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Poongodi R, Yang TH, Huang YH, Yang KD, Chen HZ, Chu TY, Wang TY, Lin HC, Cheng JK. Stem cell exosome-loaded Gelfoam improves locomotor dysfunction and neuropathic pain in a rat model of spinal cord injury. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:143. [PMID: 38764049 PMCID: PMC11103960 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03758-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating illness in humans that causes permanent loss of movement or sensation. To treat SCI, exosomes, with their unique benefits, can circumvent limitations through direct stem cell transplantation. Therefore, we utilized Gelfoam encapsulated with exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HucMSC-EX) in a rat SCI model. METHODS SCI model was established through hemisection surgery in T9 spinal cord of female Sprague-Dawley rats. Exosome-loaded Gelfoam was implanted into the lesion site. An in vivo uptake assay using labeled exosomes was conducted on day 3 post-implantation. Locomotor functions and gait analyses were assessed using Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale and DigiGait Imaging System from weeks 1 to 8. Nociceptive responses were evaluated through von Frey filament and noxious radiant heat tests. The therapeutic effects and potential mechanisms were analyzed using Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining at week 8 post-SCI. RESULTS For the in vivo exosome uptake assay, we observed the uptake of labeled exosomes by NeuN+, Iba1+, GFAP+, and OLIG2+ cells around the injured area. Exosome treatment consistently increased the BBB score from 1 to 8 weeks compared with the Gelfoam-saline and SCI control groups. Additionally, exosome treatment significantly improved gait abnormalities including right-to-left hind paw contact area ratio, stance/stride, stride length, stride frequency, and swing duration, validating motor function recovery. Immunostaining and Western blotting revealed high expression of NF200, MBP, GAP43, synaptophysin, and PSD95 in exosome treatment group, indicating the promotion of nerve regeneration, remyelination, and synapse formation. Interestingly, exosome treatment reduced SCI-induced upregulation of GFAP and CSPG. Furthermore, levels of Bax, p75NTR, Iba1, and iNOS were reduced around the injured area, suggesting anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects. Moreover, exosome treatment alleviated SCI-induced pain behaviors and reduced pain-associated proteins (BDNF, TRPV1, and Cav3.2). Exosomal miRNA analysis revealed several promising therapeutic miRNAs. The cell culture study also confirmed the neurotrophic effect of HucMSCs-EX. CONCLUSION Implantation of HucMSCs-EX-encapsulated Gelfoam improves SCI-induced motor dysfunction and neuropathic pain, possibly through its capabilities in nerve regeneration, remyelination, anti-inflammation, and anti-apoptosis. Overall, exosomes could serve as a promising therapeutic alternative for SCI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raju Poongodi
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan
| | - Tao-Hsiang Yang
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Hsien Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, 25245, Taiwan
| | - Kuender D Yang
- Institute of Long-Term Care, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, 25245, Taiwan.
- Department of Pediatrics, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan.
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 11221, Taiwan.
| | - Hong-Zhao Chen
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan
| | - Tsuei-Yu Chu
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan
| | - Tao-Yeuan Wang
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, 25245, Taiwan
- Department of Pathology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Chieh Lin
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 300093, Taiwan
- Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-Devices (IDS 2 B), National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 30068, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Kun Cheng
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan.
- Department of Anesthesiology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan.
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, 25245, Taiwan.
