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Yu Q, Liu S, Guo R, Chen K, Li Y, Jiang D, Gong S, Yin L, Liu K. Complete Restoration of Hearing Loss and Cochlear Synaptopathy via Minimally Invasive, Single-Dose, and Controllable Middle Ear Delivery of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor-Poly(dl-lactic acid- co-glycolic acid)-Loaded Hydrogel. ACS NANO 2024; 18:6298-6313. [PMID: 38345574 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c11049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) often accompanies cochlear synaptopathy, which can be potentially reversed to restore hearing. However, there has been little success in achieving complete recovery of sensorineural deafness using nearly noninvasive middle ear drug delivery before. Here, we present a study demonstrating the efficacy of a middle ear delivery system employing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-poly-(dl-lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-loaded hydrogel in reversing synaptopathy and restoring hearing function in a mouse model with NIHL. The mouse model achieved using the single noise exposure (NE, 115 dBL, 4 h) exhibited an average 20 dBL elevation of hearing thresholds with intact cochlear hair cells but a loss of ribbon synapses as the primary cause of hearing impairment. We developed a BDNF-PLGA-loaded thermosensitive hydrogel, which was administered via a single controllable injection into the tympanic cavity of noise-exposed mice, allowing its presence in the middle ear for a duration of 2 weeks. This intervention resulted in complete restoration of NIHL at frequencies of click, 4, 8, 16, and 32 kHz. Moreover, the cochlear ribbon synapses exhibited significant recovery, whereas other cochlear components (hair cells and auditory nerves) remained unchanged. Additionally, the cochlea of NE treated mice revealed activation of tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TRKB) signaling upon exposure to BDNF. These findings demonstrate a controllable and minimally invasive therapeutic approach that utilizes a BDNF-PLGA-loaded hydrogel to restore NIHL by specifically repairing cochlear synaptopathy. This tailored middle ear delivery system holds great promise for achieving ideal clinical outcomes in the treatment of NIHL and cochlear synaptopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianru Yu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Shengnan Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering,Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Rui Guo
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Kuntao Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering,Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Dan Jiang
- Hearing Implant Centre, Guy's and St. Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, London SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | - Shusheng Gong
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
- Clinical Center for Hearing Loss, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Lan Yin
- School of Materials Science and Engineering,Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Ke Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
- Clinical Center for Hearing Loss, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
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2
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Zhang QQ, Qu Y. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor in degenerative retinal diseases: Update and novel perspective. J Neurosci Res 2023; 101:1624-1632. [PMID: 37334646 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25226] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Dysfunction and death of neuronal cells are cardinal features of degenerative retinal diseases that are known to arise as the disease progresses. Increasingly evidence suggests that abnormal expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may serve as an obligatory relay of the dysfunction and death of neuronal cells in degenerative retinal diseases. Although disorder of BDNF, whether depletion or augmentation, has been connected with neuronal apoptosis and neuroinflammation, the exact mechanisms underlying the effect of impaired BDNF expression on degenerative retinal diseases remain unclear. Here, we present an overview of how BDNF is linked to pathological mechanism of retinal degenerative diseases, summarize BDNF-based treatment strategies, and discuss possible research perspectives in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Qing Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yi Qu
- Department of Geriatrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
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3
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Diaz Quiroz JF, Siskel LD, Rosenthal JJC. Site-directed A → I RNA editing as a therapeutic tool: moving beyond genetic mutations. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 29:498-505. [PMID: 36669890 PMCID: PMC10019371 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079518.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Adenosine deamination by the ADAR family of enzymes is a natural process that edits genetic information as it passes through messenger RNA. Adenosine is converted to inosine in mRNAs, and this base is interpreted as guanosine during translation. Realizing the potential of this activity for therapeutics, a number of researchers have developed systems that redirect ADAR activity to new targets, ones that are not normally edited. These site-directed RNA editing (SDRE) systems can be broadly classified into two categories: ones that deliver an antisense RNA oligonucleotide to bind opposite a target adenosine, creating an editable structure that endogenously expressed ADARs recognize, and ones that tether the catalytic domain of recombinant ADAR to an antisense RNA oligonucleotide that serves as a targeting mechanism, much like with CRISPR-Cas or RNAi. To date, SDRE has been used mostly to try and correct genetic mutations. Here we argue that these applications are not ideal SDRE, mostly because RNA edits are transient and genetic mutations are not. Instead, we suggest that SDRE could be used to tune cell physiology to achieve temporary outcomes that are therapeutically advantageous, particularly in the nervous system. These include manipulating excitability in nociceptive neural circuits, abolishing specific phosphorylation events to reduce protein aggregation related to neurodegeneration or reduce the glial scarring that inhibits nerve regeneration, or enhancing G protein-coupled receptor signaling to increase nerve proliferation for the treatment of sensory disorders like blindness and deafness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan F Diaz Quiroz
- Eugene Bell Center, The Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, USA
| | - Louise D Siskel
- Eugene Bell Center, The Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, USA
| | - Joshua J C Rosenthal
- Eugene Bell Center, The Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, USA
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Ranjbar N, Shahbazi A, Nourizadeh N, Namvar Arefi H, Kheirkhah MT. Relationship Between Serum Levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Hearing Loss and Tinnitus. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2023; 75:507-513. [PMID: 37206834 PMCID: PMC10188841 DOI: 10.1007/s12070-023-03600-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tinnitus and hearing loss are common problems that can be investigated via subjective and objective approaches. Previous studies have suggested a potential relationship between serum levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and tinnitus, reporting it as a potential objective biomarker for tinnitus. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the serum levels of BDNF in patients with tinnitus and/or hearing loss. Sixty patients were divided into 3 groups: Normal hearing with tinnitus (NH-T), hearing Loss with tinnitus (HL-T), and hearing loss without tinnitus (HL-NT). Moreover, 20 healthy participants were assigned to the control group or NH-NT. All participants were assessed using comprehensive audiological evaluations, serum BDNF level assessment, Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), and Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI). There were significant intergroup differences in serum BDNF levels (p < 0.05), with the HL-T group showing the lowest BDNF levels. Moreover, the NH-T group had lower levels of BDNF compared to the HL-NT group. On the other hand, serum BDNF levels were significantly decreased in patients with an increased hearing threshold (p < 0.05). Also, serum BDNF levels had no significant relationship with tinnitus duration and loudness, as well as THI and BDI scores. The present study was the first to illustrate the importance of serum BDNF levels as a possible biomarker for predicting the severity of hearing loss and tinnitus in the affected patients. Also, it is possible that BDNF assessment can help find effective therapeutic methods for patients with hearing problems. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-023-03600-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nastaran Ranjbar
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Shahbazi
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Navid Nourizadeh
- Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Department , Imam Reza Educational Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hossein Namvar Arefi
- Department of Audiology, School of Rehabilitation Sciences , Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
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Shi M, Zhou J, Hu R, Xu H, Chen Y, Wu X, Chen B, Ma R. EA participates in pain transition through regulating KCC2 expression by BDNF-TrkB in the spinal cord dorsal horn of male rats. NEUROBIOLOGY OF PAIN (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2023; 13:100115. [PMID: 36875547 PMCID: PMC9982673 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynpai.2023.100115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of chronic pain is complex and poorly treated, seriously affecting the quality of life of patients. Electroacupuncture (EA) relieves pain by preventing the transition of acute pain into chronic pain, but its mechanism of action is still unclear. Here, we aimed to investigate whether EA can inhibit pain transition by increasing KCC2 expression via BDNF-TrkB. We used hyperalgesic priming (HP) model to investigate the potential central mechanisms of EA intervention on pain transition. HP model male rats showed significant and persistent mechanically abnormal pain. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and Tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) phosphorylation were upregulated in the affected spinal cord dorsal horn (SCDH) of HP model rats, accompanied by K+-Cl-- Cotransporter-2 (KCC2) expression was down-regulated. EA significantly increased the mechanical pain threshold in HP model male rats and decreased BDNF and p-TrkB overexpression and upregulated KCC2 expression. Blockade of BDNF with BDNF neutralizing antibody attenuated mechanical abnormal pain in HP rats. Finally, administration of exogenous BDNF by pharmacological methods reversed the EA-induced resistance to abnormal pain. In all, these results suggest that BDNF-TrkB contributes to mechanical abnormal pain in HP model rats and that EA ameliorates mechanical abnormal pain through upregulation of KCC2 by BDNF-TrkB in SCDH. Our study further supports EA as an effective treatment to prevent the transition of acute pain into chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Shi
- The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jie Zhou
- The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Rong Hu
- The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haipeng Xu
- The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi Chen
- The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xingying Wu
- The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bowen Chen
- The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ruijie Ma
- The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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6
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Dezfuly AR, Safaee A, Amirpour N, Kazemi M, Ramezani A, Jafarinia M, Dehghani A, Salehi H. Therapeutic effects of human adipose mesenchymal stem cells and their paracrine agents on sodium iodate induced retinal degeneration in rats. Life Sci 2022; 300:120570. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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7
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Li M, Mu Y, Cai H, Wu H, Ding Y. Application of New Materials in Auditory Disease Treatment. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 15:831591. [PMID: 35173583 PMCID: PMC8841849 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.831591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Auditory diseases are disabling public health problems that afflict a significant number of people worldwide, and they remain largely incurable until now. Driven by continuous innovation in the fields of chemistry, physics, and materials science, novel materials that can be applied to hearing diseases are constantly emerging. In contrast to conventional materials, new materials are easily accessible, inexpensive, non-invasive, with better acoustic therapy effects and weaker immune rejection after implantation. When new materials are used to treat auditory diseases, the wound healing, infection prevention, disease recurrence, hair cell regeneration, functional recovery, and other aspects have been significantly improved. Despite these advances, clinical success has been limited, largely due to issues regarding a lack of effectiveness and safety. With ever-developing scientific research, more novel materials will be facilitated into clinical use in the future.
