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Zhou R, Li J, Wang R, Chen Z, Zhou F. The neurovascular unit in healthy and injured spinal cord. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2023; 43:1437-1455. [PMID: 37190756 PMCID: PMC10414016 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x231172008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The neurovascular unit (NVU) reflects the close temporal and spatial link between neurons and blood vessels. However, the understanding of the NVU in the spinal cord is far from clear and largely based on generalized knowledge obtained from the brain. Herein, we review the present knowledge of the NVU and highlight candidate approaches to investigate the NVU, particularly focusing on the spinal cord. Several unique features maintain the highly regulated microenvironment in the NVU. Autoregulation and neurovascular coupling ensure regional blood flow meets the metabolic demand according to the blood supply or local neural activation. The blood-central nervous system barrier partitions the circulating blood from neural parenchyma and facilitates the selective exchange of substances. Furthermore, we discuss spinal cord injury (SCI) as a common injury from the perspective of NVU dysfunction. Hopefully, this review will help expand the understanding of the NVU in the spinal cord and inspire new insights into SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubing Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Junzhao Li
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Ruideng Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengyang Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
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Vangansewinkel T, Lemmens S, Tiane A, Geurts N, Dooley D, Vanmierlo T, Pejler G, Hendrix S. Therapeutic administration of mouse mast cell protease 6 improves functional recovery after traumatic spinal cord injury in mice by promoting remyelination and reducing glial scar formation. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22939. [PMID: 37130013 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201942rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) most often leads to permanent paralysis due to the inability of axons to regenerate in the adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS). In the past, we have shown that mast cells (MCs) improve the functional outcome after SCI by suppressing scar tissue formation at the lesion site via mouse mast cell protease 6 (mMCP6). In this study, we investigated whether recombinant mMCP6 can be used therapeutically to improve the functional outcome after SCI. Therefore, we applied mMCP6 locally via an intrathecal catheter in the subacute phase after a spinal cord hemisection injury in mice. Our findings showed that hind limb motor function was significantly improved in mice that received recombinant mMCP6 compared with the vehicle-treated group. In contrast to our previous findings in mMCP6 knockout mice, the lesion size and expression levels of the scar components fibronectin, laminin, and axon-growth-inhibitory chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans were not affected by the treatment with recombinant mMCP6. Surprisingly, no difference in infiltration of CD4+ T cells and reactivity of Iba-1+ microglia/macrophages at the lesion site was observed between the mMCP6-treated mice and control mice. Additionally, local protein levels of the pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IFNγ, and MCP-1 were comparable between the two treatment groups, indicating that locally applied mMCP6 did not affect inflammatory processes after injury. However, the increase in locomotor performance in mMCP6-treated mice was accompanied by reduced demyelination and astrogliosis in the perilesional area after SCI. Consistently, we found that TNF-α/IL-1β-astrocyte activation was decreased and that oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) differentiation was increased after recombinant mMCP6 treatment in vitro. Mechanistically, this suggests effects of mMCP6 on reducing astrogliosis and improving (re)myelination in the spinal cord after injury. In conclusion, these data show for the first time that recombinant mMCP6 is therapeutically active in enhancing recovery after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Vangansewinkel
- Cardio and Organ Systems, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
- VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stefanie Lemmens
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Assia Tiane
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt-Pelt, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Geurts
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Dearbhaile Dooley
- School of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
- UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
| | - Tim Vanmierlo
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt-Pelt, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Gunnar Pejler
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sven Hendrix
