1
|
Guha L, Kumar H. Drug Repurposing for Spinal Cord Injury: Progress Towards Therapeutic Intervention for Primary Factors and Secondary Complications. Pharmaceut Med 2023; 37:463-490. [PMID: 37698762 DOI: 10.1007/s40290-023-00499-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) encompasses a plethora of complex mechanisms like the involvement of major cell death pathways, neurodegeneration of spinal cord neurons, overexpression of glutaminergic transmission and inflammation cascade, along with different co-morbidities like neuropathic pain, urinary and sexual dysfunction, respiratory and cardiac failures, making it one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally. Corticosteroids such as methylprednisolone and dexamethasone, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen, aspirin and ibuprofen are the first-line treatment options for SCI, inhibiting primary and secondary progression by preventing inflammation and action of reactive oxygen species. However, they are constrained by a short effective drug administration window and their pharmacological action being limited to symptomatic relief of the secondary effects related to spinal cord injury only. Although post-injury rehabilitation treatments may enable functional recovery, they take a long time to show results. Drug repurposing might be an innovative method for expanding therapy alternatives, utilising drugs that are already approved by various esteemed federal agencies throughout the world. Reutilising a drug molecule to treat SCI can eliminate the need for expensive and lengthy drug discovery processes and pave the way for new therapeutic approaches in SCI. This review summarises marketed drugs that could be repurposed based on their safety and efficacy data. We also discuss their mechanisms of action and provide a list of repurposed drugs under clinical trials for SCI therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lahanya Guha
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Ahmedabad, Opposite Air Force Station, Palaj, P.O-382355, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Hemant Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Ahmedabad, Opposite Air Force Station, Palaj, P.O-382355, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sámano C, Mazzone GL. The role of astrocytes response triggered by hyperglycaemia during spinal cord injury. Arch Physiol Biochem 2023:1-18. [PMID: 37798949 DOI: 10.1080/13813455.2023.2264538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Objective: This manuscript aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the physiological, molecular, and cellular mechanisms triggered by reactive astrocytes (RA) in the context of spinal cord injury (SCI), with a particular focus on cases involving hyperglycaemia.Methods: The compilation of articles related to astrocyte responses in neuropathological conditions, with a specific emphasis on those related to SCI and hyperglycaemia, was conducted by searching through databases including Science Direct, Web of Science, and PubMed.Results and Conclusions: This article explores the dual role of astrocytes in both neurophysiological and neurodegenerative conditions within the central nervous system (CNS). In the aftermath of SCI and hyperglycaemia, astrocytes undergo a transformation into RA, adopting a distinct phenotype. While there are currently no approved therapies for SCI, various therapeutic strategies have been proposed to alleviate the detrimental effects of RAs following SCI and hyperglycemia. These strategies show promising potential in the treatment of SCI and its likely comorbidities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Sámano
- Departamento de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Cuajimalpa (UAM-C), Ciudad de México, México
| | - G L Mazzone
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional (IIMT), CONICET-Universidad Austral, Pilar, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Austral, Pilar, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Harder M, Baumberger M, Pannek J, Decker J, Bersch I. [Rehabilitation after Spinal Cord Injury : Current trends and principles]. UNFALLCHIRURGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 126:764-773. [PMID: 37608182 DOI: 10.1007/s00113-023-01360-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic and non traumatic spinal cord injury are rare and an orphan disease in comparison to common diseases. Those affected represent a very special patient population in the treatment even at the site of the accident and in emergency medicine and require a high level of professional expertise. The rehabilitation with the complexity of a spinal cord injury can only succeed with a multiprofessional team that is less focused on the often similar diagnoses according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) but on functional disorders and associated activity impairments. Only then the best possible integration and participation/inclusion in sociocultural and professional life can be achieved. In addition to the importance of classical physiotherapy and occupational therapy, this article highlights important but often missing team players, such as neurourology and electrical stimulation. In addition, the problems of frequent and some less recognized complications, such as autonomic dysfunction and the benefits of airway management are highlighted. For a comprehensive overview of rehabilitation in spinal cord injury, reference textbooks and guidelines are recommended that are cited in the text.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Harder
- Schweizer Paraplegiker Zentrum, Guido A. Zäch-Str. 1, 6207, Nottwil, Schweiz.
