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Sun WM, Ma CL, Xu J, He JP. Reduction in post-spinal cord injury spasticity by combination of peripheral nerve grafting and acidic fibroblast growth factor infusion in monkeys. J Int Med Res 2021; 49:3000605211022294. [PMID: 34154433 PMCID: PMC8236803 DOI: 10.1177/03000605211022294] [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] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Spasticity is a frequent complication after spinal cord injury (SCI), but the existing therapies provide only limited relief and are associated with adverse reactions. Therefore, we aimed to develop a novel strategy to ameliorate the spasticity induced by SCI. METHODS This nonrandomized controlled study used a repeated measurement design. The study involved four monkeys, two of which served as controls and only underwent spinal cord hemisection surgery at the T8 spine level. The other two monkeys underwent transplantation of sural nerve segments into the injured sites and long-term infusion of acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF). All monkeys received postoperative exercise training and therapy. RESULTS The combined therapy substantially reduced the spasticity in leg muscle tone, patella tendon reflex, and fanning of toes. Although all monkeys showed spontaneous recovery of function over time, the recovery in the controls reached a plateau and started to decline after 11 weeks. CONCLUSIONS The combination of peripheral nerve grafting and aFGF infusion may serve as a complementary approach to reduce the signs of spasticity in patients with SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Ming Sun
- Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Chao-Lin Ma
- Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jiang Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ji-Ping He
- Center for Neural Interface Design, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
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2
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Anatomy of the sural nerve complex: Unaccounted anatomic variations and morphometric data. Ann Anat 2021; 238:151742. [PMID: 33932499 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2021.151742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The sural nerve (SN) is a cutaneous sensory nerve innervating the posterolateral leg. The SN is formed from a highly variable set of contributing nerves called the sural nerve complex (SNC). The SNC is made up of the lateral sural cutaneous nerve, medial sural cutaneous nerve, sural communicating branch, and SN. The SN is frequently cited as the most common donor nerve graft and is commonly injured in procedures of the lower extremity. Recent meta-analysis standardized six morphologies of the SNC and established a required reporting criterion for the group of nerves forming the SN. Due to the inconsistencies in previous literature, this study will group observed SNC's by one of these six SNC morphologies to assess and validate the meta-analysis grouping criteria. This study will also collect the same morphometric data previously outlined in order to grow the number of samples that are reported in a standardized fashion. METHODS 100 formalin and 4 Theil preserved cadavers (n = 208) lower limbs were bilaterally dissected at Kansas City University and Creighton University School of Dentistry to observe the SNC in its entirety on the posterolateral leg. Anatomic data was captured utilizing the standardized morphologies types 1-6 with two sub-typing. Nerves that were found to be outside of this categorization were placed in an unassigned grouping. RESULTS The most prevalent SNCs were type 1 at 41.35% (n = 86) and type 3 nerves at 34.62% (n = 72). Type 2 was found 8.65% (n = 18), type 4 and 5 were found each at 0.48% (n = 1). Type 6 was not observed. When comparing the present studies frequency of nerve types 1-6 to the meta-analysis a sub-grouping of "North American" cadaveric studies a X2 = .903 p = .030 was found. Two distinct and previously unassigned formations of the SNC were 10.58% (n = 20) and 3.85% (n = 8) of data. These two SNC are termed type 7 & 8, these represent two formations of SN that are outside of what was previously reported. 15.87% (n = 33) did not match visual descriptions based on nerve origin of a type 1 SNC but met written definitions. These were termed type 1A1 and type 1A2. The SNC was asymmetrical in 57.69% (n = 120). The pooled mean length of the SN was 32.97 ± 14.12 cm (31.05-34.88), mean diameter was 2.31 ± 0.83 mm (2.20-2.42, and the distance of the posterior border of the lateral malleolus to the SN was found to be 1.72 ± 0.70 cm (1.63-1.80). CONCLUSION Anatomic variation in the SNC is highly variable, yet is consistent with previously observed literature. This study demonstrates two unaccounted formations of the SNC as well as two additional subcategories of SNC that were not included in the previous meta-analysis. These four variants warrant inclusion as standard formations of the SNC due to the high prevalence observed in this study as well as historical consistency observed in previous literature and case reports. These two SNC formations increase the risk of iatrogenic injury during surgical interventions of the lower extremity. Morphometric data describing the spatial relationship of this nerve complex on the posterolateral leg is consistent with previously reported data and aids in generating a large data set for future studies to characterize spatial properties of this nerve complex.
