1
|
Azapagic A, Agarwal J, Gale B, Shea J, Wojtalewicz S, Sant H. A tacrolimus-eluting nerve guidance conduit enhances regeneration in a critical-sized peripheral nerve injury rat model. Biomed Microdevices 2024; 26:34. [PMID: 39102047 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-024-00717-y] [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] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Critical-sized peripheral nerve injuries pose a significant clinical challenge and lead to functional loss and disability. Current regeneration strategies, including autografts, synthetic nerve conduits, and biologic treatments, encounter challenges such as limited availability, donor site morbidity, suboptimal recovery, potential immune responses, and sustained stability and bioactivity. An obstacle in peripheral nerve regeneration is the immune response that can lead to inflammation and scarring that impede the regenerative process. Addressing both the immunological and regenerative needs is crucial for successful nerve recovery. Here, we introduce a novel biodegradable tacrolimus-eluting nerve guidance conduit engineered from a blend of poly (L-lactide-co-caprolactone) to facilitate peripheral nerve regeneration and report the testing of this conduit in 15-mm critical-sized gaps in the sciatic nerve of rats. The conduit's diffusion holes enable the local release of tacrolimus, a potent immunosuppressant with neuro-regenerative properties, directly into the injury site. A series of in vitro experiments were conducted to assess the ability of the conduit to maintain a controlled tacrolimus release profile that could promote neurite outgrowth. Subsequent in vivo assessments in rat models of sciatic nerve injury revealed significant enhancements in nerve regeneration, as evidenced by improved axonal growth and functional recovery compared to controls using placebo conduits. These findings indicate the synergistic effects of combining a biodegradable conduit with localized, sustained delivery of tacrolimus, suggesting a promising approach for treating peripheral nerve injuries. Further optimization of the design and long-term efficacy studies and clinical trials are needed before the potential for clinical translation in humans can be considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Azur Azapagic
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Utah, 1495 E 100 S, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
| | - Jayant Agarwal
- Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, The University of Utah School of Medicine, 30 N 1900 E, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Bruce Gale
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Utah, 1495 E 100 S, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Jill Shea
- Department of Surgery, The University of Utah School of Medicine, 30 N 1900 E, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132 , USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Utah, 1495 E 100 S, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Susan Wojtalewicz
- Department of Surgery, The University of Utah School of Medicine, 30 N 1900 E, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132 , USA
| | - Himanshu Sant
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Utah, 1495 E 100 S, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhao X, Gu R, Zhao Y, Wei F, Gao X, Zhuang Y, Xiao Z, Shen H, Dai J. Adult spinal cord tissue transplantation combined with local tacrolimus sustained-release collagen hydrogel promotes complete spinal cord injury repair. Cell Prolif 2023; 56:e13451. [PMID: 36916024 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The strategy of replacing a completely damaged spinal cord with allogenic adult spinal cord tissues (aSCs) can potentially repair complete spinal cord injury (SCI) in combination with immunosuppressive drugs, such as tacrolimus (Tac), which suppress transplant rejection and improve graft survival. However, daily systemic administration of immunosuppressive agents may cause harsh side effects. Herein, a localized, sustained Tac-release collagen hydrogel (Col/Tac) was developed to maximize the immune regulatory efficacy but minimize the side effects of Tac after aSC transplantation in complete SCI recipients. Thoracic aSCs of rat donors were transplanted into the complete thoracic spinal cord transection rat recipients, after which Col/Tac hydrogel was implanted. The Tac-encapsulated collagen hydrogel exhibited suitable mechanical properties and long-term sustained Tac release behaviour. After Col/Tac hydrogel implantation in SCI rats with aSC transplantation, the recipients' survival rate significantly improved and the side effects on tissues were reduced compared with those with conventional Tac medication. Moreover, treatment with the Col/Tac hydrogel exhibited similarly reduced immune rejection levels by regulating immune responses and promoted neurogenesis compared to daily Tac injections, and thus improved functional restoration. Localized delivery of immunosuppressive agents by the Col/Tac hydrogel may be a promising strategy for overcoming immune rejection of transplants, with significant potential for clinical application in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinhao Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface Research, Division of Nanobiomedicine, Suzhou Institute of NanoTech and NanoBionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China.,China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Gu
- China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yannan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Wei
- Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface Research, Division of Nanobiomedicine, Suzhou Institute of NanoTech and NanoBionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China.,School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xu Gao
- Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface Research, Division of Nanobiomedicine, Suzhou Institute of NanoTech and NanoBionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China.,China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yan Zhuang
- Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface Research, Division of Nanobiomedicine, Suzhou Institute of NanoTech and NanoBionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China.,School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhifeng Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - He Shen
- Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface Research, Division of Nanobiomedicine, Suzhou Institute of NanoTech and NanoBionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China.,School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jianwu Dai
- Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface Research, Division of Nanobiomedicine, Suzhou Institute of NanoTech and NanoBionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abdallah A, Tekin A, Oztanir MN, Süsgün S, Yabacı A, Çınar İ, Can E, Tokar S, Akbaş F, Seyithanoğlu MH. Effects of Methylprednisolone in the Treatment of Spinal Cord Injuries by Evaluation of microRNA-21: An Experimental Study. J Neurol Surg A Cent Eur Neurosurg 2022; 84:240-246. [PMID: 35439827 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1743552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS Spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most complicated pathologies that affect active young males. miR-21 primarily regulates several cellular processes. We aimed to elucidate the regulatory role of miR-21 and test methylprednisolone as a disease-modifying agent on experimental SCI tissues. METHODS A total of 36 8- to 10-week-old adult female Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 250 to 300 g were used. Animals were randomly divided into six groups. Except for groups 1 and 4, the spinal trauma model was applied to all animal groups using the clipping method. In groups 3 and 6, methylprednisolone was given. For real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) investigations, rats in groups 1, 2, and 3 were reoperated on after the first postoperative day, whereas those in groups 4, 5, and 6 were reoperated on after postoperative day 7 and spinal cord samples from the laminectomy area were removed for gene expression analysis. Relative gene expression of miR-21, Gfap, Vim, Stat3, Faslg, Pten, Bax, Bcl2, Cox2, and Il6 were determined with quantitative reverse transcription (qRT) PCR. RESULTS In group 3, the miR-21 expression significantly increased compared with groups 1 and 2. When compared with group 3, a decrease in miR-21 expression was observed in group 6 (p < 0.05). When compared with group 4, group 6 had lower levels of Gfap, Pten, Stat3, and Bax (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS miR-21 supports the beneficial aspects of the body's healing mechanisms following SCI. In the acute phase, the use of methylprednisolone increases miR-21 expression in the early period of trauma. Methylprednisolone increases some astrogliosis and inflammation biomarkers' levels; however, it did not affect the apoptotic biomarkers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anas Abdallah
- Department of Neurosurgery, Osmaniye State Hospital, Merkez-Osmaniye, Turkey
| | - Abdurrahim Tekin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Istanbul Medipol University, Çamlıca Hospital, Üsküdar-Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Seda Süsgün
- Department of Medical Biology, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayşegül Yabacı
- Department of Biostatistics, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - İrfan Çınar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Aile Hospital, Bahçelievler-Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Engin Can
- Department of Neurosurgery, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sadık Tokar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fahri Akbaş
- Department of Medical Biology, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Atiq Hassan, Nasir N, Muzammil K. Treatment Strategies to Promote Regeneration in Experimental Spinal Cord Injury Models. NEUROCHEM J+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s1819712421010049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
|
5
|
Alizadeh A, Moradi L, Katebi M, Ai J, Azami M, Moradveisi B, Ostad SN. Delivery of injectable thermo-sensitive hydrogel releasing nerve growth factor for spinal cord regeneration in rat animal model. J Tissue Viability 2020; 29:359-366. [PMID: 32839065 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtv.2020.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The main goal of this study was to explore the beneficial effect of nerve growth factor (NGF)-overexpressing of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADSCs) encapsulated in injectable chitosan/β-glycerophosphate/hydroxyethylcellulose (CS/β-GP/HEC) hydrogel for spinal cord regeneration. The CS/β-GP/HEC hydrogel and genetically transduced hADSCs using pseudo-lentiviruses-NGF were prepared. The mechanical properties, morphology and cytotoxicity of the hydrogel were investigated by rheometry, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and MTT assay, respectively. Rats animals were undergone spinal cord injury (SCI), then one-week post-injury, CS/β-GP/HEC hydrogel, transduced hADSCs and transduced hADSCs/CS/β-GP/HEC hydrogel injected into the site of the lesion. Animals with SCI and animals with laminectomy without SCI were considered as negative control and sham groups, respectively. Positive control group received no surgical intervention. At eight weeks post-injection, histological studies indicated a significant increase in cell proliferation, a smaller cavity in size at the SCI site as well as better locomotor functions for transduced hADSCs/CS/β-GP/HEC hydrogel group (P ≤ 0.05) compared to other experimental groups. Our results showed that CS/β-GP/HEC hydrogel in combination with transduced-hADSCs is able to successfully regenerate SCI. These results may be applicable in the selection of the best therapeutic strategy based on gene therapy and tissue engineering for SCI treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akram Alizadeh
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Lida Moradi
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, New York University, USA
| | - Majid Katebi
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Jafar Ai
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Azami
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Borhan Moradveisi
- Cancer and Immunology Research Center, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Seyed Nasser Ostad
