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Zhang R, Wang J, Deng Q, Xiao X, Zeng X, Lai B, Li G, Ma Y, Ruan J, Han I, Zeng YS, Ding Y. Mesenchymal Stem Cells Combined With Electroacupuncture Treatment Regulate the Subpopulation of Macrophages and Astrocytes to Facilitate Axonal Regeneration in Transected Spinal Cord. Neurospine 2023; 20:1358-1379. [PMID: 38171303 PMCID: PMC10762392 DOI: 10.14245/ns.2346824.412] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Herein, we investigated whether mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplantation combined with electroacupuncture (EA) treatment could decrease the proportion of proinflammatory microglia/macrophages and neurotoxic A1 reactive astrocytes and inhibit glial scar formation to enhance axonal regeneration after spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS Adult rats were divided into 5 groups after complete transection of the spinal cord at the T10 level: a control group, a nonacupoint EA (NA-EA) group, an EA group, an MSC group, and an MSCs+EA group. Immunofluorescence labeling, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and Western blots were performed. RESULTS The results showed that MSCs+EA treatment reduced the proportion of proinflammatory M1 subtype microglia/macrophages, but increased the differentiation of anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype cells, thereby suppressing the mRNA and protein expression of proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-1β) and increasing the expression of an anti-inflammatory cytokine (interleukin [IL]-10) on days 7 and 14 after SCI. The changes in expression correlated with the attenuated neurotoxic A1 reactive astrocytes and glial scar, which in turn facilitated the axonal regeneration of the injured spinal cord. In vitro, the proinflammatory cytokines increased the level of proliferation of astrocytes and increased the expression levels of C3, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan. These effects were blocked by administering inhibitors of ErbB1 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) (AG1478 and AG490) and IL-10. CONCLUSION These findings showed that MSCs+EA treatment synergistically regulated the microglia/macrophage subpopulation to reduce inflammation, the formation of neurotoxic A1 astrocytes, and glial scars. This was achieved by downregulating the ErbB1-STAT3 signal pathway, thereby providing a favorable microenvironment conducive to axonal regeneration after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongyi Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pain Management, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Junhua Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingwen Deng
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xingru Xiao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Biqin Lai
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Spinal Cord Injury, Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ge Li
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Medical Research Center, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanhuan Ma
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Institute of Clinical Medicine, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingwen Ruan
- Department of Acupuncture, the 1st Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Inbo Han
- Department of Neurosurgery, Bundang CHA Medical Center, CHA University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Yuan-Shan Zeng
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Spinal Cord Injury, Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Ying Ding
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Spinal Cord Injury, Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Guangzhou, China
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Huang Y, He K, Fang D, Ni F, Qiu B, Liang K, Ma R. A bibliometric of research trends in acupuncture for spinal cord injury: Quantitative and qualitative analyses. Front Neurol 2022; 13:936744. [PMID: 36188361 PMCID: PMC9521612 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.936744] [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: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe disease of the central nervous system with a very high disability rate that seriously affects the daily life of patients. Acupuncture is one of the rehabilitation therapies that has shown significant efficacy in treating post-SCI complications such as motor disorders, neuropathic pain, and neurogenic bladder. Current studies have focused on the effectiveness and mechanisms of acupuncture for SCI, but no studies are available to analyze the bibliometrics of publications related to this area. Methods Publications related to acupuncture for SCI were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection for quantitative and qualitative analyses. The quantitative analysis was unfolded in the following six main areas: annual publications, countries, institutions, authors, sources, and keywords. The qualitative analysis section screened out publications with high annual citation rates and categorized them according to the study content. Results There were 213 relevant publications, more than half of which were journal articles. The number of publications showed a fluctuating upward trend. China and the United States were hub countries for related publications and had extensive cooperation with other countries. The most relevant author was Yuanshan Zeng from Sun Yat-sen University, China. The efficacy and mechanism of acupuncture for neuropathic pain after SCI was the first research hotspot in this field, and electroacupuncture was the most widely used technique. In the past 5 years, the mechanism of acupuncture to improve the local microenvironment of SCI and promote nerve regeneration had become a new research trend. At the same time, acupuncture had been gradually applied to various complications after SCI and in veterinary medicine. Conclusion The findings suggest that research on acupuncture for SCI is still flourishing, and more research on electroacupuncture for promoting nerve repair and regeneration after SCI will be available in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Huang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, The Third School of Clinical Medicine (School of Rehabilitation Medicine), Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kelin He
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, The Third School of Clinical Medicine (School of Rehabilitation Medicine), Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhongshan Hospital of Zhejiang Province), Hangzhou, China
| | - Dandan Fang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, The Third School of Clinical Medicine (School of Rehabilitation Medicine), Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fengjia Ni
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, The Third School of Clinical Medicine (School of Rehabilitation Medicine), Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bei Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, The Third School of Clinical Medicine (School of Rehabilitation Medicine), Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kang Liang
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhongshan Hospital of Zhejiang Province), Hangzhou, China
| | - Ruijie Ma
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, The Third School of Clinical Medicine (School of Rehabilitation Medicine), Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhongshan Hospital of Zhejiang Province), Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Ruijie Ma
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Song XZ, Chu XL, Liu T, Cao YT, Li RX, Gao MW, Li QW, Gu XS, Ming D. Case report: Ultrasound-guided multi-site electroacupuncture stimulation for a patient with spinal cord injury. Front Neurol 2022; 13:903207. [PMID: 36090881 PMCID: PMC9448914 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.903207] [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: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Spinal cord injury causes permanent neurological deficits, which have devastating physical, social, and vocational consequences for patients and their families. Traditional Chinese medicine uses acupuncture to treat neuropathic pain and improve nerve conduction velocity. This treatment can also reduce peripheral nerve injury joint contracture and muscle atrophy in affected patients. And it's got a remarkable restoration when electrical stimulation therapy on impaired peripheral nerves in animal models and clinical trials. Case description A 48-year-old woman was hit by a heavy object that injured her lower back. The patient had a T12-L1 vertebral flexion and stretch fracture with traumatic spinal stenosis. The patient was transferred to the rehabilitation department after posterior T12-L2-segment pedicle screw system distraction and reduction, internal fixation, decompression, and bone graft fusion. Ultrasound-guided electroacupuncture was used to stimulate the sacral nerve, the spinal nerve, and the head of the patient, accompanied by spinal joint loosening training, respiratory training, lumbar comprehensive sports training, paraplegic limbs comprehensive training, and other manipulative treatment. Outcomes After the intervention, the patient showed significant improvements in sensory and motor scores, resulting in functional recovery according to ASIA and FIM. The patient gradually showed reasonable functional remission. Discussion The sacral nerve, the spinal cord, and the head were electrically stimulated by ultrasound-guided electroacupuncture in terms of intervention, and various functions of the patient were alleviated to a certain extent. The efficacy of ultrasound-guided electroacupuncture stimulation in treating neurologic symptoms should be validated in future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Zi Song
