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Khan SI, Ahmed N, Ahsan K, Abbasi M, Maugeri R, Chowdhury D, Bonosi L, Brunasso L, Costanzo R, Iacopino DG, Umana GE, Chaurasia B. An Insight into the Prospects and Drawbacks of Stem Cell Therapy for Spinal Cord Injuries: Ongoing Trials and Future Directions. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1697. [PMID: 38137145 PMCID: PMC10741986 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13121697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating neurological disorder that has a substantial detrimental impact on a person's quality of life. The estimated global incidence of SCI is 40 to 80 cases per million people and around 90% of cases are traumatic. Various etiologies can be recognized for SCI, and post-traumatic SCI represents the most common of these. Patients worldwide with SCI suffer from a persistent loss of motor and sensory function, which affects every aspect of their personal and social lives. Given the lack of effective treatments, many efforts have been made to seek a cure for this condition. In recent years, thanks to their ability to regenerate tissue and repair lost or damaged cells, much attention has been directed toward the use of stem cells (embryonic, induced pluripotent, mesenchymal, hematopoietic), aimed at restoring the functional integrity of the damaged spinal cord and improving a functional recovery including sensory and motor function. In this paper, we offer an overview of the benefits and drawbacks of stem cell therapy for SCI based on clinical evidence. This report also addresses the characteristics of various stem cell treatments, as well as the field's likely future. Each cell type targets specific pathological characteristics associated with SCI and demonstrates therapeutic effects via cell replacement, nutritional support, scaffolds, and immunomodulation pathways. SCI accompanied by complex pathological processes cannot be resolved by single treatment measures. Stem cells are associated with the adjustment of the expression of neurotrophic factors that help to achieve better nutrition to damaged tissue. Single-cell treatments have been shown in some studies to provide very minor benefits for SCI in multiple preclinical studies and a growing number of clinical trials. However, SCI damage is complex, and many studies are increasingly recognizing a combination approach such as physical therapy, electrical stimulation, or medication therapy to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahidul Islam Khan
- Spine Surgery Unit, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Shahbag, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh; (S.I.K.); (K.A.)
| | - Nazmin Ahmed
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital and Research Institute, Shahbag, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh;
| | - Kamrul Ahsan
- Spine Surgery Unit, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Shahbag, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh; (S.I.K.); (K.A.)
| | - Mahmud Abbasi
- Department of General Anaesthesiology, Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital and Research Institute, Shahbag, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh;
| | - Rosario Maugeri
- Neurosurgical Clinic, AOUP “Paolo Giaccone”, Post Graduate Residency Program in Neurologic Surgery, Department of Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (L.B.); (L.B.); (R.C.); (D.G.I.)
| | - Dhiman Chowdhury
- Department of Neurosurgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Shahbag, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh;
| | - Lapo Bonosi
- Neurosurgical Clinic, AOUP “Paolo Giaccone”, Post Graduate Residency Program in Neurologic Surgery, Department of Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (L.B.); (L.B.); (R.C.); (D.G.I.)
| | - Lara Brunasso
- Neurosurgical Clinic, AOUP “Paolo Giaccone”, Post Graduate Residency Program in Neurologic Surgery, Department of Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (L.B.); (L.B.); (R.C.); (D.G.I.)
| | - Roberta Costanzo
- Neurosurgical Clinic, AOUP “Paolo Giaccone”, Post Graduate Residency Program in Neurologic Surgery, Department of Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (L.B.); (L.B.); (R.C.); (D.G.I.)
| | - Domenico Gerardo Iacopino
- Neurosurgical Clinic, AOUP “Paolo Giaccone”, Post Graduate Residency Program in Neurologic Surgery, Department of Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (L.B.); (L.B.); (R.C.); (D.G.I.)