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Rousset F, Schmidbauer D, Fink S, Adel Y, Obexer B, Müller M, Glueckert R, Löwenheim H, Senn P. Phoenix auditory neurons as 3R cell model for high throughput screening of neurogenic compounds. Hear Res 2021; 414:108391. [PMID: 34844170 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2021.108391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Auditory neurons connect the sensory hair cells from the inner ear to the brainstem. These bipolar neurons are relevant targets for pharmacological intervention aiming at protecting or improving the hearing function in various forms of sensorineural hearing loss. In the research laboratory, neurotrophic compounds are commonly used to improve survival and to promote regeneration of auditory neurons. One important roadblock delaying eventual clinical applications of these strategies in humans is the lack of powerful in vitro models allowing high throughput screening of otoprotective and regenerative compounds. The recently discovered auditory neuroprogenitors (ANPGs) derived from the A/J mouse with an unprecedented capacity to self-renew and to provide mature auditory neurons offer the possibility to overcome this bottleneck. In the present study, we further characterized the new phoenix ANPGs model and compared it to the current gold-standard spiral ganglion organotypic explant (SGE) model to assay neurite outgrowth, neurite length and glutamate-induced Ca2+ response in response to neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) treatment. Whereas both, SGEs and phoenix ANPGs exhibited a robust and sensitive response to neurotrophins, the phoenix ANPGs offer a considerable range of advantages including high throughput suitability, lower experimental variability, single cell resolution and an important reduction of animal numbers. The phoenix ANPGs in vitro model therefore provides a robust high-throughput platform to screen for otoprotective and regenerative neurotrophic compounds in line with 3R principles and is of interest for the field of auditory neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Rousset
- The Inner Ear & Olfaction Lab, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Dominik Schmidbauer
- Inner Ear Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Stefan Fink
- Translational Hearing Research, Tübingen Hearing Research Center, Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University of Tübingen, Germany
| | - Youssef Adel
- Translational Hearing Research, Tübingen Hearing Research Center, Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University of Tübingen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Obexer
- Inner Ear Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Marcus Müller
- Translational Hearing Research, Tübingen Hearing Research Center, Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University of Tübingen, Germany
| | - Rudolf Glueckert
- Inner Ear Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Hubert Löwenheim
- Translational Hearing Research, Tübingen Hearing Research Center, Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University of Tübingen, Germany
| | - Pascal Senn
- The Inner Ear & Olfaction Lab, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Service of ORL & Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital of Geneva, Switzerland
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Verma R, Vyas P, Kaur J, Javed MN, Sarafroz M, Ahmad M, Gilani SJ, Taleuzzaman M. Approaches for ear-targeted delivery systems in neurosensory disorders to avoid chronic hearing loss mediated neurological diseases. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS-DRUG TARGETS 2021; 21:479-491. [PMID: 34477535 DOI: 10.2174/1871527320666210903102704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE Hearing loss is a common audio-vestibular-related neurosensory disability of inner ears, in which patients exhibit clinical symptoms of dizziness, gait unsteadiness, and oscillopsia, at an initial stage. While, if such disorders are untreated for a prolonged duration then the progression of disease into a chronic state significantly decreases GABA level as well as an alteration in the neurotransmission of CNS systems. Hence, to control the progression of disease into a chronic state, timely and targeted delivery of the drug into the site of action in the ear is now attracting the interest of neurologists for effective and safe treatment of such disorders. Among delivery systems, owing to small dimension, better penetration, rate-controlled release, higher bioavailability; nanocarriers are preferred to overcome delivery barriers, improvement in residence time, and enhanced the performance of loaded drugs. Subsequently, these carriers also stabilize encapsulated drugs while the opportunity to modify the surface of carriers favors guided direction for site-specific targeting. Conventional routes of drug delivery such as oral. intravenous, and intramuscular are poorer in performance because of inadequate blood supply to the inner ear and limited penetration of blood-inner ear barrier. CONCLUSION This review summarized novel aspects of non-invasive and biocompatible nanoparticles-based approaches for targeted delivery of drugs into the cochlea of the ear to reduce the rate, and extent of the emergence of any hearing loss mediated neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishabh Verma
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi-110062, India
| | - Preeti Vyas
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi-110062, India
| | - Jasmeet Kaur
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi-110062, India
| | - Md Noushad Javed
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi-110062, India
| | - Mohammad Sarafroz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, City Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Makhmur Ahmad
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Buraydah College of Pharmacy and Dentistry, P.O Box- 31717, Buraydah- 51452, Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sadaf Jamal Gilani
- College of Basic Health Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh. Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamad Taleuzzaman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Maulana Azad University, Jodhpur, 342802, Rajasthan, India
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Li HH, Livneh H, Chen WJ, Fan WL, Lu MC, Guo HR, Tsai TY. Effect of Chinese Herbal Medicines on Hearing Loss Risk in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: Retrospective Claims Analysis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:683211. [PMID: 34355003 PMCID: PMC8329330 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.683211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at a higher risk of extra-articular manifestations, especially hearing loss (HL). Although Chinese herbal medicines (CHM) are proven safe and effective treatments for inflammatory conditions, the effect of CHM use on HL in RA patients is unknown. This cohort study aims to determine the relationship between CHM use and the subsequent risk of HL among RA patients. Methods: From health insurance claims data in Taiwan, a total of 6,905 persons aged 20-80 years with newly-diagnosed RA in 2000-2009 were identified. Of these, we recruited 2,765 CHM users and randomly selected 2,765 non-CHM users who matched with the users by the propensity score. Both cohorts were followed up until the end of 2012 to estimate the incidence of HL. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for HL. Results: The incidence of HL was lower in the CHM users than in the comparison cohort (8.06 vs. 10.54 per 1,000 person-years) (adjusted HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.63-0.94). Those who received CHM for more than 2 years had the greatest benefit against the onset of HL, with over 50% risk reduction. Prescriptions of Hai Piao Xiao, Yan Hu Suo, San-Qi, Huang Qin, Dang Shen, Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San, Shu-Jing-Huo-Xue-Tang, and Dang-Gui-Nian-Tong-Tang were found to be associated with a reduced risk of HL. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that adding CHM to conventional therapy may reduce the subsequent risk of HL in RA patients. Prospective randomized trials are recommended to further clarify whether the association revealed in this study supports such a causal relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Hua Li
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Dalin Tzuchi Hospital, The Buddhist Tzuchi Medical Foundation, Chiayi, Taiwan.,Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Hanoch Livneh
- Rehabilitation Counseling Program, Portland State University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Wei-Jen Chen
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Dalin Tzuchi Hospital, The Buddhist Tzuchi Medical Foundation, Chiayi, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Sports Science, National Taiwan Sport University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,School of Post-baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan.,Center of Sports Medicine, Dalin Tzuchi Hospital, The Buddhist Tzuchi Medical Foundation, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Lin Fan
- Emergency Department, Dalin Tzuchi Hospital, The Buddhist Tzuchi Medical Foundation, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chi Lu
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Dalin Tzuchi Hospital, The Buddhist Tzuchi Medical Foundation, Chiayi, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - How-Ran Guo
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan.,Occupational Safety, Health, and Medicine Research Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Tzung-Yi Tsai
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Nursing, Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology, Hualien, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, Dalin Tzuchi Hospital, The Buddhist Tzuchi Medical Foundation, Chiayi, Taiwan
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11
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Colardo M, Martella N, Pensabene D, Siteni S, Di Bartolomeo S, Pallottini V, Segatto M. Neurotrophins as Key Regulators of Cell Metabolism: Implications for Cholesterol Homeostasis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5692. [PMID: 34073639 PMCID: PMC8198482 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophins constitute a family of growth factors initially characterized as predominant mediators of nervous system development, neuronal survival, regeneration and plasticity. Their biological activity is promoted by the binding of two different types of receptors, leading to the generation of multiple and variegated signaling cascades in the target cells. Increasing evidence indicates that neurotrophins are also emerging as crucial regulators of metabolic processes in both neuronal and non-neuronal cells. In this context, it has been reported that neurotrophins affect redox balance, autophagy, glucose homeostasis and energy expenditure. Additionally, the trophic support provided by these secreted factors may involve the regulation of cholesterol metabolism. In this review, we examine the neurotrophins' signaling pathways and their effects on metabolism by critically discussing the most up-to-date information. In particular, we gather experimental evidence demonstrating the impact of these growth factors on cholesterol metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayra Colardo
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, 86090 Pesche, Italy; (M.C.); (N.M.); (D.P.); (S.D.B.)
