Animal Sciences, And Environmental Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, China
| | - Asma Najibi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Forouzan Khodaei
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyyed Mohammad Amin Kashani
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Ommati
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Ecological, Animal Sciences, And Environmental Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Environmental and Animal Product Safety, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471000, Henan, China
| | - Reza Heidari
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Matter L, Harland B, Raos B, Svirskis D, Asplund M. Generation of direct current electrical fields as regenerative therapy for spinal cord injury: A review. APL Bioeng 2023; 7:031505. [PMID: 37736015 PMCID: PMC10511262 DOI: 10.1063/5.0152669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Electrical stimulation (ES) shows promise as a therapy to promote recovery and regeneration after spinal cord injury. ES therapy establishes beneficial electric fields (EFs) and has been investigated in numerous studies, which date back nearly a century. In this review, we discuss the various engineering approaches available to generate regenerative EFs through direct current electrical stimulation and very low frequency electrical stimulation. We highlight the electrode-tissue interface, which is important for the appropriate choice of electrode material and stimulator circuitry. We discuss how to best estimate and control the generated field, which is an important measure for comparability of studies. Finally, we assess the methods used in these studies to measure functional recovery after the injury and treatment. This work reviews studies in the field of ES therapy with the goal of supporting decisions regarding best stimulation strategy and recovery assessment for future work.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Matter
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:
| | - Bruce Harland
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Auckland, NZ 1023 Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Brad Raos
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Auckland, NZ 1023 Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Darren Svirskis
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Auckland, NZ 1023 Auckland, New Zealand
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Baltin M, Smirnova V, Khamatnurova R, Sabirova D, Samigullin B, Sachenkov O, Baltina T. Functional State of the Motor Centers of the Lumbar Spine after Contusion (Th8-Th9) with Application of Methylprednisolone-Copolymer at the Site of Injury. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2026. [PMID: 37509665 PMCID: PMC10377350 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11072026] [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: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injuries must be treated as soon as possible. Studies of NASCIS protocols have questioned the use of methylprednisolone therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of local delivery of methylprednisolone succinate in combination with a tri-block copolymer in rats with spinal cord injury. The experiments were conducted in accordance with the bioethical guidelines. We evaluated the state of the motor centers below the level of injury by assessing the amplitude of evoked motor responses in the hind limb muscles of rats during epidural stimulation. Kinematic analysis was performed to examine the stepping cycle in each rat. Trajectories of foot movements were plotted to determine the range of limb motion, maximum foot lift height, and lateral deviation of the foot in rats on the 21st day after spinal cord injury. We have shown that the local application of methylprednisolone succinate in combination with block copolymer leads to recovery of center excitability by 21 days after injury. In rats, they recovered weight-supported locomotion, directional control of walking, and balance. The proposed assessment method provides valuable information on gait disturbances following injury and can be utilized to evaluate the quality of therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maxim Baltin
- Research Laboratory "Mechanobiology", Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420015 Kazan, Russia
- Research Institute of Sports Reserve Training Technologies, Volga State University of Physical Culture, Sports and Tourism, Universiade Village, 35, 420010 Kazan, Russia
| | - Victoriya Smirnova
- N.I. Lobachevsky Institute of Mathematics and Mechanics, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Regina Khamatnurova
- Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Faculty, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main, 60323 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Diana Sabirova
- N.I. Lobachevsky Institute of Mathematics and Mechanics, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
- Department of Human and Animal Physiology, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 76 K. Marx St., 420015 Kazan, Russia
| | - Bulat Samigullin
- Research Laboratory "Mechanobiology", Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420015 Kazan, Russia
- NeuroStart Medical Center, 420049 Kazan, Russia
| | - Oskar Sachenkov
- N.I. Lobachevsky Institute of Mathematics and Mechanics, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
- Department Machines Science and Engineering Graphics, Tupolev Kazan National Research Technical University, 420111 Kazan, Russia
| | - Tatyana Baltina
- Research Laboratory "Mechanobiology", Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420015 Kazan, Russia
- Department of Human and Animal Physiology, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 76 K. Marx St., 420015 Kazan, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sousa CS, Lima R, Cibrão JR, Gomes ED, Fernandes LS, Pinho TS, Silva D, Campos J, Salgado AJ, Silva NA. Pre-Clinical Assessment of Roflumilast Therapy in a Thoracic Model of Spinal Cord Injury. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15051556. [PMID: 37242797 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15051556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The failure of axons to regenerate after a spinal cord injury (SCI) remains one of the greatest challenges in neuroscience. The initial mechanical trauma is followed by a secondary injury cascade, creating a hostile microenvironment, which not only is not permissive to regeneration but also leads to further damage. One of the most promising approaches for promoting axonal regeneration is to maintain the levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), specifically by a phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitor expressed in neural tissues. Therefore, in our study, we evaluated the therapeutic effect of an FDA-approved PDE4 inhibitor, Roflumilast (Rof), in a thoracic contusion rat model. Results indicate that the treatment was effective in promoting functional recovery. Rof-treated animals showed improvements in both gross and fine motor function. Eight weeks post-injury, the animals significantly recovered by achieving occasional weight-supported plantar steps. Histological assessment revealed a significant decrease in cavity size, less reactive microglia, as well as higher axonal regeneration in treated animals. Molecular analysis revealed that IL-10 and IL-13 levels, as well as VEGF, were increased in the serum of Rof-treated animals. Overall, Roflumilast promotes functional recovery and supports neuroregeneration in a severe thoracic contusion injury model and may be important in SCI treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carla S Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital Garcia de Orta, 2805-267 Almada, Portugal
| | - Rui Lima
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Jorge R Cibrão
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Eduardo D Gomes
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Luís S Fernandes
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Tiffany S Pinho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Deolinda Silva
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Jonas Campos
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - António J Salgado
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Nuno A Silva
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
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
|
13
|
Astrocytic Nrf2 expression protects spinal cord from oxidative stress following spinal cord injury in a male mouse model. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:134. [PMID: 35668451 PMCID: PMC9169394 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02491-1] [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: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal cord injury (SCI) induces a multitude of deleterious processes, including neuroinflammation and oxidative stress (OS) which contributed to neuronal damage and demyelination. Recent studies have suggested that increased formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the consequent OS are critical events associated with SCI. However, there is still little information regarding the impact of these events on SCI. Astrocytes are key regulators of oxidative homeostasis in the CNS and astrocytic antioxidant responses promote the clearance of oxidants produced by neurons. Therefore, dysregulation of astrocyte physiology might largely contribute to oxidative damage. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is the main transcriptional regulator of cellular anti-oxidative stress responses. METHODS In the current study, we hypothesized that astrocytic activation of Nrf2 protects the spinal cord post injury via suppression of neuroinflammation. Thus, using mice line with a GFAP-specific kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)-deletion, we induced a hyperactivation of Nrf2 in astrocytes and further its effects on SCI outcomes. SCI-induction was performed in mice using the Infinite Horizon Spinal Cord Impactor with a force of 60 kdyn. To assess the quantitative pattern of Nrf2/ARE-activation, we included transgenic ARE-Luc mice. Data were analyzed with GraphPad Prism 8 (GraphPad Software Inc., San Diego, CA, USA). Brown-Forsythe test was performed to test for equal variances and normal distribution was tested with Shapiro-Wilk. RESULTS In ARE-Luc mice, a significant induction of luciferase-activity was observed as early as 1 day post-injury, indicating a functional role of Nrf2-activity at the epicenter of SCI. Furthermore, SCI induced loss of neurons and oligodendrocytes, demyelination and inflammation in wild type mice. The loss of myelin and oligodendrocytes was clearly reduced in Keap1 KO mice. In addition, Keap-1 KO mice showed a significantly better locomotor function and lower neuroinflammation responses compared to wild type mice. CONCLUSIONS In summary, our in vivo bioluminescence data showed Nrf2-ARE activation during primary phase of SCI. Furthermore, we found that cell specific hyperactivation of Nrf2 was sufficient to protect the spinal cord against injury which indicate a promising therapeutic approach for SCI-treatment.