| | - Giuseppe Emmanuele Umana
- Department of Neurosurgery, Trauma Center, Gamma Knife Center, Cannizzaro Hospital, 95126 Catania, Italy;
| | - Bipin Chaurasia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery Clinic, Birgunj 44300, Nepal;
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2
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Li S, Hoefnagel SJM, Krishnadath KK. Single domain Camelid antibody fragments for molecular imaging and therapy of cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1257175. [PMID: 37746282 PMCID: PMC10514897 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1257175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite innovations in cancer therapeutics, cancer remains associated with high mortality and is one of biggest health challenges worldwide. Therefore, developing precise cancer imaging and effective treatments is an unmet clinical need. A relatively novel type of therapeutics are heavy chain variable domain antibody fragments (VHHs) derived from llamas. Here, we explored the suitability of VHHs for cancer imaging and therapy through reviewing the existing literature. We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases and identified 32 papers on molecular imaging and 41 papers on therapy that were suitable for comprehensive reviewing. We found that VHHs harbor a higher specificity and affinity compared to mAbs, which contributes to high-quality imaging and less side-effects on healthy cells. The employment of VHHs in cancer imaging showed remarkably shorter times between administration and imaging. Studies showed that 18F and 99mTc are two optimal radionuclides for imaging with VHHs and that site-specific labelling is the optimal conjugation modality for VHHs with radionuclide or fluorescent molecules. We found different solutions for reducing kidney retention and immunogenicity of VHHs. VHHs as anticancer therapeutics have been tested in photodynamic therapy, targeted radionuclide therapy, immunotherapy and molecular targeted therapy. These studies showed that VHHs target unique antigen epitopes, which are distinct from the ones recognized by mAbs. This advantage means that VHHs may be more effective for targeted anticancer therapy and can be combined with mAbs. We found that high cellular internalization and specificity of VHHs contributes to the effectiveness and safety of VHHs as anticancer therapeutics. Two clinical trials have confirmed that VHHs are effective and safe for cancer imaging and therapy. Together, VHHs seem to harbor several advantages compared to mAbs and show potential for application in personalized treatment for cancer patients. VHH-based imaging and therapy are promising options for improving outcomes of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shulin Li
- Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Kausilia Krishnawatie Krishnadath
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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3
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Huang H, Al Zoubi ZM, Moviglia G, Sharma HS, Sarnowska A, Sanberg PR, Chen L, Xue Q, Siniscalco D, Feng S, Saberi H, Guo X, Xue M, Dimitrijevic MR, Andrews RJ, Mao G, Zhao RC, Han F. Clinical cell therapy guidelines for neurorestoration (IANR/CANR 2022). JOURNAL OF NEURORESTORATOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnrt.2022.100015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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4
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Huang H, Chen L, Moviglia G, Sharma A, Al Zoubi ZM, He X, Chen D. Advances and prospects of cell therapy for spinal cord injury patients. JOURNAL OF NEURORESTORATOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.26599/jnr.2022.9040007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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5
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Gharooni AA, Kwon BK, Fehlings MG, Boerger TF, Rodrigues-Pinto R, Koljonen PA, Kurpad SN, Harrop JS, Aarabi B, Rahimi-Movaghar V, Wilson JR, Davies BM, Kotter MRN, Guest JD. Developing Novel Therapies for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy [AO Spine RECODE-DCM Research Priority Number 7]: Opportunities From Restorative Neurobiology. Global Spine J 2022; 12:109S-121S. [PMID: 35174725 PMCID: PMC8859698 DOI: 10.1177/21925682211052920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Narrative review. OBJECTIVES To provide an overview of contemporary therapies for the James Lind Alliance priority setting partnership for degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) question: 'Can novel therapies, including stem-cell, gene, pharmacological and neuroprotective therapies, be identified to improve the health and wellbeing of people living with DCM and slow down disease progression?' METHODS A review of the literature was conducted to outline the pathophysiology of DCM and present contemporary therapies that may hold therapeutic value in 3 broad categories of neuroprotection, neuroregeneration, and neuromodulation. RESULTS Chronic spinal cord compression leads to ischaemia, neuroinflammation, demyelination, and neuronal loss. Surgical intervention may halt progression and improve symptoms, though the majority do not make a full recovery leading to lifelong disability. Neuroprotective agents disrupt deleterious secondary injury pathways, and one agent, Riluzole, has undergone Phase-III investigation in DCM. Although it did not show efficacy on the primary outcome modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale, it showed promising results in pain reduction. Regenerative approaches are in the early stage, with one agent, Ibudilast, currently in a phase-III investigation. Neuromodulation approaches aim to therapeutically alter the state of spinal cord excitation by electrical stimulation with a variety of approaches. Case studies using electrical neuromuscular and spinal cord stimulation have shown positive therapeutic utility. CONCLUSION There is limited research into interventions in the 3 broad areas of neuroprotection, neuroregeneration, and neuromodulation for DCM. Contemporary and novel therapies for DCM are now a top 10 priority, and whilst research in these areas is limited in DCM, it is hoped that this review will encourage research into this priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aref-Ali Gharooni
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Brian K. Kwon
- Vancouver Spine Surgery Institute, Department of Orthopedics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Michael G. Fehlings
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Timothy F. Boerger
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Wauwatosa, WI, USA
| | - Ricardo Rodrigues-Pinto
- Spinal Unit (UVM), Department of Orthopaedics, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto - Hospital de Santo António, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paul Aarne Koljonen