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Poisoning and Toxicology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hu X, Li R, Wu Y, Li Y, Zhong X, Zhang G, Kang Y, Liu S, Xie L, Ye J, Xiao J. Thermosensitive heparin-poloxamer hydrogel encapsulated bFGF and NGF to treat spinal cord injury. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:8166-8178. [PMID: 32515141 PMCID: PMC7348165 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The application of growth factors (GFs) for treating chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) has been shown to promote axonal regeneration and functional recovery. However, direct administration of GFs is limited by their rapid degradation and dilution at the injured sites. Moreover, SCI recovery is a multifactorial process that requires multiple GFs to participate in tissue regeneration. Based on these facts, controlled delivery of multiple growth factors (GFs) to lesion areas is becoming an attractive strategy for repairing SCI. Presently, we developed a GFs‐based delivery system (called GFs‐HP) that consisted of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), nerve growth factor (NGF) and heparin‐poloxamer (HP) hydrogel through self‐assembly mode. This GFs‐HP was a kind of thermosensitive hydrogel that was suitable for orthotopic administration in vivo. Meanwhile, a 3D porous structure of this hydrogel is commonly used to load large amounts of GFs. After single injection of GFs‐HP into the lesioned spinal cord, the sustained release of NGF and bFGF from HP could significantly improve neuronal survival, axon regeneration, reactive astrogliosis suppression and locomotor recovery, when compared with the treatment of free GFs or HP. Moreover, we also revealed that these neuroprotective and neuroregenerative effects of GFs‐HP were likely through activating the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase and protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) and mitogen‐activated protein kinase/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) signalling pathways. Overall, our work will provide an effective therapeutic strategy for SCI repair.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Hu
- Department of Anesthesia, The First Affiliated Hospital, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.,Molecular Pharmacology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Anesthesia, The First Affiliated Hospital, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.,Molecular Pharmacology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanqing Wu
- The Institute of Life Sciences, Engineering Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Pharmaceutical Development of Growth Factors, Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Wenzhou, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Anesthesia, The First Affiliated Hospital, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Xingfeng Zhong
- Department of Anesthesia, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Guanyinsheng Zhang
- Department of Anesthesia, The First Affiliated Hospital, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Yanmin Kang
- Department of Anesthesia, The First Affiliated Hospital, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Shuhua Liu
- Department of Anesthesia, The First Affiliated Hospital, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Ling Xie
- Molecular Pharmacology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Junming Ye
- Department of Anesthesia, The First Affiliated Hospital, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Jian Xiao
- Molecular Pharmacology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,The Institute of Life Sciences, Engineering Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Pharmaceutical Development of Growth Factors, Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Wenzhou, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Guercio JR, Kralic JE, Marrotte EJ, James ML. Spinal cord injury pharmacotherapy: Current research & development and competitive commercial landscape as of 2015. J Spinal Cord Med 2019; 42:102-122. [PMID: 29485334 PMCID: PMC6340271 DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2018.1439803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Current treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI) focuses on cord stabilization to prevent further injury, rehabilitation, management of non-motor symptoms, and prevention of complications. Currently, no approved treatments are available, and limited treatment options exist for symptoms and complications associated with chronic SCI. This review describes the pharmacotherapy landscape in SCI from both commercial and research and development (R&D) standpoints through March 2015. METHODS Information about specific compounds has been obtained through drug pipeline monographs in the Pharmaprojects® (Citeline, Inc., New York, New York, USA) drug database (current as of a search on May 30, 2014), websites of individual companies with compounds in development for SCI (current as of March 24, 2015), and a literature search of published R&D studies to validate the Pharmaprojects® source for selected compounds (current as of March 24, 2015). RESULTS Types of studies conducted and outcomes measured in earlier phases of development are described for compounds in clinical development Currently four primary mechanisms are under investigation and may yield promising therapeutic targets: 1) neuronal regeneration; 2) neuroprotection (including anti-inflammation); 3) axonal reconnection; and 4) neuromodulation and signal enhancement. Many other compounds are no longer under investigation for SCI are mentioned; however, in most cases, the reason for terminating their development is not clear. CONCLUSION There is urgent need to develop disease-modifying therapy for SCI, yet the commercial landscape remains small and highly fragmented with a paucity of novel late-stage compounds in R&D.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jason R. Guercio
- North American Partners in Anesthesiology, New Britain, Connecticuit, USA,Correspondence to: Michael L. James, MD, Associate Professor, Brain Injury Translational Research Center, Duke University DUMC 3094, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | - Jason E. Kralic
- Innervate BD Solutions, LLC, Hillsborough, North Carolina, USA
| | - Eric J. Marrotte
- Department of Neurology, Brain Injury Translational Research Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Michael L. James
