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Amoyav B, Bloom AI, Goldstein Y, Miller R, Sharam M, Fluksman A, Benny O. Drug-Eluting Porous Embolic Microspheres for Trans-Arterial Delivery of Dual Synergistic Anticancer Therapy for the Treatment of Liver Cancer. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2301548. [PMID: 37315950 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202301548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Blockage of blood supply while administering chemotherapy to tumors, using trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE), is the most common treatment for intermediate and advanced-stage unresectable Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, HCC is characterized by a poor prognosis and high recurrence rates (≈30%), partly due to a hypoxic pro-angiogenic and pro-cancerous microenvironment. This study investigates how modifying tissue stress while improving drug exposure in target organs may maximize the therapeutic outcomes. Porous degradable polymeric microspheres (MS) are designed to obtain a gradual occlusion of the hepatic artery that nourishes the liver, while enabling efficient drug perfusion to the tumor site. The fabricated porous MS are introduced intrahepatically and designed to release a combination therapy of Doxorubicin (DOX) and Tirapazamine (TPZ), which is a hypoxia-activated prodrug. Liver cancer cell lines that are treated with the combination therapy under hypoxia reveal a synergic anti-proliferation effect. An orthotopic liver cancer model, based on N1-S1 hepatoma in rats, is used for the efficacy, biodistribution, and safety studies. Porous DOX-TPZ MS are very effective in suppressing tumor growth in rats, and induction tissue necrosis is associated with high intratumor drug concentrations. Porous particles without drugs show some advantages over nonporous particles, suggesting that morphology may affect the treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benzion Amoyav
- The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, The Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel
| | - Allan I Bloom
- Department of Medical Imaging-Interventional Radiology, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, 911200, Israel
| | - Yoel Goldstein
- The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, The Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel
| | - Rafael Miller
- Department of General Surgery, Kaplan Medical Center, Affiliated to Hebrew University Jerusalem, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Mariana Sharam
- Authority for Biological and Biomedical Models, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, 911200, Israel
| | - Arnon Fluksman
- The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, The Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel
| | - Ofra Benny
- The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, The Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel
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Exosomal Mir-3613-3p derived from oxygen-glucose deprivation-treated brain microvascular endothelial cell promotes microglial M1 polarization. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2023; 28:18. [PMID: 36870962 PMCID: PMC9985860 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-023-00432-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain microvascular endothelial cell (BMEC) injury can affect neuronal survival by modulating immune responses through the microenvironment. Exosomes are important vehicles of transport between cells. However, the regulation of the subtypes of microglia by BMECs through the exosome transport of microRNAs (miRNAs) has not been established. METHODS In this study, exosomes from normal and oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)-cultured BMECs were collected, and differentially expressed miRNAs were analyzed. BMEC proliferation, migration, and tube formation were analyzed using MTS, transwell, and tube formation assays. M1 and M2 microglia and apoptosis were analyzed using flow cytometry. miRNA expression was analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and IL-1β, iNOS, IL-6, IL-10, and RC3H1 protein concentrations were analyzed using western blotting. RESULTS We found that miR-3613-3p was enriched in BMEC exosome by miRNA GeneChip assay and RT-qPCR analysis. miR-3613-3p knockdown enhanced cell survival, migration, and angiogenesis in the OGD-treated BMECs. In addition, BMECs secrete miR-3613-3p to transfer into microglia via exosomes, and miR-3613-3p binds to the RC3H1 3' untranslated region (UTR) to reduce RC3H1 protein levels in microglia. Exosomal miR-3613-3p promotes microglial M1 polarization by inhibiting RC3H1 protein levels. BMEC exosomal miR-3613-3p reduces neuronal survival by regulating microglial M1 polarization. CONCLUSIONS miR-3613-3p knockdown enhances BMEC functions under OGD conditions. Interfering with miR-3613-3p expression in BMSCs reduced the enrichment of miR-3613-3p in exosomes and enhanced M2 polarization of microglia, which contributed to reduced neuronal apoptosis.
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Three-dimensional visualization of cerebral blood vessels and neural changes in thick ischemic rat brain slices using tissue clearing. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15897. [PMID: 36151103 PMCID: PMC9508267 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19575-w] [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: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood vessels are three-dimensional (3D) in structure and precisely connected. Conventional histological methods are unsuitable for their analysis because of the destruction of functionally important topological 3D vascular structures. Tissue optical clearing techniques enable extensive volume imaging and data analysis without destroying tissue. This study therefore applied a tissue clearing technique to acquire high-resolution 3D images of rat brain vasculature using light-sheet and confocal microscopies. Rats underwent middle cerebral artery occlusion for 45 min followed by 24 h reperfusion with lectin injected directly into the heart for vascular staining. For acquiring 3D images of rat brain vasculature, 3-mm-thick brain slices were reconstructed using tissue clearing and light-sheet microscopy. Subsequently, after 3D rendering, the fitting of blood vessels to a filament model was used for analysis. The results revealed a significant reduction in vessel diameter and density in the ischemic region compared to those in contralesional non-ischemic regions. Immunostaining of 0.5-mm-thick brain slices revealed considerable neuronal loss and increased astrocyte fluorescence intensity in the ipsilateral region. Thus, these methods can provide more accurate data by broadening the scope of the analyzed regions of interest for examining the 3D cerebrovascular system and neuronal changes occurring in various brain disorders.
