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Davoudi-Monfared E, Abolghasemi R, Allahyari F, Farzanegan G. Adverse events of cell therapy clinical trials in human chronic spinal cord injury, a systematic review and meta-analysis. Regen Ther 2024; 27:381-397. [PMID: 38694447 PMCID: PMC11061649 DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2024.03.012] [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: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury is a lesion with high mortality and significant morbidities. After the primary injury, during six months, a cascade of secondary cellular and molecular events makes the lesion chronic. Recently, cell-based clinical trials as a new procedure have been gradually tested to improve the symptoms of patients. Each treatment method is associated with different adverse events. Based on the PRISMA flow diagram of the identified records, and after multistep screening, finally in 76 reviewed studies with 1633 cases and 189 controls, 64 types of adverse events in 12 categories were recorded in 45 studies. The most common adverse events were transient backache and meningism (90%) and cord malacia (80%). The cell therapy method in which the treatment was associated with more adverse events was Olfactory ensheathing cell and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell combination therapy in 55%, and the adverse events were less with the embryonic stem cell in 2.33% of patients. In a meta-analysis, the total prevalence of adverse events in cell therapy was 19% and the highest pulled effect size belonged to urinary tract and localized adverse events. Also, the total prevalence of adverse events in 14 cell therapy methods was 18% and four cell types (neural stem cell, bone marrow hematopoietic stem cell, embryonic stem cell, and umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell) had the most effect. None of the adverse events were reported on the 4 (life-threatening consequences) and 5 (death) grading scales. We concluded that the frequency of life-threatening adverse events following cell therapy clinical trials in chronic spinal cord injury patients is very scarce and can be ignored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmat Davoudi-Monfared
- Health Management Research Center & Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reyhaneh Abolghasemi
- New Hearing Technologies Research Center, Clinical Sciences Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fakhri Allahyari
- Neuroscience Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Farzanegan
- Trauma Research Center & Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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2
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Deng K, Hu DX, Zhang WJ. Application of cell transplantation in the treatment of neuropathic pain. Neuroscience 2024; 554:43-51. [PMID: 38986736 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.06.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Nerve injury can not only lead to sensory and motor dysfunction, but also be complicated with neuropathic pain (NPP), which brings great psychosomatic injury to patients. At present, there is no effective treatment for NPP. Based on the functional characteristics of cell transplantation in nerve regeneration and injury repair, cell therapy has been used in the exploratory treatment of NPP and has become a promising treatment of NPP. In this article, we discuss the current mainstream cell types for the treatment of NPP, including Schwann cells, olfactory ensheathing cells, neural stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of NPP. These bioactive cells transplanted into the host have pharmacological properties of decreasing pain threshold and relieving NPP by exerting nutritional support, neuroprotection, immune regulation, promoting axonal regeneration, and remyelination. Cell transplantation can also change the microenvironment around the nerve injury, which is conducive to the survival of neurons. It can effectively relieve pain by repairing the injured nerve and rebuilding the nerve function. At present, some preclinical and clinical studies have shown that some encouraging results have been achieved in NPP treatment based on cell transplantation. Therefore, we discussed the feasible strategy of cell transplantation as a treatment of NPP and the problems and challenges that need to be solved in the current application of cell transplantation in NPP therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kan Deng
- Rehabilitation Medicine Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, China; Ji an College, Ji an City, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Dong-Xia Hu
- Rehabilitation Medicine Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Wen-Jun Zhang
- Rehabilitation Medicine Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, China.
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3
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Li C, Luo Y, Li S. The roles of neural stem cells in myelin regeneration and repair therapy after spinal cord injury. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:204. [PMID: 38978125 PMCID: PMC11232222 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03825-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a complex tissue injury that results in a wide range of physical deficits, including permanent or progressive disabilities of sensory, motor and autonomic functions. To date, limitations in current clinical treatment options can leave SCI patients with lifelong disabilities. There is an urgent need to develop new therapies for reconstructing the damaged spinal cord neuron-glia network and restoring connectivity with the supraspinal pathways. Neural stem cells (NSCs) possess the ability to self-renew and differentiate into neurons and neuroglia, including oligodendrocytes, which are cells responsible for the formation and maintenance of the myelin sheath and the regeneration of demyelinated axons. For these properties, NSCs are considered to be a promising cell source for rebuilding damaged neural circuits and promoting myelin regeneration. Over the past decade, transplantation of NSCs has been extensively tested in a variety of preclinical models of SCI. This review aims to highlight the pathophysiology of SCI and promote the understanding of the role of NSCs in SCI repair therapy and the current advances in pathological mechanism, pre-clinical studies, as well as clinical trials of SCI via NSC transplantation therapeutic strategy. Understanding and mastering these frontier updates will pave the way for establishing novel therapeutic strategies to improve the quality of recovery from SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Li
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yuping Luo
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
- Stem Cell Translational Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Siguang Li
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China.
- Stem Cell Translational Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China.
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Gowrishankar S, Smith ME, Creber N, Muzaffar J, Borsetto D. Immunosuppression in stem cell clinical trials of neural and retinal cell types: A systematic review. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304073. [PMID: 38968328 PMCID: PMC11226136 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pharmacologic immunosuppression regimes are commonly employed in stem cell clinical trials to mitigate host immune rejection and promote survival and viability of transplanted cells. Immunosuppression and cell survival has been extensively studied in retinal and spinal tissues. The applicability of stem cell therapy is rapidly expanding to other sensory organs such as the ear and hearing. As regenerative therapy is directed to new areas, a greater understanding of immunosuppression strategies and their efficacy is required to facilitate translation to organ-specific biologic microenvironments. OBJECTIVE This systematic review appraises the current literature regarding immunosuppression strategies employed in stem cell trials of retinal and neural cells. METHODS This systematic review was performed in line with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Inclusion criteria included studies presenting data on neural or retinal cells as part of an in-human clinical trial that detailed the immunosuppression regime used. Exclusion criteria included non-English language studies, animal studies, review articles, case reports, editorials, and letters. The databases Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to February 2024. Risk of bias was evaluated using the ROBINS-I tool. RESULTS Eighteen articles fit the inclusion criteria. Nine articles concerned retinal cells, 5 concerned spinal cord injury, and 4 concerned amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. A multi-drug and short-term immunosuppression regime were commonly employed in the identified studies. Detected immune responses in treated patients were rare. Common immunosuppression paradigms included tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil and tapering doses of steroids. Local immunosuppression with steroids was employed in some studies concerning retinal diseases. DISCUSSION A short-term course of systemic immunosuppression seemed efficacious for most included studies, with some showing grafted cells viable months to years after immunosuppression had stopped. Longer-term follow-up is required to see if this remains the case. Side effects related to immunosuppression were uncommon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shravan Gowrishankar
- Department of ENT, Cambridge University Hospitals, Cambridge, England, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew E. Smith
- Department of ENT, Cambridge University Hospitals, Cambridge, England, United Kingdom
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, United Kingdom
| | - Nathan Creber
- Department of ENT, Cambridge University Hospitals, Cambridge, England, United Kingdom
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jameel Muzaffar
- Department of ENT, Cambridge University Hospitals, Cambridge, England, United Kingdom
| | - Daniele Borsetto
- Department of ENT, Cambridge University Hospitals, Cambridge, England, United Kingdom
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Fischer G, Bättig L, Stienen MN, Curt A, Fehlings MG, Hejrati N. Advancements in neuroregenerative and neuroprotective therapies for traumatic spinal cord injury. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1372920. [PMID: 38812974 PMCID: PMC11133582 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1372920] [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: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCIs) continue to be a major healthcare concern, with a rising prevalence worldwide. In response to this growing medical challenge, considerable scientific attention has been devoted to developing neuroprotective and neuroregenerative strategies aimed at improving the prognosis and quality of life for individuals with SCIs. This comprehensive review aims to provide an up-to-date and thorough overview of the latest neuroregenerative and neuroprotective therapies currently under investigation. These strategies encompass a multifaceted approach that include neuropharmacological interventions, cell-based therapies, and other promising strategies such as biomaterial scaffolds and neuro-modulation therapies. In addition, the review discusses the importance of acute clinical management, including the role of hemodynamic management as well as timing and technical aspects of surgery as key factors mitigating the secondary injury following SCI. In conclusion, this review underscores the ongoing scientific efforts to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life, focusing on upcoming strategies for the management of traumatic SCI. Each section provides a working knowledge of the fundamental preclinical and patient trials relevant to clinicians while underscoring the pathophysiologic rationale for the therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Fischer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, Medical School of St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
- Spine Center of Eastern Switzerland, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, Medical School of St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Linda Bättig
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, Medical School of St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
- Spine Center of Eastern Switzerland, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, Medical School of St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Martin N. Stienen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, Medical School of St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
- Spine Center of Eastern Switzerland, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, Medical School of St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Armin Curt
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, University Hospital Balgrist, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael G. Fehlings
- Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nader Hejrati
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, Medical School of St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
- Spine Center of Eastern Switzerland, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, Medical School of St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
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Kvistad CE, Kråkenes T, Gavasso S, Bø L. Neural regeneration in the human central nervous system-from understanding the underlying mechanisms to developing treatments. Where do we stand today? Front Neurol 2024; 15:1398089. [PMID: 38803647 PMCID: PMC11129638 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1398089] [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: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Mature neurons in the human central nervous system (CNS) fail to regenerate after injuries. This is a common denominator across different aetiologies, including multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury and ischemic stroke. The lack of regeneration leads to permanent functional deficits with a substantial impact on patient quality of life, representing a significant socioeconomic burden worldwide. Great efforts have been made to decipher the responsible mechanisms and we now know that potent intra- and extracellular barriers prevent axonal repair. This knowledge has resulted in numerous clinical trials, aiming to promote neuroregeneration through different approaches. Here, we summarize the current understanding of the causes to the poor regeneration within the human CNS. We also review the results of the treatment attempts that have been translated into clinical trials so far.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Torbjørn Kråkenes
- Neuro-SysMed, Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Sonia Gavasso
- Neuro-SysMed, Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars Bø
- Neuro-SysMed, Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Abolghasemi R, Davoudi-Monfared E, Allahyari F, Farzanegan G. Systematic Review of Cell Therapy Efficacy in Human Chronic Spinal Cord Injury. TISSUE ENGINEERING. PART B, REVIEWS 2024; 30:254-269. [PMID: 37917104 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2023.0130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most debilitating problems for humans. About 6 months after the initial injury, a cascade of secondary cellular and molecular events occurs and the primary damage enters the chronic phase. Current treatments are not curative. One of the new treatment methods is the use of cell therapy, which is gradually being tested in clinical trials to improve the symptoms of SCI patients. In this review article, we investigated the effect of different cell therapy trials in improving patients' symptoms and their paraclinical indicators. In the 72 final reviewed studies with 1144 cases and 186 controls, 20 scores were recorded as outcomes. We categorized the scores into seven groups. In upper extremity motor score, daily living function, trunk stability, postural hypotension, somatosensory evoked potential, and motor evoked potential scores, the bone marrow hematopoietic stem cell therapy had a more healing effect. In the International Association of Neurorestoratology SCI Functional Rating Scale, light touch score, bowel function, decreased spasticity, Visual Analog Scale, and electromyography scores, the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell had more impact. The olfactory ensheathing cell had a greater effect on lower extremity motor score and pinprick scores than other cells. The embryonic stem cell had the greatest effect in improving the important score of the American Spinal Injury Association scale. Based on the obtained results, it seems that a special cell should be used to improve each symptom of patients with chronic SCI, and if the improvement of several harms is involved, the combination of cells may be effective. Impact statement Compared to similar review articles published so far, we reviewed the largest number of published articles, and so the largest number of cases and controls, and the variety of cells we examined was more than other published articles. We concluded that different cells are effective for improving the symptoms and paraclinical indicators of patients with chronic spinal cord injury. Bone marrow hematopoietic stem cell and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell have had the higher overall mean effect in more scores (each in six scores). If the improvement of several harms is involved, the combination of cells may be effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reyhaneh Abolghasemi
