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Li Y, Li YJ, Zhu ZQ. To re-examine the intersection of microglial activation and neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases from the perspective of pyroptosis. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1284214. [PMID: 38020781 PMCID: PMC10665880 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1284214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and motor neuron disease, are diseases characterized by neuronal damage and dysfunction. NDs are considered to be a multifactorial disease with diverse etiologies (immune, inflammatory, aging, genetic, etc.) and complex pathophysiological processes. Previous studies have found that neuroinflammation and typical microglial activation are important mechanisms of NDs, leading to neurological dysfunction and disease progression. Pyroptosis is a new mode involved in this process. As a form of programmed cell death, pyroptosis is characterized by the expansion of cells until the cell membrane bursts, resulting in the release of cell contents that activates a strong inflammatory response that promotes NDs by accelerating neuronal dysfunction and abnormal microglial activation. In this case, abnormally activated microglia release various pro-inflammatory factors, leading to the occurrence of neuroinflammation and exacerbating both microglial and neuronal pyroptosis, thus forming a vicious cycle. The recognition of the association between pyroptosis and microglia activation, as well as neuroinflammation, is of significant importance in understanding the pathogenesis of NDs and providing new targets and strategies for their prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- College of Anesthesiology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Ying-Jie Li
- Department of General Surgery, Mianyang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Mianyang, China
| | - Zhao-Qiong Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
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2
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Maassen J, Guenther R, Hondrich TJJ, Cepkenovic B, Brinkmann D, Maybeck V, Offenhäusser A, Dittrich B, Müller A, Skazik-Voogt C, Kosel M, Baum C, Gutermuth A. In Vitro Simulated Neuronal Environmental Conditions Qualify Umbilical Cord Derived Highly Potent Stem Cells for Neuronal Differentiation. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2023:10.1007/s12015-023-10538-w. [PMID: 37093520 PMCID: PMC10390376 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10538-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
The healing of neuronal injuries is still an unachieved goal. Medicine-based therapies can only extend the survival of patients, but not finally lead to a healing process. Currently, a variety of stem cell-based tissue engineering developments are the subject of many research projects to bridge this gap. As yet, neuronal differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS), embryonic cell lines, or neuronal stem cells could be accomplished and produce functional neuronally differentiated cells. However, clinical application of cells from these sources is hampered by ethical considerations. To overcome these hurdles numerous studies investigated the potential of adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as a potential stem cell source. Adult MSCs have been approved as cellular therapeutical products due to their regenerative potential and immunomodulatory properties. Only a few of these studies could demonstrate the capacity to differentiate MSCs into active firing neuron like cells. With this study we investigated the potential of Wharton's Jelly (WJ) derived stem cells and focused on the intrinsic pluripotent stem cell pool and their potential to differentiate into active neurons. With a comprehensive neuronal differentiation protocol comprised of mechanical and biochemical inductive cues, we investigated the capacity of spontaneously forming stem cell spheroids (SCS) from cultured WJ stromal cells in regard to their neuronal differentiation potential and compared them to undifferentiated spheroids or adherent MSCs. Spontaneously formed SCSs show pluripotent and neuroectodermal lineage markers, meeting the pre-condition for neuronal differentiation and contain a higher amount of cells which can be differentiated into cells whose functional phenotypes in calcium and voltage responsive electrical activity are similar to neurons. In conclusion we show that up-concentration of stem cells from WJ with pluripotent characteristics is a tool to generate neuronal cell replacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessika Maassen
- Department for Applied Cell Biology, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology, Steinbachstr. 17, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Rebecca Guenther
- Department for Applied Cell Biology, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology, Steinbachstr. 17, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Timm J J Hondrich
- Institute for Biological Information Processing, IBI-3, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Leo Brandtstrasse Station 71, 52425, Jülich, Germany
| | - Bogdana Cepkenovic
- Institute for Biological Information Processing, IBI-3, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Leo Brandtstrasse Station 71, 52425, Jülich, Germany
- Department of Biology, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Dominik Brinkmann
- Institute for Biological Information Processing, IBI-3, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Leo Brandtstrasse Station 71, 52425, Jülich, Germany
| | - Vanessa Maybeck
- Institute for Biological Information Processing, IBI-3, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Leo Brandtstrasse Station 71, 52425, Jülich, Germany
| | - Andreas Offenhäusser
- Institute for Biological Information Processing, IBI-3, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Leo Brandtstrasse Station 71, 52425, Jülich, Germany
| | - Barbara Dittrich
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstrasse 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Anna Müller
- Department for Applied Cell Biology, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology, Steinbachstr. 17, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Claudia Skazik-Voogt
- Department for Applied Cell Biology, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology, Steinbachstr. 17, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Maximilian Kosel
- Department for Applied Cell Biology, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology, Steinbachstr. 17, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Christoph Baum
- Department for Applied Cell Biology, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology, Steinbachstr. 17, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Angela Gutermuth
- Department for Applied Cell Biology, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology, Steinbachstr. 17, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
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3
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Gatina DZ, Gazizov IM, Zhuravleva MN, Arkhipova SS, Golubenko MA, Gomzikova MO, Garanina EE, Islamov RR, Rizvanov AA, Salafutdinov II. Induction of Angiogenesis by Genetically Modified Human Umbilical Cord Blood Mononuclear Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054396. [PMID: 36901831 PMCID: PMC10002409 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Stimulating the process of angiogenesis in treating ischemia-related diseases is an urgent task for modern medicine, which can be achieved through the use of different cell types. Umbilical cord blood (UCB) continues to be one of the attractive cell sources for transplantation. The goal of this study was to investigate the role and therapeutic potential of gene-engineered umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (UCB-MC) as a forward-looking strategy for the activation of angiogenesis. Adenovirus constructs Ad-VEGF, Ad-FGF2, Ad-SDF1α, and Ad-EGFP were synthesized and used for cell modification. UCB-MCs were isolated from UCB and transduced with adenoviral vectors. As part of our in vitro experiments, we evaluated the efficiency of transfection, the expression of recombinant genes, and the secretome profile. Later, we applied an in vivo Matrigel plug assay to assess engineered UCB-MC's angiogenic potential. We conclude that hUCB-MCs can be efficiently modified simultaneously with several adenoviral vectors. Modified UCB-MCs overexpress recombinant genes and proteins. Genetic modification of cells with recombinant adenoviruses does not affect the profile of secreted pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors, except for an increase in the synthesis of recombinant proteins. hUCB-MCs genetically modified with therapeutic genes induced the formation of new vessels. An increase in the expression of endothelial cells marker (CD31) was revealed, which correlated with the data of visual examination and histological analysis. The present study demonstrates that gene-engineered UCB-MC can be used to stimulate angiogenesis and possibly treat cardiovascular disease and diabetic cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilara Z. Gatina
