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Qu W, Wu X, Wu W, Wang Y, Sun Y, Deng L, Walker M, Chen C, Dai H, Han Q, Ding Y, Xia Y, Smith G, Li R, Liu NK, Xu XM. Chondroitinase ABC combined with Schwann cell transplantation enhances restoration of neural connection and functional recovery following acute and chronic spinal cord injury. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:1467-1482. [PMID: 39075913 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202505000-00029/figure1/v/2024-07-28T173839Z/r/image-tiff Schwann cell transplantation is considered one of the most promising cell-based therapy to repair injured spinal cord due to its unique growth-promoting and myelin-forming properties. A the Food and Drug Administration-approved Phase I clinical trial has been conducted to evaluate the safety of transplanted human autologous Schwann cells to treat patients with spinal cord injury. A major challenge for Schwann cell transplantation is that grafted Schwann cells are confined within the lesion cavity, and they do not migrate into the host environment due to the inhibitory barrier formed by injury-induced glial scar, thus limiting axonal reentry into the host spinal cord. Here we introduce a combinatorial strategy by suppressing the inhibitory extracellular environment with injection of lentivirus-mediated transfection of chondroitinase ABC gene at the rostral and caudal borders of the lesion site and simultaneously leveraging the repair capacity of transplanted Schwann cells in adult rats following a mid-thoracic contusive spinal cord injury. We report that when the glial scar was degraded by chondroitinase ABC at the rostral and caudal lesion borders, Schwann cells migrated for considerable distances in both rostral and caudal directions. Such Schwann cell migration led to enhanced axonal regrowth, including the serotonergic and dopaminergic axons originating from supraspinal regions, and promoted recovery of locomotor and urinary bladder functions. Importantly, the Schwann cell survival and axonal regrowth persisted up to 6 months after the injury, even when treatment was delayed for 3 months to mimic chronic spinal cord injury. These findings collectively show promising evidence for a combinatorial strategy with chondroitinase ABC and Schwann cells in promoting remodeling and recovery of function following spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenrui Qu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Hand Surgery, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Xiangbing Wu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Wei Wu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Ying Wang
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Yan Sun
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Lingxiao Deng
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Melissa Walker
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Chen Chen
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Heqiao Dai
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Qi Han
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Ying Ding
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Yongzhi Xia
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - George Smith
- Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Hand Surgery, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Nai-Kui Liu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Xiao-Ming Xu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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2
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Oughourlian TC, Rizvi S, Wang C, Kostiuk A, Salamon N, Holly LT, Ellingson BM. Sex-specific alterations in functional connectivity and network topology in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy. Sci Rep 2024; 14:16020. [PMID: 38992236 PMCID: PMC11239916 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67084-9] [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: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) experience structural and functional brain reorganization. However, few studies have investigated the influence of sex on cerebral alterations. The present study investigates the role of sex on brain functional connectivity (FC) and global network topology in DCM and healthy controls (HCs). The resting-state functional MRI data was acquired for 100 patients (58 males vs. 42 females). ROI-to-ROI FC and network topological features were characterized for each patient and HC. Group differences in FC and network topological features were examined. Compared to healthy counterparts, DCM males exhibited higher FC between vision-related brain regions, and cerebellum, brainstem, and thalamus, but lower FC between the intracalcarine cortex and frontal and somatosensory cortices, while DCM females demonstrated higher FC between the thalamus and cerebellar and sensorimotor regions, but lower FC between sensorimotor and visual regions. DCM males displayed higher FC within the cerebellum and between the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and vision-related regions, while DCM females displayed higher FC between frontal regions and the PCC, cerebellum, and visual regions. Additionally, DCM males displayed significantly greater intra-network connectivity and efficiency compared to healthy counterparts. Results from the present study imply sex-specific supraspinal functional alterations occur in patients with DCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talia C Oughourlian
- UCLA Brain Tumor Imaging Laboratory (BTIL), Center for Computer Vision and Imaging Biomarkers, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Radiological Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 924 Westwood Blvd, Suite 615, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA
- Neuroscience Interdepartmental Graduate Program, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shan Rizvi
- UCLA Brain Tumor Imaging Laboratory (BTIL), Center for Computer Vision and Imaging Biomarkers, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Neuroscience Undergraduate Interdepartmental Program, College of Life Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Chencai Wang
- UCLA Brain Tumor Imaging Laboratory (BTIL), Center for Computer Vision and Imaging Biomarkers, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Radiological Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 924 Westwood Blvd, Suite 615, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA
| | - Alex Kostiuk
- UCLA Brain Tumor Imaging Laboratory (BTIL), Center for Computer Vision and Imaging Biomarkers, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Radiological Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 924 Westwood Blvd, Suite 615, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA
- Neuroscience Interdepartmental Graduate Program, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Noriko Salamon
- Department of Radiological Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 924 Westwood Blvd, Suite 615, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA
| | - Langston T Holly
- Department of Neurosurgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Benjamin M Ellingson
- UCLA Brain Tumor Imaging Laboratory (BTIL), Center for Computer Vision and Imaging Biomarkers, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Radiological Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 924 Westwood Blvd, Suite 615, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA.
