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Lee DH, Cao D, Moon Y, Chen C, Liu NK, Xu XM, Wu W. Enhancement of motor functional recovery in thoracic spinal cord injury: voluntary wheel running versus forced treadmill exercise. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:836-844. [PMID: 38886956 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202503000-00028/figure1/v/2024-06-17T092413Z/r/image-tiff Spinal cord injury necessitates effective rehabilitation strategies, with exercise therapies showing promise in promoting recovery. This study investigated the impact of rehabilitation exercise on functional recovery and morphological changes following thoracic contusive spinal cord injury. After a 7-day recovery period after spinal cord injury, mice were assigned to either a trained group (10 weeks of voluntary running wheel or forced treadmill exercise) or an untrained group. Bi-weekly assessments revealed that the exercise-trained group, particularly the voluntary wheel exercise subgroup, displayed significantly improved locomotor recovery, more plasticity of dopaminergic and serotonin modulation compared with the untrained group. Additionally, exercise interventions led to gait pattern restoration and enhanced transcranial magnetic motor-evoked potentials. Despite consistent injury areas across groups, exercise training promoted terminal innervation of descending axons. In summary, voluntary wheel exercise shows promise for enhancing outcomes after thoracic contusive spinal cord injury, emphasizing the role of exercise modality in promoting recovery and morphological changes in spinal cord injuries. Our findings will influence future strategies for rehabilitation exercises, restoring functional movement after spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Do-Hun Lee
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Dan Cao
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Younghye Moon
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Chen Chen
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Nai-Kui Liu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Xiao-Ming Xu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Wei Wu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Poongodi R, Yang TH, Huang YH, Yang KD, Chen HZ, Chu TY, Wang TY, Lin HC, Cheng JK. Stem cell exosome-loaded Gelfoam improves locomotor dysfunction and neuropathic pain in a rat model of spinal cord injury. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:143. [PMID: 38764049 PMCID: PMC11103960 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03758-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating illness in humans that causes permanent loss of movement or sensation. To treat SCI, exosomes, with their unique benefits, can circumvent limitations through direct stem cell transplantation. Therefore, we utilized Gelfoam encapsulated with exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HucMSC-EX) in a rat SCI model. METHODS SCI model was established through hemisection surgery in T9 spinal cord of female Sprague-Dawley rats. Exosome-loaded Gelfoam was implanted into the lesion site. An in vivo uptake assay using labeled exosomes was conducted on day 3 post-implantation. Locomotor functions and gait analyses were assessed using Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale and DigiGait Imaging System from weeks 1 to 8. Nociceptive responses were evaluated through von Frey filament and noxious radiant heat tests. The therapeutic effects and potential mechanisms were analyzed using Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining at week 8 post-SCI. RESULTS For the in vivo exosome uptake assay, we observed the uptake of labeled exosomes by NeuN+, Iba1+, GFAP+, and OLIG2+ cells around the injured area. Exosome treatment consistently increased the BBB score from 1 to 8 weeks compared with the Gelfoam-saline and SCI control groups. Additionally, exosome treatment significantly improved gait abnormalities including right-to-left hind paw contact area ratio, stance/stride, stride length, stride frequency, and swing duration, validating motor function recovery. Immunostaining and Western blotting revealed high expression of NF200, MBP, GAP43, synaptophysin, and PSD95 in exosome treatment group, indicating the promotion of nerve regeneration, remyelination, and synapse formation. Interestingly, exosome treatment reduced SCI-induced upregulation of GFAP and CSPG. Furthermore, levels of Bax, p75NTR, Iba1, and iNOS were reduced around the injured area, suggesting anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects. Moreover, exosome treatment alleviated SCI-induced pain behaviors and reduced pain-associated proteins (BDNF, TRPV1, and Cav3.2). Exosomal miRNA analysis revealed several promising therapeutic miRNAs. The cell culture study also confirmed the neurotrophic effect of HucMSCs-EX. CONCLUSION Implantation of HucMSCs-EX-encapsulated Gelfoam improves SCI-induced motor dysfunction and neuropathic pain, possibly through its capabilities in nerve regeneration, remyelination, anti-inflammation, and anti-apoptosis. Overall, exosomes could serve as a promising therapeutic alternative for SCI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raju Poongodi
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan
| | - Tao-Hsiang Yang
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Hsien Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, 25245, Taiwan
| | - Kuender D Yang
- Institute of Long-Term Care, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, 25245, Taiwan.
- Department of Pediatrics, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan.
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 11221, Taiwan.
| | - Hong-Zhao Chen
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan
| | - Tsuei-Yu Chu
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan
| | - Tao-Yeuan Wang
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, 25245, Taiwan
- Department of Pathology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Chieh Lin
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 300093, Taiwan
- Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-Devices (IDS 2 B), National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 30068, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Kun Cheng
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan.
- Department of Anesthesiology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan.
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, 25245, Taiwan.
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He Y, Xu Y, Hai M, Feng Y, Liu P, Chen Z, Duan W. Exoskeleton-Assisted Rehabilitation and Neuroplasticity in Spinal Cord Injury. World Neurosurg 2024; 185:45-54. [PMID: 38320651 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.01.167] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in neurological deficits below the level of injury, causing motor dysfunction and various severe multisystem complications. Rehabilitative training plays a crucial role in the recovery of individuals with SCI, and exoskeleton serves as an emerging and promising tool for rehabilitation, especially in promoting neuroplasticity and alleviating SCI-related complications. This article reviews the classifications and research progresses of medical exoskeletons designed for SCI patients and describes their performances in practical application separately. Meanwhile, we discuss their mechanisms for enhancing neuroplasticity and functional remodeling, as well as their palliative impacts on secondary complications. The potential trends in exoskeleton design are raised according to current progress and requirements on SCI rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yana He
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuxuan Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Minghang Hai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Penghao Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Lab of Spinal Cord Injury and Functional Reconstruction, China International Neuroscience Institute(CHINA-INI), Beijing, China
| | - Zan Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Lab of Spinal Cord Injury and Functional Reconstruction, China International Neuroscience Institute(CHINA-INI), Beijing, China
| | - Wanru Duan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Lab of Spinal Cord Injury and Functional Reconstruction, China International Neuroscience Institute(CHINA-INI), Beijing, China.