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Ilnaz M. Gazizov
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Kazan State Medical University, 420012 Kazan, Russia
| | - Margarita N. Zhuravleva
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Svetlana S. Arkhipova
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Maria A. Golubenko
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Marina O. Gomzikova
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Ekaterina E. Garanina
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Rustem R. Islamov
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Kazan State Medical University, 420012 Kazan, Russia
| | - Albert A. Rizvanov
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Ilnur I. Salafutdinov
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Kazan State Medical University, 420012 Kazan, Russia
- Correspondence:
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Rodríguez-Eguren A, Gómez-Álvarez M, Francés-Herrero E, Romeu M, Ferrero H, Seli E, Cervelló I. Human Umbilical Cord-Based Therapeutics: Stem Cells and Blood Derivatives for Female Reproductive Medicine. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415942. [PMID: 36555583 PMCID: PMC9785531 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
There are several conditions that lead to female infertility, where traditional or conventional treatments have limited efficacy. In these challenging scenarios, stem cell (SC) therapies have been investigated as alternative treatment strategies. Human umbilical cord (hUC) mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSC), along with their secreted paracrine factors, extracts, and biomolecules, have emerged as promising therapeutic alternatives in regenerative medicine, due to their remarkable potential to promote anti-inflammatory and regenerative processes more efficiently than other autologous treatments. Similarly, hUC blood derivatives, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), or isolated plasma elements, such as growth factors, have also demonstrated potential. This literature review aims to summarize the recent therapeutic advances based on hUC-MSCs, hUC blood, and/or other plasma derivatives (e.g., extracellular vesicles, hUC-PRP, and growth factors) in the context of female reproductive medicine. We present an in-depth analysis of the principal molecules mediating tissue regeneration, compiling the application of these therapies in preclinical and clinical studies, within the context of the human reproductive tract. Despite the recent advances in bioengineering strategies that sustain delivery and amplify the scope of the therapeutic benefits, further clinical trials are required prior to the wide implementation of these alternative therapies in reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adolfo Rodríguez-Eguren
- IVI Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 05610, USA
| | | | - Emilio Francés-Herrero
- IVI Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Mónica Romeu
- Gynecological Service, Consortium General University Hospital of Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain
| | - Hortensia Ferrero
- IVI Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Emre Seli
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 05610, USA
- IVIRMA New Jersey, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920, USA
| | - Irene Cervelló
- IVI Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Correspondence: or
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5
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Salafutdinov II, Gazizov IM, Gatina DK, Mullin RI, Bogov AA, Islamov RR, Kiassov AP, Masgutov RF, Rizvanov AA. Influence of Recombinant Codon-Optimized Plasmid DNA Encoding VEGF and FGF2 on Co-Induction of Angiogenesis. Cells 2021; 10:cells10020432. [PMID: 33670607 PMCID: PMC7922559 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Over the past few decades, several methods have been proposed to stimulate skin wound healing. The most promising of these are gene therapy and stem cell therapy. Our present experiments have combined several approaches utilizing human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells using cell therapy, and direct gene therapy using genetic constructs to accelerate complete healing of skin wounds in rats. Studies have shown that the transplantation of transfected cells stopped proliferative processes in regenerating wounds earlier than the transplantation of untransfected cells. The use of direct gene therapy using the VEGF and FGF2 genes stimulates the revascularization of the rat cutaneous wound. Abstract Several methods for the stimulation of skin wound repair have been proposed over the last few decades. The most promising among them are gene and stem cell therapy. Our present experiments combined several approaches via the application of human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (hUCB-MC) that were transfected with pBud-VEGF165-FGF2 plasmid (gene-cell therapy) and direct gene therapy using pBud-VEGF165-FGF2 plasmid to enhance healing of full thickness skin wounds in rats. The dual expression cassette plasmid pBud-VEGF165-FGF2 encodes both VEGF and FGF2 therapeutic genes, expressing pro-angiogenic growth factors. Our results showed that, with two weeks post-transplantation, some transplanted cells still retained expression of the stem cell and hematopoietic markers C-kit and CD34. Other transplanted cells were found among keratinocytes, hair follicle cells, endothelial cells, and in the derma. PCNA expression studies revealed that transplantation of transfected cells terminated proliferative processes in regenerating wounds earlier than transplantation of untransfected cells. In the direct gene therapy group, four days post-operatively, the processes of flap revascularization, while using Easy LDI Microcirculation Camera, was higher than in control wounded skin. We concluded that hUCB-MC can be used for the treatment of skin wounds and transfection these cells with VEGF and FGF2 genes enhances their regenerative abilities. We also concluded that the application of pBud-VEGF165-FGF2 plasmids is efficient for the direct gene therapy of skin wounds by stimulation of wound revascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilnur I. Salafutdinov
- Research Laboratory Omics Technology, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia;
- OpenLab “Gene and Cell Technologies”, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (A.P.K.); (R.F.M.)
- Correspondence: (I.I.S.); (A.A.R.)
| | - Ilnaz M. Gazizov
- Department of Human Anatomy, Kazan State Medical University, 420012 Kazan, Russia;
| | - Dilara K. Gatina
- Research Laboratory Omics Technology, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia;
- OpenLab “Gene and Cell Technologies”, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (A.P.K.); (R.F.M.)
| | - Ruslan I. Mullin
- Department of Orthopaedics, Republic Clinical Hospital, 420064 Kazan, Russia; (R.I.M.); (A.A.B.)
| | - Alexey A. Bogov
- Department of Orthopaedics, Republic Clinical Hospital, 420064 Kazan, Russia; (R.I.M.); (A.A.B.)
| | - Rustem R. Islamov
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Kazan State Medical University, 420012 Kazan, Russia;
| | - Andrey P. Kiassov
- OpenLab “Gene and Cell Technologies”, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (A.P.K.); (R.F.M.)
- Morphology and General Pathology Department, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Ruslan F. Masgutov
- OpenLab “Gene and Cell Technologies”, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (A.P.K.); (R.F.M.)
- Department of Orthopaedics, Republic Clinical Hospital, 420064 Kazan, Russia; (R.I.M.); (A.A.B.)
| | - Albert A. Rizvanov
- Research Laboratory Omics Technology, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia;
- OpenLab “Gene and Cell Technologies”, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (A.P.K.); (R.F.M.)
- Correspondence: (I.I.S.); (A.A.R.)
