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Al-Nashash H, Wong KL, ALL AH. Hypothermia effects on neuronal plasticity post spinal cord injury. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301430. [PMID: 38578715 PMCID: PMC10997101 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND SCI is a time-sensitive debilitating neurological condition without treatment options. Although the central nervous system is not programmed for effective endogenous repairs or regeneration, neuroplasticity partially compensates for the dysfunction consequences of SCI. OBJECTIVE AND HYPOTHESIS The purpose of our study is to investigate whether early induction of hypothermia impacts neuronal tissue compensatory mechanisms. Our hypothesis is that although neuroplasticity happens within the neuropathways, both above (forelimbs) and below (hindlimbs) the site of spinal cord injury (SCI), hypothermia further influences the upper limbs' SSEP signals, even when the SCI is mid-thoracic. STUDY DESIGN A total of 30 male and female adult rats are randomly assigned to four groups (n = 7): sham group, control group undergoing only laminectomy, injury group with normothermia (37°C), and injury group with hypothermia (32°C +/-0.5°C). METHODS The NYU-Impactor is used to induce mid-thoracic (T8) moderate (12.5 mm) midline contusive injury in rats. Somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) is an objective and non-invasive procedure to assess the functionality of selective neuropathways. SSEP monitoring of baseline, and on days 4 and 7 post-SCI are performed. RESULTS Statistical analysis shows that there are significant differences between the SSEP signal amplitudes recorded when stimulating either forelimb in the group of rats with normothermia compared to the rats treated with 2h of hypothermia on day 4 (left forelimb, p = 0.0417 and right forelimb, p = 0.0012) and on day 7 (left forelimb, p = 0.0332 and right forelimb, p = 0.0133) post-SCI. CONCLUSION Our results show that the forelimbs SSEP signals from the two groups of injuries with and without hypothermia have statistically significant differences on days 4 and 7. This indicates the neuroprotective effect of early hypothermia and its influences on stimulating further the neuroplasticity within the upper limbs neural network post-SCI. Timely detection of neuroplasticity and identifying the endogenous and exogenous factors have clinical applications in planning a more effective rehabilitation and functional electrical stimulation (FES) interventions in SCI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Al-Nashash
- Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ka-Leung Wong
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Angelo H. ALL
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
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Gray N, Shaikh J, Cowley A, Goosey-Tolfrey V, Logan P, Quraishi N, Booth V. The effect of early mobilisation (< 14 days) on pathophysiological and functional outcomes in animals with induced spinal cord injury: a systematic review with meta-analysis. BMC Neurosci 2024; 25:20. [PMID: 38528450 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-024-00862-3] [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: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The optimum time to mobilise (standing, walking) following spinal cord injury (SCI) is unknown but may have implications for patient outcomes. There are no high-quality experimental studies that examine this issue, with a paucity of guidance for clinicians. Pre-clinical studies lead research in this field and can contribute to knowledge and support future clinical practice. OBJECTIVE to evaluate the effect of early compared to no mobilisation on pathophysiological and functional outcomes in animals with induced SCI. METHODS A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted by searching pre-clinical literature in MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase (Ovid), Web of Science, OpenGrey, and EThOS (June 2023). Studies were included of any research method giving numerical results comparing pathophysiological and functional outcomes in rats and mice mobilised within 14-days of induced SCI to those that did not mobilise. Data were synthesised using random-effects meta-analyses. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the CAMARADES checklist. The certainty of findings was reported using the GRADE approach. This study is registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023437494). RESULTS Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. Outcomes found that Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor levels were greater in those that initiated mobilisation within 14-days of SCI compared to the groups that did not. Mobilisation initiated within 14-days of SCI was also associated with statistically significant functional gains: (Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan locomotor rating score (BBB) = 2.13(0-21), CI 1.43, 2.84, Ladder Rung Walking Task = - 12.38(0-100), CI 20.01, - 4.76). Meta-analysis identified the greatest functional gains when mobilisation was initiated within 3 days of SCI (BBB = 3.00, CI 2.31-3.69, p < 0.001), or when delivered at low intensity (BBB = 2.88, CI 2.03-3.70, p < 0.001). Confidence in the findings from this review was low to moderate due to the risk of bias and mixed methodological quality. CONCLUSION Mobilisation instigated within 14-days of injury, may be an effective way of improving functional outcomes in animal models following SCI, with delays potentially detrimental to recovery. Outcomes from this study support further research in this field to guide future clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Gray
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
| | - Junaid Shaikh
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Alison Cowley
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Vicky Goosey-Tolfrey
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Loughborough, Loughborough, UK
| | - Pip Logan
