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Tajali S, Balbinot G, Pakosh M, Sayenko DG, Zariffa J, Masani K. Modulations in neural pathways excitability post transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation among individuals with spinal cord injury: a systematic review. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1372222. [PMID: 38591069 PMCID: PMC11000807 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1372222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (TSCS), a non-invasive form of spinal cord stimulation, has been shown to improve motor function in individuals living with spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the effects of different types of TSCS currents including direct current (DC-TSCS), alternating current (AC-TSCS), and spinal paired stimulation on the excitability of neural pathways have not been systematically investigated. The objective of this systematic review was to determine the effects of TSCS on the excitability of neural pathways in adults with non-progressive SCI at any level. Methods The following databases were searched from their inception until June 2022: MEDLINE ALL, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and clinical trials. A total of 4,431 abstracts were screened, and 23 articles were included. Results Nineteen studies used TSCS at the thoracolumbar enlargement for lower limb rehabilitation (gait & balance) and four studies used cervical TSCS for upper limb rehabilitation. Sixteen studies measured spinal excitability by reporting different outcomes including Hoffmann reflex (H-reflex), flexion reflex excitability, spinal motor evoked potentials (SMEPs), cervicomedullay evoked potentials (CMEPs), and cutaneous-input-evoked muscle response. Seven studies measured corticospinal excitability using motor evoked potentials (MEPs) induced by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and one study measured somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) following TSCS. Our findings indicated a decrease in the amplitude of H-reflex and long latency flexion reflex following AC-TSCS, alongside an increase in the amplitudes of SMEPs and CMEPs. Moreover, the application of the TSCS-TMS paired associative technique resulted in spinal reflex inhibition, manifested by reduced amplitudes in both the H-reflex and flexion reflex arc. In terms of corticospinal excitability, findings from 5 studies demonstrated an increase in the amplitude of MEPs linked to lower limb muscles following DC-TSCS, in addition to paired associative stimulation involving repetitive TMS on the brain and DC-TSCS on the spine. There was an observed improvement in the latency of SSEPs in a single study. Notably, the overall quality of evidence, assessed by the modified Downs and Black Quality assessment, was deemed poor. Discussion This review unveils the systematic evidence supporting the potential of TSCS in reshaping both spinal and supraspinal neuronal circuitries post-SCI. Yet, it underscores the critical necessity for more rigorous, high-quality investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Tajali
- KITE Research Institute – University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gustavo Balbinot
- KITE Research Institute – University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Center for Advancing Neurotechnological Innovation to Application – CRANIA, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Maureen Pakosh
- Library & Information Services, University Health Network, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, ON, Canada
| | - Dimitry G. Sayenko
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Neuroregeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jose Zariffa
- KITE Research Institute – University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kei Masani
- KITE Research Institute – University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Han X, Zhang M, Yan L, Fu Y, Kou H, Shang C, Wang J, Liu H, Jiang C, Wang J, Cheng T. Role of dendritic cells in spinal cord injury. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14593. [PMID: 38528832 PMCID: PMC10964036 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14593] [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: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammation can worsen spinal cord injury (SCI), with dendritic cells (DCs) playing a crucial role in the inflammatory response. They mediate T lymphocyte differentiation, activate microglia, and release cytokines like NT-3. Moreover, DCs can promote neural stem cell survival and guide them toward neuron differentiation, positively impacting SCI outcomes. OBJECTIVE This review aims to summarize the role of DCs in SCI-related inflammation and identify potential therapeutic targets for treating SCI. METHODS Literature in PubMed and Web of Science was reviewed using critical terms related to DCs and SCI. RESULTS The study indicates that DCs can activate microglia and astrocytes, promote T-cell differentiation, increase neurotrophin release at the injury site, and subsequently reduce secondary brain injury and enhance functional recovery in the spinal cord. CONCLUSIONS This review highlights the repair mechanisms of DCs and their potential therapeutic potential for SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaonan Han
- Department of OrthopaedicsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Mingkang Zhang
- Department of OrthopaedicsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Liyan Yan
- Department of OrthopaedicsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Yikun Fu
- Department of OrthopaedicsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Hongwei Kou
- Department of OrthopaedicsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Chunfeng Shang
- Department of OrthopaedicsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Junmin Wang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Hongjian Liu
- Department of OrthopaedicsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Chao Jiang
- Department of NeurologyThe Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Tian Cheng
- Department of OrthopaedicsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
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Grisoni L, Piperno G, Moreau Q, Molinari M, Scivoletto G, Aglioti SM. Predicting and coding sound into action translation in spinal cord injured people. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 59:1029-1046. [PMID: 38276915 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16258] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Motor activation in response to perception of action-related stimuli may depend on a resonance mechanism subserving action understanding. The extent to which this mechanism is innate or learned from sensorimotor experience is still unclear. Here, we recorded EEG while people with paraplegia or tetraplegia consequent to spinal cord injury (SCI) and healthy control participants were presented with action sounds produced by body parts (mouth, hands or feet) that were or were not affected by SCI. Non-action sounds were used as further control. We observed reduced brain activation in subjects affected by SCI at both pre- and post-stimulus latencies specifically for those actions whose effector was disconnected by the spinal lesion (i.e., hand sound for tetraplegia and leg sound for both paraplegia and tetraplegia). Correlation analyses showed that these modulations were functionally linked with the chronicity of the lesion, indicating that the longer the time the lesion- EEG data acquisition interval and/or the more the lesion occurred at a young age, the weaker was the cortical activity in response to these action sounds. Tellingly, source estimations confirmed that these modulations originated from a deficit in the motor resonance mechanism, by showing diminished activity in premotor (during prediction and perception) and near the primary motor (during perception) areas. Such dissociation along the cortical hierarchy is consistent with both previous reports in healthy subjects and with hierarchical predictive coding accounts. Overall, these data expand on the notion that sensorimotor experience maintains the cortical representations relevant to anticipate and perceive action-related stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Grisoni
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome and CLN2S@sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia IIT, Rome, Italy
- Department of Philosophy and Humanities, Brain Language Laboratory, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Giulio Piperno
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome and CLN2S@sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia IIT, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Quentin Moreau
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome and CLN2S@sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia IIT, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Salvatore Maria Aglioti
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome and CLN2S@sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia IIT, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
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Zhang Z, Zhu Z, Liu D, Wang X, Liu X, Mi Z, Fu J, Fan H. Machine learning and experiments revealed a novel pyroptosis-based classification linked to diagnosis and immune landscape in spinal cord injury. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24974. [PMID: 38314301 PMCID: PMC10837564 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Rising evidence indicates the development of pyroptosis in the initiation and pathogenesis of spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the associated effects of pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) in SCI are unclear. Methods We obtained the gene expression profiles of SCI and normal samples in the GEO. Database The R package limma screened for differentially expressed (DE) PRGs and performed functional enrichment analysis. Mechanical learning and PPI analysis helped filter essential PRGs to diagnose SCI. Peripheral blood was collected for validation from ten SCI patients and eight healthy individuals. The association of essential PRGs with immune infiltration was evaluated, and pyroptosis subtypes were recognized in SCI patients by unsupervised cluster analysis. Besides, a SCI model was built for in vivo validation of essential PRGs. Result We identified 25 DE-PRGs between SCI and normal controls. Functional enrichment analysis revealed the principal involvement of DE-PRGs in pyroptosis, inflammasome complex, interleukin-1 beta production, etc. Subsequently, three essential PRGs were identified and validated, showing excellent diagnostic efficacy and significant correlation with immune cell infiltration. Additionally, we developed diagnostic nomograms to predict the occurrence of SCI. Two pyroptosis subtypes exhibited distinct biological functions and immune landscapes among SCI patients. Finally, the expression of these essential PRGswas verified in vivo. Conclusion The current study described the vital effects of pyroptosis-related genes in SCI, providing a novel direction for effective assessment and management of SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Zhijie Zhu
- Department of Orthopedics, Air Force Hospital of Eastern Theater, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Dong Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Xuankang Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Xincheng Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Zhenzhou Mi
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Jun Fu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Hongbin Fan
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
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Calderone A, Cardile D, De Luca R, Quartarone A, Corallo F, Calabrò RS. Brain Plasticity in Patients with Spinal Cord Injuries: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2224. [PMID: 38396902 PMCID: PMC10888628 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042224] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
A spinal cord injury (SCI) causes changes in brain structure and brain function due to the direct effects of nerve damage, secondary mechanisms, and long-term effects of the injury, such as paralysis and neuropathic pain (NP). Recovery takes place over weeks to months, which is a time frame well beyond the duration of spinal shock and is the phase in which the spinal cord remains unstimulated below the level of injury and is associated with adaptations occurring throughout the nervous system, often referred to as neuronal plasticity. Such changes occur at different anatomical sites and also at different physiological and molecular biological levels. This review aims to investigate brain plasticity in patients with SCIs and its influence on the rehabilitation process. Studies were identified from an online search of the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Studies published between 2013 and 2023 were selected. This review has been registered on OSF under (n) 9QP45. We found that neuroplasticity can affect the sensory-motor network, and different protocols or rehabilitation interventions can activate this process in different ways. Exercise rehabilitation training in humans with SCIs can elicit white matter plasticity in the form of increased myelin water content. This review has demonstrated that SCI patients may experience plastic changes either spontaneously or as a result of specific neurorehabilitation training, which may lead to positive outcomes in functional recovery. Clinical and experimental evidence convincingly displays that plasticity occurs in the adult CNS through a variety of events following traumatic or non-traumatic SCI. Furthermore, efficacy-based, pharmacological, and genetic approaches, alone or in combination, are increasingly effective in promoting plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Calderone
- Graduate School of Health Psychology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy;
| | - Davide Cardile
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, S.S. 113 Via Palermo, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Rosaria De Luca
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, S.S. 113 Via Palermo, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Angelo Quartarone
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, S.S. 113 Via Palermo, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Corallo
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, S.S. 113 Via Palermo, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Rocco Salvatore Calabrò
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, S.S. 113 Via Palermo, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
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Guntermann A, Marcus K, May C. The good or the bad: an overview of autoantibodies in traumatic spinal cord injury. Biol Chem 2024; 405:79-89. [PMID: 37786927 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2023-0252] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Infections remain the most common cause of death after traumatic spinal cord injury, likely due to a developing immune deficiency syndrome. This, together with a somewhat contradictory development of autoimmunity in many patients, are two major components of the maladaptive systemic immune response. Although the local non-resolving inflammation in the lesioned spinal cord may lead to an antibody formation against autoantigens of the injured spinal cord tissue, there are also natural (pre-existing) autoantibodies independent of the injury. The way in which these autoantibodies with different origins affect the neuronal and functional outcome of spinal cord-injured patients is still controversial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Guntermann
- Medical Proteome Analysis, Center for Protein Diagnostics (ProDi), Ruhr University Bochum, D-44801 Bochum, Germany
- Medizinisches Proteom-Center, Medical Faculty, ProDi E2.233, Ruhr University Bochum, Gesundheitscampus 4, D-44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Katrin Marcus
- Medical Proteome Analysis, Center for Protein Diagnostics (ProDi), Ruhr University Bochum, D-44801 Bochum, Germany
- Medizinisches Proteom-Center, Medical Faculty, ProDi E2.233, Ruhr University Bochum, Gesundheitscampus 4, D-44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Caroline May
- Medical Proteome Analysis, Center for Protein Diagnostics (ProDi), Ruhr University Bochum, D-44801 Bochum, Germany
- Medizinisches Proteom-Center, Medical Faculty, ProDi E2.233, Ruhr University Bochum, Gesundheitscampus 4, D-44801 Bochum, Germany
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Li J, Shan Y, Zhao X, Shan G, Wei PH, Liu L, Wang C, Wu H, Song W, Tang Y, Zhao GG, Lu J. Structural and functional changes in the brain after chronic complete thoracic spinal cord injury. Brain Res 2024; 1823:148680. [PMID: 37977412 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148680] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate whether brain anatomical structures and functional network connectivity are altered after chronic complete thoracic spinal cord injury (cctSCI) and to determine how these changes impact clinical outcomes. Structural and resting-state functional MRI was performed for 19 cctSCI patients (18 for final statistics) and 19 healthy controls. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was used to assess gray matter volume (GMV) with differences between cctSCI patients and controls. VBM results were used as seeds for whole-brain functional connectivity (FC) analysis. The relationship between brain changes and clinical variables was investigated. Compared with those of the control group, the left triangular inferior frontal gyrus, middle frontal gyrus, orbital inferior frontal gyrus, precuneus and parietal superior gyrus volumes of SCI patients decreased, while the left superior frontal gyrus and supplementary motor area volumes increased. Additionally, when the regions with increased GMV were used as seeds, the FC of the parahippocampus and thalamus increased. Subsequent partial correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between FC and total sensorimotor score based on the ASIA criteria (p = 0.001, r = 0.746). Overall, the structural and functional changes in the brain after cctSCI occurred in some visual and cognitive areas and sensory or motor control areas. These findings aid in improving our understanding of the underlying brain injury mechanisms and the subsequent structural and functional reorganization to reveal potential therapeutic targets and track treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Yi Shan
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Xiaojing Zhao
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Guixiang Shan
- Department of Rehabilitation, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Peng-Hu Wei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Changming Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Hang Wu
- Department of Medical Engineering, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Weiqun Song
- Department of Rehabilitation, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Yi Tang
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders, Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Guo-Guang Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China; Clinical Research Center for Epilepsy Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China; Beijing Municipal Geriatric Medical Research Center, Beijing 100053, China.
| | - Jie Lu
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing 100053, China.
