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Shen T, Zhang W, Lan R, Wang Z, Qin J, Chen J, Wang J, Wu Z, Shen Y, Lin Q, Xu Y, Chen Y, Wei Y, Liu Y, Ning Y, Deng H, Cao Z, Ren X. Developing preclinical dog models for reconstructive severed spinal cord continuity via spinal cord fusion technique. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2024; 16:560-566. [PMID: 38764541 PMCID: PMC11099315 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2024.04.006] [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: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe impairment of the central nervous system, leading to motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunction. The present study investigates the efficacy of the polyethylene glycol (PEG)-mediated spinal cord fusion (SCF) techniques, demonstrating efficacious in various animal models with complete spinal cord transection at the T10 level. This research focuses on a comparative analysis of three SCF treatment models in beagles: spinal cord transection (SCT), vascular pedicle hemisected spinal cord transplantation (vSCT), and vascularized allograft spinal cord transplantation (vASCT) surgical model. Methods Seven female beagles were included in the SCT surgical model, while four female dogs were enrolled in the vSCT surgical model. Additionally, twelve female dogs underwent vASCT in a paired donor-recipient setup. Three surgical model were evaluated and compared through electrophysiology, imaging and behavioral recovery. Results The results showed a progressive recovery in the SCT, vSCT and vASCT surgical models, with no statistically significant differences observed in cBBB scores at both 2-month and 6-month post-operation (both P>0.05). Neuroimaging analysis across the SCT, vSCT and vASCT surgical models revealed spinal cord graft survival and fiber regrowth across transection sites at 6 months postoperatively. Also, positive MEP waveforms were recorded in all three surgical models at 6-month post-surgery. Conclusion The study underscores the clinical relevance of PEG-mediated SCF techniques in promoting nerve fusion, repair, and motor functional recovery in SCI. SCT, vSCT, and vASCT, tailored to specific clinical characteristics, demonstrated similar effective therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Shen
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530001, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530011, China
- Institute of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530011, China
- Global Initiative to Cure Paralysis (GICUP Alliance), Columbus, OH 43221, United States
| | - Weihua Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530011, China
- Institute of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530011, China
- Global Initiative to Cure Paralysis (GICUP Alliance), Columbus, OH 43221, United States
| | - Rongyu Lan
- Department of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530011, China
- Institute of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530011, China
- Global Initiative to Cure Paralysis (GICUP Alliance), Columbus, OH 43221, United States
| | - Zhihui Wang
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530001, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530011, China
- Institute of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530011, China
- Global Initiative to Cure Paralysis (GICUP Alliance), Columbus, OH 43221, United States
| | - Jie Qin
- Department of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530011, China
- Institute of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530011, China
- Global Initiative to Cure Paralysis (GICUP Alliance), Columbus, OH 43221, United States
| | - Jiayang Chen
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530001, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530011, China
- Institute of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530011, China
- Global Initiative to Cure Paralysis (GICUP Alliance), Columbus, OH 43221, United States
| | - Jiaxing Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530011, China
- Institute of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530011, China
- Global Initiative to Cure Paralysis (GICUP Alliance), Columbus, OH 43221, United States
- Department of Medicine School, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China
| | - Zhuotan Wu
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530001, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530011, China
- Institute of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530011, China
- Global Initiative to Cure Paralysis (GICUP Alliance), Columbus, OH 43221, United States
| | - Yangyang Shen
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530001, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530011, China
- Institute of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530011, China
- Global Initiative to Cure Paralysis (GICUP Alliance), Columbus, OH 43221, United States
| | - Qikai Lin
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530001, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530011, China
- Institute of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530011, China
- Global Initiative to Cure Paralysis (GICUP Alliance), Columbus, OH 43221, United States
| | - Yudong Xu
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530001, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530011, China
- Institute of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530011, China
- Global Initiative to Cure Paralysis (GICUP Alliance), Columbus, OH 43221, United States
| | - Yuan Chen
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530001, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530011, China
- Institute of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530011, China
- Global Initiative to Cure Paralysis (GICUP Alliance), Columbus, OH 43221, United States
| | - Yi Wei
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530001, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530011, China