- Department of Neurology, Brain Injury Translational Research Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA,Department of Anesthesiology, Brain Injury Translational Research Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA,Correspondence to: Michael L. James, MD, Associate Professor, Brain Injury Translational Research Center, Duke University DUMC 3094, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Labroo P, Hilgart D, Davis B, Lambert C, Sant H, Gale B, Shea JE, Agarwal J. Drug-delivering nerve conduit improves regeneration in a critical-sized gap. Biotechnol Bioeng 2018; 116:143-154. [PMID: 30229866 DOI: 10.1002/bit.26837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Autologous nerve grafts are the current "gold standard" for repairing large nerve gaps. However, they cause morbidity at the donor nerve site and only a limited amount of nerve can be harvested. Nerve conduits are a promising alternative to autografts and can act as guidance cues for the regenerating axons, without the need to harvest donor nerve. Separately, it has been shown that localized delivery of GDNF can enhance axon growth and motor recovery. FK506, an FDA approved small molecule, has also been shown to enhance peripheral nerve regeneration. This paper describes the design of a novel hole-based drug delivery apparatus integrated with a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) nerve conduit for controlled local delivery of a protein such as GDNF or a small molecule such as FK506. The PTFE devices were tested in a diffusion chamber, and the bioactivity of the released media was evaluated by measuring neurite growth of dorsal root ganglions (DRGs) exposed to the released drugs. The drug delivering nerve guide was able to release bioactive concentrations of FK506 or GDNF. Following these tests, optimized drug releasing nerve conduits were implanted across 10 mm sciatic nerve gaps in a BL6 yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) mouse model, where they demonstrated significant improvement in muscle mass, compound muscle action potential, and axon myelination in vivo as compared with nerve conduits without the drug. The drug delivery nerve guide could release drug for extended periods of time and enhance axon growth in vitro and in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pratima Labroo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - David Hilgart
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Brett Davis
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Christopher Lambert
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Himanshu Sant
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Bruce Gale
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Jill E Shea
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Jayant Agarwal
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Deng Y, Xu Y, Liu H, Peng H, Tao Q, Liu H, Liu H, Wu J, Chen X, Fan J. Electrical stimulation promotes regeneration and re-myelination of axons of injured facial nerve in rats. Neurol Res 2018. [PMID: 29513163 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2018.1428390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective To investigate the effects of electrical stimulation (ES) on the nerve regeneration and functional recovery of facial expression muscles in facial nerve defect rats. Methods Sixty rats were surgically introduced with a 1-cm defect on the right facial nerves and evenly divided into the Surgery group (Group A, the main trunk of the right facial nerve was surgically cut-off with a 1.0 cm at the foramina stylomastoideum) and the Surgery + ES group (Group B). Twenty normal rats were as normal control group (without receiving surgery or ES). For rats in group B, the orbicularis oris muscle of the right paralyzed face was stimulated with an electrical pulse of 3 V, 20 Hz and 0.3 mA for 1 h each day. The effects of ES on the facial muscle movement, compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs), histological structure, and the expression levels of S100B and NF200 proteins were comparatively studied. Results In group A, facial paralysis scores were slightly improved from day 1 to 28; the facial nerve trunks had swelled and malformed till day 14; and CMAPs could be induced in fewer animals and were abnormal, resulting in a slow recovery of the facial muscle movement. In group B, facial paralysis scores were improved from 4 to 2.6 during the 4 weeks; more rats showed a higher amplitude and shorter latency of CMAPs from day 14 to 28 after surgery; and increased axons and the expression of S100B and NF200 proteins and gradually decreased swelling in the injured facial nerve. Conclusion ES promotes outgrowth and myelination of axons and a partial functional recovery of facial muscles in injured facial nerve rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Deng
- a Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery , Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China
| | - Yaping Xu
- a Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery , Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China
| | - Huanhai Liu
- a Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery , Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China
| | - Hu Peng
- a Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery , Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China
| | - Qilei Tao
- a Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery , Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China
| | - Hongyi Liu
- a Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery , Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China
| | - Haibin Liu
- a Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery , Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China
| | - Jian Wu
- a Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery , Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- b Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery , Gongli Hospital, Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China
| | - Jingping Fan
- a Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery , Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhao BL, Li WT, Zhou XH, Wu SQ, Cao HS, Bao ZR, An LB. Effective robotic assistive pattern of treadmill training for spinal cord injury in a rat model. Exp Ther Med 2018; 15:3283-3294. [PMID: 29545846 PMCID: PMC5840943 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018.5822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to establish an effective robotic assistive stepping pattern of body-weight-supported treadmill training based on a rat spinal cord injury (SCI) model and assess the effect by comparing this with another frequently used assistive stepping pattern. The recorded stepping patterns of both hind limbs of trained intact rats were edited to establish a 30-sec playback normal rat stepping pattern (NRSP). Step features (step length, step height, step number and swing duration), BBB scores, latencies, and amplitudes of the transcranial electrical motor-evoked potentials (tceMEPs) and neurofilament 200 (NF200) expression in the spinal cord lesion area during and after 3 weeks of body-weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) were compared in rats with spinal contusion receiving NRSP assistance (NRSPA) and those that received manual assistance (MA). Hind limb stepping performance among rats receiving NRSPA during BWSTT was greater than that among rats receiving MA in terms of longer step length, taller step height, and longer swing duration. Furthermore a higher BBB score was also indicated. The rats in the NRSPA group achieved superior results in the tceMEPs assessment and greater NF200 expression in the spinal cord lesion area compared with the rats in the MA group. These findings suggest NRSPA was an effective assistive pattern of treadmill training compared with MA based on the rat SCI model and this approach could be used as a new platform for animal experiments for better understanding the mechanisms of SCI rehabilitation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo-Lun Zhao