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Rowe G, Allahham A, Edgar DW, Rurak BK, Fear MW, Wood FM, Vallence AM. Functional Brain Changes Following Burn Injury: A Narrative Review. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2024; 38:62-72. [PMID: 38044625 PMCID: PMC10798013 DOI: 10.1177/15459683231215331] [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] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Burn injuries cause significant motor and sensory dysfunctions that can negatively impact burn survivors' quality of life. The underlying mechanisms of these burn-induced dysfunctions have primarily been associated with damage to the peripheral neural architecture, however, evidence points to a systemic influence of burn injury. Central nervous system (CNS) reorganizations due to inflammation, afferent dysfunction, and pain could contribute to persistent motor and sensory dysfunction in burn survivors. Recent evidence shows that the capacity for neuroplasticity is associated with self-reported functional recovery in burn survivors. OBJECTIVE This review first outlines motor and sensory dysfunctions following burn injury and critically examines recent literature investigating the mechanisms mediating CNS reorganization following burn injury. The review then provides recommendations for future research and interventions targeting the CNS such as non-invasive brain stimulation to improve functional recovery. CONCLUSIONS Directing focus to the CNS following burn injury, alongside the development of non-invasive methods to induce functionally beneficial neuroplasticity in the CNS, could advance treatments and transform clinical practice to improve quality of life in burn survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant Rowe
- School of Psychology, College of Health and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Amira Allahham
- Burn Injury Research Unit, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Dale W. Edgar
- Fiona Wood Foundation, Murdoch, WA, Australia
- Burn Service of Western Australia, Fiona Stanley Hospital, MNH (B) Main Hospital, Level 4, Burns Unit, Murdoch, WA, Australia
- Institute for Health Research, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA, Australia
| | - Brittany K. Rurak
- School of Psychology, College of Health and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Mark W. Fear
- Burn Injury Research Unit, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
- Fiona Wood Foundation, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Fiona M. Wood
- Burn Injury Research Unit, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
- Fiona Wood Foundation, Murdoch, WA, Australia
- Burn Service of Western Australia, Fiona Stanley Hospital, MNH (B) Main Hospital, Level 4, Burns Unit, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Ann-Maree Vallence
- School of Psychology, College of Health and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
- Centre for Healthy Ageing, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
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De Miguel-Rubio A, Gallego-Aguayo I, De Miguel-Rubio MD, Arias-Avila M, Lucena-Anton D, Alba-Rueda A. Effectiveness of the Combined Use of a Brain-Machine Interface System and Virtual Reality as a Therapeutic Approach in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:3189. [PMID: 38132079 PMCID: PMC10742447 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11243189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury has a major impact on both the individual and society. This damage can cause permanent loss of sensorimotor functions, leading to structural and functional changes in somatotopic regions of the spinal cord. The combined use of a brain-machine interface and virtual reality offers a therapeutic alternative to be considered in the treatment of this pathology. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the combined use of virtual reality and the brain-machine interface in the treatment of spinal cord injuries. A search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, PEDro, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, Scopus, and Medline, including articles published from the beginning of each database until January 2023. Articles were selected based on strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Cochrane Collaboration's tool was used to assess the risk of bias and the PEDro scale and SCIRE systems were used to evaluate the methodological quality of the studies. Eleven articles were selected from a total of eighty-two. Statistically significant changes were found in the upper limb, involving improvements in shoulder and upper arm mobility, and weaker muscles were strengthened. In conclusion, most of the articles analyzed used the electroencephalogram as a measurement instrument for the assessment of various parameters, and most studies have shown improvements. Nonetheless, further research is needed with a larger sample size and long-term follow-up to establish conclusive results regarding the effect size of these interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaranta De Miguel-Rubio
- Department of Nursing, Pharmacology and Physiotherapy, University of Cordoba, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; (I.G.-A.); (A.A.-R.)
| | - Ignacio Gallego-Aguayo
- Department of Nursing, Pharmacology and Physiotherapy, University of Cordoba, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; (I.G.-A.); (A.A.-R.)
| | | | - Mariana Arias-Avila
- Physical Therapy Department, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Paulo 13565-905, Brazil;
| | - David Lucena-Anton
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Cadiz, 11009 Cadiz, Spain;
| | - Alvaro Alba-Rueda
- Department of Nursing, Pharmacology and Physiotherapy, University of Cordoba, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; (I.G.-A.); (A.A.-R.)
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Li J, Tian C, Yuan S, Yin Z, Wei L, Chen F, Dong X, Liu A, Wang Z, Wu T, Tian C, Niu L, Wang L, Wang P, Xie W, Cao F, Shen H. Neuropathic pain following spinal cord hemisection induced by the reorganization in primary somatosensory cortex and regulated by neuronal activity of lateral parabrachial nucleus. CNS Neurosci Ther 2023; 29:3269-3289. [PMID: 37170721 PMCID: PMC10580357 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14258] [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: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury (SCI) remains a common and thorny problem, influencing the life quality severely. This study aimed to elucidate the reorganization of the primary sensory cortex (S1) and the regulatory mechanism of the lateral parabrachial nucleus (lPBN) in the presence of allodynia or hyperalgesia after left spinal cord hemisection injury (LHS). METHODS Through behavioral tests, we first identified mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia following LHS. We then applied two-photon microscopy to observe calcium activity in S1 during mechanical or thermal stimulation and long-term spontaneous calcium activity after LHS. By slice patch clamp recording, the electrophysiological characteristics of neurons in lPBN were explored. Finally, exploiting chemogenetic activation or inhibition of the neurons in lPBN, allodynia or hyperalgesia was regulated. RESULTS The calcium activity in left S1 was increased during mechanical stimulation of right hind limb and thermal stimulation of tail, whereas in right S1 it was increased only with thermal stimulation of tail. The spontaneous calcium activity in right S1 changed more dramatically than that in left S1 after LHS. The lPBN was also activated after LHS, and exploiting chemogenetic activation or inhibition of the neurons in lPBN could induce or alleviate allodynia and hyperalgesia in central neuropathic pain. CONCLUSION The neuronal activity changes in S1 are closely related to limb pain, which has accurate anatomical correspondence. After LHS, the spontaneously increased functional connectivity of calcium transient in left S1 is likely causing the mechanical allodynia in right hind limb and increased neuronal activity in bilateral S1 may induce thermal hyperalgesia in tail. This state of allodynia and hyperalgesia can be regulated by lPBN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Department of OrthopedicsTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjinChina
| | - Chao Tian
- School of Biomedical EngineeringTianjin Medical UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Shiyang Yuan
- Department of OrthopedicsTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjinChina
| | - Zhenyu Yin
- Department of OrthopedicsTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjinChina
| | - Liangpeng Wei
- School of Biomedical EngineeringTianjin Medical UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Feng Chen
- School of Biomedical EngineeringTianjin Medical UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Xi Dong
- School of Biomedical EngineeringTianjin Medical UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Aili Liu
- Department of Cellular Biology, School of Basic ScienceTianjin Medical UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Zhenhuan Wang
- School of Biomedical EngineeringTianjin Medical UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Tongrui Wu
- School of Biomedical EngineeringTianjin Medical UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Chunxiao Tian
- School of Biomedical EngineeringTianjin Medical UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Lin Niu
- Department of Cellular Biology, School of Basic ScienceTianjin Medical UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of PhysiologyZhuhai Campus of Zunyi Medical UniversityZhuhaiChina
| | - Pu Wang
- Department of OrthopedicsTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjinChina
| | - Wanyu Xie
- Department of OrthopedicsTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjinChina
| | - Fujiang Cao
- Department of OrthopedicsTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjinChina
| | - Hui Shen
- Department of Cellular Biology, School of Basic ScienceTianjin Medical UniversityTianjinChina
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese MedicineShandong University of Traditional Chinese MedicineJinanChina
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11
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Chudakova DA, Samoilova EM, Chekhonin VP, Baklaushev VP. Improving Efficiency of Direct Pro-Neural Reprogramming: Much-Needed Aid for Neuroregeneration in Spinal Cord Injury. Cells 2023; 12:2499. [PMID: 37887343 PMCID: PMC10605572 DOI: 10.3390/cells12202499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a medical condition affecting ~2.5-4 million people worldwide. The conventional therapy for SCI fails to restore the lost spinal cord functions; thus, novel therapies are needed. Recent breakthroughs in stem cell biology and cell reprogramming revolutionized the field. Of them, the use of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) directly reprogrammed from non-neuronal somatic cells without transitioning through a pluripotent state is a particularly attractive strategy. This allows to "scale up" NPCs in vitro and, via their transplantation to the lesion area, partially compensate for the limited regenerative plasticity of the adult spinal cord in humans. As recently demonstrated in non-human primates, implanted NPCs contribute to the functional improvement of the spinal cord after injury, and works in other animal models of SCI also confirm their therapeutic value. However, direct reprogramming still remains a challenge in many aspects; one of them is low efficiency, which prevents it from finding its place in clinics yet. In this review, we describe new insights that recent works brought to the field, such as novel targets (mitochondria, nucleoli, G-quadruplexes, and others), tools, and approaches (mechanotransduction and electrical stimulation) for direct pro-neural reprogramming, including potential ones yet to be tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria A. Chudakova
- Federal Center for Brain and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia, 117513 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina M. Samoilova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialised Medical Care and Medical Technologies FMBA of Russia, 115682 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir P. Chekhonin
- Department of Medical Nanobiotechnology of Medical and Biological Faculty, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir P. Baklaushev
- Federal Center for Brain and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia, 117513 Moscow, Russia
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialised Medical Care and Medical Technologies FMBA of Russia, 115682 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Medical Nanobiotechnology of Medical and Biological Faculty, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
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12
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Ding Y, Chen Q. The NF-κB Pathway: a Focus on Inflammatory Responses in Spinal Cord Injury. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:5292-5308. [PMID: 37286724 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03411-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a type of central nervous system trauma that can lead to severe nerve injury. Inflammatory reaction after injury is an important pathological process leading to secondary injury. Long-term stimulation of inflammation can further deteriorate the microenvironment of the injured site, leading to the deterioration of neural function. Understanding the signaling pathways that regulate responses after SCI, especially inflammatory responses, is critical for the development of new therapeutic targets and approaches. Nuclear transfer factor-κB (NF-κB) has long been recognized as a key factor in regulating inflammatory responses. The NF-κB pathway is closely related to the pathological process of SCI. Inhibition of this pathway can improve the inflammatory microenvironment and promote the recovery of neural function after SCI. Therefore, the NF-κB pathway may be a potential therapeutic target for SCI. This article reviews the mechanism of inflammatory response after SCI and the characteristics of NF-κB pathway, emphasizing the effect of inhibiting NF-κB on the inflammatory response of SCI to provide a theoretical basis for the biological treatment of SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Ding
- Department of Spine Surgery, Ganzhou People's Hospital, 16 Meiguan Avenue, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, 341000, People's Republic of China
- The Affiliated Ganzhou Hospital of Nanchang University, 16 Meiguan Avenue, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, 341000, People's Republic of China
| | - Qin Chen
- Department of Spine Surgery, Ganzhou People's Hospital, 16 Meiguan Avenue, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, 341000, People's Republic of China.