| | | | | | | | - I Bersch
- Schweizer Paraplegiker Zentrum, Guido A. Zäch-Str. 1, 6207, Nottwil, Schweiz.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hwang J, Jang S, Kim C, Lee S, Jeong HS. Role of Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes and microRNAs in Spinal Cord Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13849. [PMID: 37762150 PMCID: PMC10530823 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813849] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurological disorders represent a global health problem. Current pharmacological treatments often lead to short-term symptomatic relief but have dose-dependent side effects, such as inducing orthostatic arterial hypotension due to the blockade of alpha receptors, cardiotoxic effects due to impaired repolarization, and atrioventricular block and tachycardia, including ventricular fibrillation. These challenges have driven the medical community to seek effective treatments for this serious global health threat. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are pluripotent cells with anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and immunomodulatory properties, providing a promising alternative due to their ability to differentiate, favorable culture conditions, in vitro manipulation ability, and robust properties. Although MSCs themselves rarely differentiate into neurons at the site of injury after transplantation in vivo, paracrine factors secreted by MSCs can create environmental conditions for cell-to-cell communication and have shown therapeutic effects. Recent studies have shown that the pleiotropic effects of MSCs, particularly their immunomodulatory potential, can be attributed primarily to these paracrine factors. Exosomes derived from MSCs are known to play an important role in these effects. Many studies have evaluated the potential of exosome-based therapies for the treatment of various neurological diseases. In addition to exosomes, various miRNAs derived from MSCs have been identified to regulate genes and alleviate neuropathological changes in neurodegenerative diseases. This review explores the burgeoning field of exosome-based therapies, focusing on the effects of MSC-derived exosomes and exosomal miRNAs, and summarizes recent findings that shed light on the potential of exosomes in the treatment of neurological disorders. The insights gained from this review may pave the way for innovative and effective treatments for these complex conditions. Furthermore, we suggest the therapeutic effects of exosomes and exosomal miRNAs from MSCs, which have a rescue potential in spinal cord injury via diverse signaling pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinsu Hwang
- Department of Physiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun 58128, Republic of Korea; (J.H.); (S.J.)
| | - Sujeong Jang
- Department of Physiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun 58128, Republic of Korea; (J.H.); (S.J.)
| | - Choonghyo Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea;
| | - Sungjoon Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea;
| | - Han-Seong Jeong
- Department of Physiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun 58128, Republic of Korea; (J.H.); (S.J.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Coyoy-Salgado A, Orozco-Barrios C, Sánchez-Torres S, Olayo MG, Cruz GJ, Morales-Corona J, Olayo R, Diaz-Ruiz A, Ríos C, Alvarez-Mejia L, Mondragón-Lozano R, Morales-Guadarrama A, Alonso-García AL, Fabela-Sánchez O, Salgado-Ceballos H. Gene expression and locomotor recovery in adult rats with spinal cord injury and plasma-synthesized polypyrrole/iodine application combined with a mixed rehabilitation scheme. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1124245. [PMID: 37288064 PMCID: PMC10243140 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1124245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Spinal cord injury (SCI) can cause paralysis, for which effective therapeutic strategies have not been developed yet. The only accepted strategy for patients is rehabilitation (RB), although this does not allow complete recovery of lost functions, which makes it necessary to combine it with strategies such as plasma-synthesized polypyrrole/iodine (PPy/I), a biopolymer with different physicochemical properties than PPy synthesized by conventional methods. After SCI in rats, PPy/I promotes functional recovery. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to increase the beneficial effects of both strategies and identify which genes activate PPy/I when applied alone or in combination with a mixed scheme of RB by swimming and enriched environment (SW/EE) in rats with SCI. Methods Microarray analysis was performed to identify mechanisms of action underlying the effects of PPy/I and PPy/I+SW/EE on motor function recovery as evaluated by the BBB scale. Results Results showed robust upregulation by PPy/I in genes related to the developmental process, biogenesis, synapse, and synaptic vesicle trafficking. In addition, PPy/I+SW/EE increased the expression of genes related to proliferation, biogenesis, cell development, morphogenesis, cell differentiation, neurogenesis, neuron development, and synapse formation processes. Immunofluorescence analysis showed the expression of β-III tubulin in all groups, a decreased expression of caspase-3 in the PPy/I group and GFAP in the PPy/I+SW/EE group (p < 0.05). Better preservation of nerve tissue was observed in PPy/I and PPy/SW/EE groups (p < 0.05). In the BBB scale, the control group scored 1.72 ± 0.41, animals with PPy/I treatment scored 4.23 ± 0.33, and those with PPy/I+SW/EE scored 9.13 ± 0.43 1 month after follow-up. Conclusion Thus, PPy/I+SW/EE could represent a therapeutic alternative for motor function recovery after SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angélica Coyoy-Salgado
- Researchers for Mexico CONACyT-Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Medical Research Unit in Neurological Diseases, Specialty Hospital, National Medical Center Siglo XXI, Mexico City, Mexico
- Research Center of the Proyecto CAMINA A.C., Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Carlos Orozco-Barrios
- Researchers for Mexico CONACyT-Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Medical Research Unit in Neurological Diseases, Specialty Hospital, National Medical Center Siglo XXI, Mexico City, Mexico
- Research Center of the Proyecto CAMINA A.C., Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Stephanie Sánchez-Torres
- Research Center of the Proyecto CAMINA A.C., Mexico City, Mexico
- Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Medical Research Unit in Neurological Diseases, Specialty Hospital, National Medical Center Siglo XXI, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - María Guadalupe Olayo
- Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Nucleares, Department of Physics, Axapusco, Mexico
| | - Guillermo Jesus Cruz
- Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Nucleares, Department of Physics, Axapusco, Mexico
| | - Juan Morales-Corona