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Wang Y, Su H, Zhong J, Zhan Z, Zhao Q, Liu Y, Li S, Wang H, Yang C, Yu L, Tan B, Yin Y. Osteopontin enhances the effect of treadmill training and promotes functional recovery after spinal cord injury. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2023; 4:44. [PMID: 38015348 PMCID: PMC10684450 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-023-00154-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we examined the combined impact of osteopontin (OPN) and treadmill training on mice with spinal cord injury (SCI). OPN was overexpressed by injecting AAV9-SPP1-GFP into the sensorimotor cortex, followed by a left incomplete C5 crush injury two weeks later. Mice (Ex or Ex + OPN group) were trained at 50% maximum running speed for 8 weeks. To analyze the effects, we used biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) for tracing the corticospinal tract (CST) and performed Western blotting and immunohistochemical methods to assess the activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). We also examined axonal regeneration and conducted behavioral tests to measure functional recovery. The results demonstrated that treadmill training promoted the expression of neurotrophic factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1) and activated mTOR signaling. OPN amplified the effect of treadmill training on activating mTOR signaling indicated by upregulated phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6). The combination of OPN and exercise further promoted functional recovery and facilitated limited CST axonal regeneration which did not occur with treadmill training and OPN treatment alone. These findings indicate that OPN enhances the effects of treadmill training in the treatment of SCI and offer new therapeutic insights for spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhang Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
- Department of Rehabilitation, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Second Affiliated Hospital, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China
| | - Hong Su
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Juan Zhong
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Zuxiong Zhan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Qin Zhao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Special War Wound, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Sen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Special War Wound, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Haiyan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Special War Wound, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Ce Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Special War Wound, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Lehua Yu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Botao Tan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China.
| | - Ying Yin
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China.
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Deng K, Wu M. Leucine-rich repeats containing 4 protein (LRRC4) in memory, psychoneurosis, and glioblastoma. Chin Med J (Engl) 2023; 136:4-12. [PMID: 36780420 PMCID: PMC10106153 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Leucine-rich repeats containing 4 ( LRRC4 , also named netrin-G ligand 2 [NGL-2]) is a member of the NetrinGs ligands (NGLs) family. As a gene with relatively high and specific expression in brain, it is a member of the leucine-rich repeat superfamily and has been proven to be a suppressor gene for gliomas, thus being involved in gliomagenesis. LRRC4 is the core of microRNA-dependent multi-phase regulatory loops that inhibit the proliferation and invasion of glioblastoma (GB) cells, including LRRC4/NGL2-activator protein 2 (AP2)-microRNA (miR) 182-LRRC4 and LRRC4-miR185-DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1)-LRRC4/specific protein 1 (SP1)-DNMT1-LRRC4. In this review, we demonstrated LRRC4 as a new member of the partitioning-defective protein (PAR) polarity complex that promotes axon differentiation, mediates the formation and plasticity of synapses, and assists information input to the hippocampus and storage of memory. As an important synapse regulator, aberrant expression of LRRC4 has been detected in autism, spinal injury and GBs. LRRC4 is a candidate susceptibility gene for autism and a neuro-protective factor in spinal nerve damage. In GBs, LRRC4 is a novel inhibitor of autophagy, and an inhibitor of protein-protein interactions involving in temozolomide resistance, tumor immune microenvironment, and formation of circular RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Deng
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Minghua Wu
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
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Tamaru T, Kobayakawa K, Saiwai H, Konno D, Kijima K, Yoshizaki S, Hata K, Iura H, Ono G, Haruta Y, Kitade K, Iida KI, Kawaguchi KI, Matsumoto Y, Kubota K, Maeda T, Okada S, Nakashima Y. Glial scar survives until the chronic phase by recruiting scar-forming astrocytes after spinal cord injury. Exp Neurol 2023; 359:114264. [PMID: 36336030 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes reactive astrogliosis, the sequential phenotypic change of astrocytes in which naïve astrocytes (NAs) transform into reactive astrocytes (RAs) and subsequently become scar-forming astrocytes (SAs), resulting in glial scar formation around the lesion site and thereby limiting axonal regeneration and motor/sensory functional recovery. Inhibiting the transformation of RAs into SAs in the acute phase attenuates the reactive astrogliosis and promotes regeneration. However, whether or not SAs once formed can revert to RAs or SAs is unclear. We performed selective isolation of astrocytes from glial scars at different time points for a gene expression analysis and found that the expression of Sox9, an important transcriptional factor for glial cell differentiation, was significantly increased in chronic phase astrocytes (CAs) compared to SAs in the sub-acute phase. Furthermore, CAs showed a significantly