- The Affiliated Ganzhou Hospital of Nanchang University, 16 Meiguan Avenue, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, 341000, People's Republic of China.
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13
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Harvey LA, Glinsky JV, Chu J, Herbert RD, Liu H, Jan S, Billot L, Scivoletto G, Spooren AI, Seelen HA, Ben M, Tranter K, Chen LW, Rainey D, Rimmer C, Jorgensen V, Di Natal F, Denis S, Gollan EJ, Tamburella F, Agostinello J, van Laake-Geelen CM, Bell C, Lincoln C, Stolwijk JM, van der Lede J, Paddison S, Oostra K, Cameron ID, Weber G, Sherrington C, Nunn AK, Synnott EL, McCaughey E, Kaur J, Shetty S. Early and intensive motor training to enhance neurological recovery in people with spinal cord injury: trial protocol. Spinal Cord 2023; 61:521-527. [PMID: 37414835 PMCID: PMC10495259 DOI: 10.1038/s41393-023-00908-z] [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: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Protocol for a multi-centre randomised controlled trial (the SCI-MT trial). OBJECTIVES To determine whether 10 weeks of intensive motor training enhances neurological recovery in people with recent spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING Fifteen spinal injury units in Australia, Scotland, England, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, and Belgium. METHODS A pragmatic randomised controlled trial will be undertaken. Two hundred and twenty people with recent SCI (onset in the preceding 10 weeks, American Spinal Injuries Association Impairment Scale (AIS) A lesion with motor function more than three levels below the motor level on one or both sides, or an AIS C or D lesion) will be randomised to receive either usual care plus intensive motor training (12 h of motor training per week for 10 weeks) or usual care alone. The primary outcome is neurological recovery at 10 weeks, measured with the Total Motor Score from the International Standards for Neurological Classification of SCI. Secondary outcomes include global measures of motor function, ability to walk, quality of life, participants' perceptions about ability to perform self-selected goals, length of hospital stay and participants' impressions of therapeutic benefit at 10 weeks and 6 months. A cost-effectiveness study and process evaluation will be run alongside the trial. The first participant was randomised in June 2021 and the trial is due for completion in 2025. CONCLUSIONS The findings of the SCI-MT Trial will guide recommendations about the type and dose of inpatient therapy that optimises neurological recovery in people with SCI. TRIAL REGISTRATION ACTRN12621000091808 (1.2.2021).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Harvey
- John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research, University of Sydney, Kolling Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Joanne V Glinsky
- John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research, University of Sydney, Kolling Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jackie Chu
- John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research, University of Sydney, Kolling Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Hueiming Liu
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Stephen Jan
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Laurent Billot
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - Henk A Seelen
- Adelante Centre of Expertise in Rehabilitation and Audiology, Hoensbroek, The Netherlands
| | - Marsha Ben
- John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research, University of Sydney, Kolling Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Keira Tranter
- John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research, University of Sydney, Kolling Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lydia W Chen
- Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - Sophie Denis
- Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Charlotte M van Laake-Geelen
- Adelante Centre of Expertise in Rehabilitation and Audiology, Hoensbroek, The Netherlands
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Research School CAPHRI, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Chris Bell
- Repatriation General Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Claire Lincoln
- Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injures Unit, Glasgow, UK
| | - Janneke M Stolwijk
- Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jessica van der Lede
- Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sue Paddison
- London Spinal Cord Injury Centre, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital Trust, Middlesex, UK
| | | | - Ian D Cameron
- John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research, University of Sydney, Kolling Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Catherine Sherrington
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew K Nunn
- Victorian Spinal Cord Service, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Euan McCaughey
- Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injures Unit, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jasbeer Kaur
- Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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14
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Toro CA, Johnson K, Hansen J, Siddiq MM, Vásquez W, Zhao W, Graham ZA, Sáez JC, Iyengar R, Cardozo CP. Boldine modulates glial transcription and functional recovery in a murine model of contusion spinal cord injury. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1163436. [PMID: 37416508 PMCID: PMC10321410 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1163436] [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: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Membrane channels such as those formed by connexins (Cx) and P2X7 receptors (P2X7R) are permeable to calcium ions and other small molecules such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and glutamate. Release of ATP and glutamate through these channels is a key mechanism driving tissue response to traumas such as spinal cord injury (SCI). Boldine, an alkaloid isolated from the Chilean boldo tree, blocks both Cx and Panx1 hemichannels (HCs). To test if boldine could improve function after SCI, boldine or vehicle was administered to treat mice with a moderate severity contusion-induced SCI. Boldine led to greater spared white matter and increased locomotor function as determined by the Basso Mouse Scale and horizontal ladder rung walk tests. Boldine treatment reduced immunostaining for markers of activated microglia (Iba1) and astrocytic (GFAP) markers while increasing that for axon growth and neuroplasticity (GAP-43). Cell culture studies demonstrated that boldine blocked glial HC, specifically Cx26 and Cx30, in cultured astrocytes and blocked calcium entry through activated P2X7R. RT-qPCR studies showed that boldine treatment reduced expression of the chemokine Ccl2, cytokine IL-6 and microglial gene CD68, while increasing expression of the neurotransmission genes Snap25 and Grin2b, and Gap-43. Bulk RNA sequencing revealed that boldine modulated a large number of genes involved in neurotransmission in spinal cord tissue just caudal from the lesion epicenter at 14 days after SCI. Numbers of genes regulated by boldine was much lower at 28 days after injury. These results indicate that boldine treatment ameliorates injury and spares tissue to increase locomotor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A. Toro
- Spinal Cord Damage Research Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Kaitlin Johnson
- Spinal Cord Damage Research Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Jens Hansen
- Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Mustafa M. Siddiq
- Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Institute for Systems Biomedicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Walter Vásquez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Centro Interdisciplinario De Neurociencia De Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Wei Zhao
- Spinal Cord Damage Research Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Zachary A. Graham
- Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, Pensacola, FL, United States
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Research Service, Birmingham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Juan C. Sáez
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Centro Interdisciplinario De Neurociencia De Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Ravi Iyengar
- Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Institute for Systems Biomedicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Christopher P. Cardozo
- Spinal Cord Damage Research Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Rehabilitative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
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15
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Richter JK, Vallesi V, Zölch N, Chan KL, Hunkeler N, Abramovic M, Hashagen C, Christiaanse E, Shetty G, Verma RK, Berger MF, Frotzler A, Eisenlohr H, Eriks Hoogland I, Scheel-Sailer A, Wyss PO. Metabolic profile of complete spinal cord injury in pons and cerebellum: A 3T 1H MRS study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7245. [PMID: 37142669 PMCID: PMC10160051 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34326-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this exploratory study was the assessment of the metabolic profiles of persons with complete spinal cord injury (SCI) in three region-of-interests (pons, cerebellar vermis, and cerebellar hemisphere), with magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and their correlations to clinical scores. Group differences and association between metabolic and clinical scores were examined. Fifteen people with chronic SCI (cSCI), five people with subacute SCI (sSCI) and fourteen healthy controls were included. Group comparison between cSCI and HC showed lower total N-acetyl-aspartate (tNAA) in the pons (p = 0.04) and higher glutathione (GSH) in the cerebellar vermis (p = 0.02). Choline levels in the cerebellar hemisphere were different between cSCI and HC (p = 0.02) and sSCI and HC (p = 0.02). A correlation was reported for choline containing compounds (tCho) to clinical scores in the pons (rho = - 0.55, p = 0.01). tNAA to total creatine (tNAA/tCr ratio) correlated to clinical scores in the cerebellar vermis (rho = 0.61, p = 0.004) and GSH correlated to the independence score in the cerebellar hemisphere (rho = 0.56, p = 0.01). The correlation of tNAA, tCr, tCho and GSH to clinical scores might be indicators on how well the CNS copes with the post-traumatic remodeling and might be further examined as outcome markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes K Richter
- Department of Radiology, Swiss Paraplegic Centre, Guido A. Zaech - Strasse 1, 6207, Nottwil, Switzerland
- Department of Diagnostic, Interventional, and Pediatric Radiology, University Hospital of Bern, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, GZO Hospital Wetzikon, Wetzikon, Switzerland
| | - Vanessa Vallesi
- Department of Radiology, Swiss Paraplegic Centre, Guido A. Zaech - Strasse 1, 6207, Nottwil, Switzerland
- Support Center for Advanced Neuroimaging (SCAN), Neuroradiology, University Hospital of Bern, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland
| | - Niklaus Zölch
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Imaging, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kimberly L Chan
- Advanced Imaging Research Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Nadine Hunkeler
- Department of Radiology, Swiss Paraplegic Centre, Guido A. Zaech - Strasse 1, 6207, Nottwil, Switzerland
| | - Mihael Abramovic
- Department of Radiology, Swiss Paraplegic Centre, Guido A. Zaech - Strasse 1, 6207, Nottwil, Switzerland
| | - Claus Hashagen
- Department of Radiology, Swiss Paraplegic Centre, Guido A. Zaech - Strasse 1, 6207, Nottwil, Switzerland
| | - Ernst Christiaanse
- Department of Radiology, Swiss Paraplegic Centre, Guido A. Zaech - Strasse 1, 6207, Nottwil, Switzerland
- Image Science Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ganesh Shetty
- Department of Radiology, Swiss Paraplegic Centre, Guido A. Zaech - Strasse 1, 6207, Nottwil, Switzerland
| | - Rajeev K Verma
- Department of Radiology, Swiss Paraplegic Centre, Guido A. Zaech - Strasse 1, 6207, Nottwil, Switzerland
| | - Markus F Berger
- Department of Radiology, Swiss Paraplegic Centre, Guido A. Zaech - Strasse 1, 6207, Nottwil, Switzerland
| | - Angela Frotzler
- Clinical Trial Unit, Swiss Paraplegic Centre, Nottwil, Switzerland
- Digital Trial Intervention Platform, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Heidrun Eisenlohr
- Department of Radiology, Swiss Paraplegic Centre, Guido A. Zaech - Strasse 1, 6207, Nottwil, Switzerland
| | | | - Anke Scheel-Sailer
- Department of Paraplegia, Rehabilitation and Quality Management, Swiss Paraplegic Centre, Nottwil, Switzerland
| | - Patrik O Wyss
- Department of Radiology, Swiss Paraplegic Centre, Guido A. Zaech - Strasse 1, 6207, Nottwil, Switzerland.
