1
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Droppelmann CA, Campos-Melo D, Noches V, McLellan C, Szabla R, Lyons TA, Amzil H, Withers B, Kaplanis B, Sonkar KS, Simon A, Buratti E, Junop M, Kramer JM, Strong MJ. Mitigation of TDP-43 toxic phenotype by an RGNEF fragment in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis models. Brain 2024; 147:2053-2068. [PMID: 38739752 PMCID: PMC11146434 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awae078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Aggregation of the RNA-binding protein TAR DNA binding protein (TDP-43) is a hallmark of TDP-proteinopathies including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). As TDP-43 aggregation and dysregulation are causative of neuronal death, there is a special interest in targeting this protein as a therapeutic approach. Previously, we found that TDP-43 extensively co-aggregated with the dual function protein GEF (guanine exchange factor) and RNA-binding protein rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor (RGNEF) in ALS patients. Here, we show that an N-terminal fragment of RGNEF (NF242) interacts directly with the RNA recognition motifs of TDP-43 competing with RNA and that the IPT/TIG domain of NF242 is essential for this interaction. Genetic expression of NF242 in a fruit fly ALS model overexpressing TDP-43 suppressed the neuropathological phenotype increasing lifespan, abolishing motor defects and preventing neurodegeneration. Intracerebroventricular injections of AAV9/NF242 in a severe TDP-43 murine model (rNLS8) improved lifespan and motor phenotype, and decreased neuroinflammation markers. Our results demonstrate an innovative way to target TDP-43 proteinopathies using a protein fragment with a strong affinity for TDP-43 aggregates and a mechanism that includes competition with RNA sequestration, suggesting a promising therapeutic strategy for TDP-43 proteinopathies such as ALS and FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian A Droppelmann
- Molecular Medicine Group, Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Danae Campos-Melo
- Molecular Medicine Group, Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Veronica Noches
- Molecular Medicine Group, Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Crystal McLellan
- Molecular Medicine Group, Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Robert Szabla
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Taylor A Lyons
- Molecular Medicine Group, Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Hind Amzil
- Molecular Medicine Group, Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Benjamin Withers
- Molecular Medicine Group, Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Brianna Kaplanis
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Kirti S Sonkar
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), AREA Science Park, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Anne Simon
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Emanuele Buratti
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), AREA Science Park, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Murray Junop
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Jamie M Kramer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Michael J Strong
- Molecular Medicine Group, Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
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2
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Wan Y, Lin Y, Tan X, Gong L, Lei F, Wang C, Sun X, Du X, Zhang Z, Jiang J, Liu Z, Wang J, Zhou X, Wang S, Zhou X, Jing P, Zhong Z. Injectable Hydrogel To Deliver Bone Mesenchymal Stem Cells Preloaded with Azithromycin To Promote Spinal Cord Repair. ACS NANO 2024; 18:8934-8951. [PMID: 38483284 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c12402] [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: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury is a disease that causes severe damage to the central nervous system. Currently, there is no cure for spinal cord injury. Azithromycin is commonly used as an antibiotic, but it can also exert anti-inflammatory effects by down-regulating M1-type macrophage genes and up-regulating M2-type macrophage genes, which may make it effective for treating spinal cord injury. Bone mesenchymal stem cells possess tissue regenerative capabilities that may help promote the repair of the injured spinal cord. In this study, our objective was to explore the potential of promoting repair in the injured spinal cord by delivering bone mesenchymal stem cells that had internalized nanoparticles preloaded with azithromycin. To achieve this objective, we formulated azithromycin into nanoparticles along with a trans-activating transcriptional activator, which should enhance nanoparticle uptake by bone mesenchymal stem cells. These stem cells were then incorporated into an injectable hydrogel. The therapeutic effects of this formulation were analyzed in vitro using a mouse microglial cell line and a human neuroblastoma cell line, as well as in vivo using a rat model of spinal cord injury. The results showed that the formulation exhibited anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in vitro as well as therapeutic effects in vivo. These results highlight the potential of a hydrogel containing bone mesenchymal stem cells preloaded with azithromycin and trans-activating transcriptional activator to mitigate spinal cord injury and promote tissue repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Wan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
- Ultrasound Medicine Department, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Yan Lin
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Xie Tan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Lingyi Gong
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Fei Lei
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Changguang Wang
- DataRevive USA, LLC, 30 W Gude Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
| | - Xiaoduan Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Xingjie Du
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Zhirong Zhang
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Jun Jiang
- Department of Thyroid and Vascular Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Zhongbing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Jingxuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Xiaoling Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Shuzao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Xiangyu Zhou
- Department of Thyroid and Vascular Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Pei Jing
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Zhirong Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
- Central Nervous System Drug Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
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3
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Nekanti U, Sakthivel PS, Zahedi A, Creasman DA, Nishi RA, Dumont CM, Piltti KM, Guardamondo GL, Hernandez N, Chen X, Song H, Lin X, Martinez J, On L, Lakatos A, Pawar K, David BT, Guo Z, Seidlits SK, Xu X, Shea LD, Cummings BJ, Anderson AJ. Multichannel bridges and NSC synergize to enhance axon regeneration, myelination, synaptic reconnection, and recovery after SCI. NPJ Regen Med 2024; 9:12. [PMID: 38499577 PMCID: PMC10948859 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-024-00356-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Regeneration in the injured spinal cord is limited by physical and chemical barriers. Acute implantation of a multichannel poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) bridge mechanically stabilizes the injury, modulates inflammation, and provides a permissive environment for rapid cellularization and robust axonal regrowth through this otherwise inhibitory milieu. However, without additional intervention, regenerated axons remain largely unmyelinated (<10%), limiting functional repair. While transplanted human neural stem cells (hNSC) myelinate axons after spinal cord injury (SCI), hNSC fate is highly influenced by the SCI inflammatory microenvironment, also limiting functional repair. Accordingly, we investigated the combination of PLG scaffold bridges with hNSC to improve histological and functional outcome after SCI. In vitro, hNSC culture on a PLG scaffold increased oligodendroglial lineage selection after inflammatory challenge. In vivo, acute PLG bridge implantation followed by chronic hNSC transplantation demonstrated a robust capacity of donor human cells to migrate into PLG bridge channels along regenerating axons and integrate into the host spinal cord as myelinating oligodendrocytes and synaptically integrated neurons. Axons that regenerated through the PLG bridge formed synaptic circuits that connected the ipsilateral forelimb muscle to contralateral motor cortex. hNSC transplantation significantly enhanced the total number of regenerating and myelinated axons identified within the PLG bridge. Finally, the combination of acute bridge implantation and hNSC transplantation exhibited robust improvement in locomotor recovery. These data identify a successful strategy to enhance neurorepair through a temporally layered approach using acute bridge implantation and chronic cell transplantation to spare tissue, promote regeneration, and maximize the function of new axonal connections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usha Nekanti
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
| | - Pooja S Sakthivel
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Atena Zahedi
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Dana A Creasman
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Rebecca A Nishi
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Courtney M Dumont
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Katja M Piltti
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Glenn L Guardamondo
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Norbert Hernandez
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Xingyuan Chen
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Hui Song
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Xiaoxiao Lin
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Joshua Martinez
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Lillian On
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Anita Lakatos
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Kiran Pawar
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Brian T David
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Zhiling Guo
- Department of Medicine & Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Stephanie K Seidlits
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Xiangmin Xu
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Center for Neural Circuit Mapping, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Lonnie D Shea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Brian J Cummings
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Institute for Memory Impairments & Neurological Disorder, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Aileen J Anderson
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
- Institute for Memory Impairments & Neurological Disorder, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
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4
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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.
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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
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5
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Glaser EP, Stewart AN, Jagielo-Miller JE, Bailey CS, Prendergast MA, Gensel JC. Effects of Acute Ethanol Intoxication on Spinal Cord Injury Outcomes in Female Mice. J Neurotrauma 2023; 40:2541-2551. [PMID: 37350129 PMCID: PMC10698778 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2023.0077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract Approximately one in three traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCIs) occurs during or shortly after the consumption of alcohol. A small number of retrospective clinical studies report variable effects of alcohol intoxication on mortality, neurological recovery, and complications after SCI. Some of these studies demonstrate a protective effect of alcohol intoxication on SCI outcomes, whereas others show an increased complication risk. Pre-clinical studies in rat, ferret, and feline SCI models report a detrimental effect of ethanol intoxication on hemorrhage, motor recovery, and biochemical markers of tissue injury. However, no studies to date have investigated the neuropathological consequences of ethanol intoxication at the time of SCI or the reciprocal effect of SCI on ethanol metabolism. Therefore, we combined a pre-clinical mouse model of acute ethanol intoxication and experimental vertebral level T9 contusion SCI to investigate their interactive effects in female mice. We first investigated the effect of SCI on ethanol metabolism and found that T9 SCI does not alter ethanol metabolism. However, we did find that isoflurane anesthesia significantly slowed ethanol metabolism independent of SCI. We also determined how acute ethanol intoxication at the time of SCI alters locomotor recovery and lesion pathology. Using the Basso Mouse Scale (BMS) and CatWalk XT Gait Analysis System, we assessed locomotor recovery for 6 weeks after injury and observed that acute ethanol intoxication at the time of injury did not alter locomotor recovery. We also found no effect of ethanol intoxication on heat hyperalgesia development. There was, however, a detrimental effect of ethanol on tissue sparing after SCI. Therefore, we conclude that acute alcohol intoxication at the time of injury may contribute to the neuropathological consequences of SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan P. Glaser
- Department of Physiology, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Andrew N. Stewart
- Department of Physiology, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Julia E. Jagielo-Miller
- Department of Physiology, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Caleb S. Bailey
- Department of Physiology, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Mark A. Prendergast