| | - Noemi Martella
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, 86090 Pesche, Italy; (M.C.); (N.M.); (D.P.); (S.D.B.)
| | - Daniele Pensabene
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, 86090 Pesche, Italy; (M.C.); (N.M.); (D.P.); (S.D.B.)
| | - Silvia Siteni
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA;
| | - Sabrina Di Bartolomeo
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, 86090 Pesche, Italy; (M.C.); (N.M.); (D.P.); (S.D.B.)
| | - Valentina Pallottini
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Viale Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy;
- Neuroendocrinology Metabolism and Neuropharmacology Unit, IRCSS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Segatto
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, 86090 Pesche, Italy; (M.C.); (N.M.); (D.P.); (S.D.B.)
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12
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Li H, Zhang Z, Fang D, Tang Y, Peng J. Local continuous glial cell derived neurotrophic factor release using osmotic pump promotes parasympathetic nerve rehabilitation in an animal model of cavernous nerve injury induced erectile dysfunction. Transl Androl Urol 2021; 10:258-271. [PMID: 33532315 PMCID: PMC7844500 DOI: 10.21037/tau-20-1110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nerve injury-related erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the types that respond poorly to conventional ED treatments. Our previous experiments have demonstrated the paracrine of various neurotrophic factors (NTFs) by stem cells or other treatment modalities as a potential mechanism in the recovery of nerve injury-related ED. Glial cell derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is one of the essential NTFs for the regeneration of nerve fibers, especially for parasympathetic nerves. The aim of this study is to explore if local continuous GDNF administration is beneficial for the functional and histological recovery of nerve injury induced ED. Methods Eight-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were used for this study. Rats were randomly grouped into 5: Sham surgery (Sham), bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI) and placebo treatment, BCNI and 0.1 µg/100 µL GDNF treatment (BCNI+GDNF 0.1), BCNI and 1 µg/100 µL GDNF treatment (BCNI+GDNF 1), BCNI and 10 µg/100 µL GDNF treatment (BCNI+GDNF 10). GDNF was administered using an osmotic pump technique which would deliver GDNF locally and continuously for 28 days without the need for external connections or frequent handling of animals. Recovery of sexual function, nerve fibers regeneration, and expression of neurotrophic receptors were examined and compared among groups after the treatment. Results Local continuous GDNF release treatment increased the average number of intromissions in the sexual behavior test and intracavernous pressure (ICP) in the erectile function test in a dose dependent manner. Osmotic pump implantation induced increased local GDNF concentration and mild inflammatory response. Gene expression of GDNF receptors in major pelvic ganglion (MPG) and nerve regeneration along the urethra were partially promoted by GDNF. These changes were associated with increased nerve fibers especially the parasympathetic nerve fibers in dorsal nerve of penis (DNP) in GDNF treated groups. Conclusions In conclusion, our project illustrated the promising effects of local continuous GDNF administration for the functional and histological recovery of nerve injury-induced ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huixi Li
- Andrology Center, Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhichao Zhang
- Andrology Center, Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Dong Fang
- Andrology Center, Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Tang
- Andrology Center, Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Peng
- Andrology Center, Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
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13
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Salomova M, Tichanek F, Jelinkova D, Cendelin J. Forced activity and environmental enrichment mildly improve manifestation of rapid cerebellar degeneration in mice. Behav Brain Res 2020; 401:113060. [PMID: 33316321 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.113060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Exercise therapy represents an important tool for the treatment of many neurological diseases, including cerebellar degenerations. In mouse models, exercise may decelerate the progression of gradual cerebellar degeneration via potent activation of neuroprotective pathways. However, whether exercise could also improve the condition in mice with already heavily damaged cerebella remains an open question. Here we aimed to explore this possibility, employing a mouse model with dramatic early-onset cerebellar degeneration, the Lurcher mice. The potential of forced physical activity and environmental enrichment (with the possibility of voluntary running) for improvement of behaviour and neuroplasticity was evaluated by a series of behavioural tests, measuring BDNF levels and using stereological histology techniques. Using advanced statistical analysis, we showed that while forced physical activity improved motor learning by ∼26 % in Lurcher mice and boosted BDNF levels in the diseased cerebellum by 57 %, an enriched environment partially alleviated some behavioural deficits related to behavioural disinhibition. Specifically, Lurcher mice exposed to the enriched environment evinced reduced open arm exploration in elevated plus maze test by 18 % and increased immobility almost 9-fold in the forced swim test. However, we must conclude that the overall beneficial effects were very mild and much less clear, compared to previously demonstrated effects in slowly-progressing cerebellar degenerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Salomova
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 76, 323 00, Pilsen, Czech Republic; Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 76, 323 00, Pilsen, Czech Republic.
| | - Filip Tichanek
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 76, 323 00, Pilsen, Czech Republic; Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 76, 323 00, Pilsen, Czech Republic.
| | - Dana Jelinkova
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 76, 323 00, Pilsen, Czech Republic; Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 76, 323 00, Pilsen, Czech Republic.
| | - Jan Cendelin
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 76, 323 00, Pilsen, Czech Republic; Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 76, 323 00, Pilsen, Czech Republic.
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Abstract
The delivery of therapies to the cochlea is notoriously challenging. It is an organ protected by a number of barriers that need to be overcome in the drug delivery process. Additionally, there are multiple sites of possible damage within the cochlea. Despite the many potential sites of damage, acquired otologic insults preferentially damage a single location. While progress has been made in techniques for inner ear drug delivery, the current techniques remain non-specific and our ability to deliver therapies in a cell-specific manner are limited. Fortunately, there are proteins specific to various cell-types within the cochlea (e.g., hair cells, spiral ganglion cells, stria vascularis) that function as biomarkers of site-specific damage. These protein biomarkers have potential to serve as targets for cell-specific inner ear drug delivery. In this manuscript, we review the concept of biomarkers and targeted- inner ear drug delivery and the well-characterized protein biomarkers within each of the locations of interest within the cochlea. Our review will focus on targeted drug delivery in the setting of acquired otologic insults (e.g., ototoxicity, noise-induce hearing loss). The goal is not to discuss therapies to treat acquired otologic insults, rather, to establish potential concepts of how to deliver therapies in a targeted, cell-specific manner. Based on our review, it is clear that future of inner ear drug delivery is a discipline filled with potential that will require collaborative efforts among clinicians and scientists to optimize treatment of otologic insults. Graphical Abstract ![]()
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15
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Diabetic Retinopathy and BDNF: A Review on Its Molecular Basis and Clinical Applications. J Ophthalmol 2020; 2020:1602739. [PMID: 32509339 PMCID: PMC7254082 DOI: 10.1155/2020/1602739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Impairment of neuroprotection and vasculopathy are the main reasons for the progression of diabetic retinopathy. In this review, we decided to illustrate the molecular and clinical aspects of diabetic retinal neuro-vasculopathy. We searched the Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases with these keywords: “brain-derived neurotrophic factor” and “vascular endothelial growth factor” and/or “diabetic retinopathy.” The most relevant in vitro and clinical trial studies were then extracted for final interpretation. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and the vascular endothelial growth factor have pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. They have neuroprotective effects on the retina. However, there are controversial results on the relation between these two factors. Reviewing available articles, we have concluded that various concentrations of these molecules at different stages of retinopathy may exert different effects. Optimal doses of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor at the early stages of retinopathy may have a neuroprotective effect. In contrast, higher concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor might induce inflammatory responses. Damage to the retinal cells due to metabolic alterations associated with diabetes and its consequence vasculopathy may also lead to changes in the ocular microenvironment and cytokines. Changes in cytokines result in the modification of neural cell receptors and the overproduction of vascular endothelial growth factor. It seems that controlling the optimal levels of neuroprotective molecules in the retinal tissue is the main step to halter diabetic retinopathy.