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shekar N. Kurpad
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Wauwatosa, WI, USA
| | - James S. Harrop
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Bizhan Aarabi
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Vafa Rahimi-Movaghar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jefferson R. Wilson
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Benjamin M. Davies
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Mark R. N. Kotter
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - James D. Guest
- Department of Neurosurgery and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, The Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
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6
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Khan A, Bellio MA, Schulman IH, Levi AD, Longsomboon B, Brooks A, Valasaki K, DiFede DL, Pujol MV, Yavagal DR, Bates KE, Si MS, Kaushal S, Green BA, Anderson KD, Guest JD, Burks SS, Silvera R, Santamaria AJ, Lalwani A, Dietrich WD, Hare JM. The Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute's Use of Food and Drug Administration-Expanded Access Guidelines to Provide Experimental Cell Therapy to Patients With Rare Serious Diseases. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:675738. [PMID: 34169074 PMCID: PMC8217825 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.675738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides guidance for expanded access to experimental therapies, which in turn plays an important role in the Twenty-first Century Cures Act mandate to advance cell-based therapy. In cases of incurable diseases where there is a lack of alternative treatment options, many patients seek access to cell-based therapies for the possibility of treatment responses demonstrated in clinical trials. Here, we describe the use of the FDA’s expanded access to investigational new drug (IND) to address rare and emergency conditions that include stiff-person syndrome, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain stem injury, complex congenital heart disease, ischemic stroke, and peripheral nerve injury. We have administered both allogeneic bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) and autologous Schwann cell (SC) therapy to patients upon emergency request using Single Patient Expanded Access (SPEA) INDs approved by the FDA. In this report, we present our experience with 10 completed SPEA protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisha Khan
- Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, The Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States.,The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Michael A Bellio
- Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, The Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Ivonne H Schulman
- Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, The Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States.,Katz Family Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Allan D Levi
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States.,The Department of Neurological Surgery, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Bangon Longsomboon
- Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, The Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Adriana Brooks
- Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, The Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States.,The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Krystalenia Valasaki
- Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, The Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Darcy L DiFede
- Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, The Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Marietsy V Pujol
- Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, The Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Dileep R Yavagal
- Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, The Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States.,The Department of Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Karen E Bates
- The Department of Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Ming-Sing Si
- Section of Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Cardiac Surgery, Michigan Medicine, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Sunjay Kaushal
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Barth A Green
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States.,The Department of Neurological Surgery, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | | | - James D Guest
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States.,The Department of Neurological Surgery, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Stephen Shelby Burks
- The Department of Neurological Surgery, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Risset Silvera
- Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, The Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States.,The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Andrea J Santamaria
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Anil Lalwani
- Medtronic ST Neurosurgery, Louisville, CO, United States
| | - W Dalton Dietrich
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States.,The Department of Neurological Surgery, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Joshua M Hare
- Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, The Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
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7
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Kitamura Y, Kanaya N, Moleirinho S, Du W, Reinshagen C, Attia N, Bronisz A, Revai Lechtich E, Sasaki H, Mora JL, Brastianos PK, Falcone JL, Hofer AM, Franco A, Shah K. Anti-EGFR VHH-armed death receptor ligand-engineered allogeneic stem cells have therapeutic efficacy in diverse brain metastatic breast cancers. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/10/eabe8671. [PMID: 33658202 PMCID: PMC7929513 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abe8671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) shows brain metastatic (BM) capability and overexpresses EGFR and death-receptors 4/5 (DR4/5); however, the anatomical location of BM prohibits efficient drug-delivery to these targetable markers. In this study, we developed BLBC-BM mouse models featuring different patterns of BMs and explored the versatility of estem cell (SC)-mediated bi-functional EGFR and DR4/5-targeted treatment in these models. Most BLBC lines demonstrated a high sensitivity to EGFR and DR4/5 bi-targeting therapeutic protein, EVDRL [anti-EGFR VHH (EV) fused to DR ligand (DRL)]. Functional analyses using inhibitors and CRISPR-Cas9 knockouts revealed that the EV domain facilitated in augmenting DR4/5-DRL binding and enhancing DRL-induced apoptosis. EVDRL secreting stem cells alleviated tumor-burden and significantly increased survival in mouse models of residual-tumor after macrometastasis resection, perivascular niche micrometastasis, and leptomeningeal metastasis. This study reports mechanism based simultaneous targeting of EGFR and DR4/5 in BLBC and defines a new treatment paradigm for treatment of BM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohei Kitamura