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Xue Y, Georgakopoulou T, van der Wijk AE, Józsa TI, van Bavel E, Payne SJ. Quantification of hypoxic regions distant from occlusions in cerebral penetrating arteriole trees. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1010166. [PMID: 35930591 PMCID: PMC9385041 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The microvasculature plays a key role in oxygen transport in the mammalian brain. Despite the close coupling between cerebral vascular geometry and local oxygen demand, recent experiments have reported that microvascular occlusions can lead to unexpected distant tissue hypoxia and infarction. To better understand the spatial correlation between the hypoxic regions and the occlusion sites, we used both in vivo experiments and in silico simulations to investigate the effects of occlusions in cerebral penetrating arteriole trees on tissue hypoxia. In a rat model of microembolisation, 25 μm microspheres were injected through the carotid artery to occlude penetrating arterioles. In representative models of human cortical columns, the penetrating arterioles were occluded by simulating the transport of microspheres of the same size and the oxygen transport was simulated using a Green’s function method. The locations of microspheres and hypoxic regions were segmented, and two novel distance analyses were implemented to study their spatial correlation. The distant hypoxic regions were found to be present in both experiments and simulations, and mainly due to the hypoperfusion in the region downstream of the occlusion site. Furthermore, a reasonable agreement for the spatial correlation between hypoxic regions and occlusion sites is shown between experiments and simulations, which indicates the good applicability of in silico models in understanding the response of cerebral blood flow and oxygen transport to microemboli. The brain function depends on the continuous oxygen supply through the bloodstream inside the microvasculature. Occlusions in the microvascular network will disturb the oxygen delivery in the brain and result in hypoxic tissues that can lead to infarction and cognitive dysfunction. To aid in understanding the formation of hypoxic tissues caused by micro-occlusions in the penetrating arteriole trees, we use rodent experiments and simulations of human vascular networks to study the spatial correlations between the hypoxic regions and the occlusion locations. Our results suggest that hypoxic regions can form distally from the occlusion site, which agrees with the previous observations in the rat brain. These distant hypoxic regions are primarily due to the lack of blood flow in the brain tissues downstream of the occlusion. Moreover, a reasonable agreement of the spatial relationship is found between the experiments and the simulations, which indicates the applicability of in silico models to study the effects of microemboli on the brain tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yidan Xue
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Theodosia Georgakopoulou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anne-Eva van der Wijk
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tamás I. Józsa
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ed van Bavel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stephen J. Payne
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Institute of Applied Mechanics, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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Kumar BS, Menon SC, Gayathri SR, Chakravarthy VS. The Influence of Neural Activity and Neural Cytoarchitecture on Cerebrovascular Arborization: A Computational Model. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:917196. [PMID: 35860300 PMCID: PMC9290769 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.917196] [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: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Normal functioning of the brain relies on a continual and efficient delivery of energy by a vast network of cerebral blood vessels. The bidirectional coupling between neurons and blood vessels consists of vasodilatory energy demand signals from neurons to blood vessels, and the retrograde flow of energy substrates from the vessels to neurons, which fuel neural firing, growth and other housekeeping activities in the neurons. Recent works indicate that, in addition to the functional coupling observed in the adult brain, the interdependence between the neural and vascular networks begins at the embryonic stage, and continues into subsequent developmental stages. The proposed Vascular Arborization Model (VAM) captures the effect of neural cytoarchitecture and neural activity on vascular arborization. The VAM describes three important stages of vascular tree growth: (i) The prenatal growth phase, where the vascular arborization depends on the cytoarchitecture of neurons and non-neural cells, (ii) the post-natal growth phase during which the further arborization of the vasculature depends on neural activity in addition to neural cytoarchitecture, and (iii) the settling phase, where the fully grown vascular tree repositions its vascular branch points or nodes to ensure minimum path length and wire length. The vasculature growth depicted by VAM captures structural characteristics like vascular volume density, radii, mean distance to proximal neurons in the cortex. VAM-grown vasculature agrees with the experimental observation that the neural densities do not covary with the vascular density along the depth of the cortex but predicts a high correlation between neural areal density and microvascular density when compared over a global scale (across animals and regions). To explore the influence of neural activity on vascular arborization, the VAM was used to grow the vasculature in neonatal rat whisker barrel cortex under two conditions: (i) Control, where the whiskers were intact and (ii) Lesioned, where one row of whiskers was cauterized. The model captures a significant reduction in vascular branch density in lesioned animals compared to control animals, concurring with experimental observation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhadra S. Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India