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Ageeva T, Sabirov D, Sufianov A, Davletshin E, Plotnikova E, Shigapova R, Sufianova G, Timofeeva A, Chelyshev Y, Rizvanov A, Mukhamedshina Y. The Impact of Treadmill Training on Tissue Integrity, Axon Growth, and Astrocyte Modulation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3772. [PMID: 38612590 PMCID: PMC11011976 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) presents a complex challenge in neurorehabilitation, demanding innovative therapeutic strategies to facilitate functional recovery. This study investigates the effects of treadmill training on SCI recovery, emphasizing motor function enhancement, neural tissue preservation, and axonal growth. Our research, conducted on a rat model, demonstrates that controlled treadmill exercises significantly improve motor functions post-SCI, as evidenced by improved scores on the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale and enhanced electromyography readings. Notably, the training facilitates the preservation of spinal cord tissue, effectively reducing secondary damage and promoting the maintenance of neural fibers in the injured area. A key finding is the significant stimulation of axonal growth around the injury epicenter in trained rats, marked by increased growth-associated protein 43 (GAP43) expression. Despite these advancements, the study notes a limited impact of treadmill training on motoneuron adaptation and highlights minimal changes in the astrocyte and neuron-glial antigen 2 (NG2) response. This suggests that, while treadmill training is instrumental in functional improvements post-SCI, its influence on certain neural cell types and glial populations is constrained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana Ageeva
- OpenLab Gene and Cell Technology, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Davran Sabirov
- OpenLab Gene and Cell Technology, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Albert Sufianov
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Research and Educational Institute of Neurosurgery, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN), 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Eldar Davletshin
- OpenLab Gene and Cell Technology, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Elizaveta Plotnikova
- OpenLab Gene and Cell Technology, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Rezeda Shigapova
- OpenLab Gene and Cell Technology, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Galina Sufianova
- Department of Pharmacology, Tyumen State Medical University, 625023 Tyumen, Russia
| | - Anna Timofeeva
- OpenLab Gene and Cell Technology, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Yuri Chelyshev
- Department of Histology, Cytology and Embryology, Kazan State Medical University, 420012 Kazan, Russia
| | - Albert Rizvanov
- OpenLab Gene and Cell Technology, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
- Division of Medical and Biological Sciences, Tatarstan Academy of Sciences, 420111 Kazan, Russia
| | - Yana Mukhamedshina
- OpenLab Gene and Cell Technology, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
- Department of Histology, Cytology and Embryology, Kazan State Medical University, 420012 Kazan, Russia
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Park SH, Ko JR, Han J. Exercise alleviates cisplatin-induced toxicity in the hippocampus of mice by inhibiting neuroinflammation and improving synaptic plasticity. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 28:145-152. [PMID: 38414397 PMCID: PMC10902592 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2024.28.2.145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment is recognized as the most typical symptom in patients with cancer that occurs during and following the chemotherapy treatment. Recently many studies focused on pharmaceutical strategies to control the chemotherapy side effects, however it is far from satisfactory. There may be a need for more effective treatment options. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of exercise on cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity. Eightweek- old C57BL6 mice were separated into three group: normal control (CON, n = 8); cisplatin injection control (Cis-CON, n = 8); cisplatin with aerobic exercise (Cis-EXE, n = 8). Cisplatin was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 3.5 mg/kg/day. The Cis-EXE group exercise by treadmill running (14-16 m/min for 45 min daily, 3 times/ week) for 12 weeks. Compared to the CON group, the cisplatin injection groups showed significant decrease in body weight and food intake, indicating successful induction of cisplatin toxicity. The Cis-CON group showed significantly increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the hippocampus, while the Cis-EXE group was significantly decreased in the expression of IL- 6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. In addition, compared to the CON group, the levels of synapserelated proteins including synapsin-1 and -2 were significantly reduced in the Cis- CON group, and there was a significant difference between the Cis-CON and Cis-EXE groups. Antioxidant and apoptosis factors were significantly improved in the Cis-EXE group compared with the Cis-CON group. This study suggest that exercise could be meaningful approach to prevent or improve cisplatin-induced cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se Hwan Park
- Basic Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Smart Marine Therapeutic Center, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Core Research Support Center, Inje University, Busan 47392, Korea
| | - Jeong Rim Ko
- Basic Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Smart Marine Therapeutic Center, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Core Research Support Center, Inje University, Busan 47392, Korea
| | - Jin Han
- Basic Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Smart Marine Therapeutic Center, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Core Research Support Center, Inje University, Busan 47392, Korea
- Department of Health Science and Technology, College of Medicine, Inje University, Busan 47392, Korea
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Collins NJ, Campbell TS, Bozeman AL, Martes AC, Ross SE, Doherty TS, Brumley MR, Roth TL. Epigenetic processes associated with neonatal spinal transection. Dev Psychobiol 2024; 66:e22466. [PMID: 38388192 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
In early development, the spinal cord in healthy or disease states displays remarkable activity-dependent changes in plasticity, which may be in part due to the increased activity of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Indeed, BDNF delivery has been efficacious in partially ameliorating many of the neurobiological and behavioral consequences of spinal cord injury (SCI), making elucidating the role of BDNF in the normative developing and injured spinal cord a critical research focus. Recent work in our laboratory provided evidence for aberrant global and locus-specific epigenetic changes in methylation of the Bdnf gene as a consequence of SCI. In the present study, animals underwent thoracic lesions on P1, with cervical and lumbar tissue being later collected on P7, P14, and P21. Levels of Bdnf expression and methylation (exon IX and exon IV), in addition to global methylation levels were quantified at each timepoint. Results indicated locus-specific reductions of Bdnf expression that was accompanied by a parallel increase in methylation caudal to the injury site, with animals displaying increased Bdnf expression at the P14 timepoint. Together, these findings suggest that epigenetic activity of the Bdnf gene may act as biomarker in the etiology and intervention effort efficacy following SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Collins