- Center for Stem Cell Therapeutics and Imaging, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Nobuhiko Kanaya
- Center for Stem Cell Therapeutics and Imaging, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Susana Moleirinho
- Center for Stem Cell Therapeutics and Imaging, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Wanlu Du
- Center for Stem Cell Therapeutics and Imaging, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Clemens Reinshagen
- Center for Stem Cell Therapeutics and Imaging, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Nada Attia
- Center for Stem Cell Therapeutics and Imaging, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Agnieszka Bronisz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Esther Revai Lechtich
- Center for Stem Cell Therapeutics and Imaging, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Hikaru Sasaki
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Joana Liliana Mora
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | | | - Jefferey L Falcone
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, West Roxbury, MA 02132, USA
| | - Aldebaran M Hofer
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, West Roxbury, MA 02132, USA
| | - Arnaldo Franco
- Center for Stem Cell Therapeutics and Imaging, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Khalid Shah
- Center for Stem Cell Therapeutics and Imaging, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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8
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Santamaria AJ, Benavides FD, Saraiva PM, Anderson KD, Khan A, Levi AD, Dietrich WD, Guest JD. Neurophysiological Changes in the First Year After Cell Transplantation in Sub-acute Complete Paraplegia. Front Neurol 2021; 11:514181. [PMID: 33536992 PMCID: PMC7848788 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.514181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurophysiological testing can provide quantitative information about motor, sensory, and autonomic system connectivity following spinal cord injury (SCI). The clinical examination may be insufficiently sensitive and specific to reveal evolving changes in neural circuits after severe injury. Neurophysiologic data may provide otherwise imperceptible circuit information that has rarely been acquired in biologics clinical trials in SCI. We reported a Phase 1 study of autologous purified Schwann cell suspension transplantation into the injury epicenter of participants with complete subacute thoracic SCI, observing no clinical improvements. Here, we report longitudinal electrophysiological assessments conducted during the trial. Six participants underwent neurophysiology screening pre-transplantation with three post-transplantation neurophysiological assessments, focused on the thoracoabdominal region and lower limbs, including MEPs, SSEPs, voluntarily triggered EMG, and changes in GSR. We found several notable signals not detectable by clinical exam. In all six participants, thoracoabdominal motor connectivity was detected below the clinically assigned neurological level defined by sensory preservation. Additionally, small voluntary activations of leg and foot muscles or positive lower extremity MEPs were detected in all participants. Voluntary EMG was most sensitive to detect leg motor function. The recorded MEP amplitudes and latencies indicated a more caudal thoracic level above which amplitude recovery over time was observed. In contrast, further below, amplitudes showed less improvement, and latencies were increased. Intercostal spasms observed with EMG may also indicate this thoracic “motor level.” Galvanic skin testing revealed autonomic dysfunction in the hands above the injury levels. As an open-label study, we can establish no clear link between these observations and cell transplantation. This neurophysiological characterization may be of value to detect therapeutic effects in future controlled studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea J Santamaria
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miller School of Medicine, The University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Francisco D Benavides
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miller School of Medicine, The University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Pedro M Saraiva
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miller School of Medicine, The University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Kimberly D Anderson
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miller School of Medicine, The University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States.,The Department of Neurological Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, The University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Aisha Khan
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miller School of Medicine, The University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States.,Miller School of Medicine, The Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, The University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Allan D Levi
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miller School of Medicine, The University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States.,The Department of Neurological Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, The University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - W Dalton Dietrich
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miller School of Medicine, The University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States.,The Department of Neurological Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, The University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - James D Guest
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miller School of Medicine, The University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States.,The Department of Neurological Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, The University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
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9
