Bone-marrow-derived human MSCs (mesenchymal stem cells) support repair when administered to animals with TBI (traumatic brain injury) in large part through secreted trophic factors. We directly ...tested the ability of the culture medium (or secretome) collected from human MSCs under normoxic or hypoxic conditions to protect neurons in a rat model of TBI. Concentrated conditioned medium from cultured human MSCs or control medium was infused through the tail vein of rats subjected to TBI. We have demonstrated that MSCs cultured in hypoxia were superior to those cultured in normoxia in inducing expression of both HGF (hepatocyte growth factor) and VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) in the cultured medium. We showed further that rats treated with the secretome from both normoxic- and hypoxic-preconditioned MSCs performed significantly better than the controls in both motor and cognitive functional test. Subsequent post-mortem evaluation of brain damage at the 4-day time point confirmed that both normoxic- and hypoxic-preconditioned MSC secretome-treated rats had significantly greater numbers of newly forming neurons, but significantly less than the controls in brain damaged volume and apoptosis. The TBI rats treated with hypoxic-preconditioned MSC secretome performed significantly better in both motor and cognitive function tests and neurogenesis, and had significantly less brain damage than the TBI rats treated with the normoxic-preconditioned MSC secretome. Collectively, these findings suggest that MSCs secrete bioactive factors, including HGF and VEGF, that stimulate neurogenesis and improve outcomes of TBI in a rat model. Hypoxic preconditioning enhances the secretion of these bioactive factors from the MSCs and the therapeutic potential of the cultured MSC secretome in experimental TBI.
Amyloid‐beta (Aβ) oligomer is known to contribute to the pathophysiology of age‐related macular degeneration. Herein, we aimed to elucidate the in vivo and in vitro effects of Aβ1‐42 application on ...retinal morphology in rats. Our in vivo studies revealed that intracerebroventricular administration of Aβ1‐42 oligomer caused dysmorphological changes in both retinal ganglion cells and retinal pigment epithelium. In addition, in vitro studies revealed that ARPE‐19 cells following Aβ1‐42 oligomer application had decreased viability along with apoptosis and decreased expression of the tight junction proteins, increased expression of both phosphor‐AKT and phosphor‐GSK3β and decreased expression of both SIRT1 and β‐catenin. Application of conditioned medium (CM) obtained from mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) protected against Aβ1‐42 oligomer‐induced retinal pathology in both rats and ARPE‐19 cells. In order to explore the potential role of peptides secreted from the MSCs, we applied mass spectrometry to compare the peptidomics profiles of the MSC‐CM. Gene ontology enrichment analysis and String analysis were performed to explore the differentially expressed peptides by predicting the functions of their precursor proteins. Bioinformatics analysis showed that 3‐8 out of 155–163 proteins in the MSC‐CM maybe associated with SIRT1/pAKT/pGSK3β/β‐catenin, tight junction proteins, and apoptosis pathway. In particular, the secretomes information on the MSC‐CM may be helpful for the prevention and treatment of retinal pathology in age‐related macular degeneration.
Aβ‐induced cell apoptosis may through inhibits SIRT1, enhanced AKT and GSK3β phosphorylation, and suppressed β‐catenin expression, and disrupted tight junction protein expression. It is well known that β‐catenin could maintain tight junction protein (such as ZO‐1 and occludin) expression and inhibit apoptosis. Conditioned medium (N‐CM or H‐CM) from mesenchymal stem cells under normoxic or hypoxic culture environment could reverse the Aβ‐induced apoptosis and tight junction protein disruption via APOC3, APOA1, KNG1, PSAP, HSP90B1, ACLY, YWHAE, and H2AFX from N‐CM, and CD44, PSMA1, and CTTN from H‐CM, which are all related to SIRT1/pAKT/pGSK3β/β‐catenin signaling pathway.
Abstract
Background
Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) is commonly associated with higher complications and longer operative time. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness, safety, ...and usability of a novel minimally invasive surgery (MIS) bone graft delivery device.