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6
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Ebrahimi T, Abasi M, Seifar F, Eyvazi S, Hejazi MS, Tarhriz V, Montazersaheb S. Transplantation of Stem Cells as a Potential Therapeutic Strategy in Neurodegenerative Disorders. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 16:133-144. [PMID: 32598273 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x15666200628141314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Stem cells are considered to have significant capacity to differentiate into various cell types in humans and animals. Unlike specialized cells, these cells can proliferate several times to produce millions of cells. Nowadays, pluripotent stem cells are important candidates to provide a renewable source for the replacement of cells in tissues of interest. The damage to neurons and glial cells in the brain or spinal cord is present in neurological disorders such as Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, spinal cord injury, lysosomal storage disorder, epilepsy, and glioblastoma. Therefore, stem cell transplantation can be used as a novel therapeutic approach in cases of brain and spinal cord damage. Recently, researchers have generated neuron-like cells and glial-like cells from embryonic stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and neural stem cells. In addition, several experimental studies have been performed for developing stem cell transplantation in brain tissue. Herein, we focus on stem cell therapy to regenerate injured tissue resulting from neurological diseases and then discuss possible differentiation pathways of stem cells to the renewal of neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Ebrahimi
- Department of Biotechnology research center, Pasteur institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mozhgan Abasi
- Immunogenetics Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Seifar
- Stem Cell Research Center, Aging Research institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shirin Eyvazi
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammas Saeid Hejazi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Vahideh Tarhriz
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Soheila Montazersaheb
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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7
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Gouel F, Rolland AS, Devedjian JC, Burnouf T, Devos D. Past and Future of Neurotrophic Growth Factors Therapies in ALS: From Single Neurotrophic Growth Factor to Stem Cells and Human Platelet Lysates. Front Neurol 2019; 10:835. [PMID: 31428042 PMCID: PMC6688198 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that typically results in death within 3–5 years after diagnosis. To date, there is no curative treatment and therefore an urgent unmet need of neuroprotective and/or neurorestorative treatments. Due to their spectrum of capacities in the central nervous system—e.g., development, plasticity, maintenance, neurogenesis—neurotrophic growth factors (NTF) have been exploited for therapeutic strategies in ALS for decades. In this review we present the initial strategy of using single NTF by different routes of administration to the use of stem cells transplantation to express a multiple NTFs-rich secretome to finally focus on a new biotherapy based on the human platelet lysates, the natural healing system containing a mix of pleitropic NTF and having immunomodulatory function. This review highlights that this latter treatment may be crucial to power the neuroprotection and/or neurorestoration therapy requested in this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flore Gouel
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Lille University, INSERM UMRS_1171, University Hospital Center, LICEND COEN Center, Lille, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Rolland
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Lille University, INSERM UMRS_1171, University Hospital Center, LICEND COEN Center, Lille, France
| | - Jean-Christophe Devedjian
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Lille University, INSERM UMRS_1171, University Hospital Center, LICEND COEN Center, Lille, France
| | - Thierry Burnouf
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,International PhD Program in Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,International PhD Program in Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - David Devos
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Lille University, INSERM UMRS_1171, University Hospital Center, LICEND COEN Center, Lille, France.,Department of Neurology, Lille University, INSERM UMRS_1171, University Hospital Center, LICEND COEN Center, Lille, France
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8
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Zibara K, Ballout N, Mondello S, Karnib N, Ramadan N, Omais S, Nabbouh A, Caliz D, Clavijo A, Hu Z, Ghanem N, Gajavelli S, Kobeissy F. Combination of drug and stem cells neurotherapy: Potential interventions in neurotrauma and traumatic brain injury. Neuropharmacology 2018; 145:177-198. [PMID: 30267729 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been recognized as one of the major public health issues that leads to devastating neurological disability. As a consequence of primary and secondary injury phases, neuronal loss following brain trauma leads to pathophysiological alterations on the molecular and cellular levels that severely impact the neuropsycho-behavioral and motor outcomes. Thus, to mitigate the neuropathological sequelae post-TBI such as cerebral edema, inflammation and neural degeneration, several neurotherapeutic options have been investigated including drug intervention, stem cell use and combinational therapies. These treatments aim to ameliorate cellular degeneration, motor decline, cognitive and behavioral deficits. Recently, the use of neural stem cells (NSCs) coupled with selective drug therapy has emerged as an alternative treatment option for neural regeneration and behavioral rehabilitation post-neural injury. Given their neuroprotective abilities, NSC-based neurotherapy has been widely investigated and well-reported in numerous disease models, notably in trauma studies. In this review, we will elaborate on current updates in cell replacement therapy in the area of neurotrauma. In addition, we will discuss novel combination drug therapy treatments that have been investigated in conjunction with stem cells to overcome the limitations associated with stem cell transplantation. Understanding the regenerative capacities of stem cell and drug combination therapy will help improve functional recovery and brain repair post-TBI. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled "Novel Treatments for Traumatic Brain Injury".
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazem Zibara
- ER045, Laboratory of Stem Cells, PRASE, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon; Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences-I, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nissrine Ballout
- ER045, Laboratory of Stem Cells, PRASE, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Stefania Mondello
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Nabil Karnib
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Naify Ramadan
- Department of Women's and Children's Health (KBH), Division of Clinical Pediatrics, Karolinska Institute, Sweden
| | - Saad Omais
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ali Nabbouh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Daniela Caliz
- Lois Pope LIFE Center, Neurosurgery, University of Miami, 33136, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Angelica Clavijo
- Lois Pope LIFE Center, Neurosurgery, University of Miami, 33136, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Zhen Hu
- Lois Pope LIFE Center, Neurosurgery, University of Miami, 33136, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Noël Ghanem
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Shyam Gajavelli
- Lois Pope LIFE Center, Neurosurgery, University of Miami, 33136, Miami, FL, USA.
| | - Firas Kobeissy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Lebanon; Program for Neurotrauma, Neuroproteomics & Biomarkers Research, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
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9
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Zhu H, Poon W, Liu Y, Leung GKK, Wong Y, Feng Y, Ng SCP, Tsang KS, Sun DTF, Yeung DK, Shen C, Niu F, Xu Z, Tan P, Tang S, Gao H, Cha Y, So KF, Fleischaker R, Sun D, Chen J, Lai J, Cheng W, Young W. Phase I-II Clinical Trial Assessing Safety and Efficacy of Umbilical Cord Blood Mononuclear Cell Transplant Therapy of Chronic Complete Spinal Cord Injury. Cell Transplant 2018; 25:1925-1943. [PMID: 27075659 DOI: 10.3727/096368916x691411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Umbilical cord blood-derived mononuclear cell (UCB-MNC) transplants improve recovery in animal spinal cord injury (SCI) models. We transplanted UCB-MNCs into 28 patients with chronic complete SCI in Hong Kong (HK) and Kunming (KM). Stemcyte Inc. donated UCB-MNCs isolated from human leukocyte antigen (HLA ≥4:6)-matched UCB units. In HK, four patients received four 4-μl injections (1.6 million cells) into dorsal entry zones above and below the injury site, and another four received 8-μl injections (3.2 million cells). The eight patients were an average of 13 years after C5-T10 SCI. Magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging of five patients showed white matter gaps at the injury site before treatment. Two patients had fiber bundles growing across the injury site by 12 months, and the rest had narrower white matter gaps. Motor, walking index of SCI (WISCI), and spinal cord independence measure (SCIM) scores did not change. In KM, five groups of four patients received four 4-μl (1.6 million cells), 8-μl (3.2 million cells), 16-μl injections (6.4 million cells), 6.4 million cells plus 30 mg/kg methylprednisolone (MP), or 6.4 million cells plus MP and a 6-week course of oral lithium carbonate (750 mg/day). KM patients averaged 7 years after C3-T11 SCI and received 3-6 months of intensive locomotor training. Before surgery, only two patients walked 10 m with assistance and did not need assistance for bladder or bowel management before surgery. The rest could not walk or do their bladder and bowel management without assistance. At about a year (41-87 weeks), WISCI and SCIM scores improved: 15/20 patients walked 10 m ( p = 0.001) and 12/20 did not need assistance for bladder management ( p = 0.001) or bowel management ( p = 0.002). Five patients converted from complete to incomplete (two sensory, three motor; p = 0.038) SCI. We conclude that UCB-MNC transplants and locomotor training improved WISCI and SCIM scores. We propose further clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhu
- Kunming General Hospital of Chengdu Military Command, Yunnan, P.R. China.,Kunming Tongren Hospital, Yunnan, P.R. China
| | - Waisang Poon
- Prince of Wales Hospital, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China
| | - Yansheng Liu
- Kunming General Hospital of Chengdu Military Command, Yunnan, P.R. China.,Kunming Tongren Hospital, Yunnan, P.R. China
| | | | - Yatwa Wong
- Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China
| | - Yaping Feng
- Kunming General Hospital of Chengdu Military Command, Yunnan, P.R. China
| | - Stephanie C P Ng
- Prince of Wales Hospital, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China
| | - Kam Sze Tsang
- Prince of Wales Hospital, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China
| | - David T F Sun
- Prince of Wales Hospital, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China
| | - David K Yeung
- Prince of Wales Hospital, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China
| | - Caihong Shen
- Kunming General Hospital of Chengdu Military Command, Yunnan, P.R. China.,Kunming Tongren Hospital, Yunnan, P.R. China
| | - Fang Niu
- Kunming General Hospital of Chengdu Military Command, Yunnan, P.R. China.,Kunming Tongren Hospital, Yunnan, P.R. China
| | - Zhexi Xu
- Kunming General Hospital of Chengdu Military Command, Yunnan, P.R. China.,Kunming Tongren Hospital, Yunnan, P.R. China
| | - Pengju Tan
- Kunming General Hospital of Chengdu Military Command, Yunnan, P.R. China.,Kunming Tongren Hospital, Yunnan, P.R. China
| | - Shaofeng Tang
- Kunming General Hospital of Chengdu Military Command, Yunnan, P.R. China
| | - Hongkun Gao
- Kunming General Hospital of Chengdu Military Command, Yunnan, P.R. China.,Kunming Tongren Hospital, Yunnan, P.R. China
| | - Yun Cha
- Kunming General Hospital of Chengdu Military Command, Yunnan, P.R. China
| | - Kwok-Fai So
- Department of Ophthalmology and State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, The University of Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China.,GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, and Medical Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, Jinan University, Guangzhou, P.R. China.,China Spinal Cord Injury Network, Hong Kong Science Technology Park, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China
| | | | - Dongming Sun
- W. M. Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - John Chen
- China Spinal Cord Injury Network, Hong Kong Science Technology Park, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China
| | - Jan Lai
- China Spinal Cord Injury Network, Hong Kong Science Technology Park, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China
| | - Wendy Cheng
- China Spinal Cord Injury Network, Hong Kong Science Technology Park, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China
| | - Wise Young
- China Spinal Cord Injury Network, Hong Kong Science Technology Park, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China.,W. M. Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
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10
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Galieva LR, Mukhamedshina YO, Arkhipova SS, Rizvanov AA. Human Umbilical Cord Blood Cell Transplantation in Neuroregenerative Strategies. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:628. [PMID: 28951720 PMCID: PMC5599779 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
At present there is no effective treatment of pathologies associated with the death of neurons and glial cells which take place as a result of physical trauma or ischemic lesions of the nervous system. Thus, researchers have high hopes for a treatment based on the use of stem cells (SC), which are potentially able to replace dead cells and synthesize neurotrophic factors and other molecules that stimulate neuroregeneration. We are often faced with ethical issues when selecting a source of SC. In addition to precluding these, human umbilical cord blood (hUCB) presents a number of advantages when compared with other sources of SC. In this review, we consider the key characteristics of hUCB, the results of various studies focused on the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), ischemic (stroke) and traumatic injuries of the nervous system and the molecular mechanisms of hUCB-derived mononuclear and stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa R Galieva
- OpenLab Gene and Cell Technologies, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal UniversityKazan, Russia
| | - Yana O Mukhamedshina
- OpenLab Gene and Cell Technologies, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal UniversityKazan, Russia.,Department of Histology, Cytology and Embryology, Kazan State Medical UniversityKazan, Russia
| | - Svetlana S Arkhipova
- OpenLab Gene and Cell Technologies, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal UniversityKazan, Russia
| | - Albert A Rizvanov
- OpenLab Gene and Cell Technologies, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal UniversityKazan, Russia
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11
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Garbuzova-Davis S, Ehrhart J, Sanberg PR. Cord blood as a potential therapeutic for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2017; 17:837-851. [DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2017.1323862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Svitlana Garbuzova-Davis
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jared Ehrhart
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Paul R. Sanberg
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
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12
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Pearn ML, Niesman IR, Egawa J, Sawada A, Almenar-Queralt A, Shah SB, Duckworth JL, Head BP. Pathophysiology Associated with Traumatic Brain Injury: Current Treatments and Potential Novel Therapeutics. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2017; 37:571-585. [PMID: 27383839 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-016-0400-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of death of young people in the developed world. In the United States alone, 1.7 million traumatic events occur annually accounting for 50,000 deaths. The etiology of TBI includes traffic accidents, falls, gunshot wounds, sports, and combat-related events. TBI severity ranges from mild to severe. TBI can induce subtle changes in molecular signaling, alterations in cellular structure and function, and/or primary tissue injury, such as contusion, hemorrhage, and diffuse axonal injury. TBI results in blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage and leakage, which allows for increased extravasation of immune cells (i.e., increased neuroinflammation). BBB dysfunction and impaired homeostasis contribute to secondary injury that occurs from hours to days to months after the initial trauma. This delayed nature of the secondary injury suggests a potential therapeutic window. The focus of this article is on the (1) pathophysiology of TBI and (2) potential therapies that include biologics (stem cells, gene therapy, peptides), pharmacological (anti-inflammatory, antiepileptic, progrowth), and noninvasive (exercise, transcranial magnetic stimulation). In final, the review briefly discusses membrane/lipid rafts (MLR) and the MLR-associated protein caveolin (Cav). Interventions that increase Cav-1, MLR formation, and MLR recruitment of growth-promoting signaling components may augment the efficacy of pharmacologic agents or already existing endogenous neurotransmitters and neurotrophins that converge upon progrowth signaling cascades resulting in improved neuronal function after injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew L Pearn
- Department of Anesthesiology, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, VA Medical Center 125, University of California, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA, 92161-5085, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Ingrid R Niesman
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Junji Egawa
- Department of Anesthesiology, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, VA Medical Center 125, University of California, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA, 92161-5085, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Atsushi Sawada
- Department of Anesthesiology, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, VA Medical Center 125, University of California, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA, 92161-5085, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Angels Almenar-Queralt
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Sameer B Shah
- UCSD Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Bioengineering, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Josh L Duckworth
- Department of Neurology, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Brian P Head
- Department of Anesthesiology, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, VA Medical Center 125, University of California, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA, 92161-5085, USA.
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92093, USA.