- Department of Physiology, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - John C. Gensel
- Department of Physiology, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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6
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Kuehn N, Schwarz A, Beretta CA, Schwarte Y, Schmitt F, Motsch M, Weidner N, Puttagunta R. Intermediate gray matter interneurons in the lumbar spinal cord play a critical and necessary role in coordinated locomotion. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291740. [PMID: 37906544 PMCID: PMC10617729 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Locomotion is a complex task involving excitatory and inhibitory circuitry in spinal gray matter. While genetic knockouts examine the function of individual spinal interneuron (SpIN) subtypes, the phenotype of combined SpIN loss remains to be explored. We modified a kainic acid lesion to damage intermediate gray matter (laminae V-VIII) in the lumbar spinal enlargement (spinal L2-L4) in female rats. A thorough, tailored behavioral evaluation revealed deficits in gross hindlimb function, skilled walking, coordination, balance and gait two weeks post-injury. Using a Random Forest algorithm, we combined these behavioral assessments into a highly predictive binary classification system that strongly correlated with structural deficits in the rostro-caudal axis. Machine-learning quantification confirmed interneuronal damage to laminae V-VIII in spinal L2-L4 correlates with hindlimb dysfunction. White matter alterations and lower motoneuron loss were not observed with this KA lesion. Animals did not regain lost sensorimotor function three months after injury, indicating that natural recovery mechanisms of the spinal cord cannot compensate for loss of laminae V-VIII neurons. As gray matter damage accounts for neurological/walking dysfunction in instances of spinal cord injury affecting the cervical or lumbar enlargement, this research lays the groundwork for new neuroregenerative therapies to replace these lost neuronal pools vital to sensorimotor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naëmi Kuehn
- Laboratory for Experimental Neuroregeneration, Spinal Cord Injury Center, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Schwarz
- Laboratory for Experimental Neurorehabilitation, Spinal Cord Injury Center, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carlo Antonio Beretta
- Department of Functional Neuroanatomy, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute of Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yvonne Schwarte
- Laboratory for Experimental Neuroregeneration, Spinal Cord Injury Center, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Francesca Schmitt
- Laboratory for Experimental Neuroregeneration, Spinal Cord Injury Center, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Melanie Motsch
- Laboratory for Experimental Neuroregeneration, Spinal Cord Injury Center, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Norbert Weidner
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Radhika Puttagunta
- Laboratory for Experimental Neuroregeneration, Spinal Cord Injury Center, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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7
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Ritter J, Menger M, Herath SC, Histing T, Kolbenschlag J, Daigeler A, Heinzel JC, Prahm C. Translational evaluation of gait behavior in rodent models of arthritic disorders with the CatWalk device - a narrative review. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1255215. [PMID: 37869169 PMCID: PMC10587608 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1255215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Arthritic disorders have become one of the main contributors to the global burden of disease. Today, they are one of the leading causes of chronic pain and disability worldwide. Current therapies are incapable of treating pain sufficiently and preventing disease progression. The lack of understanding basic mechanisms underlying the initiation, maintenance and progression of arthritic disorders and related symptoms represent the major obstacle in the search for adequate treatments. For a long time, histological evaluation of joint pathology was the predominant outcome parameter in preclinical arthritis models. Nevertheless, quantification of pain and functional limitations analogs to arthritis related symptoms in humans is essential to enable bench to bedside translation and to evaluate the effectiveness of new treatment strategies. As the experience of pain and functional deficits are often associated with altered gait behavior, in the last decades, automated gait analysis has become a well-established tool for the quantitative evaluation of the sequalae of arthritic disorders in animal models. The purpose of this review is to provide a detailed overview on the current literature on the use of the CatWalk gait analysis system in rodent models of arthritic disorders, e.g., Osteoarthritis, Monoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Special focus is put on the assessment and monitoring of pain-related behavior during the course of the disease. The capability of evaluating the effect of distinct treatment strategies and the future potential for the application of the CatWalk in rodent models of arthritic disorders is also addressed in this review. Finally, we discuss important consideration and provide recommendations on the use of the CatWalk in preclinical models of arthritic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Ritter
- Department of Hand-, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Klinik Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Maximilian Menger
- Department of Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, BG Klinik Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Steven C Herath
- Department of Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, BG Klinik Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Tina Histing
- Department of Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, BG Klinik Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Jonas Kolbenschlag
- Department of Hand-, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Klinik Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Adrien Daigeler
- Department of Hand-, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Klinik Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Johannes C Heinzel
- Department of Hand-, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Klinik Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology - The Research Center in Cooperation with AUVA, Vienna, Austria
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Cosima Prahm
- Department of Hand-, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Klinik Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
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8
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Li T, Zhao L, Li Y, Dang M, Lu J, Lu Z, Huang Q, Yang Y, Feng Y, Wang X, Jian Y, Wang H, Guo Y, Zhang L, Jiang Y, Fan S, Wu S, Fan H, Kuang F, Zhang G. PPM1K mediates metabolic disorder of branched-chain amino acid and regulates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by activating ferroptosis in neurons. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:634. [PMID: 37752100 PMCID: PMC10522625 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06135-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is a neurological disorder caused by vascular stenosis or occlusion, accounting for approximately 87% of strokes. Clinically, the most effective therapy for ischemic stroke is vascular recanalization, which aims to rescue neurons undergoing ischemic insults. Although reperfusion therapy is the most effective treatment for ischemic stroke, it still has limited benefits for many patients, and ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a widely recognized cause of poor prognosis. Here, we aim to investigate the mechanism of protein phosphatase Mg2+/Mn2+ dependent 1 K (PPM1K) mediates metabolic disorder of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) by promoting fatty acid oxidation led to ferroptosis after cerebral I/R injury. We established the I/R model in mice and used BT2, a highly specific BCAA dehydrogenase (BCKD) kinase inhibitor to promote BCAA metabolism. It was further verified by lentivirus knocking down PPM1K in neurons. We found that BCAA levels were elevated after I/R injury due to dysfunctional oxidative degradation caused by phosphorylated BCKD E1α subunit (BCKDHA). Additionally, the level of phosphorylated BCKDHA was determined by decreased PPM1K in neurons. We next demonstrated that BCAA could induce oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and ferroptosis in primary cultured cortical neurons in vitro. Our results further showed that BT2 could reduce neuronal ferroptosis by enhancing BCAA oxidation through inhibition of BCKDHA phosphorylation. We further found that defective BCAA catabolism could induce neuronal ferroptosis by PPM1K knockdown. Furthermore, BT2 was found to alleviate neurological behavior disorders after I/R injury in mice, and the effect was similar to ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1. Our findings reveal a novel role of BCAA in neuronal ferroptosis after cerebral ischemia and provide a new potential target for the treatment of ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Li
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lili Zhao
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ye Li
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi, China
| | - Meijuan Dang
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jialiang Lu
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ziwei Lu
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qiao Huang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuxuan Feng
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaoya Wang
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yating Jian
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi, China
| | - Heying Wang
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yingying Guo
- Department of Pediatrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yu Jiang
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi, China
| | - Songhua Fan
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shengxi Wu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hong Fan
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Fang Kuang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Guilian Zhang
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi, China.
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9
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Xu P, Li TT, Wang BC, Yi YJ, Zhang WC, Sun GD, Zhang Y, Li ZZ. Supramolecular assemblies with spatio-temporal sequential drug delivery capability treat spinal cord injury via neuroprotection and immunoregulation. J Control Release 2023; 360:528-548. [PMID: 37433370 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.07.008] [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: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) can result in irreversible motor and sensory deficits. However, up to data, clinical first-line drugs have ambiguous benefits and debilitating side effects, mainly due to the insufficient accumulation, poor physiological barrier penetration, and lack of spatio-temporal controlled release at lesion tissue. Herein, we proposed a supramolecular assemblies composed of hyperbranched polymer-formed core/shell structure through host-guest interactions. Such HPAA-BM@CD-HPG-C assemblies co-loaded with p38 inhibitor (SB203580) and insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF-1) are able to achieve time- and space-programmed sequential delivery benefiting from their cascaded responsiveness. The core-shell disassembly of HPAA-BM@CD-HPG-C occurs in acidic micro-environment around lesion, achieving preferentially the burst release of IGF-1 to protect survival neurons. Subsequently, the HPAA-BM cores containing SB203580 are endocytosed by the recruited macrophages and degraded by intracellular GSH, accelerating the release of SB203580 to promote the conversion from M1 to M2 macrophage. Hence, the successive synergy of neuroprotection and immunoregulation effects contribute to subsequent nerve repair and locomotor recovery as demonstrated in vitro and in vivo studies. Thus, our fabrication provides a strategy that multiple drugs co-delivery in a spatio-temporal selective manner adapting to the disease progression through self-cascaded disintegration, are expected to realize multidimensional precise treatment of SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, 601 West Whampoa Avenue, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Tian-Tian Li
- Key Laboratory of Biomaterials of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Jinan University, 601 West Whampoa Avenue, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Bin-Chen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biomaterials of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Jinan University, 601 West Whampoa Avenue, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yong-Jun Yi
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, 601 West Whampoa Avenue, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Wen-Cai Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, 601 West Whampoa Avenue, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Guo-Dong Sun
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, 601 West Whampoa Avenue, Guangzhou 510000, China; Key Laboratory of Guangdong Spine and Spinal Cord Reconstruction, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Yingke Avenue, Heyuan City 517000, China.
| | - Yi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biomaterials of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Jinan University, 601 West Whampoa Avenue, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| | - Zhi-Zhong Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, 601 West Whampoa Avenue, Guangzhou 510000, China; Key Laboratory of Guangdong Spine and Spinal Cord Reconstruction, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Yingke Avenue, Heyuan City 517000, China.