Methods
73 consecutive patients with lumbar spondylosis, degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, scoliosis or trauma were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial. Group 1 comprised 39 patients treated with the novel MIS bone graft delivery device. Group 2 consisted of 34 patients treated with the conventional system. The primary objective of the study was the assessment of the amount of bone graft delivery using the device. The secondary objectives were the effect of the device on operative time, pain relief, disability improvement, and bone fusion grade.
Results
Bone delivery amount was significantly higher in the MIS device group (6.7 ± 2.9 mL) compared to the conventional group (2.3 ± 0.5 mL), p < 0.001. Regarding the operation time, the MIS device group was associated significantly lower duration than the conventional group (p < 0.001). After a 3-month follow-up, 39.5% of the patients in the MIS device group and 3.5% of the patients in the conventional group were observed to achieve grade I fusion (complete fusion). There was a significant difference in fusion success rates (p < 0.01).
Conclusion
The novel MIS bone graft delivery device was associated with successful bone delivery. Our MIS device provides promising modality with less operative time and higher bone fusion rates than conventional modalities.
Trial Registration
This trial was retrospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (Registration date: 11/19/2021; Registration number: NCT05190055).
Microglia and several inflammatory cytokines and neurotrophic growth factors are involved in traumatic brain injury (TBI). Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) can be released by microglia, ...astrocytes, and neurons. TNF-α has been reported to be both proneurogenic and antineurogenic, depending upon the model, method, and cell-derived region. There are two subtypes of microglia: M1 and M2. The former (or M1 subtype of non-phagocytic microglia) is able to secrete higher levels of TNF-α but lower levels of interleukin (IL)-10 (IL-10), an anti-inflammatory cytokine. Both the proinflammatory and the pro-apoptotic function can also be promoted by activation of tumor necrosis factor-receptor 1 (TNF-R1). In contrast, M2 activation produces lower levels of TNF-α but higher levels of IL-10. Pro-growth and survival pathways can be promoted by the activation of TNFR2. During the acute stage of TBI, both M1 subtype of microglia and TNF-R1 are activated to cause higher levels of TNF-α but lower levels of IL-10, which lead to suppressed neurogenesis, neuronal loss and organ dysfunction (so-called microglial activation I). In contrast, activation of both M2 subtype of microglia and TNF-R2 is able to promote neurogenesis and tissue recovery (so-called microglial activation II). The severity of TBI depends upon the net effects between microglial activation I and microglial activation II. Indeed, by using rodent models of TBI, therapeutic evaluation studies reveal that several agents or strategies attenuate contused brain volume and neurological deficits by inhibiting microglial activation I but inducing microglial activation II. For example, etanercept therapy might attenuate contused brain volume and neurological deficits by inactivating the M1 subtype and TNF-R1 to reduce the microglial activation I response, but it might promote neurogenesis and functional recovery by activating the M2 subtype and TNF-R2. Therefore, based on microglial responses I and II, we conclude that future studies should focus on multiple therapeutic agents and strategies for optimal TBI therapy.
J. Neurochem. (2010) 115, 921-929. ABSTRACT: Antagonism of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha with etanercept has proved to be effective in the treatment of spinal cord injury and centrally ...endotoxin‐induced brain injury. However, etanercept may offer promise as therapy for traumatic brain injury (TBI). In this study, anesthetized rats, immediately after the onset of TBI, were divided into two major groups and given the vehicle solution (1 mL/kg of body weight) or etanercept (5 mg/kg of body weight) intraperitoneally once per 12 h for consecutive 3 days. Etanercept caused attenuation of TBI‐induced cerebral ischemia (e.g., increased cellular levels of glutamate and lactate‐to‐pyruvate ratio), damage (e.g., increased cellular levels of glycerol) and contusion and motor and cognitive function deficits. TBI‐induced neuronal apoptosis (e.g., increased numbers of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase αUTP nick‐end labeling and neuronal‐specific nuclear protein double‐positive cells), glial apoptosis (e.g., increased numbers of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase αUTP nick‐end labeling and glial fibrillary acidic protein double‐positive cells), astrocytic (e.g., increased numbers of glial fibrillary acidic protein positive cells) and microglial (e.g., increased numbers of ionized calcium‐binding adapter molecule 1‐positive cells) activation and activated inflammation (e.g., increased levels of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, interleukin‐1β and interleukin‐6) were all significantly reduced by etanercept treatment. These findings suggest that etanercept may improve outcomes of TBI by penetrating into the cerebrospinal fluid in rats.