- Department of Clinical Nursing, School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Tao Li
- Department of Clinical Nursing, School of Nursing, Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning 116622, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Hua Zhou
- Department of Clinical Nursing, School of Nursing, Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning 116622, P.R. China
| | - Su-Qian Wu
- Department of Clinical Nursing, School of Nursing, Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning 116622, P.R. China
| | - Hong-Shi Cao
- Department of Clinical Nursing, School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Zhu-Ren Bao
- Department of Clinical Nursing, School of Nursing, Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning 116622, P.R. China
| | - Li-Bin An
- Department of Clinical Nursing, School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhang W, Zhou G, Gao Y, Zhou Y, Liu J, Zhang L, Long A, Zhang L, Tang P. A sequential delivery system employing the synergism of EPO and NGF promotes sciatic nerve repair. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2017; 159:327-336. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2017.07.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Revised: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
|
12
|
Pan Q, Guo Y, Kong F. Poly(glycerol sebacate) combined with chondroitinase ABC promotes spinal cord repair in rats. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 2017; 106:1770-1777. [PMID: 28901688 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.33984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Qi Pan
- Department of Neurosurgery; Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Corps Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Force; Urumqi 830091 China
| | - Yan Guo
- Department of Ophthalmology; Shanghai Corps Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Force; Shanghai 201103 China
| | - Fanyong Kong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine; Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Shanghai 200437 China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
The SDF-1/CXCR4 axis promotes recovery after spinal cord injury by mediating bone marrow-derived from mesenchymal stem cells. Oncotarget 2017; 8:11629-11640. [PMID: 28099928 PMCID: PMC5355292 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to explore the role of the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis in mediating BMSCs and SCI recovery. BMSCs were collected and SCI rat models were established. Wistar rats were assigned into the blank control, sham, SCI, SCI + BMSCs, SCI + BMSCs + SDF-1, SCI + BMSCs + AMD3100 (an inhibitor of SDF-1/CXCR4 axis) and SCI + BMSCs + SDF-1 + AMD3100 groups. Hind limb motor function was measured 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after operation. qRT-PCR, western blotting and ELISA was performed to determine the expressions of SDF-1, CXCR4, NGF, BDNF, GFAP and GAP-43, TNF-α, IL-1β, L-6 and IFN-γ. Hind limb motor function scores 7 days after the operation were reduced in the SCI rats of the blank control and sham groups. Hind limb function was found to be better in the SCI + BMSCs and SCI + BMSCs + SDF-1 groups than in the SCI, SCI + BMSCs + AMD3100 and SCI + BMSCs + SDF-1 + AMD3100 groups 14, 21 and 28 days after operation. Furthermore, the SCI group had lower SDF-1, CXCR4, NGF, BDNF and GAP-43 expressions but higher GFAP, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IFN-γ than the blank control and sham groups 28 days after operation. While, the SCI + BMSCs, SCI + BMSCs + SDF-1 and SCI + BMSCs + SDF-1 + AMD3100 groups displayed opposite trends to the SCI and SCI + BMSCs + AMD3100 groups. In conclusion, SDF-1/CXCR4 axis promotes recovery after SCI by mediating BMSCs.
Collapse
|
14
|
Xun C, Mamat M, Guo H, Mamati P, Sheng J, Zhang J, Xu T, Liang W, Cao R, Sheng W. Tocotrienol alleviates inflammation and oxidative stress in a rat model of spinal cord injury via suppression of transforming growth factor-β. Exp Ther Med 2017; 14:431-438. [PMID: 28672950 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.4505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years accumulating evidence has indicated that tocotrienol exhibits an oxidation resistance function, decreased cholesterol function, inhibits cancer function and has unique physiological functions, including anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidative properties. The present study investigated the effect of tocotrienols on spinal cord injury (SCI) by evaluating oxidative stress, inflammation and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in rats. A rat model of SCI was induced by operation. SCI rats were treated with 120 mg/kg/day tocotrienol once a day for eight consecutive weeks. Functional recovery following SCI was measured by using the Basso Beattie Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale. Then the volume of spinal cord contusions was measured following induction of SCI in the rats. In SCI rats, serum malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, nuclear factor-κB p65 unit, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 levels were analyzed using respective commercial immunoassay kits. Firstly, iNOS, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, collagen type IV and fibronectin protein expression levels, in addition to iNOS activity and plasma nitric oxide (NO) production in SCI rats was analyzed using western blot analysis, commercial kits and Griess reagent, respectively. Tocotrienol treatment elevated BBB scores and contused volume in the SCI rats. Tocotrienol protected against SCI with reduced oxidative stress and inflammation, and inhibited iNOS protein expression iNOS activity and plasma NO production in rats. In addition, treatment with tocotrienols suppressed TGF-β, collagen type IV and fibronectin protein expression levels in SCI rats. These results suggest that tocotrienols protect SCI, and suppress oxidative stress, inflammation and iNOS in this model of SCI through TGF-β, collagen type IV and fibronectin signaling pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chuanhui Xun