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Hu XC, Lu YB, Yang YN, Kang XW, Wang YG, Ma B, Xing S. Progress in clinical trials of cell transplantation for the treatment of spinal cord injury: how many questions remain unanswered? Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:405-413. [PMID: 32985458 PMCID: PMC7996007 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.293130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury can lead to severe motor, sensory and autonomic nervous dysfunctions. However, there is currently no effective treatment for spinal cord injury. Neural stem cells and progenitor cells, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, olfactory ensheathing cells, umbilical cord blood stem cells, adipose stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells, oligodendrocyte precursor cells, macrophages and Schwann cells have been studied as potential treatments for spinal cord injury. These treatments were mainly performed in animals. However, subtle changes in sensory function, nerve root movement and pain cannot be fully investigated with animal studies. Although these cell types have shown excellent safety and effectiveness in various animal models, sufficient evidence of efficacy for clinical translation is still lacking. Cell transplantation should be combined with tissue engineering scaffolds, local drug delivery systems, postoperative adjuvant therapy and physical rehabilitation training as part of a comprehensive treatment plan to provide the possibility for patients with SCI to return to normal life. This review summarizes and analyzes the clinical trials of cell transplantation therapy in spinal cord injury, with the aim of providing a rational foundation for the development of clinical treatments for spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Chang Hu
- Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Diseases Research of Gansu Province, Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
| | - Yu-Bao Lu
- Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
| | - Yong-Na Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First People's Hospital of Lanzhou City, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
| | - Xue-Wen Kang
- Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Diseases Research of Gansu Province, Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
| | - Yong-Gang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Diseases Research of Gansu Province, Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
| | - Bing Ma
- Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Diseases Research of Gansu Province, Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
| | - Shuai Xing
- Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Diseases Research of Gansu Province, Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
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10
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Scandola M, Aglioti SM, Lazzeri G, Avesani R, Ionta S, Moro V. Visuo-motor and interoceptive influences on peripersonal space representation following spinal cord injury. Sci Rep 2020; 10:5162. [PMID: 32198431 PMCID: PMC7083926 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62080-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Peripersonal space (PPS) representation is modulated by information coming from the body. In paraplegic individuals, whose lower limb sensory-motor functions are impaired or completely lost, the representation of PPS around the feet is reduced. However, passive motion can have short-term restorative effects. What remains unclear is the mechanisms underlying this recovery, in particular with regard to the contribution of visual and motor feedback and of interoception. Using virtual reality technology, we dissociated the motor and visual feedback during passive motion in paraplegics with complete and incomplete lesions and in healthy controls. The results show that in the case of paraplegics, the presence of motor feedback was necessary for the recovery of PPS representation, both when the motor feedback was congruent and when it was incongruent with the visual feedback. In contrast, visuo-motor incongruence led to an inhibition of PPS representation in the control group. There were no differences in sympathetic responses between the three groups. Nevertheless, in individuals with incomplete lesions, greater interoceptive sensitivity was associated with a better representation of PPS around the feet in the visuo-motor incongruent conditions. These results shed new light on the modulation of PPS representation, and demonstrate the importance of residual motor feedback and its integration with other bodily information in maintaining space representation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Scandola
- NPSY-Lab.VR, Department of Human Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy. .,IRCCS, Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.
| | - Salvatore Maria Aglioti
- IRCCS, Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.,Department of Psychology, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy.,Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Renato Avesani
- Department of Rehabilitation, IRCSS Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Silvio Ionta
- Sensory-Motor Lab (SeMoLa), Department of Ophthalmology-University of Lausanne, Jules Gonin Eye; Hospital-Fondation Asile des Aveugles, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Valentina Moro
- NPSY-Lab.VR, Department of Human Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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11
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Huang H, Chen L, Mao G, Sharma HS. Clinical neurorestorative cell therapies: Developmental process, current state and future prospective. JOURNAL OF NEURORESTORATOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.26599/jnr.2020.9040009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical cell therapies (CTs) for neurological diseases and cellular damage have been explored for more than 2 decades. According to the United States Food and Drug Administration, there are 2 types of cell categories for therapy, namely stem cell-derived CT products and mature/functionally differentiated cell-derived CT products. However, regardless of the type of CT used, the majority of reports of clinical CTs from either small sample sizes based on single-center phase 1 or 2 unblinded trials or retrospective clinical studies showed effects on neurological improvement and the ability to either partially or temporarily thwart the deteriorating cellular processes of the neurodegenerative diseases. There have been only a few prospective, multicenter, randomized, double- blind placebo-control clinical trials of CTs so far in this developing novel area that have shown negative results, and more clinical trials are needed. This will expand our knowledge in exploring the type of cells that yield promising results and restore damaged neurological structure and functions of the central nervous system based on higher level evidence-based medical data. In this review, we briefly introduce the developmental process, current state, and future prospective for clinical neurorestorative CT.