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Taylor S Campbell
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Aimee L Bozeman
- Department of Psychology, Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho, USA
| | - Alleyna C Martes
- Department of Psychology, Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho, USA
| | - Sydney E Ross
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Tiffany S Doherty
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Michele R Brumley
- Department of Psychology, Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho, USA
| | - Tania L Roth
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
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He LW, Guo XJ, Zhao C, Rao JS. Rehabilitation Training after Spinal Cord Injury Affects Brain Structure and Function: From Mechanisms to Methods. Biomedicines 2023; 12:41. [PMID: 38255148 PMCID: PMC10813763 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious neurological insult that disrupts the ascending and descending neural pathways between the peripheral nerves and the brain, leading to not only functional deficits in the injured area and below the level of the lesion but also morphological, structural, and functional reorganization of the brain. These changes introduce new challenges and uncertainties into the treatment of SCI. Rehabilitation training, a clinical intervention designed to promote functional recovery after spinal cord and brain injuries, has been reported to promote activation and functional reorganization of the cerebral cortex through multiple physiological mechanisms. In this review, we evaluate the potential mechanisms of exercise that affect the brain structure and function, as well as the rehabilitation training process for the brain after SCI. Additionally, we compare and discuss the principles, effects, and future directions of several rehabilitation training methods that facilitate cerebral cortex activation and recovery after SCI. Understanding the regulatory role of rehabilitation training at the supraspinal center is of great significance for clinicians to develop SCI treatment strategies and optimize rehabilitation plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le-Wei He
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China; (L.-W.H.); (X.-J.G.)
| | - Xiao-Jun Guo
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China; (L.-W.H.); (X.-J.G.)
| | - Can Zhao
- Institute of Rehabilitation Engineering, China Rehabilitation Science Institute, Beijing 100068, China
| | - Jia-Sheng Rao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China; (L.-W.H.); (X.-J.G.)
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Wang Y, Su H, Zhong J, Zhan Z, Zhao Q, Liu Y, Li S, Wang H, Yang C, Yu L, Tan B, Yin Y. Osteopontin enhances the effect of treadmill training and promotes functional recovery after spinal cord injury. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2023; 4:44. [PMID: 38015348 PMCID: PMC10684450 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-023-00154-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we examined the combined impact of osteopontin (OPN) and treadmill training on mice with spinal cord injury (SCI). OPN was overexpressed by injecting AAV9-SPP1-GFP into the sensorimotor cortex, followed by a left incomplete C5 crush injury two weeks later. Mice (Ex or Ex + OPN group) were trained at 50% maximum running speed for 8 weeks. To analyze the effects, we used biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) for tracing the corticospinal tract (CST) and performed Western blotting and immunohistochemical methods to assess the activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). We also examined axonal regeneration and conducted behavioral tests to measure functional recovery. The results demonstrated that treadmill training promoted the expression of neurotrophic factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1) and activated mTOR signaling. OPN amplified the effect of treadmill training on activating mTOR signaling indicated by upregulated phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6). The combination of OPN and exercise further promoted functional recovery and facilitated limited CST axonal regeneration which did not occur with treadmill training and OPN treatment alone. These findings indicate that OPN enhances the effects of treadmill training in the treatment of SCI and offer new therapeutic insights for spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhang Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
- Department of Rehabilitation, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Second Affiliated Hospital, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China
| | - Hong Su
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Juan Zhong
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Zuxiong Zhan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Qin Zhao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Special War Wound, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Sen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Special War Wound, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Haiyan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Special War Wound, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Ce Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Special War Wound, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Lehua Yu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Botao Tan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China.
| | - Ying Yin
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China.
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Bertels N, Seelen H, Dembele J, Spooren A. Essential training variables of arm-hand training in people with cervical spinal cord injury: a systematic review. J Rehabil Med 2023; 55:jrm7147. [PMID: 37930130 PMCID: PMC10642344 DOI: 10.2340/jrm.v55.7147] [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: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify and evaluate 3 training variables of motor training programmes involving people with a cervical spinal cord injury: i.e. motor training strategies, therapy dosage, and persons' motivation for arm-hand functioning in subacute and chronic phases. METHODS PubMed, Cochrane, CINAHL, EMBASE, and DARE databases were searched for active arm-hand motor training programmes. Two independent reviewers assessed methodological quality. Pre-post effect sizes were calculated using Hedge's g, and mean effect sizes were calculated to compare outcomes on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health levels of function and activity. RESULTS Twelve training programmes integrated mainly skill training alone or combined with strength and/or endurance training. Task-oriented training components included: multiple movement planes, functional movements, clear functional goals, and bimanual practice. Training duration of 8 weeks was common. Quantitative analyses of 8 training programmes showed an overall small effect (0.34) on function level and an overall moderate effect (0.55) on activity level. In depth-analysis of activity level showed moderate effects of skill training only (0.55) or combined with strength and endurance training (0.53). Moderate effects (0.53-0.60) were found for integrating functional movements, clear functional goals, real-life object manipulation, multiple movement planes, total skill practice, context-specific environment, exercise variety, and bimanual practice. Training of minimum 8 weeks showed a moderate effect (0.60-0.69). CONCLUSION Based on limited studies, arm-hand functioning aiming to improve activity level can be improved using skill training with at least 8 task-oriented training components, additional strength and endurance training, with a minimum training duration of 8 weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nele Bertels
