Protective Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Against the Development of Intracranial Aneurysm Rupture in Mice

Therapeutic potential of stem cells in subarachnoid hemorrhage

Aneurysm rupture can result in subarachnoid hemorrhage, a condition with potentially severe consequences, such as disability and death. In the acute stage, early brain injury manifests as intracranial pressure elevation, global cerebral ischemia, acute hydrocephalus, and direct blood-brain contact due to aneurysm rupture. This may subsequently cause delayed cerebral infarction, often with cerebral vasospasm, significantly affecting patient outcomes. Chronic complications such as brain volume loss and chronic hydrocephalus can further impact outcomes. Investigating the mechanisms of subarachnoid hemorrhage-induced brain injury is paramount for identifying effective treatments. Stem cell therapy, with its multipotent differentiation capacity and anti-inflammatory effects, has emerged as a promising approach for treating previously deemed incurable conditions. This review focuses on the potential application of stem cells in subarachnoid hemorrhage pathology and explores their role in neurogenesis and as a therapeutic intervention in preclinical and clinical subarachnoid hemorrhage studies.

Aspirin treatment for unruptured intracranial aneurysms: Focusing on its anti-inflammatory role

Intracranial aneurysms (IAs), as a common cerebrovascular disease, claims a worldwide morbidity rate of 3.2%. Inflammation, pivotal in the pathogenesis of IAs, influences their formation, growth, and rupture. This review investigates aspirin's modulation of inflammatory pathways within this context. With IAs carrying significant morbidity and mortality upon IAs rupture and current interventions limited to surgical clipping and endovascular coiling, the quest for pharmacological options is imperative. Aspirin's role in cardiovascular prevention, due to its anti-inflammatory effects, presents a potential therapeutic avenue for IAs. In this review, we examine aspirin's efficacy in experimental models and clinical settings, highlighting its impact on the progression and rupture risks of unruptured IAs. The underlying mechanisms of aspirin's impact on IAs are explored, with its ability examined to attenuate endothelial dysfunction and vascular injury. This review may provide a theoretical basis for the use of aspirin, suggesting a promising strategy for IAs management. However, the optimal dosing, safety, and long-term efficacy remain to be established. The implications of aspirin therapy are significant in light of current surgical and endovascular treatments. Further research is encouraged to refine aspirin's clinical application in the management of unruptured IAs, with the ultimate aim of reducing the incidence of aneurysms rupture.

Exosomes in Vascular/Neurological Disorders and the Road Ahead

Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington's disease (HD), stroke, and aneurysms, are characterized by the abnormal accumulation and aggregation of disease-causing proteins in the brain and spinal cord. Recent research suggests that proteins linked to these conditions can be secreted and transferred among cells using exosomes. The transmission of abnormal protein buildup and the gradual degeneration in the brains of impacted individuals might be supported by these exosomes. Furthermore, it has been reported that neuroprotective functions can also be attributed to exosomes in neurodegenerative diseases. The potential neuroprotective functions may play a role in preventing the formation of aggregates and abnormal accumulation of proteins associated with the disease. The present review summarizes the roles of exosomes in neurodegenerative diseases as well as elucidating their therapeutic potential in AD, PD, ALS, HD, stroke, and aneurysms. By elucidating these two aspects of exosomes, valuable insights into potential therapeutic targets for treating neurodegenerative diseases may be provided.

Role of Circulating Exosomes in Cerebrovascular Diseases: A Comprehensive Review

Exosomes are lipid bilayer vesicles that contain multiple macromolecules secreted by the parent cells and play a vital role in intercellular communication. In recent years, the function of exosomes in cerebrovascular diseases (CVDs) has been intensively studied. Herein, we briefly review the current understanding of exosomes in CVDs. We discuss their role in the pathophysiology of the diseases and the value of the exosomes for clinical applications as biomarkers and potential therapies.

