Neurophysiological Changes in the First Year After Cell Transplantation in Sub-acute Complete Paraplegia

Passive activity enhances residual control ability in patients with complete spinal cord injury

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202508000-00024/figure1/v/2024-09-30T120553Z/r/image-tiff Patients with complete spinal cord injury retain the potential for volitional muscle activity in muscles located below the spinal injury level. However, because of prolonged inactivity, initial attempts to activate these muscles may not effectively engage any of the remaining neurons in the descending pathway. A previous study unexpectedly found that a brief clinical round of passive activity significantly increased volitional muscle activation, as measured by surface electromyography. In this study, we further explored the effect of passive activity on surface electromyographic signals during volitional control tasks among individuals with complete spinal cord injury. Eleven patients with chronic complete thoracic spinal cord injury were recruited. Surface electromyography data from eight major leg muscles were acquired and compared before and after the passive activity protocol. The results indicated that the passive activity led to an increased number of activated volitional muscles and an increased frequency of activation. Although the cumulative root mean square of surface electromyography amplitude for volitional control of movement showed a slight increase after passive activity, the difference was not statistically significant. These findings suggest that brief passive activity may enhance the ability to initiate volitional muscle activity during surface electromyography tasks and underscore the potential of passive activity for improving residual motor control among patients with motor complete spinal cord injury.

Treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with allogeneic Schwann cell-derived exosomal vesicles: a case report

Schwann cells are essential for the maintenance and function of motor neurons, axonal networks, and the neuromuscular junction. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, where motor neuron function is progressively lost, Schwann cell function may also be impaired. Recently, important signaling and potential trophic activities of Schwann cell-derived exosomal vesicles have been reported. This case report describes the treatment of a patient with advanced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis using serial intravenous infusions of allogeneic Schwann cell-derived exosomal vesicles, marking, to our knowledge, the first instance of such treatment. An 81-year-old male patient presented with a 1.5-year history of rapidly progressive amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. After initial diagnosis, the patient underwent a combination of generic riluzole, sodium phenylbutyrate for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and taurursodiol. The patient volunteered to participate in an FDA-approved single-patient expanded access treatment and received weekly intravenous infusions of allogeneic Schwann cell-derived exosomal vesicles to potentially restore impaired Schwann cell and motor neuron function. We confirmed that cultured Schwann cells obtained from the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patient via sural nerve biopsy appeared impaired (senescent) and that exposure of the patient's Schwann cells to allogeneic Schwann cell-derived exosomal vesicles, cultured expanded from a cadaver donor improved their growth capacity in vitro. After a period of observation lasting 10 weeks, during which amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised and pulmonary function were regularly monitored, the patient received weekly consecutive infusions of 1.54 × 10 12 (×2), and then consecutive infusions of 7.5 × 10 12 (×6) allogeneic Schwann cell-derived exosomal vesicles diluted in 40 mL of Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline. None of the infusions were associated with adverse events such as infusion reactions (allergic or otherwise) or changes in vital signs. Clinical lab serum neurofilament and cytokine levels measured prior to each infusion varied somewhat without a clear trend. A more sensitive in-house assay suggested possible inflammasome activation during the disease course. A trend for clinical stabilization was observed during the infusion period. Our study provides a novel approach to address impaired Schwann cells and possibly motor neuron function in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis using allogeneic Schwann cell-derived exosomal vesicles. Initial findings suggest that this approach is safe.

Imaging protocols for non-traumatic spinal cord injury: current state of the art and future directions

INTRODUCTION

Non-traumatic spinal cord injury (NTSCI) is a term used to describe damage to the spinal cord from sources other than trauma. Neuroimaging techniques such as computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have improved our ability to diagnose and manage NTSCIs. Several practice guidelines utilize MRI in the diagnostic evaluation of traumatic and non-traumatic SCI to direct surgical intervention.

AREAS COVERED

The authors review practices surrounding the imaging of various causes of NTSCI as well as recent advances and future directions for the use of novel imaging modalities in this realm. The authors also present discussions around the use of simple radiographs and advanced MRI modalities in clinical settings, and briefly highlight areas of active research that seek to advance our understanding and improve patient care.

EXPERT OPINION

Although several obstacles must be overcome, it appears highly likely that novel quantitative imaging features and advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) as well as machine learning (ML) will revolutionize degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) care by providing earlier diagnosis, accurate localization, monitoring for deterioration and neurological recovery, outcome prediction, and standardized practice. Some intriguing findings in these areas have been published, including the identification of possible serum and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, which are currently in the early phases of translation.