- Rehabilitation Research Center REVAL, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
| | - Henk Seelen
- Adelante Centre of Expertise in Rehabilitation and Audiology, Hoensbroek, Netherlands; Maastricht University, Research School CAPHRI, dept. of Rehabilitation Medicine, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Justine Dembele
- Rehabilitation Research Center REVAL, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Annemie Spooren
- Rehabilitation Research Center REVAL, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
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Evancho A, Tyler WJ, McGregor K. A review of combined neuromodulation and physical therapy interventions for enhanced neurorehabilitation. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1151218. [PMID: 37545593 PMCID: PMC10400781 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1151218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Rehabilitation approaches for individuals with neurologic conditions have increasingly shifted toward promoting neuroplasticity for enhanced recovery and restoration of function. This review focuses on exercise strategies and non-invasive neuromodulation techniques that target neuroplasticity, including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), and peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS). We have chosen to focus on non-invasive neuromodulation techniques due to their greater potential for integration into routine clinical practice. We explore and discuss the application of these interventional strategies in four neurological conditions that are frequently encountered in rehabilitation settings: Parkinson's Disease (PD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), stroke, and Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Additionally, we discuss the potential benefits of combining non-invasive neuromodulation with rehabilitation, which has shown promise in accelerating recovery. Our review identifies studies that demonstrate enhanced recovery through combined exercise and non-invasive neuromodulation in the selected patient populations. We primarily focus on the motor aspects of rehabilitation, but also briefly address non-motor impacts of these conditions. Additionally, we identify the gaps in current literature and barriers to implementation of combined approaches into clinical practice. We highlight areas needing further research and suggest avenues for future investigation, aiming to enhance the personalization of the unique neuroplastic responses associated with each condition. This review serves as a resource for rehabilitation professionals and researchers seeking a comprehensive understanding of neuroplastic exercise interventions and non-invasive neuromodulation techniques tailored for specific diseases and diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Evancho
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - William J. Tyler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Keith McGregor
- Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Studies, School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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Morhy ON, Sisnando AL, Câmara-Souza MB, Carbone AC, De la Torre Canales G. High Levels of Physical Activity Reduce the Esthetic Durability of Botulinum Toxin Type A: A Controlled Single-Blind Clinical Trial. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:463. [PMID: 37505732 PMCID: PMC10467136 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15070463] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of physical activity on the durability of the esthetic effect of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A). Sixty female patients were allocated to three groups (n = 20) according to their physical activity level (PA): Low PA, Moderate PA, and High PA. All groups received a single injection of onabotulinumtoxinA, considering standardized doses in the frontalis (12U), corrugator supercilia (7U, each), and procerus muscles (4U). Outcomes were measured using electromyography (EMG), Merz 5-point scales, and Face-Q scales (perceived age and lines between eyebrows). A follow-up occurred after 30, 60, and 90 days. EMG results showed a significant decrease in muscle activity in the Low-PA group at all follow-ups compared with the other groups (p < 0.001). The Merz scale scores showed that the severity of forehead and glabellar lines significantly improved in the Low-PA group throughout this study compared with the other groups (p < 0.001). No significant differences between groups were found in the Face-Q scale for perceived age, while the Face-Q scale for lines between eyebrows showed better results for Low-PA (p < 0.01) and Moderate-PA (p < 0.01) groups compared to the High-PA group at the 30- and 90-day follow-ups. The durability of the esthetic effect of BoNT-A seems to be negatively influenced by the level of physical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Neves Morhy
- Ingá University Center, Department of Dentistry, Uningá, Paraná 87035-510, Brazil; (O.N.M.); (A.L.S.); (M.B.C.-S.); (A.C.C.)
| | - Andréa Lisbôa Sisnando
- Ingá University Center, Department of Dentistry, Uningá, Paraná 87035-510, Brazil; (O.N.M.); (A.L.S.); (M.B.C.-S.); (A.C.C.)
| | - Mariana Barbosa Câmara-Souza
- Ingá University Center, Department of Dentistry, Uningá, Paraná 87035-510, Brazil; (O.N.M.); (A.L.S.); (M.B.C.-S.); (A.C.C.)
| | - Ana Claudia Carbone
- Ingá University Center, Department of Dentistry, Uningá, Paraná 87035-510, Brazil; (O.N.M.); (A.L.S.); (M.B.C.-S.); (A.C.C.)
| | - Giancarlo De la Torre Canales
- Ingá University Center, Department of Dentistry, Uningá, Paraná 87035-510, Brazil; (O.N.M.); (A.L.S.); (M.B.C.-S.); (A.C.C.)
- Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, 2829-511 Caparica, Portugal
- Department of Dental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Scandinavian Network for Orofacial Neurosciences (SCON), 141-52 Huddinge, Sweden
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12
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Torres L, Lee J, Hachisu T, Puentes S. Validity of Accelerometer-Based Sensor System for Muscle Tightness Estimation through Vibration on the Upper Limb. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2023; 2023:1-4. [PMID: 38082951 DOI: 10.1109/embc40787.2023.10340051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Spasticity is a condition that profoundly impacts the ability to perform everyday tasks. However, its diagnosis requires trained physicians and subjective evaluations that may vary depending on the evaluator. Focal vibration of spastic muscles has been proposed as a non-invasive, pain-free alternative for spasticity modulation. We propose a system to estimate muscular tightness based on the propagation of elastic waves in the skin generated by focal vibration of the upper limb. The developed system generates focalized displacements on the biceps muscle at frequencies from 50 to 200 Hz, measures the vibration acceleration on the vibration source (input) and the distant location (output), and extracts features of ratios between input and output. The system was tested on 5 healthy volunteers while lifting 1.25 - 11.25 kg weights to increase muscle tone resembling spastic conditions, where the vibration frequency and weight were selected as explanatory variables. An increase in the ratio of the root mean squares proportional to the weight was found, validating the feasibility of the current approach to estimating muscle tightness.Clinical Relevance- This work presents the feasibility of a vibration-based system as an alternative method to objectively diagnose the degree of spasticity.