- Neuroscience Interdepartmental Graduate Program, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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3
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Coyoy-Salgado A, Segura-Uribe J, Salgado-Ceballos H, Castillo-Mendieta T, Sánchez-Torres S, Freyermuth-Trujillo X, Orozco-Barrios C, Orozco-Suarez S, Feria-Romero I, Pinto-Almazán R, Moralí de la Brena G, Guerra-Araiza C. Evaluating Sex Steroid Hormone Neuroprotection in Spinal Cord Injury in Animal Models: Is It Promising in the Clinic? Biomedicines 2024; 12:1478. [PMID: 39062051 PMCID: PMC11274729 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12071478] [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: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The primary mechanism of traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) comprises the initial mechanical trauma due to the transmission of energy to the spinal cord, subsequent deformity, and persistent compression. The secondary mechanism of injury, which involves structures that remained undamaged after the initial trauma, triggers alterations in microvascular perfusion, the liberation of free radicals and neurotransmitters, lipid peroxidation, alteration in ionic concentrations, and the consequent cell death by necrosis and apoptosis. Research in the treatment of SCI has sought to develop early therapeutic interventions that mitigate the effects of these pathophysiological mechanisms. Clinical and experimental evidence has demonstrated the therapeutic benefits of sex-steroid hormone administration after traumatic brain injury and SCI. The administration of estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone has been associated with neuroprotective effects, better neurological recovery, and decreased mortality after SCI. This review evaluated evidence supporting hormone-related neuroprotection over SCI and the possible underlying mechanisms in animal models. As neuroprotection has been associated with signaling pathways, the effects of these hormones are observed on astrocytes and microglia, modulating the inflammatory response, cerebral blood flow, and metabolism, mediating glutamate excitotoxicity, and their antioxidant effects. Based on the current evidence, it is essential to analyze the benefit of sex steroid hormone therapy in the clinical management of patients with SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angélica Coyoy-Salgado
- CONAHCyT-Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Neurológicas, Hospital de Especialidades Dr. Bernardo Sepúlveda, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 06720, Mexico;
| | - Julia Segura-Uribe
- Subdirección de Gestión de la Investigación, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City 06720, Mexico;
| | - Hermelinda Salgado-Ceballos
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Neurológicas, Hospital de Especialidades Dr. Bernardo Sepúlveda, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 06720, Mexico; (H.S.-C.); (T.C.-M.); (S.S.-T.); (S.O.-S.)
| | - Tzayaka Castillo-Mendieta
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Neurológicas, Hospital de Especialidades Dr. Bernardo Sepúlveda, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 06720, Mexico; (H.S.-C.); (T.C.-M.); (S.S.-T.); (S.O.-S.)
| | - Stephanie Sánchez-Torres
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Neurológicas, Hospital de Especialidades Dr. Bernardo Sepúlveda, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 06720, Mexico; (H.S.-C.); (T.C.-M.); (S.S.-T.); (S.O.-S.)
| | - Ximena Freyermuth-Trujillo
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Neurológicas, Hospital de Especialidades Dr. Bernardo Sepúlveda, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 06720, Mexico; (H.S.-C.); (T.C.-M.); (S.S.-T.); (S.O.-S.)
| | - Carlos Orozco-Barrios
- CONAHCyT-Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Neurológicas, Hospital de Especialidades Dr. Bernardo Sepúlveda, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 06720, Mexico;
| | - Sandra Orozco-Suarez
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Neurológicas, Hospital de Especialidades Dr. Bernardo Sepúlveda, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 06720, Mexico; (H.S.-C.); (T.C.-M.); (S.S.-T.); (S.O.-S.)
| | - Iris Feria-Romero
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Neurológicas, Hospital de Especialidades Dr. Bernardo Sepúlveda, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 06720, Mexico; (H.S.-C.); (T.C.-M.); (S.S.-T.); (S.O.-S.)
| | - Rodolfo Pinto-Almazán
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón, Mexico City 11340, Mexico
| | - Gabriela Moralí de la Brena
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Farmacología, Hospital de Especialidades Dr. Bernardo Sepúlveda, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | - Christian Guerra-Araiza
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Farmacología, Hospital de Especialidades Dr. Bernardo Sepúlveda, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
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Barok R, Grittner JML, Miller S, Dougherty BJ. Sex hormone supplementation improves breathing and restores respiratory neuroplasticity following C2 hemisection in rats. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1390777. [PMID: 38803364 PMCID: PMC11128654 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1390777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
In addition to loss of sensory and motor function below the level of the lesion, traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) may reduce circulating steroid hormones that are necessary for maintaining normal physiological function for extended time periods. For men, who comprise nearly 80% of new SCI cases each year, testosterone is the most abundant circulating sex steroid. SCI often results in significantly reduced testosterone production and may result in chronic low testosterone levels. Testosterone plays a role in respiratory function and the expression of respiratory neuroplasticity. When testosterone levels are low, young adult male rats are unable to express phrenic long-term facilitation (pLTF), an inducible form of respiratory neuroplasticity invoked by acute, intermittent hypoxia (AIH). However, testosterone replacement can restore this respiratory neuroplasticity. Complicating the interpretation of this finding is that testosterone may exert its influence in three possible ways: 1) directly through androgen receptor (AR) activation, 2) through conversion to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by way of the enzyme 5α-reductase, or 3) through conversion to 17β-estradiol (E2) by way of the enzyme aromatase. DHT signals via AR activation similar to testosterone, but with higher affinity, while E2 activates local estrogen receptors. Evidence to date supports the idea that exogenous testosterone supplementation exerts its influence through estrogen receptor signaling under conditions of low circulating testosterone. Here we explored both recovery of breathing function (measured with whole body barometric plethysmography) and the expression of AIH-induced pLTF in male rats following C2-hemisection SCI. One week post injury, rats were supplemented with either E2 or DHT for 7 days. We hypothesized that E2 would enhance ventilation and reveal pLTF following AIH in SCI rats. To our surprise, though E2 did beneficially impact overall breathing recovery following C2-hemisection, both E2 supplementation and DHT restored the expression of AIH-induced pLTF 2 weeks post-SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Barok
- Rehabilitation Science Graduate Program, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Jessica M. L. Grittner
- Rehabilitation Science Graduate Program, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Shawn Miller
- Division of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Brendan J. Dougherty
- Division of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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Piasecki J, Škarabot J, Spillane P, Piasecki M, Ansdell P. Sex Differences in Neuromuscular Aging: The Role of Sex Hormones. Exerc Sport Sci Rev 2024; 52:54-62. [PMID: 38329342 DOI: 10.1249/jes.0000000000000335] [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] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Males and females experience different trajectories of neuromuscular function across the lifespan, with females demonstrating accelerated deconditioning in later life. We hypothesize that the menopause is a critical period in the female lifespan, during which the dramatic reduction in sex hormone concentrations negatively impacts synaptic input to the motoneuron pool, as well as motor unit discharge properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Piasecki