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10
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Liu A, Yu L, Li X, Zhang K, Zhang W, So KF, Tissir F, Qu Y, Zhou L. Celsr2-mediated morphological polarization and functional phenotype of reactive astrocytes in neural repair. Glia 2023. [PMID: 37186402 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Neural repair is highly influenced by reactive astrocytes. Atypical cadherin Celsr2 regulates neuron development and axon regeneration, while its role in glial cells remains unexplored. In this study, we show that Celsr2 is highly expressed in spinal astrocytes of adult mice, and knockout of Celsr2 results in reactive astrocytes with longer protrusions preferentially orientated towards lesion borders in culture scratch assay and injured spinal cord, and elevation of total and active Cdc42 and Rac1 protein in western blots. Inactivation of Celsr2 enhances calcium influx in reactive astrocytes in time-lapse imaging. Morphological phenotypes of cultured Celsr2-/- astrocytes are rescued by Cdc42 or Rac1 inhibitors. Following spinal cord injury (SCI), Celsr2-/- mice exhibit smaller lesion cavity and glial scar, enhanced fiber regeneration, weaker microglial response, and improved functional recovery than control animals. Similar phenotypes are found in mice with conditional knockout of Celsr2 in astrocytes. In Celsr2-/- mice, astrocyte phenotype is changed and neuroinflammation is alleviated after injury. Inhibiting Cdc42/Rac1 activities compromises astrocyte polarization and the improvement of neural repair and functional recovery in Celsr2-/- mice with SCI. In conclusion, Celsr2 regulates morphological polarization and functional phenotype of reactive astrocytes and inactivating Celsr2 is a potential therapeutic strategy for neural repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimei Liu
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau CNS Regeneration Institute of Jinan University, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Jinan University)-Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation Institute, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingtai Yu
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau CNS Regeneration Institute of Jinan University, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Jinan University)-Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuejun Li
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau CNS Regeneration Institute of Jinan University, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Jinan University)-Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Kejiao Zhang
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau CNS Regeneration Institute of Jinan University, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Jinan University)-Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau CNS Regeneration Institute of Jinan University, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Jinan University)-Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Kwok-Fai So
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau CNS Regeneration Institute of Jinan University, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Jinan University)-Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation Institute, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, People's Republic of China
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The First Affiliated Hospital & Clinical Neuroscience Institute of Jinan University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Center for Exercise and Brain Science, School of Psychology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Fadel Tissir
- Institute of Neuroscience, Developmental Neurobiology, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Doha, Qatar
| | - Yibo Qu
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau CNS Regeneration Institute of Jinan University, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Jinan University)-Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Center for Exercise and Brain Science, School of Psychology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Libing Zhou
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau CNS Regeneration Institute of Jinan University, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Jinan University)-Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation Institute, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, People's Republic of China
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The First Affiliated Hospital & Clinical Neuroscience Institute of Jinan University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Center for Exercise and Brain Science, School of Psychology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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11
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Petrosyan HA, Alessi V, Lasek K, Gumudavelli S, Muffaletto R, Liang L, Collins WF, Levine J, Arvanian VL. AAV Vector Mediated Delivery of NG2 Function Neutralizing Antibody and Neurotrophin NT-3 Improves Synaptic Transmission, Locomotion, and Urinary Tract Function after Spinal Cord Contusion Injury in Adult Rats. J Neurosci 2023; 43:1492-1508. [PMID: 36653191 PMCID: PMC10008066 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1276-22.2023] [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: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
NG2 is a structurally unique transmembrane chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG). Its role in damaged spinal cord is dual. NG2 is considered one of key inhibitory factors restricting axonal growth following spinal injury. Additionally, we have recently detected its novel function as a blocker of axonal conduction. Some studies, however, indicate the importance of NG2 presence in the formation of synaptic contacts. We hypothesized that the optimal treatment would be neutralization of inhibitory functions of NG2 without its physical removal. Acute intraspinal injections of anti-NG2 monoclonal antibodies reportedly prevented an acute block of axonal conduction by exogenous NG2. For prolonged delivery of NG2 function neutralizing antibody, we have developed a novel gene therapy: adeno-associated vector (AAV) construct expressing recombinant single-chain variable fragment anti-NG2 antibody (AAV-NG2Ab). We examined effects of AAV-NG2Ab alone or in combination with neurotrophin NT-3 in adult female rats with thoracic T10 contusion injuries. A battery of behavioral tests was used to evaluate locomotor function. In vivo single-cell electrophysiology was used to evaluate synaptic transmission. Lower urinary tract function was assessed during the survival period using metabolic chambers. Terminal cystometry, with acquisition of external urethral sphincter activity and bladder pressure, was used to evaluate bladder function. Both the AAV-NG2Ab and AAV-NG2Ab combined with AAV-NT3 treatment groups demonstrated significant improvements in transmission, locomotion, and bladder function compared with the control (AAV-GFP) group. These functional improvements associated with improved remyelination and plasticity of 5-HT fibers. The best results were observed in the group that received combinational AAV-NG2Ab+AAV-NT3 treatment.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We recently demonstrated beneficial, but transient, effects of neutralization of the NG2 proteoglycan using monoclonal antibodies delivered intrathecally via osmotic mini-pumps after spinal cord injury. Currently, we have developed a novel gene therapy tool for prolonged and clinically relevant delivery of a recombinant single-chain variable fragment anti-NG2 antibody: AAV-rh10 serotype expressing scFv-NG2 (AAV-NG2Ab). Here, we examined effects of AAV-NG2Ab combined with transgene delivery of Neurotrophin-3 (AAV-NT3) in adult rats with thoracic contusion injuries. The AAV-NG2Ab and AAV-NG2Ab+AAV-NT3 treatment groups demonstrated significant improvements of locomotor function and lower urinary tract function. Beneficial effects of this novel gene therapy on locomotion and bladder function associated with improved transmission to motoneurons and plasticity of axons in damaged spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayk A Petrosyan
- Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Northport, New York 11768
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794
| | - Valentina Alessi
- Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Northport, New York 11768
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794
| | - Kristin Lasek
- Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Northport, New York 11768
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794
| | - Sricharan Gumudavelli
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794
| | - Robert Muffaletto
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794
| | - Li Liang
- Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Northport, New York 11768
| | - William F Collins
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794
| | - Joel Levine
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794
| | - Victor L Arvanian
- Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Northport, New York 11768
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794
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12
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Jarragh A, Shuaib A, Al-Khaledi G, Alotaibi F, Al-Sabah S, Masocha W. A custom-made weight-drop impactor to produce consistent spinal cord injury outcomes in a rat model. Transl Neurosci 2023; 14:20220287. [PMID: 37250141 PMCID: PMC10224629 DOI: 10.1515/tnsci-2022-0287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The main objective of this study is to design a custom-made weight-drop impactor device to produce a consistent spinal cord contusion model in rats in order to examine the efficacy of potential therapies for post-traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCIs). Methods Adult female Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 24, 11 weeks old) were randomly divided equally into two groups: sham and injured. The consistent injury pattern was produced by a 10 g stainless steel rod dropped from a height of 30 mm to cause (0.75 mm) intended displacement to the dorsal surface of spinal cord. The neurological functional outcomes were assessed at different time intervals using the following standardized neurobehavioral tests: Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scores, BBB open-field locomotion test, Louisville Swim Scale (LSS), and CatWalk gait analysis system. Results Hind limb functional parameters between the two groups using BBB scores and LSS were significantly different (p < 0.05). There were significant differences (p < 0.05) between the SCI group and the sham group for the hind limb functional parameters using the CatWalk gait analysis. Conclusion We developed an inexpensive custom-made SCI device that yields a precise adjustment of the height and displacement of the impact relative to the spinal cord surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Jarragh
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Ali Shuaib
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Engineering Unit, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Ghanim Al-Khaledi
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Fatima Alotaibi
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Sulaiman Al-Sabah
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Willias Masocha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
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13
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Huo BB, Zheng MX, Hua XY, Wu JJ, Xing XX, Ma J, Fang M, Xu JG. Effect of aging on the cerebral metabolic mechanism of electroacupuncture treatment in rats with traumatic brain injury. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1081515. [PMID: 37113153 PMCID: PMC10128857 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1081515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Aging has great influence on the clinical treatment effect of cerebrovascular diseases, and evidence suggests that the effect may be associated with age-related brain plasticity. Electroacupuncture is an effective alternative treatment for traumatic brain injury (TBI). In the present study, we aimed to explore the effect of aging on the cerebral metabolic mechanism of electroacupuncture to provide new evidence for developing age-specific rehabilitation strategies. Methods Both aged (18 months) and young (8 weeks) rats with TBI were analyzed. Thirty-two aged rats were randomly divided into four groups: aged model, aged electroacupuncture, aged sham electroacupuncture, and aged control group. Similarly, 32 young rats were also divided into four groups: young model, young electroacupuncture, young sham electroacupuncture, and young control group. Electroacupuncture was applied to "Bai hui" (GV20) and "Qu chi" (LI11) for 8 weeks. CatWalk gait analysis was then performed at 3 days pre- and post-TBI, and at 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after intervention to observe motor function recovery. Positron emission computed tomography (PET/CT) was performed at 3 days pre- and post-TBI, and at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after intervention to detect cerebral metabolism. Results Gait analysis showed that electroacupuncture improved the forepaw mean intensity in aged rats after 8 weeks of intervention, but after 4 weeks of intervention in young rats. PET/CT revealed increased metabolism in the left (the injured ipsilateral hemisphere) sensorimotor brain areas of aged rats during the electroacupuncture intervention, and increased metabolism in the right (contralateral to injury hemisphere) sensorimotor brain areas of young rats. Results This study demonstrated that aged rats required a longer electroacupuncture intervention duration to improve motor function than that of young rats. The influence of aging on the cerebral metabolism of electroacupuncture treatment was mainly focused on a particular hemisphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei-Bei Huo
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mou-Xiong Zheng
- Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Intelligent Rehabilitation, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Yueyang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu-Yun Hua
- Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Intelligent Rehabilitation, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Yueyang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia-Jia Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yueyang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang-Xin Xing
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yueyang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Ma
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yueyang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Fang
- Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Guang Xu
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Intelligent Rehabilitation, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Jian-Guang Xu,
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14
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Hofer AS, Scheuber MI, Sartori AM, Good N, Stalder SA, Hammer N, Fricke K, Schalbetter SM, Engmann AK, Weber RZ, Rust R, Schneider MP, Russi N, Favre G, Schwab ME. Stimulation of the cuneiform nucleus enables training and boosts recovery after spinal cord injury. Brain 2022; 145:3681-3697. [PMID: 35583160 PMCID: PMC9586551 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe spinal cord injuries result in permanent paraparesis in spite of the frequent sparing of small portions of white matter. Spared fibre tracts are often incapable of maintaining and modulating the activity of lower spinal motor centres. Effects of rehabilitative training thus remain limited. Here, we activated spared descending brainstem fibres by electrical deep brain stimulation of the cuneiform nucleus of the mesencephalic locomotor region, the main control centre for locomotion in the brainstem, in adult female Lewis rats. We show that deep brain stimulation of the cuneiform nucleus enhances the weak remaining motor drive in highly paraparetic rats with severe, incomplete spinal cord injuries and enables high-intensity locomotor training. Stimulation of the cuneiform nucleus during rehabilitative aquatraining after subchronic (n = 8 stimulated versus n = 7 unstimulated versus n = 7 untrained rats) and chronic (n = 14 stimulated versus n = 9 unstimulated versus n = 9 untrained rats) spinal cord injury re-established substantial locomotion and improved long-term recovery of motor function. We additionally identified a safety window of stimulation parameters ensuring context-specific locomotor control in intact rats (n = 18) and illustrate the importance of timing of treatment initiation after spinal cord injury (n = 14). This study highlights stimulation of the cuneiform nucleus as a highly promising therapeutic strategy to enhance motor recovery after subchronic and chronic incomplete spinal cord injury with direct clinical applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Sophie Hofer
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Myriam I Scheuber
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrea M Sartori
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Good
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stephanie A Stalder
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Hammer
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kai Fricke
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sina M Schalbetter
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anne K Engmann
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rebecca Z Weber
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ruslan Rust
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marc P Schneider
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Natalie Russi
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Giacomin Favre
- Department of Economics, University of Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin E Schwab
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
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15
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Osimanjiang W, Allgood JE, Van Sandt RL, Burns DT, Bushman JS. Sexual Dimorphism in Lesion Size and Sensorimotor Responses Following Spinal Cord Injury. Front Neurol 2022; 13:925797. [PMID: 36994113 PMCID: PMC10041393 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.925797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating disorder, which impacts the lives of millions of people worldwide with no clinically standardized treatment. Both pro-recovery and anti-recovery factors contribute to the overall outcome after the initial SCI. Sex is emerging as an important variable, which can affect recovery post-SCI. Contusion SCI at T10 was generated in male and female rats. Open-field Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan (BBB) behavioral test, Von Frey test, and CatWalk gate analysis were performed. Histological analysis was performed at the 45-day post-SCI end point. Male/female differences in sensorimotor function recovery, lesion size, and the recruitment of immune cells to the lesion area were measured. A group of males with less severe injuries was included to compare the outcomes for severity. Our results show that both sexes with the same injury level plateaued at a similar final score for locomotor function. Males in the less severe injury group recovered faster and plateaued at a higher BBB score compared to the more severe injury group. Von Frey tests show faster recovery of sensory function in females compared to both male groups. All three groups exhibited reduced mechanical response thresholds after SCI. The lesion area was significantly larger in the male group with severe injury than in females, as well as in males of less severe injury. No significant differences in immune cell recruitment were identified when comparing the three groups. The faster sensorimotor recovery and significantly smaller lesion area in females potentially indicate that neuroprotection against the secondary injury is a likely reason for sex-dependent differences in functional outcomes after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wupu Osimanjiang
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, United States
| | - JuliAnne E. Allgood
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, United States
| | - Rae L. Van Sandt
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, United States
| | - Daniel T. Burns
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, United States
| | - Jared S. Bushman
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, United States
- *Correspondence: Jared S. Bushman
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16
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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.