Collapse
|
14
|
Qi Q, Wang XX, Li JL, Chen YQ, Chang JR, Xi J, Lü HZ, Zhang YX. Neuroprotective Effects of the Pannexin-1 Channel Inhibitor: Probenecid on Spinal Cord Injury in Rats. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:848185. [PMID: 35663270 PMCID: PMC9162172 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.848185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Proinflammatory immune cell subsets constitute the majority in the local microenvironment after spinal cord injury (SCI), leading to secondary pathological injury. Previous studies have demonstrated that inflammasomes act as an important part of the inflammatory process after SCI. Probenecid, an inhibitor of the Pannexin-1 channel, can inhibit the activation of inflammasomes. This article focuses on the effects of probenecid on the local immune microenvironment, histopathology, and behavior of SCI. Our data show that probenecid inhibited the expression and activation of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain receptor pyrindomain-containing 1 (NLRP1), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC) and caspase-1, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and caspase-3 proteins associated with inflammasomes, thereby suppressing the proportion of M1 cells. And consequently, probenecid reduced the lesion area and demyelination in SCI. Moreover, the drug increased the survival of motor neurons, which resulted in tissue repair and improved locomotor function in the injured SC. Altogether, existing studies indicated that probenecid can alleviate inflammation by blocking Pannexin-1 channels to inhibit the expression of caspase-1 and IL-1β, which in turn restores the balance of immune cell subsets and exerts neuroprotective effects in rats with SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi Qi
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- School of Basic Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Xiao-Xuan Wang
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Jing-Lu Li
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Yu-Qing Chen
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Jian-Rong Chang
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Jin Xi
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - He-Zuo Lü
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- *Correspondence: He-Zuo Lü,
| | - Yu-Xin Zhang
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- Yu-Xin Zhang,
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Xing C, Jia Z, Qu H, Liu S, Jiang W, Zhong H, Zhou M, Zhu S, Ning G, Feng S. Correlation Analysis Between Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Anatomical Assessment and Behavioral Outcome in a Rat Contusion Model of Chronic Thoracic Spinal Cord Injury. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:838786. [PMID: 35527814 PMCID: PMC9069114 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.838786] [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: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Although plenty of evidences from preclinical studies have led to potential treatments for patients with spinal cord injury (SCI), the failure to translate promising preclinical findings into clinical advances has long puzzled researchers. Thus, a more reliable combination of anatomical assessment and behavioral testing is urgently needed to improve the translational worth of preclinical studies. To address this issue, the present study was designed to relate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based anatomical assessment to behavioral outcome in a rat contusion model. Rats underwent contusion with three different heights to simulate various severities of SCI, and their locomotive functions were evaluated by the grid-walking test, Louisville swim scale (LSS), especially catwalk gait analysis system and basic testing, and Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan (BBB) score. The results showed that the lesion area (LA) is a better indicator for damage assessment compared with other parameters in sagittal T2-weighted MRI (T2WI). Although two samples are marked as outliers by the box plot analysis, LA correlated closely with all of the behavioral testing without ceiling effect and floor effect. Moreover, with a moderate severity of SCI in a contusion height of 25 mm, the smaller the LA of the spinal cord measured on sagittal T2WI the better the functional performance, the smaller the cavity region and glial scar, the more spared the myelin, the higher the volatility, and the thicker the bladder wall. We found that LA significantly related with behavior outcomes, which indicated that LA could be a proxy of damage assessment. The combination of sagittal T2WI and four types of behavioral testing can be used as a reliable scheme to evaluate the prognosis for preclinical studies of SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cong Xing
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.,International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China
| | - Zeyu Jia
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.,International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China
| | - Haodong Qu
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.,International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China
| | - Song Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.,International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China
| | - Wang Jiang
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Hao Zhong
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.,International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China
| | - Mi Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.,International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China
| | - Shibo Zhu
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.,International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China
| | - Guangzhi Ning
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.,International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China
| | - Shiqing Feng
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.,International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
A CB2 Receptor Agonist Reduces the Production of Inflammatory Mediators and Improves Locomotor Activity in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis. Rep Biochem Mol Biol 2022; 11:1-9. [PMID: 35765518 PMCID: PMC9208571 DOI: 10.52547/rbmb.11.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Background Cannabinoids (CBs) have been found to regulate the immune system, affect innate and adaptive immune responses, and reduce inflammatory reactions. This study assessed the therapeutic effects of GW-405833 synthetic CB2 agonist on inflammatory factors as well as locomotor activity in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Methods In this experimental study, 48 adult male C57BL/6 mice were randomly and equally assigned to eight groups. By injecting 250 mg of MOG35-55 peptide, EAE was induced. Every other day for 17 days after EAE onset, EAE-afflicted mice in groups 1-3 received an intraperitoneal injection of GW-405833 at a dose of 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg, respectively. Clinical status and locomotor activity, measured using the beam walking assay, were assessed every other day during the first 17 days after EAE onset. Mice were euthanized in day 17th of treatment and the serum levels of the IL-1β, IL-12, CRP, and TNF-α proinflammatory cytokines as well as IL-4 and TGF-β anti-inflammatory cytokines were measured by ELISA method. Results Clinical manifestations of EAE in groups 2 and 3 were significantly milder than group 4 and locomotor activity in groups 1-3 was significantly better than group 4 in days 5-17 (p< 0.05). GW-405833 also significantly decreased the levels of IL-12, TNF-α, and CRP and significantly increased the levels of IL-4 and TGF-β but had no significant effects on the level of IL-1β. GW-405833 was not associated with significant side effects. Conclusion The CB2 receptor agonist GW-405833, improves clinical conditions and reduces inflammation in mice with EAE.
Collapse
|
17
|
Immunomodulatory and regenerative effects of the full and fractioned adipose tissue derived stem cells secretome in spinal cord injury. Exp Neurol 2022; 351:113989. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.113989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
18
|
Török DG, Fekécs Z, Pajer K, Pintér S, Nógrádi A. The use of a detailed video-based locomotor pattern analysis system to assess the functional reinnervation of denervated hind limb muscles. J Neurosci Methods 2022; 365:109398. [PMID: 34728254 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2021.109398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal cord injuries induce a critical loss of motoneurons followed by irreversible locomotor function impairment. Surgical approaches combined with neuroprotective agents effectively rescue the damaged motoneurons and improve locomotor function. Our aim was to develop a reliable method which is able to provide quantifiable and in-depth data on the locomotor recovery during skeletal muscle reinnervation. NEW METHOD Sprague-Dawley rats underwent lumbar 4 ventral root avulsion and reimplantation followed by riluzole treatment in order to rescue the injured motoneurons of the damaged pool. Control animals were operated, but received no riluzole treatment. The locomotor pattern of the hind limb was recorded biweekly on a special runway equipped with high resolution and high speed digital cameras producing both lateral and rear views simultaneously. All together 12 parameters of the hind limb movement pattern were evaluated by measuring specific joint angles, footprints and gait parameters in single video frames. Four months after the operation Fast Blue, a fluorescent retrograde tracer was applied to the L4 spinal nerve in order to label the reinnervating motoneurons. RESULTS Our results confirmed the sensitivity of our arrangement and established strong relationship between the functional improvement and the morphological reinnervation. Moreover, we developed a correction method to make the system tolerant to the differences in the weight, step duration and step length. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS There are no commercially available cheap, multi-parametric analysing equipment to characterise the gait in its complexity. CONCLUSIONS Our system offers a modular, adaptable and expandable analysis on the reinnervation of the limb musculature in rodents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dénes G Török
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Szeged H-6724, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Fekécs
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Szeged H-6724, Hungary
| | - Krisztián Pajer
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Szeged H-6724, Hungary
| | - Sándor Pintér
- Department of Traumatology, Semmelweis Hospital, Kiskunhalas H-6400, Hungary
| | - Antal Nógrádi
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Szeged H-6724, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Long-Term Effects of Neural Precursor Cell Transplantation on Secondary Injury Processes and Functional Recovery after Severe Cervical Contusion-Compression Spinal Cord Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222313106. [PMID: 34884911 PMCID: PMC8658203 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222313106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) remains a devastating event without adequate treatment options despite decades of research. In this context, the usefulness of common preclinical SCI models has been criticized. We, therefore, aimed to use a clinically relevant animal model of severe cervical SCI to assess the long-term effects of neural precursor cell (NPC) transplantation on secondary injury processes and functional recovery. To this end, we performed a clip contusion-compression injury at the C6 level in 40 female Wistar rats and a sham surgery in 10 female Wistar rats. NPCs, isolated from the subventricular zone of green fluorescent protein (GFP) expressing transgenic rat embryos, were transplanted ten days after the injury. Functional recovery was assessed weekly, and FluoroGold (FG) retrograde fiber-labeling, as well as manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MEMRI), were performed prior to the sacrifice of the animals eight weeks after SCI. After cryosectioning of the spinal cords, immunofluorescence staining was conducted. Results were compared between the treatment groups (NPC, Vehicle, Sham) and statistically analyzed (p < 0.05 was considered significant). Despite the severity of the injury, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality during the experiment, long-term survival of the engrafted NPCs with a predominant differentiation into oligodendrocytes could be observed after eight weeks. While myelination of the injured spinal cord was not significantly improved, NPC treated animals showed a significant increase of intact perilesional motor neurons and preserved spinal tracts compared to untreated Vehicle animals. These findings were associated with enhanced preservation of intact spinal cord tissue. However, reactive astrogliosis and inflammation where not significantly reduced by the NPC-treatment. While differences in the Basso–Beattie–Bresnahan (BBB) score and the Gridwalk test remained insignificant, animals in the NPC group performed significantly better in the more objective CatWalk XT gait analysis, suggesting some beneficial effects of the engrafted NPCs on the functional recovery after severe cervical SCI.