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Kojima H, Raut B, Chen LJ, Nagai N, Abe T, Kaji H. A 3D Printed Self-Sustainable Cell-Encapsulation Drug Delivery Device for Periocular Transplant-Based Treatment of Retinal Degenerative Diseases. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:mi11040436. [PMID: 32326233 PMCID: PMC7231335 DOI: 10.3390/mi11040436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Self-sustainable release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) to the retina using minimally invasive cell-encapsulation devices is a promising approach to treat retinal degenerative diseases (RDD). Herein, we describe such a self-sustainable drug delivery device with human retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE-19) cells (cultured on collagen coated polystyrene (PS) sheets) enclosed inside a 3D printed semi-porous capsule. The capsule was 3D printed with two photo curable polymers: triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDM) and polyethylene glycol dimethylacrylate (PEGDM). The capsule's semi-porous membrane (PEGDM) could serve three functions: protecting the cells from body's immune system by limiting diffusion (5.97 ± 0.11%) of large molecules like immunoglobin G (IgG)(150 kDa); helping the cells to survive inside the capsule by allowing diffusion (43.20 ± 2.16%) of small molecules (40 kDa) like oxygen and necessary nutrients; and helping in the treatment of RDD by allowing diffusion of cell-secreted BDNF to the outside environment. In vitro results showed a continuous BDNF secretion from the device for at least 16 days, demonstrating future potential of the cell-encapsulation device for the treatment of RDD in a minimally invasive and self-sustainable way through a periocular transplant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideto Kojima
- Department of Finemechanics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-01 Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8579, Japan; (H.K.); (B.R.); (L.-J.C.)
| | - Bibek Raut
- Department of Finemechanics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-01 Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8579, Japan; (H.K.); (B.R.); (L.-J.C.)
| | - Li-Jiun Chen
- Department of Finemechanics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-01 Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8579, Japan; (H.K.); (B.R.); (L.-J.C.)
| | - Nobuhiro Nagai
- Division of Clinical Cell Therapy, United Centers for Advanced Research and Translational Medicine (ART), Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan; (N.N.); (T.A.)
| | - Toshiaki Abe
- Division of Clinical Cell Therapy, United Centers for Advanced Research and Translational Medicine (ART), Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan; (N.N.); (T.A.)
| | - Hirokazu Kaji
- Department of Finemechanics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-01 Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8579, Japan; (H.K.); (B.R.); (L.-J.C.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-01 Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8579, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-22-795-4249
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Leake PA, Akil O, Lang H. Neurotrophin gene therapy to promote survival of spiral ganglion neurons after deafness. Hear Res 2020; 394:107955. [PMID: 32331858 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2020.107955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hearing impairment is a major health and economic concern worldwide. Currently, the cochlear implant (CI) is the standard of care for remediation of severe to profound hearing loss, and in general, contemporary CIs are highly successful. But there is great variability in outcomes among individuals, especially in children, with many CI users deriving much less or even marginal benefit. Much of this variability is related to differences in auditory nerve survival, and there has been substantial interest in recent years in exploring potential therapies to improve survival of the cochlear spiral ganglion neurons (SGN) after deafness. Preclinical studies using osmotic pumps and other approaches in deafened animal models to deliver neurotrophic factors (NTs) directly to the cochlea have shown promising results, especially with Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). More recent studies have focused on the use of NT gene therapy to force expression of NTs by target cells within the cochlea. This could provide the means for a one-time treatment to promote long-term NT expression and improve neural survival after deafness. This review summarizes the evidence for the efficacy of exogenous NTs in preventing SGN degeneration after hearing loss and reviews the animal research to date suggesting that NT gene therapy can elicit long-term NT expression in the cochlea, resulting in significantly improved SGN and radial nerve fiber survival after deafness. In addition, we discuss NT gene therapy in other non-auditory applications and consider some of the remaining issues with regard to selecting optimal vectors, timing of treatment, and place/method of delivery, etc. that must be resolved prior to considering clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia A Leake
- S & I Epstein Laboratory, Dept. of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, 2340 Sutter Street, Room N331, San Francisco, CA, 94115-1330, USA.
| | - Omar Akil
- S & I Epstein Laboratory, Dept. of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, 2340 Sutter Street, Room N331, San Francisco, CA, 94115-1330, USA
| | - Hainan Lang
- Dept. of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 165 Ashley Avenue, Room RS613, Charleston, SC, 29414, USA
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18
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Van De Water TR. Historical Aspects of Gene Therapy and Stem Cell Therapy in the Treatment of Hearing and Balance Disorder. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2020; 303:390-407. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.24332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R. Van De Water
- Cochlear Implant Research Program, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Ear InstituteUniversity of Miami Miller School of Medicine Miami Florida
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19
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Tosi G, Duskey JT, Kreuter J. Nanoparticles as carriers for drug delivery of macromolecules across the blood-brain barrier. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2019; 17:23-32. [PMID: 31774000 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2020.1698544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Current therapies of neurodegenerative or neurometabolic diseases are, to a large extent, hampered by the inability of drugs to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This very tight barrier severely restricts the entrance of molecules from the blood into the brain, especially macromolecular substances (i.e. neurotrophic factors, enzymes, proteins, as well as genetic materials). Due to their size, physicochemical properties, and instability, the delivery of these materials is particularly difficult.Areas covered: Recent research showed that biocompatible and biodegradable nanoparticles possessing tailored surface properties can enable a delivery of drugs and specifically of macromolecules across the blood-brain barrier by using carrier systems of the brain capillary endothelium (Trojan Horse strategy). In the present review, the state-of-art of nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery of different macromolecular substances into the brain following intravenous injection is summarized, and different nanomedicines that are used to enable the transport of neurotrophic factors and enzymes across the blood-brain barrier into the CNS are critically analyzed.Expert opinion: Brain delivery of macromolecules by an intravenous application using nanomedicines is now a growing area of interest which could be really translated into clinical application if dedicated effort will be given to industrial scale-up production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Tosi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italia
| | - J T Duskey
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italia
| | - Jörg Kreuter
- Laboratory of Drug Delivery Systems, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.,Institute for Pharmaceutical Technology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Germany
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20
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Naz S, Friedman TB. Growth factor and receptor malfunctions associated with human genetic deafness. Clin Genet 2019; 97:138-155. [PMID: 31506927 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13641] [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: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A variety of different signaling pathways are necessary for development and maintenance of the human auditory system. Normal hearing allows for the detection of soft sounds within the frequency range of 20 to 20 000 Hz, but more importantly to perceive the human voice frequency band of 250 to 6000 Hz. Loss of hearing is common, and is a clinically heterogeneous disorder that can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to loud noise, infections and ototoxic drugs. In addition, variants of hundreds of genes have been reported to disrupt processes required for hearing. Noncoding regulatory variants and variants of additional genes necessary for hearing remain to be discovered as many individuals with inherited deafness are without a genetic diagnosis, despite the advent of whole exome sequencing. Here, we discuss in detail some of these deafness-causing variants of genes encoding a ligand or its receptor. Spotlighted in this review are three growth factor-receptor-pairs EDN3/EDNRB, HGF/MET and JAG/NOTCH, which individually are necessary for normal hearing. We also offer our perspective on unanswered questions, future challenges and potential opportunities for treatments emerging from molecular genetic and mechanistic studies of deafness due to these causes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadaf Naz