An Insight into the Prospects and Drawbacks of Stem Cell Therapy for Spinal Cord Injuries: Ongoing Trials and Future Directions

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating neurological disorder that has a substantial detrimental impact on a person's quality of life. The estimated global incidence of SCI is 40 to 80 cases per million people and around 90% of cases are traumatic. Various etiologies can be recognized for SCI, and post-traumatic SCI represents the most common of these. Patients worldwide with SCI suffer from a persistent loss of motor and sensory function, which affects every aspect of their personal and social lives. Given the lack of effective treatments, many efforts have been made to seek a cure for this condition. In recent years, thanks to their ability to regenerate tissue and repair lost or damaged cells, much attention has been directed toward the use of stem cells (embryonic, induced pluripotent, mesenchymal, hematopoietic), aimed at restoring the functional integrity of the damaged spinal cord and improving a functional recovery including sensory and motor function. In this paper, we offer an overview of the benefits and drawbacks of stem cell therapy for SCI based on clinical evidence. This report also addresses the characteristics of various stem cell treatments, as well as the field's likely future. Each cell type targets specific pathological characteristics associated with SCI and demonstrates therapeutic effects via cell replacement, nutritional support, scaffolds, and immunomodulation pathways. SCI accompanied by complex pathological processes cannot be resolved by single treatment measures. Stem cells are associated with the adjustment of the expression of neurotrophic factors that help to achieve better nutrition to damaged tissue. Single-cell treatments have been shown in some studies to provide very minor benefits for SCI in multiple preclinical studies and a growing number of clinical trials. However, SCI damage is complex, and many studies are increasingly recognizing a combination approach such as physical therapy, electrical stimulation, or medication therapy to treatment.

Recent progress and challenges in the treatment of spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) disrupts the structural and functional connectivity between the higher center and the spinal cord, resulting in severe motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunction with a variety of complications. The pathophysiology of SCI is complicated and multifaceted, and thus individual treatments acting on a specific aspect or process are inadequate to elicit neuronal regeneration and functional recovery after SCI. Combinatory strategies targeting multiple aspects of SCI pathology have achieved greater beneficial effects than individual therapy alone. Although many problems and challenges remain, the encouraging outcomes that have been achieved in preclinical models offer a promising foothold for the development of novel clinical strategies to treat SCI. In this review, we characterize the mechanisms underlying axon regeneration of adult neurons and summarize recent advances in facilitating functional recovery following SCI at both the acute and chronic stages. In addition, we analyze the current status, remaining problems, and realistic challenges towards clinical translation. Finally, we consider the future of SCI treatment and provide insights into how to narrow the translational gap that currently exists between preclinical studies and clinical practice. Going forward, clinical trials should emphasize multidisciplinary conversation and cooperation to identify optimal combinatorial approaches to maximize therapeutic benefit in humans with SCI.

Pathophysiology, Classification and Comorbidities after Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury

The spinal cord is a conduit within the central nervous system (CNS) that provides ongoing communication between the brain and the rest of the body, conveying complex sensory and motor information necessary for safety, movement, reflexes, and optimization of autonomic function. After a spinal cord injury (SCI), supraspinal influences on the spinal segmental control system and autonomic nervous system (ANS) are disrupted, leading to spastic paralysis, pain and dysesthesia, sympathetic blunting and parasympathetic dominance resulting in cardiac dysrhythmias, systemic hypotension, bronchoconstriction, copious respiratory secretions and uncontrolled bowel, bladder, and sexual dysfunction. This article outlines the pathophysiology of traumatic SCI, current and emerging methods of classification, and its influence on sensory/motor function, and introduces the probable comorbidities associated with SCI that will be discussed in more detail in the accompanying manuscripts of this special issue.

Imaging and Electrophysiology for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy [AO Spine RECODE-DCM Research Priority Number 9]

STUDY DESIGN

Narrative review.

OBJECTIVE

The current review aimed to describe the role of existing techniques and emerging methods of imaging and electrophysiology for the management of degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM), a common and often progressive condition that causes spinal cord dysfunction and significant morbidity globally.

METHODS

A narrative review was conducted to summarize the existing literature and highlight future directions.