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13
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Therapeutic Strategies Under Development Targeting Inflammatory Mechanisms in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Mol Neurobiol 2017; 55:2789-2813. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0532-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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14
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Czarzasta J, Habich A, Siwek T, Czapliński A, Maksymowicz W, Wojtkiewicz J. Stem cells for ALS: An overview of possible therapeutic approaches. Int J Dev Neurosci 2017; 57:46-55. [PMID: 28088365 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2017.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Revised: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an unusual, fatal, neurodegenerative disorder leading to the loss of motor neurons. After diagnosis, the average lifespan ranges from 3 to 5 years, and death usually results from respiratory failure. Although the pathogenesis of ALS remains unclear, multiple factors are thought to contribute to the progression of ALS, such as network interactions between genes, environmental exposure, impaired molecular pathways and many others. The neuroprotective properties of neural stem cells (NSCs) and the paracrine signaling of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been examined in multiple pre-clinical trials of ALS with promising results. The data from these initial trials indicate a reduction in the rate of disease progression. The mechanism through which stem cells achieve this reduction is of major interest. Here, we review the to-date pre-clinical and clinical therapeutic approaches employing stem cells, and discuss the most promising ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Czarzasta
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Aleksandra Habich
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Tomasz Siwek
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Adam Czapliński
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland; Neurocentrum Bellevue, Neurology, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Wojciech Maksymowicz
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Joanna Wojtkiewicz
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland; Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland; Foundation for nerve cells regeneration, Olsztyn, Poland
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15
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Dekmak A, Mantash S, Shaito A, Toutonji A, Ramadan N, Ghazale H, Kassem N, Darwish H, Zibara K. Stem cells and combination therapy for the treatment of traumatic brain injury. Behav Brain Res 2016; 340:49-62. [PMID: 28043902 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.12.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2016] [Revised: 10/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
TBI is a nondegenerative, noncongenital insult to the brain from an external mechanical force; for instance a violent blow in a car accident. It is a complex injury with a broad spectrum of symptoms and has become a major cause of death and disability in addition to being a burden on public health and societies worldwide. As such, finding a therapy for TBI has become a major health concern for many countries, which has led to the emergence of many monotherapies that have shown promising effects in animal models of TBI, but have not yet proven any significant efficacy in clinical trials. In this paper, we will review existing and novel TBI treatment options. We will first shed light on the complex pathophysiology and molecular mechanisms of this disorder, understanding of which is a necessity for launching any treatment option. We will then review most of the currently available treatments for TBI including the recent approaches in the field of stem cell therapy as an optimal solution to treat TBI. Therapy using endogenous stem cells will be reviewed, followed by therapies utilizing exogenous stem cells from embryonic, induced pluripotent, mesenchymal, and neural origin. Combination therapy is also discussed as an emergent novel approach to treat TBI. Two approaches are highlighted, an approach concerning growth factors and another using ROCK inhibitors. These approaches are highlighted with regard to their benefits in minimizing the outcomes of TBI. Finally, we focus on the consequent improvements in motor and cognitive functions after stem cell therapy. Overall, this review will cover existing treatment options and recent advancements in TBI therapy, with a focus on the potential application of these strategies as a solution to improve the functional outcomes of TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- AmiraSan Dekmak
- ER045, Laboratory of Stem Cells, Faculty of Sciences, DSST, PRASE, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sarah Mantash
- ER045, Laboratory of Stem Cells, Faculty of Sciences, DSST, PRASE, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Abdullah Shaito
- Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Amer Toutonji
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Naify Ramadan
- ER045, Laboratory of Stem Cells, Faculty of Sciences, DSST, PRASE, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hussein Ghazale
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nouhad Kassem
- ER045, Laboratory of Stem Cells, Faculty of Sciences, DSST, PRASE, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hala Darwish
- Faculty of Medicine, Hariri School of Nursing, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Kazem Zibara
- ER045, Laboratory of Stem Cells, Faculty of Sciences, DSST, PRASE, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon; Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases and Stem Cells, Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences-I, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon.
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16
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Generation of Plasmid DNA Expressing Species-Specific Horse VEGF164 and FGF2 Factors for Gene Therapy. BIONANOSCIENCE 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s12668-016-0273-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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17
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Lunn JS, Sakowski SA, McGinley LM, Pacut C, Hazel TG, Johe K, Feldman EL. Autocrine production of IGF-I increases stem cell-mediated neuroprotection. Stem Cells 2016; 33:1480-9. [PMID: 25532472 DOI: 10.1002/stem.1933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder resulting in motor neuron (MN) loss. There are currently no effective therapies; however, cellular therapies using neural progenitor cells protect MNs and attenuate disease progression in G93A-SOD1 ALS rats. Recently, we completed a phase I clinical trial examining intraspinal human spinal stem cell (HSSC) transplantation in ALS patients which demonstrated our approach was safe and feasible, supporting the phase II trial currently in progress. In parallel, efforts focused on understanding the mechanisms underlying the preclinical benefit of HSSCs in vitro and in animal models of ALS led us to investigate how insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) production contributes to cellular therapy neuroprotection. IGF-I is a potent growth factor with proven efficacy in preclinical ALS studies, and we contend that autocrine IGF-I production may enhance the salutary effects of HSSCs. By comparing the biological properties of HSSCs to HSSCs expressing sixfold higher levels of IGF-I, we demonstrate that IGF-I production augments the production of glial-derived neurotrophic factor and accelerates neurite outgrowth without adversely affecting HSSC proliferation or terminal differentiation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that increased IGF-I induces more potent MN protection from excitotoxicity via both indirect and direct mechanisms, as demonstrated using hanging inserts with primary MNs or by culturing with organotypic spinal cord slices, respectively. These findings support our theory that combining autocrine growth factor production with HSSC transplantation may offer a novel means to achieve additive neuroprotection in ALS.
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18
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Stem Cells for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Transl Neurosci 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4899-7654-3_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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19
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Allard J, Li K, Lopez XM, Blanchard S, Barbot P, Rorive S, Decaestecker C, Pochet R, Bohl D, Lepore AC, Salmon I, Nicaise C. Immunohistochemical toolkit for tracking and quantifying xenotransplanted human stem cells. Regen Med 2015; 9:437-52. [PMID: 25159062 DOI: 10.2217/rme.14.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM Biomarker-based tracking of human stem cells xenotransplanted into animal models is crucial for studying their fate in the field of cell therapy or tumor xenografting. MATERIALS & METHODS Using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, we analyzed the expression of three human-specific biomarkers: Ku80, human mitochondria (hMito) and Alu. RESULTS We showed that Ku80, hMito and Alu biomarkers are broadly expressed in human tissues with no or low cross-reactivity toward rat, mouse or pig tissues. In vitro, we demonstrated that their expression is stable over time and does not change along the differentiation of human-derived induced pluripotent stem cells or human glial-restricted precursors. We tracked in vivo these cell populations after transplantation in rodent spinal cords using aforementioned biomarkers and human-specific antibodies detecting apoptotic, proliferating or neural-committed cells. CONCLUSION This study assesses the human-species specificity of Ku80, hMito and Alu, and proposes useful biomarkers for characterizing human stem cells in xenotransplantation paradigms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Allard
- Department of Pathology, Erasme Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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20