- Sport, Health and Performance Enhancement Research Centre, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Jakob Škarabot
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Padraig Spillane
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Mathew Piasecki
- Centre of Metabolism, Ageing and Physiology (COMAP), MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Paul Ansdell
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Pradhyumnan H, Perez GG, Patel SH, Blaya MO, Bramlett HM, Raval AP. A Perspective on Hormonal Contraception Usage in Central Nervous System Injury. J Neurotrauma 2024; 41:541-551. [PMID: 37975282 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2023.0219] [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] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Naturally occurring life stages in women are associated with changes in the milieu of endogenous ovarian hormones. Women of childbearing age may be exposed to exogenous ovarian hormone(s) because of their use of varying combinations of estrogen and progesterone hormones-containing oral contraceptives (OC; also known as "the pill"). If women have central nervous system (CNS) injury such as spinal cord injury (SCI) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) during their childbearing age, they are likely to retain their reproductive capabilities and may use OC. Many deleterious side effects of long-term OC use have been reported, such as aberrant blood clotting and endothelial dysfunction that consequently increase the risk of myocardial infarction, venous thromboembolism, and ischemic brain injury. Although controversial, studies have suggested that OC use is associated with neuropsychiatric ramifications, including uncontrollable mood swings and poorer cognitive performance. Our understanding about how the combination of endogenous hormones and OC-conferred exogenous hormones affect outcomes after CNS injuries remains limited. Therefore, understanding the impact of OC use on CNS injury outcomes needs further investigation to reveal underlying mechanisms, promote reporting in clinical or epidemiological studies, and raise awareness of possible compounded consequences. The goal of the current review is to discuss the impacts of CNS injury on endogenous ovarian hormones and vice-versa, as well as the putative consequences of exogenous ovarian hormones (OC) on the CNS to identify potential gaps in our knowledge to consider for future laboratory, epidemiological, and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hari Pradhyumnan
- Peritz Scheinberg Cerebral Vascular Disease Research Laboratory (CVDRL), Department of Neurology, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Gina G Perez
- Peritz Scheinberg Cerebral Vascular Disease Research Laboratory (CVDRL), Department of Neurology, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Shahil H Patel
- Peritz Scheinberg Cerebral Vascular Disease Research Laboratory (CVDRL), Department of Neurology, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Meghan O Blaya
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Helen M Bramlett
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Ami P Raval
- Peritz Scheinberg Cerebral Vascular Disease Research Laboratory (CVDRL), Department of Neurology, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Florida, USA
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Collins NJ, Campbell TS, Bozeman AL, Martes AC, Ross SE, Doherty TS, Brumley MR, Roth TL. Epigenetic processes associated with neonatal spinal transection. Dev Psychobiol 2024; 66:e22466. [PMID: 38388192 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22466] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
In early development, the spinal cord in healthy or disease states displays remarkable activity-dependent changes in plasticity, which may be in part due to the increased activity of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Indeed, BDNF delivery has been efficacious in partially ameliorating many of the neurobiological and behavioral consequences of spinal cord injury (SCI), making elucidating the role of BDNF in the normative developing and injured spinal cord a critical research focus. Recent work in our laboratory provided evidence for aberrant global and locus-specific epigenetic changes in methylation of the Bdnf gene as a consequence of SCI. In the present study, animals underwent thoracic lesions on P1, with cervical and lumbar tissue being later collected on P7, P14, and P21. Levels of Bdnf expression and methylation (exon IX and exon IV), in addition to global methylation levels were quantified at each timepoint. Results indicated locus-specific reductions of Bdnf expression that was accompanied by a parallel increase in methylation caudal to the injury site, with animals displaying increased Bdnf expression at the P14 timepoint. Together, these findings suggest that epigenetic activity of the Bdnf gene may act as biomarker in the etiology and intervention effort efficacy following SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Collins
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Taylor S Campbell
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Aimee L Bozeman
- Department of Psychology, Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho, USA
| | - Alleyna C Martes
- Department of Psychology, Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho, USA
| | - Sydney E Ross
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Tiffany S Doherty
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Michele R Brumley
- Department of Psychology, Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho, USA
| | - Tania L Roth
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
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Hibbard EA, Du X, Zhang Y, Xu XM, Deng L, Sengelaub DR. Differential effects of exercise and hormone treatment on spinal cord injury-induced changes in micturition and morphology of external urethral sphincter motoneurons. Restor Neurol Neurosci 2024; 42:151-165. [PMID: 39213108 DOI: 10.3233/rnn-241385] [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: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Background Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in lesions that destroy tissue and spinal tracts, leading to deficits in locomotor and autonomic function. We have previously shown that after SCI, surviving motoneurons innervating hindlimb muscles exhibit extensive dendritic atrophy, which can be attenuated by treadmill training or treatment with gonadal hormones post-injury. We have also shown that following SCI, both exercise and treatment with gonadal hormones improve urinary function. Animals exercised with forced running wheel training show improved urinary function as measured by bladder cystometry and sphincter electromyography, and treatment with gonadal hormones improves voiding patterns as measured by metabolic cage testing. Objective The objective of the current study was to examine the potential protective effects of exercise or hormone treatment on the structure and function of motoneurons innervating the external urethral sphincter (EUS) after contusive SCI. Methods Gonadally intact young adult male rats received either a sham or a thoracic contusion injury. Immediately after injury, one cohort of animals was implanted with subcutaneous Silastic capsules filled with estradiol (E) and dihydrotestosterone (D) or left blank; continuous hormone treatment occurred for 4 weeks post-injury. A separate cohort of SCI-animals received either 12 weeks of forced wheel running exercise or no exercise treatment starting two weeks after injury. At the end of treatment, urinary void volume was measured using metabolic cages and EUS motoneurons were labeled with cholera toxin-conjugated horseradish peroxidase, allowing for assessment of dendritic morphology in three dimensions. Results Locomotor performance was improved in exercised animals after SCI. Void volumes increased after SCI in all animals; void volume was unaffected by treatment with exercise, but was dramatically improved by treatment with E + D. Similar to what we have previously reported for hindlimb motoneurons after SCI, dendritic length of EUS motoneurons was significantly decreased after SCI compared to sham animals. Exercise did not reverse injury-induced atrophy, however E + D treatment significantly protected dendritic length. Conclusions These results suggest that some aspects of urinary dysfunction after SCI can be improved through treatment with gonadal hormones, potentially through their effects on EUS motoneurons. Moreover, a more comprehensive treatment regime that addresses multiple SCI-induced sequelae, i.e., locomotor and voiding deficits, would include both hormones and exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A Hibbard