Collapse
|
20
|
Siddiqui AM, Islam R, Cuellar CA, Silvernail JL, Knudsen B, Curley DE, Strickland T, Manske E, Suwan PT, Latypov T, Akhmetov N, Zhang S, Summer P, Nesbitt JJ, Chen BK, Grahn PJ, Madigan NN, Yaszemski MJ, Windebank AJ, Lavrov IA. Newly regenerated axons via scaffolds promote sub-lesional reorganization and motor recovery with epidural electrical stimulation. NPJ Regen Med 2021; 6:66. [PMID: 34671050 PMCID: PMC8528837 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-021-00176-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Here, we report the effect of newly regenerated axons via scaffolds on reorganization of spinal circuitry and restoration of motor functions with epidural electrical stimulation (EES). Motor recovery was evaluated for 7 weeks after spinal transection and following implantation with scaffolds seeded with neurotrophin producing Schwann cell and with rapamycin microspheres. Combined treatment with scaffolds and EES-enabled stepping led to functional improvement compared to groups with scaffold or EES, although, the number of axons across scaffolds was not different between groups. Re-transection through the scaffold at week 6 reduced EES-enabled stepping, still demonstrating better performance compared to the other groups. Greater synaptic reorganization in the presence of regenerated axons was found in group with combined therapy. These findings suggest that newly regenerated axons through cell-containing scaffolds with EES-enabled motor training reorganize the sub-lesional circuitry improving motor recovery, demonstrating that neuroregenerative and neuromodulatory therapies cumulatively enhancing motor function after complete SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahad M. Siddiqui
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDepartment of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN USA
| | - Riazul Islam
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDepartment of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN USA
| | - Carlos A. Cuellar
- grid.440977.90000 0004 0483 7094School of Sport Sciences, Universidad Anáhuac México, Campus Norte, Huixquilucan, State of Mexico Mexico
| | - Jodi L. Silvernail
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDepartment of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN USA
| | - Bruce Knudsen
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDepartment of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN USA
| | - Dallece E. Curley
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDepartment of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN USA ,grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island USA
| | - Tammy Strickland
- grid.9344.a0000 0004 0488 240XNational University of Ireland Gallway, Gallway, Ireland
| | - Emilee Manske
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDepartment of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN USA ,grid.421979.00000 0001 2158 754XDepartment of Neuroscience, Scripps College, Claremont, CA USA
| | | | - Timur Latypov
- grid.231844.80000 0004 0474 0428Division of Brain, Imaging, and Behaviour – Systems Neuroscience, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON Canada ,grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Nafis Akhmetov
- grid.77268.3c0000 0004 0543 9688Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Shuya Zhang
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDepartment of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN USA
| | - Priska Summer
- Paracelsus Medical Private University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Jarred J. Nesbitt
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDepartment of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN USA
| | - Bingkun K. Chen
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDepartment of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN USA
| | - Peter J. Grahn
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDepartment of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN USA
| | - Nicolas N. Madigan
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDepartment of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN USA
| | - Michael J. Yaszemski
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN USA
| | - Anthony J. Windebank
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDepartment of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN USA
| | - Igor A. Lavrov
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDepartment of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN USA ,grid.77268.3c0000 0004 0543 9688Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia ,grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDepartment of Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Dai C, Lyu X, Meng F, He J, Huang Q, Fukuda T. Development of a novel motion capture and gait analysis system for rat locomotion. Adv Robot 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/01691864.2021.1957013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chuankai Dai
- Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Intelligent Robots and Systems, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaodong Lyu
- Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Intelligent Robots and Systems, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Meng
- Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Intelligent Robots and Systems, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiping He
- Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Intelligent Robots and Systems, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Huang
- Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Intelligent Robots and Systems, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Toshio Fukuda
- Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Intelligent Robots and Systems, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Miyajima H, Itokazu T, Tanabe S, Yamashita T. Interleukin-17A regulates ependymal cell proliferation and functional recovery after spinal cord injury in mice. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:766. [PMID: 34344859 PMCID: PMC8333070 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04064-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Ependymal cells have been suggested to act as neural stem cells and exert beneficial effects after spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the molecular mechanism underlying ependymal cell regulation after SCI remains unknown. To examine the possible effect of IL-17A on ependymal cell proliferation after SCI, we locally administrated IL-17A neutralizing antibody to the injured spinal cord of a contusion SCI mouse model, and revealed that IL-17A neutralization promoted ependymal cell proliferation, which was paralleled by functional recovery and axonal reorganization of both the corticospinal tract and the raphespinal tract. Further, to test whether ependymal cell-specific manipulation of IL-17A signaling is enough to affect the outcomes of SCI, we generated ependymal cell-specific conditional IL-17RA-knockout mice and analyzed their anatomical and functional response to SCI. As a result, conditional knockout of IL-17RA in ependymal cells enhanced both axonal growth and functional recovery, accompanied by an increase in mRNA expression of neurotrophic factors. Thus, Ependymal cells may enhance the regenerative process partially by secreting neurotrophic factors, and IL-17A stimulation negatively regulates this beneficial effect. Molecular manipulation of ependymal cells might be a viable strategy for improving functional recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hisao Miyajima
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Takahide Itokazu
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.
- Department of Neuro-Medical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.
| | - Shogo Tanabe
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Toshihide Yamashita
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.
- Department of Neuro-Medical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Quintá HR. Intraspinal Administration of Netrin-1 Promotes Locomotor Recovery after Complete Spinal Cord Transection. J Neurotrauma 2021; 38:2084-2102. [PMID: 33599152 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2020.7571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Complete spinal cord lesions interrupt the connection of all axonal projections with their neuronal targets below and above the lesion site. In particular, the interruption of connections with the neurons at lumbar segments after thoracic injuries impairs voluntary body control below the injury. The failure of spontaneous regrowth of transected axons across the lesion prevents the reconnection and reinnervation of the neuronal targets. At present, the only treatment in humans that has proven to promote some degree of locomotor recovery is physical therapy. The success of these strategies, however, depends greatly on the type of lesion and the level of preservation of neural tissue in the spinal cord after injury. That is the reason it is key to design strategies to promote axonal regrowth and neuronal reconnection. Here, we test the use of a developmental axon guidance molecule as a biological agent to promote axonal regrowth, axonal reconnection, and recovery of locomotor activity after spinal cord injury (SCI). This molecule, netrin-1, guides the growth of the corticospinal tract (CST) during the development of the central nervous system. To assess the potential of this molecule, we used a model of complete spinal cord transection in rats, at thoracic level 10-11. We show that in situ delivery of netrin-1 at the epicenter of the lesion: (1) promotes regrowth of CST through the lesion and prevents CST dieback, (2) promotes synaptic reconnection of regenerated motor and sensory axons, and (3) preserves the polymerization of the neurofilaments in the sciatic nerve axons. These anatomical findings correlate with a significant recovery of locomotor function. Our work identifies netrin-1 as a biological agent with the capacity to promote the functional repair and recovery of locomotor function after SCI. These findings support the use of netrin-1 as a therapeutic intervention to be tested in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Héctor R Quintá
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Laboratorio de Medicina Experimental "Dr. Jorge E. Toblli," Hospital Alemán. CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Zilundu PLM, Xu X, Liaquat Z, Wang Y, Zhong K, Fu R, Zhou L. Long-Term Suppression of c-Jun and nNOS Preserves Ultrastructural Features of Lower Motor Neurons and Forelimb Function after Brachial Plexus Roots Avulsion. Cells 2021; 10:1614. [PMID: 34203264 PMCID: PMC8307634 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Brachial plexus root avulsions cause debilitating upper limb paralysis. Short-term neuroprotective treatments have reported preservation of motor neurons and function in model animals while reports of long-term benefits of such treatments are scarce, especially the morphological sequelae. This morphological study investigated the long-term suppression of c-Jun- and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) (neuroprotective treatments for one month) on the motor neuron survival, ultrastructural features of lower motor neurons, and forelimb function at six months after brachial plexus roots avulsion. Neuroprotective treatments reduced oxidative stress and preserved ventral horn motor neurons at the end of the 28-day treatment period relative to vehicle treated ones. Motor neuron sparing was associated with suppression of c-Jun, nNOS, and pro-apoptotic proteins Bim and caspases at this time point. Following 6 months of survival, neutral red staining revealed a significant loss of most of the motor neurons and ventral horn atrophy in the avulsed C6, 7, and 8 cervical segments among the vehicle-treated rats (n = 4). However, rats that received neuroprotective treatments c-Jun JNK inhibitor, SP600125 (n = 4) and a selective inhibitor of nNOS, 7-nitroindazole (n = 4), retained over half of their motor neurons in the ipsilateral avulsed side compared. Myelinated axons in the avulsed ventral horns of vehicle-treated rats were smaller but numerous compared to the intact contralateral ventral horns or neuroprotective-treated groups. In the neuroprotective treatment groups, there was the preservation of myelin thickness around large-caliber axons. Ultrastructural evaluation also confirmed the preservation of organelles including mitochondria and synapses in the two groups that received neuroprotective treatments compared with vehicle controls. Also, forelimb functional evaluation demonstrated that neuroprotective treatments improved functional abilities in the rats. In conclusion, neuroprotective treatments aimed at suppressing degenerative c-Jun and nNOS attenuated apoptosis, provided long-term preservation of motor neurons, their organelles, ventral horn size, and forelimb function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prince Last Mudenda Zilundu
- Department of Anatomy, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; (P.L.M.Z.); (X.X.); (K.Z.)