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Garanina EE, Mukhamedshina YO, Salafutdinov II, Kiyasov AP, Lima LM, Reis HJ, Palotás A, Islamov RR, Rizvanov AA. Construction of recombinant adenovirus containing picorna-viral 2A-peptide sequence for the co-expression of neuro-protective growth factors in human umbilical cord blood cells. Spinal Cord 2015; 54:423-30. [PMID: 26439843 DOI: 10.1038/sc.2015.162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Revised: 07/18/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Experimental study. OBJECTIVE Several neuro-degenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's dementia, Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are associated with genetic mutations, and replacing or disrupting defective sequences might offer therapeutic benefits. Single gene delivery has so far failed to achieve significant clinical improvements in humans, leading to the advent of co-expression of multiple therapeutic genes. Co-transfection using two or more individual constructs might inadvertently result in disproportionate delivery of the products into the cells. To prevent this, and in order to rule out interference among the many promoters with varying strength, expressing multiple proteins in equimolar amounts can be achieved by linking open reading frames under the control of only one promoter. SETTING Kazan, Russian Federation. METHODS Here we describe a strategy for adeno-viral co-expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) interconnected through picorna-viral 2A-amino-acid sequence in transfected human umbilical cord blood mono-nuclear cells (hUCB-MCs). RESULTS Presence of both growth factors, as well as absence of immune response to 2A-antigen, was demonstrated after 28-52 days. Following injection of hUCB-MCs into ALS transgenic mice, co-expression of VEGF and FGF2, as well as viable xeno-transplanted cells, were observed in the spinal cord after 1 month. CONCLUSION These results suggest that recombinant adeno-virus containing 2A-sequences could serve as a promising alternative in regenerative medicine for the delivery of therapeutic molecules to treat neurodegenerative diseases, such as ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- E E Garanina
- Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russian Federation
| | | | | | - A P Kiyasov
- Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russian Federation
| | - L M Lima
- Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
| | - H J Reis
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - A Palotás
- Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russian Federation.,Asklepios-Med (Private Medical Practice and Research Center), Szeged, Hungary
| | - R R Islamov
- Kazan State Medical University, Kazan, Russian Federation
| | - A A Rizvanov
- Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russian Federation
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21
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Mukhamedshina YO, Shaymardanova GF, Garanina ЕЕ, Salafutdinov II, Rizvanov АА, Islamov RR, Chelyshev YA. Adenoviral vector carrying glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor for direct gene therapy in comparison with human umbilical cord blood cell-mediated therapy of spinal cord injury in rat. Spinal Cord 2015; 54:347-59. [PMID: 26415641 DOI: 10.1038/sc.2015.161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Revised: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Experimental study. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the treatment of spinal cord injury with glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) delivered using an adenoviral vector (AdV-GDNF group) in comparison with treatment performed using human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (UCB-MCs)-transduced with an adenoviral vector carrying the GDNF gene (UCB-MCs+AdV-GDNF group) in rat. SETTING Kazan, Russian Federation. METHODS We examined the efficacy of AdV-GDNF and UCB-MCs+AdV-GDNF therapy by conducting behavioral tests on the animals and morphometric studies on the spinal cord, performing immunofluorescence analyses on glial cells, investigating the survival and migration potential of UCB-MCs, and evaluating the expression of the recombinant GDNF gene. RESULTS At the 30th postoperative day, equal positive locomotor recovery was observed after both direct and cell-based GDNF therapy. However, after UCB-MCs-mediated GDNF therapy, the area of preserved tissue and the number of spared myelinated fibers were higher than those measured after direct GDNF gene therapy. Moreover, we observed distinct changes in the populations of glial cells; expression patterns of the specific markers for astrocytes (GFAP, S100B and AQP4), oligodendrocytes (PDGFαR and Cx47) and Schwann cells (P0) differed in various areas of the spinal cord of rats treated with AdV-GDNF and UCB-MCs+AdV-GDNF. CONCLUSION The differences detected in the AdV-GDNF and UCB-MCs+AdV-GDNF groups could be partially explained by the action of UCB-MCs. We discuss the insufficiency and the advantages of these two methods of GDNF gene delivery into the spinal cord after traumatic injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y O Mukhamedshina
- OpenLab Gene and Cell Technologies, Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - G F Shaymardanova
- Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kazan, Russia
| | - Е Е Garanina
- OpenLab Gene and Cell Technologies, Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - I I Salafutdinov
- OpenLab Gene and Cell Technologies, Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - А А Rizvanov
- OpenLab Gene and Cell Technologies, Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - R R Islamov
- Department of Hystology, Kazan State Medical University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Y A Chelyshev
- Department of Hystology, Kazan State Medical University, Kazan, Russia
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22
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Gong Z, Gao L, Guo J, Lu Y, Zang D. bFGF in the CSF and serum of sALS patients. Acta Neurol Scand 2015; 132:171-8. [PMID: 25631037 DOI: 10.1111/ane.12381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by selective motor neuron loss in the brain and spinal cord. The cause of this selective death of motor neurons is still unclear, but among several pathomechanisms that have been discussed, the loss of neurotrophic factors is one hypothesis. Basic fibroblast growth factor 2 (bFGF) may be a potential neurotrophic factor for slowing various neurodegenerative diseases, but its potential role in the prognosis of ALS is not known. METHODS To explore the role of bFGF in ALS, we investigated changes in bFGF in the CSF and serum from patients with sALS and from the control group. Furthermore, we analyzed the correlations between bFGF, disease duration, disease progression rate, ALSFRS-r score and survival. RESULTS The level of bFGF increased in both the CSF and serum in sALS patients. It was higher in patients with longer durations. It was negatively correlated with disease progression rates, especially in the later stages of sALS, but showed no linear correlation with ALSFRS-r. In an analysis of the relationship between bFGF and survival, we found that sALS patients with high levels of bFGF had significantly higher cumulative survival rates than patients with low levels of bFGF. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION In conclusion, endogenous bFGF increased both in the CSF and serum of sALS patients and it may be a useful biomarker that could predict disease progression and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z. Gong
- Department of Neurology; Tianjin First Center Hospital; Tianjin Medical University; Tianjin China
| | - L. Gao
- Department of Neurology; Tianjin First Center Hospital of Tianjin Medical University; Tianjin China
| | - J. Guo
- Department of Neurology; Tianjin First Center Hospital; Tianjin Medical University; Tianjin China
| | - Y. Lu
- Department of Neurology; Tianjin First Center Hospital; Tianjin Medical University; Tianjin China
| | - D. Zang
- Department of Neurology; Tianjin First Center Hospital; Tianjin Medical University; Tianjin China
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Immunohistochemical protein expression profiling of growth- and apoptotic-related factors in relation to umbilical cord length. Early Hum Dev 2015; 91:291-7. [PMID: 25804127 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2015.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Revised: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Umbilical cord (UC) alterations are related to fetal and neonatal deaths and late neurological complications. Abnormal UC length has been recognized as the most significant abnormality linked to unfavorable outcomes. Despite its importance, causal factors resulting in abnormally long or short UCs have yet to be established. The factors that govern UC length are largely unknown. Furthermore, there is a paucity of studies that assess molecular processes involved in the establishment of UC length. We hypothesize that UC length abnormalities in UC length are associated with altered protein expression patterns of known cell growth and/or apoptosis regulators. In this study we analyze diverse protein expression patterns in different UC cell types found in UCs of normal and abnormal length. METHODS An analytical observational study was carried out on fetal autopsies; diagnosed abnormal length UCs were compared to normal controls by gestational age. Immunohistochemical analysis of expression levels of growth and pro- and anti-apoptotic factors was performed. RESULTS We performed immunohistochemistry antibody tests against FAS, BAX, Ki67, cMyc, FGF2, TGFBR3, VEGF, Bcl2, p57 and IGF2 and analyzed UC cell expression patterns. We found significant differences in specific long and/or short cord cell types in comparison to those in normal cords. DISCUSSION Factors that determine UC length are still largely unknown; however, this study demonstrates significant specific cell type differences in protein expression patterns of several genes related to cell proliferation. This preliminary study provides strong supporting data to continue the search for molecular factors that determine UC length.