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12
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Schulman IH, Khan A, Hare JM. Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Circ Res 2019; 123:1030-1032. [PMID: 30355165 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.118.310426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Aisha Khan
- From the Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, FL
| | - Joshua M Hare
- From the Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, FL
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13
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Aimetti AA, Kirshblum S, Curt A, Mobley J, Grossman RG, Guest JD. Natural history of neurological improvement following complete (AIS A) thoracic spinal cord injury across three registries to guide acute clinical trial design and interpretation. Spinal Cord 2019; 57:753-762. [PMID: 31182786 PMCID: PMC6760562 DOI: 10.1038/s41393-019-0299-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Retrospective, longitudinal analysis of motor and sensory outcomes following thoracic (T2-T12) sensorimotor complete spinal cord injury (SCI) in selected patients enrolled into three SCI) registries. OBJECTIVES To establish a modern-day international benchmark for neurological recovery following traumatic complete thoracic sensorimotor SCI in a population similar to those enrolled in acute clinical trials. SETTING Affiliates of the North American Clinical Trial Network (NACTN), European Multicenter Study about Spinal Cord Injury (EMSCI), and the Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems (SCIMS). METHODS Only traumatic thoracic injured patients between 2006 and 2016 meeting commonly used clinical trial inclusion/exclusion criteria such as: age 16-70, T2-T12 neurological level of injury (NLI), ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) A, non-penetrating injury, acute neurological exam within 7 days of injury, and follow-up neurological exam at least ~ 6 months post injury, were included in this analysis. International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord injury outcomes including AIS conversion rate, NLI, and sensory and motor scores/levels were compiled. RESULTS A total of 170 patients were included from the three registries: 12 from NACTN, 64 from EMSCI, and 94 from SCIMS. AIS conversion rates at approximately 6 months post injury varied from 16.7% to 23.4% (21.1% weighted average). Improved conversion rates were observed in all registries for low thoracic (T10-T12) injuries when compared with high/mid thoracic (T2-T9) injuries. The NLI was generally stable and lower extremity motor score (LEMS) improvement was uncommon and usually limited to low thoracic injuries only. CONCLUSIONS This study presents the aggregation of selected multinational natural history recovery data in thoracic AIS A patients from three SCI registries and demonstrates comparable minimal improvement of ISNCSCI-scored motor and sensory function following these injuries, whereas conversions to higher AIS grades occur at a frequency of ~20%. These data inform the development of future clinical trial protocols in this important patient population for the interpretation of the safety and potential clinical benefit of new therapies, and the potential applicability in a multinational setting. SPONSORSHIP InVivo Therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Armin Curt
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Joseph Mobley
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Robert G Grossman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston, TX, USA
| | - James D Guest
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
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14
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Quesada MP, García-Bernal D, Pastor D, Estirado A, Blanquer M, García-Hernández AM, Moraleda JM, Martínez S. Safety and Biodistribution of Human Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Injected Intrathecally in Non-Obese Diabetic Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Mice: Preclinical Study. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2019; 16:525-538. [PMID: 31624707 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-019-00202-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have potent immunomodulatory and neuroprotective properties, and have been tested in neurodegenerative diseases resulting in meaningful clinical improvements. Regulatory guidelines specify the need to perform preclinical studies prior any clinical trial, including biodistribution assays and tumourigenesis exclusion. We conducted a preclinical study of human bone marrow MSCs (hBM-MSCs) injected by intrathecal route in Non-Obese Diabetic Severe Combined Immunodeficiency mice, to explore cellular biodistribution and toxicity as a privileged administration method for cell therapy in Friedreich's Ataxia. Methods For this purpose, 3 × 105 cells were injected by intrathecal route in 12 animals (experimental group) and the same volume of culture media in 6 animals (control group). Blood samples were collected at 24 h (n = 9) or 4 months (n = 9) to assess toxicity, and nine organs were harvested for histology and safety studies. Genomic DNA was isolated from all tissues, and mouse GAPDH and human β2M and β-actin genes were amplified by qPCR to analyze hBM-MSCs biodistribution. Results There were no deaths nor acute or chronic toxicity. Hematology, biochemistry and body weight were in the range of normal values in all groups. At 24 h hBM-MSCs were detected in 4/6 spinal cords and 1/6 hearts, and at 4 months in 3/6 hearts and 1/6 brains of transplanted mice. No tumours were found. Conclusion This study demonstrated that intrathecal injection of hBM-MSCs is safe, non toxic and do not produce tumors. These results provide further evidence that hBM-MSCs might be used in a clinical trial in patients with FRDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Paz Quesada