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Sharma P, Panta T, Ugiliweneza B, Bert RJ, Gerasimenko Y, Forrest G, Harkema S. Multi-Site Spinal Cord Transcutaneous Stimulation Facilitates Upper Limb Sensory and Motor Recovery in Severe Cervical Spinal Cord Injury: A Case Study. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4416. [PMID: 37445450 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12134416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) rank regaining arm and hand function as their top rehabilitation priority post-injury. Cervical spinal cord transcutaneous stimulation (scTS) combined with activity-based recovery training (ABRT) is known to effectively facilitate upper extremity sensorimotor recovery in individuals with residual arm and hand function post SCI. However, scTS effectiveness in facilitating upper extremity recovery in individuals with severe SCI with minimal to no sensory and motor preservation below injury level remains largely unknown. We herein introduced a multimodal neuro-rehabilitative approach involving scTS targeting systematically identified various spinal segments combined with ABRT. We hypothesized that multi-site scTS combined with ABRT will effectively neuromodulate the spinal networks, resulting in improved integration of ascending and descending neural information required for sensory and motor recovery in individuals with severe cervical SCI. To test the hypothesis, a 53-year-old male (C2, AIS A, 8 years post-injury) received 60 ABRT sessions combined with continuous multi-site scTS. Post-training assessments revealed improved activation of previously paralyzed upper extremity muscles and sensory improvements over the dorsal and volar aspects of the hand. Most likely, altered spinal cord excitability and improved muscle activation and sensations resulted in observed sensorimotor recovery. However, despite promising neurophysiological evidence pertaining to motor re-activation, we did not observe visually appreciable functional recovery on obtained upper extremity motor assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawan Sharma
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Tudor Panta
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Frazier Rehabilitation Institute, University of Louisville Health, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Beatrice Ugiliweneza
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Health Management and Systems Science, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Robert J Bert
- Department of Radiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Yury Gerasimenko
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
- Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Gail Forrest
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07052, USA
- Kessler Foundation, Newark, NJ 07052, USA
| | - Susan Harkema
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Frazier Rehabilitation Institute, University of Louisville Health, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
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Mikulski T, Górecka M, Bogdan A, Młynarczyk M, Ziemba AW. Psychomotor Performance after 30 h of Sleep Deprivation Combined with Exercise. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13040570. [PMID: 37190535 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13040570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Sleep deprivation (SD) usually impairs psychomotor performance, but most experiments are usually focused on sedentary conditions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of 30 h of complete SD combined with prolonged, moderate exercise (SDE) on human psychomotor performance. Eleven endurance-trained men accustomed to overnight exertion were tested twice: in well-slept and non-fatigued conditions (Control) and immediately after 30 h of SDE. They performed a multiple-choice reaction time test (MCRT) at rest and during each workload of the graded exercise test to volitional exhaustion. At rest, the MCRT was shorter after SDE than in the Control (300 ± 13 ms vs. 339 ± 11 ms, respectively, p < 0.05). During graded exercise, there were no significant differences in MCRT between groups, but the fastest reaction was observed at lower workloads after SDE (158 ± 7 W vs. 187 ± 11 W in Control, p < 0.05). The total number of missed reactions tended to be higher after SDE (8.4 ± 0.7 vs. 6.3 ± 0.8 in Control, p = 0.06). In conclusion, SDE is different from SD alone; however, well-trained men, accustomed to overnight exertion can maintain psychomotor abilities independently of the extent of central fatigue. Exercise can be used to enhance psychomotor performance in sleep-deprived subjects in whom special caution is required in order to avoid overload.
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Moderate-Intensity Treadmill Exercise Promotes mTOR-Dependent Motor Cortical Neurotrophic Factor Expression and Functional Recovery in a Murine Model of Crush Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:960-978. [PMID: 36385234 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03117-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Treadmill exercise is widely considered an effective strategy for restoration of skilled motor function after spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the specific exercise intensity that optimizes recovery and the underlying mechanistic basis of this recovery remain unclear. To that end, we sought to investigate the effect of different treadmill exercise intensities on cortical mTOR activity, a key regulator of functional recovery following CNS trauma, in an animal model of C5 crush spinal cord injury (SCI). Following injury, animals were subjected to treadmill exercise for 4 consecutive weeks at three different intensities (low intensity [LEI]; moderate intensity [MEI]; and high intensity [HEI]). Motor function recovery was assessed by horizontal ladder test, cylinder rearing test, and electrophysiology, while neurotrophic factors and cortical mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway-related proteins were assessed by Western blotting. The activation of the cortical mTOR pathway and axonal sprouting was evaluated by immunofluorescence and the changes of plasticity in motor cortex neurons were assessed by Golgi staining. In keeping with previous studies, we found that 4 weeks of treadmill training resulted in improved skilled motor function, enhanced nerve conduction capability, increased neuroplasticity, and axonal sprouting. Importantly, we also demonstrated that when compared with the LEI group, MEI and HEI groups demonstrated elevated expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), phosphorylated ribosomal S6 protein (p-S6), and protein kinase B (p-Akt), consistent with an intensity-dependent activation of the mTOR pathway and neurotrophic factor expression in the motor cortex. We also observed impaired exercise endurance and higher mortality during training in the HEI group than in the LEI and MEI groups. Collectively, our findings suggest that treadmill exercise following SCI is an effective means of promoting recovery and highlight the importance of the cortical mTOR pathway and neurotrophic factors as mediators of this effect. Importantly, our findings also demonstrate that excessive exercise can be detrimental, suggesting that moderation may be the optimal strategy. These findings provide an important foundation for further investigation of treadmill training as a modality for recovery following spinal cord injury and of the underlying mechanisms.