Comparison of Gelatin/Polylysine- and Silk Fibroin/SDF-1α-Coated Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Seeded Intracranial Stents

Endothelialization of the aneurysmal neck is essential for aneurysm healing after endovascular treatment. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-seeded stents can promote aneurysm repair. The biological effects of coated and uncoated nitinol intracranial stents seeded with MSCs on vascular cells and macrophage proliferation and inflammation are investigated. Two stent coatings that exert pro-aggregation effects on MSCs via different mechanisms are examined: gelatin/polylysine (G/PLL), which enhances cell adhesion, and silk fibroin/SDF-1α (SF/SDF-1α), which enhances chemotaxis. The aim is to explore the feasibility of MSC-seeded coated stents in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. The G/PLL coating provides the highest cytocompatibility and blood compatibility substrate for MSCs and vascular cells and promotes cell adhesion and proliferation. Moreover, it enhances MSC secretion and regulation of vascular cell and macrophage proliferation and chemotaxis. Although the SF/SDF-1α coating promotes MSC secretion and vascular cell chemotaxis, it induces a greater degree of macrophage proliferation, chemotaxis, and secretion of pro-inflammatory factors. MSC-seeded stents coated with G/PLL may benefit stent surface endothelialization and reduce the inflammatory response after endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysm. These effects may improve aneurysm healing and increase the cure rate.

m6A regulator–mediated RNA methylation modification patterns and immune microenvironment infiltration characterization in patients with intracranial aneurysms

Background

The role of epigenetic modulation in immunity is receiving increased recognition—particularly in the context of RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications. Nevertheless, it is still uncertain whether m6A methylation plays a role in the onset and progression of intracranial aneurysms (IAs). This study aimed to establish the function of m6A RNA methylation in IA, as well as its correlation with the immunological microenvironment.

Methods

Our study included a total of 97 samples (64 IA, 33 normal) in the training set and 60 samples (44 IA, 16 normal) in the validation set to systematically assess the pattern of RNA modifications mediated by 22 m6A regulators. The effects of m6A modifications on immune microenvironment features, i.e., immune response gene sets, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes, and infiltrating immune cells were explored. We employed Lasso, machine learning, and logistic regression for the purpose of identifying an m6A regulator gene signature of IA with external data validation. For the unsupervised clustering analysis of m6A modification patterns in IA, consensus clustering methods were employed. Enrichment analysis was used to assess immune response activity along with other functional pathways. The identification of m6A methylation markers was identified based on a protein–protein interaction network and weighted gene co-expression network analysis.

Results

We identified an m6A regulator signature of IGFBP2, IGFBP1, IGF2BP2, YTHDF3, ALKBH5, RBM15B, LRPPRC, and ELAVL1, which could easily distinguish individuals with IA from healthy individuals. Unsupervised clustering revealed three m6A modification patterns. Gene enrichment analysis illustrated that the tight junction, p53 pathway, and NOTCH signaling pathway varied significantly in m6A modifier patterns. In addition, the three m6A modification patterns showed significant differences in m6A regulator expression, immune microenvironment, and bio-functional pathways. Furthermore, macrophages, activated T cells, and other immune cells were strongly correlated with m6A regulators. Eight m6A indicators were discovered—each with a statistically significant correlation with IA—suggesting their potential as prognostic biological markers.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that m6A RNA methylation and the immunological microenvironment are both intricately correlated with the onset and progression of IA. The novel insight into patterns of m6A modification offers a foundation for the development of innovative treatment approaches for IA.