We aim to investigate the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of exercise rehabilitation (ER) and/or astragaloside (AST) in counteracting amyloid-beta (Aβ) pathology. Aβ oligomers were ...microinjected into the bilateral ventricles to induce Aβ neuropathology in rats. Neurobehavioral functions were evaluated. Cortical and hippocampal expressions of both BDNF/TrkB and cathepsin D were determined by the western blotting method. The rat primary cultured cortical neurons were incubated with BDNF and/or AST and ANA12 followed by exposure to aggregated Aβ for 24 h. In vivo results showed that ER and/or AST reversed neurobehavioral disorders, downregulation of cortical and hippocampal expression of both BDNF/TrkB and cathepsin D, neural pathology, Aβ accumulation, and altered microglial polarization caused by Aβ. In vitro studies also confirmed that topical application of BDNF and/or AST reversed the Aβ-induced cytotoxicity, apoptosis, mitochondrial distress, and synaptotoxicity and decreased expression of p-TrkB, p-Akt, p-GSK3β, and β-catenin in rat cortical neurons. The beneficial effects of combined ER (or BDNF) and AST therapy in vivo and in vitro were superior to ER (or BDNF) or AST alone. Furthermore, we observed that any gains from ER (or BDNF) and/or AST could be significantly eliminated by ANA-12, a potent BDNF/TrkB antagonist. These results indicate that whereas ER (or BDNF) and/or AST attenuate Aβ pathology by reversing BDNF/TrkB signaling deficits and mitochondrial dysfunction, combining these two potentiates each other’s therapeutic effects. In particular, AST can be an alternative therapy to replace ER.
Temozolomide (TMZ)-induced side effects and drug tolerance to human gliomas are still challenging issues now. Our previous studies showed that honokiol, a major bioactive constituent of Magnolia ...officinalis (Houpo), is safe for normal brain cells and can kill human glioma cells. This study was further aimed to evaluate the improved effects of honokiol and TMZ on drug-sensitive and -resistant glioma cells and the possible mechanisms.
TMZ-sensitive human U87-MG and murine GL261 glioma cells and TMZ-resistant human U87-MR-R9 glioma cells were exposed to honokiol and TMZ, and cell viability and LC50 of honokiol were assayed. To determine the death mechanisms, caspase-3 activity, DNA fragmentation, apoptotic cells, necrotic cells, cell cycle, and autophagic cells. The glioma cells were pretreated with 3-methyladenine (3-MA) and chloroquine (CLQ), two inhibitors of autophagy, and then exposed to honokiol or TMZ.
Exposure of human U87-MG glioma cells to honokiol caused cell death and significantly enhanced TMZ-induced insults. As to the mechanism, combined treatment of human U87-MG cells with honokiol and TMZ induced greater caspase-3 activation, DNA fragmentation, cell apoptosis, and cell-cycle arrest at the G
phase but did not affect cell necrosis. The improved effects of honokiol on TMZ-induced cell insults were further verified in mouse GL261 glioma cells. Moreover, exposure of drug-tolerant human U87-MG-R9 cells to honokiol induced autophagy and consequent apoptosis. Pretreatments with 3-MA and CLQ caused significant attenuations in honokiol- and TMZ-induced cell autophagy and apoptosis in human TMZ-sensitive and -tolerant glioma cells.
Taken together, this study demonstrated the improved effects of honokiol with TMZ on autophagy and subsequent apoptosis of drug-sensitive and -tolerant glioma cells. Thus, honokiol has the potential to be a drug candidate for treating human gliomas.