| | - Xiaoying Xu
- Department of Anatomy, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; (P.L.M.Z.); (X.X.); (K.Z.)
| | - Zaara Liaquat
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518100, China;
| | - Yaqiong Wang
- Department of Electron Microscopy, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China;
| | - Ke Zhong
- Department of Anatomy, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; (P.L.M.Z.); (X.X.); (K.Z.)
| | - Rao Fu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518100, China;
| | - Lihua Zhou
- Department of Anatomy, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; (P.L.M.Z.); (X.X.); (K.Z.)
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518100, China;
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Mah KM, Torres-Espín A, Hallworth BW, Bixby JL, Lemmon VP, Fouad K, Fenrich KK. Automation of training and testing motor and related tasks in pre-clinical behavioural and rehabilitative neuroscience. Exp Neurol 2021; 340:113647. [PMID: 33600814 PMCID: PMC10443427 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Testing and training animals in motor and related tasks is a cornerstone of pre-clinical behavioural and rehabilitative neuroscience. Yet manually testing and training animals in these tasks is time consuming and analyses are often subjective. Consequently, there have been many recent advances in automating both the administration and analyses of animal behavioural training and testing. This review is an in-depth appraisal of the history of, and recent developments in, the automation of animal behavioural assays used in neuroscience. We describe the use of common locomotor and non-locomotor tasks used for motor training and testing before and after nervous system injury. This includes a discussion of how these tasks help us to understand the underlying mechanisms of neurological repair and the utility of some tasks for the delivery of rehabilitative training to enhance recovery. We propose two general approaches to automation: automating the physical administration of behavioural tasks (i.e., devices used to facilitate task training, rehabilitative training, and motor testing) and leveraging the use of machine learning in behaviour analysis to generate large volumes of unbiased and comprehensive data. The advantages and disadvantages of automating various motor tasks as well as the limitations of machine learning analyses are examined. In closing, we provide a critical appraisal of the current state of automation in animal behavioural neuroscience and a prospective on some of the advances in machine learning we believe will dramatically enhance the usefulness of these approaches for behavioural neuroscientists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kar Men Mah
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Abel Torres-Espín
- Brain and Spinal Injury Center, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ben W Hallworth
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - John L Bixby
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Department of Molecular & Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Vance P Lemmon
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Karim Fouad
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Department of Physical Therapy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Keith K Fenrich
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Zhang H, Younsi A, Zheng G, Tail M, Harms AK, Roth J, Hatami M, Skutella T, Unterberg A, Zweckberger K. Sonic Hedgehog modulates the inflammatory response and improves functional recovery after spinal cord injury in a thoracic contusion-compression model. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2021; 30:1509-1520. [PMID: 33704579 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-021-06796-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) pathway has been associated with a protective role after injury to the central nervous system (CNS). We, therefore, investigated the effects of intrathecal Shh-administration in the subacute phase after thoracic spinal cord injury (SCI) on secondary injury processes in rats. METHODS Twenty-one Wistar rats were subjected to thoracic clip-contusion/compression SCI at T9. Animals were randomized into three treatment groups (Shh, Vehicle, Sham). Seven days after SCI, osmotic pumps were implanted for seven-day continuous intrathecal administration of Shh. Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) score, Gridwalk test and bodyweight were weekly assessed. Animals were sacrificed six weeks after SCI and immunohistological analyses were conducted. The results were compared between groups and statistical analysis was performed (p < 0.05 was considered significant). RESULTS The intrathecal administration of Shh led to significantly increased polarization of macrophages toward the anti-inflammatory M2-phenotype, significantly decreased T-lymphocytic invasion and significantly reduced resident microglia six weeks after the injury. Reactive astrogliosis was also significantly reduced while changes in size of the posttraumatic cyst as well as the overall macrophagic infiltration, although reduced, remained insignificant. Finally, with the administration of Shh, gain of bodyweight (216.6 ± 3.65 g vs. 230.4 ± 5.477 g; p = 0.0111) and BBB score (8.2 ± 0.2 vs. 5.9 ± 0.7 points; p = 0.0365) were significantly improved compared to untreated animals six weeks after SCI as well. CONCLUSION Intrathecal Shh-administration showed neuroprotective effects with attenuated neuroinflammation, reduced astrogliosis and improved functional recovery six weeks after severe contusion/compression SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, INF 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexander Younsi
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, INF 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Guoli Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, INF 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mohamed Tail
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, INF 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna-Kathrin Harms
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, INF 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Judith Roth
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, INF 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maryam Hatami
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Heidelberg, INF 307, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Skutella
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Heidelberg, INF 307, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Unterberg
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, INF 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Klaus Zweckberger
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, INF 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Levetiracetam treatment leads to functional recovery after thoracic or cervical injuries of the spinal cord. NPJ Regen Med 2021; 6:11. [PMID: 33654068 PMCID: PMC7977146 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-021-00121-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to dramatic impairments of motor, sensory, and autonomic functions of affected individuals. Following the primary injury, there is an increased release of glutamate that leads to excitotoxicity and further neuronal death. Therefore, modulating glutamate excitotoxicity seems to be a promising target to promote neuroprotection during the acute phase of the injury. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic effect of a FDA approved antiepileptic drug (levetiracetam-LEV), known for binding to the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A in the brain and spinal cord. LEV therapy was tested in two models of SCI-one affecting the cervical and other the thoracic level of the spinal cord. The treatment was effective on both SCI models. Treated animals presented significant improvements on gross and fine motor functions. The histological assessment revealed a significant decrease of cavity size, as well as higher neuronal and oligodendrocyte survival on treated animals. Molecular analysis revealed that LEV acts by stabilizing the astrocytes allowing an effective uptake of the excess glutamate from the extracellular space. Overall, our results demonstrate that Levetiracetam may be a promising drug for acute management of SCI.