- New Hearing Technologies Research Center, Clinical Sciences Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Esmat Davoudi-Monfared
- Health Management Research Center and Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fakhri Allahyari
- Neuroscience Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Farzanegan
- Trauma Research Center and Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Agosti E, Zeppieri M, Pagnoni A, Fontanella MM, Fiorindi A, Ius T, Panciani PP. Current status and future perspectives on stem cell transplantation for spinal cord injury. World J Transplant 2024; 14:89674. [PMID: 38576751 PMCID: PMC10989472 DOI: 10.5500/wjt.v14.i1.89674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous assessments of stem cell therapy for spinal cord injuries (SCI) have encountered challenges and constraints. Current research primarily emphasizes safety in early-phase clinical trials, while systematic reviews prioritize effectiveness, often overlooking safety and translational feasibility. This situation prompts inquiries regarding the readiness for clinical adoption. AIM To offer an up-to-date systematic literature review of clinical trial results con cerning stem cell therapy for SCI. METHODS A systematic search was conducted across major medical databases [PubMed, Embase, Reference Citation Analysis (RCA), and Cochrane Library] up to October 14, 2023. The search strategy utilized relevant Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms and keywords related to "spinal cord", "injury", "clinical trials", "stem cells", "functional outcomes", and "adverse events". Studies included in this review consisted of randomized controlled trials and non-randomized controlled trials reporting on the use of stem cell therapies for the treatment of SCI. RESULTS In a comprehensive review of 66 studies on stem cell therapies for SCI, 496 papers were initially identified, with 237 chosen for full-text analysis. Among them, 236 were deemed eligible after excluding 170 for various reasons. These studies encompassed 1086 patients with varying SCI levels, with cervical injuries being the most common (42.2%). Bone marrow stem cells were the predominant stem cell type used (71.1%), with various administration methods. Follow-up durations averaged around 84.4 months. The 32.7% of patients showed functional impro vement from American spinal injury association Impairment Scale (AIS) A to B, 40.8% from AIS A to C, 5.3% from AIS A to D, and 2.1% from AIS B to C. Sensory improvements were observed in 30.9% of patients. A relatively small number of adverse events were recorded, including fever (15.1%), headaches (4.3%), muscle tension (3.1%), and dizziness (2.6%), highlighting the potential for SCI recovery with stem cell therapy. CONCLUSION In the realm of SCI treatment, stem cell-based therapies show promise, but clinical trials reveal potential adverse events and limitations, underscoring the need for meticulous optimization of transplantation conditions and parameters, caution against swift clinical implementation, a deeper understanding of SCI pathophysiology, and addressing ethical, tumorigenicity, immunogenicity, and immunotoxicity concerns before gradual and careful adoption in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Agosti
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia 25123, Italy
| | - Marco Zeppieri
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, Udine 33100, Italy
| | - Andrea Pagnoni
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia 25123, Italy
| | - Marco Maria Fontanella
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia 25123, BS, Italy
| | - Alessandro Fiorindi
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia 25123, Italy
| | - Tamara Ius
- Neurosurgery Unit, Head-Neck and NeuroScience Department, University Hospital of Udine, Udine 33100, Italy
| | - Pier Paolo Panciani
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia 25123, Italy
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Hosseini SM, Borys B, Karimi-Abdolrezaee S. Neural stem cell therapies for spinal cord injury repair: an update on recent preclinical and clinical advances. Brain 2024; 147:766-793. [PMID: 37975820 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a leading cause of lifelong disabilities. Permanent sensory, motor and autonomic impairments after SCI are substantially attributed to degeneration of spinal cord neurons and axons, and disintegration of neural network. To date, minimal regenerative treatments are available for SCI with an unmet need for new therapies to reconstruct the damaged spinal cord neuron-glia network and restore connectivity with the supraspinal pathways. Multipotent neural precursor cells (NPCs) have a unique capacity to generate neurons, oligodendrocytes and astrocytes. Due to this capacity, NPCs have been an attractive cell source for cellular therapies for SCI. Transplantation of NPCs has been extensively tested in preclinical models of SCI in the past two decades. These studies have identified opportunities and challenges associated with NPC therapies. While NPCs have the potential to promote neuroregeneration through various mechanisms, their low long-term survival and integration within the host injured spinal cord limit the functional benefits of NPC-based therapies for SCI. To address this challenge, combinatorial strategies have been developed to optimize the outcomes of NPC therapies by enriching SCI microenvironment through biomaterials, genetic and pharmacological therapies. In this review, we will provide an in-depth discussion on recent advances in preclinical NPC-based therapies for SCI. We will discuss modes of actions and mechanism by which engrafted NPCs contribute to the repair process and functional recovery. We will also provide an update on current clinical trials and new technologies that have facilitated preparation of medical-grade human NPCs suitable for transplantation in clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Mojtaba Hosseini
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Spinal Cord Research Centre, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0J9, Canada
- Manitoba Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Ben Borys
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Spinal Cord Research Centre, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Soheila Karimi-Abdolrezaee
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Spinal Cord Research Centre, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0J9, Canada
- Manitoba Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0J9, Canada
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 3P4, Canada
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Roman A, Huntemer-Silveira A, Waldron MA, Khalid Z, Blake J, Parr AM, Low WC. Cell Transplantation for Repair of the Spinal Cord and Prospects for Generating Region-Specific Exogenic Neuronal Cells. Cell Transplant 2024; 33:9636897241241998. [PMID: 38590295 PMCID: PMC11005494 DOI: 10.1177/09636897241241998] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is associated with currently irreversible consequences in several functional components of the central nervous system. Despite the severity of injury, there remains no approved treatment to restore function. However, with a growing number of preclinical studies and clinical trials, cell transplantation has gained significant potential as a treatment for SCI. Researchers have identified several cell types as potential candidates for transplantation. To optimize successful functional outcomes after transplantation, one key factor concerns generating neuronal cells with regional and subtype specificity, thus calling on the developmental transcriptome patterning of spinal cord cells. A potential source of spinal cord cells for transplantation is the generation of exogenic neuronal progenitor cells via the emerging technologies of gene editing and blastocyst complementation. This review highlights the use of cell transplantation to treat SCI in the context of relevant developmental gene expression patterns useful for producing regionally specific exogenic spinal cells via in vitro differentiation and blastocyst complementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Roman
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Anne Huntemer-Silveira
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Madison A. Waldron
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Zainab Khalid
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Jeffrey Blake
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Ann M. Parr
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Walter C. Low
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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11
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Grijalva-Otero I, Doncel-Pérez E. Traumatic Human Spinal Cord Injury: Are Single Treatments Enough to Solve the Problem? Arch Med Res 2024; 55:102935. [PMID: 38157747 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2023.102935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) results in partial or complete motor deficits, such as paraplegia, tetraplegia, and sphincter control, as well as sensory disturbances and autonomic dysregulation such as arterial hypotension, lack of sweating, and alterations in skin lability. All this has a strong psychological impact on the affected person and his/her family, as well as costs to healthcare institutions with an economic burden in the short, medium, and long terms. Despite at least forty years of experimental animal studies and several clinical trials with different therapeutic strategies, effective therapy is not universally accepted. Most of the published works on acute and chronic injury use a single treatment, such as medication, trophic factor, transplant of a cell type, and so on, to block some secondary injury mechanisms or promote some mechanisms of structural/functional restoration. However, despite significant results in experimental models, the outcome is a moderate improvement in muscle strength, sensation, or eventually in sphincter control, which has been considered non-significant in human clinical trials. Here we present a brief compilation of successful individual treatments that have been applied to secondary mechanisms of action. These studies show limited neuroprotective or neurorestorative approaches in animal models and clinical trials. Thus, the few benefits achieved so far represent a rationale to further explore other strategies that seek better structural and functional restoration of the injured spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israel Grijalva-Otero
- Medical Research Unit for Neurological Diseases, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad, Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Ernesto Doncel-Pérez
- Neural Regeneration Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos de Toledo, Servicios de Salud de Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Spain
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12
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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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13
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Stewart AN, Gensel JC, Jones L, Fouad K. Challenges in Translating Regenerative Therapies for Spinal Cord Injury. Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil 2023; 29:23-43. [PMID: 38174141 PMCID: PMC10759906 DOI: 10.46292/sci23-00044s] [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: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Regenerating the injured spinal cord is a substantial challenge with many obstacles that need to be overcome to achieve robust functional benefits. This abundance of hurdles can partly explain the limited success when applying regenerative intervention treatments in animal models and/or people. In this article, we elaborate on a few of these obstacles, starting with the applicability of animal models and how they compare to the clinical setting. We then discuss the requirement for combinatorial interventions and the associated problems in experimental design, including the addition of rehabilitative training. The article expands on differences in lesion sizes and locations between humans and common animal models, and how this difference can determine the success or failure of an intervention. An additional and frequently overlooked problem in the translation of interventions that applies beyond the field of neuroregeneration is the reporting bias and the lack of transparency in reporting findings. New data mandates are tackling this problem and will eventually result in a more balanced view of the field. Finally, we will discuss strategies to negotiate the challenging course of successful translation to facilitate successful translation of regeneration promoting interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew N. Stewart
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - John C. Gensel
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Linda Jones
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Karim Fouad
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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14
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Chen D, Huang H, Saberi H, Sharma HS. Positive and negative cell therapy in randomized control trials for central nervous system diseases. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 171:241-254. [PMID: 37783557 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2023.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Neurorestorative cell therapies have been tested to treat patients with nervous system diseases for over 20 years. Now it is still hard to answer which kinds of cells can really play a role on improving these patients' quality of life. Non-randomized clinical trials or studies could not provide strong evidences in answering this critical question. In this review, we summarized randomized clinical trials of cell therapies for central nervous diseases, such as stroke, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy (CP), Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), brain trauma, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), etc. Most kinds of cell therapies demonstrated negative results for stoke, brain trauma and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. A few kinds of cell therapies showed neurorestorative effects in this level of evidence-based medicine, such as olfactory ensheating cells for chronic ischemic stroke. Some kinds of cells showed positive or negative effects from different teams in the same or different diseases. We analyzed the possible failed reasons of negative results and the cellular bio-propriety basis of positive results. Based on therapeutic results of randomized control trials and reasonable analysis, we recommend: (1) to further conduct trials for successful cell therapies with positive results to increase neurorestorative effects; (2) to avoid in repeating failed cell therapies with negative results in same diseases because it is nonsense for them to be done with similar treatment methods, such as cell dosage, transplanting way, time of window, etc. Furthermore, we strongly suggest not to do non-randomized clinical trials for cells that had shown negative results in randomized clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Chen
- Beijing Hongtianji Neuroscience Academy, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Hongyun Huang
- Beijing Hongtianji Neuroscience Academy, Beijing, P.R. China.