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiao-Lei Chu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tianjin University Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Liu
- College of Exercise & Health Sciences, Tianjin University of Sport, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu-Tong Cao
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Rui-Xin Li
- College of Exercise & Health Sciences, Tianjin University of Sport, Tianjin, China
| | - Ming-Wei Gao
- College of Exercise & Health Sciences, Tianjin University of Sport, Tianjin, China
| | - Qing-Wen Li
- College of Exercise & Health Sciences, Tianjin University of Sport, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiao-Song Gu
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- *Correspondence: Xiao-Song Gu
| | - Dong Ming
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- College of Precision Instruments and Optoelectronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Dong Ming
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Jiang K, Sun Y, Chen X. Mechanism Underlying Acupuncture Therapy in Spinal Cord Injury: A Narrative Overview of Preclinical Studies. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:875103. [PMID: 35462893 PMCID: PMC9021644 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.875103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) results from various pathogenic factors that destroy the normal structure and function of the spinal cord, subsequently causing sensory, motor, and autonomic nerve dysfunction. SCI is one of the most common causes of disability and death globally. It leads to severe physical and mental injury to patients and causes a substantial economic burden on families and the society. The pathological changes and underlying mechanisms within SCI involve oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, etc. As a traditional therapy, acupuncture has a positive effect promoting the recovery of SCI. Acupuncture-induced neuroprotection includes several mechanisms such as reducing oxidative stress, inhibiting the inflammatory response and neuronal apoptosis, alleviating glial scar formation, promoting neural stem cell differentiation, and improving microcirculation within the injured area. Therefore, the recent studies exploring the mechanism of acupuncture therapy in SCI will help provide a theoretical basis for applying acupuncture and seeking a better treatment target and acupuncture approach for SCI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunpeng Jiang
- Department of Hand and Foot Surgery, Zhejiang Rongjun Hospital, Jiaxing, China
| | - Yulin Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhejiang Rongjun Hospital, Jiaxing, China
| | - Xinle Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhejiang Rongjun Hospital, Jiaxing, China
- *Correspondence: Xinle Chen,
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Multimodal Care for Headaches, Lumbopelvic Pain, and Dysmenorrhea in a Woman With Endometriosis: A Case Report. J Chiropr Med 2022; 20:148-157. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcm.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
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Ji ZS, Li JP, Fu CH, Luo JX, Yang H, Zhang GW, Wu W, Lin HS. Spastin interacts with collapsin response mediator protein 3 to regulate neurite growth and branching. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:2549-2556. [PMID: 33907047 PMCID: PMC8374569 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.313052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytoskeletal microtubule rearrangement and movement are crucial in the repair of spinal cord injury. Spastin plays an important role in the regulation of microtubule severing. Both spastin and collapsin response mediator proteins can regulate neurite growth and branching; however, whether spastin interacts with collapsin response mediator protein 3 (CRMP3) during this process remains unclear, as is the mechanism by which CRMP3 participates in the repair of spinal cord injury. In this study, we used a proteomics approach to identify key proteins associated with spinal cord injury repair. We then employed liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to identify proteins that were able to interact with glutathione S-transferase-spastin. Then, co-immunoprecipitation and staining approaches were used to evaluate potential interactions between spastin and CRMP3. Finally, we co-transfected primary hippocampal neurons with CRMP3 and spastin to evaluate their role in neurite outgrowth. Mass spectrometry identified the role of CRMP3 in the spinal cord injury repair process. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry pulldown assays identified three CRMP3 peptides that were able to interact with spastin. CRMP3 and spastin were co-expressed in the spinal cord and were able to interact with one another in vitro and in vivo. Lastly, CRMP3 overexpression was able to enhance the ability of spastin to promote neurite growth and branching. Therefore, our results confirm that spastin and CRMP3 play roles in spinal cord injury repair by regulating neurite growth and branching. These proteins may therefore be novel targets for spinal cord injury repair. The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Jinan University, China approved this study (approval No. IACUS-20181008-03) on October 8, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Sheng Ji
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jian-Ping Li
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Chao-Hua Fu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou; Department of Orthopedics, Jiangmen Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Jiangmen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jian-Xian Luo
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hua Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Guo-Wei Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wutian Wu
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province; Re-Stem Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Suzhou, Jiangsu Province; Spine Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hong-Sheng Lin
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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EA Improves the Motor Function in Rats with Spinal Cord Injury by Inhibiting Signal Transduction of Semaphorin3A and Upregulating of the Peripheral Nerve Networks. Neural Plast 2020; 2020:8859672. [PMID: 33273908 PMCID: PMC7700027 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8859672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerve networks (PNNs) play a vital role in the neural recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). Electroacupuncture (EA), as an alternative medicine, has been widely used in SCI and was proven to be effective on neural functional recovery. In this study, the interaction between PNNs and semaphrin3A (Sema3A) in the recovery of the motor function after SCI was observed, and the effect of EA on them was evaluated. After the establishment of the SCI animal model, we found that motor neurons in the ventral horn of the injured spinal cord segment decreased, Nissl bodies were blurry, and PNNs and Sema3A as well as its receptor neuropilin1 (NRP1) aggregated around the central tube of the gray matter of the spinal cord. When we knocked down the expression of Sema3A at the damage site, NRP1 also downregulated, importantly, PNNs concentration decreased, and tenascin-R (TN-R) and aggrecan were also reduced, while the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) motor function score dramatically increased. In addition, when conducting EA stimulation on Jiaji (EX-B2) acupoints, the highly upregulated Sema3A and NRP1 were reversed post-SCI, which can lessen the accumulation of PNNs around the central tube of the spinal cord gray matter, and simultaneously promote the recovery of motor function in rats. These results suggest that EA may further affect the plasticity of PNNs by regulating the Sema3A signal and promoting the recovery of the motor function post-SCI.
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Effects and Mechanisms of Acupuncture Combined with Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation on Neural Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury: Progress and Prospects. Neural Plast 2020; 2020:8890655. [PMID: 33061954 PMCID: PMC7533022 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8890655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a structural event with devastating consequences worldwide. Due to the limited intrinsic regenerative capacity of the spinal cord in adults, the neural restoration after SCI is difficult. Acupuncture is effective for SCI-induced neurologic deficits, and the potential mechanisms responsible for its effects involve neural protection by the inhibition of inflammation, oxidation, and apoptosis. Moreover, acupuncture promotes neural regeneration and axon sprouting by activating multiple cellular signal transduction pathways, such as the Wnt, Notch, and Rho/Rho kinase (ROCK) pathways. Several studies have demonstrated that the efficacy of combining acupuncture with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplantation is superior to either procedure alone. The advantage of the combined treatment is dependent on the ability of acupuncture to enhance the survival of MSCs, promote their differentiation into neurons, and facilitate targeted migration of MSCs to the spinal cord. Additionally, the differentiation of MSCs into neurons overcomes the problem of the shortage of endogenous neural stem cells (NSCs) in the acupuncture-treated SCI patients. Therefore, the combination of acupuncture and MSCs transplantation could become a novel and effective strategy for the treatment of SCI. Such a possibility needs to be verified by basic and clinical research.