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Wang Y, Luo H, Liu Y, Yang C, Yin Y, Tan B. Multimodal rehabilitation promotes axonal sprouting and functional recovery in a murine model of spinal cord injury (SCI). Neurosci Lett 2023; 795:137029. [PMID: 36566832 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.137029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating neurological disorder affecting millions of people worldwide, resulting in severe and permanent disabilities that significantly impact the individual's life. Rehabilitation is a commonly accepted and effective clinical treatment modality for neurological disabilities. A single form of rehabilitation training is, however, limited. Indeed, recent studies have reported that a combination of various training strategies may be more promising in promoting functional recovery. However, few studies have focused on combining different forms of rehabilitative training. Here, we investigated the effect of combining treadmill training and single pellet grasping in a well-established model of murine SCI to assess whether combining rehabilitation approaches improve outcomes. In brief, one week following crush SCI, mice were subjected to the treadmill and single pellet grasping training (SPG) for a period of six weeks. Biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) was used to anterogradely trace corticospinal tract axons to assess functionally relevant axonal sprouting. Our results revealed that the combined training upregulated p-S6 expression, facilitated axonal sprouting, increased the formation of functional synaptic connections, and promoted functional recovery of the upper limb. Our study provides experimental evidence for the benefit of combining multiple modalities of rehabilitative strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhang Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China.
| | - Haodong Luo
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Special War Wound, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Ce Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Special War Wound, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Ying Yin
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China.
| | - Botao Tan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China.
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Molecular mechanisms of exercise contributing to tissue regeneration. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:383. [PMID: 36446784 PMCID: PMC9709153 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01233-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical activity has been known as an essential element to promote human health for centuries. Thus, exercise intervention is encouraged to battle against sedentary lifestyle. Recent rapid advances in molecular biotechnology have demonstrated that both endurance and resistance exercise training, two traditional types of exercise, trigger a series of physiological responses, unraveling the mechanisms of exercise regulating on the human body. Therefore, exercise has been expected as a candidate approach of alleviating a wide range of diseases, such as metabolic diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, tumors, and cardiovascular diseases. In particular, the capacity of exercise to promote tissue regeneration has attracted the attention of many researchers in recent decades. Since most adult human organs have a weak regenerative capacity, it is currently a key challenge in regenerative medicine to improve the efficiency of tissue regeneration. As research progresses, exercise-induced tissue regeneration seems to provide a novel approach for fighting against injury or senescence, establishing strong theoretical basis for more and more "exercise mimetics." These drugs are acting as the pharmaceutical alternatives of those individuals who cannot experience the benefits of exercise. Here, we comprehensively provide a description of the benefits of exercise on tissue regeneration in diverse organs, mainly focusing on musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular system, and nervous system. We also discuss the underlying molecular mechanisms associated with the regenerative effects of exercise and emerging therapeutic exercise mimetics for regeneration, as well as the associated opportunities and challenges. We aim to describe an integrated perspective on the current advances of distinct physiological mechanisms associated with exercise-induced tissue regeneration on various organs and facilitate the development of drugs that mimics the benefits of exercise.
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18
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Kohei T. Postoperative Rehabilitation for Thoracic Disc Herniation in a Professional Rugby Player: A Case Report. Cureus 2022; 14:e30423. [DOI: 10.7759/cureus.30423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Sun X, Huang LY, Pan HX, Li LJ, Wang L, Pei GQ, Wang Y, Zhang Q, Cheng HX, He CQ, Wei Q. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and exercise restore motor function following spinal cord injury by activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Neural Regen Res 2022; 18:1067-1075. [PMID: 36254995 PMCID: PMC9827790 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.355762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Although many therapeutic interventions have shown promise in treating spinal cord injury, focusing on a single aspect of repair cannot achieve successful and functional regeneration in patients following spinal cord injury . In this study, we applied a combinatorial approach for treating spinal cord injury involving neuroprotection and rehabilitation, exploiting cell transplantation and functional sensorimotor training to promote nerve regeneration and functional recovery. Here, we used a mouse model of thoracic contusive spinal cord injury to investigate whether the combination of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation and exercise training has a synergistic effect on functional restoration. Locomotor function was evaluated by the Basso Mouse Scale, horizontal ladder test, and footprint analysis. Magnetic resonance imaging, histological examination, transmission electron microscopy observation, immunofluorescence staining, and western blotting were performed 8 weeks after spinal cord injury to further explore the potential mechanism behind the synergistic repair effect. In vivo, the combination of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation and exercise showed a better therapeutic effect on motor function than the single treatments. Further investigations revealed that the combination of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation and exercise markedly reduced fibrotic scar tissue, protected neurons, and promoted axon and myelin protection. Additionally, the synergistic effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation and exercise on spinal cord injury recovery occurred via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. In vitro, experimental evidence from the PC12 cell line and primary cortical neuron culture also demonstrated that blocking of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway would aggravate neuronal damage. Thus, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation combined with exercise training can effectively restore motor function after spinal cord injury by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Sun
- Rehabilitation Medical Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Li-Yi Huang
- Rehabilitation Medical Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Hong-Xia Pan
- Rehabilitation Medical Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Li-Juan Li
- Rehabilitation Medical Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Rehabilitation Medical Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Gai-Qin Pei
- Rehabilitation Medical Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Rehabilitation Medical Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Rehabilitation Medical Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Hong-Xin Cheng
- Rehabilitation Medical Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Cheng-Qi He
- Rehabilitation Medical Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Quan Wei
- Rehabilitation Medical Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China,Correspondence to: Quan Wei, .