Small extracellular vesicles from iPSC-derived mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate tendinopathy pain by inhibiting mast cell activation

Aim: This study aimed to explore the effect of small extracellular vesicles from induced pluripotent stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells (iMSC-sEVs) on acute pain and investigate the underlying mechanisms. Materials & methods: The pathology of tendons was accessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent staining. The pain degree was measured by pain-related behaviors. In vitro, we performed β-hexosaminidase release assay, RT-qPCR, toluidine blue staining, ELISA and RNA sequencing. Results: iMSC-sEVs effectively alleviated acute pain in tendinopathy as well as inhibiting activated mast cell infiltration and interactions with nerve fibers in vivo. In vitro, iMSC-sEVs reduced the degranulation of mast cells and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and genes involved in the HIF-1 signaling pathway. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that iMSC-sEVs relieved tendinopathy-related pain through inhibiting mast cell activation via the HIF-1 signaling pathway.

Potential Role of the Chemotaxis System in Formation and Progression of Intracranial Aneurysms Through Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis

Background

Intracranial aneurysm (IA) is the most common and is the main cause of spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The underlying molecular mechanisms for preventing IA progression have not been fully identified. Our research aimed to identify the key genes and critical pathways of IA through gene co-expression networks.

Methods

Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets GSE13353, GSE54083 and GSE75436 were used in the study. The genetic data were analyzed by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Then the clinically significant modules were identified and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with the genes were intersected in these modules. GO (gene ontology) and KEGG (Kyoto Gene and Genomic Encyclopedia) were used for gene enrichment analysis to determine the function or pathway. In addition, the composition of immune cells was analyzed by CIBERSORT algorithm. Finally, the hub genes and key genes were identified by GSE122897.

Results

A total of 266 DEGs and two modules with clinical significance were identified. The inflammatory response and immune response were identified by GO and KEGG. CCR5, CCL4, CCL20, and FPR3 were the key genes in the module correlated with IA. The proportions of infiltrating immune cells in IA and normal tissues were different, especially in terms of macrophages and mast cells.

Conclusion

The chemotactic system has been identified as a key pathway of IA, and interacting macrophages may regulate this pathological process.

Mast Cells Mediate Inflammatory Injury and Aggravate Neurological Impairment in Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Through Microglial PAR-2 Pathway

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a devastating cerebrovascular disease with high mortality and disability. Aberrant neuroinflammation has been identified as a critical factor accounting for the poor prognosis of SAH patients. Mast cells (MCs), the sentinel cells of the immune system, play a critical in the early immune reactions and participate in multiple pathophysiological process. However, the exact role of MCs on the pathophysiological process after SAH has not been fully understood. The current study was conducted to determine the role of MCs and MC stabilization in the context of SAH. Mouse SAH model was established by endovascular perforation process. Mice received saline or cromolyn (MC stabilizer) or compound 48/80 (MCs degranulator). Post-SAH evaluation included neurobehavioral test, western blot, immunofluorescence, and toluidine blue staining. We demonstrated that SAH induced MCs activation/degranulation. Administration of MC stabilizer cromolyn conferred a better neurologic outcome and decreased brain edema when compared with SAH+vehicle group. Furthermore, cromolyn significantly inhibited neuroinflammatory response and alleviated neuronal damage after SAH. However, pharmacological activation of MCs with compound 48/80 dramatically aggravated SAH-induced brain injury and exacerbated neurologic outcomes. Notably, pharmacological inhibition of microglial PAR-2 significantly reversed MCs-induced inflammatory response and neurological impairment. Additionally, the effect of MCs-derived tryptase in mediating neuroinflammation was also abolished by the microglial PAR-2 blockage in vitro. Taken together, MCs yielded inflammatory injury through activating microglia-related neuroinflammation after SAH. These data shed light on the notion that MCs might be a novel and promising therapeutic target for SAH.

Mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes modulate vascular endothelial injury via miR-144-5p/PTEN in intracranial aneurysm

Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is known to be involved in the pathogenesis of intracranial aneurysm (IA). This study investigated the molecular mechanism of exosomal miR-144-5p (ex-miR-144-5p) and PTEN in IA. Ex-miR-144-5p expression was assessed in serum from individuals with ruptured intracranial aneurysm (RA) or unruptured intracranial aneurysm (UA), and healthy controls (HC). Vascular endothelial cells (VECs) were co-cultured with exosomes isolated from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with transfection of miR-144-5p mimic or miR-144-5p inhibitor. IA rats were induced by combing systemic hypertension and intrathecal elastase injection. VECs were transfected with miR-144-5p mimic or inhibitor to verify the impacts of miR-144-5p on cell viability and proliferation. The connection between miR-144-5p and PTEN was verified by luciferase activity assay. Our data proved that ex-miR-144-5p was decreased in both UA and RA patients. MiR-144-5p overexpression in MSCs-derived exosome promoted VEC viability, inhibited VEC proliferation of VEs, and decreased the protein levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and osteopontin (OPN). IA rats injected with ex-miR-144-5p mimic showed significant luminal dilation, declined smooth muscle layers, and thinned vascular wall. Besides, inhibited cell apoptosis and decreased protein expressions were also observed. However, ex-miR-144-5p inhibitor had the opposite effects both in vivo and in vitro. We validated that miR-144-5p directly targeted PTEN. MiR-144-5p mimic increased cell viability and proliferation and reduced protein expressions, which could be blunted by PTEN overexpression. This study suggests that miR-144-5p elevates PTEN expression, thereby boosting apoptosis and attenuating viability of VECs in IA.

Bioactive refinement for endosaccular treatment of intracranial aneurysms

Endovascular treatment is the first-line therapy for most intracranial aneurysms; however, recanalisation remains a major limitation. Developments in bioengineering and material science have led to a novel generation of coil technologies for aneurysm embolisation that address clinical challenges of aneurysm recurrence. This review presents an overview of modified surface coil technologies and summarises the state of the art regarding their efficacy and limitations based on experimental and clinical results. We also present potential perspectives to develop biologically optimised devices.

Pharmacological inhibition of STAT3 by BP-1-102 inhibits intracranial aneurysm formation and rupture in mice through modulating inflammatory response

As an inhibitor of STAT3, BP-1-102 can regulate the inflammation response caused by vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) by inhibiting the JAK/STAT3/NF-κB pathway, thereby attenuating the symptoms of intracranial aneurysm (IA). IA mouse model was established by stereotactic injection of elastase to evaluate the effect of BP-1-102. The expression levels of smooth muscle markers and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were detected by qRT-PCR, and the levels of inflammatory factors were detected by ELISA and qRT-PCR. The protein levels of the NF-κB signaling pathway factors were examined by Western blot. BP-1-102 reduced blood pressure in aneurysm mice, up-regulated smooth muscle cell markers MHC, SMA, and SM22, and down-regulated the expression of MMP2 and MMP9 in vascular tissues. At the same time, BP-1-102 also down-regulated the expression levels of inflammatory response factors and the NF-κB pathway proteins. In the IA model, BP-1-102 can reduce the expression of inflammatory factors and MMPs bound to NF-κB by inhibiting the activation of the JAK/STAT3/NF-κB pathway proteins, and then restore the vascular wall elastin to reduce blood pressure, thereby treating aneurysm.

Patterns of Neointima Formation After Coil or Stent Treatment in a Rat Saccular Sidewall Aneurysm Model

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Endovascular aneurysm treatment relies on a biological process, including cell migration for thrombus organization and growth of a neointima. To better understand aneurysm healing, our study explores the origin of neointima-forming and thrombus-organizing cells in a rat saccular sidewall aneurysm model.

METHODS

Saccular aneurysms were transplanted onto the abdominal aorta of male Lewis rats and endovascularly treated with coils (n=28) or stents (n=26). In 34 cases, GFP+ (green fluorescent protein)-expressing vital aneurysms were sutured on wild-type rats, and in 23 cases, decellularized wild-type aneurysms were sutured on GFP+ rats. Follow-up at 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days evaluated aneurysms by fluorescence angiography, macroscopic inspection, and microscopy for healing and inflammation status. Furthermore, the origin of cells was tracked with fluorescence histology.

