Neurotrophic and immunomodulatory effects of olfactory ensheathing cells as a strategy for neuroprotection and regeneration

Sigma-1 receptor targeting inhibits connexin 43 based intercellular communication in chronic neuropathic pain

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Neuropathic pain is a chronic condition characterized by aberrant signaling within the somatosensory system, affecting millions of people worldwide with limited treatment options. Herein, we aim at investigating the potential of a sigma-1 receptor (σ1R) antagonist in managing neuropathic pain.

METHODS

A Chronic Constriction Injury (CCI) model was used to induce neuropathic pain. The potential of (+)-MR200 was evaluated following daily subcutaneous injections of the compound. Its mechanism of action was confirmed by administration of a well-known σ1R agonist, PRE084.

RESULTS

(+)-MR200 demonstrated efficacy in protecting neurons from damage and alleviating pain hypersensitivity in CCI model. Our results suggest that (+)-MR200 reduced the activation of astrocytes and microglia, cells known to contribute to the neuroinflammatory process, suggesting that (+)-MR200 may not only address pain symptoms but also tackle the underlying cellular mechanism involved. Furthermore, (+)-MR200 treatment normalized levels of the gap junction (GJ)-forming protein connexin 43 (Cx43), suggesting a reduction in harmful intercellular communication that could fuel the chronicity of pain.

CONCLUSIONS

This approach could offer a neuroprotective strategy for managing neuropathic pain, addressing both pain symptoms and cellular processes driving the condition. Understanding the dynamics of σ1R expression and function in neuropathic pain is crucial for clinical intervention.

Therapeutic Potential of Olfactory Ensheathing Cells and Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in Osteoarthritis: Insights from Preclinical Studies

Olfactory-ensheathing cells (OECs) are known for their role in neuronal regeneration and potential to promote tissue repair. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), characterized by mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) traits, display a fibroblast-like morphology and express MSC surface markers, making them suitable for regenerative therapies for osteoarthritis (OA). In this study, OECs and ADSCs were derived from tissues and characterized for their morphology, surface marker expression, and differentiation capabilities. Collagenase-induced OA was created in 10-week-old C57BL/6 mice, followed by intra-articular injections of ADSCs (1 × 105), OECs (1 × 105), or a higher dose of OECs (5 × 105). Therapeutic efficacy was evaluated using rotarod performance tests, MRI, histology, and immunohistochemistry. Both cell types exhibited typical MSC characteristics and successfully differentiated into adipocytes, osteoblasts, and chondrocytes, confirmed by gene expression and staining. Transplantation significantly improved rotarod performance and preserved cartilage integrity, as seen in MRI and histology, with reduced cartilage destruction and increased chondrocytes. Immunohistochemistry showed elevated type II collagen and aggrecan in treated joints, indicating hyaline cartilage formation, and reduced MMP13 and IL-1β expression, suggesting decreased inflammation and catabolic activity. These findings highlight the regenerative potential of OECs and ADSCs in treating OA by preserving cartilage, promoting chondrocyte proliferation, and reducing inflammation. Further research is needed to optimize delivery methods and evaluate long-term clinical outcomes.

Olfactory immunology: the missing piece in airway and CNS defence

The olfactory mucosa is a component of the nasal airway that mediates the sense of smell. Recent studies point to an important role for the olfactory mucosa as a barrier to both respiratory pathogens and to neuroinvasive pathogens that hijack the olfactory nerve and invade the CNS. In particular, the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that the olfactory mucosa is an integral part of a heterogeneous nasal mucosal barrier critical to upper airway immunity. However, our insufficient knowledge of olfactory mucosal immunity hinders attempts to protect this tissue from infection and other diseases. This Review summarizes the state of olfactory immunology by highlighting the unique immunologically relevant anatomy of the olfactory mucosa, describing what is known of olfactory immune cells, and considering the impact of common infectious diseases and inflammatory disorders at this site. We will offer our perspective on the future of the field and the many unresolved questions pertaining to olfactory immunity.