| | - Hooshang Saberi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hari Shanker Sharma
- International Experimental Central Nervous System Injury & Repair (IECNSIR), Dept. of Surgical Sciences, Anesthesiology & Intensive Care Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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15
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Garcia E, Buzoianu-Anguiano V, Silva-Garcia R, Esparza-Salazar F, Arriero-Cabañero A, Escandon A, Doncel-Pérez E, Ibarra A. Use of Cells, Supplements, and Peptides as Therapeutic Strategies for Modulating Inflammation after Spinal Cord Injury: An Update. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13946. [PMID: 37762251 PMCID: PMC10531377 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury is a traumatic lesion that causes a catastrophic condition in patients, resulting in neuronal deficit and loss of motor and sensory function. That loss is caused by secondary injury events following mechanical damage, which results in cell death. One of the most important events is inflammation, which activates molecules like proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IFN-γ, and TNF-α) that provoke a toxic environment, inhibiting axonal growth and exacerbating CNS damage. As there is no effective treatment, one of the developed therapies is neuroprotection of the tissue to preserve healthy tissue. Among the strategies that have been developed are the use of cell therapy, the use of peptides, and molecules or supplements that have been shown to favor an anti-inflammatory environment that helps to preserve tissue and cells at the site of injury, thus favoring axonal growth and improved locomotor function. In this review, we will explain some of these strategies used in different animal models of spinal cord injury, their activity as modulators of the immune system, and the benefits they have shown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Garcia
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (CICSA), FCS, Universidad Anáhuac México Campus Norte, Huixquilucan 52786, Mexico; (E.G.); (F.E.-S.); (A.E.)
| | - Vinnitsa Buzoianu-Anguiano
- Grupo Regeneración Neural, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, SESCAM, 45071 Toledo, Spain; (V.B.-A.); (A.A.-C.)
| | - Raúl Silva-Garcia
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Inmunología Hospital de Pediatría, CMN-SXXI, IMSS, Mexico City 06720, Mexico;
| | - Felipe Esparza-Salazar
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (CICSA), FCS, Universidad Anáhuac México Campus Norte, Huixquilucan 52786, Mexico; (E.G.); (F.E.-S.); (A.E.)
| | - Alejandro Arriero-Cabañero
- Grupo Regeneración Neural, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, SESCAM, 45071 Toledo, Spain; (V.B.-A.); (A.A.-C.)
| | - Adela Escandon
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (CICSA), FCS, Universidad Anáhuac México Campus Norte, Huixquilucan 52786, Mexico; (E.G.); (F.E.-S.); (A.E.)
| | - Ernesto Doncel-Pérez
- Grupo Regeneración Neural, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, SESCAM, 45071 Toledo, Spain; (V.B.-A.); (A.A.-C.)
| | - Antonio Ibarra
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (CICSA), FCS, Universidad Anáhuac México Campus Norte, Huixquilucan 52786, Mexico; (E.G.); (F.E.-S.); (A.E.)
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16
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Cunha NSC, Malvea A, Sadat S, Ibrahim GM, Fehlings MG. Pediatric Spinal Cord Injury: A Review. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1456. [PMID: 37761417 PMCID: PMC10530251 DOI: 10.3390/children10091456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
A spinal cord injury (SCI) can be a devastating condition in children, with profound implications for their overall health and quality of life. In this review, we aim to provide a concise overview of the key aspects associated with SCIs in the pediatric population. Firstly, we discuss the etiology and epidemiology of SCIs in children, highlighting the diverse range of causes. We explore the unique anatomical and physiological characteristics of the developing spinal cord that contribute to the specific challenges faced by pediatric patients. Next, we delve into the clinical presentation and diagnostic methods, emphasizing the importance of prompt and accurate diagnosis to facilitate appropriate interventions. Furthermore, we approach the multidisciplinary management of pediatric SCIs, encompassing acute medical care, surgical interventions, and ongoing supportive therapies. Finally, we explore emerging research as well as innovative therapies in the field, and we emphasize the need for continued advancements in understanding and treating SCIs in children to improve their functional independence and overall quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anahita Malvea
- Division of Neurosurgery, Krembil Neuroscience Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada;
| | - Sarah Sadat
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada;
| | - George M. Ibrahim
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1E8, Canada;
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Michael G. Fehlings
- Division of Neurosurgery, Krembil Neuroscience Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada;
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
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17
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Montoto-Meijide R, Meijide-Faílde R, Díaz-Prado SM, Montoto-Marqués A. Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy in Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11719. [PMID: 37511478 PMCID: PMC10380897 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Recovery from a traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) is challenging due to the limited regenerative capacity of the central nervous system to restore cells, myelin, and neural connections. Cell therapy, particularly with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), holds significant promise for TSCI treatment. This systematic review aims to analyze the efficacy, safety, and therapeutic potential of MSC-based cell therapies in TSCI. A comprehensive search of PUBMED and COCHRANE databases until February 2023 was conducted, combining terms such as "spinal cord injury," "stem cells," "stem cell therapy," "mesenchymal stem cells," and "traumatic spinal cord injury". Among the 53 studies initially identified, 22 (21 clinical trials and 1 case series) were included. Findings from these studies consistently demonstrate improvements in AIS (ASIA Impairment Scale) grades, sensory scores, and, to a lesser extent, motor scores. Meta-analyses further support these positive outcomes. MSC-based therapies have shown short- and medium-term safety, as indicated by the absence of significant adverse events within the studied timeframe. However, caution is required when drawing generalized recommendations due to the limited scientific evidence available. Further research is needed to elucidate the long-term safety and clinical implications of these advancements. Although significant progress has been made, particularly with MSC-based therapies, additional studies exploring other potential future therapies such as gene therapies, neurostimulation techniques, and tissue engineering approaches are essential for a comprehensive understanding of the evolving TSCI treatment landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Montoto-Meijide
- Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Rosa Meijide-Faílde
- Grupo de Investigación en Terapia Celular y Medicina Regenerativa, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Centro Interdisciplinar de Química y Biología (CICA), Universidade da Coruña, 15071 A Coruña, Spain
- Departamento de Fisioterapia, Medicina y Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidade da Coruña, 15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Silvia María Díaz-Prado
- Grupo de Investigación en Terapia Celular y Medicina Regenerativa, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Centro Interdisciplinar de Química y Biología (CICA), Universidade da Coruña, 15071 A Coruña, Spain
- Departamento de Fisioterapia, Medicina y Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidade da Coruña, 15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Antonio Montoto-Marqués
- Departamento de Fisioterapia, Medicina y Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidade da Coruña, 15071 A Coruña, Spain
- Unidad de Lesionados Medulares, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña, 15006 A Coruña, Spain
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18
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Ribeiro BF, da Cruz BC, de Sousa BM, Correia PD, David N, Rocha C, Almeida RD, Ribeiro da Cunha M, Marques Baptista AA, Vieira SI. Cell therapies for spinal cord injury: a review of the clinical trials and cell-type therapeutic potential. Brain 2023; 146:2672-2693. [PMID: 36848323 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is an as yet untreatable neuropathology that causes severe dysfunction and disability. Cell-based therapies hold neuroregenerative and neuroprotective potential, but, although being studied in SCI patients for more than two decades, long-term efficacy and safety remain unproven, and which cell types result in higher neurological and functional recovery remains under debate. In a comprehensive scoping review of 142 reports and registries of SCI cell-based clinical trials, we addressed the current therapeutical trends and critically analysed the strengths and limitations of the studies. Schwann cells, olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs), macrophages and various types of stem cells have been tested, as well as combinations of these and other cells. A comparative analysis between the reported outcomes of each cell type was performed, according to gold-standard efficacy outcome measures like the ASIA impairment scale, motor and sensory scores. Most of the trials were in the early phases of clinical development (phase I/II), involved patients with complete chronic injuries of traumatic aetiology and did not display a randomized comparative control arm. Bone marrow stem cells and OECs were the most commonly tested cells, while open surgery and injection were the main methods of delivering cells into the spinal cord or submeningeal spaces. Transplantation of support cells, such as OECs and Schwann cells, resulted in the highest ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) grade conversion rates (improvements in ∼40% of transplanted patients), which surpassed the spontaneous improvement rate expected for complete chronic SCI patients within 1 year post-injury (5-20%). Some stem cells, such as peripheral blood-isolated and neural stem cells, offer potential for improving patient recovery. Complementary treatments, particularly post-transplantation rehabilitation regimes, may contribute highly to neurological and functional recovery. However, unbiased comparisons between the tested therapies are difficult to draw, given the great heterogeneity of the design and outcome measures used in the SCI cell-based clinical trials and how these are reported. It is therefore crucial to standardize these trials when aiming for higher value clinical evidence-based conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz F Ribeiro
- Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Bruna C da Cruz
- Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Bárbara M de Sousa
- Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Patrícia D Correia
- Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Nuno David
- Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Camila Rocha
- Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ramiro D Almeida
- Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Maria Ribeiro da Cunha
- Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
- Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Unit, Centro de Reabilitação do Norte (CRN), Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia e Espinho (CHVNG/E), 4400-129 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - António A Marques Baptista
- Department of Neurosurgery, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia e Espinho (CHVNG/E), 4400-129 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - Sandra I Vieira
- Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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19
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Hu X, Xu W, Ren Y, Wang Z, He X, Huang R, Ma B, Zhao J, Zhu R, Cheng L. Spinal cord injury: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic interventions. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:245. [PMID: 37357239 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01477-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 78.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) remains a severe condition with an extremely high disability rate. The challenges of SCI repair include its complex pathological mechanisms and the difficulties of neural regeneration in the central nervous system. In the past few decades, researchers have attempted to completely elucidate the pathological mechanism of SCI and identify effective strategies to promote axon regeneration and neural circuit remodeling, but the results have not been ideal. Recently, new pathological mechanisms of SCI, especially the interactions between immune and neural cell responses, have been revealed by single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptome analysis. With the development of bioactive materials and stem cells, more attention has been focused on forming intermediate neural networks to promote neural regeneration and neural circuit reconstruction than on promoting axonal regeneration in the corticospinal tract. Furthermore, technologies to control physical parameters such as electricity, magnetism and ultrasound have been constantly innovated and applied in neural cell fate regulation. Among these advanced novel strategies and technologies, stem cell therapy, biomaterial transplantation, and electromagnetic stimulation have entered into the stage of clinical trials, and some of them have already been applied in clinical treatment. In this review, we outline the overall epidemiology and pathophysiology of SCI, expound on the latest research progress related to neural regeneration and circuit reconstruction in detail, and propose future directions for SCI repair and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Hu
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Center For Brain And Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Center For Brain And Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China
| | - Yilong Ren
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Center For Brain And Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaojie Wang
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Center For Brain And Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaolie He
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Center For Brain And Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China
| | - Runzhi Huang
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Center For Brain And Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China
| | - Bei Ma
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Center For Brain And Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingwei Zhao
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Center For Brain And Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China
| | - Rongrong Zhu
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200065, Shanghai, China.