- Program in Neuroscience and Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Xiaolong Du
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Yihong Zhang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Xiao-Ming Xu
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Lingxiao Deng
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Dale R Sengelaub
- Program in Neuroscience and Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
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Ortega MA, Fraile-Martinez O, García-Montero C, Haro S, Álvarez-Mon MÁ, De Leon-Oliva D, Gomez-Lahoz AM, Monserrat J, Atienza-Pérez M, Díaz D, Lopez-Dolado E, Álvarez-Mon M. A comprehensive look at the psychoneuroimmunoendocrinology of spinal cord injury and its progression: mechanisms and clinical opportunities. Mil Med Res 2023; 10:26. [PMID: 37291666 PMCID: PMC10251601 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-023-00461-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating and disabling medical condition generally caused by a traumatic event (primary injury). This initial trauma is accompanied by a set of biological mechanisms directed to ameliorate neural damage but also exacerbate initial damage (secondary injury). The alterations that occur in the spinal cord have not only local but also systemic consequences and virtually all organs and tissues of the body incur important changes after SCI, explaining the progression and detrimental consequences related to this condition. Psychoneuroimmunoendocrinology (PNIE) is a growing area of research aiming to integrate and explore the interactions among the different systems that compose the human organism, considering the mind and the body as a whole. The initial traumatic event and the consequent neurological disruption trigger immune, endocrine, and multisystem dysfunction, which in turn affect the patient's psyche and well-being. In the present review, we will explore the most important local and systemic consequences of SCI from a PNIE perspective, defining the changes occurring in each system and how all these mechanisms are interconnected. Finally, potential clinical approaches derived from this knowledge will also be collectively presented with the aim to develop integrative therapies to maximize the clinical management of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A. Ortega
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Oscar Fraile-Martinez
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Cielo García-Montero
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio Haro
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Álvarez-Mon
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Diego De Leon-Oliva
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana M. Gomez-Lahoz
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Monserrat
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mar Atienza-Pérez
- Service of Rehabilitation, National Hospital for Paraplegic Patients, Carr. de la Peraleda, S/N, 45004 Toledo, Spain
| | - David Díaz
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Elisa Lopez-Dolado
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Melchor Álvarez-Mon
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Immune System Diseases-Rheumatology Service and Internal Medicine, University Hospital Príncipe de Asturias (CIBEREHD), 28806 Alcala de Henares, Spain
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10
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The neuroprotective effects of estrogen and estrogenic compounds in spinal cord injury. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 146:105074. [PMID: 36736846 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when the spinal cord is damaged from either a traumatic event or disease. SCI is characterised by multiple injury phases that affect the transmission of sensory and motor signals and lead to temporary or long-term functional deficits. There are few treatments for SCI. Estrogens and estrogenic compounds, however, may effectively mitigate the effects of SCI and therefore represent viable treatment options. This review systematically examines the pre-clinical literature on estrogen and estrogenic compound neuroprotection after SCI. Several estrogens were examined by the included studies: estrogen, estradiol benzoate, Premarin, isopsoralen, genistein, and selective estrogen receptor modulators. Across these pharmacotherapies, we find significant evidence that estrogens indeed offer protection against myriad pathophysiological effects of SCI and lead to improvements in functional outcomes, including locomotion. A STRING functional network analysis of proteins modulated by estrogen after SCI demonstrated that estrogen simultaneously upregulates known neuroprotective pathways, such as HIF-1, and downregulates pro-inflammatory pathways, including IL-17. These findings highlight the strong therapeutic potential of estrogen and estrogenic compounds after SCI.
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11
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Xu X, Talifu Z, Zhang CJ, Gao F, Ke H, Pan YZ, Gong H, Du HY, Yu Y, Jing YL, Du LJ, Li JJ, Yang DG. Mechanism of skeletal muscle atrophy after spinal cord injury: A narrative review. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1099143. [PMID: 36937344 PMCID: PMC10020380 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1099143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury leads to loss of innervation of skeletal muscle, decreased motor function, and significantly reduced load on skeletal muscle, resulting in atrophy. Factors such as braking, hormone level fluctuation, inflammation, and oxidative stress damage accelerate skeletal muscle atrophy. The atrophy process can result in skeletal muscle cell apoptosis, protein degradation, fat deposition, and other pathophysiological changes. Skeletal muscle atrophy not only hinders the recovery of motor function but is also closely related to many systemic dysfunctions, affecting the prognosis of patients with spinal cord injury. Extensive research on the mechanism of skeletal muscle atrophy and intervention at the molecular level has shown that inflammation and oxidative stress injury are the main mechanisms of skeletal muscle atrophy after spinal cord injury and that multiple pathways are involved. These may become targets of future clinical intervention. However, most of the experimental studies are still at the basic research stage and still have some limitations in clinical application, and most of the clinical treatments are focused on rehabilitation training, so how to develop more efficient interventions in clinical treatment still needs to be further explored. Therefore, this review focuses mainly on the mechanisms of skeletal muscle atrophy after spinal cord injury and summarizes the cytokines and signaling pathways associated with skeletal muscle atrophy in recent studies, hoping to provide new therapeutic ideas for future clinical work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xu
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Zuliyaer Talifu
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences and Engineering, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Chun-Jia Zhang
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Gao
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Han Ke
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences and Engineering, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Yun-Zhu Pan
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences and Engineering, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Han Gong
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Hua-Yong Du
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Yu
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Ying-Li Jing
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Liang-Jie Du
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Jun Li
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences and Engineering, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- *Correspondence: Jian-Jun Li
| | - De-Gang Yang
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
- De-Gang Yang
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12