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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16
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Domínguez-Oliva A, Hernández-Ávalos I, Martínez-Burnes J, Olmos-Hernández A, Verduzco-Mendoza A, Mota-Rojas D. The Importance of Animal Models in Biomedical Research: Current Insights and Applications. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13071223. [PMID: 37048478 PMCID: PMC10093480 DOI: 10.3390/ani13071223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal research is considered a key element in advance of biomedical science. Although its use is controversial and raises ethical challenges, the contribution of animal models in medicine is essential for understanding the physiopathology and novel treatment alternatives for several animal and human diseases. Current pandemics’ pathology, such as the 2019 Coronavirus disease, has been studied in primate, rodent, and porcine models to recognize infection routes and develop therapeutic protocols. Worldwide issues such as diabetes, obesity, neurological disorders, pain, rehabilitation medicine, and surgical techniques require studying the process in different animal species before testing them on humans. Due to their relevance, this article aims to discuss the importance of animal models in diverse lines of biomedical research by analyzing the contributions of the various species utilized in science over the past five years about key topics concerning human and animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Domínguez-Oliva
- Master’s Program in Agricultural and Livestock Sciences [Maestría en Ciencias Agropecuarias], Xochimilco Campus, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City 04960, Mexico
| | - Ismael Hernández-Ávalos
- Clinical Pharmacology and Veterinary Anesthesia, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuautitlán 54714, Mexico
| | - Julio Martínez-Burnes
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Victoria City 87000, Mexico
| | - Adriana Olmos-Hernández
- Division of Biotechnology—Bioterio and Experimental Surgery, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis, Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra (INR-LGII), Mexico City 14389, Mexico
| | - Antonio Verduzco-Mendoza
- Division of Biotechnology—Bioterio and Experimental Surgery, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis, Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra (INR-LGII), Mexico City 14389, Mexico
| | - Daniel Mota-Rojas
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City 04960, Mexico
- Correspondence:
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17
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Zhang Z, Zhu Z, Wang X, Liu D, Liu X, Mi Z, Tao H, Fan H. Comprehensive landscape of immune-based classifier related to early diagnosis and macrophage M1 in spinal cord injury. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:1158-1176. [PMID: 36842142 PMCID: PMC10008498 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Numerous studies have documented that immune responses are crucial in the pathophysiology of spinal cord injury (SCI). Our study aimed to uncover the function of immune-related genes (IRGs) in SCI. Here, we comprehensively evaluated the transcriptome data of SCI and healthy controls (HC) obtained from the GEO Database integrating bioinformatics and experiments. First, a total of 2067 DEGs were identified between the SCI and HC groups. Functional enrichment analysis revealed substantial immune-related pathways and functions that were abnormally activated in the SCI group. Immune analysis revealed that myeloid immune cells were predominantly upregulated in SCI patients, while a large number of lymphoid immune cells were dramatically downregulated. Subsequently, 51 major IRGs were screened as key genes involved in SCI based on the intersection of the results of WGCNA analysis, DEGs, and IRGs. Based on the expression profiles of these genes, two distinct immune modulation patterns were recognized exhibiting opposite immune characteristics. Moreover, 2 core IRGs (FCER1G and NFATC2) were determined to accurately predict the occurrence of SCI via machine learning. qPCR analysis was used to validate the expression of core IRGs in an external independent cohort. Finally, the expression of these core IRGs was validated by sequencing, WB, and IF analysis in vivo. We found that these two core IRGs were closely associated with immune cells and verified the co-localization of FCER1G with macrophage M1 via IF analysis. Our study revealed the key role of immune-related genes in SCI and contributed to a fresh perspective for early diagnosis and treatment of SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xi-Jing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Zhijie Zhu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xi-Jing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Xuankang Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xi-Jing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Dong Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xi-Jing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Xincheng Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xi-Jing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Zhenzhou Mi
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xi-Jing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Huiren Tao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen 518052, China
| | - Hongbin Fan
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xi-Jing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
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18
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Toro CA, Johnson K, Hansen J, Siddiq MM, Vásquez W, Zhao W, Graham ZA, Sáez JC, Iyengar R, Cardozo CP. Boldine modulates glial transcription and functional recovery in a murine model of contusion spinal cord injury. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.15.528337. [PMID: 36824813 PMCID: PMC9949031 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.15.528337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Membrane channels such as connexins (Cx), pannexins (Panx) and P2X 7 receptors (P2X 7 R) are permeable to calcium ions and other small molecules such as ATP and glutamate. Release of ATP and glutamate through these channels is a key mechanism driving tissue response to traumas such as spinal cord injury (SCI). Boldine, an alkaloid isolated from the Chilean boldo tree, blocks both Cx hemichannels (HC) and Panx. To test if boldine could improve function after SCI, boldine or vehicle was administered to treat mice with a moderate severity contusion-induced SCI. Boldine led to greater spared white matter and increased locomotor function as determined by the Basso Mouse Scale and horizontal ladder rung walk tests. Boldine treatment reduced immunostaining for markers of activated microglia (Iba1) and astrocytic (GFAP) markers while increasing that for axon growth and neuroplasticity (GAP-43). Cell culture studies demonstrated that boldine blocked glial HC, specifically Cx26 and Cx30, in cultured astrocytes and blocked calcium entry through activated P2X 7 R. RT-qPCR studies showed that boldine treatment reduced expression of the chemokine Ccl2, cytokine IL-6 and microglial gene CD68, while increasing expression of the neurotransmission genes Snap25 and Grin2b, and Gap-43. Bulk RNA sequencing (of the spinal cord revealed that boldine modulated a large number of genes involved in neurotransmission in in spinal cord tissue just below the lesion epicenter at 14 days after SCI. Numbers of genes regulated by boldine was much lower at 28 days after injury. These results indicate that boldine treatment ameliorates injury and spares tissue to increase locomotor function.
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19
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Cao Y, Zhu S, Yu B, Yao C. Single-cell RNA sequencing for traumatic spinal cord injury. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22656. [PMID: 36374259 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200943r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI) is a severe injury of the central nervous system (CNS) with complicated pathological microenvironment that results in hemorrhage, inflammation, and scar formation. The microenvironment of the injured spinal cord comprises heterogeneous neurons, glial cells, inflammatory cells, and stroma-related cells. Increasing evidence has indicated that the altered cellular and molecular microenvironment following tSCI is a key factor impeding functional recovery. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has provided deep insights into the dynamic cellular and molecular changes in the microenvironment by comprehensively characterizing the diversity of spinal cord cell types. Specifically, scRNA-seq enables the exploration of the molecular mechanisms underlying tSCI by elucidating intercellular communication in spinal cord samples between normal and injury conditions at a single-cell resolution. Here, we first described the pathological and physiological processes after tSCI and gave a brief introduction of the scRNA-seq technology. We then focused on the recent scRNA-seq researches in tSCI, which characterized diverse cell-type populations and specific cell-cell interactions in tSCI. In addition, we also highlighted some potential directions for the research of scRNA-seq in tSCI in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqi Cao
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Shunxing Zhu
- Laboratory Animals Center, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Bin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Chun Yao
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
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20
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Rao JS, Zhao C, Wei RH, Feng T, Bao SS, Zhao W, Tian Z, Liu Z, Yang ZY, Li XG. Neural regeneration therapy after spinal cord injury induces unique brain functional reorganizations in rhesus monkeys. Ann Med 2022; 54:1867-1883. [PMID: 35792748 PMCID: PMC9272921 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2022.2089728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Spinal cord injury (SCI) destroys the sensorimotor pathway and induces brain plasticity. However, the effect of treatment-induced spinal cord tissue regeneration on brain functional reorganization remains unclear. This study was designed to investigate the large-scale functional interactions in the brains of adult female Rhesus monkeys with injured and regenerated thoracic spinal cord. MATERIALS AND METHODS Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) combined with Granger Causality analysis (GCA) and motor behaviour analysis were used to assess the causal interaction between sensorimotor cortices, and calculate the relationship between causal interaction and hindlimb stepping in nine Rhesus monkeys undergoing lesion-induced spontaneous recovery (injured, n = 4) and neurotrophin-3/chitosan transplantation-induced regeneration (NT3-chitosan, n = 5) after SCI. RESULTS The results showed that the injured and NT3-chitosan-treated animals had distinct spatiotemporal features of brain functional reorganization. The spontaneous recovery followed the model of "early intra-hemispheric reorganization dominant, late inter-hemispheric reorganization dominant", whereas regenerative therapy animals showed the opposite trend. Although the variation degree of information flow intensity was consistent, the tendency and the relationship between local neuronal activity properties and coupling strength were different between the two groups. In addition, the injured and NT3-chitosan-treated animals had similar motor adjustments but various relationship modes between motor performance and information flow intensity. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show that brain functional reorganization induced by regeneration therapy differed from spontaneous recovery after SCI. The influence of unique changes in brain plasticity on the therapeutic effects of future regeneration therapy strategies should be considered. Key messagesNeural regeneration elicited a unique spatiotemporal mode of brain functional reorganization in the spinal cord injured monkeys, and that regeneration does not simply reverse the process of brain plasticity induced by spinal cord injury (SCI).Independent "properties of local activity - intensity of information flow" relationships between the injured and treated animals indicating that spontaneous recovery and regenerative therapy exerted different effects on the reorganization of the motor network after SCI.A specific information flow from the left thalamus to the right insular can serve as an indicator to reflect a heterogeneous "information flow - motor performance" relationship between injured and treated animals at similar motor adjustments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Sheng Rao
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Can Zhao
- Institute of Rehabilitation Engineering, China Rehabilitation Science Institute, Beijing, PR China
| | - Rui-Han Wei
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Ting Feng
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Shu-Sheng Bao
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Wen Zhao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Zhaolong Tian
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Zuxiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, PR China.,Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei, PR China.,Department of Biology, College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Zhao-Yang Yang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Xiao-Guang Li
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, PR China
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21
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Ji B, Wojtaś B, Skup M. Molecular Identification of Pro-Excitogenic Receptor and Channel Phenotypes of the Deafferented Lumbar Motoneurons in the Early Phase after SCT in Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911133. [PMID: 36232433 PMCID: PMC9569670 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Spasticity impacts the quality of life of patients suffering spinal cord injury and impedes the recovery of locomotion. At the cellular level, spasticity is considered to be primarily caused by the hyperexcitability of spinal α-motoneurons (MNs) within the spinal stretch reflex circuit. Here, we hypothesized that after a complete spinal cord transection in rats, fast adaptive molecular responses of lumbar MNs develop in return for the loss of inputs. We assumed that early loss of glutamatergic afferents changes the expression of glutamatergic AMPA and NMDA receptor subunits, which may be the forerunners of the developing spasticity of hindlimb muscles. To better understand its molecular underpinnings, concomitant expression of GABA and Glycinergic receptors and serotoninergic and noradrenergic receptors, which regulate the persistent inward currents crucial for sustained discharges in MNs, were examined together with voltage-gated ion channels and cation-chloride cotransporters. Using quantitative real-time PCR, we showed in the tracer-identified MNs innervating extensor and flexor muscles of the ankle joint multiple increases in transcripts coding for AMPAR and 5-HTR subunits, along with a profound decrease in GABAAR, GlyR subunits, and KCC2. Our study demonstrated that both MNs groups similarly adapt to a more excitable state, which may increase the occurrence of extensor and flexor muscle spasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjun Ji