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, 200065, Shanghai, China.
- Clinical Center For Brain And Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China.
| | - Liming Cheng
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200065, Shanghai, China.
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, 200065, Shanghai, China.
- Clinical Center For Brain And Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China.
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20
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Attaluri S, Jaimes Gonzalez J, Kirmani M, Vogel AD, Upadhya R, Kodali M, Madhu LN, Rao S, Shuai B, Babu RS, Huard C, Shetty AK. Intranasally administered extracellular vesicles from human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural stem cells quickly incorporate into neurons and microglia in 5xFAD mice. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1200445. [PMID: 37424631 PMCID: PMC10323752 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1200445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived neural stem cells (NSCs) have robust antiinflammatory and neurogenic properties due to therapeutic miRNAs and proteins in their cargo. Hence, hiPSC-NSC-EVs are potentially an excellent biologic for treating neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods This study investigated whether intranasally (IN) administered hiPSC-NSC-EVs would quickly target various neural cell types in the forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain regions of 3-month-old 5xFAD mice, a model of β-amyloidosis and familial AD. We administered a single dose of 25 × 109 hiPSC-NSC-EVs labeled with PKH26, and different cohorts of naïve and 5xFAD mice receiving EVs were euthanized at 45 min or 6 h post-administration. Results At 45 min post-administration, EVs were found in virtually all subregions of the forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain of naïve and 5xFAD mice, with predominant targeting and internalization into neurons, interneurons, and microglia, including plaque-associated microglia in 5xFAD mice. EVs also came in contact with the plasma membranes of astrocytic processes and the soma of oligodendrocytes in white matter regions. Evaluation of CD63/CD81 expression with the neuronal marker confirmed that PKH26 + particles found within neurons were IN administered hiPSC-NSC-EVs. At 6 h post-administration, EVs persisted in all cell types in both groups, with the distribution mostly matching what was observed at 45 min post-administration. Area fraction (AF) analysis revealed that, in both naïve and 5xFAD mice, higher fractions of EVs incorporate into forebrain regions at both time points. However, at 45 min post-IN administration, AFs of EVs within cell layers in forebrain regions and within microglia in midbrain and hindbrain regions were lower in 5xFAD mice than naïve mice, implying that amyloidosis reduces EV penetrance. Discussion Collectively, the results provide novel evidence that IN administration of therapeutic hiPSC-NSC-EVs is an efficient avenue for directing such EVs into neurons and glia in all brain regions in the early stage of amyloidosis. As pathological changes in AD are observed in multiple brain areas, the ability to deliver therapeutic EVs into various neural cells in virtually every brain region in the early stage of amyloidosis is attractive for promoting neuroprotective and antiinflammatory effects.
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Huang H, Ramon-Cueto A, El Masri W, Moviglia GA, Saberi H, Sharma HS, Otom A, Chen L, Siniscalco D, Sarnowska A. Advances in Neurorestoratology-Current status and future developments. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 171:207-239. [PMID: 37783556 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2023.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Neurorestoratology constitutes a novel discipline aimed at the restoration of damaged neural structures and impaired neurological functions. This area of knowledge integrates and compiles all concepts and strategies dealing with the neurorestoration. Although currently, this discipline has already been well recognized by physicians and scientists throughout the world, this article aimed at broadening its knowledge to the academic circle and the public society. Here we shortly introduced why and how Neurorestoratology was born since the fact that the central nervous system (CNS) can be repaired and the subsequent scientific evidence of the neurorestorative mechanisms behind, such as neurostimulation or neuromodulation, neuroprotection, neuroplasticity, neurogenesis, neuroregeneration or axonal regeneration or sprouting, neuroreplacement, loop reconstruction, remyelination, immunoregulation, angiogenesis or revascularization, and others. The scope of this discipline is the improvement of therapeutic approaches for neurological diseases and the development of neurorestorative strategies through the comprehensive efforts of experts in the different areas and all articulated by the associations of Neurorestoratology and its journals. Strikingly, this article additionally explores the "state of art" of the Neurorestoratology field. This includes the development process of the discipline, the achievements and advances of novel neurorestorative treatments, the most efficient procedures exploring and evaluating outcome after the application of pioneer therapies, all the joining of a multidisciplinary expert associations and the specialized journals being more and more impact. We believe that in a near future, this discipline will evolve fast, leading to a general application of cell-based comprehensive neurorestorative treatments to fulfill functional recovery demands for patients with neurological deficits or dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyun Huang
- Beijing Hongtianji Neuroscience Academy, Beijing, P.R. China.
| | - Almudena Ramon-Cueto
- Health Center Colmenar Norte, Plaza de Los Ríos 1, Colmenar Viejo, Madrid, Spain
| | - Wagih El Masri
- Robert Jones & Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, Spinal Injuries Keele University, Oswestry, United Kingdom
| | - Gustavo A Moviglia
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine. Winston Salem, NC, United States
| | - Hooshang Saberi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hari Shanker Sharma
- International Experimental Central Nervous System Injury & Repair (IECNSIR), Dept. of Surgical Sciences, Anesthesiology & Intensive Care Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ali Otom
- Royal Specialty Center for Spine & M-Skeletal Disorders, Amman, Jordan
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Dario Siniscalco
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Sarnowska
- Mossakowski Medical Research Center, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
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22
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Huang H, Sanberg PR, Moviglia GA, Sharma A, Chen L, Chen D. Clinical results of neurorestorative cell therapies and therapeutic indications according to cellular bio-proprieties. Regen Ther 2023; 23:52-59. [PMID: 37122360 PMCID: PMC10130496 DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2023.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell therapies have been explored to treat patients with nervous diseases for over 20 years. Even though most kinds of cell therapies demonstrated neurorestorative effects in non-randomized clinical trials; the effects of the majority type cells could not be confirmed by randomized controlled trials. In this review, clinical therapeutic results of neurorestorative cell therapies according to cellular bio-proprieties or cellular functions were introduced. Currently it was demonstrated from analysis of this review that some indications of cell therapies were not appropriate, they might be reasons why their neurorestorative effects could not be proved by multicenter, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials. Theoretically if one kind of cell therapy has neurorestorative effects according to its cellular bio-proprieties, it should have appropriate indications. The cell therapies with special bio-properties is promising if the indication selections are appropriate, such as olfactory ensheathing cells for chronic ischemic stroke, and their neurorestorative effects can be confirmed by higher level clinical trials of evidence-based medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyun Huang
- Beijing Hongtianji Neuroscience Academy, Beijing 100143, China
- Corresponding author.
| | - Paul R. Sanberg
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery & Brain Repair, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa 33612, Florida, USA
| | | | - Alok Sharma
- Department of Neurosurgery, LTM Medical College, LTMG Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Di Chen
- Beijing Hongtianji Neuroscience Academy, Beijing 100143, China
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23
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Aceves M, Tucker A, Chen J, Vo K, Moses J, Amar Kumar P, Thomas H, Miranda D, Dampf G, Dietz V, Chang M, Lukose A, Jang J, Nadella S, Gillespie T, Trevino C, Buxton A, Pritchard AL, Green P, McCreedy DA, Dulin JN. Developmental stage of transplanted neural progenitor cells influences anatomical and functional outcomes after spinal cord injury in mice. Commun Biol 2023; 6:544. [PMID: 37208439 PMCID: PMC10199026 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04893-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural progenitor cell (NPC) transplantation is a promising therapeutic strategy for replacing lost neurons following spinal cord injury (SCI). However, how graft cellular composition influences regeneration and synaptogenesis of host axon populations, or recovery of motor and sensory functions after SCI, is poorly understood. We transplanted developmentally-restricted spinal cord NPCs, isolated from E11.5-E13.5 mouse embryos, into sites of adult mouse SCI and analyzed graft axon outgrowth, cellular composition, host axon regeneration, and behavior. Earlier-stage grafts exhibited greater axon outgrowth, enrichment for ventral spinal cord interneurons and Group-Z spinal interneurons, and enhanced host 5-HT+ axon regeneration. Later-stage grafts were enriched for late-born dorsal horn interneuronal subtypes and Group-N spinal interneurons, supported more extensive host CGRP+ axon ingrowth, and exacerbated thermal hypersensitivity. Locomotor function was not affected by any type of NPC graft. These findings showcase the role of spinal cord graft cellular composition in determining anatomical and functional outcomes following SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Aceves
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
- Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Ashley Tucker
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
- Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Joseph Chen
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Katie Vo
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Joshua Moses
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | | | - Hannah Thomas
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Diego Miranda
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Gabrielle Dampf
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Valerie Dietz
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Matthew Chang
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Aleena Lukose
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Julius Jang
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Sneha Nadella
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Tucker Gillespie
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Christian Trevino
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Andrew Buxton
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Anna L Pritchard
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | | | - Dylan A McCreedy
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
- Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Jennifer N Dulin
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
- Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
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24
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Raue KD, David BT, Fessler RG. Spinal Cord-Gut-Immune Axis and its Implications Regarding Therapeutic Development for Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma 2023; 40:793-806. [PMID: 36509451 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2022.0264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) affects ∼1,300,000 people living in the United States. Most research efforts have been focused on reversing paralysis, as this is arguably the most defining feature of SCI. The damage caused by SCI, however, extends past paralysis and includes other debilitating outcomes including immune dysfunction and gut dysbiosis. Recent efforts are now investigating the pathophysiology of and developing therapies for these more distal manifestations of SCI. One exciting avenue is the spinal cord-gut-immune axis, which proposes that gut dysbiosis amplifies lesion inflammation and impairs SCI recovery. This review will highlight the most recent findings regarding gut and immune dysfunction following SCI, and discuss how the central nervous system (CNS), gut, and immune system all coalesce to form a bidirectional axis that can impact SCI recovery. Finally, important considerations regarding how the spinal cord-gut-immune axis fits within the larger framework of therapeutic development (i.e., probiotics, fecal transplants, dietary modifications) will be discussed, emphasizing the lack of interdepartmental investigation and the missed opportunity to maximize therapeutic benefit in SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen D Raue
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Brian T David