- Institute of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530011, China
- Global Initiative to Cure Paralysis (GICUP Alliance), Columbus, OH 43221, United States
| | - Yiwen Liu
- Global Initiative to Cure Paralysis (GICUP Alliance), Columbus, OH 43221, United States
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Yuance Ning
- Global Initiative to Cure Paralysis (GICUP Alliance), Columbus, OH 43221, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Haixuan Deng
- Department of Imaging, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530011, China
| | - Zhenbin Cao
- Department of Imaging, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530011, China
| | - Xiaoping Ren
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530001, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530011, China
- Institute of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530011, China
- Global Initiative to Cure Paralysis (GICUP Alliance), Columbus, OH 43221, United States
- Department of Medicine School, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China
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2
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Shen T, Zhang W, Wang X, Ren X. Application of"Spinal cord fusion" in spinal cord injury repair and its neurological mechanism. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29422. [PMID: 38638967 PMCID: PMC11024622 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29422] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severely disabling and catastrophic condition that poses significant global clinical challenges. The difficulty of SCI repair results from the distinctive pathophysiological mechanisms, which are characterised by limited regenerative capacity and inadequate neuroplasticity of the spinal cord. Additionally, the formation of cystic cavities and astrocytic scars after SCI further obstructs both the ascending and descending neural conduction pathways. Consequently, the urgent challenge in post-SCI recovery lies in repairing the damaged spinal cord to reconstruct a functional and intact neural conduction circuit. In recent years, significant advancements in biological tissue engineering technology and novel therapies have resulted in a transformative shift in the field of SCI repair. Currently, SCI treatment primarily involves drug therapy, stem cell therapy, the use of biological materials, growth factors, and other approaches. This paper comprehensively reviews the progress in SCI research over the years, with a particular focus on the concept of "Spinal Cord Fusion" as a promising technique for SCI reconstruction. By discussing this important research progress and the neurological mechanisms involved, our aim is to help solve the problem of SCI repair as soon as possible and to bring new breakthroughs in the treatment of paraplegia after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Shen
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, 530001, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, 530011, China
- Institute of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, 530011, China
- Global Initiative to Cure Paralysis (GICUP Alliance), Columbus, OH, 43221, United States
| | - Weihua Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, 530011, China
- Institute of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, 530011, China
- Global Initiative to Cure Paralysis (GICUP Alliance), Columbus, OH, 43221, United States
| | - Xiaogang Wang
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, 530001, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, 530011, China
- Institute of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, 530011, China
- Global Initiative to Cure Paralysis (GICUP Alliance), Columbus, OH, 43221, United States
| | - Xiaoping Ren
- Department of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, 530011, China
- Institute of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, 530011, China
- Global Initiative to Cure Paralysis (GICUP Alliance), Columbus, OH, 43221, United States
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3
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Rey F, Barzaghini B, Nardini A, Bordoni M, Zuccotti GV, Cereda C, Raimondi MT, Carelli S. Advances in Tissue Engineering and Innovative Fabrication Techniques for 3-D-Structures: Translational Applications in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Cells 2020; 9:cells9071636. [PMID: 32646008 PMCID: PMC7407518 DOI: 10.3390/cells9071636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In the field of regenerative medicine applied to neurodegenerative diseases, one of the most important challenges is the obtainment of innovative scaffolds aimed at improving the development of new frontiers in stem-cell therapy. In recent years, additive manufacturing techniques have gained more and more relevance proving the great potential of the fabrication of precision 3-D scaffolds. In this review, recent advances in additive manufacturing techniques are presented and discussed, with an overview on stimulus-triggered approaches, such as 3-D Printing and laser-based techniques, and deposition-based approaches. Innovative 3-D bioprinting techniques, which allow the production of cell/molecule-laden scaffolds, are becoming a promising frontier in disease modelling and therapy. In this context, the specific biomaterial, stiffness, precise geometrical patterns, and structural properties are to be considered of great relevance for their subsequent translational applications. Moreover, this work reports numerous recent advances in neural diseases modelling and specifically focuses on pre-clinical and clinical translation for scaffolding technology in multiple neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Rey
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “L. Sacco”, University of Milan, Via Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy; (F.R.); (G.V.Z.)