- School of Biological Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Thomas B Friedman
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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21
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AAV-Mediated Neurotrophin Gene Therapy Promotes Improved Survival of Cochlear Spiral Ganglion Neurons in Neonatally Deafened Cats: Comparison of AAV2-hBDNF and AAV5-hGDNF. J Assoc Res Otolaryngol 2019; 20:341-361. [PMID: 31222416 PMCID: PMC6646500 DOI: 10.1007/s10162-019-00723-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Outcomes with contemporary cochlear implants (CI) depend partly upon the survival and condition of the cochlear spiral ganglion (SG) neurons. Previous studies indicate that CI stimulation can ameliorate SG neural degeneration after deafness, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) delivered by an osmotic pump can further improve neural survival. However, direct infusion of BDNF elicits undesirable side effects, and osmotic pumps are impractical for clinical application. In this study, we explored the potential for two adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV) to elicit targeted neurotrophic factor expression in the cochlea and promote improved SG and radial nerve fiber survival. Juvenile cats were deafened prior to hearing onset by systemic aminoglycoside injections. Auditory brainstem responses showed profound hearing loss by 16-18 days postnatal. At ~ 4 weeks of age, AAV2-GFP (green fluorescent protein), AAV5-GFP, AAV2-hBDNF, or AAV5-hGDNF (glial-derived neurotrophic factor) was injected through the round window unilaterally. For GFP immunofluorescence, animals were studied ~ 4 weeks post-injection to assess cell types transfected and their distributions. AAV2-GFP immunofluorescence demonstrated strong expression of the GFP reporter gene in residual inner (IHCs), outer hair cells (OHCs), inner pillar cells, and in some SG neurons throughout the cochlea. AAV5-GFP elicited robust transduction of IHCs and some SG neurons, but few OHCs and supporting cells. After AAV-neurotrophic factor injections, animals were studied ~ 3 months post-injection to evaluate neural survival. AAV5-hGDNF elicited a modest neurotrophic effect, with 6 % higher SG density, but had no trophic effect on radial nerve fiber survival, and undesirable ectopic fiber sprouting occurred. AAV2-hBDNF elicited a similar 6 % increase in SG survival, but also resulted in greatly improved radial nerve fiber survival, with no ectopic fiber sprouting. A further study assessed whether AAV2-hBDNF neurotrophic effects would persist over longer post-injection periods. Animals examined 6 months after virus injection showed substantial neurotrophic effects, with 14 % higher SG density and greatly improved radial nerve fiber survival. Our results suggest that AAV-neurotrophin gene therapy can elicit expression of physiological concentrations of neurotrophins in the cochlea, supporting improved SG neuronal and radial nerve fiber survival while avoiding undesirable side effects. These studies also demonstrate the potential for application of cochlear gene therapy in a large mammalian cochlea comparable to the human cochlea and in an animal model of congenital/early acquired deafness.
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22
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Ma Y, Wise AK, Shepherd RK, Richardson RT. New molecular therapies for the treatment of hearing loss. Pharmacol Ther 2019; 200:190-209. [PMID: 31075354 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2019.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
An estimated 466 million people suffer from hearing loss worldwide. Sensorineural hearing loss is characterized by degeneration of key structures of the sensory pathway in the cochlea such as the sensory hair cells, the primary auditory neurons and their synaptic connection to the hair cells - the ribbon synapse. Various strategies to protect or regenerate these sensory cells and structures are the subject of intensive research. Yet despite recent advances in our understandings of the capacity of the cochlea for repair and regeneration there are currently no pharmacological or biological interventions for hearing loss. Current research focusses on localized cochlear drug, gene and cell-based therapies. One of the more promising drug-based therapies is based on neurotrophic factors for the repair of the ribbon synapse after noise exposure, as well as preventing loss of primary auditory neurons and regrowth of the auditory neuron fibers after severe hearing loss. Drug therapy delivery technologies are being employed to address the specific needs of neurotrophin and other therapies for hearing loss that include the need for high doses, long-term delivery, localised or cell-specific targeting and techniques for their safe and efficacious delivery to the cochlea. Novel biomaterials are enabling high payloads of drugs to be administered to the cochlea with subsequent slow-release properties that are proving to be beneficial for treating hearing loss. In parallel, new gene therapy technologies are addressing the need for cell specificity and high efficacy for the treatment of both genetic and acquired hearing loss with promising reports of hearing recovery. Some biomaterials and cell therapies are being used in conjunction with the cochlear implant ensuring therapeutic benefit to the primary neurons during electrical stimulation. This review will introduce the auditory system, hearing loss and the potential for repair and regeneration in the cochlea. Drug delivery to the cochlea will then be reviewed, with a focus on new biomaterials, gene therapy technologies, cell therapy and the use of the cochlear implant as a vehicle for drug delivery. With the current pre-clinical research effort into therapies for hearing loss, including clinical trials for gene therapy, the future for the treatment for hearing loss is looking bright.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutian Ma
- Bionics Institute, East Melbourne, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Australia; University of Melbourne, Department of Chemical Engineering, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew K Wise
- Bionics Institute, East Melbourne, Australia; University of Melbourne, Medical Bionics Department, East Melbourne, Australia; University of Melbourne, Department of Surgery - Otolaryngology, East Melbourne, Australia
| | - Robert K Shepherd
- Bionics Institute, East Melbourne, Australia; University of Melbourne, Medical Bionics Department, East Melbourne, Australia; University of Melbourne, Department of Surgery - Otolaryngology, East Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rachael T Richardson
- Bionics Institute, East Melbourne, Australia; University of Melbourne, Medical Bionics Department, East Melbourne, Australia; University of Melbourne, Department of Surgery - Otolaryngology, East Melbourne, Australia.
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Paulsen AJ, Cruickshanks KJ, Pinto A, Schubert CR, Dalton DS, Fischer ME, Klein BEK, Klein R, Tsai MY, Tweed TS. Neuroprotective factors and incident hearing impairment in the epidemiology of hearing loss study. Laryngoscope 2019; 129:2178-2183. [PMID: 30698838 DOI: 10.1002/lary.27847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hearing impairment (HI) is common in aging adults. Aldosterone, insulin-like growth factor (IGF1), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) have been identified as potentially protective of hearing. The present study aims to investigate these relationships. METHODS The Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study is a longitudinal population-based study of aging in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, that began in 1993. Baseline for the present investigation is the 1998 to 2000 phase. Follow-up exams occurred approximately every 5 years, with the most recent occurring from 2013 to 2016. Hearing was measured by pure-tone audiometry. HI was defined as a pure tone average (PTA) > 25 decibels hearing level in either ear. Change in PTA was the difference between follow-up examinations and baseline. Baseline serum samples were used to measure biomarkers in 2017. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to assess the effect of biomarker levels in the lowest quintile (Q1) versus the highest (Q5) on incident HI and PTA change. RESULTS There were 1,088 participants (69.3% women) at risk of HI included in analyses. The mean baseline age was 63.8 years (standard deviation = 7.0). The 16-year incidence of HI was 54.9% and was higher in men (61.1%) than women (52.1%). In age- and sex-adjusted models, aldosterone (HR = 1.06, 95% CI = 0.82-1.37), IGF1 (HR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.71-1.19), and BDNF (HR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.66-1.12) levels were not associated with risk of HI. PTA change was similarly not affected by biomarker levels. CONCLUSION Aldosterone, IGF1, and BDNF were not associated with decreased risk of age-related hearing loss in this study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2b Laryngoscope, 129:2178-2183, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Paulsen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Karen J Cruickshanks
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin.,Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Alex Pinto
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Carla R Schubert
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Dayna S Dalton
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Mary E Fischer
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Barbara E K Klein
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Ronald Klein
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Michael Y Tsai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School-Minneapolis, Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.A
| | - Ted S Tweed
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