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Chang KT, Lin YL, Lin CT, Hong CJ, Cheng YH, Tsai MJ, Huang WC, Shih YH, Lee YY, Cheng H, Huang MC. Neuroprotection in the Acute Stage Enables Functional Recovery Following Repair of Chronic Cervical Root Transection After a 3-Week Delay. Neurosurgery 2021; 87:823-832. [PMID: 31960049 DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyz572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preganglionic cervical root transection (PCRT) is the most severe type of brachial plexus injury. In some cases, surgical procedures must be postponed for ≥3 wk until electromyographic confirmation. However, research works have previously shown that treating PCRT after a 3-wk delay fails to result in functional recovery. OBJECTIVE To assess whether the immunosuppressive drug sirolimus, by promoting neuroprotection in the acute phase of PCRT, could enable functional recovery in cases of delayed repair. METHODS First, rats received a left 6th to 8th cervical root transection, after which half were administered sirolimus for 1 wk. Markers of microglia, astrocytes, neurons, and autophagy were assessed at days 7 and 21. Second, animals with the same injury received nerve grafts, along with acidic fibroblast growth factor and fibrin glue, 3 wk postinjury. Sirolimus was administered to half of them for the first week. Mechanical sensation, grasping power, spinal cord morphology, functional neuron survival, nerve fiber regeneration, and somatosensory-evoked potentials (SSEPs) were assessed 1 and 23 wk postinjury. RESULTS Sirolimus was shown to attenuate microglial and astrocytic proliferation and enhance neuronal autophagy and survival; only rats treated with sirolimus underwent significant sensory and motor function recovery. In addition, rats who achieved functional recovery were shown to have abundant nerve fibers and neurons in the dorsal root entry zone, dorsal root ganglion, and ventral horn, as well as to have SSEPs reappearance. CONCLUSION Sirolimus-induced neuroprotection in the acute stage of PCRT enables functional recovery, even if surgical repair is performed after a 3-wk delay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Ting Chang
- Institute of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Neural Regeneration Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Applied Chemistry, Chaoyang University of Technology, Wufeng, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Lo Lin
- Neural Regeneration Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Te Lin
- Neural Regeneration Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Nursing, Central Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Jei Hong
- Neural Regeneration Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Hsin Cheng
- Neural Regeneration Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - May-Jywan Tsai
- Neural Regeneration Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Cheng Huang
- Neural Regeneration Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Center for Neural Regeneration, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yang-Hsin Shih
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Central Clinic Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Yen Lee
- Graduate Institute of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Henrich Cheng
- Institute of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Neural Regeneration Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Center for Neural Regeneration, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chao Huang
- Neural Regeneration Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Central Clinic Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Basic Medical Education Center, Central Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taichung, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Ko CC, Tu TH, Wu JC, Huang WC, Cheng H. Acidic Fibroblast Growth Factor in Spinal Cord Injury. Neurospine 2019; 16:728-738. [PMID: 30653905 PMCID: PMC6944993 DOI: 10.14245/ns.1836216.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI), with an incidence rate of 246 per million person-years among adults in Taiwan, remains a devastating disease in the modern day. Elderly men with lower socioeconomic status have an even higher risk for SCI. Despite advances made in medicine and technology to date, there are few effective treatments for SCI due to limitations in the regenerative capacity of the adult central nervous system. Experiments and clinical trials have explored neuro-regeneration in human SCI, encompassing cell- and molecule-based therapies. Furthermore, strategies have aimed at restoring connections, including autologous peripheral nerve grafts and biomaterial scaffolds that theoretically promote axonal growth. Most molecule-based therapies target the modulation of inhibitory molecules to promote axonal growth, degrade glial scarring obstacles, and stimulate intrinsic regenerative capacity. Among them, acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) has been investigated for nerve repair; it is mitogenic and pluripotent in nature and could enhance axonal growth and mitigate glial scarring. For more than 2 decades, the authors have conducted multiple trials, including human and animal experiments, using aFGF to repair nerve injuries, including central and peripheral nerves. In these trials, aFGF has shown promise for neural regeneration, and in the future, more trials and applications should investigate aFGF as a neurotrophic factor. Focusing on aFGF, the current review aimed to summarize the historical evolution of the utilization of aFGF in SCI and nerve injuries, to present applications and trials, to summarize briefly its possible mechanisms, and to provide future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-Chu Ko
