Synergistic neuroprotective effects of hyperbaric oxygen and methylprednisolone following contusive spinal cord injury in rat

Recent advances in the application of gasotransmitters in spinal cord injury

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) is a condition characterized by complete or incomplete motor and sensory impairment, as well as dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, caused by factors such as trauma, tumors, or inflammation. Current treatment methods primarily include traditional approaches like spinal canal decompression and internal fixation surgery, steroid pulse therapy, as well as newer techniques such as stem cell transplantation and brain-spinal cord interfaces. However, the above methods have limited efficacy in promoting axonal and neuronal regeneration. The challenge in medical research today lies in promoting spinal cord neuron regeneration and regulating the disrupted microenvironment of the spinal cord. Studies have shown that gas molecular therapy is increasingly used in medical research, with gasotransmitters such as hydrogen sulfide, nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, oxygen, and hydrogen exhibiting neuroprotective effects in central nervous system diseases. The gas molecular protect against neuronal death and reshape the microenvironment of spinal cord injuries by regulating oxidative, inflammatory and apoptotic processes. At present, gas therapy mainly relies on inhalation for systemic administration, which cannot effectively enrich and release gas in the spinal cord injury area, making it difficult to achieve the expected effects. With the rapid development of nanotechnology, the use of nanocarriers to achieve targeted enrichment and precise control release of gas at Sites of injury has become one of the emerging research directions in SCI. It has shown promising therapeutic effects in preclinical studies and is expected to bring new hope and opportunities for the treatment of SCI. In this review, we will briefly outline the therapeutic effects and research progress of gasotransmitters and nanogas in the treatment of SCI.

Human Placental Mesenchymal Stem Cell-derived Exosomes in Combination with Hyperbaric Oxygen Synergistically Promote Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury in Rats

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a critical medical condition during which sensorimotor function is lost. Current treatments are still unable to effectively improve these conditions, so it is important to pay attention to other effective approaches. Currently, we investigated the combined effects of human placenta mesenchymal stem cells (hPMSCs)-derived exosomes along with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) in the recovery of SCI in rats. Ninety male mature Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were allocated into five equal groups, including; sham group, SCI group, Exo group (underwent SCI and received hPMSCs-derived exosomes), HBO group (underwent SCI and received HBO), and Exo+HBO group (underwent SCI and received hPMSCs-derived exosomes plus HBO). Tissue samples at the lesion site were obtained for the evaluation of stereological, immunohistochemical, biochemical, molecular, and behavioral characteristics. Findings showed a significant increase in stereological parameters, biochemical factors (GSH, SOD, and CAT), IL-10 gene expression and behavioral functions (BBB and EMG Latency) in treatment groups, especially Exo+HBO group, compared to SCI group. In addition, MDA levels, the density of apoptotic cells and gliosis, as well as expression of inflammatory genes (TNF-α and IL-1β) were considerably reduced in treatment groups, especially Exo+HBO group, compared to SCI group. We conclude that co-administration of hPMSCs-derived exosomes and HBO has synergistic neuroprotective effects in animals undergoing SCI.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and coenzyme Q10 synergistically attenuates damage progression in spinal cord injury in a rat model

BACKGROUND

Identifying effective spinal cord injury (SCI) treatments remains a major challenge, and current approaches are still unable to effectively improve its. Currently, we investigated the combined effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) along with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in the recovery of SCI in rats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ninety female mature Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated into five equal groups, including; sham group, SCI group, HBO group (underwent SCI and received HBO), CoQ10 group (underwent SCI and received CoQ10), and HBO+CoQ10 group (underwent SCI and received HBO plus CoQ10). Tissue samples at the lesion site were obtained for evaluation of stereological, immunohistochemical, biochemical, molecular. Also, functional tests were performed to evaluate of behavioral properties.