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Goutman SA, Chen KS, Feldman EL. Recent Advances and the Future of Stem Cell Therapies in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Neurotherapeutics 2015; 12:428-48. [PMID: 25776222 PMCID: PMC4404436 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-015-0339-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive neurodegenerative disease of the motor neurons without a known cure. Based on the possibility of cellular neuroprotection and early preclinical results, stem cells have gained widespread enthusiasm as a potential treatment strategy. Preclinical models demonstrate a protective role of engrafted stem cells and provided the basis for human trials carried out using various types of stem cells, as well as a range of cell delivery methods. To date, no trial has demonstrated a clear therapeutic benefit; however, results remain encouraging and are the basis for ongoing studies. In addition, stem cell technology continues to improve, and induced pluripotent stem cells may offer additional therapeutic options in the future. Improved disease models and clinical trials will be essential in order to validate stem cells as a beneficial therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A Goutman
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, F2647 UH South, SPC 5223, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5036, USA,
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25
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Nicaise C, Mitrecic D, Falnikar A, Lepore AC. Transplantation of stem cell-derived astrocytes for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and spinal cord injury. World J Stem Cells 2015; 7:380-398. [PMID: 25815122 PMCID: PMC4369494 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v7.i2.380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Revised: 10/07/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neglected for years, astrocytes are now recognized to fulfill and support many, if not all, homeostatic functions of the healthy central nervous system (CNS). During neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal cord injury (SCI), astrocytes in the vicinity of degenerating areas undergo both morphological and functional changes that might compromise their intrinsic properties. Evidence from human and animal studies show that deficient astrocyte functions or loss-of-astrocytes largely contribute to increased susceptibility to cell death for neurons, oligodendrocytes and axons during ALS and SCI disease progression. Despite exciting advances in experimental CNS repair, most of current approaches that are translated into clinical trials focus on the replacement or support of spinal neurons through stem cell transplantation, while none focus on the specific replacement of astroglial populations. Knowing the important functions carried out by astrocytes in the CNS, astrocyte replacement-based therapies might be a promising approach to alleviate overall astrocyte dysfunction, deliver neurotrophic support to degenerating spinal tissue and stimulate endogenous CNS repair abilities. Enclosed in this review, we gathered experimental evidence that argue in favor of astrocyte transplantation during ALS and SCI. Based on their intrinsic properties and according to the cell type transplanted, astrocyte precursors or stem cell-derived astrocytes promote axonal growth, support mechanisms and cells involved in myelination, are able to modulate the host immune response, deliver neurotrophic factors and provide protective molecules against oxidative or excitotoxic insults, amongst many possible benefits. Embryonic or adult stem cells can even be genetically engineered in order to deliver missing gene products and therefore maximize the chance of neuroprotection and functional recovery. However, before broad clinical translation, further preclinical data on safety, reliability and therapeutic efficiency should be collected. Although several technical challenges need to be overcome, we discuss the major hurdles that have already been met or solved by targeting the astrocyte population in experimental ALS and SCI models and we discuss avenues for future directions based on latest molecular findings regarding astrocyte biology.
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26
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Lunn JS, Sakowski SA, Feldman EL. Concise review: Stem cell therapies for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: recent advances and prospects for the future. Stem Cells 2014; 32:1099-109. [PMID: 24448926 DOI: 10.1002/stem.1628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2013] [Revised: 12/12/2013] [Accepted: 12/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a lethal disease involving the loss of motor neurons. Although the mechanisms responsible for motor neuron degeneration in ALS remain elusive, the development of stem cell-based therapies for the treatment of ALS has gained widespread support. Here, we review the types of stem cells being considered for therapeutic applications in ALS, and emphasize recent preclinical advances that provide supportive rationale for clinical translation. We also discuss early trials from around the world translating cellular therapies to ALS patients, and offer important considerations for future clinical trial design. Although clinical translation is still in its infancy, and additional insight into the mechanisms underlying therapeutic efficacy and the establishment of long-term safety are required, these studies represent an important first step toward the development of effective cellular therapies for the treatment of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Simon Lunn
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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27
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Guseva D, Rizvanov AA, Salafutdinov II, Kudryashova NV, Palotás A, Islamov RR. Over-expression of Oct4 and Sox2 transcription factors enhances differentiation of human umbilical cord blood cells in vivo. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2014; 451:503-9. [PMID: 25124662 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2014.07.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2014] [Accepted: 07/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Gene and cell-based therapies comprise innovative aspects of regenerative medicine. Even though stem cells represent a highly potential therapeutic strategy, their wide-spread exploitation is marred by ethical concerns, potential for malignant transformation and a plethora of other technical issues, largely restricting their use to experimental studies. Utilizing genetically modified human umbilical cord blood mono-nuclear cells (hUCB-MCs), this communication reports enhanced differentiation of transplants in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Over-expressing Oct4 and Sox2 induced production of neural marker PGP9.5, as well as transformation of hUCB-MCs into micro-glial and endothelial lines in ALS spinal cords. In addition to producing new nerve cells, providing degenerated areas with trophic factors and neo-vascularisation might prevent and even reverse progressive loss of moto-neurons and skeletal muscle paralysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Guseva
- Kazan State Medical University, Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation; Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Albert A Rizvanov
- Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation
| | | | | | - András Palotás
- Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation; Asklepios-Med (Private Medical Practice and Research Center), Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Rustem R Islamov
- Kazan State Medical University, Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation.
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28
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Mouhieddine TH, Kobeissy FH, Itani M, Nokkari A, Wang KK. Stem cells in neuroinjury and neurodegenerative disorders: challenges and future neurotherapeutic prospects. Neural Regen Res 2014; 9:901-6. [PMID: 25206908 PMCID: PMC4146225 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.133129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases and neural injury disorders is increasing worldwide. Research is now focusing on improving current neurogenesis techniques including neural stem cell therapy and other biochemical drug-based approaches to ameliorate these disorders. Unfortunately, we are still facing many obstacles that are rendering current neurotherapies ineffective in clinical trials for reasons that are yet to be discovered. That is why we should start by fully understanding the complex mechanisms of neurogenesis and the factors that affect it, or else, all our suggested therapies would fail since they would not be targeting the essence of the neurological disorder but rather the symptoms. One possible paradigm shift is to switch from neuroprotectant therapies towards neurodegeneration/neurorestorative approaches. In addition, other and our laboratories are increasingly focusing on combining the use of pharmacological agents (such as Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) inhibitors or other growth factors (such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)) and stem cell treatment to enhance the survivability and/or differentiation capacity of transplanted stem cells in neurotrauma or other neurodegeneration animal models. Ongoing stem cell research is surely on the verge of a breakthrough of multiple effective therapeutic options for neurodegenerative disorders. Once, we fully comprehend the process of neurogenesis and its components, we will fully be capable of manipulating and utilizing it. In this work, we discuss the current knowledge of neuroregenerative therapies and their associated challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarek H. Mouhieddine
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Firas H. Kobeissy
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Neuroproteomics and Biomarkers Research, Department of Psychiatry, Gainesville, Division of Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Muhieddine Itani
- Faculty of Medicine, Saint George University of London, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Amaly Nokkari
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Kevin K.W. Wang
- Center for Neuroproteomics and Biomarkers Research, Department of Psychiatry, Gainesville, Division of Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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Yalvaç ME, Yarat A, Mercan D, Rizvanov AA, Palotás A, Şahin F. Characterization of the secretome of human tooth germ stem cells (hTGSCs) reveals neuro-protection by fine-tuning micro-environment. Brain Behav Immun 2013; 32:122-30. [PMID: 23517709 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2013.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2013] [Revised: 03/02/2013] [Accepted: 03/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) demonstrate neuro-protective effects in several disease models. By producing growth-factors, cytokines and chemokines, they promote survival of neurons in damaged brain areas. Alternative MSC sources, such as human tooth germ stem cells (hTGSCs), have been investigated for their neuro-protective properties. They ameliorate effects of neuro-toxic agents by paracrine mechanisms, however these secreted bio-active molecules are not yet characterized. Therefore, the current study aimed to provide a detailed analysis of the secretome of hTGSCs. Brain cells were exposed to various toxic materials, including Alzheimer's β-amyloid peptide (β-AP) and 6-hydroxy-dopamine (6-OHDA). When co-cultured with hTGSCs, the activity of a number of anti-oxidant enzymes (catalase, glutathione-s-transferase, glutathione-peroxidase, superoxide-dismutase) was increased and neuronal death/apoptosis was subsequently reduced. The composition of the secreted bio-active materials is influenced by various pre-existing factors such as oxygen and glucose deprivation and the age of cells (passage number). This report reveals for the first time that the neuro-protective secretome of hTGSCs and the micro-environment of cells have a mutual and dynamic impact on one another.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Emir Yalvaç
- Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Ohio State University, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA.