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Richard G Fessler
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Kim HN, McCrea MR, Li S. Advances in molecular therapies for targeting pathophysiology in spinal cord injury. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:171-187. [PMID: 37017093 PMCID: PMC10148912 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2194532] [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: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Spinal cord injury (SCI) affects 25,000-50,000 people around the world each year and there is no cure for SCI patients currently. The primary injury damages spinal cord tissues and secondary injury mechanisms, including ischemia, apoptosis, inflammation, and astrogliosis, further exacerbate the lesions to the spinal cord. Recently, researchers have designed various therapeutic approaches for SCI by targeting its major cellular or molecular pathophysiology. AREAS COVERED Some strategies have shown promise in repairing injured spinal cord for functional recoveries, such as administering neuroprotective reagents, targeting specific genes to promote robust axon regeneration of disconnected spinal fiber tracts, targeting epigenetic factors to enhance cell survival and neural repair, and facilitating neuronal relay pathways and neuroplasticity for restoration of function after SCI. This review focuses on the major advances in preclinical molecular therapies for SCI reported in recent years. EXPERT OPINION Recent progress in developing novel and effective repairing strategies for SCI is encouraging, but many challenges remain for future design of effective treatments, including developing highly effective neuroprotectants for early interventions, stimulating robust neuronal regeneration with functional synaptic reconnections among disconnected neurons, maximizing the recovery of lost neural functions with combination strategies, and translating the most promising therapies into human use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha Neui Kim
- Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center, Department of Neural Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Madeline R. McCrea
- Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center, Department of Neural Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Shuxin Li
- Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center, Department of Neural Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
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Li X, Zhu Y, Wang Y, Xia X, Zheng JC. Neural stem/progenitor cell-derived extracellular vesicles: A novel therapy for neurological diseases and beyond. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e214. [PMID: 36776763 PMCID: PMC9905070 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
As bilayer lipid membrane vesicles secreted by neural stem/progenitor cells (NSCs), NSC-derived extracellular vesicles (NSC-EVs) have attracted growing attention for their promising potential to serve as novel therapeutic agents in treatment of neurological diseases due to their unique physicochemical characteristics and biological functions. NSC-EVs exhibit advantages such as stable physical and chemical properties, low immunogenicity, and high penetration capacity to cross blood-brain barrier to avoid predicaments of the clinical applications of NSCs that include autoimmune responses, ethical/religious concerns, and the problematic logistics of acquiring fetal tissues. More importantly, NSC-EVs inherit excellent neuroprotective and neuroregenerative potential and immunomodulatory capabilities from parent cells, and display outstanding therapeutic effects on mitigating behavioral alterations and pathological phenotypes of patients or animals with neurological diseases. In this review, we first comprehensively summarize the progress in functional research and application of NSC-EVs in different neurological diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, acute neurological diseases, dementia/cognitive dysfunction, and peripheral diseases. Next, we provide our thoughts on current limitations/concerns as well as tremendous potential of NSC-EVs in clinical applications. Last, we discuss future directions of further investigations on NSC-EVs and their probable applications in both basic and clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Li
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative TherapyTongji Hospital, Tongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Yingbo Zhu
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative TherapyTongji Hospital, Tongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Yi Wang
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative TherapyYangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital, Tongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xiaohuan Xia
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative TherapyTongji Hospital, Tongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Nanocatalytic MedicineTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain‐Like IntelligenceShanghai Fourth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration, Tongji UniversityMinistry of EducationShanghaiChina
| | - Jialin C. Zheng
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative TherapyTongji Hospital, Tongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Nanocatalytic MedicineTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain‐Like IntelligenceShanghai Fourth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration, Tongji UniversityMinistry of EducationShanghaiChina
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27
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Szymoniuk M, Litak J, Sakwa L, Dryla A, Zezuliński W, Czyżewski W, Kamieniak P, Blicharski T. Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Application of Multipotent Stem Cells for Spinal Cord Injury. Cells 2022; 12:120. [PMID: 36611914 PMCID: PMC9818156 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) is a common neurological disorder with devastating psychical and psychosocial sequelae. The majority of patients after SCI suffer from permanent disability caused by motor dysfunction, impaired sensation, neuropathic pain, spasticity as well as urinary complications, and a small number of patients experience a complete recovery. Current standard treatment modalities of the SCI aim to prevent secondary injury and provide limited recovery of lost neurological functions. Stem Cell Therapy (SCT) represents an emerging treatment approach using the differentiation, paracrine, and self-renewal capabilities of stem cells to regenerate the injured spinal cord. To date, multipotent stem cells including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), neural stem cells (NSCs), and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) represent the most investigated types of stem cells for the treatment of SCI in preclinical and clinical studies. The microenvironment of SCI has a significant impact on the survival, proliferation, and differentiation of transplanted stem cells. Therefore, a deep understanding of the pathophysiology of SCI and molecular mechanisms through which stem cells act may help improve the treatment efficacy of SCT and find new therapeutic approaches such as stem-cell-derived exosomes, gene-modified stem cells, scaffolds, and nanomaterials. In this literature review, the pathogenesis of SCI and molecular mechanisms of action of multipotent stem cells including MSCs, NSCs, and HSCs are comprehensively described. Moreover, the clinical efficacy of multipotent stem cells in SCI treatment, an optimal protocol of stem cell administration, and recent therapeutic approaches based on or combined with SCT are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Szymoniuk
- Student Scientific Association at the Department of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Neurosurgery, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-954 Lublin, Poland
| | - Jakub Litak
- Department of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Neurosurgery, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-954 Lublin, Poland
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4A, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Leon Sakwa
- Student Scientific Society, Kazimierz Pulaski University of Technologies and Humanities in Radom, Chrobrego 27, 26-600 Radom, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Dryla
- Student Scientific Association at the Department of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Neurosurgery, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-954 Lublin, Poland
| | - Wojciech Zezuliński
- Student Scientific Association at the Department of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Neurosurgery, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-954 Lublin, Poland
| | - Wojciech Czyżewski
- Department of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Neurosurgery, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-954 Lublin, Poland
- Department of Didactics and Medical Simulation, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Piotr Kamieniak
- Department of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Neurosurgery, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-954 Lublin, Poland
| | - Tomasz Blicharski
- Department of Rehabilitation and Orthopaedics, Medical University in Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-954 Lublin, Poland
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28
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Fehlings MG, Pedro K, Hejrati N. Management of Acute Spinal Cord Injury: Where Have We Been? Where Are We Now? Where Are We Going? J Neurotrauma 2022; 39:1591-1602. [PMID: 35686453 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2022.0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Fehlings
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karlo Pedro
- Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nader Hejrati
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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29
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Lee S, Nam H, Joo KM, Lee SH. Advances in Neural Stem Cell Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury: Safety, Efficacy, and Future Perspectives. Neurospine 2022; 19:946-960. [PMID: 36351442 PMCID: PMC9816608 DOI: 10.14245/ns.2244658.329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating central nervous system injury that leads to severe disabilities in motor and sensory functions, causing significant deterioration in patients' quality of life. Owing to the complexity of SCI pathophysiology, there has been no effective treatment for reversing neural tissue damage and recovering neurological functions. Several novel therapies targeting different stages of pathophysiological mechanisms of SCI have been developed. Among these, treatments using stem cells have great potential for the regeneration of damaged neural tissues. In this review, we have summarized recent preclinical and clinical studies focusing on neural stem cells (NSCs). NSCs are multipotent cells with specific differentiation capabilities for neural lineage. Several preclinical studies have demonstrated the regenerative effects of transplanted NSCs in SCI animal models through both paracrine effects and direct neuronal differentiation, restoring synaptic connectivity and neural networks. Based on the positive results of several preclinical studies, phase I and II clinical trials using NSCs have been performed. Despite several hurdles and issues that need to be addressed in the clinical use of NSCs in patients with SCI, gradual progress in the technical development and therapeutic efficacy of NSCs treatments has enhanced the prospects for cell-based treatments in SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungjoon Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyun Nam
- Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea,Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Research Institute for Future Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea,Single Cell Network Research Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea,Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Kyeung-Min Joo
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Research Institute for Future Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea,Single Cell Network Research Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea,Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea,Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea,Corresponding Author Kyeung-Min Joo Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - Sun-Ho Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea,Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Research Institute for Future Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea,Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea,Co-corresponding Author Sun-Ho Lee Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06351, Korea
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30