RESULTS

We found that a significant increase in stereological parameters, biochemical factors (GSH, SOD and CAT), IL-10 gene expression and behavioral functions (BBB and EMG Latency) in the treatment groups, especially HBO+CoQ10 group, compared to SCI group. In addition, MDA levels, the density of apoptotic cells, as well as expression of inflammatory genes (TNF-α and IL-1β) were considerably reduced in the treatment groups, especially HBO+CoQ10 group, compared to SCI group.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that co-administration of HBO and HBO+CoQ10 has a synergistic neuroprotective effects in animals undergoing SCI.

Protective effects of epigallocatechin gallate in the mice induced by chronic scrotal hyperthermia

One of the most common complications of chronic scrotal hyperthermia (SHT) is a serious disorder in the male reproductive system. The most important factor in the occurrence of these disorders is oxidative stress. Currently, we investigated the effects of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), as a highly potent antioxidant, against cells and tissue disorders in mice affected by chronic SHT. Fifty-six male adult NMRI mice were allocated into seven equal groups. Except the non-treated (Control) group, six other groups were exposed to heat stress. Two treated groups including Preventive and Curative received oral administration of EGCG (50 mg/kg/day) starting immediately before heat exposure and fifteen consecutive days after the end of the heat exposure, respectively. For each treated group, two subgroups including positive control (Pre/Cur + PC groups) and vehicle (Pre/Cur + vehicle groups) were considered. At the end of the study, sperm characteristics, testosterone levels, stereological parameters, apoptosis, oxidant state, and molecular assessments were performed. We found that the sperm parameters, testosterone levels, the numerical density of spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, spermatids, sertoli, leydig cells, and seminiferous tubules, biochemical factors (except MDA), and expression of c-kit gene were significantly higher in the Preventive and Curative groups, especially in Preventive ones, compared to other groups (P < 0.05). This is while expression of HSP72 and NF-κβ genes, MDA levels, as well as density of apoptotic cells considerably decreased in both EGCG-treated groups compared to other groups and it was more pronounced in Preventive ones (P < 0.05). Generally, EGCG attenuated cellular and molecular disorders induced by heat stress in the testis and it was more pronounced in Preventive status.

Hyperbaric Oxygen in Combination with Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Synergistically Enhance Recovery from Spinal Cord Injury in Rats

Spinal cord injury (SCI) following trauma is a devastating neurological event that can lead to loss of sensory and motor functions. However, the most effective measures to prevent the spread of damage are treatment measures in the early stages. Currently, we investigated the combined effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) along with epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in the recovery of SCI in rats. Ninety male mature Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly planned into five equal groups (n = 18). In addition to sham group that only underwent laminectomy, SCI rats were allocated into 4 groups as follows: control group; HBO group; EGCG group; and HBO + EGCG group. Tissue samples at the lesion site were obtained for stereological, immunohistochemical, biochemical, and molecular evaluation. In addition, behavioral tests were performed to assess of neurological functions. The finding indicated that the stereological parameters, antioxidant factors (CAT, GSH, and SOD), IL-10 gene expression levels and neurological functions were considerably increased in the treatment groups in comparison with control group, and these changes were more obvious in the HBO + EGCG group (P < 0.05). On the other hand, we observed that the density of apoptotic cells and gliosis, the biochemical levels of MDA and the expression levels of inflammatory genes (TNF-α and IL-1β) in the treatment groups, especially the HBO + EGCG group, were considerably reduced in comparison with control group (P < 0.05). We conclude that co-administration of HBO and EGCG has a synergistic neuroprotective effects in animals undergoing SCI.

Decellularized human amniotic membrane engraftment in combination with adipose-derived stem cells transplantation, synergistically improved diabetic wound healing

BACKGROUND

One of the most important and common complications of diabetes is a disorder and defect in diabetic wound healing.

AIMS

The aim of present study was to investigate the synergistic effects of decellularized human amniotic membrane (dHAM) engraftment and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSs) transplantation in the healing of delayed and ischemic diabetic wound.