| | - Sarath C. Menon
- Department of Engineering Mathematics, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | | | - V. Srinivasa Chakravarthy
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India
- Center for Complex Systems and Dynamics, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India
- *Correspondence: V. Srinivasa Chakravarthy,
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Jiang L, Cao Y, Liu Z, Ni S, Liu J, Ha Y, Luo Z, Li C, Liu S, Li J, Yin X, Wu T, Lu H, Hu J. SRμCT Reveals 3D Microstructural Alterations of the Vascular and Neuronal Network in a Rat Model of Chronic Compressive Thoracic Spinal Cord Injury. Aging Dis 2020; 11:603-617. [PMID: 32489705 PMCID: PMC7220295 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2019.0529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The complex pathology of chronic thoracic spinal cord compression involves vascular and neuroarchitectural repair processes that are still largely unknown. In this study, we used synchrotron radiation microtomography (SRμCT) to quantitatively characterize the 3D temporal-spatial changes in the vascular and neuronal network after chronic thoracic spinal cord compression in order to obtain further insights into the pathogenesis of this disease and to elucidate its underlying mechanisms. Direct 3D characterization of the spinal cord microvasculature and neural microstructure of the thoracic spinal cord was successfully reconstructed. The significant reduction in vasculature and degeneration of neurons in the thoracic spinal cord visualized via SRμCT after chronic compression were consistent with the changes detected by immunofluorescence staining. The 3D morphological measurements revealed significant reductions of neurovascular parameters in the thoracic spinal cord after 1 month of compression and became even worse after 6 months without relief of compression. In addition, the distinct 3D morphological twist and the decrease in branches of the central sulcal artery after chronic compression vividly displayed that these could be the potential triggers leading to blood flow reduction and neural deficits of the thoracic spinal cord. Our findings propose a novel methodology for the 3D analysis of neurovascular repair in chronic spinal cord compression, both qualitatively and quantitatively. The results indicated that compression simultaneously caused vascular dysfunction and neuronal network impairment, which should be acknowledged as concurrent events after chronic thoracic spinal cord injury. Combining neuroprotection with vasoprotection may provide promising therapeutic targets for chronic thoracic spinal cord compression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyuan Jiang
- 1Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,2Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Yong Cao
- 1Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,2Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- 3The First Chenzhou People's Hospital, Chenzhou, China
| | - Shuangfei Ni
- 1Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,2Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Jun Liu
- 3The First Chenzhou People's Hospital, Chenzhou, China
| | - Yoon Ha
- 4Department of Neurosurgery, Spine and Spinal Cord Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Zixiang Luo
- 1Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,2Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Chengjun Li
- 1Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,2Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Shaohua Liu
- 1Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jingsong Li
- 5Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xianzhen Yin
- 6Center for Drug Delivery System, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianding Wu
- 1Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,2Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Hongbin Lu
- 2Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine of Hunan Province, Changsha, China.,7Department of Sports Medicine, Research Centre of Sports Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jianzhong Hu
- 1Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,2Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
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7
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Synchrotron Radiation-Based Three-Dimensional Visualization of Angioarchitectural Remodeling in Hippocampus of Epileptic Rats. Neurosci Bull 2019; 36:333-345. [PMID: 31823302 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-019-00450-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Characterizing the three-dimensional (3D) morphological alterations of microvessels under both normal and seizure conditions is crucial for a better understanding of epilepsy. However, conventional imaging techniques cannot detect microvessels on micron/sub-micron scales without angiography. In this study, synchrotron radiation (SR)-based X-ray in-line phase-contrast imaging (ILPCI) and quantitative 3D characterization were used to acquire high-resolution, high-contrast images of rat brain tissue under both normal and seizure conditions. The number of blood microvessels was markedly increased on days 1 and 14, but decreased on day 60 after seizures. The surface area, diameter distribution, mean tortuosity, and number of bifurcations and network segments also showed similar trends. These pathological changes were confirmed by histological tests. Thus, SR-based ILPCI provides systematic and detailed views of cerebrovascular anatomy at the micron level without using contrast-enhancing agents. This holds considerable promise for better diagnosis and understanding of the pathogenesis and development of epilepsy.