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Miller S, Abrahante JE, Roopra A, Dougherty BJ. A transcriptome dataset for gonadectomy-induced changes in rat spinal cord. Sci Data 2022; 9:789. [PMID: 36581616 PMCID: PMC9800375 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-022-01917-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating sex steroid hormones are critical for neural function and development of neuroplasticity in many regions of the central nervous system. In the spinal cord, our knowledge of steroid hormone influence mostly derives from mechanistic studies of pain processing in dorsal spinal cord circuits; less is known regarding hormonal influence of ventral spinal motor function. Gonadectomy (surgical removal of the testes in males and ovaries in females) rapidly and persistently reduces circulating sex steroids in both females and males, providing a means to interrogate the role of hormones on neural function. Here we provide a next-generation RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data set to evaluate the impact of gonadectomy on the transcriptome of ventral spinal cord tissue of adult female and male rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn Miller
- Divisions of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Juan E Abrahante
- University of Minnesota Informatics Institute, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Avtar Roopra
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Brendan J Dougherty
- Divisions of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
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13
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Novel Therapeutic Effects in Rat Spinal Cord Injuries: Recovery of the Definitive and Early Spinal Cord Injury by the Administration of Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 Therapy. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:1901-1927. [PMID: 35678659 PMCID: PMC9164058 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44050130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, marked therapeutic effects pertaining to the recovery of injured rat spinal cords (1 min compression injury of the sacrocaudal spinal cord (S2-Co1) resulting in tail paralysis) appeared after a single intraperitoneal administration of the stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 at 10 min post-injury. Besides the demonstrated rapid and sustained recovery (1 year), we showed the particular points of the immediate effect of the BPC 157 therapy that began rapidly after its administration, (i) soon after injury (10 min), or (ii) later (4 days), in the rats with a definitive spinal cord injury. Specifically, in counteracting spinal cord hematoma and swelling, (i) in rats that had undergone acute spinal cord injury, followed by intraperitoneal BPC 157 application at 10 min, we focused on the first 10–30 min post-injury period (assessment of gross, microscopic, and gene expression changes). Taking day 4 post-injury as the definitive injury, (ii) we focused on the immediate effects after the BPC 157 intragastric application over 20 min of the post-therapy period. Comparable long-time recovery was noted in treated rats which had definitive tail paralysis: (iii) the therapy was continuously given per orally in drinking water, beginning at day 4 after injury and lasting one month after injury. BPC 157 rats presented only discrete edema and minimal hemorrhage and increased Nos1, Nos2, and Nos3 values (30 min post-injury, (i)) or only mild hemorrhage, and only discrete vacuolation of tissue (day 4, (ii)). In the day 4–30 post-injury study (iii), BPC 157 rats rapidly presented tail function recovery, and no demyelination process (Luxol fast blue staining).
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14
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Relationship between serum gonadal hormone levels and synkinesis in postmenopausal women and man with idiopathic facial paralysis. Auris Nasus Larynx 2022; 49:782-789. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anl.2022.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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15
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Neuroprotective Effects of Estradiol plus Lithium Chloride via Anti-Apoptosis and Neurogenesis Pathway in In Vitro and In Vivo Parkinson's Disease Models. PARKINSONS DISEASE 2021; 2021:3064892. [PMID: 34721835 PMCID: PMC8556090 DOI: 10.1155/2021/3064892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Few pharmaceutical agents for slowing Parkinson's disease (PD) progression existed, especially for perimenopause females. The current general medications are mostly hormone replacement therapy and may have some side effects. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a novel treatment for PD. This study examined the possibility of estradiol plus lithium chloride (LiCl), one of the metal halides used as an alternative to salt. We showed that the combination of LiCl and estradiol could enhance neurogenesis proteins GAP-43 and N-myc in the human neuronal-like cells. We also further confirmed the neurogenesis activity in zebrafish. LiCl and LiCl plus estradiol could enhance 6-OHDA-induced upregulation of TGase-2b and Rho A mRNA expression. Besides, LiCl plus estradiol showed a synergic effect in anti-apoptotic activity. LiCl plus estradiol protected SH-SY5Y cells and zebrafish against 6-OHDA-induced damage on neurons than LiCl or estradiol alone groups via p-P38, p-Akt, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 cascade. The potential for developing this combination as a candidate treatment for PD is discussed.
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16
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Oughourlian TC, Wang C, Salamon N, Holly LT, Ellingson BM. Sex-Dependent Cortical Volume Changes in Patients with Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10173965. [PMID: 34501413 PMCID: PMC8432178 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10173965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is a progressive condition characterized by degeneration of osseocartilaginous structures within the cervical spine resulting in compression of the spinal cord and presentation of clinical symptoms. Compared to healthy controls (HCs), studies have shown DCM patients experience structural and functional reorganization in the brain; however, sex-dependent cortical differences in DCM patients remains largely unexplored. In the present study, we investigate the role of sex differences on the structure of the cerebral cortex in DCM and determine how structural differences may relate to clinical measures of neurological function. T1-weighted structural MRI scans were acquired in 85 symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with DCM and 90 age-matched HCs. Modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) scores were obtained for patients. A general linear model was used to determine vertex-level significant differences in gray matter volume (GMV) between the following groups (1) male HCs and female HCs, (2) male patients and female patients, (3) male patients and male HCs, and (4) female patients and female HCs. Within patients, males exhibited larger GMV in motor, language, and vision related brain regions compared to female DCM patients. Males demonstrated a significant positive correlation between GMV and mJOA score, in which patients with worsening neurological symptoms exhibited decreasing GMV primarily across somatosensory and motor related cortical regions. Females exhibited a similar association, albeit across a broader range of cortical areas including those involved in pain processing. In sensorimotor regions, female patients consistently showed smaller GMV compared with male patients, independent of mJOA score. Results from the current study suggest strong sex-related differences in cortical volume in patients with DCM, which may reflect hormonal influence or differing compensation mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talia C. Oughourlian
- UCLA Center for Computer Vision and Imaging Biomarkers, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA; (T.C.O.); (C.W.); (B.M.E.)
- Department of Radiological Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
- Neuroscience Interdepartmental Graduate Program, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Chencai Wang
- UCLA Center for Computer Vision and Imaging Biomarkers, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA; (T.C.O.); (C.W.); (B.M.E.)
- Department of Radiological Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
| | - Noriko Salamon
- Department of Radiological Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
| | - Langston T. Holly
- Department of Neurosurgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(310)-319-3475
| | - Benjamin M. Ellingson
- UCLA Center for Computer Vision and Imaging Biomarkers, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA; (T.C.O.); (C.W.); (B.M.E.)