Collapse
|
28
|
Mohammadi H, Heidari R, Niknezhad SV, Jamshidzadeh A, Farjadian F. In vitro and in vivo Evaluation of Succinic Acid-Substituted Mesoporous Silica for Ammonia Adsorption: Potential Application in the Management of Hepatic Encephalopathy. Int J Nanomedicine 2020; 15:10085-10098. [PMID: 33363368 PMCID: PMC7754271 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s271883] [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: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a critical situation in which liver failure affects brain function. HE could result in a state of coma and death. The liver is the main organ for ammonium ion (NH4 +) metabolism. Hence, acute and/or chronic liver failure could lead to hyperammonemia. NH4 + is the most suspected neurotoxic agent in HE. Thus, finding new therapeutic options to decrease plasma and brain NH4 + levels has a significant clinical value. Mesoporous silica (MS) particles have revolutionized many aspects of pharmaceutical sciences, including drug delivery systems. Moreover, recently, MS has been applied as agents for the detoxification of chemicals (eg, drugs and poisons). Methods First, MS particles containing amine groups (MS-NH2) were synthesized in co-condensation processes. Then, the structure was modified by succinic anhydride to have MS-SA. The MS-SA was characterized (FT-IR, XRD, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), DLS-Zeta FESEM-EDX, and HRTEM). Then, the potential of MS-NH2 and MS-SA particles in adsorption of NH4 + was investigated in vitro and in vivo. MS-NH2 and MS-SA were incubated with increasing concentrations (0.1-10 mM) of NH4 +, and the scavenging capacity of the investigated particles was evaluated. On the other hand, different doses (1 and 5 mg/kg per day) of nanoparticles were administered to a hyperammonemia animal model. Results It was figured out that both MS-NH2 and MS-SA significantly scavenged NH4 + in the in vitro model. However, the NH4 + scavenging capability of MS-SA was more significant. Administration of MS-NH2 and MS-SA also considerably decreased the level of ammonium in plasma and brain and improved cognitive and locomotor activity in hyperammonemic animals. The effects of MS-SA were more significant than MS-NH2 in the HE animal model. Conclusion Collectively, our data suggest that MS particles, especially succinic acid-functionalized MS, could act as special ancillary treatment in HE as a critical clinical complication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hamidreza Mohammadi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Reza Heidari
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyyed Vahid Niknezhad
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Akram Jamshidzadeh
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Farjadian
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Sakamoto I, Himi N, Hayashi N, Okabe N, Nakamura-Maruyama E, Tsukamoto I, Hasegawa T, Miyamoto O. The protective effect and mechanism of COA-Cl in acute phase after spinal cord injury. Neurosci Res 2020; 170:114-121. [PMID: 33316301 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2020.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) induces severe motor and sensory dysfunction. We previously showed the neuroprotective effects of COA-Cl, a novel synthesized adenosine analog, in a rat stroke model. In this study, we evaluated the neuroprotective effects of COA-Cl in acute phase of SCI. SCI was induced in rats at the T9 vertebra by using a drop device. Rats were divided into acute and subacute groups. A 5-day dose of 6 mg/kg COA-Cl in saline was given to the acute group immediately after SCI and the subacute group 4 days after SCI. Motor function assessed by Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan scoring and inclined plane test improved significantly in the acute group while the subacute group did not. Histological evaluation and TUNEL staining revealed that both the cavity volume and apoptosis were significantly decreased in the acute group compared with the subacute group. In addition, pERK/ERK was increased in the acute group 7 days after SCI. These results suggest that COA-Cl exerts neuroprotective effects via the ERK pathway when administered in the acute phase after SCI, resulting in the recovery of motor function. COA-Cl could be a novel therapeutic agent for the acute phase of SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Issei Sakamoto
- Department of Physiology 2, Kawasaki Medical School, Matsushima, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kawasaki Medical School, Matsushima, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
| | - Naoyuki Himi
- Department of Physiology 2, Kawasaki Medical School, Matsushima, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan.
| | - Norito Hayashi
- Department of Physiology 2, Kawasaki Medical School, Matsushima, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kawasaki Medical School, Matsushima, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
| | - Naohiko Okabe
- Department of Physiology 2, Kawasaki Medical School, Matsushima, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
| | - Emi Nakamura-Maruyama
- Department of Physiology 2, Kawasaki Medical School, Matsushima, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
| | - Ikuko Tsukamoto
- Department of Pharmaco-bio-informatics, Kagawa University Faculty of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Toru Hasegawa
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kawasaki Medical School, Matsushima, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
| | - Osamu Miyamoto
- Department of Physiology 2, Kawasaki Medical School, Matsushima, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Farshad O, Keshavarz P, Heidari R, Farahmandnejad M, Azhdari S, Jamshidzadeh A. The Potential Neuroprotective Role of Citicoline in Hepatic Encephalopathy. J Exp Pharmacol 2020; 12:517-527. [PMID: 33235522 PMCID: PMC7678475 DOI: 10.2147/jep.s261986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is described as impaired brain function induced by liver failure. Ammonia is the most suspected chemical involved in brain injury during HE. Although the precise mechanism of HE is not clear, several studies mentioned the role of oxidative stress in ammonia neurotoxicity. In animal models, the use of some compounds with antioxidant properties was reported to reduce the neurotoxic effects of ammonia, improve energy metabolism, and ameliorate the HE symptoms. Citicoline is a principal intermediate in the biosynthesis pathway of phosphatidylcholine that acts as neurovascular protection and repair effects. Various studies mentioned the neuroprotective and antioxidative effects of citicoline in the central nervous system. This study aims to investigate the potential protective effects of citicoline therapeutic in an animal model of HE. Materials and Methods Mice received acetaminophen (APAP,1g/kg, i. p.) and then treated with citicoline (500 mg/kg, i.p) one and two hours after APAP. Animals were monitored for locomotor activity and blood and brain ammonia levels. Moreover, markers of oxidative stress were assessed in the brain tissue. Results The result of the study revealed that plasma and brain ammonia and the liver injury markers increased, and locomotor activity impaired in the APAP-treated animals. Besides, an increase in markers of oxidative stress was evident in the brain of the APAP-treated mice. It was found that citicoline supplementation enhanced the animal’s locomotor activity and improved brain tissue markers of oxidative stress. Conclusion These data propose citicoline as a potential protective agent in HE. The effects of citicoline on oxidative stress markers could play a fundamental role in its neuroprotective properties during HE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Omid Farshad
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Pedram Keshavarz
- Department of Radiology, Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU), Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Reza Heidari
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mina Farahmandnejad
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sara Azhdari
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, School of Medicine, Bam University of Medical Sciences, Bam, Iran
| | - Akram Jamshidzadeh
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Motor Coordination Disorders Evaluated through the Grid Test and Changes in the Nigral Nrf2 mRNA Expression in Rats with Pedunculopontine Lesion. Behav Sci (Basel) 2020; 10:bs10100156. [PMID: 33066049 PMCID: PMC7600924 DOI: 10.3390/bs10100156] [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: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotoxic lesion of the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) is known to cause subtle motor dysfunctions. However, motor coordination during advance on a discontinuous and elevated surface has not been studied. It is also not known whether there are changes in the mRNA expression of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) in nigral tissue. Methods: The effects of the unilateral neurotoxic lesion of the PPN in motor coordination evaluated through grid test and Nrf2 mRNA expression in nigral tissue were evaluated. Two experimental designs (ED) were organized: ED#1 behavioral study (7 and 30 days after PPN lesion) and ED#2 molecular biology study (24 h, 48 h and 7 days) after PPN lesion. Results: ED#1—The number of faults made with left limbs, were significant higher in the lesioned groups (p < 0.01) both 7 and 30 days post-lesion. The number of failures made by the right limbs, was also significantly higher (p < 0.05) vs. control groups. ED#2—Nrf2 mRNA expression showed an increase 24 h after PPN injury (p < 0.01), followed by a peak of expression 48 h post injury (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Disorders of motor coordination associated with PPN injury are bilateral. The increased Nrf2 mRNA expression could represent an adaptive response to oxidative stress in the nigral tissue following pontine injury.