- Jhong Jheng Spine & Orthopedic Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Hsi Tu
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Taiwan International Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine, National Yang-Ming University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jau-Ching Wu
- Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Cheng Huang
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Henrich Cheng
- Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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5
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Functional improvement in chronic human spinal cord injury: Four years after acidic fibroblast growth factor. Sci Rep 2018; 8:12691. [PMID: 30139947 PMCID: PMC6107496 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31083-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Few treatments have proven effective for patients with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) in human SCI. This was an open-label prospective clinical trial of aFGF with an extended follow-up to 48 months. All patients were treated with aFGF 3 times, including once directly applied to the injured spinal cord during neurolysis surgery, and twice via lumbar punctures at 3- and 6-months post-operation. Every patient was evaluated with standardized measurements of neurological functions. The trial initially enrolled 60 patients (30 cervical and 30 thoracolumbar SCI), but only 46 (21 cervical- and 25 thoracolumbar-SCI) completed the follow-up. The ASIA impairment scales, motor, pin prick, light touch, and FIM motor subtotal scores were all improved in both groups, except that the ASIA scores of light touch only demonstrated tendency of increase in the cervical-SCI group. All patients had a decrease in dependence, and there were no major adverse events or other oncological problems throughout the follow-up. At 48 months, the study demonstrated that aFGF was safe, feasible, and could yield modest functional improvement in chronic SCI patients. Further randomized control investigations are warranted for validation of its optimal dosage.
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Eggers R, Tannemaat MR, De Winter F, Malessy MJA, Verhaagen J. Clinical and neurobiological advances in promoting regeneration of the ventral root avulsion lesion. Eur J Neurosci 2015; 43:318-35. [PMID: 26415525 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Revised: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Root avulsions due to traction to the brachial plexus causes complete and permanent loss of function. Until fairly recent, such lesions were considered impossible to repair. Here we review clinical repair strategies and current progress in experimental ventral root avulsion lesions. The current gold standard in patients with a root avulsion is nerve transfer, whereas reimplantation of the avulsed root into the spinal cord has been performed in a limited number of cases. These neurosurgical repair strategies have significant benefit for the patient but functional recovery remains incomplete. Developing new ways to improve the functional outcome of neurosurgical repair is therefore essential. In the laboratory, the molecular and cellular changes following ventral root avulsion and the efficacy of intervention strategies have been studied at the level of spinal motoneurons, the ventral spinal root and peripheral nerve, and the skeletal muscle. We present an overview of cell-based pharmacological and neurotrophic factor treatment approaches that have been applied in combination with surgical reimplantation. These interventions all demonstrate neuroprotective effects on avulsed motoneurons, often accompanied with various degrees of axonal regeneration. However, effects on survival are usually transient and robust axon regeneration over long distances has as yet not been achieved. Key future areas of research include finding ways to further extend the post-lesion survival period of motoneurons, the identification of neuron-intrinsic factors which can promote persistent and long-distance axon regeneration, and finally prolonging the pro-regenerative state of Schwann cells in the distal nerve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Eggers
- Laboratory for Neuroregeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Martijn R Tannemaat
- Laboratory for Neuroregeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Fred De Winter
- Laboratory for Neuroregeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Martijn J A Malessy
- Laboratory for Neuroregeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Joost Verhaagen