- Group of Restorative Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bartosz Wojtaś
- Laboratory of Sequencing, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Skup
- Group of Restorative Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence:
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22
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Athanasiou A, Mitsopoulos K, Praftsiotis A, Astaras A, Antoniou P, Pandria N, Petronikolou V, Kasimis K, Lyssas G, Terzopoulos N, Fiska V, Kartsidis P, Savvidis T, Arvanitidis A, Chasapis K, Moraitopoulos A, Nizamis K, Kalfas A, Iakovidis P, Apostolou T, Magras I, Bamidis P. Neurorehabilitation Through Synergistic Man-Machine Interfaces Promoting Dormant Neuroplasticity in Spinal Cord Injury: Protocol for a Nonrandomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e41152. [PMID: 36099009 PMCID: PMC9516361 DOI: 10.2196/41152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Spinal cord injury (SCI) constitutes a major sociomedical problem, impacting approximately 0.32-0.64 million people each year worldwide; particularly, it impacts young individuals, causing long-term, often irreversible disability. While effective rehabilitation of patients with SCI remains a significant challenge, novel neural engineering technologies have emerged to target and promote dormant neuroplasticity in the central nervous system. Objective This study aims to develop, pilot test, and optimize a platform based on multiple immersive man-machine interfaces offering rich feedback, including (1) visual motor imagery training under high-density electroencephalographic recording, (2) mountable robotic arms controlled with a wireless brain-computer interface (BCI), (3) a body-machine interface (BMI) consisting of wearable robotics jacket and gloves in combination with a serious game (SG) application, and (4) an augmented reality module. The platform will be used to validate a self-paced neurorehabilitation intervention and to study cortical activity in chronic complete and incomplete SCI at the cervical spine. Methods A 3-phase pilot study (clinical trial) was designed to evaluate the NeuroSuitUp platform, including patients with chronic cervical SCI with complete and incomplete injury aged over 14 years and age-/sex-matched healthy participants. Outcome measures include BCI control and performance in the BMI-SG module, as well as improvement of functional independence, while also monitoring neuropsychological parameters such as kinesthetic imagery, motivation, self-esteem, depression and anxiety, mental effort, discomfort, and perception of robotics. Participant enrollment into the main clinical trial is estimated to begin in January 2023 and end by December 2023. Results A preliminary analysis of collected data during pilot testing of BMI-SG by healthy participants showed that the platform was easy to use, caused no discomfort, and the robotics were perceived positively by the participants. Analysis of results from the main clinical trial will begin as recruitment progresses and findings from the complete analysis of results are expected in early 2024. Conclusions Chronic SCI is characterized by irreversible disability impacting functional independence. NeuroSuitUp could provide a valuable complementary platform for training in immersive rehabilitation methods to promote dormant neural plasticity. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05465486; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05465486 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/41152
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Affiliation(s)
- Alkinoos Athanasiou
- Medical Physics and Digital Innovation Lab, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Mitsopoulos
- Medical Physics and Digital Innovation Lab, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Apostolos Praftsiotis
- Medical Physics and Digital Innovation Lab, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alexander Astaras
- Computer Science Department, Division of Science and Technology, American College of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Antoniou
- Medical Physics and Digital Innovation Lab, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Niki Pandria
- Medical Physics and Digital Innovation Lab, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vasileia Petronikolou
- Medical Physics and Digital Innovation Lab, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Kasimis
- Department of Physiotherapy, International Hellenic University, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - George Lyssas
- Medical Physics and Digital Innovation Lab, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikos Terzopoulos
- Medical Physics and Digital Innovation Lab, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vasilki Fiska
- Medical Physics and Digital Innovation Lab, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Kartsidis
- Medical Physics and Digital Innovation Lab, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Theodoros Savvidis
- Medical Physics and Digital Innovation Lab, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Athanasios Arvanitidis
- Medical Physics and Digital Innovation Lab, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Chasapis
- Medical Physics and Digital Innovation Lab, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alexandros Moraitopoulos
- Medical Physics and Digital Innovation Lab, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Kostas Nizamis
- Department of Design, Production and Management, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Anestis Kalfas
- Laboratory of Fluid Mechanics and Turbo-machinery, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Paris Iakovidis
- Department of Physiotherapy, International Hellenic University, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Thomas Apostolou
- Department of Physiotherapy, International Hellenic University, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis Magras
- Second Department of Neurosurgery, Ippokrateio General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Bamidis
- Medical Physics and Digital Innovation Lab, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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23
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Yu H, Chen D, Jiang H, Fu G, Yang Y, Deng Z, Chen Y, Zheng Q. Brain morphology changes after spinal cord injury: A voxel-based meta-analysis. Front Neurol 2022; 13:999375. [PMID: 36119697 PMCID: PMC9477418 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.999375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Spinal cord injury (SCI) remodels the brain structure and alters brain function. To identify specific changes in brain gray matter volume (GMV) and white matter volume (WMV) following SCI, we conducted a voxel-based meta-analysis of whole-brain voxel-based morphometry (VBM) studies. Methods We performed a comprehensive literature search on VBM studies that compared SCI patients and healthy controls in PubMed, Web of Science and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure from 1980 to April 2022. Then, we conducted a voxel-based meta-analysis using seed-based d mapping with permutation of subject images (SDM-PSI). Meta-regression analysis was performed to identify the effects of clinical characteristics. Results Our study collected 20 studies with 22 GMV datasets and 15 WMV datasets, including 410 patients and 406 healthy controls. Compared with healthy controls, SCI patients showed significant GMV loss in the left insula and bilateral thalamus and significant WMV loss in the bilateral corticospinal tract (CST). Additionally, a higher motor score and pinprick score were positively related to greater GMV in the right postcentral gyrus, whereas a positive relationship was observed between the light touch score and the bilateral postcentral gyrus. Conclusion Atrophy in the thalamus and bilateral CST suggest that SCI may trigger neurodegeneration changes in the sensory and motor pathways. Furthermore, atrophy of the left insula may indicate depression and neuropathic pain in SCI patients. These indicators of structural abnormalities could serve as neuroimaging biomarkers for evaluating the prognosis and treatment effect, as well as for monitoring disease progression. The application of neuroimaging biomarkers in the brain for SCI may also lead to personalized treatment strategies. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021279716, identifier: CRD42021279716.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Yu
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Duanyong Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hai Jiang
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guangtao Fu
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuhui Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhantao Deng
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanfeng Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Research Department of Medical Science, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Qiujian Zheng
| | - Qiujian Zheng
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Yuanfeng Chen
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24
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Chen M, Chen Z, Xiao X, Zhou L, Fu R, Jiang X, Pang M, Xia J. Corticospinal circuit neuroplasticity may involve silent synapses: Implications for functional recovery facilitated by neuromodulation after spinal cord injury. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2022; 14:185-194. [PMID: 36824667 PMCID: PMC9941655 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2022.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to devastating physical consequences, such as severe sensorimotor dysfunction even lifetime disability, by damaging the corticospinal system. The conventional opinion that SCI is intractable due to the poor regeneration of neurons in the adult central nervous system (CNS) needs to be revisited as the CNS is capable of considerable plasticity, which underlie recovery from neural injury. Substantial spontaneous neuroplasticity has been demonstrated in the corticospinal motor circuitry following SCI. Some of these plastic changes appear to be beneficial while others are detrimental toward locomotor function recovery after SCI. The beneficial corticospinal plasticity in the spared corticospinal circuits can be harnessed therapeutically by multiple contemporary neuromodulatory approaches, especially the electrical stimulation-based modalities, in an activity-dependent manner to improve functional outcomes in post-SCI rehabilitation. Silent synapse generation and unsilencing contribute to profound neuroplasticity that is implicated in a variety of neurological disorders, thus they may be involved in the corticospinal motor circuit neuroplasticity following SCI. Exploring the underlying mechanisms of silent synapse-mediated neuroplasticity in the corticospinal motor circuitry that may be exploited by neuromodulation will inform a novel direction for optimizing therapeutic repair strategies and rehabilitative interventions in SCI patients.
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Key Words
- AMPARs, α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors
- BDNF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor
- BMIs, brain-machine interfaces
- CPG, central pattern generator
- CST, corticospinal tract
- Corticospinal motor circuitry
- DBS, deep brain stimulation
- ESS, epidural spinal stimulation
- MEPs, motor-evoked potentials
- NHPs, non-human primates
- NMDARs, N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors
- Neuromodulation
- Neuroplasticity
- PSNs, propriospinal neurons
- Rehabilitation
- SCI, spinal cord injury
- STDP, spike timing-dependent plasticity
- Silent synapses
- Spinal cord injury
- TBS, theta burst stimulation
- TMS, transcranial magnetic stimulation
- TrkB, tropomyosin-related kinase B
- cTBS, continuous TBS
- iTBS, intermittent TBS
- mTOR, mammalian target of rapamycin
- rTMS, repetitive TMS
- tDCS, transcranial direct current stimulation
- tcSCS, transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingcong Chen
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Zuxin Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction, Shenzhen Neher Neural Plasticity Laboratory, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS); Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Xiao Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Ministry of Education; Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience Center, Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence; MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Libing Zhou
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau CNS Regeneration Institute of Jinan University, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Jinan University)-Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Rao Fu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518100, China
| | - Xian Jiang
- Institute of Neurological and Psychiatric Disorder, Shenzhen Bay laboratory, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, China
| | - Mao Pang
- Department of Spine Surgery, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Center for Engineering and Technology Research of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
| | - Jianxun Xia
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Yunkang School of Medicine and Health, Nanfang College, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510970, China,Corresponding author.
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25
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Shang Z, Li D, Chen J, Wang R, Wang M, Zhang B, Wang X, Wanyan P. What Is the Optimal Timing of Transplantation of Neural Stem Cells in Spinal Cord Injury? A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis Based on Animal Studies. Front Immunol 2022; 13:855309. [PMID: 35371014 PMCID: PMC8965614 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.855309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The optimal transplantation timing of neural stem cells in spinal cord injury is fully explored in animal studies to reduce the risk of transformation to clinical practice and to provide valuable reference for future animal studies and clinical research. Method Seven electronic databases, namely, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Wanfang, Chinese Scientific Journal Database (CSJD-VIP), China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), were searched. The studies were retrieved from inception to November 2021. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and evaluated the methodological quality based on the inclusion criteria. Results and Discussion Thirty-nine studies were incorporated into the final analyses. Based on the subgroup of animal models and transplantation dose, the results of network meta-analysis showed that the effect of transplantation in the subacute phase might be the best. However, the results of traditional meta-analysis were inconsistent. In the moderate-dose group of moderate spinal cord injury model and the low-dose group of severe spinal cord injury model, transplantation in the subacute phase did not significantly improve motor function. Given the lack of evidence for direct comparison between different transplantation phases, the indirectness of our network meta-analysis, and the low quality of evidence in current animal studies, our confidence in recommending cell transplantation in the subacute phase is limited. In the future, more high-quality, direct comparative studies are needed to explore this issue in depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhizhong Shang