METHODS

Sixty diabetic male rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 15), including untreated (Control) group, engraftment by dHAM (dHAM) group, transplanted by ADSs (ADS) group, and engraftment by dHAM plus transplanted by ADSs (dHAM + ADS) group. Sampling was performed on Days 7, 14, and 21 after surgery. Evaluation tests included stereology, immunohistochemistry, molecular, and biomechanical.

RESULTS

Our results showed that the wound closure rate, volumes of newly formed epidermis and dermis, density of fibroblasts and blood vessels, collagen deposition, density of proliferation cells, expression levels of TGF-β and VEGF genes, and biomechanical characteristics were significantly higher in all treated groups compared with control group; however, these changes were considerable in the combination group. This is while that the density of neutrophils and expression levels of TNF-α and IL-1β genes in the treated groups, especially in the combination group, were significantly reduced compared with control group.

CONCLUSION

Generally, the simultaneous use of dHAM and ADS accelerates healing and improves the quality of repaired diabetic wounds.

Neuroprotective effects of lovastatin against traumatic spinal cord injury in rats

BACKGROUND

Lovastatin, as a drug of statins subgroup, has been conceptualized to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties. Accordingly, the present study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective ramification of lovastatin on spinal cord injury (SCI).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Seventy-five female adult Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n = 15). In addition to non-treated (Control group) and laminectomy alone (Sham group), SCI animals were randomly assigned to non-treated spinal cord injury (SCI group), treated with 2 mg/kg of lovastatin (Lova 2 group), and treated with 5 mg/kg of lovastatin (Lova 5 group). At the end of the study, to evaluate the treatments, MDA, CAT, SOD, and GSH factors were evaluated biochemically, apoptosis and gliosis were assessed by immunohistochemical while measuring caspase-3 and GFAP antibodies, and inflammation was estimated by examining the expression of IL-10, TNF-α, and IL-1β genes. The stereological method was used to appraise the total volume of the spinal cord at the site of injury, the volume of the central cavity created, and the density of neurons and glial cells in the traumatic area. In addition, Basso-Beattie-Bresnehan (BBB) and narrow beam test (NBT) were utilized to rate neurological functions.

RESULTS

Our results exposed the fact that biochemical factors (except MDA), stereological parameters, and neurological functions were significantly ameliorated in both lovastatin-treated groups, especially in Lova 5 ones, compared to the SCI group. The expression of the IL-10 gene was significantly upregulated in both lovastatin-treated groups compared to the SCI group and was considerably heighten in Lova 5 group. Expression of TNF-α and IL-1β, as well as the rate of apoptosis and GFAP positive cells significantly decreased in both lovastatin treated groups compared to the SCI group, and it was more pronounced in the Lova 5 ones.

CONCLUSION

Overall, using lovastatin, especially at a dose of 5 mg/kg, has a dramatic neuroprotective impact on SCI treatment.

Topical administration of Juglans regia L. leaf extract accelerates diabetic wound healing

Background

Diabetic wounds are one of the most important issues in diabetic patients. It seems that Juglans regia L. leaf with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials can be profitable for healing of diabetic wounds. The aim of present study was to investigate the topical administration of Juglans regia L. leaf extract in diabetic wound healing.

Methods

Seventy-five diabetic male rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 15), including: untreated (Control) group, Eucerin group, 2% Juglans regia L. ointment (JRL 2%) group, 5% Juglans regia L. ointment (JRL 5%) group, and Phenytoin group as a reference drug. Sampling was performed at days 7, 14, and 21 after surgery. Evaluation tests included stereology, immunohistochemistry, molecular, and biomechanical.

Results

Our results showed that the wound closure rate, volumes of newly formed of epidermis and dermis, density of fibroblasts and blood vessels, collagen deposition, density of proliferation cells, expression levels of TGF-β and VEGF genes, and biomechanical characteristics were significantly higher in extract groups compared to control and eucerin groups, however, these changes were considerable in the JRL 5% group (P < 0.05). This is while that the density of neutrophils and expression levels of TNF-α and IL-1β genes in the extract groups, especially in the JRL 5% group, were significantly reduced compared to control and eucerin groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Topical administration of Juglans regia L. leaf extract, especially in 5% concentration, considerably accelerates diabetic wound healing.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-022-03735-6.