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González‐Rodríguez P, Ugidos IF, Pérez‐Rodríguez D, Anuncibay‐Soto B, Santos‐Galdiano M, Font‐Belmonte E, Gonzalo‐Orden JM, Fernández‐López A. Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor alleviates the oxidative stress induced by oxygen and glucose deprivation in an ex vivo brain slice model. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:9592-9604. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Irene F. Ugidos
- Área de Biología Celular, Instituto de Biomedicina, University of León León Spain
| | | | - Berta Anuncibay‐Soto
- Área de Biología Celular, Instituto de Biomedicina, University of León León Spain
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Ma Y, Björnmalm M, Wise AK, Cortez-Jugo C, Revalor E, Ju Y, Feeney OM, Richardson RT, Hanssen E, Shepherd RK, Porter CJH, Caruso F. Gel-Mediated Electrospray Assembly of Silica Supraparticles for Sustained Drug Delivery. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2018; 10:31019-31031. [PMID: 30192499 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b10415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Supraparticles (SPs) composed of smaller colloidal particles provide a platform for the long-term, controlled release of therapeutics in biomedical applications. However, current synthesis methods used to achieve high drug loading and those involving biocompatible materials are often tedious and low throughput, thereby limiting the translation of SPs to diverse applications. Herein, we present a simple, effective, and automatable alginate-mediated electrospray technique for the assembly of robust spherical silica SPs (Si-SPs) for long-term (>4 months) drug delivery. The Si-SPs are composed of either porous or nonporous primary Si particles within a decomposable alginate matrix. The size and shape of the Si-SPs can be tailored by controlling the concentrations of alginate and silica primary particles used and key electrospraying parameters, such as flow rate, voltage, and collector distance. Furthermore, the performance (including drug loading kinetics, loading capacity, loading efficiency, and drug release) of the Si-SPs can be tuned by changing the porosity of the primary particles and through the retention or removal (via calcination) of the alginate matrix. The structure and morphology of the Si-SPs were characterized by electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, N2 adsorption-desorption analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The cytotoxicity and degradability of the Si-SPs were also examined. Drug loading kinetics and loading capacity for six different types of Si-SPs, using a model protein drug (fluorescently labeled lysozyme), demonstrate that Si-SPs prepared from primary silica particles with large pores can load significant amounts of lysozyme (∼10 μg per SP) and exhibit sustained, long-term release of more than 150 days. Our experiments show that Si-SPs can be produced through a gel-mediated electrospray technique that is robust and automatable (important for clinical translation and commercialization) and that they present a promising platform for long-term drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mattias Björnmalm
- Bionics Institute , East Melbourne , Victoria 3002 , Australia
- Department of Materials, Department of Bioengineering, and the Institute of Biomedical Engineering , Imperial College London , London SW7 2AZ , U.K
| | - Andrew K Wise
- Bionics Institute , East Melbourne , Victoria 3002 , Australia
| | | | | | | | - Orlagh M Feeney
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology and Drug Delivery Disposition and Dynamics , Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University , Parkville , Victoria 3052 , Australia
| | | | - Eric Hanssen
- Melbourne Advanced Microscopy Facility and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne , Parkville , Victoria 3010 , Australia
| | | | - Christopher J H Porter
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology and Drug Delivery Disposition and Dynamics , Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University , Parkville , Victoria 3052 , Australia
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26
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Kimura S, Harada T, Ijichi K, Tanaka K, Liu R, Shibahara D, Kawano Y, Otsubo K, Yoneshima Y, Iwama E, Nakanishi Y, Okamoto I. Expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and its receptor TrkB is associated with poor prognosis and a malignant phenotype in small cell lung cancer. Lung Cancer 2018; 120:98-107. [PMID: 29748024 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2018.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES TrkB is a receptor for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and is highly expressed in various cancers, with BDNF-TrkB signaling having been implicated in tumor progression and metastasis. The role of the BDNF-TrkB system in small cell lung cancer (SCLC), a neuroendocrine cancer, has remained unclear, however. We examined BDNF and TrkB expression in SCLC patients as well as the function of BDNF-TrkB signaling in SCLC cell lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS BDNF and TrkB expression in tumor specimens of 58 SCLC patients and 20 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients was examined by immunohistochemistry and was scored on the basis of the distribution and intensity of staining. TrkB-overexpressing SCLC (SBC5TrkB) cells were established by retrovirus transduction and were examined for the effects of BDNF on intracellular signaling, cell proliferation, and cell migration in vitro. RESULTS The staining score for TrkB in NSCLC and SCLC specimens was 2.80 ± 0.19 and 3.60 ± 0.15, respectively, whereas that for BDNF was 1.95 ± 0.32 and 2.76 ± 0.14, respectively. High levels of both TrkB and BDNF expression in SCLC tumors were significantly associated with poor overall survival in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio = 1.821, P = 0.036). BDNF activated AKT and ERK signaling pathways in and promoted the migration of SBC5TrkB cells, and these effects were attenuated by the pan-Trk inhibitor GNF-5837. GNF-5837 also inhibited the proliferation of SBC5TrkB cells in the presence of BDNF. CONCLUSION Coexpression of BDNF and TrkB was associated with poor prognosis in SCLC patients, and BDNF promoted the migration of TrkB-overexpressing SCLC cells. TrkB is thus a potential therapeutic target for SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinichi Kimura
- Research Institute for Diseases of the Chest, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Taishi Harada
- Research Institute for Diseases of the Chest, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Japan Community Healthcare Organization Kyushu Hospital, Kitakyushu, Japan.
| | - Kayo Ijichi
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kentaro Tanaka
- Research Institute for Diseases of the Chest, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Renpeng Liu
- Research Institute for Diseases of the Chest, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Daisuke Shibahara
- Research Institute for Diseases of the Chest, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yuko Kawano
- Research Institute for Diseases of the Chest, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kohei Otsubo
- Research Institute for Diseases of the Chest, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yasuto Yoneshima
- Research Institute for Diseases of the Chest, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Eiji Iwama
- Research Institute for Diseases of the Chest, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoichi Nakanishi
- Research Institute for Diseases of the Chest, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Isamu Okamoto
- Research Institute for Diseases of the Chest, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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Giannaccini M, Usai A, Chiellini F, Guadagni V, Andreazzoli M, Ori M, Pasqualetti M, Dente L, Raffa V. Neurotrophin-conjugated nanoparticles prevent retina damage induced by oxidative stress. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:1255-1267. [PMID: 29098325 PMCID: PMC5843686 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2691-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Revised: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma and other optic neuropathies are characterized by a loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), a cell layer located in the posterior eye segment. Several preclinical studies demonstrate that neurotrophins (NTs) prevent RGC loss. However, NTs are rarely investigated in the clinic due to various issues, such as difficulties in reaching the retina, the very short half-life of NTs, and the need for multiple injections. We demonstrate that NTs can be conjugated to magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), which act as smart drug carriers. This combines the advantages of the self-localization of the drug in the retina and drug protection from fast degradation. We tested the nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor by comparing the neuroprotection of free versus conjugated proteins in a model of RGC loss induced by oxidative stress. Histological data demonstrated that the conjugated proteins totally prevented RGC loss, in sharp contrast to the equivalent dose of free proteins, which had no effect. The overall data suggest that the nanoscale MNP-protein hybrid is an excellent tool in implementing ocular drug delivery strategies for neuroprotection and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alice Usai
- Department of Biology, Università di Pisa, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - Federica Chiellini
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, Università di Pisa, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Michela Ori
- Department of Biology, Università di Pisa, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Luciana Dente
- Department of Biology, Università di Pisa, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - Vittoria Raffa
- Department of Biology, Università di Pisa, 56127, Pisa, Italy.