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Eisdorfer JT, Sobotka-Briner H, Schramfield S, Moukarzel G, Chen J, Campion TJ, Smit R, Rauscher BC, Lemay MA, Smith GM, Spence AJ. Chemogenetic modulation of sensory afferents induces locomotor changes and plasticity after spinal cord injury. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:872634. [PMID: 36090254 PMCID: PMC9461563 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.872634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromodulatory therapies for spinal cord injury (SCI) such as electrical epidural stimulation (EES) are increasingly effective at improving patient outcomes. These improvements are thought to be due, at least in part, to plasticity in neuronal circuits. Precisely which circuits are influenced and which afferent classes are most effective in stimulating change remain important open questions. Genetic tools, such as Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs), support targeted and reversible neuromodulation as well as histological characterization of manipulated neurons. We therefore transduced and activated lumbar large diameter peripheral afferents with excitatory (hM3Dq) DREADDs, in a manner analogous to EES, in a rat hemisection model, to begin to trace plasticity and observe concomitant locomotor changes. Chronic DREADDs activation, coupled with thrice weekly treadmill training, was observed to increase afferent fluorescent labeling within motor pools and Clarke's column when compared to control animals. This plasticity may underlie kinematic differences that we observed across stages of recovery, including an increased and less variable hindquarters height in DREADDs animals, shorter step durations, a more flexed ankle joint early in recovery, a less variable ankle joint angle in swing phase, but a more variable hip joint angle. Withdrawal of DREADDs agonist, clozapine-N-oxide (CNO) left these kinematic differences largely unaffected; suggesting that DREADDs activation is not necessary for them later in recovery. However, we observed an intermittent “buckling” phenomenon in DREADDs animals without CNO activation, that did not occur with CNO re-administration. Future studies could use more refined genetic targeted of specific afferent classes, and utilize muscle recordings to find where afferent modulation is most influential in altering motor output.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn T. Eisdorfer
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Hannah Sobotka-Briner
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Susan Schramfield
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - George Moukarzel
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Neuroscience, Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Thomas J. Campion
- Department of Neuroscience, Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Rupert Smit
- Department of Neuroscience, Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Bradley C. Rauscher
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Michel A. Lemay
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - George M. Smith
- Department of Neuroscience, Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Andrew J. Spence
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Andrew J. Spence
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Mun S, Han K, Hyun JK. The Time Sequence of Gene Expression Changes after Spinal Cord Injury. Cells 2022; 11:cells11142236. [PMID: 35883679 PMCID: PMC9324287 DOI: 10.3390/cells11142236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene expression changes following spinal cord injury (SCI) are time-dependent, and an accurate understanding of these changes can be crucial in determining time-based treatment options in a clinical setting. We performed RNA sequencing of the contused spinal cord of rats at five different time points from the very acute to chronic stages (1 hour, 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months) following SCI. We identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and Gene Ontology (GO) terms at each time point, and 14,257 genes were commonly expressed at all time points. The biological process of the inflammatory response was increased at 1 hour and 1 day, and the cellular component of the integral component of the synaptic membrane was increased at 1 day. DEGs associated with cell activation and the innate immune response were highly enriched at 1 week and 1 month, respectively. A total of 2841 DEGs were differentially expressed at any of the five time points, and 18 genes (17 upregulated and 1 downregulated) showed common expression differences at all time points. We found that interleukin signaling, neutrophil degranulation, eukaryotic translation, collagen degradation, LGI–ADAM interactions, GABA receptor, and L1CAM-ankyrin interactions were prominent after SCI depending on the time post injury. We also performed gene–drug network analysis and found several potential antagonists and agonists which can be used to treat SCI. We expect to discover effective treatments in the clinical field through further studies revealing the efficacy and safety of potential drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyoung Mun
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea;
- Center for Bio Medical Engineering Core Facility, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea;
| | - Kyudong Han
- Center for Bio Medical Engineering Core Facility, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea;
- Department of Microbiology, College of Science & Technology, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea
| | - Jung Keun Hyun
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea;
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-10-2293-3415
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22
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Activity-based therapy for individuals with spinal cord injury/disease: perspectives of acute care therapists. Spinal Cord Ser Cases 2022; 8:39. [PMID: 35383140 PMCID: PMC8982296 DOI: 10.1038/s41394-022-00508-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Study design An exploratory descriptive study was conducted. Objective To determine if and how occupational therapists (OTs) and physical therapists (PTs) in acute care hospital settings use activity-based therapy (ABT) and its associated technologies. Setting Acute care hospital settings in Canada. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with physical and occupational therapists, licensed in Canada, who worked in an acute care neurological setting with individuals with spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D). To analyze the data, interpretive description was used. NVivo 12 was used for data management. Results Five physical therapists and two occupational therapists were interviewed (n = 7). Two therapists declined after reading a description of the study. Through analysis, the following themes were identified as affecting the delivery of ABT as part of SCI/D rehabilitation in the acute care setting: (1) Impact of patient acuity on ABT participation, (2) ABT approach unique to the acute care setting, and (3) Influence of acute care work environment and therapy practice. Throughout these themes, therapists referred to dosage as a limiting factor affecting ABT delivery. Conclusions Our research reveals that implementing ABT in an acute care setting is challenging considering the high dosage of movement practice required for ABT. To increase dosage and the use of ABT in acute care, strategies could include early patient education on ABT, strategic use of social supports, and use of portable technology already incorporated in acute care.
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Body Weight-Supported Treadmill Training Ameliorates Motoneuronal Hyperexcitability by Increasing GAD-65/67 and KCC2 Expression via TrkB Signaling in Rats with Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury. Neurochem Res 2022; 47:1679-1691. [PMID: 35320460 PMCID: PMC9124175 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03561-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Spasticity is a typical consequence after spinal cord injury (SCI). The critical reasons are reducing the synthesis of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA), glycine and potassium chloride co-transporter 2 (KCC2) inside the distal spinal cord. The current work aimed to test whether exercise training could increase the expression of glutamic acid decarboxylase 65/67 (GAD-65/67, the key enzymes in GABA synthesis) and KCC2 in the distal spinal cord via tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) signaling. The experimental rats were randomly assigned to the following five groups: Sham, SCI/phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), SCI-treadmill training (TT)/PBS, SCI/TrkB-IgG, and SCI-TT/TrkB-IgG. After that, the model of T10 contusion SCI was used, then TrkB-IgG was used to prevent TrkB activity at 7 days post-SCI. Body weight-supported treadmill training started on the 8th day post-SCI for four weeks. The Hmax/Mmax ratio and the rate-dependent depression of H-reflex were used to assess the excitability of spinal motoneuronal networks. Western blotting and Immunohistochemistry techniques were utilized for measuring the expression of GAD-65, GAD-67, and KCC2. The findings revealed that exercise training could reduce motoneuronal excitability and boost GAD-65, GAD-67, and KCC2 production in the distal region of the spinal cord after SCI. The effects of exercise training were decreased after the TrkB signaling was inhibited. The present exploration demonstrated that exercise training increases GAD-65, GAD-67, and KCC2 expression in the spinal cord via TrkB signaling and that this method could also improve rats with motoneuronal hyperexcitability and spasticity induced by incomplete SCI.