Synergistic neuroprotective effects of hyperbaric oxygen and N-acetylcysteine against traumatic spinal cord injury in rat

BACKGROUND

The mitochondrial dysfunction and following oxidative stress, as well as the spread of inflammation plays major roles in the failure to regenerate following severe spinal cord injury (SCI). In this regard, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO), as an anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory agent, and N-acetylcysteine (NAC), as a mitochondrial enhancer, in SCI.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Seventy-five female adult Wistar rats divided into five groups (n = 15): laminectomy alone (Sham) group, SCI group, HBO group (underwent SCI and received HBO), NAC group (underwent SCI and received NAC), and HBO+NAC group (underwent SCI and simultaneously received NAC and HBO). At the end of study, spinal cord tissue samples were taken for evaluation of biochemical profiles including malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) levels, immunohistochemistry for caspase-3 as well as gene expressions of interleukin (IL)-10, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and IL-1β. Stereological assessments were performed to determine the total volumes, central cavity volumes and as well as numerical density of the neural and glial cells in traumatic area. Moreover, neurological functions were evaluated by the Basso-Beattie-Bresnehan (BBB) and electromyography (EMG).

RESULTS

Our results showed that the stereological parameters, biochemical profiles (except MDA) and neurological function were significantly higher in each HBO, NAC and HBO+NAC groups compared to the SCI group, and were highest in HBO+NAC ones. The transcript for IL-10 gene was significantly upregulated in all treatment regimens compared to SCI group, and was highest in HBO+NAC ones. While expression of TNF-α and IL-1β, latency, as well as density of apoptosis cells in caspase-3 evaluation significantly more decreased in HBO+NAC group compared to other groups.

CONCLUSION

Overall, using combined therapy with HBO and NAC has synergistic neuroprotective effects in SCI treatment.

Photobiomodulation therapy improved functional recovery and overexpression of interleukins-10 after contusion spinal cord injury in rats

Following severe Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), regeneration is inadequate, and functional recovery is incomplete. The occurrence of oxidative stress and the spread of inflammation play a crucial role in the failure to regenerate the injury site. In this way, we explored the neuroprotective effects of PhotoBioModulation (PBM), as the main factor in controlling these two destructive factors, on SCI. fifty-four female adult Wistar rats divided into three groups: sham group (just eliminate vertebra lamina, n = 18), SCI group (n = 18), and SCI-PBM group which exposed to PBM (150 MW, 50 min/day, 14 days, n = 18). After SCI induction at the endpoint of the study (the end of 8 week), we took tissue samples from the spinal cord for evaluating the biochemical profiles that include Catalase (CAT), Malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione Peroxidase (GSH-PX) levels, immunohistochemistry for Caspase-3, gene expressions of Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), and Interleukin (IL-10). Also, stereological assessments evaluated the spinal cord, central cavity volumes, and numerical density of the glial and neural cells in the traumatic area. The open-field test, rotarod test, Narrow Beam Test (NBT), Electromyography recording (EMG) test and the Basso-Beattie-Bresnehan (BBB) evaluated the neurological functions. Our results showed that the stereological parameters, biochemical profiles (except MDA), and neurological functions were markedly greater in the SCI-PBM group in comparison with SCI group. The transcript for the IL-10 gene was seriously upregulated in the SCI-PBM group compared to the SCI group. This is while gene expression of TNF-α and IL-1β, also density of apoptosis cells in Caspase-3 evaluation decreased significantly more in the SCI-PBM group compared to the SCI group. Overall, using PBM treatment immediately after SCI has neuroprotective effects by controlling oxidative stress and inflammation and preventing the spread of damage.