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center Fondazione “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”, University of Milano, Via Grassi 74, 20157 Milano, Italy
| | - Bianca Barzaghini
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy; (B.B.); (A.N.)
| | - Alessandra Nardini
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy; (B.B.); (A.N.)
| | - Matteo Bordoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Centro di Eccellenza sulle Malattie Neurodegenerative, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy;
| | - Gian Vincenzo Zuccotti
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “L. Sacco”, University of Milan, Via Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy; (F.R.); (G.V.Z.)
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center Fondazione “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”, University of Milano, Via Grassi 74, 20157 Milano, Italy
| | - Cristina Cereda
- Genomic and post-Genomic Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Manuela Teresa Raimondi
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy; (B.B.); (A.N.)
- Correspondence: (M.T.R.); (S.C.); Tel.: +390-223-994-306 (M.T.R.); +390-250-319-825 (S.C.)
| | - Stephana Carelli
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “L. Sacco”, University of Milan, Via Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy; (F.R.); (G.V.Z.)
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center Fondazione “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”, University of Milano, Via Grassi 74, 20157 Milano, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.T.R.); (S.C.); Tel.: +390-223-994-306 (M.T.R.); +390-250-319-825 (S.C.)
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4
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Ren X, Kim CY, Canavero S. Bridging the gap: Spinal cord fusion as a treatment of chronic spinal cord injury. Surg Neurol Int 2019; 10:51. [PMID: 31528389 PMCID: PMC6743693 DOI: 10.25259/sni-19-2019] [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] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite decades of animal experimentation, human translation with cell grafts, conduits, and other strategies has failed to cure patients with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). Recent data show that motor deficits due to spinal cord transection in animal models can be reversed by local application of fusogens, such as Polyethylene glycol (PEG). Results proved superior at short term over all other treatments deployed in animal studies, opening the way to human trials. In particular, removal of the injured spinal cord segment followed by PEG fusion of the two ends along with vertebral osteotomy to shorten the spine holds the promise for a cure in many cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Ren
- Hand and Microsurgery Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Nangang, Harbin, China
- State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics, Harbin Medical University, Nangang, Harbin, China
- Heilongjiang Medical Science Institute, Harbin Medical University, Nangang, Harbin, China
| | - C-Yoon Kim
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sergio Canavero
- HEAVEN-GEMINI International Collaborative Group, Turin, Italy
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5
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Dalamagkas K, Tsintou M, Seifalian A, Seifalian AM. Translational Regenerative Therapies for Chronic Spinal Cord Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E1776. [PMID: 29914060 PMCID: PMC6032191 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19061776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury is a chronic and debilitating neurological condition that is currently being managed symptomatically with no real therapeutic strategies available. Even though there is no consensus on the best time to start interventions, the chronic phase is definitely the most stable target in order to determine whether a therapy can effectively restore neurological function. The advancements of nanoscience and stem cell technology, combined with the powerful, novel neuroimaging modalities that have arisen can now accelerate the path of promising novel therapeutic strategies from bench to bedside. Several types of stem cells have reached up to clinical trials phase II, including adult neural stem cells, human spinal cord stem cells, olfactory ensheathing cells, autologous Schwann cells, umbilical cord blood-derived mononuclear cells, adult mesenchymal cells, and autologous bone-marrow-derived stem cells. There also have been combinations of different molecular therapies; these have been either alone or combined with supportive scaffolds with nanostructures to facilitate favorable cell⁻material interactions. The results already show promise but it will take some coordinated actions in order to develop a proper step-by-step approach to solve impactful problems with neural repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyriakos Dalamagkas
- The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research, Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Centre, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
- Centre for Nanotechnology & Regenerative Medicine, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College of London (UCL), London NW3 2QG, UK.
| | - Magdalini Tsintou
- Centre for Nanotechnology & Regenerative Medicine, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College of London (UCL), London NW3 2QG, UK.