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Zhou Z, Li H, Li H, Zhang J, Fu K, Cao C, Deng F, Luo J. Comprehensive analysis of the differential expression profile of microRNAs in rats with spinal cord injury treated by electroacupuncture. Mol Med Rep 2020; 22:751-762. [PMID: 32468009 PMCID: PMC7339738 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal microRNA (miRNA) expression has been implicated in spinal cord injury (SCI), but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on miRNA expression profiles in SCI rats and investigate the potential mechanisms involved in this process, Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into sham, SCI and SCI+EA groups (n=6 each). Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) scoring and hematoxylin-eosin staining of cortical tissues were used to evaluate spinal cord recovery with EA treatment 21 days post-surgery across the three groups. To investigate miRNA expression profiles, 6 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into SCI and SCI+EA groups (n=3 in each group) and examined using next-generation sequencing. Integrated miRNA-mRNA-pathway network analysis was performed to elucidate the interaction network of the candidate miRNAs, their target genes and the involved pathways. Behavioral scores suggested that hindlimb motor functions improved with EA treatments. Apoptotic indices were lower in the SCI+EA group compared with the SCI group. It was also observed that 168 miRNAs were differentially expressed between the SCI and SCI+EA groups, with 29 upregulated and 139 downregulated miRNAs in the SCI+EA group. Changes in miRNA expression are involved in SCI physiopathology, including inflammation and apoptosis. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR measurement of the five candidate miRNAs, namely rno-miR-219a-5p, rno-miR-486, rno-miR-136-5p, rno-miR-128-3p, and rno-miR-7b, was consistent with RNA sequencing data. Integrated miRNA-mRNA-pathway analysis suggested that the MAPK, Wnt and NF-κB signaling pathways were involved in EA-mediated recovery from SCI. The present study evaluated the miRNA expression profiles involved in EA-treated SCI rats and demonstrated the potential mechanism and functional role of miRNAs in SCI in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhidong Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330000, P.R. China
| | - Hejian Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330000, P.R. China
| | - Hongchun Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330000, P.R. China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330000, P.R. China
| | - Kaiwen Fu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330000, P.R. China
| | - Cao Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330000, P.R. China
| | - Fumou Deng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330000, P.R. China
| | - Jun Luo
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330000, P.R. China
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Wang X, Ye L, Zhang K, Gao L, Xiao J, Zhang Y. Upregulation of microRNA-200a in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells enhances the repair of spinal cord injury in rats by reducing oxidative stress and regulating Keap1/Nrf2 pathway. Artif Organs 2020; 44:744-752. [PMID: 31995644 DOI: 10.1111/aor.13656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a common disease with high incidence, disability rate and treatment cost. microRNA (miR)-200a is reported to inhibit Keap1 to activate Nrf2 signaling. This study aimed to explore the effects of lentivirus-mediated miR-200a gene-modified bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) transplantation on the repair of SCI in a rat model. BMSCs were isolated from the bone marrow of Sprague-Dawley rats. MiR-200a targeting to Keap1 was identified by luciferase reporter gene assay. The expressions of Keap1, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), NAD(P)H-dependent quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO-1), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC) were detected by Western blotting in SCI rats. The locomotor capacity of the rats was evaluated using the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scale. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were measured. miR-200a inhibited Keap-1 3' UTR activity in BMSCs. Transplantation of BMSCs with overexpression of miR-200a or si-Keap1 increased locomotor function recovery of rats after SCI, while decreased MDA level, increased SOD, CAT activities, and Nrf2 expression together with its downstream HO-1, NQO1, GCLC protein expressions in SCI rat. These results indicated that overexpressed miR-200a in BMSCs promoted SCI repair, which may be through regulating antioxidative signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianxiang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lei Ye
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lu Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jin Xiao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yiquan Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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Yu L, Qian J. Dihydrotanshinone I Alleviates Spinal Cord Injury via Suppressing Inflammatory Response, Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Rats. Med Sci Monit 2020; 26:e920738. [PMID: 32112706 PMCID: PMC7063851 DOI: 10.12659/msm.920738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious nervous system injury, causing extremely low quality of life and immensurable economic losses. However, there is few therapies that can effectively cure the injury. The goal of the present study was to explore the potential therapeutic effects of dihydrotanshinone I (DI) for SCI and the involving mechanism. Material/Methods A SCI rat model was structured to investigate the effects of DI on recovery of SCI. Tarlov’s scale was employed to assess the neuronal function and histopathological examination was carried out by hematoxylin and eosin staining. In addition, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) levels were detected. Tunel assay and western blot analysis were performed to evaluate cell apoptosis. Furthermore, western blot assay was used to measure the protein expressions. Results The results demonstrated that the treatment of DI alleviated the pathological damage induced by SCI and promoted the neuronal functional recovery. DI suppressed TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, iNOS, and TOS levels while improved the TAS level. Moreover, increased cell apoptosis in SCI rats was inhibited by administration of DI. Most importantly, DI reserved the soaring of TLR4, MyD88, HMGB1, and NOX4 level after induction of SCI. Thus, the observation revealed that the HMGB1/TLR4/NOX4 pathway may be involved in the protective effects of DI on SCI. Conclusions In conclusion, the findings suggest that DI alleviates SCI by restraining secretion of inflammatory factors, and occurrence of oxidative stress and apoptosis in vivo. DI may be developed into an effective alternative therapy for SCI in clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuqian Yu
- Department of Orthopeadics, Dajiangdong Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
| | - Jinfeng Qian
- Section IV, Department of Orthopaedics, Hospital of Marine Police Corps of the Chinese People's Armed Police Force, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
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Yu L, Qian J. WITHDRAWN: Dihydrotanshinone I alleviates spinal cord injury via suppressing inflammatory response, oxidative stress and apoptosis in rats. Pathol Res Pract 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2019.152771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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13
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The Mechanism of MAPK Signal Transduction Pathway Involved with Electroacupuncture Treatment for Different Diseases. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 2019:8138017. [PMID: 31467579 PMCID: PMC6699341 DOI: 10.1155/2019/8138017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal transduction pathway plays an important role in the regulation of various diseases, such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and takes part in anti-inflammatory effects, analgesic effects, protection against injury, and maintenance of gastrointestinal functions. Electroacupuncture therapy is an external therapy used in traditional Chinese medicine. By adding external electrical stimulation to traditional acupuncture, the stimulus gets doubled and the therapeutic efficacy gets enhanced accordingly. It combines the benefits of both acupuncture and electrical stimulation. In recent years, some studies have explored the molecular mechanisms of MAPK signal pathways involved with electroacupuncture treatment. Based on these recent studies, this article summarizes the mechanisms of MAPK signal transduction pathways involved with electroacupuncture treatment. This adds great value to the studies of molecular mechanisms of electroacupuncture treatment and also provides an effective reference for its clinical use.