lower expression of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG)-related genes than SAs. These results indicated that SAs changed their phenotypes according to the surrounding environment of the injured spinal cord over time. Even though the integrin-N-cadherin pathway is critical for glial scar formation, collagen-I-grown scar-forming astrocytes (Col-I-SAs) did not change their phenotype after depleting the effect of integrin or N-cadherin. In addition, we found that Col-I-SAs transplanted into a naïve spinal cord formed glial scar again by maintaining a high expression of genes involved in the integrin-N-cadherin pathway and a low expression of CSPG-related genes. Interestingly, the transplanted Col-I-SAs changed NAs into SAs, and anti-β1-integrin antibody blocked the recruitment of SAs while reducing the volume of glial scar in the chronic phase. Our findings indicate that while the characteristics of glial scars change over time after SCI, SAs have a cell-autonomous function to form and maintain a glial scar, highlighting the basic mechanism underlying the persistence of glial scars after central nervous system injury until the chronic phase, which may be a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Tamaru
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kazu Kobayakawa
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
| | - Hirokazu Saiwai
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Daijiro Konno
- Department of Energy and Materials, Faculty of Science and Engineering Kindai University, Higashiosaka, Japan
| | - Ken Kijima
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shingo Yoshizaki
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kyushu University Beppu Hospital, Oita, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Hata
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Iura
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Gentaro Ono
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yohei Haruta
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kazuki Kitade
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kei-Ichiro Iida
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichi Kawaguchi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Matsumoto
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kensuke Kubota
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Spinal Injuries Center, Iizuka, Japan
| | - Takeshi Maeda
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Spinal Injuries Center, Iizuka, Japan
| | - Seiji Okada
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Yasuharu Nakashima
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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Zhang Y, Li D, Zeng Q, Feng J, Fu H, Luo Z, Xiao B, Yang H, Wu M. LRRC4 functions as a neuron-protective role in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Mol Med 2021; 27:44. [PMID: 33932995 PMCID: PMC8088686 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-021-00304-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leucine rich repeat containing 4 (LRRC4), also known as netrin-G ligand-2 (NGL-2), belongs to the superfamily of LRR proteins and serves as a receptor for netrin-G2. LRRC4 regulates the formation of excitatory synapses and promotes axon differentiation. Mutations in LRRC4 occur in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neuroinflammatory disease with spinal cords demyelination and neurodegeneration. Here, we sought to investigate whether LRRC4 is involved in spinal cords neuron-associated diseases. METHODS LRRC4 was detected in the CNS of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice by the use of real-time PCR and western blotting. LRRC4-/- mice were created and immunized with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide (MOG)35-55. Pathological changes in spinal cords of LRRC4-/- and WT mice 15 days after immunization were examined by using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Luxol Fast Blue (LFB) staining and immunohistochemistry. The number of Th1/Th2/Th17/Treg cells in spleens and blood were measured with flow cytometry. Differential gene expression in the spinal cords from WT and LRRC4-/- mice was analyzed by using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors were used to overexpress LRRC4 (AAV-LRRC4) and were injected into EAE mice to assess the therapeutic effect of AAV-LRRC4 ectopic expression on EAE. RESULTS We report that LRRC4 is mainly expressed in neuron of spinal cords, and is decreased in the spinal cords of the EAE mice. Knockout of LRRC4 have a disease progression quickened and exacerbated with more severe myelin degeneration and infiltration of leukocytes into the spinal cords. We also first found that Rab7b is high expressed in EAE mice, and the deficiency of LRRC4 induces the elevated NF-κB p65 by up-regulating Rab7b, and up-regulation of IL-6, IFN-γ and down-regulation of TNF-α, results in more severe Th1 immune response in LRRC4-/- mice. Ectopic expression of LRRC4 alleviates the clinical symptoms of EAE mice and protects the neurons from immune damages. CONCLUSIONS We identified a neuroprotective role of LRRC4 in the progression of EAE, which may be used as a potential target for auxiliary support therapeutic treatment of MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital and the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of the Chinese Ministry of Health, The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541001, Guangxi, China
| | - Di Li
- Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital and the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of the Chinese Ministry of Health, The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Qiuming Zeng
- Internal Medicine-Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Jianbo Feng
- Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital and the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of the Chinese Ministry of Health, The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Haijuan Fu
- Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital and the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of the Chinese Ministry of Health, The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Zhaohui Luo