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8
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Li HL, Ding H, Yin XZ, Chen ZH, Tang B, Sun JY, Hu XH, Lv X, Kang ST, Fan YS, Wu T, Zhao SF, Xiao B, Zhang MQ. Comparison of high-resolution synchrotron-radiation-based phase-contrast imaging and absorption-contrast imaging for evaluating microstructure of vascular networks in rat brain: from 2D to 3D views. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2019; 26:2024-2032. [PMID: 31721747 DOI: 10.1107/s1600577519011688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Conventional imaging methods such as magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography and digital subtraction angiography have limited temporospatial resolutions and shortcomings like invasive angiography, potential allergy to contrast agents, and image deformation, that restrict their application in high-resolution visualization of the structure of microvessels. In this study, through comparing synchrotron radiation (SR) absorption-contrast imaging to absorption phase-contrast imaging, it was found that SR-based phase-contrast imaging could provide more detailed ultra-high-pixel images of microvascular networks than absorption phase-contrast imaging. Simultaneously, SR-based phase-contrast imaging was used to perform high-quality, multi-dimensional and multi-scale imaging of rat brain angioarchitecture. With the aid of image post-processing, high-pixel-size two-dimensional virtual slices can be obtained without sectioning. The distribution of blood supply is in accordance with the results of traditional tissue staining. Three-dimensional anatomical maps of cerebral angioarchitecture can also be acquired. Functional partitions of regions of interest are reproduced in the reconstructed rat cerebral vascular networks. Imaging analysis of the same sample can also be displayed simultaneously in two- and three-dimensional views, which provides abundant anatomical information together with parenchyma and vessels. In conclusion, SR-based phase-contrast imaging holds great promise for visualizing microstructure of microvascular networks in two- and three-dimensional perspectives during the development of neurovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Lei Li
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Ding
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Xian Zhen Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuo Hui Chen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Tang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Yan Sun
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Hang Hu
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyi Lv
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Shun Tong Kang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Shu Fan
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Tong Wu
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Song Feng Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Qi Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People's Republic of China
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Shi S, Zhang H, Yin X, Wang Z, Tang B, Luo Y, Ding H, Chen Z, Cao Y, Wang T, Xiao B, Zhang M. 3D digital anatomic angioarchitecture of the mouse brain using synchrotron-radiation-based propagation phase-contrast imaging. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2019; 26:1742-1750. [PMID: 31490166 DOI: 10.1107/s160057751900674x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Thorough investigation of the three-dimensional (3D) configuration of the vasculature of mouse brain remains technologically difficult because of its complex anatomical structure. In this study, a systematic analysis is developed to visualize the 3D angioarchitecture of mouse brain at ultrahigh resolution using synchrotron-radiation-based propagation phase-contrast imaging. This method provides detailed restoration of the intricate brain microvascular network in a precise 3D manner. In addition to depicting the delicate 3D arrangements of the vascular network, 3D virtual micro-endoscopy is also innovatively performed to visualize randomly a selected vessel within the brain for both external 3D micro-imaging and endoscopic visualization of any targeted microvessels, which improves the understanding of the intrinsic properties of the mouse brain angioarchitecture. Based on these data, hierarchical visualization has been established and a systematic assessment on the 3D configuration of the mouse brain microvascular network has been achieved at high resolution which will aid in advancing the understanding of the role of vasculature in the perspective of structure and function in depth. This holds great promise for wider application in various models of neurovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shupeng Shi
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Haoran Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianzhen Yin
- Center for Drug Delivery System, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuolu Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Tang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuebei Luo
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Ding
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuohui Chen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Cao
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Tiantian Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengqi Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People's Republic of China
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10
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Phase-contrast computed tomography: A correlation study between portal pressure and three dimensional microvasculature of ex vivo liver samples from carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in rats. Microvasc Res 2019; 125:103884. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2019.103884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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11
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Kang J, Zhang HK, Kadam SD, Fedorko J, Valentine H, Malla AP, Yan P, Harraz MM, Kang JU, Rahmim A, Gjedde A, Loew LM, Wong DF, Boctor EM. Transcranial Recording of Electrophysiological Neural Activity in the Rodent Brain in vivo Using Functional Photoacoustic Imaging of Near-Infrared Voltage-Sensitive Dye. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:579. [PMID: 31447622 PMCID: PMC6696882 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Minimally-invasive monitoring of electrophysiological neural activities in real-time-that enables quantification of neural functions without a need for invasive craniotomy and the longer time constants of fMRI and PET-presents a very challenging yet significant task for neuroimaging. In this paper, we present in vivo functional PA (fPA) imaging of chemoconvulsant rat seizure model with intact scalp using a fluorescence quenching-based cyanine voltage-sensitive dye (VSD) characterized by a lipid vesicle model mimicking different levels of membrane potential variation. The framework also involves use of a near-infrared VSD delivered through the blood-brain barrier (BBB), opened by pharmacological modulation of adenosine receptor signaling. Our normalized time-frequency analysis presented in vivo VSD response in the seizure group significantly distinguishable from those of the control groups at sub-mm spatial resolution. Electroencephalogram (EEG) recording confirmed the changes of severity and frequency of brain activities, induced by chemoconvulsant seizures of the rat brain. The findings demonstrate that the near-infrared fPA VSD imaging is a promising tool for in vivo recording of brain activities through intact scalp, which would pave a way to its future translation in real time human brain imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeeun Kang
- Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Haichong K. Zhang
- Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Shilpa D. Kadam
- Department of Neurology, Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Julie Fedorko
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Heather Valentine
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Adarsha P. Malla
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ping Yan
- R. D. Berlin Center for Cell Analysis and Modeling, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Maged M. Harraz
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jin U. Kang
- Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Arman Rahmim
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Albert Gjedde
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Leslie M. Loew
- R. D. Berlin Center for Cell Analysis and Modeling, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Dean F. Wong