- 1Cellular Therapy and Hematopoietic Transplant Unit, Hematology Department, Virgen de la Arrixaca Clinical University Hospital, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum" University of Murcia, Carretera Acceso Urbanización Buenavista (1ªizda), 30120 El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - David García-Bernal
- 1Cellular Therapy and Hematopoietic Transplant Unit, Hematology Department, Virgen de la Arrixaca Clinical University Hospital, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum" University of Murcia, Carretera Acceso Urbanización Buenavista (1ªizda), 30120 El Palmar, Murcia, Spain.,2Internal Medicine Department, Medicine School, University of Murcia, Virgen de la Arrixaca Clinical University Hospital, Ctra. Madrid-Cartagena, s/n, 30120 El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Diego Pastor
- 3Sport Research Center, University Miguel Hernández of Elche, Av. de la Universidad s/n, 03202 Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | - Alicia Estirado
- 4Neuroscience Institute UMH-CSIC, University Miguel Hernández of Elche, Carretera de Valencia, Km 18, 03550 San Juan, Alicante, Spain
| | - Miguel Blanquer
- 1Cellular Therapy and Hematopoietic Transplant Unit, Hematology Department, Virgen de la Arrixaca Clinical University Hospital, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum" University of Murcia, Carretera Acceso Urbanización Buenavista (1ªizda), 30120 El Palmar, Murcia, Spain.,2Internal Medicine Department, Medicine School, University of Murcia, Virgen de la Arrixaca Clinical University Hospital, Ctra. Madrid-Cartagena, s/n, 30120 El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Ana Mª García-Hernández
- 1Cellular Therapy and Hematopoietic Transplant Unit, Hematology Department, Virgen de la Arrixaca Clinical University Hospital, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum" University of Murcia, Carretera Acceso Urbanización Buenavista (1ªizda), 30120 El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - José M Moraleda
- 1Cellular Therapy and Hematopoietic Transplant Unit, Hematology Department, Virgen de la Arrixaca Clinical University Hospital, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum" University of Murcia, Carretera Acceso Urbanización Buenavista (1ªizda), 30120 El Palmar, Murcia, Spain.,2Internal Medicine Department, Medicine School, University of Murcia, Virgen de la Arrixaca Clinical University Hospital, Ctra. Madrid-Cartagena, s/n, 30120 El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Salvador Martínez
- 4Neuroscience Institute UMH-CSIC, University Miguel Hernández of Elche, Carretera de Valencia, Km 18, 03550 San Juan, Alicante, Spain.,CIBERSAM-ISCIII, Avenida Blasco Ibáñez 15, 46010 Valencia, Spain.,6Human Anatomy Department, Medicine School, University Miguel Hernández of Elche, Carretera de Valencia, Km 18, 03550 San Juan, Alicante, Spain
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15
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Li J. Weak direct current (DC) electric fields as a therapy for spinal cord injuries: review and advancement of the oscillating field stimulator (OFS). Neurosurg Rev 2019; 42:825-834. [DOI: 10.1007/s10143-018-01068-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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16
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Huang H, Sharma HS, Chen L, Saberi H, Mao G. 2018 Yearbook of Neurorestoratology. JOURNAL OF NEURORESTORATOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.26599/jnr.2019.9040003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The Neurorestoratology discipline is getting worldwide attention from the clinicians, basic scientists, students and policy makers alike. Accordingly, this year too, the discipline has made profound advances and great achievements for the benefit of the mankind. In this report, of the 2018 Neurorestoratology Yearbook, salient features of new developments are summarized. This Yearbook consists 3 key themes namely (i) the new findings on pathogenesis of neurological diseases or degeneration; (ii) the new mechanisms of neurorestorative aspects; and (iii) the achievements and progresses made in the clinical field of neurorestorative therapies. The new trend has emerged in clinical studies that are based on greater levels of evidence-based medical practices both in clinical therapies and clinical trials based on standard designs.
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