- Laboratory for Neuroregeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognition research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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7
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Lin YL, Chang KT, Lin CT, Tsai MJ, Tsai YA, Lee YY, Chien SC, Huang WC, Shih YH, Cheng H, Huang MC. Repairing the ventral root is sufficient for simultaneous motor and sensory recovery in multiple complete cervical root transection injuries. Life Sci 2014; 109:44-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2014.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Revised: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 06/02/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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8
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Barbizan R, Castro MV, Rodrigues AC, Barraviera B, Ferreira RS, Oliveira ALR. Motor recovery and synaptic preservation after ventral root avulsion and repair with a fibrin sealant derived from snake venom. PLoS One 2013; 8:e63260. [PMID: 23667596 PMCID: PMC3646764 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0063260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2012] [Accepted: 04/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ventral root avulsion is an experimental model of proximal axonal injury at the central/peripheral nervous system interface that results in paralysis and poor clinical outcome after restorative surgery. Root reimplantation may decrease neuronal degeneration in such cases. We describe the use of a snake venom-derived fibrin sealant during surgical reconnection of avulsed roots at the spinal cord surface. The present work investigates the effects of this fibrin sealant on functional recovery, neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, and glial reaction in the spinal motoneuron microenvironment after ventral root reimplantation. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Female Lewis rats (7 weeks old) were subjected to VRA and root replantation. The animals were divided into two groups: 1) avulsion only and 2) replanted roots with fibrin sealant derived from snake venom. Post-surgical motor performance was evaluated using the CatWalk system twice a week for 12 weeks. The rats were sacrificed 12 weeks after surgery, and their lumbar intumescences were processed for motoneuron counting and immunohistochemistry (GFAP, Iba-1 and synaptophysin antisera). Array based qRT-PCR was used to evaluate gene regulation of several neurotrophic factors and receptors as well as inflammatory related molecules. The results indicated that the root reimplantation with fibrin sealant enhanced motor recovery, preserved the synaptic covering of the motoneurons and improved neuronal survival. The replanted group did not show significant changes in microglial response compared to VRA-only. However, the astroglial reaction was significantly reduced in this group. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE In conclusion, the present data suggest that the repair of avulsed roots with snake venom fibrin glue at the exact point of detachment results in neuroprotection and preservation of the synaptic network at the microenvironment of the lesioned motoneurons. Also such procedure reduced the astroglial reaction and increased mRNA levels to neurotrophins and anti-inflammatory cytokines that may in turn, contribute to improving recovery of motor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Barbizan
- Laboratory of Nerve Regeneration, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Anatomy, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Mateus V. Castro
- Laboratory of Nerve Regeneration, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Anatomy, Campinas, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Alexandre L. R. Oliveira
- Laboratory of Nerve Regeneration, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Anatomy, Campinas, Brazil
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Wang ZX, Luo DL, Pan Y, Chen L, Li Z, Tao L, Dai X, Li YJ, Li XY, Li SR. Autologous nerve implantation into denervated monkey skin promotes regeneration of Meissner's corpuscle. Med Sci Monit 2011; 17:BR377-84. [PMID: 22129896 PMCID: PMC3628142 DOI: 10.12659/msm.882124] [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] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to observe the effects of autologous nerve implantation into the denervated finger flap on the regression and regeneration of sensory nerve endings and Meissner’s corpuscles. Material/Methods Bilateral nerves of fingers were separated: one was removed and the other was implanted into the denervated finger in the implantation group. In the non-implantation group, both nerves were removed. The ventral skin of fingers was collected for immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after surgery. Results The nerve endings in the Meissner’s corpuscles began to degenerate 3 months after denervation. The elementary structure of Meissner’s corpuscles was not significantly altered. Nerve fibers were present around the Meissner’s corpuscles, accompanied by growing into its inward. The axons in