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Ha GH, Kim EJ, Park JS, Kim JE, Nam H, Yeon JY, Lee SH, Lee K, Kim CK, Joo KM. JAK2/STAT3 pathway mediates neuroprotective and pro-angiogenic treatment effects of adult human neural stem cells in middle cerebral artery occlusion stroke animal models. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:8944-8969. [PMID: 36446389 PMCID: PMC9740376 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204410] [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: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Mismatches between pre-clinical and clinical results of stem cell therapeutics for ischemic stroke limit their clinical applicability. To overcome these discrepancies, precise planning of pre-clinical experiments that can be translated to clinical trials and the scientific elucidation of treatment mechanisms is important. In this study, adult human neural stem cells (ahNSCs) derived from temporal lobe surgical samples were used (to avoid ethical and safety issues), and their therapeutic effects on ischemic stroke were examined using middle cerebral artery occlusion animal models. 5 × 105 ahNSCs was directly injected into the lateral ventricle of contralateral brain hemispheres of immune suppressed rat stroke models at the subacute phase of stroke. Compared with the mock-treated group, ahNSCs reduced brain tissue atrophy and neurological sensorimotor and memory functional loss. Tissue analysis demonstrated that the significant therapeutic effects were mediated by the neuroprotective and pro-angiogenic activities of ahNSCs, which preserved neurons in ischemic brain areas and decreased reactive astrogliosis and microglial activation. The neuroprotective and pro-angiogenic effects of ahNSCs were validated in in vitro stroke models and were induced by paracrine factors excreted by ahNSCs. When the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway was inhibited by a specific inhibitor, AG490, the paracrine neuroprotective and pro-angiogenic effects of ahNSCs were reversed. This pre-clinical study that closely simulated clinical settings and provided treatment mechanisms of ahNSCs for ischemic stroke may aid the development of protocols for subsequent clinical trials of ahNSCs and the realization of clinically available stem cell therapeutics for ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geun-Hyoung Ha
- Medical Innovation Technology Inc. (MEDINNO Inc.), Seoul 08513, South Korea
| | - Eun Ji Kim
- Medical Innovation Technology Inc. (MEDINNO Inc.), Seoul 08513, South Korea
| | - Jee Soo Park
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Ji Eun Kim
- Medical Innovation Technology Inc. (MEDINNO Inc.), Seoul 08513, South Korea
| | - Hyun Nam
- Medical Innovation Technology Inc. (MEDINNO Inc.), Seoul 08513, South Korea,Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, Research Institute for Future Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul 06351, South Korea,Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 06351, South Korea
| | - Je Young Yeon
- Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 06351, South Korea
| | - Sun-Ho Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 06351, South Korea,Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06351, South Korea
| | - Kyunghoon Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, South Korea,Single Cell Network Research Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16149, South Korea,Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Chung Kwon Kim
- Medical Innovation Technology Inc. (MEDINNO Inc.), Seoul 08513, South Korea,Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Kyeung Min Joo
- Medical Innovation Technology Inc. (MEDINNO Inc.), Seoul 08513, South Korea,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, South Korea,Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, Research Institute for Future Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul 06351, South Korea,Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06351, South Korea,Single Cell Network Research Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16149, South Korea,Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
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Giraldo E, Bonilla P, Mellado M, Garcia-Manau P, Rodo C, Alastrue A, Lopez E, Moratonas EC, Pellise F, Đorđević S, Vicent MJ, Moreno Manzano V. Transplantation of Human-Fetal-Spinal-Cord-Derived NPCs Primed with a Polyglutamate-Conjugated Rho/Rock Inhibitor in Acute Spinal Cord Injury. Cells 2022; 11:cells11203304. [PMID: 36291170 PMCID: PMC9600863 DOI: 10.3390/cells11203304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural precursor cell (NPC) transplantation represents a promising therapy for treating spinal cord injuries (SCIs); however, despite successful results obtained in preclinical models, the clinical translation of this approach remains challenging due, in part, to the lack of consensus on an optimal cell source for human neuronal cells. Depending on the cell source, additional limitations to NPC-based therapies include high tumorigenic potential, alongside poor graft survival and engraftment into host spinal tissue. We previously demonstrated that NPCs derived from rat fetal spinal cords primed with a polyglutamate (PGA)-conjugated form of the Rho/Rock inhibitor fasudil (PGA-SS-FAS) displayed enhanced neuronal differentiation and graft survival when compared to non-primed NPCs. We now conducted a similar study of human-fetal-spinal-cord-derived NPCs (hfNPCs) from legal gestational interruptions at the late gestational stage, at 19-21.6 weeks. In vitro, expanded hfNPCs retained neural features, multipotency, and self-renewal, which supported the development of a cell banking strategy. Before transplantation, we established a simple procedure to prime hfNPCs by overnight incubation with PGA-SS-FAS (at 50 μM FAS equiv.), which improved neuronal differentiation and overcame neurite-like retraction after lysophosphatidic-acid-induced Rho/Rock activation. The transplantation of primed hfNPCs into immune-deficient mice (NU(NCr)-Foxn1nu) immediately after the eighth thoracic segment compression prompted enhanced migration of grafted cells from the dorsal to the ventral spinal cord, increased preservation of GABAergic inhibitory Lbx1-expressing and glutamatergic excitatory Tlx3-expressing somatosensory interneurons, and elevated the numbers of preserved, c-Fos-expressing, activated neurons surrounding the injury epicenter, all in a low percentage. Overall, the priming procedure using PGA-SS-FAS could represent an alternative methodology to improve the capabilities of the hfNPC lines for a translational approach for acute SCI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Giraldo
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, E-46012 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Biotechnology. Universitat Politècnica de València, E-46022 Valencia, Spain
- UPV-CIPF Joint Research Unit Disease Mechanisms and Nanomedicine, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, E-46012 Valencia, Spain
| | - Pablo Bonilla
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, E-46012 Valencia, Spain
| | - Mara Mellado
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, E-46012 Valencia, Spain
| | - Pablo Garcia-Manau
- Maternal-Foetal Medicine Unit, Vall d’Hebron Hospital Campus, E-08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlota Rodo
- Maternal-Foetal Medicine Unit, Vall d’Hebron Hospital Campus, E-08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Alastrue
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, E-46012 Valencia, Spain
| | - Eric Lopez
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, E-46012 Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Ferran Pellise
- Spine Surgery Unit, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, E-08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Snežana Đorđević
- Polymer Therapeutics Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, E-46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - María J. Vicent
- Polymer Therapeutics Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, E-46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - Victoria Moreno Manzano
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, E-46012 Valencia, Spain
- Correspondence:
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32
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Zheng Y, Gallegos CM, Xue H, Li S, Kim DH, Zhou H, Xia X, Liu Y, Cao Q. Transplantation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neural Progenitor Cells Promotes Forelimb Functional Recovery after Cervical Spinal Cord Injury. Cells 2022; 11:2765. [PMID: 36078173 PMCID: PMC9454923 DOI: 10.3390/cells11172765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Locomotor function after spinal cord injury (SCI) is critical for assessing recovery. Currently, available means to improve locomotor function include surgery, physical therapy rehabilitation and exoskeleton. Stem cell therapy with neural progenitor cells (NPCs) transplantation is a promising reparative strategy. Along this line, patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a remarkable autologous cell source, which offer many advantages including: great potential to generate isografts avoiding immunosuppression; the availability of a variety of somatic cells without ethical controversy related to embryo use; and vast differentiation. In this current work, to realize the therapeutic potential of iPSC-NPCs for the treatment of SCI, we transplanted purified iPSCs-derived NPCs into a cervical contusion SCI rat model. Our results showed that the iPSC-NPCs were able to survive and differentiate into both neurons and astrocytes and, importantly, improve forelimb locomotor function as assessed by the grooming task and horizontal ladder test. Purified iPSC-NPCs represent a promising cell type that could be further tested and developed into a clinically useful cell source for targeted cell therapy for cervical SCI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyan Zheng
- Center for Translational Science, Florida International University, 11350 SW Village Pkwy, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
- Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, 11350 SW Village Pkwy, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Chrystine M. Gallegos
- Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Haipeng Xue
- Center for Translational Science, Florida International University, 11350 SW Village Pkwy, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
- Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, 11350 SW Village Pkwy, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shenglan Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Dong H. Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hongxia Zhou
- Center for Translational Science, Florida International University, 11350 SW Village Pkwy, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
- Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, 11350 SW Village Pkwy, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
| | - Xugang Xia
- Center for Translational Science, Florida International University, 11350 SW Village Pkwy, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
- Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, 11350 SW Village Pkwy, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
| | - Ying Liu
- Center for Translational Science, Florida International University, 11350 SW Village Pkwy, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
- Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, 11350 SW Village Pkwy, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Qilin Cao
- Center for Translational Science, Florida International University, 11350 SW Village Pkwy, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
- Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, 11350 SW Village Pkwy, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Shang Z, Wang M, Zhang B, Wang X, Wanyan P. Clinical translation of stem cell therapy for spinal cord injury still premature: results from a single-arm meta-analysis based on 62 clinical trials. BMC Med 2022; 20:284. [PMID: 36058903 PMCID: PMC9442938 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02482-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND How much scientific evidence is there to show that stem cell therapy is sufficient in preclinical and clinical studies of spinal cord injury before it is translated into clinical practice? This is a complicated problem. A single, small-sample clinical trial is difficult to answer, and accurate insights into this question can only be given by systematically evaluating all the existing evidence. METHODS The PubMed, Ovid-Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were searched from inception to February 10, 2022. Two independent reviewers performed the literature search, identified and screened the studies, and performed a quality assessment and data extraction. RESULTS In total, 62 studies involving 2439 patients were included in the analysis. Of these, 42 were single-arm studies, and 20 were controlled studies. The meta-analysis showed that stem cells improved the ASIA impairment scale score by at least one grade in 48.9% [40.8%, 56.9%] of patients with spinal cord injury. Moreover, the rate of improvement in urinary and gastrointestinal system function was 42.1% [27.6%, 57.2%] and 52.0% [23.6%, 79.8%], respectively. However, 28 types of adverse effects were observed to occur due to stem cells and transplantation procedures. Of these, neuropathic pain, abnormal feeling, muscle spasms, vomiting, and urinary tract infection were the most common, with an incidence of > 20%. While no serious adverse effects such as tumorigenesis were reported, this could be due to the insufficient follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the results demonstrated that although the efficacy of stem cell therapy is encouraging, the subsequent adverse effects remain concerning. In addition, the clinical trials had problems such as small sample sizes, poor design, and lack of prospective registration, control, and blinding. Therefore, the current evidence is not sufficiently strong to support the clinical translation of stem cell therapy for spinal cord injury, and several problems remain. Additional well-designed animal experiments and high-quality clinical studies are warranted to address these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhizhong Shang
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Mingchuan Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Baolin Zhang
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Xin Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
- Chengren Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu Province, China.
- Department of Spine, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, China.