Collapse
|
32
|
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
|
33
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Nazemi Z, Nourbakhsh MS, Kiani S, Heydari Y, Ashtiani MK, Daemi H, Baharvand H. Co-delivery of minocycline and paclitaxel from injectable hydrogel for treatment of spinal cord injury. J Control Release 2020; 321:145-158. [PMID: 32035190 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) induces pathological and inflammatory responses that create an inhibitory environment at the site of trauma, resulting in axonal degeneration and functional disability. Combination therapies targeting multiple aspects of the injury, will likely be more effective than single therapies to facilitate tissue regeneration after SCI. In this study, we designed a dual-delivery system consisting of a neuroprotective drug, minocycline hydrochloride (MH), and a neuroregenerative drug, paclitaxel (PTX), to enhance tissue regeneration in a rat hemisection model of SCI. For this purpose, PTX-encapsulated poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) PLGA microspheres along with MH were incorporated into the alginate hydrogel. A prolonged and sustained release of MH and PTX from the alginate hydrogel was obtained over eight weeks. The obtained hydrogels loaded with a combination of both drugs or each of them alone, along with the blank hydrogel (devoid of any drugs) were injected into the lesion site after SCI (at the acute phase). Histological assessments showed that the dual-drug treatment reduced inflammation after seven days. Moreover, a decrease in the scar tissue, as well as an increase in neuronal regeneration was observed after 28 days in rats treated with dual-drug delivery system. Over time, a fast and sustained functional improvement was achieved in animals that received dual-drug treatment compared with other experimental groups. This study provides a novel dual-drug delivery system that can be developed to test for a variety of SCI models or neurological disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Nazemi
- Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Sadegh Nourbakhsh
- Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran; Faculty of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran.
| | - Sahar Kiani
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Yasaman Heydari
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran; Department of Medical Physics, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Kazemi Ashtiani
- Department of Cell Engineering, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Daemi
- Department of Cell Engineering, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Baharvand
- Department of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran; Department of Developmental Biology, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Gupta A, Sharma A, Kumar A, Goyal R. Alteration in memory cognition due to activation of caveolin-1 and oxidative damage in a model of dementia of Alzheimer's type. Indian J Pharmacol 2020; 51:173-180. [PMID: 31391685 PMCID: PMC6644185 DOI: 10.4103/ijp.ijp_81_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study aims to investigate the role of caveolin-1 in dementia of Alzheimer's type using intracerebroventricular streptozotocin (ICV-STZ)-induced neurodegeneration model in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Male Wistar rats (220-260 g) were employed. STZ 3 mg/kg via ICV route was given once to cause neuronal injury. Daidzein - a caveolin inhibitor at 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 mg/kg s.c. were given daily whereas minoxidil - a caveolin activator was given at 0.45 mg/kg, i.p. on alternate days for 28 days. STZ was also given at its submaximal dose 1.5 mg/kg to minoxidil group only. RESULTS ICV-STZ control animals exhibited cognitive and neurological deficits on the Morris water maze, elevated plus maze, and balance beam tests (P < 0.0001). Treatment with daidzein significantly restored memory impairments and decreased oxidative damage whereas minoxidil potentiates the effect of STZ causing significant impairment in memory. Significant oxidative stress such as lipid peroxidation and glutathione (P < 0.0001) were also observed due to ICV-STZ administration resulting in neuronal damage which was significantly prevented by treatment with daidzein in brain tissues. CONCLUSION The findings from the present investigation may conclude that the caveolin-1 from caveolae at the cell membrane induces memory deficits and oxidative stress phenotype that resemble the neurological phenotype of Alzheimer's disease. Further studies are warranted to gauge the effect of caveolin dyshomeostasis on the amyloidogenic cascade.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Gupta
- Department of Neuropharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Ashish Sharma
- Department of Neuropharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Anil Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Rohit Goyal
- Department of Neuropharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Islam R, Cuellar CA, Felmlee B, Riccelli T, Silvernail J, Boschen SL, Grahn P, Lavrov I. Multifactorial motor behavior assessment for real-time evaluation of emerging therapeutics to treat neurologic impairments. Sci Rep 2019; 9:16503. [PMID: 31712725 PMCID: PMC6848091 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52806-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Integrating multiple assessment parameters of motor behavior is critical for understanding neural activity dynamics during motor control in both intact and dysfunctional nervous systems. Here, we described a novel approach (termed Multifactorial Behavioral Assessment (MfBA)) to integrate, in real-time, electrophysiological and biomechanical properties of rodent spinal sensorimotor network activity with behavioral aspects of motor task performance. Specifically, the MfBA simultaneously records limb kinematics, multi-directional forces and electrophysiological metrics, such as high-fidelity chronic intramuscular electromyography synchronized in time to spinal stimulation in order to characterize spinal cord functional motor evoked potentials (fMEPs). Additionally, we designed the MfBA to incorporate a body weight support system to allow bipedal and quadrupedal stepping on a treadmill and in an open field environment to assess function in rodent models of neurologic disorders that impact motor activity. This novel approach was validated using, a neurologically intact cohort, a cohort with unilateral Parkinsonian motor deficits due to midbrain lesioning, and a cohort with complete hind limb paralysis due to T8 spinal cord transection. In the SCI cohort, lumbosacral epidural electrical stimulation (EES) was applied, with and without administration of the serotonergic agonist Quipazine, to enable hind limb motor functions following paralysis. The results presented herein demonstrate the MfBA is capable of integrating multiple metrics of motor activity in order to characterize relationships between EES inputs that modulate mono- and polysynaptic outputs from spinal circuitry which in turn, can be used to elucidate underlying electrophysiologic mechanisms of motor behavior. These results also demonstrate that proposed MfBA is an effective tool to integrate biomechanical and electrophysiology metrics, synchronized to therapeutic inputs such as EES or pharmacology, during body weight supported treadmill or open field motor activities, to target a high range of variations in motor behavior as a result of neurological deficit at the different levels of CNS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Riazul Islam
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Carlos A Cuellar
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (CICSA), Universidad Anáhuac México, Campus Norte, Huixquilucan, State of Mexico, Mexico
| | - Ben Felmlee
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | | | | | - Peter Grahn
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Igor Lavrov
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Does Age Interfere With Gadolinium Toxicity and Presence in Brain and Bone Tissues?: A Comparative Gadoterate Versus Gadodiamide Study in Juvenile and Adult Rats. Invest Radiol 2019; 54:61-71. [PMID: 30394964 PMCID: PMC6310471 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000000517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The main objective of the study was to assess the effect of age on target tissue total gadolinium (Gd) retention after repeated administration of gadodiamide (linear) or gadoterate (macrocyclic) Gd-based contrast agent (GBCA) in rats. The secondary objective was to assess the potential developmental and long-term consequences of GBCA administration during neonatal and juvenile periods. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 20 equivalent human clinical doses (cumulated dose, 12 mmol Gd/kg) of either gadoterate or gadodiamide were administered concurrently by the intravenous route to healthy adult and juvenile rats. Saline was administered to juvenile rats forming the control group. In juvenile rats, the doses were administered from postnatal day 12, that is, once the blood-brain barrier is functional as in humans after birth. The tests were conducted on 5 juvenile rats per sex and per group and on 3 adult animals per sex and per group. T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of the cerebellum was performed at 4.7 T during both the treatment and treatment-free periods. Behavioral tests were performed in juvenile rats. Rats were euthanatized at 11 to 12 weeks (ie, approximately 3 months) after the last administration. Total Gd concentrations were measured in plasma, skin, bone, and brain by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Cerebellum samples from the juvenile rats were characterized by histopathological examination (including immunohistochemistry for glial fibrillary acidic protein or GFAP, and CD68). Lipofuscin pigments were also studied by fluorescence microscopy. All tests were performed blindly on randomized animals. RESULTS Transient skin lesions were observed in juvenile rats (5/5 females and 2/4 males) and not in adult rats having received gadodiamide. Persisting (up to completion of the study) T1 hyperintensity in the deep cerebellar nuclei (DCNs) was observed only in gadodiamide-treated rats. Quantitatively, a slightly higher progressive increase in the DCN/brain stem ratio was observed in adult rats compared with juvenile rats, whereas no difference was noted visually. In all tissues, total Gd concentrations were higher (10- to 30-fold higher) in the gadodiamide-treated groups than in the gadoterate groups. No age-related differences were observed except in bone marrow where total Gd concentrations in gadodiamide-treated juvenile rats were higher than those measured in adults and similar to those measured in cortical bone tissue. No significant treatment-related effects were observed in histopathological findings or in development, behavior, and biochemistry parameters. However, in the elevated plus maze test, a trend toward an anxiogenic effect was observed in the gadodiamide group compared with other groups (nonsignificant). Moreover, in the balance beam test, a high number of trials were excluded in the gadodiamide group because rats (mainly males) did not completely cross the beam, which may also reflect an anxiogenic effect. CONCLUSIONS No T1 hyperintensity was observed in the DCN after administration of the macrocyclic GBCA gadoterate regardless of age as opposed to administration of the linear GBCA gadodiamide. Repeated administration of gadodiamide in neonatal and juvenile rats resulted in similar total Gd retention in the skin, brain, and bone to that in adult rats with sex having no effect, whereas Gd distribution in bone marrow was influenced by age. Further studies are required to assess the form of the retained Gd and to investigate the potential risks associated with Gd retention in bone marrow in juvenile animals treated with gadodiamide. Regardless of age, total Gd concentration in the brain and bone was 10- to 30-fold higher after administration of gadodiamide compared with gadoterate.