Melatonin Enhances Neural Differentiation of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) are adult multipotent stem cells, able to differentiate toward neural elements other than cells of mesodermal lineage. The aim of this research was to test ASC neural differentiation using melatonin combined with conditioned media (CM) from glial cells. Isolated from the lipoaspirate of healthy donors, ASCs were expanded in a basal growth medium before undergoing neural differentiation procedures. For this purpose, CM obtained from olfactory ensheathing cells and from Schwann cells were used. In some samples, 1 µM of melatonin was added. After 1 and 7 days of culture, cells were studied using immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry to evaluate neural marker expression (Nestin, MAP2, Synapsin I, GFAP) under different conditions. The results confirmed that a successful neural differentiation was achieved by glial CM, whereas the addition of melatonin alone did not induce appreciable changes. When melatonin was combined with CM, ASC neural differentiation was enhanced, as demonstrated by a further improvement of neuronal marker expression, whereas glial differentiation was attenuated. A dynamic modulation was also observed, testing the expression of melatonin receptors. In conclusion, our data suggest that melatonin's neurogenic differentiation ability can be usefully exploited to obtain neuronal-like differentiated ASCs for potential therapeutic strategies.

The role of olfactory ensheathing cells in the repair of nerve injury

Cell transplantation has brought about a breakthrough in the treatment of nerve injuries, and the efficacy of cell transplantation compared to drug and surgical therapies is very exciting. In terms of transplantation targets, the classic cells include neural stem cells (NSCs) and Schwann cells, while a class of cells that can exist and renew throughout the life of the nervous system - olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) - has recently been discovered in the olfactory system. OECs not only encircle the olfactory nerves but also act as macrophages and play an innate immune role. OECs can also undergo reprogramming to transform into neurons and survive and mature after transplantation. Currently, many studies have confirmed the repairing effect of OECs after transplantation into injured nerves, and safe and effective results have been obtained in clinical trials. However, the specific repair mechanism of OECs among them is not quite clear. For this purpose, we focus here on the repair mechanisms of OECs, which are summarized as follows: neuroprotection, secretion of bioactive factors, limitation of inflammation and immune regulation, promotion of myelin and axonal regeneration, and promotion of vascular proliferation. In addition, integrating the aspects of harvesting, purification, and prognosis, we found that OECs may be more suitable for transplantation than NSCs and Schwann cells, but this does not completely discard the value of these classical cells. Overall, OECs are considered to be one of the most promising transplantation targets for the treatment of nerve injury disorders.

Effect of valproic acid combined with transplantation of olfactory ensheathing cells modified by neurotrophic 3 gene on nerve protection and repair after traumatic brain injury

BACKGROUND

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) often leads to cognitive and neurological dysfunction. Valproic acid (VPA) has a neuroprotective effect in acute central nervous system diseases; the neurotrophin 3 gene (NT-3) can maintain the survival of neurons, and olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) can promote the growth of nerve axons. This study aimed to evaluate the restorative effect of VPA combined with NT-3 modified OECs (NT-3-OECs) on neurological function after TBI.

METHODS

The neurological severity score (NSS) of rats was evaluated on the 1st, 7th, 14th, and 28th day after TBI modeling and corresponding intervention. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, p75 nerve growth factor receptor (P75), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and neurofilament protein (NF)staining, and argyrophilic staining were used to observe the morphology of brain tissue 28 days after modeling. Moreover, TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) was used to detect the apoptosis rate of neurons. The changes in synapses and mitochondria in the injured area were observed by electron microscope.

RESULTS

NT-3-OECs transplantation can increase the content of NT-3 in brain tissue, and NT-3-OECs can survive for >28 days. The NSS score of the TBI-VPA-NT-3-OECs group 28 days after cell transplantation was significantly lower than that of the other model treatment groups (P < 0.05). The morphological structure of the brain tissue was more complete, and the neurofilament fibers were neatly arranged, achieving better results than those of the other groups. The apoptosis rate of nerve cells in the TBI-VPA-NT-3-OECs group was significantly lower than in the other treatment groups (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the number of synapses in the combined intervention group was significantly higher than in the other treatment groups, and the mitochondrial structure was more complete.

CONCLUSION

NT-3-OECs have good biological function, and VPA combined with NT-3-OECs transplantation can effectively improve the prognosis of TBI rats.

Application and challenges of olfactory ensheathing cells in clinical trials of spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) can lead to severe motor, sensory and autonomic nervous dysfunction, cause serious psychosomatic injury to patients. There is no effective treatment for SCI at present. In recent years, exciting evidence has been obtained in the application of cell-based therapy in basic research. These studies have revealed the fact that cells transplanted into the host can exert the pharmacological properties of treating and repairing SCI. Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) are a kind of special glial cells. The application value of OECs in the study of SCI lies in their unique biological characteristics, that is, they can survive and renew for life, give full play to neuroprotection, immune regulation, promoting axonal regeneration and myelination formation. The function of producing secretory group and improving microenvironment. This provides an irreplaceable treatment strategy for the repair of SCI. At present, some researchers have explored the possibility of treatment of OECs in clinical trials of SCI. Although OECs transplantation shows excellent safety and effectiveness in animal models, there is still lack of sufficient evidence to prove the effectiveness of their clinical application in clinical trials. There has been an obvious stagnation in the transformation of OECs transplantation into routine clinical practice, and clinical trials of cell therapy in this field are still facing major challenges and many problems that need to be solved. Therefore, this paper summarized and analyzed the clinical trials of OECs transplantation in the treatment of SCI, and discussed the problems and challenges of OECs transplantation in clinical trials.