We aimed to evaluate whether white and gray matter microstructure changes observed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can be used to reflect the progression of ...chronic brain trauma. The MRI-DTI parameters, neuropathologic changes, and behavioral performance of adult male Wistar rats that underwent moderate (2.1 atm on day "0") or repeated mild (1.5 atm on days "0" and "2") traumatic brain injury (TBI or rmTBI) or sham operation were evaluated at 7 days, 14 days, and 1-9 months after surgery. Neurobehavioral tests showed that TBI causes long-term motor, cognitive and neurological deficits, whereas rmTBI results in more significant deficits in these paradigms. Both histology and MRI show that rmTBI causes more significant changes in brain lesion volumes than TBI. In vivo DTI further reveals that TBI and rmTBI cause persistent microstructural changes in white matter tracts (such as the body of the corpus callosum, splenium of corpus callus, internal capsule and/or angular bundle) of both two hemispheres. Luxol fast blue measurements reveal similar myelin loss (as well as reduction in white matter thickness) in ipsilateral and contralateral hemispheres as observed by DTI analysis in injured rats. These data indicate that the disintegration of microstructural changes in white and gray matter parameters analyzed by MRI-DTI can serve as noninvasive and reliable markers of structural and functional level alterations in chronic TBI.
The interrelationships between neuronal viability, synaptic integrity, and microglial responses remain in infancy. In dealing with the question, we induced a stretch injury to evaluate the mechanical ...effects of trauma on rat primary cortical neurons and BV2 microglial cells in a transwell culture system. The viability of primary neurons and BV2 cells was determined by MTT. Synaptic integrity was evaluated by determining the expression of beta-secretase 1 (BACE1), amyloid-beta (Aβ), microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2), and synaptophysin (vehicle protein). Both CD16/32-positive (CD16/32
) and CD206-positive (CD206
) microglia cells were detected by immunofluorescence staining. The phagocytic ability of the BV2 cells was determined using pHrodo E. coli BioParticles conjugates and flow cytometry. We found that stretch injury BV2 cells caused reduced viability and synaptic abnormalities characterized by Aβ accumulation and reductions of BACE1, MAP2, and synaptophysin in primary neurons. Intact BV2 cells exhibited normal phagocytic ability and were predominantly CD206
microglia cells, whereas the injured BV2 cells exhibited reduced phagocytic ability and were predominantly CD16/32
microglial cells. Like a stretch injury, the injured BV2 cells can cause both reduced viability and synaptic abnormalities in primary neurons; intact BV2 cells, when cocultured with primary neurons, can protect against the stretch-injured-induced reduced viability and synaptic abnormalities in primary neurons. We conclude that CD206
and CD16/32
BV-2 cells can produce neuroprotective and cytotoxic effects on primary cortical neurons.
Physical exercise (PE) is an effective method for improving cognitive function among patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). We previously demonstrated that PE with an infrared-sensing running ...wheel (ISRW) system provides strong neuroprotection in an experimental animal model of stroke. In this study, we used fluid percussion injury in rats to simulate mild TBI. For rats, we used both passive avoidance learning and the Y-maze tests to evaluate cognitive function. We investigated whether PE rehabilitation attenuated cognitive deficits in rats with TBI and determined the contribution of hippocampal and cortical expression of heat shock protein 20 (HSP20) to PE-mediated cognitive recovery. In addition to increasing hippocampal and cortical expression of HSP20, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and the tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) ratio, PE rehabilitation significantly attenuated brain contusion and improved cognitive deficits in the rat model. Furthermore, reducing hippocampal and cortical expression of HSP20 with an intracerebral injection of pSUPER
hsp20
small interfering RNA significantly diminished the PE-induced overexpression of hippocampal and cortical BDNF and the TrkB ratio and also reversed the beneficial effect of PE in reducing neurotrauma and the cognitive deficits. A positive Pearson correlation was found between HSP20 and BDNF, as well as between HSP20 and TrkB, in the hippocampal and cortical tissues. We thus conclude that post-ischaemic ISRW exercise rehabilitation attenuates cognitive deficits, as well as brain contusions, in TBI rats by stimulating the cerebral HSP20/BDNF/TrkB signalling axis.
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