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Emad M. Boctor
- Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, United States
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12
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Cao Y, Zhang M, Ding H, Chen Z, Tang B, Wu T, Xiao B, Duan C, Ni S, Jiang L, Luo Z, Li C, Zhao J, Liao S, Yin X, Fu Y, Xiao T, Lu H, Hu J. Synchrotron radiation micro-tomography for high-resolution neurovascular network morphology investigation. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2019; 26:607-618. [PMID: 31074423 DOI: 10.1107/s1600577519003060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
There has been increasing interest in using high-resolution micro-tomography to investigate the morphology of neurovascular networks in the central nervous system, which remain difficult to characterize due to their microscopic size as well as their delicate and complex 3D structure. Synchrotron radiation X-ray imaging, which has emerged as a cutting-edge imaging technology with a high spatial resolution, provides a novel platform for the non-destructive imaging of microvasculature networks at a sub-micrometre scale. When coupled with computed tomography, this technique allows the characterization of the 3D morphology of vasculature. The current review focuses on recent progress in developing synchrotron radiation methodology and its application in probing neurovascular networks, especially the pathological changes associated with vascular abnormalities in various model systems. Furthermore, this tool represents a powerful imaging modality that improves our understanding of the complex biological interactions between vascular function and neuronal activity in both physiological and pathological states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Cao
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengqi Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Ding
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuohui Chen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Tang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianding Wu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunyue Duan
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuangfei Ni
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Liyuan Jiang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Zixiang Luo
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengjun Li
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinyun Zhao
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Shenghui Liao
- School of Information Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianzhen Yin
- Center for Drug Delivery System, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 20203, People's Republic of China
| | - Yalan Fu
- Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility/Zhangjiang Lab, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 21204, People's Republic of China
| | - Tiqiao Xiao
- Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility/Zhangjiang Lab, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 21204, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongbin Lu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine of Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianzhong Hu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
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13
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Gu S, Xue J, Xi Y, Tang R, Jin W, Chen JJ, Zhang X, Shao ZM, Wu J. Evaluating the effect of Avastin on breast cancer angiogenesis using synchrotron radiation. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2019; 9:418-426. [PMID: 31032189 DOI: 10.21037/qims.2019.03.09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Background The visualization of microvasculature is an essential step in understanding the mechanisms underlying early vessel disorders involved in breast cancer and for developing effective therapeutic strategies. However, generating detailed and reproducible data using immunohistochemistry analysis of breast cancer angiogenesis has been difficult. Methods To analyze the diversification of angiogenesis in the development of tumor growth and evaluate the anti-vascular effects of Avastin (bevacizumab), we used new X-ray microangiography and third-generation synchrotron radiation-based micro-computed tomography (SR micro-CT) technology. With these techniques, we were able to investigate the structures and density of microvessels in xenograft mouse models (n=24). Barium sulfate nanoparticles were injected into the left cardiac ventricle of the mice to allow the visualization of blood vessels. Results Three-dimensional structures of microvessels were displayed with a high spatial image resolution of 20-30 µm. The density of angiogenesis and the incidence of lung metastasis were significantly reduced in xenograft mouse models of breast cancer treated with Avastin compared with control groups. Also, the density of smaller vessels (diameter <50 µm) was significantly decreased in the Avastin-treated mice, while the density of larger vessels (diameter >100 µm) was not significantly changed. Conclusions Avastin inhibited tumor growth and lung metastasis by reducing microvessels. Additionally, synchrotron radiation (SR) techniques are useful as an additional tool for more precise quantification of angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengmei Gu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jingyan Xue
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yan Xi
- School of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Rongbiao Tang
- Department of Radiology, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Wei Jin
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jia-Jian Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhi-Min Shao
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jiong Wu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
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14
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Albers J, Pacilé S, Markus MA, Wiart M, Vande Velde G, Tromba G, Dullin C. X-ray-Based 3D Virtual Histology-Adding the Next Dimension to Histological Analysis. Mol Imaging Biol 2019; 20:732-741. [PMID: 29968183 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-018-1246-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Histology and immunohistochemistry of thin tissue sections have been the standard diagnostic procedure in many diseases for decades. This method is highly specific for particular tissue regions or cells, but mechanical sectioning of the specimens is required, which destroys the sample in the process and can lead to non-uniform tissue deformations. In addition, regions of interest cannot be located beforehand and the analysis is intrinsically two-dimensional. Micro X-ray computed tomography (μCT) on the other hand can provide 3D images at high resolution and allows for quantification of tissue structures, as well as the localization of small regions of interest. These advantages advocate the use of μCT for virtual histology tool with or without subsequent classical histology. This review summarizes the most recent examples of virtual histology and provides currently known possibilities of improving contrast and resolution of μCT. Following a background in μCT imaging, ex vivo staining procedures for contrast enhancement are presented as well as label-free virtual histology approaches and the technologies, which could rapidly advance it, such as phase-contrast CT. Novel approaches such as zoom tomography and nanoparticulate contrast agents will also be considered. The current evidence suggests that virtual histology may present a valuable addition to the workflow of histological analysis, potentially reducing the workload in pathology, refining tissue classification, and supporting the detection of small malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Albers
- Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - S Pacilé
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.,Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - M A Markus
- Translational Molecular Imaging, Max-Planck-Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
| | - M Wiart
- Univ Lyon, CarMeN Laboratory, INSERM, INRA, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69500, Bron, France
| | - G Vande Velde
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - G Tromba
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - C Dullin
- Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany. .,Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, Trieste, Italy. .,Translational Molecular Imaging, Max-Planck-Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany.