- Department of Radiological Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
- Neuroscience Interdepartmental Graduate Program, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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17
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Sex influence on sensory responses following spinothalamic tract injury in rats. PHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.52547/phypha.27.1.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
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18
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Li J, Huang L, Yu LT, Tao G, Wang ZY, Hao WZ, Huang JQ. Feruloylated Oligosaccharides Alleviate Central Nervous Inflammation in Mice Following Spinal Cord Contusion. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2020; 68:15490-15500. [PMID: 33170671 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.0c05553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
As one of the empirical models of the chronic central inflammatory response, a spinal cord injury (SCI) deteriorates the neuronal survival and results in irreversible motor and sensory dysfunction below the injury area. Our previous studies have reported that maize bran feruloylated oligosaccharides (FOs) exert significant anti-inflammatory activities both in diabetes and colitis. However, no direct evidence of FOs alleviating central nervous inflammation was stated. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of FOs on SCI and its potential mechanism. Our results indicated that 4 weeks of FO administration effectively mitigated the inflammatory response via decreasing the number of microglia (labelled with Iba1), result in the expression of IL-1α, IL-2, IL-6, IL-18 and TNF-α downregulating, but the level of IL-10 and BDNF increases in the injured spinal cord. Moreover, FOs enhanced neuronal survival, ameliorated the scar cavities, and improved behaviors, including Basso mouse scale (BMS) scores and the gait of mice after SCI. Together, these results demonstrated that administration of FOs showed superior functional recovery effects in a SCI model. Also, FOs may modulate inflammatory activities by regulating the expression of proinflammatory factors, decreasing the production of inflammatory cells, and promoting functional recovery through the MAPK pathway following SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Postdoctoral research station, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
- Formula-pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Lu Huang
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Ling-Tai Yu
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Gabriel Tao
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston 77204, United States
| | - Zi-Ying Wang
- Interdisciplinary Institute for Personalized Medicine in Brain Disorders, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Wen-Zhi Hao
- Formula-pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Jun-Qing Huang
- Formula-pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
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19
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Potential Molecular Mechanism and Biomarker Investigation for Spinal Cord Injury Based on Bioinformatics Analysis. J Mol Neurosci 2020; 70:1345-1353. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-020-01549-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
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20
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Stewart AN, MacLean SM, Stromberg AJ, Whelan JP, Bailey WM, Gensel JC, Wilson ME. Considerations for Studying Sex as a Biological Variable in Spinal Cord Injury. Front Neurol 2020; 11:802. [PMID: 32849242 PMCID: PMC7419700 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In response to NIH initiatives to investigate sex as a biological variable in preclinical animal studies, researchers have increased their focus on male and female differences in neurotrauma. Inclusion of both sexes when modeling neurotrauma is leading to the identification of novel areas for therapeutic and scientific exploitation. Here, we review the organizational and activational effects of sex hormones on recovery from injury and how these changes impact the long-term health of spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. When determining how sex affects SCI it remains imperative to expand outcomes beyond locomotor recovery and consider other complications plaguing the quality of life of patients with SCI. Interestingly, the SCI field predominately utilizes female rodents for basic science research which contrasts most other male-biased research fields. We discuss the unique caveats this creates to the translatability of preclinical research in the SCI field. We also review current clinical and preclinical data examining sex as biological variable in SCI. Further, we report how technical considerations such as housing, size, care management, and age, confound the interpretation of sex-specific effects in animal studies of SCI. We have uncovered novel findings regarding how age differentially affects mortality and injury-induced anemia in males and females after SCI, and further identified estrus cycle dysfunction in mice after injury. Emerging concepts underlying sexually dimorphic responses to therapy are also discussed. Through a combination of literature review and primary research observations we present a practical guide for considering and incorporating sex as biological variable in preclinical neurotrauma studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew N Stewart
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.,Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Steven M MacLean
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.,Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Arnold J Stromberg
- Department of Statistics, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Jessica P Whelan
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.,Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - William M Bailey
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.,Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - John C Gensel
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.,Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Melinda E Wilson
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
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Swiecicka A, Piasecki M, Stashuk D, Jones D, Wu F, McPhee JS, Rutter MK. Relationship of Anabolic Hormones With Motor Unit Characteristics in Quadriceps Muscle in Healthy and Frail Aging Men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5781153. [PMID: 32133493 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Anabolic hormones are important factors in maintaining muscle mass for aging men, but their role in overall motor unit structure and function is unclear. OBJECTIVE The objective of this work is to determine associations of anabolic and reproductive hormone levels with motor unit characteristics in quadriceps muscle in older healthy and frail men. DESIGN This work is an observational cohort study of community-dwelling men. PARTICIPANTS Participants included healthy and frail men younger than 65 years. INTERVENTION No intervention was performed. OUTCOME MEASURE Quantitative assessments of electromyography-derived motor unit potential size (MUP) and compound muscle action potential size (CMAP) of the vastus lateralis muscle. RESULTS We studied 98 men (mean ± SD: age 73 ± 6 years; body mass index [BMI] 25.7 ± 4.0 kg/m2; diabetes 11%) of whom 45% were prefrail and 18% frail. After adjusting for age, BMI, and prevalent diabetes, higher total and free testosterone levels were significantly related to larger CMAP (total testosterone: β [95% CI]: 0.3 [0.08-0.53]; free testosterone: 0.34 [0.13-0.56]). Exploratory analysis showed the relationship between free testosterone and CMAP was stronger in frail rather than robust men. In univariate analyses, estradiol was associated with CMAP size (0.37 [0.16-0.57]); and vitamin D was associated with MUP size (0.22 [0.01-0.43]) but these relationships were no longer significant after adjusting for potential confounders. CONCLUSION Our data highlight the associations between androgen levels and the electrophysiological characteristics of older men, particularly in the frail. Clinical trials involving administration of androgens will help to elucidate the potential benefits of intervention on neuromuscular function and/or frailty status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Swiecicka
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Gastroenterology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Mathew Piasecki
- Clinical, Metabolic and Molecular Physiology, MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, and National Institute of Health Research (NIHR), Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Daniel Stashuk
- Department of Systems Design Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - David Jones
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Frederick Wu
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Gastroenterology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jamie S McPhee
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Martin K Rutter
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Gastroenterology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Manchester Diabetes Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
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22
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White AR, Werner CM, Holmes GM. Diminished enteric neuromuscular transmission in the distal colon following experimental spinal cord injury. Exp Neurol 2020; 331:113377. [PMID: 32526238 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Neurogenic bowel following spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to decreased colonic motility, remodeling of the neuromuscular compartment and results in chronic evacuation difficulties. The distal colon of the rat serves a dual role for fluid absorption and storage that is homologous to the descending colon of humans. Dysmotility of the descending colon is one component of neurogenic bowel. We investigated the integrity of the enteric neuromuscular transmission responsible for the generation of excitatory and inhibitory junction potentials (EJPs and IJPs, respectively) in the distal colon of rats. We previously demonstrated a chronic reduction in colonic enteric neurons from rats with acute and chronic high-thoracic (T3) SCI and hypothesized that neurogenic bowel following T3-SCI results from diminished enteric neuromuscular transmission. Immunohistochemical labeling for myenteric neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) neurons demonstrated a significant loss of presumptive nitric oxide (NO) and acetylcholine (ACh) immunoreactive neurons in both 3-day and 3-week injured animals. Colonic neuromuscular transmission in response to transmural electrical stimulation of the colon was significantly reduced 3-days and 3-weeks following SCI in male rats. Specifically, cholinergic-mediated excitatory junction potentials (EJPs) and nitrergic-mediated slow inhibitory junction potentials (IJPs) were significantly reduced while ATP-mediated fast IJPs remained unaffected. We conclude that a reduction in excitatory and inhibitory enteric neuromuscular transmission contributes to neurogenic bowel observed following SCI, and that these loss-of-function changes involve enteric-mediated cholinergic and nitrergic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda R White
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United States of America
| | - Claire M Werner
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United States of America
| | - Gregory M Holmes
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United States of America.