- Center for Neural Systems Investigations, Massachusetts General Hospital/HST Athinoula A., Martinos Centre for Biomedical Imaging, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA.
| | - Amelia Seifalian
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, UCL Medical School, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Alexander M Seifalian
- NanoRegMed Ltd. (Nanotechnology & Regenerative Medicine Commercialization Centre), The London BioScience Innovation Centre, London NW1 0NH, UK.
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6
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Are We Ready for a Human Head Transplant? The Obstacles That Must Be Overcome. CURRENT TRANSPLANTATION REPORTS 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s40472-018-0196-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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7
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Ausman JI. Is it time to perform the first human head transplant? Comment on the CSA (CephaloSomatic Ansatomisis) paper by Ren, Canavero, and colleagues. Surg Neurol Int 2018; 9:28. [PMID: 29492328 PMCID: PMC5820846 DOI: 10.4103/sni.sni_472_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- James I Ausman
- Emeritus Editor-in-Chief and Publisher, SNI Publications, Professor, Neurosurgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
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8
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Kim CY, Sikkema WKA, Kim J, Kim JA, Walter J, Dieter R, Chung HM, Mana A, Tour JM, Canavero S. Effect of Graphene Nanoribbons (TexasPEG) on locomotor function recovery in a rat model of lumbar spinal cord transection. Neural Regen Res 2018; 13:1440-1446. [PMID: 30106057 PMCID: PMC6108198 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.235301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
A sharply transected spinal cord has been shown to be fused under the accelerating influence of membrane fusogens such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) (GEMINI protocol). Previous work provided evidence that this is in fact possible. Other fusogens might improve current results. In this study, we aimed to assess the effects of PEGylated graphene nanoribons (PEG-GNR, and called “TexasPEG” when prepared as 1wt% dispersion in PEG600) versus placebo (saline) on locomotor function recovery and cellular level in a rat model of spinal cord transection at lumbar segment 1 (L1) level. In vivo and in vitro experiments (n = 10 per experiment) were designed. In the in vivo experiment, all rats were submitted to full spinal cord transection at L1 level. Five weeks later, behavioral assessment was performed using the Basso Beattie Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale. Immunohistochemical staining with neuron marker neurofilament 200 (NF200) antibody and astrocytic scar marker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was also performed in the injured spinal cord. In the in vitro experiment, the effects of TexasPEG application for 72 hours on the neurite outgrowth of SH-SY5Y cells were observed under the inverted microscope. Results of both in vivo and in vitro experiments suggest that TexasPEG reduces the formation of glial scars, promotes the regeneration of neurites, and thereby contributes to the recovery of locomotor function of a rat model of spinal cord transfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- C-Yoon Kim
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University; Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - William K A Sikkema
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, and The NanoCarbon Center, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jin Kim
- Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeong Ah Kim
- Biomedical Omics Group, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk, Korea
| | - James Walter
- Research Service, Hines Veterans Administration Hospital, Hines, IL, USA
| | - Raymond Dieter
- Research Service, Hines Veterans Administration Hospital, Hines, IL, USA
| | - Hyung-Min Chung
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Andrea Mana
- HEAVEN/GEMINI International Collaborative Group, Turin, Italy
| | - James M Tour
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, and The NanoCarbon Center, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sergio Canavero
- HEAVEN/GEMINI International Collaborative Group, Turin, Italy
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9
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Ren S, Liu ZH, Wu Q, Fu K, Wu J, Hou LT, Li M, Zhao X, Miao Q, Zhao YL, Wang SY, Xue Y, Xue Z, Guo YS, Canavero S, Ren XP. Polyethylene glycol-induced motor recovery after total spinal transection in rats. CNS Neurosci Ther 2017; 23:680-685. [PMID: 28612398 DOI: 10.1111/cns.12713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 05/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Despite more than a century of research, spinal paralysis remains untreatable via biological means. A new understanding of spinal cord physiology and the introduction of membrane fusogens have provided new hope that a biological cure may soon become available. However, proof is needed from adequately powered animal studies. METHODS AND RESULTS Two groups of rats (n=9, study group, n=6 controls) were submitted to complete transection of the dorsal cord at T10. The animals were randomized to receive either saline or polyethylene glycol (PEG) in situ. After 4 weeks, the treated group had recovered ambulation vs none in the control group (BBB scores; P=.0145). One control died. All animals were studied with somatosensory-evoked potentials (SSEP) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). SSEP recovered postoperatively only in PEG-treated rats. At study end, DTI showed disappearance of the transection gap in the treated animals vs an enduring gap in controls (fractional anisotropy/FA at level: P=.0008). CONCLUSIONS We show for the first time in an adequately powered study that the paralysis attendant to a complete transection of the spinal cord can be reversed. This opens the path to a severance-reapposition cure of spinal paralysis, in which the injured segment is excised and the two stumps approximated after vertebrectomy/diskectomies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Ren