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14
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Jin H, Zhang YT, Yang Y, Wen LY, Wang JH, Xu HY, Lai BQ, Feng B, Che MT, Qiu XC, Li ZL, Wang LJ, Ruan JW, Jiang B, Zeng X, Deng QW, Li G, Ding Y, Zeng YS. Electroacupuncture Facilitates the Integration of Neural Stem Cell-Derived Neural Network with Transected Rat Spinal Cord. Stem Cell Reports 2019; 12:274-289. [PMID: 30661994 PMCID: PMC6373172 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2018.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The hostile environment of an injured spinal cord makes it challenging to achieve higher viability in a grafted tissue-engineered neural network used to reconstruct the spinal cord circuit. Here, we investigate whether cell survival and synaptic transmission within an NT-3 and TRKC gene-overexpressing neural stem cell-derived neural network scaffold (NN) transplanted into transected spinal cord could be promoted by electroacupuncture (EA) through improving the microenvironment. Our results showed that EA facilitated the cell survival, neuronal differentiation, and synapse formation of a transplanted NN. Pseudorabies virus tracing demonstrated that EA strengthened synaptic integration of the transplanted NN with the host neural circuit. The combination therapy also promoted axonal regeneration, spinal conductivity, and functional recovery. The findings highlight EA as a potential and safe supplementary therapeutic strategy to reinforce the survival and synaptogenesis of a transplanted NN as a neuronal relay to bridge the two severed ends of an injured spinal cord. EA promotes the survival and synapse formation of NSC-derived neurons in grafted NN EA strengthens synaptic integration of grafted NN with the spinal cord neural circuit EA enhances NT-3 level and activates NT-3/TRKC/AKT pathway in the injury/graft site The combination therapy increases axonal regeneration and spinal functional recovery
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Jin
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yu-Ting Zhang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine of Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shunde, Guangdong 528300, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Lan-Yu Wen
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jun-Hua Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Hao-Yu Xu
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Bi-Qin Lai
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Bo Feng
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Ming-Tian Che
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xue-Cheng Qiu
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Zhi-Ling Li
- Department of Acupuncture, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Lai-Jian Wang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jing-Wen Ruan
- Department of Acupuncture, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Bin Jiang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xiang Zeng
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Qing-Wen Deng
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Ge Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Ying Ding
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
| | - Yuan-Shan Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; Institute of Spinal Cord Injury, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.
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Robinson NG. Beyond the Laboratory, Into the Clinic: What Dogs with Disk Disease Have Taught Us About Photobiomodulation for Spinal Cord Injury. Photomed Laser Surg 2018; 35:589-594. [PMID: 29099681 DOI: 10.1089/pho.2017.4348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For spinal-cord-injured (SCI) patients, integrative medicine approaches such as photomedicine and acupuncture can renew hope and offer previously unrecognized ways to help regain function and improve quality of life. OBJECTIVE By understanding the mechanisms of action that these two modalities share, practitioners can better target specific attributes of spinal cord pathophysiology that are limiting recovery. Naturally occurring intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) in dogs affords unparalleled translational opportunities to develop treatment strategies involving photobiomodulation and acupuncture. CONCLUSIONS Insights derived through clinical trials of dogs with IVDD have the potential to raise the standard of care for both human and canine SCI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narda G Robinson
- CuraCore Integrative Medicine and Education Center , Fort Collins, Colorado
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Fan Q, Cavus O, Xiong L, Xia Y. Spinal Cord Injury: How Could Acupuncture Help? J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2018; 11:124-132. [PMID: 29753705 DOI: 10.1016/j.jams.2018.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most common causes of death and disability worldwide, and it can result in both permanent disability and serial complications in patients. Research shows that patients with SCI complications are often interested in acupuncture for symptomatic relief. Therefore, the issue of physicians advising their patients regarding the use of acupuncture to alleviate SCI complications becomes pertinent. We review and summarize two types of relevant publications: (1) literature concerning acupuncture for SCI and its complications and (2) underlying mechanisms of acupuncture therapy for SCI. Clinical trials and reviews have suggested that acupuncture effectively manages a range of post-SCI complications, including motor and sensory dysfunction, pain, neurogenic bowel and bladder, pressure ulcers, spasticity, and osteoporosis. The effect of acupuncture on post-SCI orthostatic hypotension and sexual dysfunction remains unclear. Decreased oxidative stress, inhibition of inflammation and neuronal apoptosis, regulation of the expression and activity of endogenous biological mediators, and increased regenerative stem cell production are the possible mechanisms of acupuncture therapy for SCI. Although many limitations have been reported in previous studies, given the evidence for the efficacy of acupuncture, we recommend that physicians should support the use of acupuncture therapy for SCI complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Fan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Omer Cavus
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Lize Xiong
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China.
| | - Yun Xia
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
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Acupuncture alters pro-inflammatory cytokines in the plasma of maternally separated rat pups. Chin J Integr Med 2017; 23:943-947. [PMID: 28986807 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-017-2827-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the potential alleviating effects of acupuncture on maternal separation (MS)-induced changes in plasma pro-inflammatory cytokine levels of rat pups. METHODS On postnatal day 15, rat pups were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n=6 per group) using a random number table: normal, MS, MS with acupuncture stimulation at Shenmen (HT 7) acupoint (MS+HT 7), and MS with acupuncture stimulation at Chengshan (BL 57) acupoint (MS+BL 57) groups. Rat pups in the normal group were housed with their mothers under standard conditions; those in the MS, MS+HT 7 and MS+BL 57 groups were maternally separated and individually maintained. Acupuncture stimulation was performed at HT 7 or BL 57 acupoints once a day for 7 consecutive days. A tail suspension test was performed to measure immobility time of rats and the plasma was collected on postnatal day 21, then levels of corticosterone (CORT), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in plasma were measured. RESULTS Compared with the normal group, the immobility time and the plasma levels of CORT, IL-1β, IL-6 and GDNF in the MS group were significantly increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the MS group, the immobility time and the plasma levels of CORT, IL-1β, IL-6 and GDNF were significantly reduced in the MS+HT 7 group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Moreover, the immobility time and plasma levels of IL-1β and IL-6 in the MS+HT 7 group were significantly lower than those in the MS+BL 57 group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Acupuncture stimulation at HT 7 can alleviate the behavioral impairment and changes of the cytokines by MS, indicating that acupuncture can help to relieve MS-induced depression.