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Treatment with Pulsed Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Field (PELF-EMF) Exhibit Anti-Inflammatory and Neuroprotective Effect in Compression Spinal Cord Injury Model. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020325. [PMID: 35203533 PMCID: PMC8869291 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) pathology includes both primary and secondary events. The primary injury includes the original traumatic event, and the secondary injury, beginning immediately after the initial injury, involves progressive neuroinflammation, neuronal excitotoxicity, gliosis, and degeneration. Currently, there is no effective neuroprotective treatment for SCI. However, an accumulating body of data suggests that PELF-EMF has beneficial therapeutic effects on neurotrauma. The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of the PELF-EMF SEQEX device using a compression SCI mouse model. Methods: C57BL/6 mice were exposed to PELF-EMF for 4 h on a daily basis for two months, beginning 2 h after a mild-moderate compression SCI. Results: The PELF-EMF treatment significantly diminished inflammatory cell infiltration and astrocyte activation by reducing Iba1, F4/80, CD68+ cells, and GAFP at the lesion borders, and increased pro-survival signaling, such as BDNF, on the neuronal cells. Moreover, the treatment exhibited a neuroprotective effect by reducing the demyelination of the axons of the white matter at the lesion’s center. Conclusions: Treatment with SEQEX demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Considering our results, this safe and effective rehabilitative device, already available on the market, may provide a major therapeutic asset in the treatment of SCI.
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25
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Wang Q, Li T, Fang C, Zhang B. Bioinformatics analysis of the wheel treadmill test on motor function recovery after spinal cord injury. IBRAIN 2021; 7:265-277. [PMID: 37786556 PMCID: PMC10529348 DOI: 10.1002/ibra.12006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the possible target and mechanism of the wheel treadmill (WTM) test for motor function recovery of spinal cord injury (SCI). Rats were divided into sham, control and WTM groups to establish an SCI mode. Rats in the WTM group were trained on the WTM test, and Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) scores were determined. The samples were collected, and mRNA sequencing was conducted to determine the changes in gene expression. The coexpressed genes were screened to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI), followed by the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway and Gene Ontology function enrichment analysis, and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) volcano map and hub gene expression heat map were constructed using R language. The BBB scores in the control and WTM groups increased with time, with the WTM group scoring higher than the control group. The results of rat spinal cord tissue sequencing showed that a total of 1679 DEGs were screened in the sham and control groups; 928 DEGs and 731 overlapping genes were screened in the WTM and control groups. The key genes were identified by PPI analysis. One hundred and thirty-three genes were found to be overlapping by combined analysis of spinal cord sequencing data and BBB scores of rats at Week 7. The top 10 DEGs from high to low were Tyrobp, Rac2, Cd68, C1qb, Aif1, Cd74, Spi1, Fcer1g, RT1-DA, and Ccl4. The terms with the highest enrichment scores were microglia-mediated positive regulation of cytotoxicity and major histocompatibility complex class II protein complexes. Treatment with the WTM test promotes recovery of motor function after SCI in rats by modulating intercellular communication and immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu‐Lin Wang
- School of AnesthesiologySouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhouSichuanChina
| | - Ting‐Ting Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Neurological Disease, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Chang‐Le Fang
- School of AnesthesiologySouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhouSichuanChina
| | - Bao‐Lei Zhang
- Department of Experimental ZoologyKunming Medical UniversityKunmingYunnanChina
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26
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Iddings JA, Zarkou A, Field-Fote EC. Noninvasive neuromodulation and rehabilitation to promote functional restoration in persons with spinal cord injury. Curr Opin Neurol 2021; 34:812-818. [PMID: 34766554 PMCID: PMC8597924 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0000000000000997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review will focus on the use of clinically accessible neuromodulatory approaches for functional restoration in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). RECENT FINDINGS Functional restoration is a primary rehabilitation priority for individuals with SCI. High-tech neuromodulatory modalities have been used in laboratory settings to improve hand and walking function as well as to reduce spasticity and pain in persons with SCI. However, the cost, limited accessibility, and required expertise are prohibitive for clinical applicability of these high-tech modalities. Recent literature indicates that noninvasive and clinically accessible approaches targeting supraspinal, spinal, and peripheral neural structures can modulate neural excitability. Although a limited number of studies have examined the use of these approaches for functional restoration and amelioration of secondary complications in SCI, early evidence investigating their efficacy when combined with training is encouraging. SUMMARY Larger sample studies addressing both biomarker identification and dosing are crucial next steps in the field of neurorehabilitation research before novel noninvasive stimulation approaches can be incorporated into standard clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Iddings
- Spinal Cord Injury Research Laboratory, Crawford Research Institute, Shepherd Center
| | - Anastasia Zarkou
- Spinal Cord Injury Research Laboratory, Crawford Research Institute, Shepherd Center
| | - Edelle C Field-Fote
- Spinal Cord Injury Research Laboratory, Crawford Research Institute, Shepherd Center
- Division of Physical Therapy, School of Medicine, Emory University
- Program in Applied Physiology, School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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