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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Liao Z, Yang X, Wang W, Deng W, Zhang Y, Song A, Ni B, Zhao H, Zhang S, Li Z. hucMSCs transplantation promotes locomotor function recovery, reduces apoptosis and inhibits demyelination after SCI in rats. Neuropeptides 2021; 86:102125. [PMID: 33486279 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2021.102125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Spinal cord injury (SCI) can cause a variety of cells apoptosis, neurodegeneration, and eventually permanent paralysis. This study aimed to examine whether transplanting human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hucMSCs) can promote locomotor function recovery, reduce apoptosis and inhibit demyelination in SCI models. MAIN METHODS Rats were allocated into Sham group (spinal cord exposure only), SCI + PBS group (spinal cord impact plus phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) injections), SCI + hucMSCs group (spinal cord impact plus hucMSCs injections) groups. Behavioral tests, Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan locomotion scores (BBB scores), were carried out at 0, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28 days after SCI surgery. Hematoxylin-eosin staining observed spinal cord morphology. Nissl staining detected the number of nissl bodies. Myelin basic protein (MBP) and oligodendrocyte (CNPase) were examed by immunohistochemical staining. The apoptosis of oligodendrocyte and neurons were detected by immunofluorescence. RESULTS The 28-day behavioral test showed that the BBB score of rats in the SCI + hucMSCs group increased significantly, comparing to the SCI + PBS group. The numbers of nissl bodies and myelin sheath in the damaged area of SCI + hucMSCs group were also significantly increased compared to the SCI + PBS group. HucMSCs transplanting decreased the expression of protein level of Caspase-3 and Bax and increased the Bcl-2, MBP and CNPase, rescued the apoptosis of neurons and the oligodendrocyte. CONCLUSION These results showed that hucMSCs can improve motor function, tissue repairing and reducing apoptosis in SCI rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziling Liao
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Xiuzhen Yang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Weiyue Deng
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Yuying Zhang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Aishi Song
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Bin Ni
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defect for Research and Prevention, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Huifang Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Shusheng Zhang
- Changsha Stomatological Hospital, Changsha, Hunan 410004, China
| | - Zhiyuan Li
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defect for Research and Prevention, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China; GZMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong, China; Changsha Stomatological Hospital, Changsha, Hunan 410004, China; Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou 510005, China.
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Abstract
Proteases comprise a variety of enzymes defined by their ability to catalytically hydrolyze the peptide bonds of other proteins, resulting in protein lysis. Cathepsins, specifically, encompass a class of at least twenty proteases with potent endopeptidase activity. They are located subcellularly in lysosomes, organelles responsible for the cell’s degradative and autophagic processes, and are vital for normal lysosomal function. Although cathepsins are involved in a multitude of cell signaling activities, this chapter will focus on the role of cathepsins (with a special emphasis on Cathepsin B) in neuronal plasticity. We will broadly define what is known about regulation of cathepsins in the central nervous system and compare this with their dysregulation after injury or disease. Importantly, we will delineate what is currently known about the role of cathepsins in axon regeneration and plasticity after spinal cord injury. It is well established that normal cathepsin activity is integral to the function of lysosomes. Without normal lysosomal function, autophagy and other homeostatic cellular processes become dysregulated resulting in axon dystrophy. Furthermore, controlled activation of cathepsins at specialized neuronal structures such as axonal growth cones and dendritic spines have been positively implicated in their plasticity. This chapter will end with a perspective on the consequences of cathepsin dysregulation versus controlled, localized regulation to clarify how cathepsins can contribute to both neuronal plasticity and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Phuong Tran
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jerry Silver
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Abstract