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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.
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17
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Jaiswal S, Brabazon F, von Leden R, Acs D, Collier S, Allison N, Dardzinski B, Byrnes KR. Spinal cord injury chronically depresses glucose uptake in the rodent model. Neurosci Lett 2021; 771:136416. [PMID: 34954116 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The pathophysiology following spinal cord injury (SCI) progresses from its lesion epicenter resulting in cellular and systemic changes acutely, sub-acutely and chronically. The symptoms of the SCI depend upon the severity of the injury and its location in the spinal cord. However, there is lack of studies that have longitudinally assessed acute through chronic in vivo changes following SCI. In this combinatorial study we fill this gap by evaluating acute to chronic effects of moderate SCI in rats. We have used fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) imaging with positron emission tomography (PET) as a marker to assess glucose metabolism, motor function, and immunohistochemistry to examine changes following moderate SCI. Our results demonstrate decreased FDG uptake at the injury site chronically at days 28 and 90 post injury compared to baseline. This alteration in glucose uptake was not restricted to the lesion site, showing depressed FDG uptake in non-injured areas (cervical spinal cord and cerebellum). The alteration in glucose uptake was correlated with reductions in neuronal cell viability and increases in glial cell activation at 90 days at the lesion site, as well as chronic impairments in motor function. These data demonstrate the chronic effects of SCI on glucose metabolism both within the lesion and distally within the spinal cord and brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalini Jaiswal
- Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Fiona Brabazon
- Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ramona von Leden
- Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Deanna Acs
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sean Collier
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nathanael Allison
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Bernard Dardzinski
- Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kimberly R Byrnes
- Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, USA; Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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18
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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
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19
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Garrick JM, Costa LG, Cole TB, Marsillach J. Evaluating Gait and Locomotion in Rodents with the CatWalk. Curr Protoc 2021; 1:e220. [PMID: 34370398 PMCID: PMC8363132 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Motor deficits can significantly affect the completion of daily life activities and have a negative impact on quality of life. Consequently, motor function is an important behavioral endpoint to measure for in vivo pathophysiologic studies in a variety of research areas, such as toxicant exposure, drug development, disease characterization, and transgenic phenotyping. Evaluation of motor function is also critical to the interpretation of cognitive behavioral assays, as many rely on intact motor abilities to derive meaningful data. As such, gait analysis is an important component of behavioral research and can be achieved by manual or video-assisted methods. Manual gait analysis methods, however, are prone to observer bias and are unable to capture many critical parameters. In contrast, automated video-assisted gait analysis can quickly and reliably assess gait and locomotor abnormalities that were previously difficult to collect manually. Here, we describe the evaluation of gait and locomotion in rodents using the automated Noldus CatWalk XT system. We include a step-by-step guide for running an experiment using the CatWalk XT system and discuss theory and considerations when evaluating rodent gait. The protocol and discussion provided here act as a supplemental resource to the manual for this commercially available system and can assist CatWalk users in their experimental design and implementation. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline M. Garrick
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Lucio G. Costa
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Dept. of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Italy
| | - Toby B. Cole
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Center on Human Development and Disabilities, University of Washington, United States
| | - Judit Marsillach
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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20
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Rui F, Jiawei K, Yuntao H, Xinran L, Jiani H, Ruixue M, Rui L, Na Z, Meihong X, Yong L. Undenatured type II collagen prevents and treats osteoarthritis and motor function degradation in T2DM patients and db/db mice. Food Funct 2021; 12:4373-4391. [PMID: 33890588 DOI: 10.1039/d0fo03011b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) has been scarcely researched among patients with diabetes mellitus. This study aims to confirm the preventive and therapeutic effects of undenatured type II collagen (UC II) on OA in aging db/db mice and in patients with T2DM. Firstly, aging db/db mice were randomly assigned to three groups: the UC II intervention (UC II) group, old model (OM) group and positive control group. Meanwhile db/m mice and young db/db mice were used as the normal control and young control groups, respectively. Secondly, fifty-five T2DM patients diagnosed with knee OA were randomly assigned to two groups: UC-II and placebo control groups. After a three-month intervention in both mice and T2DM patients, the subjects' gait and physical activities were assessed and the serum biomarkers including inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress factors and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were measured. Compared with the OM group mice, those in the UC II group showed a significantly greater superiority in terms of motor functions including the movement trajectories area (163.25 ± 20.3 vs. 78.52 ± 20.14 cm2), the tremor index (0.42 vs. 1.23), standing time (left hind: 0.089 ± 0.03 vs. 0.136 ± 0.04 s), swing (right front: 0.12 ± 0.02 vs. 0.216 ± 0.02 s), stride length (right hind: 7.2 ± 0.9 vs. 5.7 ± 1.1 cm), step cycle (right hind: 0.252 ± 0.05 vs. 0.478 ± 0.11 s) and cadence (14.12 ± 2.7 vs. 7.35 ± 4.4 steps per s). In addition, the levels of IL-4, IL-10, CTX- II and TGF-β in the UC II group were 1.74, 2.23, 1.67 and 1.84 times higher than those in the OM group, respectively, while the levels of MMP-3 and MMP-13 in the UC II group were half those in the OM group. Correspondingly, UC II intervention significantly decreased the scores of pain, stiffness and physical function (p < 0.05), whereas the 6 MWT and total MET distances in the UC II group increased remarkably (p < 0.05). After a three-month period of intervention, the varus angle significantly decreased from 4.6 ± 2.0° to 3.0 ± 1.4° and the knee flexion range obviously increased from 57.9 ± 14.0° to 66.9 ± 10.4°. Importantly, the declining trend in the levels of hs-CRP and MDA and the incremental trend in the SOD level were consistent in the db/db mice and OA patients following UC II administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Rui
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
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21
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Combination of Defined CatWalk Gait Parameters for Predictive Locomotion Recovery in Experimental Spinal Cord Injury Rat Models. eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0497-20.2021. [PMID: 33593735 PMCID: PMC7986542 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0497-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In many preclinical spinal cord injury (SCI) studies, assessment of locomotion recovery is key to understanding the effectiveness of the experimental intervention. In such rat SCI studies, the most basic locomotor recovery scoring system is a subjective observation of animals freely roaming in an open field, the Basso Beattie Bresnahan (BBB) score. In comparison, CatWalk is an automated gait analysis system, providing further parameter specifications. Although together the CatWalk parameters encompass gait, studies consistently report single parameters, which differ in significance from other behavioral assessments. Therefore, we believe no single parameter produced by the CatWalk can represent the fully-coordinated motion of gait. Typically, other locomotor assessments, such as the BBB score, combine several locomotor characteristics into a representative score. For this reason, we ranked the most distinctive CatWalk parameters between uninjured and SC injured rats. Subsequently, we combined nine of the topmost parameters into an SCI gait index score based on linear discriminant analysis (LDA). The resulting combination was applied to assess gait recovery in SCI experiments comprising of three thoracic contusions, a thoracic dorsal hemisection, and a cervical dorsal column lesion model. For thoracic lesions, our unbiased machine learning model revealed gait differences in lesion type and severity. In some instances, our LDA was found to be more sensitive in differentiating recovery than the BBB score alone. We believe the newly developed gait parameter combination presented here should be used in CatWalk gait recovery work with preclinical thoracic rat SCI models.
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22
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Xu P, Zhang F, Chang MM, Zhong C, Sun CH, Zhu HR, Yao JC, Li ZZ, Li ST, Zhang WC, Sun GD. Recruitment of γδ T cells to the lesion via the CCL2/CCR2 signaling after spinal cord injury. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:64. [PMID: 33653377 PMCID: PMC7927238 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02115-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune cell infiltration and neuroinflammation are heavily associated with spinal cord injury (SCI). C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCL2/CCR2) axis has been identified as a critical role player during the invasion of immune cells to lesions in many diseases. γδ T cells, a subgroup of T cells, manage the course of inflammation response in various diseases; however, it remains unknown whether γδ T cells are recruited to injury site through CCL2/CCR2 signaling and exert the regulation effect on neuroinflammation after SCI. METHODS Basso Mouse Scale (BMS), regularity index, cadence, max contact area, and motor-evoked potential testing (MEP) were measured to determine the neurological function recovery after spinal cord injury. Nissl staining was performed to identify the number of surviving motor neurons at lesion epicenter. Immunofluorescence, Western blot, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR) also were employed to evaluate the expression of associated proteins and genes. RESULTS In this study, we demonstrated that TCRδ-/- mice present improved neurological recovery after SCI. γδ T cell recruitment to the SCI site was significantly reduced and motor functional improvement enhanced in CCL2-/- and CCR2-/- mouse strains. Furthermore, reconstitution of TCRδ-/- mice with γδ T cells extracted from CCR2-/- mice also showed similar results to CCL2 and CCR2 deficient mice. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, γδ T cell recruitment to SCI site promotes inflammatory response and exacerbates neurological impairment. CCL2/CCR2 signaling is a vital recruitment mechanism of γδ T cells to the SCI site, and it may be taken as a novel therapeutic target for future SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, 601 West Whampoa Avenue, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Intensive Care Unit, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min-Min Chang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cheng Zhong
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Jiangmen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Jinan University, Jiangmen, China
| | - Cheng-Hong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Generic Manufacture Technology of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd., Linyi, China
| | - Hao-Ran Zhu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, 601 West Whampoa Avenue, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Jing-Chun Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Generic Manufacture Technology of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd., Linyi, China
| | - Zhi-Zhong Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, 601 West Whampoa Avenue, Guangzhou, 510000, China.,Heyuan Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, 733 Wenxiang Road, Heyuan, 517000, China
| | - Si-Tao Li
- Department of Pediatrics, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 26 Yuancun Erheng Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510655, China.
| | - Wen-Cai Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, 601 West Whampoa Avenue, Guangzhou, 510000, China.
| | - Guo-Dong Sun
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, 601 West Whampoa Avenue, Guangzhou, 510000, China.