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15
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Liao S, Ni S, Cao Y, Yin X, Wu T, Lu H, Hu J, Wu H, Lang Y. The 3D characteristics of post-traumatic syringomyelia in a rat model: a propagation-based synchrotron radiation microtomography study. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2017; 24:1218-1225. [PMID: 29091065 DOI: 10.1107/s1600577517011201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/30/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Many published literature sources have described the histopathological characteristics of post-traumatic syringomyelia (PTS). However, three-dimensional (3D) visualization studies of PTS have been limited due to the lack of reliable 3D imaging techniques. In this study, the imaging efficiency of propagation-based synchrotron radiation microtomography (PB-SRµCT) was determined to detect the 3D morphology of the cavity and surrounding microvasculature network in a rat model of PTS. The rat model of PTS was established using the infinite horizon impactor to produce spinal cord injury (SCI), followed by a subarachnoid injection of kaolin to produce arachnoiditis. PB-SRµCT imaging and histological examination, as well as fluorescence staining, were conducted on the animals at the tenth week after SCI. The 3D morphology of the cystic cavity was vividly visualized using PB-SRµCT imaging. The quantitative parameters analyzed by PB-SRµCT, including the lesion and spared spinal cord tissue area, the minimum and maximum diameters in the cystic cavity, and cavity volume, were largely consistent with the results of the histological assessment. Moreover, the 3D morphology of the cavity and surrounding angioarchitecture could be simultaneously detected on the PB-SRµCT images. This study demonstrated that high-resolution PB-SRµCT could be used for the 3D visualization of trauma-induced spinal cord cavities and provides valuable quantitative data for cavity characterization. PB-SRµCT could be used as a reliable imaging technique and offers a novel platform for tracking cavity formation and morphological changes in an experimental animal model of PTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenghui Liao
- School of Information Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuangfei Ni
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Cao
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianzhen Yin
- Center for Drug Delivery System, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianding Wu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongbin Lu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine of Hunan Province, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianzhong Hu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Ye Lang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
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16
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Hu J, Li P, Yin X, Wu T, Cao Y, Yang Z, Jiang L, Hu S, Lu H. Nondestructive imaging of the internal microstructure of vessels and nerve fibers in rat spinal cord using phase-contrast synchrotron radiation microtomography. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2017; 24:482-489. [PMID: 28244444 DOI: 10.1107/s1600577517000121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The spinal cord is the primary neurological link between the brain and other parts of the body, but unlike those of the brain, advances in spinal cord imaging have been challenged by the more complicated and inhomogeneous anatomy of the spine. Fortunately with the advancement of high technology, phase-contrast synchrotron radiation microtomography has become widespread in scientific research because of its ability to generate high-quality and high-resolution images. In this study, this method has been employed for nondestructive imaging of the internal microstructure of rat spinal cord. Furthermore, digital virtual slices based on phase-contrast synchrotron radiation were compared with conventional histological sections. The three-dimensional internal microstructure of the intramedullary arteries and nerve fibers was vividly detected within the same spinal cord specimen without the application of a stain or contrast agent or sectioning. With the aid of image post-processing, an optimization of vessel and nerve fiber images was obtained. The findings indicated that phase-contrast synchrotron radiation microtomography is unique in the field of three-dimensional imaging and sets novel standards for pathophysiological investigations in various neurovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhong Hu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianzhen Yin
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200135, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianding Wu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Cao
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiming Yang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Liyuan Jiang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Shiping Hu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongbin Lu
- Department of Sports Medicine, Research Centre of Sports Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
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17