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Alemi R, Motassadi Zarandy M, Joghataei MT, Eftekharian A, Zarrindast MR, Vousooghi N. Plasticity after pediatric cochlear implantation: Implication from changes in peripheral plasma level of BDNF and auditory nerve responses. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2018; 105:103-110. [PMID: 29447794 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2017.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 12/09/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sensory neural hearing loss could lead to some structural and physiological changes in the auditory pathways, such as alteration in the expression of neurotrophins. These factors, especially Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), play an important role in synaptic functions and experience-related plasticity. Restoring cochlear function after hearing loss is possible through cochlear implantation (CI). Evaluation of the blood concentration changes of neurotrophins as prerequisites of plasticity could help scientists to determine the prognosis of CI as in the candidacy procedure or enhancing prosthesis function by adding the exact needed amount of BDNF to the electrode array. METHODS Here we have studied the plasma BDNF concentration before CI surgery and 6 months after using CI device in 15 pediatric CI recipients and compared this level with changes of BDNF concentration in 10 children who were using hearing aid (H.A). In addition, we searched for a possible correlation between post-surgery plasma BDNF concentration and electrical compound action potential (ECAP) and comfort-level (C-level) thresholds. RESULTS Plasma BDNF concentration in children with CI increased significantly after CI surgery, while this difference in H.A group was not significant. Analysis of repeated measures of ECAP and C-level thresholds in CI group showed that there were some kinds of steadiness during follow- up sessions for ECAP thresholds in basal and E16 of middle electrodes, whereas C-level thresholds for all selected electrodes increased significantly up to six months follow-up. Interestingly, we did not find any significant correlation between post-surgery plasma BDNF concentration and ECAP or C-level threshold changes. CONCLUSION It is concluded that changes in C-level threshold and steady state of ECAP thresholds and significant changes in BDNF concentration could be regarded as an indicator of experienced-related plasticity after CI stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razieh Alemi
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Cochlear Implant Center and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Amir Aalam Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Motassadi Zarandy
- Cochlear Implant Center and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Amir Aalam Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taghi Joghataei
- Division of Neuroscience, Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Eftekharian
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Loghman Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Zarrindast
- Genetics Laboratory, Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies (INCAS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies, Tehran, Iran; Genomic Center, School of Advanced Sciences, Tehran Medical Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasim Vousooghi
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Genetics Laboratory, Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies (INCAS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Research Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Nanomedicine for Inner Ear Diseases: A Review of Recent In Vivo Studies. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:3098230. [PMID: 29130038 PMCID: PMC5654248 DOI: 10.1155/2017/3098230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticles are promising therapeutic options for inner ear disease. In this report, we review in vivo animal studies in the otologic field using nanoparticles over the past 5 years. Many studies have used nanoparticles to deliver drugs, genes, and growth factors, and functional and morphological changes have been observed. The constituents of nanoparticles are also diversifying into various biocompatible materials, including poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). The safe and effective delivery of drugs or genes in the inner ear will be a breakthrough for the treatment of inner ear diseases, including age-related hearing loss.
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Mittal R, Nguyen D, Patel AP, Debs LH, Mittal J, Yan D, Eshraghi AA, Van De Water TR, Liu XZ. Recent Advancements in the Regeneration of Auditory Hair Cells and Hearing Restoration. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:236. [PMID: 28824370 PMCID: PMC5534485 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurosensory responses of hearing and balance are mediated by receptors in specialized neuroepithelial sensory cells. Any disruption of the biochemical and molecular pathways that facilitate these responses can result in severe deficits, including hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction. Hearing is affected by both environmental and genetic factors, with impairment of auditory function being the most common neurosensory disorder affecting 1 in 500 newborns, as well as having an impact on the majority of elderly population. Damage to auditory sensory cells is not reversible, and if sufficient damage and cell death have taken place, the resultant deficit may lead to permanent deafness. Cochlear implants are considered to be one of the most successful and consistent treatments for deaf patients, but only offer limited recovery at the expense of loss of residual hearing. Recently there has been an increased interest in the auditory research community to explore the regeneration of mammalian auditory hair cells and restoration of their function. In this review article, we examine a variety of recent therapies, including genetic, stem cell and molecular therapies as well as discussing progress being made in genome editing strategies as applied to the restoration of hearing function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Mittal
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiami, FL, United States
| | - Desiree Nguyen
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiami, FL, United States
| | - Amit P. Patel
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiami, FL, United States
| | - Luca H. Debs
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiami, FL, United States
| | - Jeenu Mittal
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiami, FL, United States
| | - Denise Yan
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiami, FL, United States
| | - Adrien A. Eshraghi
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiami, FL, United States
| | - Thomas R. Van De Water
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiami, FL, United States
| | - Xue Z. Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiami, FL, United States
- Department of Otolaryngology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangsha, China
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Zhao L, Chen G, Li J, Fu Y, Mavlyutov TA, Yao A, Nickells RW, Gong S, Guo LW. An intraocular drug delivery system using targeted nanocarriers attenuates retinal ganglion cell degeneration. J Control Release 2017; 247:153-166. [PMID: 28063892 PMCID: PMC5323250 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2016.12.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Revised: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a common blinding disease characterized by loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). To date, there is no clinically available treatment directly targeting RGCs. We aim to develop an RGC-targeted intraocular drug delivery system using unimolecular micelle nanoparticles (unimNPs) to prevent RGC loss. The unimNPs were formed by single/individual multi-arm star amphiphilic block copolymer poly(amidoamine)-polyvalerolactone-poly(ethylene glycol) (PAMAM-PVL-PEG). While the hydrophobic PAMAM-PVL core can encapsulate hydrophobic drugs, the hydrophilic PEG shell provides excellent water dispersity. We conjugated unimNPs with the cholera toxin B domain (CTB) for RGC-targeting and with Cy5.5 for unimNP-tracing. To exploit RGC-protective sigma-1 receptor (S1R), we loaded unimNPs with an endogenous S1R agonist dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) as an FDA-approved model drug. These unimNPs produced a steady DHEA release in vitro for over two months at pH7.4. We then co-injected (mice, intraocular) unimNPs with the glutamate analog N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA), which is excito-toxic and induces RGC death. The CTB-conjugated unimNPs (i.e., targeted NPs) accumulated at the RGC layer and effectively preserved RGCs at least for 14days, whereas the unimNPs without CTB (i.e., non-targeted NPs) showed neither accumulation at nor protection of NMDA-treated RGCs. Consistent with S1R functions, targeted NPs relative to non-targeted NPs showed markedly better inhibitory effects on apoptosis and oxidative/inflammatory stresses in the RGC layer. Hence, the DHEA-loaded, CTB-conjugated unimNPs represent an RGC/S1R dual-targeted nanoplatform that generates an efficacious template for further development of a sustainable intraocular drug delivery system to protect RGCs, which may be applicable to treatments directed at glaucomatous pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhao
- Department of Surgery, 5151 Wisconsin Institute for Medical Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Guojun Chen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Surgery, 5151 Wisconsin Institute for Medical Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China.; Department of Ophthalmology, The 3rd People's Hospital of Dalian, Dalian 116033, China
| | - Yingmei Fu
- Department of Surgery, 5151 Wisconsin Institute for Medical Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 600 Wanping Nan Road, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Timur A Mavlyutov
- Department of Surgery, 5151 Wisconsin Institute for Medical Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Annie Yao
- Department of Surgery, 5151 Wisconsin Institute for Medical Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Robert W Nickells
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1300 University Ave, Madison, WI 53706, USA; McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Shaoqin Gong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA; McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
| | - Lian-Wang Guo
- Department of Surgery, 5151 Wisconsin Institute for Medical Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53705, USA; McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
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Xu L, Zhang Z, Xie T, Zhang X, Dai T. Inhibition of BDNF-AS Provides Neuroprotection for Retinal Ganglion Cells against Ischemic Injury. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0164941. [PMID: 27935942 PMCID: PMC5147780 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protects retinal ganglion cells against ischemia in ocular degenerative diseases. We aimed to determine the effect of BDNF-AS on the ischemic injury of retinal ganglion cells. Methods: The levels of BDNF and BDNF-AS were measured in retinal ganglion cells subjected to oxygen and glucose deprivation. The lentiviral vectors were constructed to either overexpress or knock out BDNF-AS. The luciferase reporter gene assay was used to determine whether BDNF-AS could target its seed sequence on BDNF mRNA. The methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay was used to determine cell viability, and TUNEL staining was used for cell apoptosis. Results: The levels of BDNF-AS were negatively correlated with BDNF in ischemic retinal ganglion cells. BDNF-AS directly targeted its complementary sequences on BDNF mRNA. BDNF-AS regulated the expression of BDNF and its related genes in retinal ganglion cells. Down-regulation of BDNF-AS increased cell viability and decreased the number of TUNEL-positive retinal ganglion cells under oxygen and glucose deprivation conditions. Conclusion: Inhibition of BDNF-AS protected retinal ganglion cells against ischemia by increasing the levels of BDNF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifang Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wuxi People’s Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ziyin Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wuxi People’s Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tianhua Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wuxi People’s Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoyang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wuxi People’s Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tu Dai