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23
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Heinzel JC, Oberhauser V, Keibl C, Swiadek N, Längle G, Frick H, Kolbenschlag J, Prahm C, Grillari J, Hercher D. Evaluation of Functional Recovery in Rats After Median Nerve Resection and Autograft Repair Using Computerized Gait Analysis. Front Neurosci 2021; 14:593545. [PMID: 33551723 PMCID: PMC7859340 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.593545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Computerized gait analysis is a common evaluation method in rat models of hind limb nerve injuries, but its use remains unpublished in models of segmental nerve injury of the forelimb. It was the aim of this work to investigate if computerized gait analysis is a feasible evaluation method in a rat model of segmental median nerve injury and autograft repair. Ten male Lewis rats underwent 7-mm resection of the right median nerve with immediate autograft repair. The left median nerve was resected without repair and served as an internal control. Animals were assessed for 12 weeks after surgery via CatWalk (CW) gait analysis every 2 weeks. Evaluation of motor recovery by means of the grasping test was performed weekly while electrophysiological measurements were performed at the end of the observation period. CW data were correlated with grasping strength at each post-operative time point. CW data were also correlated with electrophysiology using linear regression analysis. Principal component analysis was performed to identify clusters of outcome metrics. Recovery of motor function was observable 4 weeks after surgery, but grasping strength was significantly reduced (p < 0.01) compared to baseline values until post-operative week 6. In terms of sensory recovery, the pain-related parameter Duty Cycle showed significant (p < 0.05) recovery starting from post-operative week 8. The Print Area of the right paw was significantly (p < 0.05) increased compared to the left side starting from post-operative week 10. Various parameters of gait correlated significantly (p < 0.05) with mean and maximum grasping strength. However, only Stand Index showed a significant correlation with compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude (p < 0.05). With this work, we prove that computerized gait analysis is a valid and feasible method to evaluate functional recovery after autograft repair of the rat median nerve. We were able to identify parameters such as Print Area, Duty Cycle, and Stand Index, which allow assessment of nerve regeneration. The course of these parameters following nerve resection without repair was also assessed. Additionally, external paw rotation was identified as a valid parameter to evaluate motor reinnervation. In summary, computerized gait analysis is a valuable additional tool to study nerve regeneration in rats with median nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes C Heinzel
- Department of Hand, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Trauma Center Tuebingen, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Viola Oberhauser
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia Keibl
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nicole Swiadek
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gregor Längle
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Helen Frick
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jonas Kolbenschlag
- Department of Hand, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Trauma Center Tuebingen, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Cosima Prahm
- Department of Hand, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Trauma Center Tuebingen, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Johannes Grillari
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, BOKU-University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - David Hercher
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
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24
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Transneuronal delivery of hyper-interleukin-6 enables functional recovery after severe spinal cord injury in mice. Nat Commun 2021; 12:391. [PMID: 33452250 PMCID: PMC7810685 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20112-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) often causes severe and permanent disabilities due to the regenerative failure of severed axons. Here we report significant locomotor recovery of both hindlimbs after a complete spinal cord crush. This is achieved by the unilateral transduction of cortical motoneurons with an AAV expressing hyper-IL-6 (hIL-6), a potent designer cytokine stimulating JAK/STAT3 signaling and axon regeneration. We find collaterals of these AAV-transduced motoneurons projecting to serotonergic neurons in both sides of the raphe nuclei. Hence, the transduction of cortical neurons facilitates the axonal transport and release of hIL-6 at innervated neurons in the brain stem. Therefore, this transneuronal delivery of hIL-6 promotes the regeneration of corticospinal and raphespinal fibers after injury, with the latter being essential for hIL-6-induced functional recovery. Thus, transneuronal delivery enables regenerative stimulation of neurons in the deep brain stem that are otherwise challenging to access, yet highly relevant for functional recovery after SCI.
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25
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Wang J, Wang L, Gao Y, Zhang Z, Huang X, Han T, Liu B, Zhang Y, Li Y, Zhang L. Synergistic Therapy of Celecoxib-Loaded Magnetism-Responsive Hydrogel for Tendon Tissue Injuries. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:592068. [PMID: 33330423 PMCID: PMC7729092 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.592068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tendon tissue injury is very common and always associated with pain, tissue swelling and even malformation if not treated on time. Traditional therapeutic strategies, such as cryotherapy, electrical therapy, ultrasound therapy and anti-inflammatory drug, are still unsatisfying. In this work, a synergistic therapy, based on the combination of celecoxib drug and pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) regimens, was developed for the treatment of tendon injury. This celecoxib-loaded magnetism-responsive hydrogel dressing (gelatin/Fe3O4/celecoxib) showed good biocompatibility and coordinated drug release behavior under the PEMF, which could effectively reduce the inflammatory reaction of macrophage cells with the incremental proportion of M2 macrophages at the injury site. CatWalk gait analysis further verified this synergistic effect of combination therapy for achieving the outstanding recovery of the injured tendon tissue. Thus, this magnetism-responsive hydrogel may represent a promising alternative strategy in clinics for promoting tendon healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxin Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Likang Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Third Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yueming Gao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhao Zhang
- Graduate School, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaofeng Huang
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tong Han
- Department of Rehabilitation, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Biyuan Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yujie Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yilan Li
- Department of Rehabilitation, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lining Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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26
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The effect of chondroitinase ABC and photobiomodulation therapy on neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury in adult male rats. Physiol Behav 2020; 227:113141. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.113141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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27
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Heinzel J, Längle G, Oberhauser V, Hausner T, Kolbenschlag J, Prahm C, Grillari J, Hercher D. Use of the CatWalk gait analysis system to assess functional recovery in rodent models of peripheral nerve injury – a systematic review. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 345:108889. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2020.108889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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28
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Benavente F, Piltti KM, Hooshmand MJ, Nava AA, Lakatos A, Feld BG, Creasman D, Gershon PD, Anderson A. Novel C1q receptor-mediated signaling controls neural stem cell behavior and neurorepair. eLife 2020; 9:e55732. [PMID: 32894219 PMCID: PMC7476762 DOI: 10.7554/elife.55732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
C1q plays a key role as a recognition molecule in the immune system, driving autocatalytic complement cascade activation and acting as an opsonin. We have previously reported a non-immune role of complement C1q modulating the migration and fate of human neural stem cells (hNSC); however, the mechanism underlying these effects has not yet been identified. Here, we show for the first time that C1q acts as a functional hNSC ligand, inducing intracellular signaling to control cell behavior. Using an unbiased screening strategy, we identified five transmembrane C1q signaling/receptor candidates in hNSC (CD44, GPR62, BAI1, c-MET, and ADCY5). We further investigated the interaction between C1q and CD44 , demonstrating that CD44 mediates C1q induced hNSC signaling and chemotaxis in vitro, and hNSC migration and functional repair in vivo after spinal cord injury. These results reveal a receptor-mediated mechanism for C1q modulation of NSC behavior and show that modification of C1q receptor expression can expand the therapeutic window for hNSC transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisca Benavente
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research CenterIrvineUnited States
- Department of Anatomy and NeurobiologyIrvineUnited States
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del DesarrolloSantiagoChile
| | - Katja M Piltti
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research CenterIrvineUnited States
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological DisordersIrvineUnited States
| | - Mitra J Hooshmand
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research CenterIrvineUnited States
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological DisordersIrvineUnited States
| | - Aileen A Nava
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research CenterIrvineUnited States
| | - Anita Lakatos
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research CenterIrvineUnited States
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological DisordersIrvineUnited States
| | - Brianna G Feld
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research CenterIrvineUnited States
- Bridges to Stem Cell Research Program (BSCR), California State UniversityLong BeachUnited States
| | - Dana Creasman
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research CenterIrvineUnited States
- Department of Anatomy and NeurobiologyIrvineUnited States
| | - Paul D Gershon
- Department of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationIrvineUnited States
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, UC-IrvineIrvineUnited States
| | - Aileen Anderson
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research CenterIrvineUnited States
- Department of Anatomy and NeurobiologyIrvineUnited States
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological DisordersIrvineUnited States
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An Analysis of Variability in "CatWalk" Locomotor Measurements to Aid Experimental Design and Interpretation. eNeuro 2020; 7:ENEURO.0092-20.2020. [PMID: 32647037 PMCID: PMC7458803 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0092-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Preclinical studies in models of neurologic injury and disease rely on behavioral outcomes to measure intervention efficacy. For spinal cord injury, the CatWalk system provides unbiased quantitative assessment of subtle aspects of locomotor function in rodents and so can powerfully detect significant differences between experimental and control groups. Although clearly of key importance, summary group-level data can obscure the variability within and between individual subjects and therefore make it difficult to understand the magnitude of effect in individual animals and the proportion of a group that may show benefit. Here, we calculate reference change intervals (RCIs) that define boundaries of normal variability for measures of rat locomotion on the CatWalk. Our results indicate that many commonly-used outcome measures are highly variable, such that differences of up to 70% from baseline value must be considered normal variation. Many CatWalk outcome variables are also highly correlated and dependent on run speed. Application of calculated RCIs to open access data (https://scicrunch.org/odc-sci) on hindlimb stride length in spinal cord-injured rats illustrates the complementarity between group-level (16 mm change; p = 0.0009) and individual-level (5/32 animals show change outside RCI boundaries) analysis between week 3 and week 6 after injury. We also conclude that interdependence among CatWalk variables implies that test “batteries” require careful composition to ensure that different aspects of defective gait are analyzed. Calculation of RCIs aids in experimental design by quantifying variability and enriches overall data analysis by providing details of change at an individual level that complement group-level analysis.
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Zonisamide ameliorates progression of cervical spondylotic myelopathy in a rat model. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13138. [PMID: 32753675 PMCID: PMC7403578 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70068-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is caused by chronic compression of the spinal cord and is the most common cause of myelopathy in adults. No drug is currently available to mitigate CSM. Herein, we made a rat model of CSM by epidurally implanting an expanding water-absorbent polymer underneath the laminae compress the spinal cord. The CSM rats exhibited progressive motor impairments recapitulating human CSM. CSM rats had loss of spinal motor neurons, and increased lipid peroxidation in the spinal cord. Zonisamide (ZNS) is clinically used for epilepsy and Parkinson's disease. We previously reported that ZNS protected primary spinal motor neurons against oxidative stress. We thus examined the effects of ZNS on our rat CSM model. CSM rats with daily intragastric administration of 0.5% methylcellulose (n = 11) and ZNS (30 mg/kg/day) in 0.5% methylcellulose (n = 11). Oral administration of ZNS ameliorated the progression of motor impairments, spared the number of spinal motor neurons, and preserved myelination of the pyramidal tracts. In addition, ZNS increased gene expressions of cystine/glutamate exchange transporter (xCT) and metallothionein 2A in the spinal cord in CSM rats, and also in the primary astrocytes. ZNS increased the glutathione (GSH) level in the spinal motor neurons of CSM rats. ZNS potentially ameliorates loss of the spinal motor neurons and demyelination of the pyramidal tracts in patients with CSM.