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23
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Yarrow JF, Kok HJ, Phillips EG, Conover CF, Lee J, Bassett TE, Buckley KH, Reynolds MC, Wnek RD, Otzel DM, Chen C, Jiron JM, Graham ZA, Cardozo C, Vandenborne K, Bose PK, Aguirre JI, Borst SE, Ye F. Locomotor training with adjuvant testosterone preserves cancellous bone and promotes muscle plasticity in male rats after severe spinal cord injury. J Neurosci Res 2019; 98:843-868. [PMID: 31797423 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Loading and testosterone may influence musculoskeletal recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). Our objectives were to determine (a) the acute effects of bodyweight-supported treadmill training (TM) on hindlimb cancellous bone microstructure and muscle mass in adult rats after severe contusion SCI and (b) whether longer-term TM with adjuvant testosterone enanthate (TE) delivers musculoskeletal benefit. In Study 1, TM (40 min/day, 5 days/week, beginning 1 week postsurgery) did not prevent SCI-induced hindlimb cancellous bone loss after 3 weeks. In Study 2, TM did not attenuate SCI-induced plantar flexor muscles atrophy nor improve locomotor recovery after 4 weeks. In our main study, SCI produced extensive distal femur and proximal tibia cancellous bone deficits, a deleterious slow-to-fast fiber-type transition in soleus, lower muscle fiber cross-sectional area (fCSA), impaired muscle force production, and levator ani/bulbocavernosus (LABC) muscle atrophy after 8 weeks. TE alone (7.0 mg/week) suppressed bone resorption, attenuated cancellous bone loss, constrained the soleus fiber-type transition, and prevented LABC atrophy. In comparison, TE+TM concomitantly suppressed bone resorption and stimulated bone formation after SCI, produced near-complete cancellous bone preservation, prevented the soleus fiber-type transition, attenuated soleus fCSA atrophy, maintained soleus force production, and increased LABC mass. 75% of SCI+TE+TM animals recovered voluntary over-ground hindlimb stepping, while no SCI and only 20% of SCI+TE animals regained stepping ability. Positive associations between testosterone and locomotor function suggest that TE influenced locomotor recovery. In conclusion, short-term TM alone did not improve bone, muscle, or locomotor recovery in adult rats after severe SCI, while longer-term TE+TM provided more comprehensive musculoskeletal benefit than TE alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua F Yarrow
- Research Service, Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Hui Jean Kok
- Research Service, Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Ean G Phillips
- Research Service, Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Christine F Conover
- Research Service, Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jimmy Lee
- Research Service, Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Taylor E Bassett
- Research Service, Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kinley H Buckley
- Research Service, Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Michael C Reynolds
- Research Service, Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Russell D Wnek
- Research Service, Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Dana M Otzel
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Cong Chen
- Divison of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jessica M Jiron
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Zachary A Graham
- National Center for the Medical Consequences of Spinal Cord Injury, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA.,Departments of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christopher Cardozo
- National Center for the Medical Consequences of Spinal Cord Injury, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA.,Departments of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Rehabilitation Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Krista Vandenborne
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Prodip K Bose
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Division of Neurology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jose Ignacio Aguirre
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Stephen E Borst
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Fan Ye
- Research Service, Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL, USA
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24
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Lynch SK, Lee K, Chen Z, Folk JC, Schmidt-Erfurth U, Gerendas BS, Wahle A, Wykoff CC, Abràmoff MD. Intravitreal Fluocinolone Acetonide May Decelerate Diabetic Retinal Neurodegeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 60:2134-2139. [PMID: 31100106 PMCID: PMC6528841 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-24643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose There is no prevention or treatment for diabetic retinal neurodegeneration (DRN), which is a complication of diabetes that can occur independently of diabetic retinopathy (DR). We hypothesized that an intravitreal fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implant may affect the rate of DRN when used in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods In this retrospective analysis, optical coherence tomography with neuroretinal analysis was obtained at 3-month intervals from 130 patients in the USER study both before (mean duration 903 days, range 35-4005 days) and after administration of FAc (mean 408 days, range 7 to 756 days). The rate of DRN was defined as the change over time on inner neuroretinal thickness using logistic regression. A DRN rate was calculated independently for two areas: region 1 located within 1.5 mm of the fovea, and region 2 from 1.5 mm to 3.0 mm from the fovea. Results In regions of the macula more than 1.5 mm from the central fovea, there was a statistically significant decrease in the rate of DRN in the post-FAc period. The pre-FAc neuroretinal loss in this area occurred at 4.0 μm/y, compared with a post-FAc loss rate of 1.1 μm/y (P = 0.001). Conclusions This retrospective study suggests that FAc may decelerate the rate of inner retinal thinning in patients with persistent DME. Further prospective studies are necessary to determine the effects of FAc on the rate of DRN in patients with DME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie K Lynch
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Kyungmoo Lee
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Zhi Chen
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - James C Folk
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States.,IDx, Coralville, Iowa, United States
| | - Ursula Schmidt-Erfurth
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Vienna Reading Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bianca S Gerendas
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Vienna Reading Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Wahle
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Charles C Wykoff
- Retina Consultants of Houston, Blanton Eye Institute, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Michael D Abràmoff
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States.,IDx, Coralville, Iowa, United States.,Iowa Institute for Vision Research, Iowa City, Iowa, United States.,Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