| | - Pingping Wanyan
- Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
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34
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Prasse T, Hofstetter CP. Editorial. Unleashing embryonic stem cells for treatment of human spinal cord injury. J Neurosurg Spine 2022; 37:317-319. [PMID: 35364572 DOI: 10.3171/2022.1.spine211573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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35
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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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36
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Guo W, Zhang X, Zhai J, Xue J. The roles and applications of neural stem cells in spinal cord injury repair. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:966866. [PMID: 36105599 PMCID: PMC9465243 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.966866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI), which has no current cure, places a severe burden on patients. Stem cell-based therapies are considered promising in attempts to repair injured spinal cords; such options include neural stem cells (NSCs). NSCs are multipotent stem cells that differentiate into neuronal and neuroglial lineages. This feature makes NSCs suitable candidates for regenerating injured spinal cords. Many studies have revealed the therapeutic potential of NSCs. In this review, we discuss from an integrated view how NSCs can help SCI repair. We will discuss the sources and therapeutic potential of NSCs, as well as representative pre-clinical studies and clinical trials of NSC-based therapies for SCI repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Guo
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xindan Zhang
- Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Jiliang Zhai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Jiliang Zhai, ; Jiajia Xue,
| | - Jiajia Xue
- Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Jiliang Zhai, ; Jiajia Xue,
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37
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Somuncu D, Gartenberg A, Cho W. Investigational Therapies for Gunshot Wounds to the Spine: A Narrative Review. Clin Spine Surg 2022; 35:233-240. [PMID: 34670987 DOI: 10.1097/bsd.0000000000001258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN This was a narrative review. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to review the standards of care and triage protocol for gunshot wounds to the spine, highlighting innovative future treatment options that may be implemented in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA With the increased availability of firearms among the United States population, gunshot wounds to the spine are becoming a clinically relevant and devastating issue. Such injuries result in severe and diverse complications. SCIs due to gunshot wounds are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, as they often result in complete or incomplete paraplegia. Current standards of care focus on preventing further damage rather than total cure or treatment of SCI. METHODS A literature review was performed on the standards of care, triage protocol, associated conditions, current therapeutic options, and innovative treatment options for patients with gunshot wounds to the spine. RESULTS The general standards of care for spinal gunshot wounds involve maintaining or renewal of mechanical spinal steadiness and neurological activity while limiting complications of treatment. Current treatment options include management of mean arterial pressure goals, drug therapies consisting of antibiotics, and surgical approaches. With recent innovations in molecular biology and cell transplantation, potentially new and promising treatment options for patients with SCI exist. These options include cell transplantation therapies, platelet-rich plasma administration, exosomal treatments, and mitochondrial-targeted therapeutics. Stem cell transplantation is promising, as several clinical studies have been completed. However, loss-to-follow-up, lack of long-term evaluation, and questionable randomization has limited the use of stem cells in the standard of care practice. Although not studied on human models to a gunshot wound, exosomal and mitochondrial-based treatment options have been studied both in vitro and in animal models with SCI. CONCLUSION Newly emerging molecular and cellular therapy modalities for SCI contribute to the recovery process and may be utilized in conjunction with the current modalities for better outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doruk Somuncu
- Bahçeşehir University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ariella Gartenberg
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY
| | - Woojin Cho
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY
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38
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Cell-based and stem-cell-based treatments for spinal cord injury: evidence from clinical trials. Lancet Neurol 2022; 21:659-670. [DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(21)00464-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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39
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Damianakis EI, Benetos IS, Evangelopoulos DS, Kotroni A, Vlamis J, Pneumaticos SG. Stem Cell Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury: A Review of Recent Clinical Trials. Cureus 2022; 14:e24575. [PMID: 35664388 PMCID: PMC9148387 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.24575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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40
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Kim CK, Won JS, An JY, Lee HJ, Nam AJ, Nam H, Lee JY, Lee KH, Lee SH, Joo KM. Significant Therapeutic Effects of Adult Human Neural Stem Cells for Spinal Cord Injury Are Mediated by Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084267. [PMID: 35457084 PMCID: PMC9029183 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The limited capability of regeneration in the human central nervous system leads to severe and permanent disabilities following spinal cord injury (SCI) while patients suffer from no viable treatment option. Adult human neural stem cells (ahNSCs) are unique cells derived from the adult human brain, which have the essential characteristics of NSCs. The objective of this study was to characterize the therapeutic effects of ahNSCs isolated from the temporal lobes of focal cortical dysplasia type IIIa for SCI and to elucidate their treatment mechanisms. Results showed that the recovery of motor functions was significantly improved in groups transplanted with ahNSCs, where, in damaged regions of spinal cords, the numbers of both spread and regenerated nerve fibers were observed to be higher than the vehicle group. In addition, the distance between neuronal nuclei in damaged spinal cord tissue was significantly closer in treatment groups than the vehicle group. Based on an immunohistochemistry analysis, those neuroprotective effects of ahNSCs in SCI were found to be mediated by inhibiting apoptosis of spinal cord neurons. Moreover, the analysis of the conditioned medium (CM) of ahNSCs revealed that such neuroprotective effects were mediated by paracrine effects with various types of cytokines released from ahNSCs, where monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1, also known as CCL2) was identified as a key paracrine mediator. These results of ahNSCs could be utilized further in the preclinical and clinical development of effective and safe cell therapeutics for SCI, with no available therapeutic options at present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung Kwon Kim
- Medical Innovation Technology Inc. (MEDINNO Inc.), Ace High-End Tower Classic 26, Seoul 08517, Korea; (C.K.K.); (J.-S.W.); (H.N.)
- Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - Jeong-Seob Won
- Medical Innovation Technology Inc. (MEDINNO Inc.), Ace High-End Tower Classic 26, Seoul 08517, Korea; (C.K.K.); (J.-S.W.); (H.N.)
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Research Institute for Future Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul 06351, Korea
- Single Cell Network Research Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Korea; (H.J.L.); (K.-H.L.)
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06351, Korea
| | - Jae Yeol An
- Department of Anatomy, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03880, Korea; (J.Y.A.); (J.Y.L.)
- Healthcare Division, Partners Investment Co., Ltd., Seoul 06152, Korea
| | - Ho Jin Lee
- Single Cell Network Research Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Korea; (H.J.L.); (K.-H.L.)
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Korea;
| | - Ah-Jin Nam
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Korea;
| | - Hyun Nam
- Medical Innovation Technology Inc. (MEDINNO Inc.), Ace High-End Tower Classic 26, Seoul 08517, Korea; (C.K.K.); (J.-S.W.); (H.N.)
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Research Institute for Future Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul 06351, Korea
- Single Cell Network Research Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Korea; (H.J.L.); (K.-H.L.)
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Korea;
- Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 06351, Korea
| | - Ji Yeoun Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03880, Korea; (J.Y.A.); (J.Y.L.)
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Children’s Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Kyung-Hoon Lee
- Single Cell Network Research Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Korea; (H.J.L.); (K.-H.L.)
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Korea;
| | - Sun-Ho Lee
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Research Institute for Future Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul 06351, Korea
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06351, Korea
- Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 06351, Korea
- Correspondence: (S.-H.L.); (K.M.J.); Tel.: +82-2-3410-2457 (S.-H.L.); +82-31-299-6073 (K.M.J.); Fax: +82-2-3410-0048 (S.-H.L.); +82-31-299-6029 (K.M.J.)
| | - Kyeung Min Joo
- Medical Innovation Technology Inc. (MEDINNO Inc.), Ace High-End Tower Classic 26, Seoul 08517, Korea; (C.K.K.); (J.-S.W.); (H.N.)
- Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Research Institute for Future Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul 06351, Korea
- Single Cell Network Research Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Korea; (H.J.L.); (K.-H.L.)
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06351, Korea
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Korea;
- Correspondence: (S.-H.L.); (K.M.J.); Tel.: +82-2-3410-2457 (S.-H.L.); +82-31-299-6073 (K.M.J.); Fax: +82-2-3410-0048 (S.-H.L.); +82-31-299-6029 (K.M.J.)
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Progression in translational research on spinal cord injury based on microenvironment imbalance. Bone Res 2022; 10:35. [PMID: 35396505 PMCID: PMC8993811 DOI: 10.1038/s41413-022-00199-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to loss of motor and sensory function below the injury level and imposes a considerable burden on patients, families, and society. Repair of the injured spinal cord has been recognized as a global medical challenge for many years. Significant progress has been made in research on the pathological mechanism of spinal cord injury. In particular, with the development of gene regulation, cell sequencing, and cell tracing technologies, in-depth explorations of the SCI microenvironment have become more feasible. However, translational studies related to repair of the injured spinal cord have not yielded significant results. This review summarizes the latest research progress on two aspects of SCI pathology: intraneuronal microenvironment imbalance and regenerative microenvironment imbalance. We also review repair strategies for the injured spinal cord based on microenvironment imbalance, including medications, cell transplantation, exosomes, tissue engineering, cell reprogramming, and rehabilitation. The current state of translational research on SCI and future directions are also discussed. The development of a combined, precise, and multitemporal strategy for repairing the injured spinal cord is a potential future direction.
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Xu X, Liang Z, Lin Y, Rao J, Lin F, Yang Z, Wang R, Chen C. Comparing the Efficacy and Safety of Cell Transplantation for Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review and Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:860131. [PMID: 35444516 PMCID: PMC9013778 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.860131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveTo compare the safety and effectiveness of transplanted cells from different sources for spinal cord injury (SCI).DesignA systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis.Data SourcesMedline, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials.Study SelectionWe included randomized controlled trials, case–control studies, and case series related to cell transplantation for SCI patients, that included at least 1 of the following outcome measures: American Spinal Cord Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS grade), ASIA motor score, ASIA sensory score, the Functional Independence Measure score (FIM), International Association of Neurorestoratology Spinal Cord Injury Functional Rating Scale (IANR-SCIFRS), or adverse events. Follow-up data were analyzed at 6 and 12 months.ResultsForty-four eligible trials, involving 1,266 patients, investigated 6 treatments: olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs), neural stem cells/ neural progenitor cells (NSCs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), Schwann cells, macrophages, and combinations of cells (MSCs plus Schwann cells). Macrophages improved the AIS grade at 12 months (mean 0.42, 95% credible interval: 0–0.91, low certainty) and FIM score at 12 months (42.83, 36.33–49.18, very low certainty). MSCs improved the AIS grade at 6 months (0.42, 0.15–0.73, moderate certainty), the motor score at 6 months (4.43, 0.91–7.78, moderate certainty), light touch at 6 (10.01, 5.81–13.88, moderate certainty) and 12 months (11.48, 6.31–16.64, moderate certainty), pinprick score at 6 (14.54, 9.76–19.46, moderate certainty) and 12 months (12.48, 7.09–18.12, moderate certainty), and the IANR-SCIFRS at 6 (3.96, 0.62–6.97, moderate certainty) and 12 months (5.54, 2.45–8.42, moderate certainty). OECs improved the FIM score at 6 months (9.35, 1.71–17.00, moderate certainty). No intervention improved the motor score significantly at 12 months. The certainty of other interventions was low or very low. Overall, the number of adverse events associated with transplanted cells was low.ConclusionsPatients with SCI who receive transplantation of macrophages, MSCs, NSCs, or OECs may have improved disease prognosis. MSCs are the primary recommendations. Further exploration of the mechanism of cell transplantation in the treatment of SCI, transplantation time window, transplantation methods, and monitoring of the number of transplanted cells and cell survival is needed.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#recordDetails, identifier: CRD 42021282043.