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, P.R. China
| | - Mardan Mamat
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, P.R. China
| | - Hailong Guo
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, P.R. China
| | - Pulat Mamati
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, P.R. China
| | - Jun Sheng
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, P.R. China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, P.R. China
| | - Tao Xu
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, P.R. China
| | - Weidong Liang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, P.R. China
| | - Rui Cao
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, P.R. China
| | - Weibin Sheng
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ordikhani F, Sheth S, Zustiak SP. Polymeric particle-mediated molecular therapies to treat spinal cord injury. Int J Pharm 2017; 516:71-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2016.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2016] [Revised: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
16
|
Guo Y, Ma Y, Pan YL, Zheng SY, Wang JW, Huang GC. Jisuikang, a Chinese herbal formula, increases neurotrophic factor expression and promotes the recovery of neurological function after spinal cord injury. Neural Regen Res 2017; 12:1519-1528. [PMID: 29089999 PMCID: PMC5649474 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.215264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Chinese medicine compound, Jisuikang, can promote recovery of neurological function by inhibiting lipid peroxidation, scavenging oxygen free radicals, and effectively improving the local microenvironment after spinal cord injury. However, the mechanism remains unclear. Thus, we established a rat model of acute spinal cord injury using a modified version of Allen's method. Jisuikang (50, 25, and 12.5 g/kg/d) and prednisolone were administered 30 minutes after anesthesia. Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan locomotor scale scores and the oblique board test showed improved motor function recovery in the prednisone group and moderate-dose Jisuikang group compared with the other groups at 3-7 days post-injury. The rats in the moderate-dose Jisuikang group recovered best at 14 days post-injury. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy showed that the survival rate of neurons in treatment groups increased after 3-7 days of administration. Further, the structure of neurons and glial cells was more distinct, especially in prednisolone and moderate-dose Jisuikang groups. Western blot assay and immunohistochemistry showed that expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in injured segments was maintained at a high level after 7-14 days of treatment. In contrast, expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) was down-regulated at 7 days after spinal cord injury. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that expression of BDNF and NGF mRNA was induced in injured segments by prednisolone and Jisuikang. At 3-7 days after injury, the effect of prednisolone was greater, while 14 days after injury, the effect of moderate-dose Jisuikang was greater. These results confirm that Jisuikang can upregulate BDNF and NGF expression for a prolonged period after spinal cord injury and promote repair of acute spinal cord injury, with its effect being similar to prednisolone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Guo
- Institute of Traumatology & Orthopedics and Laboratory of New Techniques of Restoration & Reconstruction of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yong Ma
- Institute of Traumatology & Orthopedics and Laboratory of New Techniques of Restoration & Reconstruction of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.,Department of Traumatology & Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ya-Lan Pan
- Institute of Traumatology & Orthopedics and Laboratory of New Techniques of Restoration & Reconstruction of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Su-Yang Zheng
- Institute of Traumatology & Orthopedics and Laboratory of New Techniques of Restoration & Reconstruction of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jian-Wei Wang
- Department of Traumatology & Orthopedics, Wuxi Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Gui-Cheng Huang
- Institute of Traumatology & Orthopedics and Laboratory of New Techniques of Restoration & Reconstruction of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Labroo P, Shea J, Sant H, Gale B, Agarwal J. Effect Of combining FK506 and neurotrophins on neurite branching and elongation. Muscle Nerve 2016; 55:570-581. [PMID: 27503321 DOI: 10.1002/mus.25370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Revised: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is a clinical need to improve the outcomes of peripheral nerve regeneration and repair after injury. In addition to its immunosuppressive effects, FK506 (tacrolimus) has been shown to have neuroregenerative properties. To determine biologically relevant local FK506 and growth factor concentrations, we performed an in vitro bioassay using dorsal root ganglion (DRG) from chicken embryos. METHODS Neurite elongation and neurite branching were analyzed microscopically after addition of FK506, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and nerve growth factor (NGF), each alone and in combination. RESULTS FK506 induced modest neurite elongation (∼500-800 µm) without improving neurite branching significantly. The combination of FK506 with NGF, GDNF, or both, exerted a potentiating or competitive effect on neurite elongation (∼700-1100 µm) based on dosage and competitive effect on neurite branching (∼0.2-0.4). CONCLUSIONS These results strongly suggest that the interaction of FK506 with GDNF and NGF mediates distinct enhancement of neurite growth. Muscle Nerve 55: 570-581, 2017.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pratima Labroo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Jill Shea
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah, 30 N 1900 E, 3b400, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84132, USA
| | - Himanshu Sant
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Bruce Gale
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Jayant Agarwal