Collapse
|
38
|
Ommati MM, Heidari R, Ghanbarinejad V, Abdoli N, Niknahad H. Taurine Treatment Provides Neuroprotection in a Mouse Model of Manganism. Biol Trace Elem Res 2019; 190:384-395. [PMID: 30357569 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-018-1552-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Manganese (Mn) is a trace element involved in many physiological processes. However, excessive Mn exposure leads to neurological complications. Although no precise mechanism(s) has been found for Mn-induced neurotoxicity, oxidative stress and mitochondrial injury seem to play a relevant role in this complication. On the other hand, there is no protective strategy against Mn neurotoxicity so far. Taurine is an amino acid with significant neuroprotective properties. The current study was designed to evaluate the effect of taurine supplementation and its potential mechanism(s) of action in a mouse model of manganism. Animals were treated with Mn (100 mg/kg, s.c) alone and/or in combination with taurine (50, 100, and 500 mg/kg, i.p, for eight consecutive days). Severe locomotor dysfunction along with a significant elevation in brain tissue biomarkers of oxidative stress was evident in Mn-exposed mice. On the other hand, it was revealed that mitochondrial indices of functionality were hampered in Mn-treated animals. Taurine supplementation (50, 100, and 500 mg/kg, i.p) alleviated Mn-induced locomotor deficit. Moreover, this amino acid mitigated oxidative stress biomarkers and preserved brain tissue mitochondrial indices of functionality. These data introduce taurine as a potential neuroprotective agent against Mn neurotoxicity. Antioxidative and mitochondria protecting effects of taurine might play a fundamental role in its neuroprotective properties against Mn toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mehdi Ommati
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, P. O. Box 158371345, Roknabad, Karafarin St., Shiraz, Fars, Iran
| | - Reza Heidari
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, P. O. Box 158371345, Roknabad, Karafarin St., Shiraz, Fars, Iran.
| | - Vahid Ghanbarinejad
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, P. O. Box 158371345, Roknabad, Karafarin St., Shiraz, Fars, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Narges Abdoli
- Iran Food and Drug Administration (IFDA), Ministry of Health, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Niknahad
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, P. O. Box 158371345, Roknabad, Karafarin St., Shiraz, Fars, Iran.
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Krishnan VS, Shin SS, Belegu V, Celnik P, Reimers M, Smith KR, Pelled G. Multimodal Evaluation of TMS - Induced Somatosensory Plasticity and Behavioral Recovery in Rats With Contusion Spinal Cord Injury. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:387. [PMID: 31068784 PMCID: PMC6491761 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes partial or complete damage to sensory and motor pathways and induces immediate changes in cortical function. Current rehabilitative strategies do not address this early alteration, therefore impacting the degree of neuroplasticity and subsequent recovery. The following study aims to test if a non-invasive brain stimulation technique such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is effective in promoting plasticity and rehabilitation, and can be used as an early intervention strategy in a rat model of SCI. Methods: A contusion SCI was induced at segment T9 in adult rats. An rTMS coil was positioned over the brain to deliver high frequency stimulation. Behavior, motor and sensory functions were tested in three groups: SCI rats that received high-frequency (20 Hz) rTMS within 10 min post-injury (acute-TMS; n = 7); SCI rats that received TMS starting 2 weeks post-injury (chronic-TMS; n = 5), and SCI rats that received sham TMS (no-TMS, n = 5). Locomotion was evaluated by the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) and gridwalk tests. Motor evoked potentials (MEP) were recorded from the forepaw across all groups to measure integrity of motor pathways. Functional MRI (fMRI) responses to contralateral tactile hindlimb stimulation were measured in an 11.7T horizontal bore small-animal scanner. Results: The acute-TMS group demonstrated the fastest improvements in locomotor performance in both the BBB and gridwalk tests compared to chronic and no-TMS groups. MEP responses from forepaw showed significantly greater difference in the inter-peak latency between acute-TMS and no-TMS groups, suggesting increases in motor function. Finally, the acute-TMS group showed increased fMRI-evoked responses to hindlimb stimulation over the right and left hindlimb (LHL) primary somatosensory representations (S1), respectively; the chronic-TMS group showed moderate sensory responses in comparison, and the no-TMS group exhibited the lowest sensory responses to both hindlimbs. Conclusion: The results suggest that rTMS therapy beginning in the acute phase after SCI promotes neuroplasticity and is an effective rehabilitative approach in a rat model of SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vijai S Krishnan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.,The Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.,F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Samuel S Shin
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Visar Belegu
- Department of Neurology and Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,International Center for Spinal Cord Injury, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Pablo Celnik
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Mark Reimers
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.,The Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Kylie R Smith
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.,The Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Galit Pelled
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.,The Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.,F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Ommati MM, Heidari R, Ghanbarinejad V, Aminian A, Abdoli N, Niknahad H. The neuroprotective properties of carnosine in a mouse model of manganism is mediated via mitochondria regulating and antioxidative mechanisms. Nutr Neurosci 2019; 23:731-743. [PMID: 30856059 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2018.1552399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Objective(s): Manganese (Mn) is an essential trace element physiologically incorporated in the structure of several vital enzymes. Despite its essentiality, excessive Mn exposure is toxic with brain tissue as the primary target organ. There is no specific and clinically available therapeutic/preventive option against Mn neurotoxicity. Carnosine is a neuropeptide with several physiological roles. The neuroprotective properties of this peptide have been evaluated in different experimental models. The current study was designed to investigate the effect of carnosine supplementation and its potential mechanisms of action in an animal model of Mn-induced neurotoxicity. Materials and Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice received Mn (100 mg/kg, s.c) alone and/or in combination with carnosine (10, 50, and 100 mg/kg, i.p). Several locomotor activity indices were monitored. Moreover, biomarkers of oxidative stress and mitochondrial function were assessed in the brain tissue of Mn-exposed animals. Results: Significant locomotor dysfunction was revealed in Mn-exposed animals. Furthermore, brain tissue biomarkers of oxidative stress were significantly increased, and mitochondrial indices of functionality were impaired in Mn-treated animals. It was found that carnosine supplementation (10, 50, and 100 mg/kg, i.p) alleviated the Mn-induced locomotor deficit. Moreover, this peptide mitigated oxidative stress biomarkers and preserved brain tissue mitochondrial functionality in the animal model of manganism. Conclusion: These data indicate that carnosine is a potential neuroprotective agent against Mn neurotoxicity. Antioxidative and mitochondria protecting effects of carnosine might play a fundamental role in its neuroprotective properties against Mn toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mehdi Ommati
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Department of Bioinformatics, College of Life Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Peoples' Republic of China
| | - Reza Heidari
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Vahid Ghanbarinejad
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ahmadreza Aminian
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Narges Abdoli
- Iran Food and Drug Administration (IFDA), Ministry of Health, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Niknahad
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Ahmed RU, Alam M, Zheng YP. Experimental spinal cord injury and behavioral tests in laboratory rats. Heliyon 2019; 5:e01324. [PMID: 30906898 PMCID: PMC6411514 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e01324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) results in some serious neurophysiological consequences that alter healthy body functions and devastate the quality of living of individuals. To find a cure for SCI, researchers around the world are working on different neurorepair and neurorehabilitation modalities. To test a new treatment for SCI as well as to understand the mechanism of recovery, animal models are being widely used. Among them, SCI rat models are arguably the most prominent. Furthermore, it is important to select a suitable behavioral test to evaluate both the motor and sensory recovery following any therapeutic intervention. In this paper, we review the rat models of spinal injury and commonly used behavioral tests to serve as a useful guideline for neuroscientists in the field of SCI research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rakib Uddin Ahmed
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | - Monzurul Alam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | - Yong-Ping Zheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Sridhar V, Gaud R, Bajaj A, Wairkar S. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of intranasally administered selegiline nanoparticles with improved brain delivery in Parkinson's disease. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2018; 14:2609-2618. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2018.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
44
|
Ramadan WS, Abdel-Hamid GA, Al-Karim S, Zakar NAMB, Elassouli MZ. Neuroectodermal stem cells: A remyelinating potential in acute compressed spinal cord injury in rat model. J Biosci 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s12038-018-9812-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
45
|