- The First Clinical Medical School of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Dongliang Li
- The First Clinical Medical School of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jinlei Chen
- The First Clinical Medical School of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - RuiRui Wang
- The First Clinical Medical School of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Mingchuan Wang
- The First Clinical Medical School of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Baolin Zhang
- The First Clinical Medical School of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xin Wang
- The First Clinical Medical School of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Chengren Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China.,Department of Spine, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pingping Wanyan
- Basic Medical College, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China.,Department of Nephrology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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26
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Plasticity in Motoneurons Following Spinal Cord Injury in Fructose-induced Diabetic Rats. J Mol Neurosci 2022; 72:888-899. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-021-01958-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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27
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Okawara H, Tashiro S, Sawada T, Sugai K, Matsubayashi K, Kawakami M, Nori S, Tsuji O, Nagoshi N, Matsumoto M, Nakamura M. Neurorehabilitation using a voluntary driven exoskeletal robot improves trunk function in patients with chronic spinal cord injury: a single-arm study. Neural Regen Res 2022; 17:427-432. [PMID: 34269219 PMCID: PMC8463976 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.317983] [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] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Body weight-supported treadmill training with the voluntary driven exoskeleton (VDE-BWSTT) has been shown to improve the gait function of patients with chronic spinal cord injury. However, little is known whether VDE-BWSTT can effectively improve the trunk function of patients with chronic spinal cord injury. In this open-label, single-arm study, nine patients with chronic spinal cord injury at the cervical or thoracic level (six males and three females, aged 37.8 ± 15.6 years, and time since injury 51.1 ± 31.8 months) who underwent outpatient VDE-BWSTT training program at Keio University Hospital, Japan from September 2017 to March 2019 were included. All patients underwent twenty 60-minute gait training sessions using VDE. Trunk muscular strength, i.e., the maximum force against which patient could maintain a sitting posture without any support, was evaluated in four directions: anterior, posterior, and lateral (right and left) after 10 and 20 training sessions. After intervention, lateral muscular strength significantly improved. In addition, a significant positive correlation was detected between the change in lateral trunk muscular strength after 20 training sessions relative to baseline and gait speed. The change in trunk muscular strength after 20 training sessions relative to baseline was greatly correlated with patient age. This suggests that older adult patients with chronic spinal cord injury achieved a greater improvement in trunk muscle strength following VDE-BWSTT. All these findings suggest that VDE-BWSTT can improve the trunk function of patients with chronic spinal cord injury and the effect might be greater in older adult patients. The study was approved by the Keio University of Medicine Ethics Committee (IRB No. 20150355-3) on September 26, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Okawara
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Syoichi Tashiro
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomonori Sawada
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keiko Sugai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kohei Matsubayashi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, National Hospital Organization, Murayama Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Michiyuki Kawakami
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Nori
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Osahiko Tsuji
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Narihito Nagoshi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Morio Matsumoto
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaya Nakamura
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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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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29
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Rao JS, Zhao C, Bao SS, Feng T, Xu M. MRI metrics at the epicenter of spinal cord injury are correlated with the stepping process in rhesus monkeys. Exp Anim 2021; 71:139-149. [PMID: 34789621 PMCID: PMC9130044 DOI: 10.1538/expanim.21-0154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical evaluations of long-term outcomes in the early-stage spinal cord injury (SCI) focus on macroscopic motor performance and are limited in their prognostic precision. This study was designed to investigate the sensitivity of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indexes to the data-driven gait process after SCI. Ten adult female rhesus monkeys were subjected to thoracic SCI. Kinematics-based gait examinations were performed at 1 (early stage) and 12 (chronic stage) months post-SCI. The proportion of stepping (PS) and gait stability (GS) were calculated as the outcome measures. MRI metrics, which were derived from structural imaging (spinal cord cross-sectional area, SCA) and diffusion tensor imaging (fractional anisotropy, FA; axial diffusivity, λ//), were acquired in the early stage and compared with functional outcomes by using correlation analysis and stepwise multivariable linear regression. Residual tissue SCA at the injury epicenter and residual tissue FA/remote normal-like tissue FA were correlated with the early-stage PS and GS. The extent of lesion site λ///residual tissue λ// in the early stage after SCI was correlated with the chronic-stage GS. The ratios of lesion site λ// to residual tissue λ// and early-stage GS were predictive of the improvement in the PS at follow-up. Similarly, the ratios of lesion site λ// to residual tissue λ// and early-stage PS best predicted chronic GS recovery. Our findings demonstrate the predictive power of MRI combined with the early data-driven gait indexes for long-term outcomes. Such an approach may help clinicians to predict functional recovery accurately.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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
| | - Can Zhao
- Institute of Rehabilitation Engineering, China Rehabilitation Science Institute.,School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University
| | - Shu-Sheng Bao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University
| | - Ting Feng
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University
| | - Meng Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital
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30
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Mousa AH, Agha Mohammad S, Rezk HM, Muzaffar KH, Alshanberi AM, Ansari SA. Nanoparticles in traumatic spinal cord injury: therapy and diagnosis. F1000Res 2021. [DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.55472.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanotechnology has been previously employed for constructing drug delivery vehicles, biosensors, solar cells, lubricants and as antimicrobial agents. The advancement in synthesis procedure makes it possible to formulate nanoparticles (NPs) with precise control over physico-chemical and optical properties that are desired for specific clinical or biological applications. The surface modification technology has further added impetus to the specific applications of NPs by providing them with desirable characteristics. Hence, nanotechnology is of paramount importance in numerous biomedical and industrial applications due to their biocompatibility and stability even in harsh environments. Traumatic spinal cord injuries (TSCIs) are one of the major traumatic injuries that are commonly associated with severe consequences to the patient that may reach to the point of paralysis. Several processes occurring at a biochemical level which exacerbate the injury may be targeted using nanotechnology. This review discusses possible nanotechnology-based approaches for the diagnosis and therapy of TSCI, which have a bright future in clinical practice.
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Grampurohit N, Bell A, Duff SV, Mulcahey MJ, Thielen CC, Kaplan G, Marino RJ. Highlighting gaps in spinal cord injury research in activity-based interventions for the upper extremity: A scoping review. NeuroRehabilitation 2021; 49:23-38. [PMID: 33967071 DOI: 10.3233/nre-210042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Upper extremity activity-based therapy for neurologic disorders employs high-intensity, high repetition functional training to exploit neuroplasticity and improve function. Research focused on high-intensity upper extremity activity-based therapy for persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) is limited. OBJECTIVE To summarize high-intensity activity-based interventions used in neurological disorders for their current or potential application to SCI. METHODS The scoping review included articles from MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL, and OTSeeker with the criteria: non-invasive activity-based interventions delivered at least three times/week for two weeks, upper extremity functional outcomes, age 13 years or older, English language, and neurological disorders three months post onset/injury. RESULTS The search yielded 172 studies. There were seven studies with SCI, all in adults. Activity-based interventions in SCI included task-specific training and gaming, with and without electrical stimulation, and a robotic exoskeleton. The other populations found in the review included studies in stroke, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis. Thirty-four different interventions were reported in other populations. In comparison to the extensive stroke research, work in SCI was not found for high-intensity interventions using virtual reality, brain stimulation, rehabilitation devices, and applications to the home and telerehab settings. CONCLUSION The results highlight critical gaps within upper extremity high-intensity activity-based research in SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namrata Grampurohit
- Jefferson College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alison Bell
- Jefferson College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Susan V Duff
- Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, Chapman University, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - M J Mulcahey
- Jefferson College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Gary Kaplan
- Scott Memorial Library, Academic Commons, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ralph J Marino
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Liu X, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Qian T. Inflammatory Response to Spinal Cord Injury and Its Treatment. World Neurosurg 2021; 155:19-31. [PMID: 34375779 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2021.07.148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI), as one of the intractable diseases in clinical medicine, affects thousands of human beings, and the pathologic changes after injury have been a hot spot for exploration in clinical medicine. With the development of new treatments, the survival of patients has shown an increasing trend; however, the inflammatory response after injury has not yet been effectively controlled. SCI is divided into primary injury and secondary injury according to the time of injury and pathophysiologic changes. Primary injury occurs immediately and the damage to the injury site is irreversible; however, secondary injury occurs after primary injury and involves pathologic changes at the cellular and molecular levels, which are reversible. Thus, the inflammatory response from secondary injuries has become the main direction of research. In recent years, a complex pathophysiologic mechanism has gradually been unveiled, which has been followed by an upgrade of treatment methods. This article describes the mechanisms of the inflammatory response after SCI and the mainstream treatment modalities. Also, neuroprotective agents and nerve regeneration agent agents are commonly used in the treatment of SCI; the therapeutic mechanism and classification of these agents are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, P.R. China
| | - Yiwen Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, P.R. China
| | - Yitong Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, P.R. China
| | - Taibao Qian
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, P.R. China.
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Corticospinal Motor Circuit Plasticity After Spinal Cord Injury: Harnessing Neuroplasticity to Improve Functional Outcomes. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:5494-5516. [PMID: 34341881 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02484-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition that affects approximately 294,000 people in the USA and several millions worldwide. The corticospinal motor circuitry plays a major role in controlling skilled movements and in planning and coordinating movements in mammals and can be damaged by SCI. While axonal regeneration of injured fibers over long distances is scarce in the adult CNS, substantial spontaneous neural reorganization and plasticity in the spared corticospinal motor circuitry has been shown in experimental SCI models, associated with functional recovery. Beneficially harnessing this neuroplasticity of the corticospinal motor circuitry represents a highly promising therapeutic approach for improving locomotor outcomes after SCI. Several different strategies have been used to date for this purpose including neuromodulation (spinal cord/brain stimulation strategies and brain-machine interfaces), rehabilitative training (targeting activity-dependent plasticity), stem cells and biological scaffolds, neuroregenerative/neuroprotective pharmacotherapies, and light-based therapies like photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photobiomodulation (PMBT). This review provides an overview of the spontaneous reorganization and neuroplasticity in the corticospinal motor circuitry after SCI and summarizes the various therapeutic approaches used to beneficially harness this neuroplasticity for functional recovery after SCI in preclinical animal model and clinical human patients' studies.