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Manual acupuncture improves parameters associated with oxidative stress and inflammation in PTZ-induced kindling in mice. Neurosci Lett 2017; 661:33-40. [PMID: 28947384 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.09.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Revised: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The use of acupuncture in the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) disorders is an age-old practice. Although only a few studies have proved its efficacy, evidence has indicated the use of acupuncture to treat different types of seizures. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of manual acupuncture (MAC) using the chemical kindling model. The role of MAC in oxidative stress and inflammation after pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced kindling was investigated by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities, nitrite content, and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage in cerebral cortex. Mice received PTZ (60mg/kgs.c.) once every three days for 16days, totaling six treatments. MAC was applied at acupoint GV20 daily during the entire experimental protocol. Diazepam (DZP) (2mg/kg) was used as positive control. Also, we evaluated the MAC effect associated with DZP (MAC/DZP) at a low dose (0.15mg/kg). The results demonstrated that MAC or MAC/DZP were not able to reduce significantly seizure occurrence or to increase the latency to the first seizure during treatment. MAC/DZP promoted a difference in the first latency to seizure only on the third day. PTZ-induced kindling caused significant neuronal injury, oxidative stress, increased DNA damage, nitric oxide production, and expression of the pro-inflammatory Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α). These effects were reversed by treatment with MAC or MAC/DZP. These results indicated that the stimulation of acupoint GV20 by MAC showed no potential antiepileptogenic effect in the model used, although it greatly promoted neuronal protection, which may result from antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects observed here.
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Wang X, Ju S, Chen S, Gao W, Ding J, Wang G, Cao H, Tian H, Li X. Effect of Electro-Acupuncture on Neuroplasticity of Spinal Cord-Transected Rats. Med Sci Monit 2017; 23:4241-4251. [PMID: 28865235 PMCID: PMC5592974 DOI: 10.12659/msm.903056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to evaluate the effects of electro-acupuncture (EA) on neuroplasticity associated with the expressions of neurotrophic factors (NTFs) and their receptors in rats subjected to spinal cord transection (SCT). MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 144 rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=48 per group): sham-operated group, SCT group, and EA (electro-acupuncture) group. Rats in SCT and EA groups received spinal cord transection at T10-T11 vertebral levels. Then, EA group rats received EA treatment. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to detect NTFs and receptors at the mRNA level. In situ hybridization (ISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to detect the expression of NTFs and their receptors. Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan (BBB) scores and cortical somato-sensory evoked potentials (CSEP) were evaluated to assess the recovery of motor and sensory functions. We also measured BDA (Biotinylated dextran amine) axonal tracing, CGRP (Calcitonin gene-related peptide), GAP-43 (Growth-associated protein), and synaptophysin immunohistochemistry (IHC). RESULTS EA treatment led to obvious improvement in hindlimb locomotor and sensory functions. CNTF, FGF-2, and TrkB mRNA were significantly upregulated, while NGF, PDGF, TGF-b1, IGF-1, TrkA, and TrkC mRNA were concomitantly downregulated in the caudal spinal segment (CSS) following EA. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated an increased number of CGRP fibers, GAP-43, and synaptophysin profiles in the CSS in the EA rats. CONCLUSIONS EA may promote the recovery of neuroplasticity in rats subjected to SCT. This could be attributed to the systematic regulation of NTFs and their receptors after EA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuyang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated 6th People's Hospital, Shanghai, China (mainland)
| | - Shiming Ju
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated 6th People's Hospital, Shanghai, China (mainland)
| | - Shiwen Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated 6th People's Hospital, Shanghai, China (mainland)
| | - Wenwei Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated 6th People's Hospital, Shanghai, China (mainland)
| | - Jun Ding
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated 6th People's Hospital, Shanghai, China (mainland)
| | - Gan Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated 6th People's Hospital, Shanghai, China (mainland)
| | - Heli Cao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated 6th People's Hospital, Shanghai, China (mainland)
| | - Hengli Tian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated 6th People's Hospital, Shanghai, China (mainland)
| | - Xiaoli Li
- Department of Neurology, ZhongDa Hospital, Neuropsychiatric Institute, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
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20
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Zhang J, Li S, Wu Y. Recovery of spinal cord injury following electroacupuncture in rats through enhancement of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Mol Med Rep 2017. [DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.6801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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21
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The regulatory effect of electro-acupuncture on the expression of NMDA receptors in a SCI rat model. Life Sci 2017; 177:8-14. [PMID: 28392262 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Revised: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In early spinal cord injury (SCI), glutamate receptors, including N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors (NMDARs), are over-stimulated by excessively released glutamate. The enhanced activity of NMDARs may cause cell death by overloading calcium (Ca2+) into cells based on their high permeability to Ca2+. Studies in SCI animals have shown that treatment with electro-acupuncture (EA) is able to reduce cell death and to improve functional recovery. One possible mechanism of this neuroprotective effect is that EA has regulatory effect on NMDARs. AIMS To test whether EA could protect the spinal cord after SCI by decreasing the expression levels of NR1 and NR2A. MAIN METHODS We conducted EA treatment on a rat SCI model produced with a New York University (NYU) Impactor and measured hindlimb locomotor function by Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan Locomotor Rating Scale (BBB Scale). The expression of NR1 and NR2, the subunits of NMDARs, in the injured spinal cord was measured by Immunofluorescence stainings, western blot and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). KEY FINDING Our results showed that two days after the SCI the expression of NR1 and NR2 were dramatically enhanced at both protein and mNRA levels, which were significantly reduced by EA treatment at two specific acupoints, Dazhui (DU14) and Mingmen (DU4). SIGNIFICANCE EA is a potential therapeutic method for treating early SCI in human.
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22
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Fang B, Qin M, Li Y, Li X, Tan W, Zhang Y, Ma H. Electroacupuncture preconditioning and postconditioning inhibit apoptosis and neuroinflammation induced by spinal cord ischemia reperfusion injury through enhancing autophagy in rats. Neurosci Lett 2017; 642:136-141. [PMID: 28188848 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2016] [Revised: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Electroacupuncture (EA) has beneficial effects on spinal cord ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the role of autophagy in the protection of EA preconditioning and postconditioning against spinal cord I/R injury. For this, spinal cord I/R injury was induced by 14min occlusion of the aortic arch, and rats were treated with EA for 20min before or after the surgery. The expression of autophagy components, light chain 3 and Beclin 1, was assessed by Western blot. The hind-limb motor function was assessed using the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) criteria, and motor neurons in the ventral gray matter were counted by histological examination. The apoptosis of neurocyte was assessed by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) was also measured using Western blot or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Either EA preconditioning or postconditioning enhanced autophagy, and minimized the neuromotor dysfunction and histopathological deficits after spinal cord I/R injury. In addition, EA suppressed I/R-induced apoptosis and increased in the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and MMP-9. In contrast, the autophagic inhibitor (3-methyladenine, 3-MA) inhibited the neuroprotective effects of EA. Moreover, 3-MA increased the apoptosis and the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and MMP-9. In summary, these findings suggested that EA preconditioning and postconditioning could alleviate spinal cord I/R injury, which was partly mediated by autophagy upregulation-induced inhibition of apoptosis and neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Fang
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, North Nanjing Street, No. 155, Shenyang, Liaoning, PR China.