- Department of Physics, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Roberto Olayo
- Department of Physics, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Araceli Diaz-Ruiz
- Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía Manuel Velasco Suárez S.S.A., Department of Neurochemistry, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Camilo Ríos
- Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía Manuel Velasco Suárez S.S.A., Department of Neurochemistry, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Laura Alvarez-Mejia
- Research Center of the Proyecto CAMINA A.C., Mexico City, Mexico
- Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Medical Research Unit in Neurological Diseases, Specialty Hospital, National Medical Center Siglo XXI, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rodrigo Mondragón-Lozano
- Researchers for Mexico CONACyT-Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Medical Research Unit in Neurological Diseases, Specialty Hospital, National Medical Center Siglo XXI, Mexico City, Mexico
- Research Center of the Proyecto CAMINA A.C., Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Axayacatl Morales-Guadarrama
- Electrical Engineering Department, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
- National Center for Research in Imaging and Medical Instrumentation, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Omar Fabela-Sánchez
- Researchers for Mexico CONACyT-Centro de Investigación en Química Aplicada, Department of Chemistry Macromolecules and Nanomaterials, Saltillo, Mexico
| | - Hermelinda Salgado-Ceballos
- Research Center of the Proyecto CAMINA A.C., Mexico City, Mexico
- Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Medical Research Unit in Neurological Diseases, Specialty Hospital, National Medical Center Siglo XXI, Mexico City, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Islam A, Tom VJ. The use of viral vectors to promote repair after spinal cord injury. Exp Neurol 2022; 354:114102. [PMID: 35513025 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating event that can permanently disrupt multiple modalities. Unfortunately, the combination of the inhibitory environment at a central nervous system (CNS) injury site and the diminished intrinsic capacity of adult axons for growth results in the failure for robust axonal regeneration, limiting the ability for repair. Delivering genetic material that can either positively or negatively modulate gene expression has the potential to counter the obstacles that hinder axon growth within the spinal cord after injury. A popular gene therapy method is to deliver the genetic material using viral vectors. There are considerations when deciding on a viral vector approach for a particular application, including the type of vector, as well as serotypes, and promoters. In this review, we will discuss some of the aspects to consider when utilizing a viral vector approach to as a therapy for SCI. Additionally, we will discuss some recent applications of gene therapy to target extrinsic and/or intrinsic barriers to promote axon regeneration after SCI in preclinical models. While still in early stages, this approach has potential to treat those living with SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashraful Islam
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Marion Murray Spinal Cord Research Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Veronica J Tom
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Marion Murray Spinal Cord Research Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Clinical Trials Using Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Spinal Cord Injury: Challenges in Generating Evidence. Cells 2022; 11:cells11061019. [PMID: 35326470 PMCID: PMC8946989 DOI: 10.3390/cells11061019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) remains an important public health problem which often causes permanent loss of muscle strength, sensation, and function below the site of the injury, generating physical, psychological, and social impacts throughout the lives of the affected individuals, since there are no effective treatments available. The use of stem cells has been investigated as a therapeutic approach for the treatment of SCI. Although a significant number of studies have been conducted in pre-clinical and clinical settings, so far there is no established cell therapy for the treatment of SCI. One aspect that makes it difficult to evaluate the efficacy is the heterogeneity of experimental designs in the clinical trials that have been published. Cell transplantation methods vary widely among the trials, and there are still no standardized protocols or recommendations for the therapeutic use of stem cells in SCI. Among the different cell types, mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are the most frequently tested in clinical trials for SCI treatment. This study reviews the clinical applications of MSCs for SCI, focusing on the critical analysis of 17 clinical trials published thus far, with emphasis on their design and quality. Moreover, it highlights the need for more evidence-based studies designed as randomized controlled trials and potential challenges to be addressed in context of stem cell therapies for SCI.
Collapse
|
8
|
Blackmore M, Batsel E, Tsoulfas P. Widening spinal injury research to consider all supraspinal cell types: Why we must and how we can. Exp Neurol 2021; 346:113862. [PMID: 34520726 PMCID: PMC8805209 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The supraspinal connectome consists of dozens of neuronal populations that project axons from the brain to the spinal cord to influence a wide range of motor, autonomic, and sensory functions. The complexity and wide distribution of supraspinal neurons present significant technical challenges, leading most spinal cord injury research to focus on a handful of major pathways such as the corticospinal, rubrospinal, and raphespinal. Much less is known about many additional populations that carry information to modulate or compensate for these main pathways, or which carry pre-autonomic and other information of high value to individuals with spinal injury. A confluence of technical developments, however, now enables a whole-connectome study of spinal cord injury. Improved viral labeling, tissue clearing, and automated registration to 3D atlases can quantify supraspinal neurons throughout the murine brain, offering a practical means to track responses to injury and treatment on an unprecedented scale. Here we discuss the need for expanded connectome-wide analyses in spinal injury research, illustrate the potential by discussing a new web-based resource for brain-wide study of supraspinal neurons, and highlight future prospects for connectome analyses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Murray Blackmore
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, 53201, United States of America.
| | - Elizabeth Batsel
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, 53201, United States of America
| | - Pantelis Tsoulfas
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|