Enzymes are a class of protein that catalyze a wide range of chemical reactions, including the cleavage of specific peptide bonds. They are expressed in all cell types, play vital roles in tissue development and homeostasis, and in many diseases, such as cancer. Enzymatic activity is tightly controlled through the use of inactive pro-enzymes, endogenous inhibitors and spatial localization. Since the presence of specific enzymes is often correlated with biological processes, and these proteins can directly modify biomolecules, they are an ideal biological input for cell-responsive biomaterials. These materials include both natural and synthetic polymers, cross-linked hydrogels and self-assembled peptide nanostructures. Within these systems enzymatic activity has been used to induce biodegradation, release therapeutic agents and for disease diagnosis. As technological advancements increase our ability to quantify the expression and nanoscale organization of proteins in cells and tissues, as well as the synthesis of increasingly complex and well-defined biomaterials, enzyme-responsive biomaterials are poised to play vital roles in the future of biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Thomas Pashuck
- Department of Bioengineering, P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, Lehigh University Bethlehem Pennsylvania USA
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Protein Degradome of Spinal Cord Injury: Biomarkers and Potential Therapeutic Targets. Mol Neurobiol 2020; 57:2702-2726. [PMID: 32328876 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-01916-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Degradomics is a proteomics sub-discipline whose goal is to identify and characterize protease-substrate repertoires. With the aim of deciphering and characterizing key signature breakdown products, degradomics emerged to define encryptic biomarker neoproteins specific to certain disease processes. Remarkable improvements in structural and analytical experimental methodologies as evident in research investigating cellular behavior in neuroscience and cancer have allowed the identification of specific degradomes, increasing our knowledge about proteases and their regulators and substrates along with their implications in health and disease. A physiologic balance between protein synthesis and degradation is sought with the activation of proteolytic enzymes such as calpains, caspases, cathepsins, and matrix metalloproteinases. Proteolysis is essential for development, growth, and regeneration; however, inappropriate and uncontrolled activation of the proteolytic system renders the diseased tissue susceptible to further neurotoxic processes. In this article, we aim to review the protease-substrate repertoires as well as emerging therapeutic interventions in spinal cord injury at the degradomic level. Several protease substrates and their breakdown products, essential for the neuronal structural integrity and functional capacity, have been characterized in neurotrauma including cytoskeletal proteins, neuronal extracellular matrix glycoproteins, cell junction proteins, and ion channels. Therefore, targeting exaggerated protease activity provides a potentially effective therapeutic approach in the management of protease-mediated neurotoxicity in reducing the extent of damage secondary to spinal cord injury.
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Liu XY, Guo JW, Kou JQ, Sun YL, Zheng XJ. Repair mechanism of astrocytes and non-astrocytes in spinal cord injury. World J Clin Cases 2020; 8:854-863. [PMID: 32190622 PMCID: PMC7062612 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v8.i5.854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a destructive disease that incurs huge personal and social costs, and there is no effective treatment. Although the pathogenesis and treatment mechanism of SCI has always been a strong scientific focus, the pathogenesis of SCI is still under investigation.
AIM To determine the key genes based on the modularization of in-depth analysis, in order to identify the repair mechanism of astrocytes and non-astrocytes in SCI.
METHODS Firstly, the differences between injured and non-injured spinal cord of astrocyte (HA), injured and non-injured spinal cord of non-astrocyte (FLOW), injured spinal cord of non-injured astrocyte (HA) and non-injured spinal cord of non-astrocyte (FLOW), and non-injured spinal cord of astrocyte (HA) and non-astrocyte (FLOW) were analyzed. The total number of differentially expressed genes was obtained by merging the four groups of differential results. Secondly, the genes were co-expressed and clustered. Then, the enrichment of GO function and KEGG pathway of module genes was analyzed. Finally, non-coding RNA, transcription factors and drugs that regulate module genes were predicted using hypergeometric tests.
RESULTS In summary, we obtained 19 expression modules involving 5216 differentially expressed genes. Among them, miR-494, XIST and other genes were differentially expressed in SCI patients, and played an active regulatory role in dysfunction module, and these genes were recognized as the driving genes of SCI. Enrichment results showed that module genes were significantly involved in the biological processes of inflammation, oxidation and apoptosis. Signal pathways such as NF-kappa B/A20, AMPK and MAPK were significantly regulated. In addition, non-coding RNA pivot (including miR-136-5p and let-7d-5p, etc.) and transcription factor pivot (including NFKB1, MYC, etc.) were identified as significant regulatory dysfunction modules.