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Li B, Zhang Y, Wu W, Du G, Cai L, Shi H, Chen S. Neovascularization of hepatocellular carcinoma in a nude mouse orthotopic liver cancer model: a morphological study using X-ray in-line phase-contrast imaging. BMC Cancer 2017; 17:73. [PMID: 28122521 PMCID: PMC5264465 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-017-3073-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to determine whether synchrotron radiation (SR)-based X-ray in-line phase-contrast imaging (IL-PCI) can be used to investigate the morphological characteristics of tumor neovascularization in a liver xenograft animal model. Methods A human hepatocellular carcinoma HCCLM3 xenograft model was established in nude mice. Xenografts were sampled each week for 4 weeks and fixed to analyze tissue characteristics and neovascularization using SR-based X-ray in-line phase contrast computed tomography (IL-XPCT) without any contrast agent. Results The effect of the energy level and object–to-detector distance on phase-contrast difference was in good agreement with the theory of IL-PCI. Boundaries between the tumor and adjacent normal tissues at week 1 were clearly observed in two-dimensional phase contrast projection imaging. A quantitative contrast difference was observed from weeks 1 to 4. Moreover, 3D image reconstruction of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) samples showed blood vessels inside the tumor were abnormal. The smallest blood vessels measured approximately 20 μm in diameter. The tumor vascular density initially increased and then decreased gradually over time. The maximum tumor vascular density was 4.29% at week 2. Conclusion IL-XPCT successfully acquired images of neovascularization in HCC xenografts in nude mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beilei Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No.180, Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yiqiu Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No.180, Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Weizhong Wu
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Guohao Du
- Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201800, China
| | - Liang Cai
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No.180, Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hongcheng Shi
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No.180, Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Shaoliang Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No.180, Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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18
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Cao Y, Zhou Y, Ni S, Wu T, Li P, Liao S, Hu J, Lu H. Three Dimensional Quantification of Microarchitecture and Vessel Regeneration by Synchrotron Radiation Microcomputed Tomography in a Rat Model of Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma 2016; 34:1187-1199. [PMID: 27676128 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2016.4697] [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] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
A full understanding of the mechanisms behind spinal cord injury (SCI) processes requires reliable three-dimensional (3D) imaging tools for a thorough analysis of changes in angiospatial architecture. We aimed to use synchrotron radiation μCT (SRμCT) to characterize 3D temporal-spatial changes in microvasculature post-SCI. Morphometrical measurements revealed a significant decrease in vascular volume fraction, vascular bifurcation density, vascular segment density, and vascular connectivity density 1 day post-injury, followed by a gradual increase at 3, 7, and 14 days. At 1 day post-injury, SRμCT revealed an increase in vascular tortuosity (VT), which reached a plateau after 7 days and decreased slightly during the healing process. In addition, SRμCT images showed that vessels were largely concentrated in the gray matter 1 day post-injury. The maximal endothelial cell proliferation rate was detected at 7 days post-injury. The 3D morphology of the cavity appears in the spinal cord at 28 days post-injury. We describe a methodology for 3D analysis of vascular repair in SCI and reveal that endogenous revascularization occurs during the healing process. The spinal cord microvasculature configuration undergoes 3D remodeling and modification during the post-injury repair process. Examination of these processes might contribute to a full understanding of the compensatory vascular mechanisms after injury and aid in the development of novel and effective treatment for SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Cao
- 1 Department of Spine Surgery, Central South University , Changsha, China
| | - Yuan Zhou
- 2 Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University , Changsha, China
| | - Shuangfei Ni
- 1 Department of Spine Surgery, Central South University , Changsha, China
| | - Tianding Wu
- 1 Department of Spine Surgery, Central South University , Changsha, China
| | - Ping Li
- 1 Department of Spine Surgery, Central South University , Changsha, China
| | - Shenghui Liao
- 3 School of Information Science and Engineering, Central South University , Changsha, Changsha, China
| | - Jianzhong Hu
- 1 Department of Spine Surgery, Central South University , Changsha, China
| | - Hongbin Lu
- 4 Department of Sports Medicine, Research Centre of Sports Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University , Changsha, China
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19
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3D visualization of the lumbar facet joint after degeneration using propagation phase contrast micro-tomography. Sci Rep 2016; 6:21838. [PMID: 26907889 PMCID: PMC4764819 DOI: 10.1038/srep21838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Lumbar facet joint (LFJ) degeneration is believed to be an important cause of low back pain (LBP). Identifying the morphological changes of the LFJ in the degeneration process at a high-resolution level could be meaningful for our better understanding of the possible mechanisms underlying this process. In the present study, we determined the 3D morphology of the LFJ using propagation phase contrast micro-tomography (PPCT) in rats to assess the subtle changes that occur during the degeneration process. PPCT provides vivid 3D images of micromorphological changes in the LFJ during its degeneration process, and the changes in the subchondral bone occurred earlier than in the cartilage during the early stage of degeneration of the LFJ. The delineation of this alteration was similar to that with the histological method. Our findings demonstrated that PPCT could serve as a valuable tool for 3D visualization of the morphology of the LFJ by providing comprehensive information about the cartilage and the underlying subchondral bone and their changes during degeneration processes. It might also have great potential for providing effective diagnostic tools to track changes in the cartilage and to evaluate the effects of therapeutic interventions for LFJ degeneration in preclinical studies.