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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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Mutepfa AR, Hardy JG, Adams CF. Electroactive Scaffolds to Improve Neural Stem Cell Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury. FRONTIERS IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 2022; 4:693438. [PMID: 35274106 PMCID: PMC8902299 DOI: 10.3389/fmedt.2022.693438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious condition caused by damage to the spinal cord through trauma or disease, often with permanent debilitating effects. Globally, the prevalence of SCI is estimated between 40 to 80 cases per million people per year. Patients with SCI can experience devastating health and socioeconomic consequences from paralysis, which is a loss of motor, sensory and autonomic nerve function below the level of the injury that often accompanies SCI. SCI carries a high mortality and increased risk of premature death due to secondary complications. The health, social and economic consequences of SCI are significant, and therefore elucidation of the complex molecular processes that occur in SCI and development of novel effective treatments is critical. Despite advances in medicine for the SCI patient such as surgery and anaesthesiology, imaging, rehabilitation and drug discovery, there have been no definitive findings toward complete functional neurologic recovery. However, the advent of neural stem cell therapy and the engineering of functionalized biomaterials to facilitate cell transplantation and promote regeneration of damaged spinal cord tissue presents a potential avenue to advance SCI research. This review will explore this emerging field and identify new lines of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthea R. Mutepfa
- Neural Tissue Engineering Keele, School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Keele, United Kingdom
| | - John G. Hardy
- Department of Chemistry, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
- Materials Science Institute, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher F. Adams
- Neural Tissue Engineering Keele, School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Keele, United Kingdom
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Van den Bos J, Ouaamari YE, Wouters K, Cools N, Wens I. Are Cell-Based Therapies Safe and Effective in the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases? A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis. Biomolecules 2022; 12:340. [PMID: 35204840 PMCID: PMC8869169 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past two decades, significant advances have been made in the field of regenerative medicine. However, despite being of the utmost clinical urgency, there remains a paucity of therapeutic strategies for conditions with substantial neurodegeneration such as (progressive) multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cord injury (SCI), Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Different cell types, such as mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC), neuronal stem cells (NSC), olfactory ensheathing cells (OEC), neurons and a variety of others, already demonstrated safety and regenerative or neuroprotective properties in the central nervous system during the preclinical phase. As a result of these promising findings, in recent years, these necessary types of cell therapies have been intensively tested in clinical trials to establish whether these results could be confirmed in patients. However, extensive research is still needed regarding elucidating the exact mechanism of action, possible immune rejection, functionality and survival of the administered cells, dose, frequency and administration route. To summarize the current state of knowledge, we conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis. A total of 27,043 records were reviewed by two independent assessors and 71 records were included in the final quantitative analysis. These results show that the overall frequency of serious adverse events was low: 0.03 (95% CI: 0.01-0.08). In addition, several trials in MS and SCI reported efficacy data, demonstrating some promising results on clinical outcomes. All randomized controlled studies were at a low risk of bias due to appropriate blinding of the treatment, including assessors and patients. In conclusion, cell-based therapies in neurodegenerative disease are safe and feasible while showing promising clinical improvements. Nevertheless, given their high heterogeneity, the results require a cautious approach. We advocate for the harmonization of study protocols of trials investigating cell-based therapies in neurodegenerative diseases, adverse event reporting and investigation of clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasper Van den Bos
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (Vaxinfectio), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerpen, Belgium; (Y.E.O.); (N.C.); (I.W.)
| | - Yousra El Ouaamari
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (Vaxinfectio), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerpen, Belgium; (Y.E.O.); (N.C.); (I.W.)
| | - Kristien Wouters
- Clinical Trial Center (CTC), CRC Antwerp, Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp, Drie Eikenstraat 655, B-2650 Edegem, Belgium;
| | - Nathalie Cools
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (Vaxinfectio), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerpen, Belgium; (Y.E.O.); (N.C.); (I.W.)
- Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine (CCRG), Antwerp University Hospital, Drie Eikenstraat 655, B-2650 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Inez Wens
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (Vaxinfectio), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerpen, Belgium; (Y.E.O.); (N.C.); (I.W.)
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Strategies for effective neural circuit reconstruction after spinal cord injury: use of stem cells and biomaterials. World Neurosurg 2022; 161:82-89. [PMID: 35144032 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2022.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI), a serious disease of the central nervous system, often with irreversible loss of motor or sensory functions. Failure of axon connection and inhibition of microenvironment after SCI severely hinder the regeneration of damaged tissue and neuron function. Therefore, the new perspective of treatment of spinal cord injury is the reconstruction of neural circuit. Stem cells are a kind of cells with differentiation potential. They reconstruct local circulation by differentiating into neurons to replace damaged cells. It can also secrete various factors to regulate the host microenvironment and play a therapeutic role. Biomaterials can fill the cavity at the site of spinal cord injury, load therapeutic drugs, provide adsorption sites for transplanted cells and play a bridging role. In this review, the therapeutic role of stem cells and biomaterials is discussed, together with their properties, advantages, limitations, and future perspectives, providing a reference for basic and clinical research on SCI treatment.
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Suzuki H, Imajo Y, Funaba M, Nishida N, Sakamoto T, Sakai T. Current Concepts of Neural Stem/Progenitor Cell Therapy for Chronic Spinal Cord Injury. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 15:794692. [PMID: 35185471 PMCID: PMC8850278 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.794692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition that results in major neurological deficits and social burden. It continues to be managed symptomatically, and no real therapeutic strategies have been devised for its treatment. Neural stem/neural progenitor cells (NSCs/NPCs) being used for the treatment of chronic SCI in experimental SCI models can not only replace the lost cells and remyelinate axons in the injury site but also support their growth and provide neuroprotective factors. Currently, several clinical studies using NSCs/NPCs are underway worldwide. NSCs/NPCs also have the potential to differentiate into all three neuroglial lineages to regenerate neural circuits, demyelinate denuded axons, and provide trophic support to endogenous cells. This article explains the challenging pathophysiology of chronic SCI and discusses key NSC/NPC-based techniques having the greatest potential for translation over the next decade.
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Gant KL, Guest JD, Palermo AE, Vedantam A, Jimsheleishvili G, Bunge MB, Brooks AE, Anderson KD, Thomas CK, Santamaria AJ, Perez MA, Curiel R, Nash MS, Saraf-Lavi E, Pearse DD, Widerström-Noga E, Khan A, Dietrich WD, Levi AD. Phase 1 Safety Trial of Autologous Human Schwann Cell Transplantation in Chronic Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma 2022; 39:285-299. [PMID: 33757304 PMCID: PMC9360180 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2020.7590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
A phase 1 open-label, non-randomized clinical trial was conducted to determine feasibility and safety of autologous human Schwann cell (ahSC) transplantation accompanied by rehabilitation in participants with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to screen eligible participants to estimate an individualized volume of cell suspension to be implanted. The trial incorporated standardized multi-modal rehabilitation before and after cell delivery. Participants underwent sural nerve harvest, and ahSCs were isolated and propagated in culture. The dose of culture-expanded ahSCs injected into the chronic spinal cord lesion of each individual followed a cavity-filling volume approach. Primary outcome measures for safety and trend-toward efficacy were assessed. Two participants with American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) A and two participants with incomplete chronic SCI (AIS B, C) were each enrolled in cervical and thoracic SCI cohorts (n = 8 total). All participants completed the study per protocol, and no serious adverse events related to sural nerve harvest or ahSC transplantation were reported. Urinary tract infections and skin abrasions were the most common adverse events reported. One participant experienced a 4-point improvement in motor function, a 6-point improvement in sensory function, and a 1-level improvement in neurological level of injury. Follow-up MRI in the cervical (6 months) and thoracic (24 months) cohorts revealed a reduction in cyst volume after transplantation with reduced effect over time. This phase 1 trial demonstrated the feasibility and safety of ahSC transplantation combined with a multi-modal rehabilitation protocol for participants with chronic SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie L. Gant
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - James D. Guest
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Anne E. Palermo
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Aditya Vedantam
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - George Jimsheleishvili
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Mary Bartlett Bunge
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Adriana E. Brooks
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Kim D. Anderson
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Case Western Reserve University, Metrohealth Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Christine K. Thomas
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Andrea J. Santamaria
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Monica A. Perez
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Florida, USA
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Northwestern University, Edward Hines Jr, VA Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Rosie Curiel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Mark S. Nash
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Efrat Saraf-Lavi
- Department of Radiology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Damien D. Pearse
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Florida, USA
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Northwestern University, Edward Hines Jr, VA Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Eva Widerström-Noga
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Aisha Khan
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - W. Dalton Dietrich
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Allan D. Levi
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
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Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Treatment of Human Spinal Cord Injury: The Effect on Individual Values of pNF-H, GFAP, S100 Proteins and Selected Growth Factors, Cytokines and Chemokines. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:578-596. [PMID: 35723326 PMCID: PMC8929137 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44020040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
At present, there is no effective way to treat the consequences of spinal cord injury (SCI). SCI leads to the death of neural and glial cells and widespread neuroinflammation with persisting for several weeks after the injury. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) therapy is one of the most promising approaches in the treatment of this injury. The aim of this study was to characterize the expression profile of multiple cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and so-called neuromarkers in the serum of an SCI patient treated with autologous bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs). SCI resulted in a significant increase in the levels of neuromarkers and proteins involved in the inflammatory process. BM-MSCs administration resulted in significant changes in the levels of neuromarkers (S100, GFAP, and pNF-H) as well as changes in the expression of proteins and growth factors involved in the inflammatory response following SCI in the serum of a patient with traumatic SCI. Our preliminary results encouraged that BM-MSCs with their neuroprotective and immunomodulatory effects could affect the repair process after injury.
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Qu J, Liu Z, Li L, Zou Z, He Z, Zhou L, Luo Y, Zhang M, Ye J. Efficacy and Safety of Stem Cell Therapy in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:897398. [PMID: 35601435 PMCID: PMC9114801 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.897398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM There is insufficient evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of stem cell therapy for autism spectrum disorders. We performed the first meta-analysis of stem cell therapy for autism spectrum disorders in children to provide evidence for clinical rehabilitation. METHODS The data source includes PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and China Academic Journal, from inception to 24th JULY 2021. After sifting through the literature, the Cochrane tool was applied to assess the risk of bias. Finally, we extracted data from these studies and calculated pooled efficacy and safety. RESULTS 5 studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in current analysis. Meta-analysis was performed using rehabilitation therapy as the reference standard. Data showed that the Childhood Autism Rating Scale score of stem cell group was striking lower than the control group (WMD: -5.96; 95%CI [-8.87, -3.06]; p < 0.0001). The Clinical Global Impression score consolidated effect size RR = 1.01, 95%CI [0.87, 1.18], Z = 0.14 (p = 0.89), the effective rate for The Clinical Global Impression was 62% and 60% in the stem cell group and the control group, respectively. The occurrence events of adverse reactions in each group (RR = 1.55; 95%CI = 0.60 to 3.98; p = 0.36), there was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the stem cell group and the control group. CONCLUSIONS The results of this meta-analysis suggested that stem cell therapy for children with autism might be safe and effective. However, the evidence was compromised by the limitations in current study size, lacking standardized injection routes and doses of stem cells, as well as shortages in diagnostic tools and long period follow-up studies. Hence, it calls for more studies to systematically confirm the efficacy and safety of stem cell therapy for children with autism spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayang Qu
- The First Clinical Medicine College of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.,Subcenter for Stem Cell Clinical Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.,School of Rehabilitation Medicine Gannan Medical University, GanZhou, China
| | - Zicai Liu
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine Gannan Medical University, GanZhou, China
| | - Lincai Li
- Subcenter for Stem Cell Clinical Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.,Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GanZhou, China
| | - Zhengwei Zou
- Subcenter for Stem Cell Clinical Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.,Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GanZhou, China
| | - Zhengyi He
- Subcenter for Stem Cell Clinical Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.,Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GanZhou, China.,Clinical Medicine Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Lin Zhou
- Subcenter for Stem Cell Clinical Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.,Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GanZhou, China
| | - Yaolin Luo
- Subcenter for Stem Cell Clinical Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.,Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GanZhou, China.,Clinical Medicine Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Minhong Zhang
- Subcenter for Stem Cell Clinical Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.,Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GanZhou, China.,Clinical Medicine Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Junsong Ye
- The First Clinical Medicine College of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.,Subcenter for Stem Cell Clinical Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.,Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GanZhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Biomaterials and Biofabrication in Tissue Engineering of Jiangxi Province, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
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