RESULTS

In animals with successful functional healing, histological studies showed a gradually advancing thrombus organization over time characterized by progressively growing neointima from the periphery of the aneurysm toward the center. Cell counts revealed similar distributions of GFP+ cells for coil or stent treatment in the aneurysm wall (54.4% versus 48.7%) and inside the thrombus (20.5% versus 20.2%) but significantly more GFP+ cells in the neointima of coiled (27.2 %) than stented aneurysms (10.4%; P=0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Neointima formation and thrombus organization are concurrent processes during aneurysm healing. Thrombus-organizing cells originate predominantly in the parent artery. Neointima formation relies more on cell migration from the aneurysm wall in coiled aneurysms but receives greater contributions from cells originating in the parent artery in stent-treated aneurysms. Cell migration, which allows for a continuous endothelial lining along the parent artery's lumen, may be a prerequisite for complete aneurysm healing after endovascular therapy. In terms of translation into clinical practice, these findings may explain the variability in achieving complete aneurysm healing after coil treatment and the improved healing rate in stent-assisted coiling.

Endogenous animal models of intracranial aneurysm development: a review

The pathogenesis and natural history of intracranial aneurysm (IA) remains poorly understood. To this end, animal models with induced cerebral vessel lesions mimicking human aneurysms have provided the ability to greatly expand our understanding. In this review, we comprehensively searched the published literature to identify studies that endogenously induced IA formation in animals. Studies that constructed aneurysms (i.e., by surgically creating a sac) were excluded. From the eligible studies, we reported information including the animal species, method for aneurysm induction, aneurysm definitions, evaluation methods, aneurysm characteristics, formation rate, rupture rate, and time course. Between 1960 and 2019, 174 articles reported endogenous animal models of IA. The majority used flow modification, hypertension, and vessel wall weakening (i.e., elastase treatment) to induce IAs, primarily in rats and mice. Most studies utilized subjective or qualitative descriptions to define experimental aneurysms and histology to study them. In general, experimental IAs resembled the pathobiology of the human disease in terms of internal elastic lamina loss, medial layer degradation, and inflammatory cell infiltration. After the early 2000s, many endogenous animal models of IA began to incorporate state-of-the-art technology, such as gene expression profiling and 9.4-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in vivo imaging, to quantitatively analyze the biological mechanisms of IA. Future studies aimed at longitudinally assessing IA pathobiology in models that incorporate aneurysm growth will likely have the largest impact on our understanding of the disease. We believe this will be aided by high-resolution, small animal, survival imaging, in situ live-cell imaging, and next-generation omics technology.

Mast Cell Promotes the Development of Intracranial Aneurysm Rupture

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Inflammation has emerged as a key component of the pathophysiology of intracranial aneurysms. Mast cells have been detected in human intracranial aneurysm tissues, and their presence was associated with intramural microhemorrhage and wall degeneration. We hypothesized that mast cells play a critical role in the development of aneurysmal rupture, and that mast cells can be used as a therapeutic target for the prevention of aneurysm rupture.

METHODS

Intracranial aneurysms were induced in adult mice using a combination of induced systemic hypertension and a single injection of elastase into the cerebrospinal fluid. Aneurysm formation and rupture were assessed over 3 weeks. Roles of mast cells were assessed using a mast cell stabilizer (cromolyn), a mast cell activator (C48/80), and mice that are genetically lacking mature mast cells (Kit^W-sh/W-sh mice).

RESULTS

Pharmacological stabilization of mast cells with cromolyn markedly decreased the rupture rate of aneurysms (80% versus 19%, n=10 versus n =16) without affecting the aneurysm formation. The activation of mast cells with C48/80 significantly increased the rupture rate of aneurysms (25% versus 100%, n=4 versus n=5) without affecting the overall rate of aneurysm formation. Furthermore, the genetic deficiency of mast cells significantly prevented aneurysm rupture (80% versus 25%, n=10 versus n=8, wild-type versus Kit^W-sh/W-sh mice).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that mast cells play a key role in promoting aneurysm rupture but not formation. Stabilizers of mast cells may have a potential therapeutic value in preventing intracranial aneurysm rupture in patients.