- Department of Hepatobiliary, Wuxi No.2 People’s Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- * E-mail:
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Yoon JY, Yang KJ, Park SN, Kim DK, Kim JD. The effect of dexamethasone/cell-penetrating peptide nanoparticles on gene delivery for inner ear therapy. Int J Nanomedicine 2016; 11:6123-6134. [PMID: 27895484 PMCID: PMC5117898 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s114241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Dexamethasone (Dex)-loaded PHEA-g-C18-Arg8 (PCA) nanoparticles (PCA/Dex) were developed for the delivery of genes to determine the synergistic effect of Dex on gene expression. The cationic PCA nanoparticles were self-assembled to create cationic micelles containing an octadecylamine (C18) core with Dex and an arginine 8 (Arg8) peptide shell for electrostatic complexation with nucleic acids (connexin 26 [Cx26] siRNA, green fluorescent protein [GFP] DNA or brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF] pDNA). The PCA/Dex nanoparticles conjugated with Arg8, a cell-penetrating peptide that enhances permeability through a round window membrane in the inner ear for gene delivery, exhibited high uptake efficiency in HEI-OC1 cells. This potential carrier co-delivering Dex and the gene into inner ear cells has a diameter of 120-140 nm and a zeta potential of 20-25 mV. Different types of genes were complexed with the Dex-loaded PCA nanoparticle (PCA/Dex/gene) for gene expression to induce additional anti-inflammatory effects. PCA/Dex showed mildly increased expression of GFP and lower mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL1b, IL12, and INFr) than did Dex-free PCA nanoparticles and Lipofectamine® reagent in HEI-OC1 cells. In addition, after loading Cx26 siRNA onto the surface of PCA/Dex, Cx26 gene expression was downregulated according to real-time polymerase chain reaction for 24 h, compared with that using Lipofectamine reagent. After loading BDNF DNA into PCA/Dex, increased expression of BDNF was observed for 30 h, and its signaling pathway resulted in an increase in phosphorylation of Akt, observed by Western blotting. Thus, Dex within PCA/Dex/gene nanoparticles created an anti-inflammatory effect and enhanced gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Young Yoon
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, BK 21 Plus Program, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Guseong-Dong, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon
| | - Keum-Jin Yang
- Clinical Research Institute, St Mary's Hospital, Daejeon
| | - Shi-Nae Park
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Kee Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Duk Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, BK 21 Plus Program, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Guseong-Dong, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon
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Khalin I, Alyautdin R, Wong TW, Gnanou J, Kocherga G, Kreuter J. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor delivered to the brain using poly (lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles improves neurological and cognitive outcome in mice with traumatic brain injury. Drug Deliv 2016; 23:3520-3528. [PMID: 27278330 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2016.1199609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of death or disabilities in young individuals worldwide. The multi-complexity of its pathogenesis as well as impermeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) makes the drug choice and delivery very challenging. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) regulates neuronal plasticity, neuronal cell growth, proliferation, cell survival and long-term memory. However, its short half-life and low BBB permeability are the main hurdles to be an effective therapeutic for TBI. Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles coated by surfactant can enable the delivery of a variety of molecules across the BBB by receptor-mediated transcytosis. This study examines the ability of PLGA nanoparticles coated with poloxamer 188 (PX) to deliver BDNF into the brain and neuroprotective effects of BNDF in mice with TBI. C57bl/6 mice were subjected to weight-drop closed head injuries under anesthesia. Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we demonstrated that the intravenous (IV) injection of nanoparticle-bound BDNF coated by PX (NP-BDNF-PX) significantly increased BDNF levels in the brain of sham-operated mice (p < 0.001) and in both ipsi- (p < 0.001) and contralateral (p < 0.001) parts of brain in TBI mice compared to controls. This study also showed using the passive avoidance (PA) test, that IV injection of NP-BDNF-PX 3 h post-injury prolonged the latent time in mice with TBI thereby reversing cognitive deficits caused by brain trauma. Finally, neurological severity score test demonstrated that our compound efficiently reduced the scores at day 7 after the injury indicating the improvement of neurological deficit in animals with TBI. This study shows that PLGA nanoparticles coated with PX effectively delivered BDNF into the brain, and improved neurological and cognitive deficits in TBI mice, thereby providing a neuroprotective effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Khalin
- a Faculty of Medicine and Defence Health , National Defence University of Malaysia , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Renad Alyautdin
- b Scientific Centre for Expertise of Medical Application Products , Moscow , Russia
| | - Tin Wui Wong
- c iPROMISE, Non-Destructive Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Centre, Universiti Teknologi MARA , Selangor , Malaysia
| | - Justin Gnanou
- a Faculty of Medicine and Defence Health , National Defence University of Malaysia , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Ganna Kocherga
- d Ophthalmic Microsurgery Department, International Medical Center Oftalmika , Kharkiv , Ukraine , and
| | - Jörg Kreuter
- e Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, Goethe University , Frankfurt , Germany
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Abstract
UNLABELLED Tauopathies are neurodegenerative diseases characterized by intraneuronal inclusions of hyperphosphorylated tau protein and abnormal expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a key modulator of neuronal survival and function. The severity of both these pathological hallmarks correlate with the degree of cognitive impairment in patients. However, how tau pathology specifically modifies BDNF signaling and affects neuronal function during early prodromal stages of tauopathy remains unclear. Here, we report that the mild tauopathy developing in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) of the P301S tau transgenic (P301S) mouse induces functional retinal changes by disrupting BDNF signaling via the TrkB receptor. In adult P301S mice, the physiological visual response of RGCs to pattern light stimuli and retinal acuity decline significantly. As a consequence, the activity-dependent secretion of BDNF in the vitreous is impaired in P301S mice. Further, in P301S retinas, TrkB receptors are selectively upregulated, but uncoupled from downstream extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 signaling. We also show that the impairment of TrkB signaling is triggered by tau pathology and mediates the tau-induced dysfunction of visual response. Overall our results identify a neurotrophin-mediated mechanism by which tau induces neuronal dysfunction during prodromal stages of tauopathy and define tau-driven pathophysiological changes of potential value to support early diagnosis and informed therapeutic decisions. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This work highlights the potential molecular mechanisms by which initial tauopathy induces neuronal dysfunction. Combining clinically used electrophysiological techniques (i.e., electroretinography) and molecular analyses, this work shows that in a relevant model of early tauopathy, the retina of the P301S mutant human tau transgenic mouse, mild tau pathology results in functional changes of neuronal activity, likely due to selective impairment of brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling via its receptor, TrkB. These findings may have important translational implications for early diagnosis in a subset of Alzheimer's disease patients with early visual symptoms and emphasize the need to clarify the pathophysiological changes associated with distinct tauopathy stages to support informed therapeutic decisions and guide drug discovery.
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Fisher M, Mellon SH, Wolkowitz O, Vinogradov S. Neuroscience-informed Auditory Training in Schizophrenia: A Final Report of the Effects on Cognition and Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor. SCHIZOPHRENIA RESEARCH-COGNITION 2016; 3:1-7. [PMID: 26705516 PMCID: PMC4685735 DOI: 10.1016/j.scog.2015.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Objective We previously reported the interim effects in a per protocol analysis of a randomized controlled trial of an innovative neuroscience-informed computerized cognitive training approach in schizophrenia. Here we report the effects of training on behavioral outcome measures in our final sample using an intent-to-treat analysis. We also report the effects on serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Method Eighty-seven clinically stable participants with schizophrenia were randomly assigned to either targeted auditory training (AT, N=46) or a computer games control condition (CG, N=41). Participants were assessed on neurocognition, symptoms and functional outcome at baseline and after 50 hours of intervention delivered over 10 weeks. Serum BDNF was assessed at baseline, at 2 weeks, and at 10 weeks. Results After the intervention, AT participants showed significant gains in global cognition, speed of processing, verbal learning, and verbal memory, relative to CG participants, with no changes in symptoms or functioning. At baseline, schizophrenia participants had significantly lower-than-normal serum BDNF. AT participants showed a significant increase in serum BDNF compared to CG participants, and “normalized” levels by post training. Conclusions Participants with chronic schizophrenia made significant cognitive gains after 50 hours of intensive computerized training delivered as a stand-alone treatment, but no improvement in symptoms or functioning. Serum BDNF levels were significantly increased, and may serve as a peripheral biomarker for the effects of training. Future research must focus on: 1) Methods of integrating cognitive training with psychosocial treatments; 2) A deeper understanding of underlying neurophysiology in order to enhance critical mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Fisher
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States ; Department of Psychiatry, San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Synthia H Mellon
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, United States
| | - Owen Wolkowitz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Sophia Vinogradov
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States ; Department of Psychiatry, San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, United States
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