the denervated nerve disappeared and the Meissner’s corpuscles began to atrophy at month 6. More regenerated nerve fibers were observed after nerve implantation, including intensive and thick fibers, accompanied by reinnervation of Meissner’s corpuscles. More nerve fibers and a higher proportion of myelinated nerve fibers were noted at month 9 in the implantation group, and the reinnervation was present in the majority of Meissner’s corpuscles. Naive myelinated nerve fibers appeared at the caudal end of Meissner’s corpuscles. The nerve fibers in the Meissner’s corpuscles increased to the normal level at 12 months after nerve implantation. Conclusions The implanted nerve regenerated a large amount of free nerve endings, which helped to regenerate simple Meissner’s corpuscles via governing previously degenerated corpuscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Xiang Wang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Southwest Hospital, 3rd Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Huang WC, Kuo HS, Tsai MJ, Ma H, Chiu CW, Huang MC, Yang LH, Chang PT, Lin YL, Kuo WC, Lee MJ, Liu JC, Cheng H. Adeno-associated virus-mediated human acidic fibroblast growth factor expression promotes functional recovery of spinal cord-contused rats. J Gene Med 2011; 13:283-9. [PMID: 21557400 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.1568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Following spinal cord injury, the delivery of neurotrophic factors to the injured spinal cord has been shown to promote axonal regeneration and functional recovery. In previous studies, we showed that acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) is a potent neurotrophic factor that promotes the regeneration of axotomized spinal cord or dorsal root ganglion neurones. METHODS We constructed a recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector to express human aFGF and evaluated aFGF expression and function in AAV-aFGF-infected PC12 cells. We analyzed AAV-green fluorescent protein (GFP) tropism and AAV-mediated aFGF expression in contused spinal cords. Animals received behavioural testing to evaluate the functional recovery. RESULTS Overexpression of aFGF was shown in AAV-aFGF-infected PC12 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Concurrently, neurite extension and cell number were significantly increased in AAV-aFGF infected cells. AAV-mediated GFP expression persisted for at least 5 weeks in contused spinal cords, and the most prominently transduced cells were neurones. Contusive injury reduced endogenous aFGF expression in spinal cords. Overexpression of aFGF was demonstrated in AAV-aFGF transduced spinal cords compared to AAV-GFP transduced spinal cords at 3 and 14 days post-injury. Evaluation of motor function revealed that the improvement of AAV-aFGF-treated rats was prominent. Both AAV-aFGF- and recombinant human aFGF-treated rats revealed significantly better recovery at 5 weeks post-injury, compared to vehicle- and AAV-GFP-treated rats. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that supplement of aFGF improve the functional recovery of spinal cord-contused rats and that AAV-aFGF-mediated gene transfer could be a clinically feasible therapeutic approach for patients after nervous system injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Cheng Huang
- Centre for Neural Regeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Fehlings MG, Wilson JR. Editorial: Repair of the injured human spinal cord. J Neurosurg Spine 2011; 15:213-4; discussion 214-5. [DOI: 10.3171/2011.3.spine11129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael G. Fehlings
- Krembil Neuroscience Centre Spinal Program, Toronto Western Hospital; and Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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12
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Wu JC, Huang WC, Chen YC, Tu TH, Tsai YA, Huang SF, Huang HC, Cheng H. Acidic fibroblast growth factor for repair of human spinal cord injury: a clinical trial. J Neurosurg Spine 2011; 15:216-27. [PMID: 21663406 DOI: 10.3171/2011.4.spine10404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECT The study aimed to verify the safety and feasibility of applying acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) with fibrin glue in combination with surgical neurolysis for nonacute spinal cord injury. METHODS This open-label, prospective, uncontrolled human clinical trial recruited 60 patients with spinal cord injuries (30 cervical and 30 thoracolumbar). The mean patient age was 36.5 ± 15.33 (mean ± SD) years, and the male/female ratio was 3:1. The mean time from injury to treatment was 25.7 ± 26.58 months, and the cause of injury included motor vehicle accident (26 patients [43.3%]), fall from a height (17 patients [28.3%]), sports (4 patients [6.7%]), and other (13 patients [21.7%]). Application of aFGF with fibrin glue and duraplasty was performed via laminectomy, and an adjuvant booster of combined aFGF and fibrin glue (2 ml) was given at 3 and 6 months postsurgery via lumbar puncture. Outcome measurements included the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) motor scores, sensory scores, impairment scales, and neurological