- Hand and Microsurgery Center, the second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Heilongjiang Medical Science Institute, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ze-Han Liu
- Hand and Microsurgery Center, the second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Heilongjiang Medical Science Institute, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- Department of MRI Diagnosis, the second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Kuang Fu
- Department of MRI Diagnosis, the second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jun Wu
- Department of Neurology, the second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Li-Ting Hou
- Department of Anesthesia, the second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ming Li
- Hand and Microsurgery Center, the second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Heilongjiang Medical Science Institute, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Hand and Microsurgery Center, the second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Heilongjiang Medical Science Institute, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Qing Miao
- Hand and Microsurgery Center, the second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Heilongjiang Medical Science Institute, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yun-Long Zhao
- Hand and Microsurgery Center, the second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Heilongjiang Medical Science Institute, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Sheng-Yu Wang
- Hand and Microsurgery Center, the second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Heilongjiang Medical Science Institute, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yan Xue
- Hand and Microsurgery Center, the second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Heilongjiang Medical Science Institute, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhen Xue
- Hand and Microsurgery Center, the second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Heilongjiang Medical Science Institute, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ya-Shan Guo
- Hand and Microsurgery Center, the second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Heilongjiang Medical Science Institute, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Sergio Canavero
- HEAVEN/GEMINI International Collaborative Group, Turin, Italy
| | - Xiao-Ping Ren
- Hand and Microsurgery Center, the second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Heilongjiang Medical Science Institute, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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10
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Sikkema WKA, Metzger AB, Wang T, Tour JM. Physical and electrical characterization of TexasPEG: An electrically conductive neuronal scaffold. Surg Neurol Int 2017; 8:84. [PMID: 28607818 PMCID: PMC5461561 DOI: 10.4103/sni.sni_361_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Graphene and its derivatives have been shown to be biocompatible and electrically active materials upon which neurons readily grow. The fusogen poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) has been shown to improve outcomes after cervical and dorsal spinal cord transection. The long and narrow PEGylated graphene nanoribbon stacks (PEG-GNRs) with their 5 μm × 200 nm × 10 nm dimensions can provide a scaffold upon which neurons can grow and fuse. We disclose here the extensive characterization data for the PEG-GNRs. METHODS PEG-GNRs were chemically synthesized and chemically and electrically characterized. RESULTS The average aspect ratio of the PEG-GNRs was determined to be ~85, which corresponds to a critical percolation value (the point where insulating material becomes conductive by addition of conductive particles) of 1%. However, there was not a sharp increase in AC conductivity at frequencies relevant to action potentials. CONCLUSION A robust characterization of PEG-GNRs is discussed, though the precise origin of efficacy in improving outcomes following spinal cord transection is not known.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tuo Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - James M. Tour
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
- The NanoCarbon Center, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Material Science and Nanoengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
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11
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Canavero S, Ren X. Houston, GEMINI has landed: Spinal cord fusion achieved. Surg Neurol Int 2016; 7:S626-8. [PMID: 27656324 PMCID: PMC5025958 DOI: 10.4103/2152-7806.190473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Canavero
- HEAVEN/GEMINI International Collaborative Group, Turin, Italy
| | - Xiaoping Ren
- HEAVEN/GEMINI International Collaborative Group, Turin, Italy
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