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25
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Chew C, Kiley BJ, Sengelaub DR. Neuroprotective Effects on the Morphology of Somatic Motoneurons Following the Death of Neighboring Motoneurons: A Role for Microglia? Dev Neurobiol 2019; 79:131-154. [PMID: 30430756 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Partial depletion of spinal motoneuron populations induces dendritic atrophy in neighboring motoneurons, and treatment with testosterone protects motoneurons from induced dendritic atrophy. We explored a potential mechanism for this induced atrophy and protection by testosterone, examining the microglial response to partial depletion of motoneurons. Motoneurons innervating the vastus medialis muscles of adult male rats were killed by intramuscular injection of cholera toxin-conjugated saporin; some saporin-injected rats were treated with testosterone. Microglia were later visualized via immunohistochemical staining, classified as monitoring or activated, and counted stereologically. Partial motoneuron depletion increased the number of activated microglia in the quadriceps motor pool, and this increase was attenuated with testosterone treatment. The attenuation in microglial response could reflect an effect of testosterone on suppressing microglia activation, potentially sparing motoneuron dendrites. Alternatively, testosterone could be neuroprotective, sparing motoneuron dendrites, secondarily resulting in reduced microglial activation. To discriminate between these hypotheses, following partial motoneuron depletion, rats were treated with minocycline to inhibit microglial activation. Motoneurons innervating the ipsilateral vastus lateralis muscle were later labeled with cholera toxin-conjugated horseradish peroxidase, and dendritic arbors were reconstructed. Reduction of microglial activation by minocycline did not prevent induced dendritic atrophy following partial motoneuron depletion. Further, reduction of microglial activation by minocycline treatment resulted in dendritic atrophy in intact animals. Together, these findings indicate that the neuroprotective effect of testosterone on dendrites following motoneuron death is not due to inhibiting microglial activation, and that microglial activity contributes to the normal maintenance of dendritic arbors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cory Chew
- Program in Neuroscience and Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, 47405
| | - Brandon J Kiley
- Program in Neuroscience and Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, 47405
| | - Dale R Sengelaub
- Program in Neuroscience and Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, 47405
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26
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Otzel DM, Lee J, Ye F, Borst SE, Yarrow JF. Activity-Based Physical Rehabilitation with Adjuvant Testosterone to Promote Neuromuscular Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19061701. [PMID: 29880749 PMCID: PMC6032131 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19061701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular impairment and reduced musculoskeletal integrity are hallmarks of spinal cord injury (SCI) that hinder locomotor recovery. These impairments are precipitated by the neurological insult and resulting disuse, which has stimulated interest in activity-based physical rehabilitation therapies (ABTs) that promote neuromuscular plasticity after SCI. However, ABT efficacy declines as SCI severity increases. Additionally, many men with SCI exhibit low testosterone, which may exacerbate neuromusculoskeletal impairment. Incorporating testosterone adjuvant to ABTs may improve musculoskeletal recovery and neuroplasticity because androgens attenuate muscle loss and the slow-to-fast muscle fiber-type transition after SCI, in a manner independent from mechanical strain, and promote motoneuron survival. These neuromusculoskeletal benefits are promising, although testosterone alone produces only limited functional improvement in rodent SCI models. In this review, we discuss the (1) molecular deficits underlying muscle loss after SCI; (2) independent influences of testosterone and locomotor training on neuromuscular function and musculoskeletal integrity post-SCI; (3) hormonal and molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic efficacy of these strategies; and (4) evidence supporting a multimodal strategy involving ABT with adjuvant testosterone, as a potential means to promote more comprehensive neuromusculoskeletal recovery than either strategy alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana M Otzel
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA.
| | - Jimmy Lee
- Research Service, Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA.
| | - Fan Ye
- Research Service, Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA.
| | - Stephen E Borst
- Department of Applied Physiology, Kinesiology and University of Florida College of Health and Human Performance, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA.
| | - Joshua F Yarrow
- Research Service, Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA.
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
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27
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Sengelaub DR, Xu XM. Protective effects of gonadal hormones on spinal motoneurons following spinal cord injury. Neural Regen Res 2018; 13:971-976. [PMID: 29926818 PMCID: PMC6022470 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.233434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in lesions that destroy tissue and disrupt spinal tracts, producing deficits in locomotor and autonomic function. The majority of treatment strategies after SCI have concentrated on the damaged spinal cord, for example working to reduce lesion size or spread, or encouraging regrowth of severed descending axonal projections through the lesion, hoping to re-establish synaptic connectivity with caudal targets. In our work, we have focused on a novel target for treatment after SCI, surviving spinal motoneurons and their target musculature, with the hope of developing effective treatments to preserve or restore lost function following SCI. We previously demonstrated that motoneurons, and the muscles they innervate, show pronounced atrophy after SCI. Importantly, SCI-induced atrophy of motoneuron dendrites can be attenuated by treatment with gonadal hormones, testosterone and its active metabolites, estradiol and dihydrotestosterone. Similarly, SCI-induced reductions in muscle fiber cross-sectional areas can be prevented by treatment with androgens. Together, these findings suggest that regressive changes in motoneuron and muscle morphology seen after SCI can be ameliorated by treatment with gonadal hormones, further supporting a role for steroid hormones as neurotherapeutic agents in the injured nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dale R. Sengelaub
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Xiao-Ming Xu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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