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Cook L, Byron J, Moore S. Urological Sequelae to Acute Spinal Cord Injury in Pet Dogs: A Natural Disease Model of Neuropathic Bladder Dysfunction. Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil 2020; 25:205-213. [PMID: 31548787 DOI: 10.1310/sci2503-205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The authors review urologic dysfunction, including urine retention, incontinence, and recurrent and resistant urinary tract infection, in dogs as a sequela to acute spinal cord injury. Urologic sequelae to acute spinal cord injury (SCI) pose significant complications in human and canine patients impacting quality of life and long-term cost of treatment. Dogs with intervertebral disc extrusion may serve as a natural disease model of acute SCI for investigating translational interventions, both prophylactic and therapeutic, for urologic dysfunction in human SCI patients.
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Abstract
The techniques and protocols to modify the mouse genome described in this volume allow researchers to produce genetic models of a remarkable number and breadth of human disease. The generation of gene-modified mice offers profoundly powerful approaches for bringing known or purported human gene disruptions into mouse models, but the degree to which the resultant mutant mouse recapitulates the complex physiological and behavioral features of the human disease state is a key variable in the ultimate usefulness of the mouse model organism. Accordingly, the behavioral characterization of mice with novel targeted gene mutations is an important initial step in determining the potential impact of a novel mouse model. This chapter addresses strategies useful in the initial observations of the animal that assist in directing the choice of secondary tests to assess more detailed aspects of potentially disrupted behaviors that may be relevant to the disease being modeled. An initial standardized, comprehensive screen that assesses general health, reflexes, and sensorimotor functions is the first step in characterizing behavioral phenotype, and results often suggest areas where more complex complementary behavioral assays may reveal more detailed disruption of normal behavior. This sequential, standardized approach reduces variability between subjects; this chapter also addresses approaches to reducing experimental artifacts due to handling, test order, testing facility environment, and other sources. This brief overview of behavioral phenotyping approaches is intended to provide practical information to streamline initial characterization of new mouse models and maximize the usefulness of efforts to use these models to study human health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth E McCarson
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, Kansas Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.
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33
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Inhibition of MALT1 paracaspase activity improves lesion recovery following spinal cord injury. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2019; 64:1179-1194. [PMID: 36659689 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2019.04.026] [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: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating traumatic injury that causes persistent, severe motor and sensory dysfunction. Immune responses are involved in functional recovery after SCI. Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation 1 (MALT1) has been shown to regulate the survival and differentiation of immune cells and to play a critical role in many diseases, but its function in lesion recovery after SCI remains unclear. In this paper, we generated KI (knock in) mice with a point mutation (C472G) in the active center of MALT1 and found that the KI mice exhibited improved functional recovery after SCI. Fewer macrophages were recruited to the injury site in KI mice and these macrophages differentiated into anti-inflammatory macrophages. Moreover, macrophages from KI mice exhibited reduced phosphorylation of p65, which in turn resulted in decreased SOCS3 expression and increased pSTAT6 levels. Similar results were obtained upon inhibition of MALT1 paracaspase with the small molecule inhibitor "MI-2" or the more specific inhibitor "MLT-827". In patients with SCI, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) displayed increased MALT1 paracaspase. Human macrophages showed reduced pro-inflammatory and increased anti-inflammatory characteristics following the inhibition of MALT1 paracaspase. These findings suggest that inhibition of MALT1 paracaspase activity in the clinic may improve lesion recovery in subjects with SCI.
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Lewis MJ, Williams KD, Langley T, Jarvis LM, Sawicki GS, Olby NJ. Development of a Novel Gait Analysis Tool Measuring Center of Pressure for Evaluation of Canine Chronic Thoracolumbar Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma 2019; 36:3018-3025. [PMID: 31044646 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2019.6479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Gait evaluation after spinal cord injury (SCI) is an important component of determining functional status. Analysis of center of pressure (COP) provides a dynamic reflection of global locomotion and postural control and has been used to quantify various gait abnormalities. We hypothesized that COP variability would be greater for SCI versus normal dogs and that COP would be able to differentiate varying injury severity. Our objective was to investigate COP, COP variability, and body weight support percentage in dogs with chronic SCI. Eleven chronically non-ambulatory dogs after acute severe thoracolumbar SCI were enrolled. COP measurements in x (right-to-left, COPx) and y (craniocaudal, COPy) directions were captured while dogs walked on a pressure-sensitive treadmill with pelvic limb sling support. Root mean square values (RMS_COPx and RMS_COPy) were calculated to assess variability in COP. Body weight support percentage was measured using a load cell. Gait also was quantified using an open field scale (OFS) and treadmill-based stepping and coordination scores (SS, RI). Mean COPx, COPy, RMS_COPx, and RMS_COPy were compared between dogs with SCI and previously evaluated healthy controls. RMS measurements and support percentage were compared with standard gait scales (OFS, SS, RI). Mean COPy was more cranial and RMS_COPx and RMS_COPy were greater in SCI versus normal dogs (p < 0.001). Support percentage moderately correlated with SS (p = 0.019; R2 = 0.47). COP analysis and body weight support measurements offer information about post-injury locomotion. Further development is needed before consideration as an outcome measure to complement validated gait analysis methods in dogs with SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa J Lewis
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | | | - Taylor Langley
- Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | | | - Gregory S Sawicki
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Natasha J Olby
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina.,Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
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35
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Treadmill exercise intervention improves gait and postural control in alpha-synuclein mouse models without inducing cerebral autophagy. Behav Brain Res 2019; 363:199-215. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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36
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Liu Z, Zhang H, Xia H, Wang B, Zhang R, Zeng Q, Guo L, Shen K, Wang B, Zhong Y, Li Z, Sun G. CD8 T cell-derived perforin aggravates secondary spinal cord injury through destroying the blood-spinal cord barrier. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 512:367-372. [PMID: 30894275 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Perforin plays an important role in autoimmune and infectious diseases, but its function in immune inflammatory responses after spinal cord injury (SCI) has received insufficient attention. The goal of this study is to determine the influence of perforin after spinal cord injury (SCI) on secondary inflammation. Compared recovery from SCI in perforin knockout (Prf1-/-) and wild-type(WT)mice, WT mice had significantly lower the Basso mouse score (BMS), CatWalk XT, and motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) than Prf1-/- mice. Spinal cord lesions were also more obvious through glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), Nissl, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. Furthermore, the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) disruption was more severe and inflammatory cytokine levels were higher. Flow cytometry indicated that perforin mainly originated from CD8 T cells. With flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) yielded similar results. Together, this study firstly demonstrated that CD8 T cell-derived perforin is detrimental to SCI recovery in the mouse model. Mechanistically, this effect occurs because perforin increases BSCB permeability, causing inflammatory cells and related cytokines to infiltrate and disrupt the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoxiang Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, 613 West Huangpu RD, Guangzhou, 510632, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangtan Central Hospital, 120 Heping RD, XiangTan Hunan, 411100, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Biomedical Translation Research Institute, Jinan University, 613 West Huangpu RD, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Hong Xia
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangtan Central Hospital, 120 Heping RD, XiangTan Hunan, 411100, China
| | - Baocheng Wang
- Shenzhen Graduate School of Tsinghua University, 2279 Lishui RD, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Renwen Zhang
- Chinese Traditional Medicine School, Jinan University, 613 West Huangpu RD, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Qun Zeng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangtan Central Hospital, 120 Heping RD, XiangTan Hunan, 411100, China
| | - Lingzhi Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangtan Central Hospital, 120 Heping RD, XiangTan Hunan, 411100, China
| | - Kui Shen
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, 613 West Huangpu RD, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - BaTa Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, 613 West Huangpu RD, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yanheng Zhong
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, 613 West Huangpu RD, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Zhizhong Li
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, 613 West Huangpu RD, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Guodong Sun
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, 613 West Huangpu RD, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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37
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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.
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38
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Diogo CC, da Costa LM, Pereira JE, Filipe V, Couto PA, Geuna S, Armada-da-Silva PA, Maurício AC, Varejão ASP. Kinematic and kinetic gait analysis to evaluate functional recovery in thoracic spinal cord injured rats. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 98:18-28. [PMID: 30611796 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The recovery of walking function following spinal cord injury (SCI) is of major importance to patients and clinicians. In experimental SCI studies, a rat model is widely used to assess walking function, following thoracic spinal cord lesion. In an effort to provide a resource which investigators can refer to when seeking the most appropriate functional assay, the authors have compiled and categorized the behavioral assessments used to measure the deficits and recovery of the gait in thoracic SCI rats. These categories include kinematic and kinetic measurements. Within this categorization, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each type of measurement. The present review includes the type of outcome data that they produce, the technical difficulty and the time required to potentially train the animals to perform them, and the need for expensive or highly specialized equipment. The use of multiple kinematic and kinetic parameters is recommended to identify subtle deficits and processes involved in the compensatory mechanisms of walking function after experimental thoracic SCI in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Cardoso Diogo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, UTAD, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Luís Maltez da Costa
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, UTAD, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; CECAV, Centre for Animal Sciences and Veterinary Studies, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - José Eduardo Pereira
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, UTAD, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; CECAV, Centre for Animal Sciences and Veterinary Studies, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Vítor Filipe
- Department of Engineering, School of Science and Technology, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, UTAD, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; INESC TEC, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200 - 465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro Alexandre Couto
- Department of Engineering, School of Science and Technology, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, UTAD, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; CITAB, Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Stefano Geuna
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Paulo A Armada-da-Silva
- Faculdade de Motricidade Humana (FMH), Universidade de Lisboa (ULisboa), Estrada da Costa, 1499-002, Dafundo, Cruz Quebrada, Portugal; CIPER-FMH: Centro Interdisciplinar de Estudo de Performance Humana, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana (FMH), Universidade de Lisboa (ULisboa), Estrada da Costa, 1499-002, Cruz Quebrada - Dafundo, Portugal
| | - Ana Colette Maurício
- Department of Veterinary Clinics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto (UP), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, nº 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Animal Science and Study Centre (CECA), Institute of Sciences, Technologies and Agroenvironment of the University of Porto (ICETA), Rua D. Manuel II, Apartado 55142, 4051-401, Porto, Portugal
| | - Artur S P Varejão
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, UTAD, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; CECAV, Centre for Animal Sciences and Veterinary Studies, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal.