CONCLUSION Overall, this study uncovered a co-expression network of key genes involved in astrocyte and non-astrocyte regulation in SCI. These findings helped to reveal the core dysfunction modules, potential regulatory factors and driving genes of the disease, and to improve our understanding of its pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Yun Liu
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jian-Wei Guo
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jian-Qiang Kou
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yuan-Liang Sun
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiu-Jun Zheng
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, Shandong Province, China
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Ong W, Pinese C, Chew SY. Scaffold-mediated sequential drug/gene delivery to promote nerve regeneration and remyelination following traumatic nerve injuries. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2019; 149-150:19-48. [PMID: 30910595 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2019.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Neural tissue regeneration following traumatic injuries is often subpar. As a result, the field of neural tissue engineering has evolved to find therapeutic interventions and has seen promising outcomes. However, robust nerve and myelin regeneration remain elusive. One possible reason may be the fact that tissue regeneration often follows a complex sequence of events in a temporally-controlled manner. Although several other fields of tissue engineering have begun to recognise the importance of delivering two or more biomolecules sequentially for more complete tissue regeneration, such serial delivery of biomolecules in neural tissue engineering remains limited. This review aims to highlight the need for sequential delivery to enhance nerve regeneration and remyelination after traumatic injuries in the central nervous system, using spinal cord injuries as an example. In addition, possible methods to attain temporally-controlled drug/gene delivery are also discussed for effective neural tissue regeneration.
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Cai Y, Wang W, Qiu Y, Yu M, Yin J, Yang H, Mei J. KGF inhibits hypoxia-induced intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis by upregulating AKT/ERK pathway-dependent E-cadherin expression. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 105:1318-1324. [PMID: 30021369 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.06.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) causes direct cellular damage, and the potential injury to the mucosal structure and barrier function. Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) is highly expressed in gastrointestinal tract and exerts beneficial effects for intestinal epithelial growth and maintenance. E-cadherin plays an important role in intestinal epithelium renewal. However, the regulatory role of KGF on E-cadherin levels and I/R-induced apoptosis remain to be explored. The present study aimed to identify the effect of KGF on E-cadherin expression and I/R-induced intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis. METHODS Caco2 cells were treated with KGF (100 ng/ml) for 0, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h under hypoxia or normoxia. An E-cadherin-knockdown model was successfully established by treatment with E-cadherin RNAi. Western blotting and immunofluorescence labeling were performed to assess E-cadherin expression. Levels of PI3K|[sol]|Akt/mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K|[sol]|Akt)/PI3K|[sol]|Akt pathway-related proteins, and apoptosis-related proteins were also detected by western blot. Finally, a rat model of acute intestinal I/R was established and treated with KGF. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE), terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL), and immunofluorescence staining were performed to detect morphological changes in intestinal mucosal epithelium and Caco2 cell apoptosis. RESULTS KGF enhanced E-cadherin expression in differentiated intestinal epithelial cells under hypoxia via AKT/extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway regulation. In vitro, E-cadherin downregulation aggravates hypoxia-induced intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis. In the rat model, KGF increased E-cadherin expression, which was associated with the reduced apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS KGF exerts protective effects on intestinal epithelial cells under hypoxia by elevating E-cadherin levels or activating AKT/ERK signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujiao Cai
- Department of General Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China.
| | - Wensheng Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Yuan Qiu
- Department of General Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Min Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Jiuheng Yin
- Department of General Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Hua Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China.
| | - Jie Mei
- Department of General Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
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Yang C, Li Y, Fu L, Jiang T, Meng F. Betulinic acid induces apoptosis and inhibits metastasis of human renal carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo. J Cell Biochem 2018; 119:8611-8622. [PMID: 29923216 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Betulinic acid (BA), a natural product with a broad range of biological properties, is a lupane-type pentacyclic triterpene isolated from various plants. Evidence is accumulating that BA is cytotoxic against multiple types of human cancer cells; however, its effects on renal carcinoma cells remain obscure. This study aimed to evaluate the anticancer activity of BA in human renal cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. In the current study, we found that BA inhibited renal cancer cell proliferation in a time-dependent and dose-dependent manner in vitro. Moreover, flow cytometry analysis revealed that BA affected the survival of renal cancer cells via the induction of apoptosis. Western blot analysis showed that the occurrence of apoptosis was associated with upregulation of Bcl2-associated X protein and cleaved caspase-3 