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20
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Hu J, Ni S, Cao Y, Zhang T, Wu T, Yin X, Lang Y, Lu H. The Angiogenic Effect of microRNA-21 Targeting TIMP3 through the Regulation of MMP2 and MMP9. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0149537. [PMID: 26872030 PMCID: PMC4752282 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
microRNAs are a novel set of small, non-protein-coding nucleotide RNAs that negatively regulate the expression of target mRNAs. miRNA-21 is a microRNA that is highly enriched in endothelial cells. miRNA-21 has been shown to be a potential pro-angiogenic factor in some biological systems. Our previous study showed that the expression of miRNA-21 was up-regulated after spinal cord injury. However, the effect of miRNA-21 on angiogenesis in the spinal cord was unclear. In this study, to understand the role of miRNA-21 on injured endothelial cells exclusively, an oxygen and glucose deprivation model of endothelial cells was constructed, and the up-regulation of miRNA-21 was discovered in this model. An increased level of miRNA-21 by mimics promoted the survival, migration and tube formation of endothelial cells, which simultaneously inhibited tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP3) expression and promoted matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) expression and secretion. A decreased level of miRNA-21 by antagomir exerted an opposite effect. As is well known, survival, migration and tube formation of endothelial cells are necessary prerequisites for angiogenesis after injury. TIMP3 was validated as a direct target of miRNA-21 by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Silencing with small interfering RNA against TIMP3 promoted tube formation and increased MMP2 and MMP9 expression at the protein level. In vivo, we found that decreased levels of miRNA-21 inhibited angiogenesis after spinal cord injury in rats using synchrotron radiation micro-computed tomography. In summary, these findings suggest that miRNA-21 has a protective effect on angiogenesis by reducing cell death and promoting cell survival, migration and tube formation via partially targeting the TIMP3 by potentially regulating MMP2 and MMP9. TIMP3 is a functional target gene. Identifying the role of miRNA-21 in the protection of angiogenesis might offer a novel therapeutic target for secondary spinal cord injury, in which angiogenesis is indispensable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhong Hu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, PR China
| | - Shuangfei Ni
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, PR China
| | - Yong Cao
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, PR China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, PR China
| | - Tianding Wu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, PR China
| | - Xianzhen Yin
- Center for Drug Delivery System, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, PR China
| | - Ye Lang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, PR China
| | - Hongbin Lu
- Department of Sports Medicine, Research Centre of Sports Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, PR China
- * E-mail:
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21
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Ultra-high-resolution 3D digitalized imaging of the cerebral angioarchitecture in rats using synchrotron radiation. Sci Rep 2015; 5:14982. [PMID: 26443231 PMCID: PMC4595735 DOI: 10.1038/srep14982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The angioarchitecture is a fundamental aspect of brain development and physiology. However, available imaging tools are unsuited for non-destructive cerebral mapping of the functionally important three-dimensional (3D) vascular microstructures. To address this issue, we developed an ultra-high resolution 3D digitalized angioarchitectural map for rat brain, based on synchrotron radiation phase contrast imaging (SR-PCI) with pixel size of 5.92 μm. This approach provides a systematic and detailed view of the cerebrovascular anatomy at the micrometer level without any need for contrast agents. From qualitative and quantitative perspectives, the present 3D data provide a considerable insight into the spatial vascular network for whole rodent brain, particularly for functionally important regions of interest, such as the hippocampus, pre-frontal cerebral cortex and the corpus striatum. We extended these results to synchrotron-based virtual micro-endoscopy, thus revealing the trajectory of targeted vessels in 3D. The SR-PCI method for systematic visualization of cerebral microvasculature holds considerable promise for wider application in life sciences, including 3D micro-imaging in experimental models of neurodevelopmental and vascular disorders.
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22
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Abstract
Research studies on the three-dimensional (3D) morphological alterations of the spinal cord microvasculature after injury provide insight into the pathology of spinal cord injury (SCI). Knowledge in this field has been hampered in the past by imaging technologies that provided only two-dimensional (2D) information on the vascular reactions to trauma. The aim of our study is to investigate the 3D microstructural changes of the rat spinal cord microvasculature on day 1 post-injury using synchrotron radiation micro-tomography (SRμCT). This technology provides high-resolution 3D images of microvasculature in both normal and injured spinal cords, and the smallest vessel detected is approximately 7.4 μm. Moreover, we optimized the 3D vascular visualization with color coding and accurately calculated quantitative changes in vascular architecture after SCI. Compared to the control spinal cord, the damaged spinal cord vessel numbers decreased significantly following injury. Furthermore, the area of injury did not remain concentrated at the epicenter; rather, the signs of damage expanded rostrally and caudally along the spinal cord in 3D. The observed pathological changes were also confirmed by histological tests. These results demonstrate that SRμCT is an effective technology platform for imaging pathological changes in small arteries in neurovascular disease and for evaluating therapeutic interventions.
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