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Nasir Quraishi
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Vicky Booth
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
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Qi G, Li S, Jiang Q, Yu Z, Peng Z, Li Q, Qi W, Guo M. Network pharmacology analysis and experimental validation to explore the effect and mechanism of tetramethylpyrazine for spinal cord injury. J Chem Neuroanat 2024; 136:102386. [PMID: 38176475 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2023.102386] [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: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect and mechanism of Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) in treating Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) using network pharmacology analysis and animal experiments. METHODS This study was based on public databases, including PharmMapper, BATMAN-TCM, and STRING, as well as KEGG pathway analysis and other methods of network pharmacology were used to preliminarily explore the molecular mechanism of TMP in the treatment of SCI. Using a mouse SCI compression injury model, the efficacy of TMP was evaluated, and the expression of predictive targets on the PI3K/AKT and MAPK signaling pathways was measured using Western blotting and q-PCR. RESULTS Network pharmacology analysis showed that TMP may exert therapeutic effects through the MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. In animal experimental validation studies, it was shown that after treatment with TMP, the hind limb motor function scores and ramp test scores of the TMP-treated mice improved significantly. HE staining showed that after treatment with TMP, cavities decreased, fewer glial cells proliferated, and fewer inflammatory cells infiltrated; Nielsen staining showed less neuronal loss. Western blot studies showed that compared with the model group, expression of RAS, ERK1/2, RAF1, PI3K, and p-AKT proteins in the spinal cord tissue of mice treated with high-dose TMP was significantly lower. Accordingly, q-PCR studies showed that compared with the model group, the expression levels of RAS, ERK1/2, RAF1, PI3K, and p-AKT genes in the spinal cords of mice in the high-dose TMP group were significantly lower. CONCLUSION TMP exhibits a good neuroprotective effect after SCI, which may be related to inhibition of the MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guodong Qi
- Chongqing Orthopedic Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Orthopedics Department, Chongqing, China
| | - Shujun Li
- Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiong Jiang
- Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhijuan Yu
- Chongqing Erlang Community Health Service Center, Clinical Laboratory, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhenggang Peng
- Chongqing Orthopedic Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Orthopedics Department, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiurui Li
- Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Qi
- Chongqing Orthopedic Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Orthopedics Department, Chongqing, China.
| | - Mingjun Guo
- Chongqing Orthopedic Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Orthopedics Department, Chongqing, China.
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Lee PH, Hsu HJ, Tien CH, Huang CC, Huang CY, Chen HF, Yeh ML, Lee JS. Characterizing the Impact of Compression Duration and Deformation-Related Loss of Closure Force on Clip-Induced Spinal Cord Injury in Rats. Neurol Int 2023; 15:1383-1392. [PMID: 37987461 PMCID: PMC10661265 DOI: 10.3390/neurolint15040088] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The clip-induced spinal cord injury (SCI) rat model is pivotal in preclinical SCI research. However, the literature exhibits variability in compression duration and limited attention to clip deformation-related loss of closure force. We aimed to investigate the impact of compression duration on SCI severity and the influence of clip deformation on closure force. Rats received T10-level clip-induced SCI with durations of 1, 5, 10, 20, and 30 s, and a separate group underwent T10 transection. Outcomes included functional, histological, electrophysiological assessments, and inflammatory cytokine analysis. A tactile pressure mapping system quantified clip closure force after open-close cycles. Our results showed a positive correlation between compression duration and the severity of functional, histological, and electrophysiological deficits. Remarkably, even a brief 1-s compression caused significant deficits comparable to moderate-to-severe SCI. SSEP waveforms were abolished with durations over 20 s. Decreased clip closure force appeared after five open-close cycles. This study offers critical insights into regulating SCI severity in rat models, aiding researchers. Understanding compression duration and clip fatigue is essential for experiment design and interpretation using the clip-induced SCI model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Hsuan Lee
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 701, Taiwan; (P.-H.L.); (C.-H.T.); (C.-C.H.); (C.-Y.H.)
| | - Heng-Juei Hsu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tainan Municipal Hospital, Tainan 701, Taiwan;
| | - Chih-Hao Tien
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 701, Taiwan; (P.-H.L.); (C.-H.T.); (C.-C.H.); (C.-Y.H.)
| | - Chi-Chen Huang
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 701, Taiwan; (P.-H.L.); (C.-H.T.); (C.-C.H.); (C.-Y.H.)
| | - Chih-Yuan Huang
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 701, Taiwan; (P.-H.L.); (C.-H.T.); (C.-C.H.); (C.-Y.H.)
| | - Hui-Fang Chen
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan;
| | - Ming-Long Yeh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan;
- Medical Device Innovation Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Jung-Shun Lee
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 701, Taiwan; (P.-H.L.); (C.-H.T.); (C.-C.H.); (C.-Y.H.)