and downregulation of B-cell lymphoma 2 in renal cancer cells. Additionally, BA treatment augmented the production of reactive oxygen species and induced a significant loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in renal cancer cells, suggesting that BA may trigger apoptosis via the mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathway. Furthermore, the migrative and invasive capabilities of renal cancer cells were markedly repressed by BA treatment, which was related to upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2, MMP9, and vimentin, and downregulation of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 and E-cadherin. Notably, administration of BA retarded tumor growth in 786-O-bearing mice in vivo. Taken together, our results demonstrated the anticancer potential of BA in human renal cancer cells by triggering apoptosis and suppressing migration and invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunming Yang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Liye Fu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Fandong Meng
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Saunders NR, Noor NM, Dziegielewska KM, Wheaton BJ, Liddelow SA, Steer DL, Ek CJ, Habgood MD, Wakefield MJ, Lindsay H, Truettner J, Miller RD, Smith AI, Dietrich WD. Age-dependent transcriptome and proteome following transection of neonatal spinal cord of Monodelphis domestica (South American grey short-tailed opossum). PLoS One 2014; 9:e99080. [PMID: 24914927 PMCID: PMC4051688 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0099080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2013] [Accepted: 05/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
This study describes a combined transcriptome and proteome analysis of Monodelphis domestica response to spinal cord injury at two different postnatal ages. Previously we showed that complete transection at postnatal day 7 (P7) is followed by profuse axon growth across the lesion with near-normal locomotion and swimming when adult. In contrast, at P28 there is no axon growth across the lesion, the animals exhibit weight-bearing locomotion, but cannot use hind limbs when swimming. Here we examined changes in gene and protein expression in the segment of spinal cord rostral to the lesion at 24 h after transection at P7 and at P28. Following injury at P7 only forty genes changed (all increased expression); most were immune/inflammatory genes. Following injury at P28 many more genes changed their expression and the magnitude of change for some genes was strikingly greater. Again many were associated with the immune/inflammation response. In functional groups known to be inhibitory to regeneration in adult cords the expression changes were generally muted, in some cases opposite to that required to account for neurite inhibition. For example myelin basic protein expression was reduced following injury at P28 both at the gene and protein levels. Only four genes from families with extracellular matrix functions thought to influence neurite outgrowth in adult injured cords showed substantial changes in expression following injury at P28: Olfactomedin 4 (Olfm4, 480 fold compared to controls), matrix metallopeptidase (Mmp1, 104 fold), papilin (Papln, 152 fold) and integrin α4 (Itga4, 57 fold). These data provide a resource for investigation of a priori hypotheses in future studies of mechanisms of spinal cord regeneration in immature animals compared to lack of regeneration at more mature stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norman R. Saunders
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Natassya M. Noor
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Benjamin J. Wheaton
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shane A. Liddelow
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - David L. Steer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - C. Joakim Ek
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mark D. Habgood
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Matthew J. Wakefield
- Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Genetics, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Helen Lindsay
- Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Victoria, Australia
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jessie Truettner
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Robert D. Miller
- Center for Evolutionary & Theoretical Immunology, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - A. Ian Smith
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - W. Dalton Dietrich
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
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Management strategies for acute spinal cord injury: current options and future perspectives. Curr Opin Crit Care 2013; 18:651-60. [PMID: 23104069 DOI: 10.1097/mcc.0b013e32835a0e54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Spinal cord injury is a devastating acute neurological condition with loss of function and poor long-term prognosis. This review summarizes current management strategies and innovative concepts on the horizon. RECENT FINDINGS The routine use of steroids in patients with spinal cord injuries has been largely abandoned and considered a 'harmful standard of care'. Prospective trials have shown that early spine stabilization within 24 h results in decreased secondary complication rates. Neuronal plasticity and axonal regeneration in the adult spinal cord are limited due to myelin-associated inhibitory molecules, such as Nogo-A. The experimental inhibition of Nogo-A ameliorates axonal sprouting and functional recovery in animal models. SUMMARY General management strategies for acute spinal cord injury consist of protection of airway, breathing, oxygenation and control of blood loss with maintenance of blood pressure. Unstable spine fractures should be stabilized early to allow unrestricted mobilization of patients with spinal cord injuries and to decrease preventable complications. Steroids are largely considered obsolete and have been abandoned in clinical guidelines. Nogo-A represents a promising new pharmacological target to promote sprouting of injured axons and restore function. Prospective clinical trials of Nogo-A inhibition in patients with spinal cord injuries are currently under way.
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