| | - Meiman Qin
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, North Nanjing Street, No. 155, Shenyang, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Yun Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, North Nanjing Street, No. 155, Shenyang, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Xiaoqian Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, North Nanjing Street, No. 155, Shenyang, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Wenfei Tan
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, North Nanjing Street, No. 155, Shenyang, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, North Nanjing Street, No. 155, Shenyang, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Hong Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, North Nanjing Street, No. 155, Shenyang, Liaoning, PR China
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Salem N, Salem MY, Elmaghrabi MM, Elawady MA, Elawady MA, Sabry D, Shamaa A, Elkasapy AHH, Ibrhim N, Elamir A. Does vitamin C have the ability to augment the therapeutic effect of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells on spinal cord injury? Neural Regen Res 2017; 12:2050-2058. [PMID: 29323045 PMCID: PMC5784354 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.221163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Methylprednisolone (MP) is currently the only drug confirmed to exhibit a neuroprotective effect on acute spinal cord injury (SCI). Vitamin C (VC) is a natural water-soluble antioxidant that exerts neuroprotective effects through eliminating free radical damage to nerve cells. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs), as multipotent stem cells, are promising candidates in SCI repair. To evaluate the therapeutic effects of MP, VC and BMMSCs on traumatic SCI, 80 adult male rats were randomly divided into seven groups: control, SCI (SCI induction by weight-drop method), MP (SCI induction, followed by administration of 30 mg/kg MP via the tail vein, once every other 6 hours, for five times), VC (SCI induction, followed by intraperitoneal administration of 100 mg/kg VC once a day, for 28 days), MP + VC (SCI induction, followed by administration of MP and VC as the former), BMMSCs (SCI induction, followed by injection of 3 × 106 BMMSCs at the injury site), and BMMSCs + VC (SCI induction, followed by BMMSCs injection and VC administration as the former). Locomotor recovery was assessed using the Basso Mouse Scale. Injured spinal cord tissue was evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining. Expression of transforming growth factor-beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and matrix metalloproteinase-2 genes was determined using real-time quantitative PCR. BMMSCs intervention better promoted recovery of nerve function of rats with SCI, mitigated nerve cell damage, and decreased expression of transforming growth factor-beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and matrix metalloproteinase-2 genes than MP and/or VC. More importantly, BMMSCs in combination with VC induced more obvious improvements. These results suggest that VC can enhance the neuroprotective effects of BMMSCs against SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nesrine Salem
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Banha University, Banha, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Y Salem
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Banha University, Banha, Egypt
| | | | - Moataz A Elawady
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Banha University, Banha, Egypt
| | - Mona A Elawady
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Banha University, Banha, Egypt
| | - Dina Sabry
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ashraf Shamaa
- Department of Surgery and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | | | - Noha Ibrhim
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Banha University, Banha, Egypt
| | - Azza Elamir
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, El Fayoum University, Egyptian, Egypt
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Tang WC, Hsu YC, Wang CC, Hu CY, Chio CC, Kuo JR. Early electroacupuncture treatment ameliorates neuroinflammation in rats with traumatic brain injury. Altern Ther Health Med 2016; 16:470. [PMID: 27852302 PMCID: PMC5112630 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-016-1457-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
Background Neuroinflammation is the leading cause of neurological sequelae after traumatic brain injury (TBI). The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the neuroprotective effects of electroacupuncture (EA) are mediated by anti-neuroinflammatory effects in a rat model of TBI. Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham-operated, TBI control, and EA-treated. The animals in the sham-operated group underwent a sham operation, those in the TBI control group were subjected to TBI, but not EA, and those in the EA group were treated with EA for 60 min immediately after TBI, daily for 3 consecutive days. EA was applied at the acupuncture points GV20, GV26, LI4, and KI1, using a dense-dispersed wave, at frequencies of 0.2 and 1 Hz, and an amplitude of 1 mA. Cell infarction volume (TTC stain), neuronal apoptosis (markers: TUNEL and Caspase-3), activation of microglia (marker: Iba1) and astrocytes (marker: GFAP), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α expression in the microglia and astrocytes were evaluated by immunofluorescence. Functional outcomes were assessed using the inclined plane test. All tests were performed 72 h after TBI. Results We found that TBI-induced loss of grasp strength, infarction volume, neuronal apoptosis, microglial and astrocyte activation, and TNF-α expression in activated microglia and astrocytes were significantly attenuated by EA treatment. Conclusions Treatment of TBI in the acute stage with EA for 60 min daily for 3 days could ameliorate neuroinflammation. This may thus represent a mechanism by which functional recovery can occur after TBI.
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25
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Traditional Chinese Medicine comprehensive therapy for the improvement of motor function in spinal cord injury patients. J TRADIT CHIN MED 2016; 36:618-24. [PMID: 29933530 DOI: 10.1016/s0254-6272(16)30081-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the effect of early comprehensive therapy of Traditional Chinese Medicine
(TCM) on motor function of in patients with spinal cord injury. METHODS Fifty-one standard spinal cord injury patients with paraplegia were randomly assigned
to an experimental or control group. The experimental group received TCM comprehensive therapy,
and the control group received modern Western Medicine (WM) treatment for 4 weeks. The motor
score (MS), Barthel Index (BI) and American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grading were measured
in both groups before and after treatment. RESULTS After treatment, the MS and BI scores of the TCM comprehensive therapy group improved
significantly (P < 0.01), and there was no significant difference in ASIA grading (P > 0.05). The differences
between the experimental and control groups after treatment were not significant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION Early TCM comprehensive therapy is an effective method for improving motor function
in patients with spinal cord injury.
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Effects of Electroacupuncture at Governor Vessel Acupoints on Neurotrophin-3 in Rats with Experimental Spinal Cord Injury. Neural Plast 2016; 2016:2371875. [PMID: 27597902 PMCID: PMC4997063 DOI: 10.1155/2016/2371875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2016] [Revised: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In an effort to explore new, noninvasive treatment options for spinal cord injuries (SCI), this study investigated the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) for SCI rat models. SCI was induced by a modified Allen's weight-drop method. We investigated the response of EA at Dazhui (GV 14) and Mingmen (GV 4) acupoints to understand the effects and mechanisms of EA in neuroprotection and neuronal function recovery after SCI. BBB testing was used to detect motor function of rats' hind limbs among groups, and EA was shown to promote the recovery of SCI rats' motor function. Nissl staining showed a restored neural morphology and an increase in the quantity of neurons after EA. Also, the antiapoptosis role was exposed by TUNEL staining. Western blotting analysis was used to determine the protein expression of neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) in spinal cord tissue. Compared to the sham group, the expression levels of NT-3 were significantly decreased and EA was shown to upregulate the expression of NT-3. The present study suggests that the role of EA in neuroprotection and dorsal neuronal function recovery after SCI in rats, especially EA stimulation at GV 14 and GV 4, can greatly promote neuronal function recovery, which may result from upregulating the expression of NT-3.