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39
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Lewis MJ, Laber E, Olby NJ. Predictors of Response to 4-Aminopyridine in Chronic Canine Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma 2018; 36:1428-1434. [PMID: 30235970 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2018.5975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
4-Aminopyridine (4AP), a potassium channel antagonist, can improve hindlimb motor function in dogs with chronic thoracolumbar spinal cord injury (SCI); however, individual response is variable. We hypothesized that injury characteristics would differ between dogs that do and do not respond to 4AP. Our objective was to compare clinical, electrodiagnostic, gait, and imaging variables between dogs that do and do not respond to 4AP, to identify predictors of response. Thirty-four dogs with permanent deficits after acute thoracolumbar SCI were enrolled. Spasticity, motor and sensory evoked potentials (MEPs, SEPs), H-reflex, F-waves, gait scores, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) were evaluated at baseline and after 4AP administration. Baseline variables were assessed as predictors of response; response was defined as ≥1 point change in open field gait score. Variables were compared pre- and post-4AP to evaluate 4AP effects. Fifteen of 33 (45%) dogs were responders, 18/33 (55%) were non-responders and 1 was eliminated because of an adverse event. Pre-H-reflex threshold <1.2 mA predicted non-response; pre-H-reflex threshold >1.2 mA and Canine Spasticity Scale overall score <7 were predictive of response. All responders had translesional connections on DTI. MEPs were more common post-4AP than pre-4AP (10 vs. 6 dogs) and 4AP decreased H-reflex threshold and increased spasticity in responders. 4-AP impacts central conduction and motor neuron pool excitability in dogs with chronic SCI. Severity of spasticity and H-reflex threshold might allow prediction of response. Further exploration of electrodiagnostic and imaging characteristics might elucidate additional factors contributing to response or non-response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa J Lewis
- 1 Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Eric Laber
- 2 Department of Statistics, College of Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Natasha J Olby
- 3 Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina.,4 Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
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40
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Liu Y, Lu G, Su XW, Ding T, Wang WL, Li YM, Poon WS, Ao LJ. Characterization of Axon Damage, Neurological Deficits, and Histopathology in Two Experimental Models of Intracerebral Hemorrhage. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:928. [PMID: 30618557 PMCID: PMC6297275 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is one of the most lethal forms of stroke. From the limited previous studies and our preliminary data, white matter is considered a key predictor of the outcome and potential target of recovery. The traditional ICH model induced by injection of autologous blood or bacterial collagenase into striatum (ST) demonstrated a spontaneous functional recovery within one or 2 months. We hypothesis that an internal capsule (IC) lesion might lead to long-term axonal damage and long lasting functional deficits. Thus in this study, a modified internal capsule ICH model was conducted in rats, and the axonal damage, neurological deficits, histopathology as well as electrophysiology were characterized. The finding demonstrated that compared to ST group, the modified IC lesioned model exhibited a relatively smaller lesion volume with consistent axonal loss/degeneration and long-lasting neurological dysfunction at 2 months after ICH. Functionally, the impairment of the mNSS, ratio of contralateral forelimb usage, four limb stand index, contralateral duty cycle and ipsilateral SSEPs amplitude remained significant at 56 days. Structurally, the significant loss of PKCγ in ipsilateral cortical spinal tracts of IC group and the consistent axonal degeneration with several axonal retraction bulbs and enlarged tubular space was observed at 56 days after ICH. This study suggested that a modified IC lesioned model was proved to have long lasting neurological deficits. A comprehensive understanding of the dynamic progression after experimental ICH should aid further successful clinic translation in animal ICH studies, and provide new insights into the role of whiter matter injury in the mechanism and therapeutic targets of ICH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Liu
- School of Rehabilitation, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China.,Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Gang Lu
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.,School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Xian Wei Su
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.,School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Tao Ding
- Rehabilitation Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Wen Li Wang
- Rehabilitation Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yong Mei Li
- Rehabilitation Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Wai Sang Poon
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Li Juan Ao
- School of Rehabilitation, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
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41
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Santamaria AJ, Benavides FD, Padgett KR, Guada LG, Nunez-Gomez Y, Solano JP, Guest JD. Dichotomous Locomotor Recoveries Are Predicted by Acute Changes in Segmental Blood Flow after Thoracic Spinal Contusion Injuries in Pigs. J Neurotrauma 2018; 36:1399-1415. [PMID: 30284945 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2018.6087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroimaging facilitates the translation of animal pre-clinical research to human application. The large porcine spinal cord is useful for testing invasive interventions. Ideally, the safety and efficacy of a delayed intervention is tested in pigs that have recovered sufficiently after spinal cord injury (SCI) to allow either deterioration or improvement of function to be detected. We set out to create moderate severity T9 injuries in Yucatan minipigs by conducting a bridging study adapting methods previously developed in infant piglets. The injury severity was varied according to two pneumatic impactor parameters: the piston compression depth into tissue or the velocity. To stratify locomotor recovery, a 10-point scale used in prior piglet studies was redefined through longitudinal observations of spontaneous recovery. Using hindlimb body weight support to discriminate injury severity, we found that end-point recovery was strongly bimodal to either non-weight-bearing plegia with reciprocating leg movements (<5/10) or recovery of weight bearing that improved toward a ceiling effect (≥ 8/10). No intermediate recovery animals were observed at 2 months post-injury. The ability of intra-operative ultrasound and acute magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to provide immediate predictive feedback regarding tissue and vascular changes following SCI was assessed. There was an inverse association between locomotor outcome and early gray matter hemorrhage on MRI and ultrasound. Epicenter blood flow following contusion predicted recovery or non-recovery of weight-bearing. The depth of the dorsal cerebrospinal fluid space, which varied between animals, influenced injury severity and confounded the results in this fixed-stroke paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea J Santamaria
- 1 The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Francisco D Benavides
- 1 The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Kyle R Padgett
- 2 Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Luis G Guada
- 1 The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Yohjan Nunez-Gomez
- 3 Department of Pediatrics Critical Care, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Juan P Solano
- 3 Department of Pediatrics Critical Care, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - James D Guest
- 1 The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.,4 Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
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42
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Wang Q, Zhang H, Xu H, Zhao Y, Li Z, Li J, Wang H, Zhuge D, Guo X, Xu H, Jones S, Li X, Jia X, Xiao J. Novel multi-drug delivery hydrogel using scar-homing liposomes improves spinal cord injury repair. Am J Cancer Res 2018; 8:4429-4446. [PMID: 30214630 PMCID: PMC6134929 DOI: 10.7150/thno.26717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Proper selection and effective delivery of combination drugs targeting multiple pathophysiological pathways key to spinal cord injury (SCI) hold promise to address the thus far scarce clinical therapeutics for improving recovery after SCI. In this study, we aim to develop a clinically feasible way for targeted delivery of multiple drugs with different physiochemical properties to the SCI site, detail the underlying mechanism of neural recovery, and detect any synergistic effect related to combination therapy. Methods: Liposomes (LIP) modified with a scar-targeted tetrapeptide (cysteine-alanine-glutamine-lysine, CAQK) were first constructed to simultaneously encapsulate docetaxel (DTX) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and then were further added into a thermosensitive heparin-modified poloxamer hydrogel (HP) with affinity-bound acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF-HP) for local administration into the SCI site (CAQK-LIP-GFs/DTX@HP) in a rat model. In vivo fluorescence imaging was used to examine the specificity of CAQK-LIP-GFs/DTX binding to the injured site. Multiple comprehensive evaluations including biotin dextran amine anterograde tracing and magnetic resonance imaging were used to detect any synergistic effects and the underlying mechanisms of CAQK-LIP-GFs/DTX@HP both in vivo (rat SCI model) and in vitro (primary neuron). Results: The multiple drugs were effectively delivered to the injured site. The combined application of GFs and DTX supported neuro-regeneration by improving neuronal survival and plasticity, rendering a more permissive extracellular matrix environment with improved regeneration potential. In addition, our combination therapy promoted axonal regeneration via moderation of microtubule function and mitochondrial transport along the regenerating axon. Conclusion: This novel multifunctional therapeutic strategy with a scar-homing delivery system may offer promising translational prospects for the clinical treatment of SCI.
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Zidan N, Fenn J, Griffith E, Early PJ, Mariani CL, Muñana KR, Guevar J, Olby NJ. The Effect of Electromagnetic Fields on Post-Operative Pain and Locomotor Recovery in Dogs with Acute, Severe Thoracolumbar Intervertebral Disc Extrusion: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled, Prospective Clinical Trial. J Neurotrauma 2018; 35:1726-1736. [DOI: 10.1089/neu.2017.5485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Zidan
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Joe Fenn
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Emily Griffith
- Department of Statistics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Peter J. Early
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Chris L. Mariani
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Karen R. Muñana
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Julien Guevar
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Natasha J. Olby
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
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44
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Crowley ST, Kataoka K, Itaka K. Combined CatWalk Index: an improved method to measure mouse motor function using the automated gait analysis system. BMC Res Notes 2018; 11:263. [PMID: 29703265 PMCID: PMC5924449 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-018-3374-x] [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: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Measuring motor function in mice is important for studying models of spinal cord injury (SCI) or other diseases. Several methods exist based on visual observation of mice moving in an open field. Though these methods require very little equipment, observers must be trained, and the possibility of human error or subjectivity cannot be eliminated. The Noldus CatWalk XT Automated Gait Analysis system assesses mouse motor function by taking high-resolution videos of the mice, with specialized software to measure several aspects of the animal’s gait. This instrument reduces the possibility of human error, but it is not always clear what data is important for assessing motor function. This study used data collected during mouse SCI experiments to create a simple mathematical model that combines the data collected by the CatWalk system into a single score, the Combined CatWalk Index or CCI. Results The CCI system produces similar results to the Basso Mouse Scale or the CatWalk’s Step Sequence Regularity Index. However, the CCI has a significantly smaller coefficient of variation than either other method. Additionally, CCI scoring shows slightly better correlation with impact force. The CCI system is likely to be a useful tool for SCI research. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13104-018-3374-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel T Crowley
- Department of Biofunction Research, Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 2-10-3 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan.,Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-Ku, Kawasaki, 210-0821, Japan
| | - Kazunori Kataoka
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-Ku, Kawasaki, 210-0821, Japan
| | - Keiji Itaka
- Department of Biofunction Research, Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 2-10-3 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan. .,Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-Ku, Kawasaki, 210-0821, Japan.