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan;
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
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Shetty GB, H L N. Scalp Acupuncture on the Immediate and Prolonged Motor Recovery in Spinal Cord Injury: a Case Report. J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2023; 16:188-192. [PMID: 37885254 DOI: 10.51507/j.jams.2023.16.5.188] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the main causes of lifelong motor impairment and is associated with important secondary complications. Thus, multifaceted treatments are needed for early functional recovery. Currently, in cases of SCI, surgery, stem cell treatment, medication, and physical therapy are used to repair and restore neuronal activity. Additionally, encouraging results have been reported on the use of acupuncture to modulate neuronal plasticity. Here, we present an SCI case involving a burst fracture at the L3 level, which was treated for 21 days using scalp acupuncture with residential physical therapy. Activation of the motor area was observed after the 1st day of treatment, with the patient completely regaining power and range of motion in the knees, Additionally, over 21 days, the patient exhibited markedly improved motor recovery and functional outcomes, which had not been observed over the previous six months. This report highlights the importance of complementing scalp acupuncture with intensive physical therapy for better motor recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geetha B Shetty
- Department of Acupuncture and Energy Medicine, S.D.M College of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences, Ujire, India
| | - Nanjeshgowda H L
- Department of Natural Therapeutics, S.D.M College of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences, Ujire, India
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Li J, Yan R, Shi S, Lin Y. Recent progress and application of the tetrahedral framework nucleic acid materials on drug delivery. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2023; 20:1511-1530. [PMID: 37898874 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2023.2276285] [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: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The application of DNA framework nucleic acid materials in the biomedical field has witnessed continual expansion. Among them, tetrahedral framework nucleic acids (tFNAs) have gained significant traction as the foremost biological vectors due to their superior attributes of editability, low immunogenicity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. tFNAs have demonstrated promising results in numerous in vitro and in vivo applications. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes the latest research on tFNAs in drug delivery, including a discussion of the advantages of tFNAs in regulating biological behaviors, and highlights the updated development and advantageous applications of tFNAs-based nanostructures from static design to dynamically responsive design. EXPERT OPINION tFNAs possess distinct biological regulatory attributes and can be taken up by cells without the requirement of transfection, differentiating them from other biological vectors. tFNAs can be easily physically/chemically modified and seamlessly incorporated with other functional systems. The static design of the tFNAs-based drug delivery system makes it versatile, reproducible, and predictable. Further use of the dynamic response mechanism of DNA to external stimuli makes tFNAs-based drug delivery more effective and specific, improving the uptake and utilization of the payload by the intended target. Dynamic targeting is poised to become the future primary approach for drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Plastic Surgery and Cosmetic Dermatology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ran Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Sirong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yunfeng Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Sichuan Provincial Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Dorrian RM, Berryman CF, Lauto A, Leonard AV. Electrical stimulation for the treatment of spinal cord injuries: A review of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive functional improvements. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1095259. [PMID: 36816852 PMCID: PMC9936196 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1095259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition that causes severe loss of motor, sensory and autonomic functions. Additionally, many individuals experience chronic neuropathic pain that is often refractory to interventions. While treatment options to improve outcomes for individuals with SCI remain limited, significant research efforts in the field of electrical stimulation have made promising advancements. Epidural electrical stimulation, peripheral nerve stimulation, and functional electrical stimulation have shown promising improvements for individuals with SCI, ranging from complete weight-bearing locomotion to the recovery of sexual function. Despite this, there is a paucity of mechanistic understanding, limiting our ability to optimize stimulation devices and parameters, or utilize combinatorial treatments to maximize efficacy. This review provides a background into SCI pathophysiology and electrical stimulation methods, before exploring cellular and molecular mechanisms suggested in the literature. We highlight several key mechanisms that contribute to functional improvements from electrical stimulation, identify gaps in current knowledge and highlight potential research avenues for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M. Dorrian
- Spinal Cord Injury Research Group, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia,*Correspondence: Ryan M. Dorrian,
| | | | - Antonio Lauto
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Anna V. Leonard
- Spinal Cord Injury Research Group, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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