levels. Examination of functional independence measures, visual analog scale, MR imaging, electrophysiological and urodynamic studies, hematology and biochemistry tests, tumor markers, and serum inflammatory cytokines were all conducted. All adverse events were monitored and reported. Exclusions were based on refusal, unrelated adverse events, or failure to participate in the planned rehabilitation. RESULTS Forty-nine patients (26 with cervical and 23 with thoracolumbar injuries) completed the 24-month trial. Compared with preoperative conditions, the 24-month postoperative ASIA motor scores improved significantly in the cervical group (from 27.6 ± 15.55 to 37.0 ± 19.93, p < 0.001) and thoracolumbar group (from 56.8 ± 9.21 to 60.7 ± 10.10, p < 0.001). The ASIA sensory scores also demonstrated significant improvement in light touch and pinprick in both groups: from 55.8 ± 24.89 to 59.8 ± 26.47 (p = 0.049) and 56.3 ± 23.36 to 62.3 ± 24.87 (p = 0.003), respectively, in the cervical group and from 75.7 ± 15.65 to 79.2 ± 15.81 (p < 0.001) and 78.2 ± 14.72 to 82.7 ± 16.60 (p < 0.001), respectively, in the thoracolumbar group. At 24-month follow-up, the ASIA impairment scale improved significantly in both groups (30% cervical [p = 0.011] and 30% thoracolumbar [p = 0.003]). There was also significant improvement in neurological level in the cervical (from 5.17 ± 1.60 to 6.27 ± 3.27, p = 0.022) and thoracolumbar (from 18.03 ± 4.19 to 18.67 ± 3.96, p = 0.001) groups. The average sum of motor items in functional independence measure also had significant improvement in both groups (p < 0.05). The walking/wheelchair locomotion subscale showed increased percentages of patients who were ambulatory (from 3.4% to 13.8% and from 17.9% to 35.7% in the cervical and thoracolumbar groups, respectively). There were no related adverse events. CONCLUSIONS The use of aFGF for spinal cord injury was safe and feasible in the present trial. There were significant improvements in ASIA motor and sensory scale scores, ASIA impairment scales, neurological levels, and functional independence measure at 24 months after treatment. Further large-scale, randomized, and controlled investigations are warranted to evaluate the efficacy and long-term results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jau-Ching Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Direct cord implantation in brachial plexus avulsions: revised technique using a single stage combined anterior (first) posterior (second) approach and end-to-side side-to-side grafting neurorrhaphy. J Brachial Plex Peripher Nerve Inj 2009; 4:8. [PMID: 19545356 PMCID: PMC2711067 DOI: 10.1186/1749-7221-4-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2009] [Accepted: 06/19/2009] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The superiority of a single stage combined anterior (first) posterior (second) approach and end-to-side side-to-side grafting neurorrhaphy in direct cord implantation was investigated as to providing adequate exposure to both the cervical cord and the brachial plexus, as to causing less tissue damage and as to being more extensible than current surgical approaches. METHODS The front and back of the neck, the front and back of the chest up to the midline and the whole affected upper limb were sterilized while the patient was in the lateral position; the patient was next turned into the supine position, the plexus explored anteriorly and the grafts were placed; the patient was then turned again into the lateral position, and a posterior cervical laminectomy was done. The grafts were retrieved posteriorly and side grafted to the anterior cord. Using this approach, 5 patients suffering from complete traumatic brachial plexus palsy, 4 adults and 1 obstetric case were operated upon and followed up for 2 years. 2 were C5,6 ruptures and C7,8T1 avulsions. 3 were C5,6,7,8T1 avulsions. C5,6 ruptures were grafted and all avulsions were cord implanted. RESULTS Surgery in complete avulsions led to Grade 4 improvement in shoulder abduction/flexion and elbow flexion. Cocontractions occurred between the lateral deltoid and biceps on active shoulder abduction. No cocontractions occurred after surgery in C5,6 ruptures and C7,8T1 avulsions, muscle power improvement extended into the forearm and hand; pain disappeared. LIMITATIONS INCLUDE: spontaneous recovery despite MRI appearance of avulsions, fallacies in determining intraoperative avulsions (wrong diagnosis, wrong level); small sample size; no controls rule out superiority of this technique versus other direct cord reimplantation techniques or other neurotization procedures; intra- and interobserver variability in testing muscle power and cocontractions. CONCLUSION Through providing proper exposure to the brachial plexus and to the cervical cord, the single stage combined anterior (first) and posterior (second) approach might stimulate brachial plexus surgeons to go more for direct cord implantation. In this study, it allowed for placing side grafts along an extensive donor recipient area by end-to-side, side-to-side grafting neurorrhaphy and thus improved results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV, prospective case series.
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