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45
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Boix J, von Hieber D, Connor B. Gait Analysis for Early Detection of Motor Symptoms in the 6-OHDA Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease. Front Behav Neurosci 2018; 12:39. [PMID: 29559901 PMCID: PMC5845681 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Computer-supported gait analysis has proven to be effective for the comprehensive assessment of gait changes in rodent models of neurodegenerative and neurological disorders. However, full characterization of individual gait parameters is required for specific neurological or neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD). Gait disturbances in particular present as the most constraining set of symptoms in PD, finally depriving patients from most activities of normal daily living. In this study, we have characterized the gait pattern abnormalities observed in two rat models of PD: the medial forebrain bundle (MFB) 6-OHDA lesion model and the striatal 6-OHDA lesion model. Our data indicates significant changes in 21 different gait parameters in the MFB lesion cohort. We observed a steady decline in the overall walking speed and cadence, as well as significant alterations in the gait parameters stride length, initial dual stance, paw print position, step cycle, swing phase of the step cycle, stand index, phase dispersion, print length, and print area in at least one of the paws. These alterations correlated with the extent of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) neuronal loss observed in this group. These alterations were detected as early as 1 week post lesion. In contrast, limited gait dysfunction was detected in the striatal lesion cohort related to the low level of TH neuronal loss detected in this group. In this study we have demonstrated that gait analysis is a reliable method for the detection of motor deficiencies in a MFB 6-OHDA lesion model of PD and may prove a clinically relevant, low impact method of testing functional impairment as early as 1 week post lesion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bronwen Connor
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Centre for Brain Research, School of Medical Science, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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46
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Zimova I, Brezovakova V, Hromadka T, Weisova P, Cubinkova V, Valachova B, Filipcik P, Jadhav S, Smolek T, Novak M, Zilka N. Human Truncated Tau Induces Mature Neurofibrillary Pathology in a Mouse Model of Human Tauopathy. J Alzheimers Dis 2018; 54:831-43. [PMID: 27567836 DOI: 10.3233/jad-160347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents the most common neurodegenerative disorder. Several animal models have been developed in order to test pathophysiological mechanisms of the disease and to predict effects of pharmacological interventions. Here we examine the molecular and behavioral features of R3m/4 transgenic mice expressing human non-mutated truncated tau protein (3R tau, aa151-391) that were previously used for efficacy testing of passive tau vaccine. The mouse model reliably recapitulated crucial histopathological features of human AD, such as pre-tangles, neurofibrillary tangles, and neuropil threads. The pathology was predominantly located in the brain stem. Transgenic mice developed mature sarkosyl insoluble tau complexes consisting of mouse endogenous and human truncated and hyperphosphorylated forms of tau protein. The histopathological and biochemical features were accompanied by significant sensorimotor impairment and reduced lifespan. The sensorimotor impairment was monitored by a highly sensitive, fully-automated tool that allowed us to assess early deficit in gait and locomotion. We suggest that the novel transgenic mouse model can serve as a valuable tool for analysis of the therapeutic efficacy of tau vaccines for AD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Zimova
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, AD Centre, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.,Axon Neuroscience R&D Services SE, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Veronika Brezovakova
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, AD Centre, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Tomas Hromadka
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, AD Centre, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.,Axon Neuroscience R&D Services SE, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | | | - Veronika Cubinkova
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, AD Centre, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.,Axon Neuroscience R&D Services SE, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Bernadeta Valachova
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, AD Centre, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.,Axon Neuroscience R&D Services SE, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Peter Filipcik
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, AD Centre, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.,Axon Neuroscience R&D Services SE, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Santosh Jadhav
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, AD Centre, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Tomas Smolek
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, AD Centre, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.,Axon Neuroscience R&D Services SE, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Michal Novak
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, AD Centre, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.,Axon Neuroscience SE, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Norbert Zilka
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, AD Centre, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.,Axon Neuroscience R&D Services SE, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
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Qin C, Zhang WH, Yang DG, Yang ML, Du LJ, Li JJ. Myelotomy promotes locomotor recovery in rats subjected to spinal cord injury: A meta-analysis of six randomized controlled trials. Neural Regen Res 2018; 13:1096-1106. [PMID: 29926838 PMCID: PMC6022467 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.233454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of myelotomy on locomotor recovery in rats subjected to spinal cord injury. DATA SOURCES: Electronic databases including PubMed, Science Citation Index, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Journals Full-text Database, China Biology Medicine disc, and Wanfang Database were searched to retrieve related studies published before September 2017. The MeSH terms (the Medical Subject Headings) such as “myelotomy”, “spinal cord injuries”, “rats”, “randomized controlled trial” and all related entry terms were searched. DATA SELECTION: Randomized controlled trials using myelotomy for the treatment of acute spinal cord injury in rats were included. Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scores were adopted as the evaluation method. RevMan Software (version 5.3) was used for data processing. The χ2 and I2 tests were used to assess heterogeneity. Using a random-effects model, a subgroup analysis was conducted to analyze the source of the heterogeneity. OUTCOME MEASURES: Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scores were observed 1–6 weeks after spinal cord injury. RESULTS: Six animal trials were included, using a total of 143 lab rats. The included trials were divided into two subgroups by injury degrees (moderate or severe). The pooled results showed that, 1–6 weeks after spinal cord injury, the overall Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan score was significantly higher in the myelotomy group than in the contusion group (weighted mean difference (WMD) = 0.60; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.23–0.97; P = 0.001; WMD = 2.10; 95% CI: 1.56–2.64; P < 0.001; WMD = 2.65; 95% CI: 1.73–3.57; P < 0.001; WMD = 1.66; 95% CI: 0.80–2.52; P < 0.001; WMD = 2.09; 95% CI: 0.92–3.26, P < 0.001; WMD = 2.25; 95% CI: 1.06–3.44, P < 0.001). The overall heterogeneity was high (I2 = 85%; I2 = 95%; I2 = 94%; I2 = 88%; I2 = 91%; I2 = 89%). The results in the moderate injury subgroup showed that Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scores were significantly higher in the myelotomy group than in the contusion group (WMD = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.52–1.3, P < 0.001; WMD = 2.10; 95% CI: 1.56–2.64, P < 0.001; WMD = 2.65; 95% CI: 1.73–3.57, P < 0.001; WMD = 2.50, 95% CI: 1.72–3.28, P < 0.001; WMD = 3.29, 95% CI: 2.21–4.38, P < 0.001; WMD = 3.27; 95% CI: 2.31–4.23, P < 0.001). The relevant heterogeneity was low. However, there were no significant differences in Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scores between the myelotomy and contusion groups in the severe injury subgroup at 2 and 3 weeks after the injury (P = 0.75; P = 0.92). CONCLUSION: To date, this is the first attempt to summarize the potential effect of myelotomy on locomotor recovery in rats with spinal cord injury. Our findings conclude that myelotomy promotes locomotor recovery in rats with spinal cord injury, especially in those with moderate injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Qin
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Wen-Hao Zhang
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - De-Gang Yang
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Ming-Liang Yang
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation; China Rehabilitation Science Institute; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Liang-Jie Du
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Jun Li
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation; China Rehabilitation Science Institute; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
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Sun G, Yang S, Cao G, Wang Q, Hao J, Wen Q, Li Z, So KF, Liu Z, Zhou S, Zhao Y, Yang H, Zhou L, Yin Z. γδ T cells provide the early source of IFN-γ to aggravate lesions in spinal cord injury. J Exp Med 2017; 215:521-535. [PMID: 29282251 PMCID: PMC5789408 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20170686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Revised: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune responses and neuroinflammation are critically involved in spinal cord injury (SCI). γδ T cells, a small subset of T cells, regulate the inflammation process in many diseases, yet their function in SCI is still poorly understood. In this paper, we demonstrate that mice deficient in γδ T cells (TCRδ-/- ) showed improved functional recovery after SCI. γδ T cells are detected at the lesion sites within 24 hours after injury and are predominantly of the Vγ4 subtype and express the inflammatory cytokine IFN-γ. Inactivating IFN-γ signaling in macrophages results in a significantly reduced production of proinflammatory cytokines in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of mice with SCIs and improves functional recovery. Furthermore, treatment of SCI with anti-Vγ4 antibodies has a beneficial effect, similar to that obtained with anti-TNF-α. In SCI patients, γδ T cells are detected in the CSF, and most of them are IFN-γ positive. In conclusion, manipulation of γδ T cell functions may be a potential approach for future SCI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guodong Sun
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Biomedical Translational Research Institute and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Antibody Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuxian Yang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Biomedical Translational Research Institute and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Antibody Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guangchao Cao
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Biomedical Translational Research Institute and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Antibody Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qianghua Wang
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianlei Hao
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Biomedical Translational Research Institute and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Antibody Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiong Wen
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Biomedical Translational Research Institute and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Antibody Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhizhong Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kwok-Fai So
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zonghua Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Biomedical Translational Research Institute and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Antibody Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Sufang Zhou
- National Center for International Research of Biological Targeting Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis and Therapy Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yongxiang Zhao
- National Center for International Research of Biological Targeting Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis and Therapy Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Hengwen Yang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Biomedical Translational Research Institute and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Antibody Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Libing Zhou
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China .,Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Jiangsu, China.,Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Neuroscience, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhinan Yin
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Biomedical Translational Research Institute and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Antibody Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China .,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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49
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Functional Test Scales for Evaluating Cell-Based Therapies in Animal Models of Spinal Cord Injury. Stem Cells Int 2017; 2017:5160261. [PMID: 29109741 PMCID: PMC5646345 DOI: 10.1155/2017/5160261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Revised: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, spinal cord researchers have focused on multifaceted approaches for the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI). However, as there is no cure for the deficits produced by SCI, various therapeutic strategies have been examined using animal models. Due to the lack of standardized functional assessment tools for use in such models, it is important to choose a suitable animal model and precise behavioral test when evaluating the efficacy of potential SCI treatments. In the present review, we discuss recent evidence regarding functional recovery in various animal models of SCI, summarize the representative models currently used, evaluate recent cell-based therapeutic approaches, and aim to identify the most precise and appropriate scales for functional assessment in such research.
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50
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Lewis MJ, Olby NJ. Development of a clinical spasticity scale for evaluation of dogs with chronic thoracolumbar spinal cord injury. Am J Vet Res 2017. [PMID: 28650240 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.78.7.854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop a spasticity scale for dogs with chronic deficits following severe spinal cord injury (SCI) for use in clinical assessment and outcome measurement in clinical trials. ANIMALS 20 chronically paralyzed dogs with a persistent lack of hind limb pain perception caused by an acute SCI at least 3 months previously. PROCEDURES Spasticity was assessed in both hind limbs via tests of muscle tone, clonus, and flexor and extensor spasms adapted from human scales. Measurement of patellar clonus duration and flexor spasm duration and degree was feasible. These components were used to create a canine spasticity scale (CSS; overall score range, 0 to 18). Temporal variation for individual dogs and interrater reliability were evaluated. Gait was quantified with published gait scales, and CSS scores were compared with gait scores and clinical variables. Owners were questioned regarding spasticity observed at home. RESULTS 20 dogs were enrolled: 18 with no apparent hind limb pain perception and 2 with blunted responses; 5 were ambulatory. Testing was well tolerated, and scores were repeatable between raters. Median overall CSS score was 7 (range, 3 to 11), and flexor spasms were the most prominent finding. Overall CSS score was not associated with age, SCI duration, lesion location, or owner-reported spasticity. Overall CSS score and flexor spasm duration were associated with gait scores. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The CSS could be used to quantify hind limb spasticity in dogs with chronic thoracolumbar SCI and might be a useful outcome measure. Flexor spasms may represent an integral part of stepping in dogs with severe SCI.
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