Lakshman N, Xu W, Morshead CM. A Neurosphere Assay to Evaluate Endogenous Neural Stem Cell Activation in a Mouse Model of Minimal Spinal Cord Injury. J Vis Exp 2018. [PMID: 30272658 DOI: 10.3791/57727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) in the adult mammalian spinal cord are a relatively mitotically quiescent population of periventricular cells that can be studied in vitro using the neurosphere assay. This colony-forming assay is a powerful tool to study the response of NSCs to exogenous factors in a dish; however, this can also be used to study the effect of in vivo manipulations with the proper understanding of the strengths and limitations of the assay. One manipulation of the clinical interest is the effect of injury on endogenous NSC activation. Current models of spinal cord injury provide a challenge to study this as the severity of common contusion, compression, and transection models cause the destruction of the NSC niche at the site of the injury where the stem cells reside. Here, we describe a minimal injury model that causes localized damage at the superficial dorsolateral surface of the lower thoracic level (T7/8) of the adult mouse spinal cord. This injury model spares the central canal at the level of injury and permits analysis of the NSCs that reside at the level of the lesion at various time points following injury. Here, we show how the neurosphere assay can be utilized to study the activation of the two distinct, lineally-related, populations of NSCs that reside in the spinal cord periventricular region - primitive and definitive NSCs (pNSCs and dNSCs, respectively). We demonstrate how to isolate and culture these NSCs from the periventricular region at the level of injury and the white matter injury site. Our post-surgical spinal cord dissections show increased numbers of pNSC and dNSC-derived neurospheres from the periventricular region of injured cords compared to controls, speaking to their activation via injury. Furthermore, following injury, dNSC-derived neurospheres can be isolated from the injury site - demonstrating the ability of NSCs to migrate from their periventricular niche to sites of injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nishanth Lakshman
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto; Department of Surgery, University of Toronto
| | - Wenjun Xu
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto
| | - Cindi M Morshead
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto; Department of Surgery, University of Toronto; Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto;
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Systemic epothilone D improves hindlimb function after spinal cord contusion injury in rats. Exp Neurol 2018; 306:250-259. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2018.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Revised: 12/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
|
47
|
Riemann L, Younsi A, Scherer M, Zheng G, Skutella T, Unterberg AW, Zweckberger K. Transplantation of Neural Precursor Cells Attenuates Chronic Immune Environment in Cervical Spinal Cord Injury. Front Neurol 2018; 9:428. [PMID: 29951030 PMCID: PMC6008566 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation after traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is non-resolving and thus still present in chronic injury stages. It plays a key role in the pathophysiology of SCI and has been associated with further neurodegeneration and development of neuropathic pain. Neural precursor cells (NPCs) have been shown to reduce the acute and sub-acute inflammatory response after SCI. In the present study, we examined effects of NPC transplantation on the immune environment in chronic stages of SCI. SCI was induced in rats by clip-compression of the cervical spinal cord at the level C6-C7. NPCs were transplanted 10 days post-injury. The functional outcome was assessed weekly for 8 weeks using the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scale, the CatWalk system, and the grid walk test. Afterwards, the rats were sacrificed, and spinal cord sections were examined for M1/M2 macrophages, T lymphocytes, astrogliosis, and apoptosis using immunofluorescence staining. Rats treated with NPCs had compared to the control group significantly fewer pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages and reduced immunodensity for inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), their marker enzyme. Anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages were rarely present 8 weeks after the SCI. In this model, the sub-acute transplantation of NPCs did not support survival and proliferation of M2 macrophages. Post-traumatic apoptosis, however, was significantly reduced in the NPC group, which might be explained by the altered microenvironment following NPC transplantation. Corresponding to these findings, reactive astrogliosis was significantly reduced in NPC-transplanted animals. Furthermore, we could observe a trend toward smaller cavity sizes and functional improvement following NPC transplantation. Our data suggest that transplantation of NPCs following SCI might attenuate inflammation even in chronic injury stages. This might prevent further neurodegeneration and could also set a stage for improved neuroregeneration after SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Riemann
- Department of Neurosurgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexander Younsi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Moritz Scherer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Guoli Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Skutella
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andreas W Unterberg
- Department of Neurosurgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Klaus Zweckberger
- Department of Neurosurgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Heidari R, Jamshidzadeh A, Ghanbarinejad V, Ommati MM, Niknahad H. Taurine supplementation abates cirrhosis-associated locomotor dysfunction. Clin Exp Hepatol 2018; 4:72-82. [PMID: 29904723 PMCID: PMC6000746 DOI: 10.5114/ceh.2018.75956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM OF THE STUDY Hepatic encephalopathy and hyperammonemia is a clinical complication associated with liver cirrhosis. The brain is the target organ for ammonia toxicity. Ammonia-induced brain injury is related to oxidative stress, locomotor activity dysfunction, and cognitive deficit, which could lead to permanent brain injury, coma and death if not appropriately managed. There is no promising pharmacological intervention against cirrhosis-associated brain injury. Taurine (TAU) is one of the most abundant amino acids in the human body. Several physiological and pharmacological roles have been attributed to TAU. TAU may act as an antioxidant and is an excellent neuroprotective agent. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of TAU supplementation on cirrhosis-associated locomotor activity disturbances and oxidative stress in the brain. MATERIAL AND METHODS Rats underwent bile duct ligation (BDL) surgery, and plasma and brain ammonia level, plasma biochemical parameters, and rats' locomotor function were monitored. Furthermore, brain tissue markers of oxidative stress were assessed. RESULTS It was found that plasma and brain ammonia was increased, and markers of liver injury were significantly elevated in the cirrhotic group. Impaired locomotor activity was also evident in BDL rats. Moreover, an increase in brain tissue markers of oxidative stress was detected in the brain of cirrhotic animals. It was found that TAU supplementation (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, gavage) alleviated brain tissue markers of oxidative stress and improved animals' locomotor activity. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that TAU is a potential protective agent against cirrhosis-associated brain injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reza Heidari
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Akram Jamshidzadeh
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Vahid Ghanbarinejad
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Ommati
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hossein Niknahad
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Class I histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor CI-994 promotes functional recovery following spinal cord injury. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:460. [PMID: 29700327 PMCID: PMC5919919 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0543-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) induces severe and long-lasting neurological disability. Accumulating evidence has suggested that histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors exert neuroprotective effects against various insults and deficits in the central nervous system. In the present study, we assessed the effect of the class I HDAC inhibitor CI-994 in a mouse model of SCI. Following SCI, mice were treated with either dimethyl sulfoxide (control vehicle) or 1, 10, or 30 mg/kg CI-994. Level of acetylated histone H3 expression was increased in the motor cortex and spinal cord of 10 mg/kg CCI-994-treated mice after SCI. CI-994 increased histone H3 acetylation in the myeloperoxidase-positive neutrophils and CD68-positive microglia/macrophages in the spinal cord. Although it did not appear to contribute to corticospinal tract axonal reorganization, intraperitoneal injection of CI-994 promoted behavioral recovery following SCI. Furthermore, administration of CI-994 suppressed neutrophil accumulation, inflammatory cytokine expressions, and neuronal loss as early as 3 days following injury. Thus, our findings indicate that HDAC inhibitors may improve functional recovery following SCI, especially during the early stages of the disease.
Collapse
|
50
|
Non-functionalized soft alginate hydrogel promotes locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury in a rat hemimyelonectomy model. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2018; 160:449-457. [PMID: 29230560 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-017-3389-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal cord injury (SCI) and the consecutive devastating neurological sequelae have an enormous individual and economic impact. Implantation of functionalized hydrogels is a promising approach, because they can serve as a matrix for the regenerating tissue, carry and release bioactive molecules and various cell types. We already demonstrated that non-functionalized soft alginate hydrogel supported axonal outgrowth and protected neurons against oxidative stress in vitro. Here, we investigated the effects of such soft alginate hydrogels on locomotor recovery in small and large spinal cord lesions. METHOD Hemimyelonectomy of 2 mm or 4 mm length was performed in rats and soft alginate hydrogel was implanted. Functional recovery of the hindlimbs was assessed in the open field [Batto Beattie Bresnahan (BBB) score] and using swimming test [Louisville Swim score (LSS)] for 140 days post injury (DPI). Reference histology was performed. RESULTS Rats that received an alginate implant into 2 mm spinal cord lesions demonstrated significantly improved locomotor recovery compared to controls detectable already at 10 DPI. At 140 DPI, they reached higher LSS and BBB scores in swimming and open field tests, respectively. However, this beneficial effect of alginate was lacking in animals with larger (4 mm) lesions. Histological examination suggested that fibrous scarring in the spinal cord was reduced after alginate implantation in comparison to controls. CONCLUSIONS Implantation of soft alginate hydrogel in small spinal cord lesions improved functional recovery. Possible underlying mechanisms include the mechanical stabilization of the wound, reduction of secondary damage and inhibition of fibrous scarring.
Collapse
|