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Combined approaches for the relief of spinal cord injury-induced neuropathic pain. Complement Ther Med 2016; 25:27-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2015.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Revised: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/31/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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Cong L, Chen W. Neuroprotective Effect of Ginsenoside Rd in Spinal Cord Injury Rats. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2016; 119:193-201. [PMID: 26833867 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.12562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In this study, the neuroprotective effects of ginsenoside Rd (GS Rd) were evaluated in a rat model of spinal cord injury (SCI). Rats in SCI groups received a T8 laminectomy and a spinal contusion injury. GS Rd 12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg were administered intraperitoneally 1 hr before the surgery and once daily for 14 days. Dexamethasone 1 mg/kg was administered as a positive control. Locomotor function was evaluated using the BBB score system. H&E staining and Nissl staining were performed to observe the histological changes in the spinal cord. The levels of MDA and GSH and the activity of SOD were assessed to reflect the oxidative stress state. The production of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-1 was assessed using ELISA kits to examine the inflammatory responses in the spinal cord. TUNEL staining was used to detect the cell apoptosis in the spinal cord. Western blot analysis was used to examine the expression of apoptosis-associated proteins and MAPK proteins. The results demonstrated that GS Rd 25 and 50 mg/kg significantly improved the locomotor function of rats after SCI, reduced tissue injury and increased neuron survival in the spinal cord. Mechanically, GS Rd decreased MDA level, increased GSH level and SOD activity, reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and prevented cell apoptosis. The effects were equivalent to those of dexamethasone. In addition, GS Rd effectively inhibited the activation of MAPK signalling pathway induced by SCI, which might be involved in the protective effects of GS Rd against SCI. In conclusion, GS Rd attenuates SCI-induced secondary injury through reversing the redox-state imbalance, inhibiting the inflammatory response and apoptosis in the spinal cord tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Cong
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wenting Chen
- Disease Control and Prevention Center of Shenyang Railway Bureau, Shenyang, China
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Yang W, Yang Y, Yang JY, Liang M, Song J. Treatment with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells combined with plumbagin alleviates spinal cord injury by affecting oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptotis and the activation of the Nrf2 pathway. Int J Mol Med 2016; 37:1075-82. [PMID: 26936518 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2016.2498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect exerted by bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in combination with plumbagin on spinal cord injury (SCI) and explore the mechanism behind this protective effect. Firstly, BMSCs were extracted from male Sprague-Dawley rats, cultured in vitro, and identified by hematoxylin. Sprague-Dawley rats were then randomly divided into a control group, SCI model group, BMSC-treated group, a plumbagin-treated group, and a BMSC and plumbagin-treated group. After treatment with BMSCs combined with plumbagin, a Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) test was carried out and the spinal cord water content was examined in order to analyze the effect of BMSCs combined with plumbagin on SCI. The myeloperoxidase (MPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 unit, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were also detected. Moreover, nuclear factor erythroid 2‑related factor 2 (Nrf2), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), phosphorylated (p-)Akt, p-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and p-extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) protein expression levels were measured using western blot analysis. Treatment with BMSCs combined with plumbagin significantly improved locomotor recovery and reduced the spinal cord water content after SCI. The increased MPO, MDA, NF-κB p65 and TNF-α levels were significantly suppressed and the decreased SOD was significantly increased in SCI rats. The suppression of Nrf2, p-Akt and p-ERK, as well as the promotion of p-p38 MAPK, were reversed by treatment with BMSCs combined with plumbagin. These effects suggest that treatment with BMSCs combined with plumbagin alleviates SCI through its effects on oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptotis and activation of the Nrf2 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wencheng Yang
- The Second Department of Orthopedics, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450007, P.R. China
| | - Yan Yang
- The Second Department of Orthopedics, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450007, P.R. China
| | - Jian-Yi Yang
- The Second Department of Orthopedics, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450007, P.R. China
| | - Ming Liang
- The Second Department of Orthopedics, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450007, P.R. China
| | - Jiangtao Song
- The Second Department of Orthopedics, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450007, P.R. China
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Lv R, Mao N, Wu J, Lu C, Ding M, Gu X, Wu Y, Shi Z. Neuroprotective effect of allicin in a rat model of acute spinal cord injury. Life Sci 2015; 143:114-23. [PMID: 26546416 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2015.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Revised: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS This study aims to investigate the effect of allicin on motor functions and histopathologic changes after spinal cord injury and the mechanism underlying its neuroprotective effects. MAIN METHODS The motor function of rats was evaluated with the Basso, Beattie, and Bresna test. Histopathologic changes were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin and Nissl staining. Spinal cord oxidative stress markers were determined by measuring glutathione and malondialdehyde content and superoxide dismutase activity using commercial kits. Inflammatory factors were determined by measuring tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 using ELISA assay. Apoptosis was examined using TUNEL staining. The effect of allicin on Nrf2 protein levels and localization was assessed using immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting analysis. KEY FINDINGS Results demonstrated that allicin accelerated the motor functional recovery and protected neuron damage against spinal cord injury (SCI). SCI-induced oxidative stress, inflammatory response and cell apoptosis in the spinal cord were also prevented by allicin. In addition, we observed that SCI increased Nrf2 nuclear expression, and allicin treatment further increased Nrf2 nuclear translocation in neurons and astrocytes. siRNA-mediated Nrf2 gene knockdown completely blocked the effect of allicin on spinal cord tissue. SIGNIFICANCE Our finding suggests that allicin promotes the recovery of motor function after SCI in rats, and this effect may be related to its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects. Allicin mediated Nrf2 nuclear translocation may be involved in the protective effect as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runxiao Lv
- Unit of Graduate Students, Changhai Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Ningfang Mao
- Department of Spine Surgery, Changhai Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinhui Wu
- Unit of Graduate Students, Changhai Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunwen Lu
- Unit of Graduate Students, Changhai Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Muchen Ding
- Unit of Graduate Students, Changhai Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaochuan Gu
- Unit of Graduate Students, Changhai Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Yungang Wu
- Unit of Graduate Students, Changhai Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhicai Shi
- Department of Spine Surgery, Changhai Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China.