Exosomal microRNA-23b-3p from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells maintains T helper/Treg balance by downregulating the PI3k/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway in intracranial aneurysm

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are involved in cancer initiation and metastasis, and sometimes mediate cell communication by releasing exosomes and delivering microRNAs (miRNAs). The study aims to investigate the effects of exosomal hsa-miR-23b-3p derived from human BMSCs on intracranial aneurysm (IA). Firstly, human BMSCs-derived exosomes were extracted by ultra-high speed centrifugation. After clinical specimen collection, imbalance of T helper (Th) 17/Treg was found in patients with IA. Then, basilar artery aneurysm models were established and BMSCs-derived exosomes were isolated and identified. The results showed that BMSCs-derived exosomes improved pathological remodeling of IA wall, upregulated the contractile phenotype and inhibited the secretory phenotype of smooth muscle cells and reduced the number of Th17 cells to maintain the balance of Th17/Treg. In addition, human BMSCs-derived exosomes inhibited the activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and maintained Th17/Treg balance, which in turn interfered with aneurysm formation. Finally, the targeting relationship between hsa-miR-23b-3p and KLF5 was confirmed. We further noted that BMSCs-derived exosomal hsa-miR-23b-3p inhibited IA formation by targeting KLF5 through suppression of the PI3k/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway. All in all, our study concluded that BMSCs-derived exosomal hsa-miR-23b-3p could maintain Th17/Treg balance by targeting KLF5 through suppression of the PI3k/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway, thus inhibit IA formation.

Preclinical Intracranial Aneurysm Models: A Systematic Review

Intracranial aneurysms (IA) are characterized by weakened cerebral vessel walls that may lead to rupture and subarachnoid hemorrhage. The mechanisms behind their formation and progression are yet unclear and warrant preclinical studies. This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive, systematic overview of available animal models for the study of IA pathobiology. We conducted a systematic literature search using the PubMed database to identify preclinical studies employing IA animal models. Suitable articles were selected based on predefined eligibility criteria following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Included studies were reviewed and categorized according to the experimental animal and aneurysm model. Of 4266 returned results, 3930 articles were excluded based on the title and/or abstract and further articles after screening the full text, leaving 123 studies for detailed analysis. A total of 20 different models were found in rats (nine), mice (five), rabbits (four), and dogs (two). Rat models constituted the most frequently employed intracranial experimental aneurysm model (79 studies), followed by mice (31 studies), rabbits (12 studies), and two studies in dogs. The most common techniques to induce cerebral aneurysms were surgical ligation of the common carotid artery with subsequent induction of hypertension by ligation of the renal arteries, followed by elastase-induced creation of IAs in combination with corticosterone- or angiotensin-induced hypertension. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the multitude of available IA models to study various aspects of aneurysm formation, growth, and rupture. It will serve as a useful reference for researchers by facilitating the selection of the most appropriate model and technique to answer their scientific question.

Mesenchymal stem cells for hemorrhagic stroke: status of preclinical and clinical research

Significant progress has been made during the past few decades in stem cell therapy research for various diseases and injury states; however this has not been overwhelmingly translated into approved therapies, despite much public attention and the rise in unregulated ‘regenerative clinics’. In the last decade, preclinical research focusing on mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC) therapy in experimental animal models of hemorrhagic stroke has gained momentum and has led to the development of a small number of human trials. Here we review the current studies focusing on MSC therapy for hemorrhagic stroke in an effort to summarize the status of preclinical and clinical research. Preliminary evidence indicates that MSCs are both safe and tolerable in patients, however future randomized controlled trials are required to translate the promising preclinical research into an effective therapy for hopeful patients.