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Wang P, Yin R, Wang S, Zhou T, Zhang Y, Xiao M, Wang H, Xu G. Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) and Treadmill Training on Recovery of Motor Function in a Rat Model of Partial Spinal Cord Injury. Med Sci Monit 2021; 27:e931601. [PMID: 34304239 PMCID: PMC8317583 DOI: 10.12659/msm.931601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to investigate the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and treadmill training (TT) on motor function recovery in rats with partial spinal cord injury (SCI). Material/Methods Sixty rats with moderate partial SCI at the 9th thoracic vertebral level induced by a Louisville Injury System Apparatus impactor were randomly allocated to 5 groups: Sham surgery (Intact); Sham rTMS without TT (S-rTMS/Non-TT); Sham rTMS with TT (S-rTMS/TT); rTMS without TT (rTMS/Non-TT); and rTMS with TT (rTMS/TT). Interventions commenced 8 days after SCI and continued for 8 weeks. Outcomes studied were Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan locomotor scale scores, grid walking test, and biochemical analysis of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), synapsin I (SYN), and postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95) in the motor cortex and spinal cord. Results The rTMS/TT contributed to greater Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scores compared with the S-rTMS/Non-TT (P<0.01), S-rTMS/TT (P<0.05), and rTMS/Non-TT (P<0.05), and showed obviously reduced numbers of foot drops compared with the S-rTMS/Non-TT (P<0.05). The rTMS/TT significantly increased the expressions of BDNF, SYN, and PSD-95 compared with the S-rTMS/Non-TT, both in the motor cortex (P<0.01, P<0.01, P<0.001, respectively) and spinal cord (P<0.001, P<0.01, P<0.05, respectively). Conclusions In a modified rat model of SCI, combined rTMS with TT improved motor function, indicating that this combined approach promoted adaptive neuroplasticity between the motor cortex and the spinal cord. A combined app roach to improving motor function following SCI requires further evaluation to determine the possible clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Wang
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Center of Rehabilitation Medicine, 1st affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (mainland).,Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Jiangsu Shengze Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Ruian Yin
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Center of Rehabilitation Medicine, 1st affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Shuangyan Wang
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Center of Rehabilitation Medicine, 1st affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Ting Zhou
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Yongjie Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Ming Xiao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Hongxing Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Jiangsu Shengze Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China (mainland).,Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Guangxu Xu
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Center of Rehabilitation Medicine, 1st affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
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Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) destroys the sensorimotor pathway and blocks the information flow between the peripheral nerve and the brain, resulting in autonomic function loss. Numerous studies have explored the effects of obstructed information flow on brain structure and function and proved the extensive plasticity of the brain after SCI. Great progress has also been achieved in therapeutic strategies for SCI to restore the "re-innervation" of the cerebral cortex to the limbs to some extent. Although no thorough research has been conducted, the changes of brain structure and function caused by "re-domination" have been reported. This article is a review of the recent research progress on local structure, functional changes, and circuit reorganization of the cerebral cortex after SCI. Alterations of structure and electrical activity characteristics of brain neurons, features of brain functional reorganization, and regulation of brain functions by reconfigured information flow were also explored. The integration of brain function is the basis for the human body to exercise complex/fine movements and is intricately and widely regulated by information flow. Hence, its changes after SCI and treatments should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Zhao
- Institute of Rehabilitation Engineering, China Rehabilitation Science Institute, Beijing, China
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shu-Sheng Bao
- 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, China
| | - Meng Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 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, China
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Harikrishnan V, Palekkodan H, Fasaludeen A, Krishnan LK, Abelson KS. Refinement of the spinal cord injury rat model and validation of its applicability as a model for memory loss and chronic pain. Heliyon 2021; 7:e07500. [PMID: 34286145 PMCID: PMC8278431 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Laminectomy produces trauma in spinal cord injury (SCI) animal models resulting in impinging artefacts and welfare issues. Mechanizing laminectomy using a dental burr assisted (DBA) technique to reduce the impact of conventionally performed laminectomy on animal welfare without any alterations in the outcome of the model was previously demonstrated. However, further validation was necessary to establish it as an alternative in developing SCI rats as a model of chronic pain and memory loss. NOVEL METHOD DBA technique was employed to perform laminectomy at T10-T11 vertebrae in rats undergoing contusion SCI as a model of chronic pain and memory loss. In a 56-day study, 24 female Wistar rats (Crl: WI) were assigned randomly to four equal groups: conventionally laminectomised, DBA laminectomised, conventionally laminectomised with SCI and DBA laminectomised with SCI. RESULTS The study revealed DBA technique to cause less surgical bleeding (p = 0.001), lower Rat Grimace Scale (p = 0.0006); resulted in better body weight changes (p = 0.0002 on Day 7 and p = 0.0108 on Day 28) and dark phase activity (p = .0.0014 on Day 1; p = 0.0422 on Day 56). Different techniques did not differ in Basso Beattie Bresnahan score, novel object recognition, mechanical allodynia, number of surviving neurons and the area of vacuolation- indicating that the new method doesn't affect the validity of the model. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS In comparison with the conventional technique, motorised laminectomy can be a valid tool that evokes lesser pain and ensures higher well-being in rats modelled for chronic pain and memory loss. CONCLUSIONS The intended outcome from the model is not influenced by techniques whereas the DBA-technique is a refined alternative to the conventional method in achieving better welfare in SCI studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- V.S. Harikrishnan
- Division of Laboratory Animal Science, Department of Applied Biology, Biomedical Technology Wing, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hamza Palekkodan
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookot, Wayanad, Kerala, India
| | - Ansar Fasaludeen
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookot, Wayanad, Kerala, India
| | - Lissy K. Krishnan
- Division of Thrombosis Research, Department of Applied Biology, Bio Medical Technology Wing, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Klas S.P. Abelson
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Chiang MY, Cheng HW, Lo YC, Wang WC, Chang SJ, Cheng CH, Lin YC, Lu HE, Sue MW, Tsou NT, Lo YC, Li SJ, Kuo CH, Chen YY, Huang WC, Chen SY. 4D spatiotemporal modulation of biomolecules distribution in anisotropic corrugated microwrinkles via electrically manipulated microcapsules within hierarchical hydrogel for spinal cord regeneration. Biomaterials 2021; 271:120762. [PMID: 33773400 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Although traditional 3D scaffolds or biomimetic hydrogels have been used for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, soft tissue microenvironment usually has a highly anisotropic structure and a dynamically controllable deformation with various biomolecule distribution. In this study, we developed a hierarchical hybrid gelatin methacrylate-microcapsule hydrogel (HGMH) with Neurotrophin-3(NT-3)-loaded PLGA microcapsules to fabricate anisotropic structure with patterned NT-3 distribution (demonstrated as striped and triangular patterns) by dielectrophoresis (DEP). The HGMH provides a dynamic biomimetic sinuate-microwrinkles change with NT-3 spatial gradient and 2-stage time-dependent distribution, which was further simulated using a 3D finite element model. As demonstrated, in comparison with striped-patterned hydrogel, the triangular-patterned HGMH with highly anisotropic array of microcapsules exhibits remarkably spatial NT-3 gradient distributions that can not only guide neural stem cells (NSCs) migration but also facilitate spinal cord injury regeneration. This approach to construct hierarchical 4D hydrogel system via an electromicrofluidic platform demonstrates the potential for building various biomimetic soft scaffolds in vitro tailed to real soft tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Yu Chiang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, No. 1001 Ta-Hsueh Rd., Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No. 1001 Ta-Hsueh Rd., Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hung-Wei Cheng
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, No. 1001 Ta-Hsueh Rd., Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No. 1001 Ta-Hsueh Rd., Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yu-Chih Lo
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, No. 1001 Ta-Hsueh Rd., Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No. 1001 Ta-Hsueh Rd., Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wei-Chun Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, No. 1001 Ta-Hsueh Rd., Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No. 1001 Ta-Hsueh Rd., Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Shwu-Jen Chang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, I-Shou University, No.8, Yida Rd., Jiaosu Village, Kaohsiung, 840, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chu-Hsun Cheng
- Institute of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming University, No. 155, Sec. 2, Linong Street, Taipei, 112, Taiwan, ROC; Institute of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No. 1001 Ta-Hsueh Rd., Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No. 201, Sec. 2, Shipai Rd., Taipei, 112, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yu-Chang Lin
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, No. 1001 Ta-Hsueh Rd., Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No. 1001 Ta-Hsueh Rd., Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Huai-En Lu
- Food Industry Research and Development Institute, No. 331 Shih-Pin Rd., Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ming-Wen Sue
- Food Industry Research and Development Institute, No. 331 Shih-Pin Rd., Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Nien-Ti Tsou
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, No. 1001 Ta-Hsueh Rd., Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No. 1001 Ta-Hsueh Rd., Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yu-Chun Lo
- Program for Neural Regenerative Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, No. 250 Wu-Xing Street, Taipei, 110, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ssu-Ju Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Yang Ming University, No. 155, Section 2, Linong Street, Taipei, 112, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No. 1001 Ta-Hsueh Rd., Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chao-Hung Kuo
- Institute of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No. 1001 Ta-Hsueh Rd., Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Yang Ming University, No. 155, Section 2, Linong Street, Taipei, 112, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No. 1001 Ta-Hsueh Rd., Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, No. 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA, 98195-6470, USA
| | - You-Yin Chen
- Program for Neural Regenerative Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, No. 250 Wu-Xing Street, Taipei, 110, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Yang Ming University, No. 155, Section 2, Linong Street, Taipei, 112, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No. 1001 Ta-Hsueh Rd., Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Wei-Chen Huang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, No. 1001 Ta-Hsueh Rd., Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No. 1001 Ta-Hsueh Rd., Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - San-Yuan Chen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, No. 1001 Ta-Hsueh Rd., Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No. 1001 Ta-Hsueh Rd., Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan, ROC; Frontier Research Centre on Fundamental and Applied Sciences of Matters, National Tsing Hua University, No. 101-1, Sec. 2, Guangfu Rd., Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan, ROC; School of Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, No.100, Shih-Chuan 1st Rd., Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan, ROC; Graduate Institute of Biomedical Science, China Medical University, No. 100, Sec. 1, Jingmao Rd., Taichung, 406, Taiwan, ROC.
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Delfi IRTA, Wood CR, Johnson LDV, Snow MD, Innes JF, Myint P, Johnson WEB. An In Vitro Comparison of the Neurotrophic and Angiogenic Activity of Human and Canine Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs): Translating MSC-Based Therapies for Spinal Cord Injury. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10091301. [PMID: 32916959 PMCID: PMC7563337 DOI: 10.3390/biom10091301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The majority of research into the effects of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplants on spinal cord injury (SCI) is performed in rodent models, which may help inform on mechanisms of action, but does not represent the scale and wound heterogeneity seen in human SCI. In contrast, SCI in dogs occurs naturally, is more akin to human SCI, and can be used to help address important aspects of the development of human MSC-based therapies. To enable translation to the clinic and comparison across species, we have examined the paracrine, regenerative capacity of human and canine adipose-derived MSCs in vitro. MSCs were initially phenotyped according to tissue culture plastic adherence, cluster of differentiation (CD) immunoprofiling and tri-lineage differentiation potential. Conditioned medium (CM) from MSC cultures was then assessed for its neurotrophic and angiogenic activity using established cell-based assays. MSC CM significantly increased neuronal cell proliferation, neurite outgrowth, and βIII tubulin immunopositivity. In addition, MSC CM significantly increased endothelial cell migration, cell proliferation and the formation of tubule-like structures in Matrigel assays. There were no marked or significant differences in the capacity of human or canine MSC CM to stimulate neuronal cell or endothelial cell activity. Hence, this study supports the use of MSC transplants for canine SCI; furthermore, it increases understanding of how this may subsequently provide useful information and translate to MSC transplants for human SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chelsea R. Wood
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Life Sciences, University of Chester, Parkgate Road, Chester, Cheshire CH1 4BJ, UK; (C.R.W.); (L.D.V.J.)
| | - Louis D. V. Johnson
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Life Sciences, University of Chester, Parkgate Road, Chester, Cheshire CH1 4BJ, UK; (C.R.W.); (L.D.V.J.)
| | | | - John F. Innes
- Veterinary Tissue Bank, Chirk L14 5ND, UK; (J.F.I.); (P.M.)
| | - Peter Myint
- Veterinary Tissue Bank, Chirk L14 5ND, UK; (J.F.I.); (P.M.)