- Internal Medicine-Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Bo Xiao
- Internal Medicine-Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Huan Yang
- Internal Medicine-Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
| | - Minghua Wu
- Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital and the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of the Chinese Ministry of Health, The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
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Ying X, Xie Q, Li S, Yu X, Zhou K, Yue J, Chen X, Tu W, Yang G, Jiang S. Water treadmill training attenuates blood-spinal cord barrier disruption in rats by promoting angiogenesis and inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase-2/9 expression following spinal cord injury. Fluids Barriers CNS 2020; 17:70. [PMID: 33292360 PMCID: PMC7722327 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-020-00232-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The permeability of the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) is mainly determined by junction complexes between adjacent endothelial cells (ECs), including tight junctions (TJs) and adherens junctions (AJs), which can be severely damaged after spinal cord injury (SCI). Exercise training is a recognized method for the treatment of SCI. The destruction of the BSCB mediated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) leads to inflammation, neurotoxin production, and neuronal apoptosis. The failure of new blood vessels to effectively regenerate is also an important cause of delayed recovery after SCI. For the first time, we introduced water treadmill training (TT) to help SCI rats successfully exercise and measured the effects of TT in promoting recovery after SCI and the possible mechanisms involved. Methods Sprague-Dawley (200–250 g) rats were randomly divided into the following three groups: sham operated, SCI, and SCI + TT. Animals were sacrificed at 7 or 14 days post-surgery. The degree of neurological deficit, tissue morphology and BSCB permeability were assessed by the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) motor function scale and appropriate staining protocols, and apoptosis, protein expression and vascular EC ultrastructure were assessed by TUNEL staining, Western blotting, immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results Our experiments showed that TT reduced permeability of the BSCB and decreased structural tissue damage. TT significantly improved functional recovery when compared with that in the SCI group; TJ and AJ proteins expression increased significantly after TT, and training reduced apoptosis induced by SCI. TT could promote angiogenesis, and MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression was significantly inhibited by TT. Conclusions The results of this study indicate that TT promotes functional recovery for the following reasons: TT (1) protects residual BSCB structure from further damage, (2) promotes vascular regeneration, and (3) inhibits MMP-2/9 expression to mitigate BSCB damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinwang Ying
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Qingfeng Xie
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Shengcun Li
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Xiaolan Yu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Kecheng Zhou
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Jingjing Yue
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Xiaolong Chen
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Wenzhan Tu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Guanhu Yang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Songhe Jiang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, Wenzhou, 325000, China. .,Department of Intelligent Rehabilitation International (Cross-Strait), Alliance of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, Wenzhou, 325000, China.
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Zavvarian MM, Hong J, Fehlings MG. The Functional Role of Spinal Interneurons Following Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:127. [PMID: 32528250 PMCID: PMC7247430 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) impedes signal transmission by disrupting both the local neurons and their surrounding synaptic connections. Although the majority of SCI patients retain spared neural tissue at the injury site, they predominantly suffer from complete autonomic and sensorimotor dysfunction. While there have been significant advances in the characterization of the spared neural tissue following SCI, the functional role of injury-induced interneuronal plasticity remains elusive. In healthy individuals, spinal interneurons are responsible for relaying signals to coordinate both sympathetic and parasympathetic functions. However, the spontaneous synaptic loss following injury alters these intricate interneuronal networks in the spinal cord. Here, we propose the synaptopathy hypothesis of SCI based on recent findings regarding the maladaptive role of synaptic changes amongst the interneurons. These maladaptive consequences include circuit inactivation, neuropathic pain, spasticity, and autonomic dysreflexia. Recent preclinical advances have uncovered the therapeutic potential of spinal interneurons in activating the dormant relay circuits to restore sensorimotor function. This review will survey the diverse role of spinal interneurons in SCI pathogenesis as well as treatment strategies to target spinal interneurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad-Masoud Zavvarian
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - James Hong
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michael G Fehlings
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Division of Neurosurgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Acute neuromodulation restores spinally-induced motor responses after severe spinal cord injury. Exp Neurol 2020; 327:113246. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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