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah, 30 N 1900 E, 3b400, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84132, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Berndt M, Li Y, Seyedhassantehrani N, Yao L. Fabrication and characterization of microspheres encapsulating astrocytes for neural regeneration. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2016; 3:1313-1321. [PMID: 28948211 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.6b00229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes play a critical role in supporting the normal physiological function of neurons. Recent studies have revealed that astrocyte transplantation can promote axonal regeneration and functional recovery after spinal cord injury. Biomaterial can be designed as a growth-permissive substrate and serve as a carrier for astrocyte transplantation into injured spinal cord. In this study, we developed a method to generate collagen microspheres encapsulating astrocytes by injecting a mixture of collagen and astrocytes into a cell culture medium with a syringe controlled by a syringe pump. The collagen microspheres were crosslinked with poly(ethylene glycol) ether tetrasuccinimidyl glutarate (4S-StarPEG) to reduce the degradation rate. The viability of cells in the crosslinked microspheres was higher than 90%. Astrocytes were transfected with plasmids encoding nerve growth factor (NGF)-ires-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) genes by electroporation and encapsulated in crosslinked microspheres. The level of NGF released into the cell culture medium was higher than that remaining in the microspheres or astrocytes. When microspheres encapsulating astrocytes transfected with plasmids encoding NGF-ires-EGFP genes were added into the cultured rat dorsal root ganglion, the axonal growth was significantly enhanced. This study shows that the microspheres can be potentially used as a carrier of astrocytes to promote nerve regeneration in injured neural tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Berndt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wichita State University, Fairmount 1845, Wichita, KS, 67260, USA
| | - Yongchao Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wichita State University, Fairmount 1845, Wichita, KS, 67260, USA
| | - Negar Seyedhassantehrani
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wichita State University, Fairmount 1845, Wichita, KS, 67260, USA
| | - Li Yao
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wichita State University, Fairmount 1845, Wichita, KS, 67260, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Chikin VV, Smolyannikova VA, Proshutinskaya DV, Nefedova MA. Assessing the itching intensity using visual analogue scales in atopic dermatitis patients against the background of a therapy with calcineurin inhibitors. VESTNIK DERMATOLOGII I VENEROLOGII 2016. [DOI: 10.25208/0042-4609-2016-92-3-46-55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Goal. To assess the effect of topical treatment of atopic dermatitis patients with the 0.1% tacrolimus ointment on the itching intensity and skin expression level of growth factor proteins affecting the intensity of cutaneous innervation. Materials and methods. Fifteen patients suffering from atopic dermatitis underwent treatment with the 0.1% tacrolimus ointment. The SCORAD index was calculated to assess the severity of clinical manifestations. The itching intensity was assessed using a visual analogue scale. The skin expression of nerve growth factors, amphiregulin, semaphorin 3A and PGP9.5 protein (a nerve fiber marker) was assessed by the indirect immunofluorescence method. Results. An increased expression of the nerve growth factor and reduced semaphorin 3A expression levels were noted in the patients’ epidermis; there was an increase in the quantity, mean length and fluorescence intensity of PGP9.5+ nerve fibers. As a result of the treatment, the disease severity and itching intensity were reduced, the nerve growth factor expression level was reduced while semaphorin 3A expression level increased in the epidermis, and the mean length and fluorescence intensity of PGP9.5+ nerve fibers was also reduced. A positive correlation among the itching intensity and nerve growth factor expression level, quantity and mean length of PGP9.5+ nerve fibers in the epidermis was revealed, and negative correlation between the itching intensity and semaphorin 3A expression level in the epidermis was established. Conclusion. Topical treatment with the 0.1% Tacrolimus ointment reduces the itching intensity in atopic dermatitis patients, which is related to the therapy-mediated reduction in the epidermis innervation level, decreased expression of epidermal nerve growth factor and increased semaphorin 3A expression level.
Collapse
|
20
|
Effects of tacrolimus and erythropoietin in experimental spinal cord lesion in rats: functional and histological evaluation. Spinal Cord 2015; 54:439-44. [PMID: 26481712 PMCID: PMC5399139 DOI: 10.1038/sc.2015.172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Revised: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Experimental study with rats. OBJECTIVE To evaluate functional and histological effects of tacrolimus (FK 506) and erythropoietin (EPO) after experimental spinal cord contusion injury (SCI). SETTING Brazil. METHODS Wistar rats (n=60) were submitted to SCI with the NYU Impactor system. The control group received saline; the EPO group received EPO; the group EPO+FK 506 received EPO associated with tacrolimus and the group FK 506 received tacrolimus only. The Sham group underwent SCI, but did not receive any drug. Locomotor function was evaluated after SCI by BBB (Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan) weekly and by the motor-evoked potential test in 42 days. The spinal cord was histologically evaluated. RESULTS There was a significant difference between treated and the control groups from the seventh day on for BBB scores, with no difference between the groups EPO and EPO+FK 506 by the end of the study. There were significant differences between groups for necrosis and bleeding, but not for hiperemia, degeneration and cellular infiltrate. Axon neuron count was different between all groups (P=0.001), between EPO+FK 506 and FK 506 (P=0.011) and between EPO+FK 506 and Sham (P=0.002). Amplitude was significantly different between all groups except between control and sham. For latency, there was no difference. CONCLUSIONS This study did not reveal significant differences in the recovery of locomotor function, or in the histological and electrophysiological analysis in animals treated with EPO and tacrolimus after thoracic SCI.