RESULTS

Anatomical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is well established in the literature as the key imaging tool to identify spinal cord compression, disc herniation/bulging, and inbuckling of the ligamentum flavum, thus facilitating surgical planning, while radiographs and computed tomography (CT) provide complimentary information. Electrophysiology techniques are primarily used to rule out competing diagnoses. However, signal change and measures of cord compression on conventional MRI have limited utility to characterize the degree of tissue injury, which may be helpful for diagnosis, prognostication, and repeated assessments to identify deterioration. Early translational studies of quantitative imaging and electrophysiology techniques show potential of these methods to more accurately reflect changes in spinal cord microstructure and function.

CONCLUSION

Currently, clinical management of DCM relies heavily on anatomical MRI, with additional contributions from radiographs, CT, and electrophysiology. Novel quantitative assessments of microstructure, perfusion, and function have the potential to transform clinical practice, but require robust validation, automation, and standardization prior to uptake.

Phase 1 Safety Trial of Autologous Human Schwann Cell Transplantation in Chronic Spinal Cord Injury

A phase 1 open-label, non-randomized clinical trial was conducted to determine feasibility and safety of autologous human Schwann cell (ahSC) transplantation accompanied by rehabilitation in participants with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to screen eligible participants to estimate an individualized volume of cell suspension to be implanted. The trial incorporated standardized multi-modal rehabilitation before and after cell delivery. Participants underwent sural nerve harvest, and ahSCs were isolated and propagated in culture. The dose of culture-expanded ahSCs injected into the chronic spinal cord lesion of each individual followed a cavity-filling volume approach. Primary outcome measures for safety and trend-toward efficacy were assessed. Two participants with American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) A and two participants with incomplete chronic SCI (AIS B, C) were each enrolled in cervical and thoracic SCI cohorts (n = 8 total). All participants completed the study per protocol, and no serious adverse events related to sural nerve harvest or ahSC transplantation were reported. Urinary tract infections and skin abrasions were the most common adverse events reported. One participant experienced a 4-point improvement in motor function, a 6-point improvement in sensory function, and a 1-level improvement in neurological level of injury. Follow-up MRI in the cervical (6 months) and thoracic (24 months) cohorts revealed a reduction in cyst volume after transplantation with reduced effect over time. This phase 1 trial demonstrated the feasibility and safety of ahSC transplantation combined with a multi-modal rehabilitation protocol for participants with chronic SCI.

Distinct patterns of spasticity and corticospinal connectivity following complete spinal cord injury

KEY POINTS

Damage to corticospinal axons have implications for the development of spasticity following spinal cord injury (SCI). Here, we examined to which extent residual corticospinal connections and spasticity are present in muscles below the injury (quadriceps femoris and soleus) in humans with motor complete thoracic SCI. We found three distinct sub-groups of people: participants with spasticity and corticospinal responses in the quadriceps femoris and soleus, participants with spasticity and corticospinal responses in the quadriceps femoris only, and participants with no spasticity or corticospinal responses in either muscle. Spasticity and corticospinal responses were present in the quadriceps but never only in the soleus muscle, suggesting a proximal to distal gradient of symptoms of hyperreflexia. These results suggest that concomitant patterns of residual corticospinal connectivity and spasticity exist in humans with motor complete SCI and that a clinical exam of spasticity might be a good predictor of residual corticospinal connectivity.

ABSTRACT

The loss of corticospinal axons has implications for the development of spasticity following spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the extent to which residual corticospinal connections and spasticity are present across muscles below the injury remains unknown. To address this question, we tested spasticity using the Modified Ashworth Scale and transmission in the corticospinal pathway by examining motor evoked potentials elicited by transcranial magnetic stimulation over the leg motor cortex (cortical MEPs) and by direct activation of corticospinal axons by electrical stimulation over the thoracic spine (thoracic MEPs), in the quadriceps femoris and soleus muscles, in 30 individuals with motor complete thoracic SCI. Cortical MEPs were also conditioned by thoracic electrical stimulation at intervals allowing their summation or collision. We found three distinct sub-groups of participants: 47% showed spasticity in the quadriceps femoris and soleus muscle, 30% showed spasticity in the quadriceps femoris muscle only, and 23% showed no spasticity in either muscle. While cortical MEPs were present only in the quadriceps in participants with spasticity, thoracic MEPs were present in both muscles when spasticity was present. Thoracic electrical stimulation facilitated and suppressed cortical MEPs, showing that both forms of stimulation activated similar corticospinal axons. Cortical and thoracic MEPs correlated with the degree of spasticity in both muscles. These results provide the first evidence that related patterns of residual corticospinal connectivity and spasticity exist in muscles below the injury after motor complete thoracic SCI and highlight that a clinical exam of spasticity can predict residual corticospinal connectivity after severe paralysis. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.