Current Status and Progress in Stem Cell Therapy for Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Intracerebral hemorrhage is a highly prevalent and prognostically poor disease, imposing immeasurable harm on human life and health. However, the treatment options for intracerebral hemorrhage are severely limited, particularly in terms of improving the microenvironment of the lesion, promoting neuronal cell survival, and enhancing neural function. This review comprehensively discussed the application of stem cell therapy for intracerebral hemorrhage, providing a systematic summary of its developmental history, types of transplants, transplantation routes, and transplantation timing. Moreover, this review presented the latest research progress in enhancing the efficacy of stem cell transplantation, including pretransplantation preconditioning, genetic modification, combined therapy, and other diverse strategies. Furthermore, this review pioneeringly elaborated on the barriers to clinical translation for stem cell therapy. These discussions were of significant importance for promoting stem cell therapy for intracerebral hemorrhage, facilitating its clinical translation, and improving patient prognosis.

Co-Administration of Resolvin D1 and Peripheral Nerve-Derived Stem Cell Spheroids as a Therapeutic Strategy in a Rat Model of Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI), primarily caused by trauma, leads to permanent and lasting loss of motor, sensory, and autonomic functions. Current therapeutic strategies are focused on mitigating secondary injury, a crucial aspect of SCI pathophysiology. Among these strategies, stem cell therapy has shown considerable therapeutic potential. This study builds on our previous work, which demonstrated the functional recovery and neuronal regeneration capabilities of peripheral nerve-derived stem cell (PNSC) spheroids, which are akin to neural crest stem cells, in SCI models. However, the limited anti-inflammatory capacity of PNSC spheroids necessitates a combined therapeutic approach. As a result, we investigated the potential of co-administering resolvin D1 (RvD1), known for its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, with PNSC spheroids. In vitro analysis confirmed RvD1's anti-inflammatory activity and its inhibitory effect on pro-inflammatory cytokines. In vivo studies involving a rat SCI model demonstrated that combined therapy of RvD1 and PNSC spheroids outperformed monotherapies, exhibiting enhanced neuronal regeneration and anti-inflammatory effects as validated through behavior tests, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and immunohistochemistry. Thus, our findings suggest that the combined application of RvD1 and PNSC spheroids may represent a novel therapeutic approach for SCI management.

Transplantation of Cryopreserved Olfactory Ensheathing Cells Restores Loss of Functions in an Experimental Model

In the past decades, the properties of olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) have been widely investigated. Studies have shown that transplantation of OECs cultured from the olfactory bulb mediates axonal regeneration, remyelination and restores lost functions in experimental central nervous system (CNS) injury models. Autologously sourcing the cells from the nasal mucosa or the olfactory bulb to treat patients with spinal cord injuries would be ideal, but the cell yield achieved may be inadequate to cover the surface area of the lesions typically encountered in human spinal cord contusion injuries. Therefore, banking allogenic cryopreserved olfactory bulb cells from donors or generating cell lines could provide a marked increase in cell stock available for transplantation. This study is undertaken in two control and two intervention groups. The control groups have lesions alone and lesions with collagen gel but without cells. The intervention groups have either transplantation of primary cultured olfactory bulb OECs (bOECs) encapsulated in collagen gel or cryopreserved bulb OECs (CbOECs) encapsulated in collagen gel. Here, we report that transplantation of cryopreserved rat bOECs encapsulated in collagen restored the loss of function in a vertical climbing test in a unilateral C6-T1 dorsal root injury model. The loss of function returns in 80% of rats with injuries in about 3 weeks comparable to that we observed after transplantation of primary cultured bOECs. The regeneration axons induced by the transplant are identified by neurofilament antibodies and ensheathed by OECs. Our results indicate that cryopreserved OECs retain their properties of inducing axon regeneration and restoring loss of function in the experimental model. This is a step forward to translate the research into future clinical applications.