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Cheng CY, Lin JG, Tang NY, Kao ST, Hsieh CL. Electroacupuncture at different frequencies (5Hz and 25Hz) ameliorates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats: possible involvement of p38 MAPK-mediated anti-apoptotic signaling pathways. Altern Ther Health Med 2015; 15:241. [PMID: 26187498 PMCID: PMC4506591 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-015-0752-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2014] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background This study aimed to determine the effects of electroacupuncture stimulation at the Baihui (GV20) and Fengfu (GV16) acupoints, at frequencies of 5Hz (EA-5Hz) and 25Hz (EA-25Hz), 7 days after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, and to evaluate the possible signaling mechanisms involved in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. Methods Rats were subjected to 30 min of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) followed by 7 days of reperfusion. EA-5Hz or EA-25Hz was applied immediately after MCAo and then once daily for 7 consecutive days. Results Results indicated that EA-5Hz and EA-25Hz both markedly attenuated cerebral infarction and neurological deficits. EA-5Hz and EA-25Hz both markedly downregulated cytosolic glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), mitochondrial Bax, mitochondrial and cytosolic second mitochondrial-derived activator of caspase/direct inhibitor of apoptosis protein-binding protein with low isoelectric point (Smac/DIABLO), and cytosolic cleaved caspase-3 expression, and effectively restored cytosolic phospho-p38 MAPK (p-p38 MAPK), cytosolic cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), mitochondrial Bcl-xL, and cytosolic X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) expression, in the ischemic cortical penumbra 7 days after reperfusion. Both EA-5Hz and EA-25Hz also significantly increased the ratios of mitochondrial Bcl-xL/Bax and Bcl-2/Bax, respectively. Conclusions Both EA-5Hz and EA-25Hz effectively downregulate reactive astrocytosis to provide neuroprotection against cerebral infarction, most likely by activating the p38 MAPK/CREB signaling pathway. The modulating effects of EA-5Hz and EA-25Hz on Bax-mediated apoptosis are possibly due to the activation of p38 MAPK/CREB/Bcl-xL and p38 MAPK/CREB/Bcl-2 signaling pathways, respectively, and eventually contribute to the prevention of Smac/DIABLO translocation and subsequent restoration of XIAP-mediated suppression of caspase-3 in the cortical periinfarct area 7 days after reperfusion.
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Downregulation of Spinal G Protein-Coupled Kinase 2 Abolished the Antiallodynic Effect of Electroacupuncture. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2015; 2015:848603. [PMID: 26064176 PMCID: PMC4429192 DOI: 10.1155/2015/848603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/03/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Acupuncture or electroacupuncture (EA) has been demonstrated to have a powerful antihypernociceptive effect on inflammatory pain. The attenuation of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) in spinal cord and peripheral nociceptor has been widely acknowledged to promote the transition from acute to chronic pain and to facilitate the nociceptive progress. This study was designed to investigate the possible role of spinal GRK2 in EA antiallodynic in a rat model with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) induced inflammatory pain. EA was applied to ST36 (“Zusanli”) and BL60 (“Kunlun”) one day after CFA injection. Single EA treatment at day 1 after CFA injection remarkably alleviated CFA induced mechanical allodynia two hours after EA. Repeated EA displayed significant antiallodynic effect from 2nd EA treatment and a persistent effect was observed during the rest of treatments. However, downregulation of spinal GRK2 by intrathecal exposure of GRK2 antisense 30 mins after EA treatment completely eliminated both the transient and persistent antiallodynic effect by EA treatment. These pieces of data demonstrated that the spinal GRK2 played an important role in EA antiallodynia on inflammatory pain.
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Moghaddam A, Child C, Bruckner T, Gerner HJ, Daniel V, Biglari B. Posttraumatic inflammation as a key to neuroregeneration after traumatic spinal cord injury. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:7900-16. [PMID: 25860946 PMCID: PMC4425057 DOI: 10.3390/ijms16047900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Revised: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines might have a large impact on the secondary phase and on the neurological outcome of patients with acute spinal cord injury (SCI). We measured the serum levels of different cytokines (Interferon-γ, Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, Interleukin-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) over a 12-week period in 40 acute traumatic SCI patients: at admission on average one hour after initial trauma; at four, nine, 12, and 24 h; Three, and seven days after admission; and two, four, eight, and twelve weeks after admission. This was done using a Luminex Performance Human High Sensitivity Cytokine Panel. SCI was classified using the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS) at time of admission and after 12 weeks. TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 concentrations were significantly higher in patients without neurological remission and in patients with an initial AIS A (p < 0.05). This study shows significant differences in cytokine concentrations shown in traumatic SCI patients with different neurological impairments and within a 12-week period. IL-8 and IL-10 are potential peripheral markers for neurological remission and rehabilitation after traumatic SCI. Furthermore our cytokine expression pattern of the acute, subacute, and intermediate phase of SCI establishes a possible basis for future studies to develop standardized monitoring, prognostic, and tracking techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arash Moghaddam
- Heidelberg Trauma Research Group, Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, Center for Orthopedics, Trauma Surgery and Spinal Cord Injury, Heidelberg University Hospital, Schlierbacher Landstraße 200a, D-69118 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Christopher Child
- Heidelberg Trauma Research Group, Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, Center for Orthopedics, Trauma Surgery and Spinal Cord Injury, Heidelberg University Hospital, Schlierbacher Landstraße 200a, D-69118 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Thomas Bruckner
- Institute for Medical Biometry and Informatics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 305, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Hans Jürgen Gerner
- Heidelberg Trauma Research Group, Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, Center for Orthopedics, Trauma Surgery and Spinal Cord Injury, Heidelberg University Hospital, Schlierbacher Landstraße 200a, D-69118 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Volker Daniel
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, Institute of Immunology, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 305, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Bahram Biglari
- Berufsgenossenschaftliche Unfallklinik Ludwigshafen, Department of Paraplegiology, Ludwig-Guttmann-Straße-13, D-67071 Ludwigshafen, Germany.
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Kaneko A, Matsushita A, Sankai Y. A 3D nanofibrous hydrogel and collagen sponge scaffold promotes locomotor functional recovery, spinal repair, and neuronal regeneration after complete transection of the spinal cord in adult rats. Biomed Mater 2015; 10:015008. [DOI: 10.1088/1748-6041/10/1/015008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Liu D, Huang Y, Li B, Jia C, Liang F, Fu Q. Carvedilol promotes neurological function, reduces bone loss and attenuates cell damage after acute spinal cord injury in rats. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2015; 42:202-12. [PMID: 25424914 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2014] [Revised: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 11/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Da Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery; Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University; Shenyang China
| | - Ying Huang
- Department of Ultrasound; Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University; Shenyang China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery; Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University; Shenyang China
| | - Changqing Jia
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery; Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University; Shenyang China
| | - Feng Liang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery; Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University; Shenyang China
| | - Qin Fu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery; Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University; Shenyang China
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