The Role of Mast Cells in Stroke

Mast cells (MCs) are densely granulated perivascular resident cells of hematopoietic origin. Through the release of preformed mediators stored in their granules and newly synthesized molecules, they are able to initiate, modulate, and prolong the immune response upon activation. Their presence in the central nervous system (CNS) has been documented for more than a century. Over the years, MCs have been associated with various neuroinflammatory conditions of CNS, including stroke. They can exacerbate CNS damage in models of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke by amplifying the inflammatory responses and promoting brain–blood barrier disruption, brain edema, extravasation, and hemorrhage. Here, we review the role of these peculiar cells in the pathophysiology of stroke, in both immature and adult brain. Further, we discuss the role of MCs as potential targets for the treatment of stroke and the compounds potentially active as MCs modulators.

Protective effects of mesenchymal stem cells overexpressing extracellular regulating kinase 1/2 against stroke in rats

OBJECTIVE

Although transplantation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has shown beneficial effects on stroke, lower survival of MSCs limits effects. Extracellular regulating kinase 1/2 signaling (ERK1/2) is crucial for cell survival, differentiation, and proliferation. This study was designed to explore whether MSCs modified by over-expressing ERK1/2 may reinforce beneficial effects on stroke in rats.

METHODS

rat MSCs transfected with ERK1/2 and empty lentivirus to generate MSCs overexpressing ERK1/2 (ERK/MSCs) and MSCs (as a control), respectively. In vitro, ERK/MSCs were plated and exposed to glutamate-induced condition, and viability of ERK/MSCs was measured. Furthermore, neural induction of ERK/MSCs was investigated in vitro. Cerebral ischemic rats were induced by occluding middle cerebral artery, and then were stereotaxically injected into ipsilateral right lateral ventricle with ERK/MSCs or MSCs 3 days after stroke and survived for 7 or 14 days after injection.

RESULTS

ERK/MSCs showed better viability in physiological and glutamate-induced neurotoxic conditions compared to MSCs. After neural induction, more neurons were be differentiated from ERK/MSCs than from MSCs. After transplantation, more numbers of grafted cells and improved functional recovery were observed in ERK/MSCs-treated rats compared with MSCs-treated rats. Compared with MSCs treatment, ERK/MSCs treatment significantly increased proliferation of neural stem cells in the subventricle zone (SVZ) and the MAP2/nestin double-labeled cells adjacent to the SVZ, enhanced the numbers of reactive astrocytes while suppressed microglial activation. Besides, TNF-α level was elevated in ERK/MSCs-treated rats.

CONCLUSION

ERK/MSCs transplantation showed better functional recovery after stroke in rats, likely in part through enhancing survival of MSCs and possibly by modulating the proliferation, neuronal de-differentiation and neuroinflammation.

Targeting mast cell as a neuroprotective strategy

Background: Mast cells (MCs) are perivascularly located immune cells of haematopoietic origin. Emerging evidences suggest that the activation of MCs play important roles in the pathogenesis of blood brain barrier disruption, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration. Objectives: In this review, we aimed to discuss the detrimental effects of MCs in response to various types of brain injury, as well as the therapeutic potential and neuroprotective effects of targeting the activation and degranulation of MCs, particularly in the management of the acute phase. Methods: An extensive online literature search was conducted through Pubmed/Central on March 2018. Then, we comprehensively summarized the effects of the activation of brain MCs in acute brain injury along with current pharmacological strategies targeting at the activation of MCs. Results: The review of the current literature indicated that the activation and degranulation of brain MCs significantly contribute to the acute pathological process following different types of brain injury including focal and global cerebral ischaemia, intracerebral haemorrhage, subarachnoid haemorrhage, and traumatic brain injury. Conclusions: Brain MCs significantly contribute to the acute pathological processes following brain injury. In that regard, targeting brain MCs may provide a novel strategy for neuroprotection.