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Chen L, Chen D, Xi H, Wang Q, Liu Y, Zhang F, Wang H, Ren Y, Xiao J, Wang Y, Huang H. Olfactory ensheathing cell neurorestorotherapy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients: benefits from multiple transplantations. Cell Transplant 2012; 21 Suppl 1:S65-77. [PMID: 22507682 DOI: 10.3727/096368912x633789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Our previous series of studies have proven that olfactory ensheathing cell (OEC) transplantation appears to be able to slow the rate of clinical progression after OEC transplantation in the first 4 months and cell intracranial (key points for neural network restoration, KPNNR) and/or intraspinal (impaired segments) implants provide benefit for patients (including both the bulbar onset and limb onset subtypes) with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Here we report the results of cell therapy in patients with ALS on the basis of long-term observation following multiple transplants. From March of 2003 to January of 2010, 507 ALS patients received our cellular treatment. Among them, 42 patients underwent further OEC therapy by the route of KPNNR for two or more times (two times in 35 patients, three times in 5 patients, four times in 1 patient, and five times in 1 patient). The time intervals are 13.1 (6-60) months between the first therapy and the second one, 15.2 (8-24) months between the second therapy and the third one, 16 (6-26) months between the third therapy and the fourth one, and 9 months between the fourth therapy and the fifth time. All of the patients exhibited partial neurological functional recovery after each cell-based administration. Firstly, the scores of the ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALS-FRS) and ALS Norris Scale increased by 2.6 + 2.4 (0-8) and 4.9 + 5.2 (0-20) after the first treatment, 1.1 + 1.3 (0-5) and 2.3 + 2.9 (0-13) after the second treatment, 1.1 + 1.5 (0-4), and 3.4 + 6.9 (0-19) after the third treatment, 0.0 + 0.0 (0-0), and 2.5 + 3.5 (0-5) after the fourth treatment, and 1 point after the fifth cellular therapy, which were evaluated by independent neurologists. Secondly, the majority of patients have achieved improvement in electromyogram (EMG) assessments after the first, second, third, and fourth cell transplantation. After the first treatment, among the 42 patients, 36 (85.7%) patients' EMG test results improved, the remaining 6 (14.3%) patients' EMG results showed no remarkable change. After the second treatment, of the 42 patients, 30 (71.4%) patients' EMG results improved, 11 (26.2%) patients showed no remarkable change, and 1 (2.4%) patient became worse. After the third treatment, out of the 7 patients, 4 (57.1%) patients improved, while the remaining 3 (42.9%) patients showed no change. Thirdly, the patients have partially recovered their breathing ability as demonstrated by pulmonary functional tests. After the first treatment, 20 (47.6%) patients' pulmonary function ameliorated. After the second treatment, 18 (42.9%) patients' pulmonary function improved. After the third treatment, 2 (28.6%) patients recovered some pulmonary function. After the fourth and fifth treatment, patients' pulmonary function did not reveal significant change. The results show that multiple doses of cellular therapy definitely serve as a positive role in the treatment of ALS. This repeated and periodic cell-based therapy is strongly recommended for the patients, for better controlling this progressive deterioration disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Chen
- Center for Neurorestoratology, Beijing Rehabilitation Center, Beijing, P.R. China
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31
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Chen L, Xi H, Huang H. Cell-Based Neurorestorotherapy in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis - Scientific Truth should Rely on Facts, but Not Conjecture. Front Integr Neurosci 2011; 5:83. [PMID: 22203794 PMCID: PMC3243926 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2011.00083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2011] [Accepted: 11/29/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Chen
- Cell Research Center, Beijing Hongtianji Neuroscience Academy Beijing, China
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, is characterized by the progressive loss of cells in the brain and spinal cord that leads to debilitation and death in 3 - 5 years. Only one therapeutic drug, riluzole, has been approved for ALS and this drug improves survival by 2 - 3 months. The need for new therapeutics that can postpone or slow the progression of the motor deficits and prolong survival is still a strong unmet medical need. AREAS COVERED Although there are a number of drugs currently in clinical trials for ALS, this review provides an overview of the most promising biological targets and preclinical strategies that are currently being developed and deployed. The list of targets for ALS was compiled from a variety of websites including individual companies that have ALS programs and include those from the author's experience. EXPERT OPINION Progress is being made in the identification of possible new therapeutics for ALS with recent efforts in understanding the genetic causes of the disease, susceptibility factors and the development of additional preclinical animal models. However, many challenges remain in the identification of new ALS therapeutics including: the use of relevant biomarkers, the need for an earlier diagnosis of the disease and additional animal models. Multiple strategies need to be tested in the clinic in order to determine what will be effective in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcie A Glicksman
- Brigham and Women's Hospital , Department of Neurology , 4th floor Partner's Research Building, 65 Landsdowne Street, Cambridge, MA 02139 , USA
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Lunn JS, Sakowski SA, Federici T, Glass JD, Boulis NM, Feldman EL. Stem cell technology for the study and treatment of motor neuron diseases. Regen Med 2011; 6:201-13. [PMID: 21391854 DOI: 10.2217/rme.11.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and spinal muscular atrophy are devastating neurodegenerative diseases that lead to the specific loss of motor neurons. Recently, stem cell technologies have been developed for the investigation and treatment of both diseases. Here we discuss the different stem cells currently being studied for mechanistic discovery and therapeutic development, including embryonic, adult and induced pluripotent stem cells. We also present supporting evidence for the utilization of stem cell technology in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and spinal muscular atrophy, and describe key issues that must be considered for the transition of stem cell therapies for motor neuron diseases from bench to bedside. Finally, we discuss the first-in-human Phase I trial currently underway examining the safety and feasibility of intraspinal stem cell injections in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients as a foundation for translating stem cell therapies for various neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Simon Lunn
- University of Michigan Department of Neurology, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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