| | - William E. B. Johnson
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Life Sciences, University of Chester, Parkgate Road, Chester, Cheshire CH1 4BJ, UK; (C.R.W.); (L.D.V.J.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-(0)1244-51100
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Lin C, Calzarossa C, Fernandez-Zafra T, Liu J, Li X, Ekblad-Nordberg Å, Vazquez-Juarez E, Codeluppi S, Holmberg L, Lindskog M, Uhlén P, Åkesson E. Human ex vivo spinal cord slice culture as a useful model of neural development, lesion, and allogeneic neural cell therapy. Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 11:320. [PMID: 32727554 PMCID: PMC7390865 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-01771-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There are multiple promising treatment strategies for central nervous system trauma and disease. However, to develop clinically potent and safe treatments, models of human-specific conditions are needed to complement in vitro and in vivo animal model-based studies. Methods We established human brain stem and spinal cord (cross- and longitudinal sections) organotypic cultures (hOCs) from first trimester tissues after informed consent by donor and ethical approval by the Regional Human Ethics Committee, Stockholm (lately referred to as Swedish Ethical Review Authority), and The National Board of Health and Welfare, Sweden. We evaluated the stability of hOCs with a semi-quantitative hOC score, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, Ca2+ signaling, and electrophysiological analysis. We also applied experimental allogeneic human neural cell therapy after injury in the ex vivo spinal cord slices. Results The spinal cord hOCs presented relatively stable features during 7–21 days in vitro (DIV) (except a slightly increased cell proliferation and activated glial response). After contusion injury performed at 7 DIV, a significant reduction of the hOC score, increase of the activated caspase-3+ cell population, and activated microglial populations at 14 days postinjury compared to sham controls were observed. Such elevation in the activated caspase-3+ population and activated microglial population was not observed after allogeneic human neural cell therapy. Conclusions We conclude that human spinal cord slice cultures have potential for future structural and functional studies of human spinal cord development, injury, and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenhong Lin
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Div. of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cinzia Calzarossa
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Div. of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Università degli Studi diMilan, Milan, Italy
| | - Teresa Fernandez-Zafra
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Departmentof Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Div. of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaofei Li
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Div. of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Åsa Ekblad-Nordberg
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Div. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erika Vazquez-Juarez
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Div. of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Simone Codeluppi
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Departmentof Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lena Holmberg
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Div. of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Lindskog
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Div. of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per Uhlén
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Departmentof Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elisabet Åkesson
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Div. of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. .,The R&D Unit, Stockholms Sjukhem, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Gao Y, Hu YW, Duan RS, Yang SG, Zhou FQ, Wang RY. Time course analysis of sensory axon regeneration in vivo by directly tracing regenerating axons. Neural Regen Res 2020; 15:1160-1165. [PMID: 31823897 PMCID: PMC7034291 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.270315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Most current studies quantify axon regeneration by immunostaining regeneration-associated proteins, representing indirect measurement of axon lengths from both sensory neurons in the dorsal root ganglia and motor neurons in the spinal cord. Our recently developed method of in vivo electroporation of plasmid DNA encoding for enhanced green fluorescent protein into adult sensory neurons in the dorsal root ganglia provides a way to directly and specifically measure regenerating sensory axon lengths in whole-mount nerves. A mouse model of sciatic nerve compression was established by squeezing the sciatic nerve with tweezers. Plasmid DNA carrying enhanced green fluorescent protein was transfected by ipsilateral dorsal root ganglion electroporation 2 or 3 days before injury. Fluorescence distribution of dorsal root or sciatic nerve was observed by confocal microscopy. At 12 and 18 hours, and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 days of injury, lengths of regenerated axons after sciatic nerve compression were measured using green fluorescence images. Apoptosis-related protein caspase-3 expression in dorsal root ganglia was determined by western blot assay. We found that in vivo electroporation did not affect caspase-3 expression in dorsal root ganglia. Dorsal root ganglia and sciatic nerves were successfully removed and subjected to a rapid tissue clearing technique. Neuronal soma in dorsal root ganglia expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein or fluorescent dye-labeled microRNAs were imaged after tissue clearing. The results facilitate direct time course analysis of peripheral nerve axon regeneration. This study was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Guilin Medical University, China (approval No. GLMC201503010) on March 7, 2014.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Gao
- Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yi-Wen Hu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Run-Shan Duan
- Department of Orthopedics, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Shu-Guang Yang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Feng-Quan Zhou
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rui-Ying Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
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Zhou Z, Li H, Li H, Zhang J, Fu K, Cao C, Deng F, Luo J. Comprehensive analysis of the differential expression profile of microRNAs in rats with spinal cord injury treated by electroacupuncture. Mol Med Rep 2020; 22:751-762. [PMID: 32468009 PMCID: PMC7339738 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal microRNA (miRNA) expression has been implicated in spinal cord injury (SCI), but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on miRNA expression profiles in SCI rats and investigate the potential mechanisms involved in this process, Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into sham, SCI and SCI+EA groups (n=6 each). Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) scoring and hematoxylin-eosin staining of cortical tissues were used to evaluate spinal cord recovery with EA treatment 21 days post-surgery across the three groups. To investigate miRNA expression profiles, 6 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into SCI and SCI+EA groups (n=3 in each group) and examined using next-generation sequencing. Integrated miRNA-mRNA-pathway network analysis was performed to elucidate the interaction network of the candidate miRNAs, their target genes and the involved pathways. Behavioral scores suggested that hindlimb motor functions improved with EA treatments. Apoptotic indices were lower in the SCI+EA group compared with the SCI group. It was also observed that 168 miRNAs were differentially expressed between the SCI and SCI+EA groups, with 29 upregulated and 139 downregulated miRNAs in the SCI+EA group. Changes in miRNA expression are involved in SCI physiopathology, including inflammation and apoptosis. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR measurement of the five candidate miRNAs, namely rno-miR-219a-5p, rno-miR-486, rno-miR-136-5p, rno-miR-128-3p, and rno-miR-7b, was consistent with RNA sequencing data. Integrated miRNA-mRNA-pathway analysis suggested that the MAPK, Wnt and NF-κB signaling pathways were involved in EA-mediated recovery from SCI. The present study evaluated the miRNA expression profiles involved in EA-treated SCI rats and demonstrated the potential mechanism and functional role of miRNAs in SCI in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhidong Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330000, P.R. China
| | - Hejian Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330000, P.R. China
| | - Hongchun Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330000, P.R. China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330000, P.R. China
| | - Kaiwen Fu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330000, P.R. China
| | - Cao Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330000, P.R. China
| | - Fumou Deng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330000, P.R. China
| | - Jun Luo
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330000, P.R. China
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Sensory and motor responses after photobiomodulation associated with physiotherapy in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury: clinical, randomized trial. Lasers Med Sci 2020; 35:1751-1758. [DOI: 10.1007/s10103-020-02968-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Singh T, Robles D, Vazquez M. Neuronal substrates alter the migratory responses of nonmyelinating Schwann cells to controlled brain‐derived neurotrophic factor gradients. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2020; 14:609-621. [DOI: 10.1002/term.3025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Singh
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringCity College of New York New York NY USA
| | - Denise Robles
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringRutgers University, The State University of New Jersey New Brunswick NJ USA
| | - Maribel Vazquez
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringRutgers University, The State University of New Jersey New Brunswick NJ USA
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Tsintou M, Dalamagkas K, Makris N. Taking central nervous system regenerative therapies to the clinic: curing rodents versus nonhuman primates versus humans. Neural Regen Res 2020; 15:425-437. [PMID: 31571651 PMCID: PMC6921352 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.266048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The central nervous system is known to have limited regenerative capacity. Not only does this halt the human body's reparative processes after central nervous system lesions, but it also impedes the establishment of effective and safe therapeutic options for such patients. Despite the high prevalence of stroke and spinal cord injury in the general population, these conditions remain incurable and place a heavy burden on patients' families and on society more broadly. Neuroregeneration and neural engineering are diverse biomedical fields that attempt reparative treatments, utilizing stem cells-based strategies, biologically active molecules, nanotechnology, exosomes and highly tunable biodegradable systems (e.g., certain hydrogels). Although there are studies demonstrating promising preclinical results, safe clinical translation has not yet been accomplished. A key gap in clinical translation is the absence of an ideal animal or ex vivo model that can perfectly simulate the human microenvironment, and also correspond to all the complex pathophysiological and neuroanatomical factors that affect functional outcomes in humans after central nervous system injury. Such an ideal model does not currently exist, but it seems that the nonhuman primate model is uniquely qualified for this role, given its close resemblance to humans. This review considers some regenerative therapies for central nervous system repair that hold promise for future clinical translation. In addition, it attempts to uncover some of the main reasons why clinical translation might fail without the implementation of nonhuman primate models in the research pipeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalini Tsintou
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology Services, Center for Neural Systems Investigations, Center for Morphometric Analysis, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- University College of London Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, Center for Nanotechnology & Regenerative Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | - Kyriakos Dalamagkas
- University College of London Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, Center for Nanotechnology & Regenerative Medicine, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research Memorial Hermann Research Center, The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nikos Makris
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology Services, Center for Neural Systems Investigations, Center for Morphometric Analysis, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Leemhuis E, De Gennaro L, Pazzaglia M. Disconnected Body Representation: Neuroplasticity Following Spinal Cord Injury. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8122144. [PMID: 31817187 PMCID: PMC6947607 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8122144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroplastic changes in somatotopic organization within the motor and somatosensory systems have long been observed. The interruption of afferent and efferent brain–body pathways promotes extensive cortical reorganization. Changes are majorly related to the typical homuncular organization of sensorimotor areas and specific “somatotopic interferences”. Recent findings revealed a relevant peripheral contribution to the plasticity of body representation in addition to the role of sensorimotor cortices. Here, we review the ways in which structures and brain mechanisms react to missing or critically altered sensory and motor peripheral signals. We suggest that these plastic events are: (i) variably affected across multiple timescales, (ii) age-dependent, (iii) strongly related to altered perceptual sensations during and after remapping of the deafferented peripheral area, and (iv) may contribute to the appearance of secondary pathological conditions, such as allodynia, hyperalgesia, and neuropathic pain. Understanding the considerable complexity of plastic reorganization processes will be a fundamental step in the formulation of theoretical and clinical models useful for maximizing rehabilitation programs and resulting recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Leemhuis
- Department of Psychology, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (E.L.); (M.P.)
| | - Luigi De Gennaro
- Department of Psychology, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Mariella Pazzaglia
- Department of Psychology, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (E.L.); (M.P.)
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Neuronal activity and microglial activation support corticospinal tract and proprioceptive afferent sprouting in spinal circuits after a corticospinal system lesion. Exp Neurol 2019; 321:113015. [PMID: 31326353 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2019.113015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2019] [Revised: 05/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Spared corticospinal tract (CST) and proprioceptive afferent (PA) axons sprout after injury and contribute to rewiring spinal circuits, affecting motor recovery. Loss of CST connections post-injury results in corticospinal signal loss and associated reduction in spinal activity. We investigated the role of activity loss and injury on CST and PA sprouting. To understand activity-dependence after injury, we compared CST and PA sprouting after motor cortex (MCX) inactivation, produced by chronic MCX muscimol microinfusion, with sprouting after a CST lesion produced by pyramidal tract section (PTx). Activity suppression, which does not produce a lesion, is sufficient to trigger CST axon outgrowth from the active side to cross the midline and to enter the inactivated side of the spinal cord, to the same extent as PTx. Activity loss was insufficient to drive significant CST gray matter axon elongation, an effect of PTx. Activity suppression triggered presynaptic site formation, but less than PTx. Activity loss triggered PA sprouting, as PTx. To understand injury-dependent sprouting further, we blocked microglial activation and associated inflammation after PTX by chronic minocycline administration after PTx. Minocycline inhibited myelin debris phagocytosis contralateral to PTx and abolished CST axon elongation, formation of presynaptic sites, and PA sprouting, but not CST axon outgrowth from the active side to cross the midline. Our findings suggest sprouting after injury has a strong activity dependence and that microglial activation after injury supports axonal elongation and presynaptic site formation. Combining spinal activity support and inflammation control is potentially more effective in promoting functional restoration than either alone.
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Slusarczyk W, Olakowska E, Larysz-Brysz M, Woszczycka-Korczyńska I, de Carrillo DG, Węglarz WP, Lewin-Kowalik J, Marcol W. Use of ebselen as a neuroprotective agent in rat spinal cord subjected to traumatic injury. Neural Regen Res 2019; 14:1255-1261. [PMID: 30804257 PMCID: PMC6425832 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.251334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes disturbances of motor skills. Free radicals have been shown to be essential for the development of spinal cord trauma. Despite some progress, until now no effective pharmacological therapies against SCI have been verified. The purpose of our experiment was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of ebselen on experimental SCI. Twenty-two rats subjected to SCI were randomly subjected to SCI with no further treatment (n = 10) or intragastric administration of ebselen (10 mg/kg) immediately and 24 hours after SCI. Behavioral changes were assessed using the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan locomotor scale and footprint test during 12 weeks after SCI. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses of spinal cords and brains were performed at 12 weeks after SCI. Magnetic resonance imaging analysis of spinal cords was also performed at 12 weeks after SCI. Rats treated with ebselen presented only limited neurobehavioral progress as well as reduced spinal cord injuries compared with the control group, namely length of lesions (cysts/scars) visualized histopathologically in the spinal cord sections was less but cavity area was very similar. The same pattern was found in T2-weighted magnetic resonance images (cavities) and diffusion-weighted images (scars). The number of FluoroGold retrogradely labeled neurons in brain stem and motor cortex was several-fold higher in ebselen-treated rats than in the control group. The findings suggest that ebselen has only limited neuroprotective effects on injured spinal cord. All exprimental procedures were approved by the Local Animal Ethics Committee for Experiments on Animals in Katowice (Katowice, Poland) (approval No. 19/2009).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Edyta Olakowska
- Department of Physiology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Wiesław Marcol
- Department of Physiology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
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Abstract
Spinal cord injury is associated with chronic sensorimotor deficits due to the interruption of ascending and descending tracts between the brain and spinal cord. Functional recovery after anatomically complete spinal cord injury is limited due to the lack of long-distance axonal regeneration of severed fibers in the adult central nervous system. Most spinal cord injuries in humans, however, are anatomically incomplete. Although restorative treatment options for spinal cord injury remain currently limited, research from experimental models of spinal cord injury have revealed a tremendous capability for both spontaneous and treatment-induced plasticity of the corticospinal system that supports functional recovery. We review recent advances in the understanding of corticospinal circuit plasticity after spinal cord injury and concentrate mainly on the hindlimb motor cortex, its corticospinal projections, and the role of spinal mechanisms that support locomotor recovery. First, we discuss plasticity that occurs at the level of motor cortex and the reorganization of cortical movement representations. Next, we explore downstream plasticity in corticospinal projections. We then review the role of spinal mechanisms in locomotor recovery. We conclude with a perspective on harnessing neuroplasticity with therapeutic interventions to promote functional recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew R Brown
- Département de Neurosciences, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal; Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal (CIUSS-NIM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Marina Martinez
- Département de Neurosciences, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal; Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal (CIUSS-NIM), Montréal; Groupe de Recherche sur le Système Nerveux Central, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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