Collapse
|
21
|
Mazzio E, Georges B, McTier O, Soliman KFA. Neurotrophic Effects of Mu Bie Zi (Momordica cochinchinensis) Seed Elucidated by High-Throughput Screening of Natural Products for NGF Mimetic Effects in PC-12 Cells. Neurochem Res 2015; 40:2102-12. [PMID: 25862192 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-015-1560-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Revised: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Post-mitotic central nervous system (CNS) neurons have limited capacity for regeneration, creating a challenge in the development of effective therapeutics for spinal cord injury or neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, therapeutic use of human neurotrophic agents such as nerve growth factor (NGF) are limited due to hampered transport across the blood brain barrier (BBB) and a large number of peripheral side effects (e.g. neuro-inflammatory pain/tissue degeneration etc.). Therefore, there is a continued need for discovery of small molecule NGF mimetics that can penetrate the BBB and initiate CNS neuronal outgrowth/regeneration. In the current study, we conduct an exploratory high-through-put (HTP) screening of 1144 predominantly natural/herb products (947 natural herbs/plants/spices, 29 polyphenolics and 168 synthetic drugs) for ability to induce neurite outgrowth in PC12 dopaminergic cells grown on rat tail collagen, over 7 days. The data indicate a remarkably rare event-low hit ratio with only 1/1144 tested substances (<111.25 µg/mL) being capable of inducing neurite outgrowth in a dose dependent manner, identified as; Mu Bie Zi, Momordica cochinchinensis seed extract (MCS). To quantify the neurotrophic effects of MCS, 36 images (n = 6) (average of 340 cells per image), were numerically assessed for neurite length, neurite count/cell and min/max neurite length in microns (µm) using Image J software. The data show neurite elongation from 0.07 ± 0.02 µm (controls) to 5.5 ± 0.62 µm (NGF 0.5 μg/mL) and 3.39 ± 0.45 µm (138 μg/mL) in MCS, where the average maximum length per group extended from 3.58 ± 0.42 µm (controls) to 41.93 ± 3.14 µm (NGF) and 40.20 ± 2.72 µm (MCS). Imaging analysis using immunocytochemistry (ICC) confirmed that NGF and MCS had similar influence on 3-D orientation/expression of 160/200 kD neurofilament, tubulin and F-actin. These latent changes were associated with early rise in phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) p-Erk1 (T202/Y204)/p-Erk2 (T185/Y187) at 60 min with mild changes in pAKT peaking at 5 min, and no indication of pMEK involvement. These findings demonstrate a remarkable infrequency of natural products or polyphenolic constituents to exert neurotrophic effects at low concentrations, and elucidate a unique property of MCS extract to do so. Future research will be required to delineate in depth mechanism of action of MCS, constituents responsible and potential for therapeutic application in CNS degenerative disease or injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Mazzio
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, Room 104, Dyson Pharmacy Building, 1520 ML King Blvd, Tallahassee, FL, 32307, USA
| | - B Georges
- Department of Biology, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, 32307, USA
| | - O McTier
- Department of Biology, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, 32307, USA
| | - Karam F A Soliman
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, Room 104, Dyson Pharmacy Building, 1520 ML King Blvd, Tallahassee, FL, 32307, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Russo V, Mauro A, Martelli A, Di Giacinto O, Di Marcantonio L, Nardinocchi D, Berardinelli P, Barboni B. Cellular and molecular maturation in fetal and adult ovine calcaneal tendons. J Anat 2014; 226:126-42. [PMID: 25546075 PMCID: PMC4304568 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/07/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Processes of development during fetal life profoundly transform tendons from a plastic tissue into a highly differentiated structure, characterised by a very low ability to regenerate after injury in adulthood. Sheep tendon is frequently used as a translational model to investigate cell-based regenerative approaches. However, in contrast to other species, analytical and comparative baseline studies on the normal developmental maturation of sheep tendons from fetal through to adult life are not currently available. Thus, a detailed morphological and biochemical study was designed to characterise tissue maturation during mid- (2 months of pregnancy: 14 cm of length) and late fetal (4 months: 40 cm of length) life, through to adulthood. The results confirm that ovine tendon morphology undergoes profound transformations during this period. Endotenon was more developed in fetal tendons than in adult tissues, and its cell phenotype changed through tendon maturation. Indeed, groups of large rounded cells laying on smaller and more compacted ones expressing osteocalcin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) were identified exclusively in fetal mid-stage tissues, and not in late fetal or adult tendons. VEGF, NGF as well as blood vessels and nerve fibers showed decreased expression during tendon development. Moreover, the endotenon of mid- and late fetuses contained identifiable cells that expressed several pluripotent stem cell markers [Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (TERT), SRY Determining Region Y Box-2 (SOX2), Nanog Homeobox (NANOG) and Octamer Binding Transcription Factor-4A (OCT-4A)]. These cells were not identifiable in adult specimens. Ovine tendon development was also accompanied by morphological modifications to cell nuclei, and a progressive decrease in cellularity, proliferation index and expression of connexins 43 and 32. Tendon maturation was similarly characterised by modulation of several other gene expression profiles, including Collagen type I, Collagen type III, Scleraxis B, Tenomodulin, Trombospondin 4 and Osteocalcin. These gene profiles underwent a dramatic reduction in adult tissues. Transforming growth factor-1 expression (involved in collagen synthesis) underwent a similar decrease. In conclusion, these morphological studies carried out on sheep tendons at different stages of development and aging offer normal structural and molecular baseline data to allow accurate evaluation of data from subsequent interventional studies investigating tendon healing and regeneration in ovine experimental models.
Collapse
|