Transplantation of human meningioma stem cells loaded on a self-assembling peptide nanoscaffold containing IKVAV improves traumatic brain injury in rats.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can result in permanent brain function impairment due to the poor regenerative ability of neural tissue. Tissue engineering has appeared as a promising approach to promote nerve regeneration and to ameliorate brain damage. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of transplantation of the human meningioma stem-like cells (hMgSCs) seeded in a promising three-dimensional scaffold (RADA4GGSIKVAV; R-GSIK) on the functional recovery of the brain and neuroinflammatory responses following TBI in rats. After induction of TBI, hMgSCs seeded in R-GSIK was transplanted within the injury site and its effect was compared to several control groups. Application of hMgSCs with R-GSIK improved functional recovery after TBI. A significant higher number of hMgSCs was observed in the brain when transplanted with R-GSIK scaffold compared to the control groups. Application of hMgSCs seeded in R-GSIK significantly decreased the lesion volume, reactive gliosis, and apoptosis at the injury site. Furthermore, treatment with hMgSCs seeded in R-GSIK significantly inhibited the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 and its downstream signaling molecules, including interleukin-1ß and tumor necrosis factor. These data revealed the potential for hMgSCs seeded in R-GSIK to improve the functional recovery of the brain after TBI; possibly via amelioration of inflammatory responses. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Tissue engineered scaffolds that mimic the natural extracellular matrix of the brain may modulate stem cell fate and contribute to tissue repair following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Among several scaffolds, self-assembly peptide nanofiber scaffolds markedly promotes cellular behaviors, including cell survival and differentiation. We developed a novel three-dimensional scaffold (RADA16GGSIKVAV; R-GSIK). Transplantation of the human meningioma stem-like cells seeded in R-GSIK in an animal model of TBI significantly improved functional recovery of the brain, possibly via enhancement of stem cell survival as well as reduction of the lesion volume, inflammatory process, and reactive gliosis at the injury site. R-GSIK is a suitable microenvironment for human stem cells and could be a potential biomaterial for the reconstruction of the injured brain after TBI.

Anticonvulsant effect of neural regeneration peptide 2945 on pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures in rats.

Neuron regeneration peptides (NRPs) are small synthetic peptides that stimulate neural proliferation, migration, and differentiation with no apparent toxicity and high target specificity in CNS. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of NRP2945 on seizure activity induced by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) in rats. Using behavioural assessment and electrocorticographical recordings, the effects of different doses of NRP2945 (5-20 µg/kg) were tested on seizure attacks induced by PTZ injection. In addition, the effect of NRP2945 was evaluated on the production of dark neurons and expression of GABAA receptor α and ß subunits and GAD-65 in the hippocampus and somatosensory cortex of the rat brain. Intraperitoneal injection of NRP2945 at 20 µg/kg prevented seizure attacks after PTZ injection. NRP2945 at doses of 5 and 10 µg/kg significantly decreased the total duration of seizure attacks and reduced the amplitude, duration and latency of epileptiform burst discharges induced by PTZ. In addition, the peptide significantly inhibited the production of dark neurons in the hippocampus and somatosensory cortex of epileptic rats. NRP2945 also significantly increased the expression of GABAA receptor α and ß subunits and GAD-65 in the hippocampus and somatosensory cortex compared with PTZ treated rats. This study indicates that NRP2945 is able to prevent the seizure attacks and neuronal injuries induced by PTZ, likely by stimulating GABAA and GAD-65 protein expression and/or protecting these components of GABAergic signalling from PTZ-induced alteration. Further studies are needed to elucidate the potential role of NRP2945 as an antiepileptic drug.

Thermogel nanofiber induces human endometrial-derived stromal cells to neural differentiation: In vitro and in vivo studies in rat.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) in humans remains a devastating and incurable disorder. The use of Matrigel, a hydrogel-mimicking extracellular matrix, has been suggested as a scaffold for spinal cord regeneration. Human endometrial-derived stromal cells (hEnSCs) are abundant and available in adult stem cells with low immunological incompatibility, which could be considered for cell replacement therapy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of Matrigel in neural differentiation of hEnSCs in vitro and assess the supportive effects of this hydrogel in an animal model of SCI. hEnSCs were isolated and encapsulated into nanofibrous thermogel and cell viability and cell membrane damage were assessed. Encapsulated hEnSCs into Matrigel were treated with neural differentiation medium for 21 days, and then neural genes and protein markers were analyzed using real time-PCR and immunocytochemistry. Matrigel was implanted into rats with SCI and followed for 42 days using a behavioral test. Our study revealed a higher cell viability and neural differentiation in the level of genes and proteins as well as lower cell membrane damage. Substantial recoveries of motor function were observed in animals receiving the Matrigel treatment. The treatment with Matrigel, nanofibrous scaffold, produced beneficial effects on functional recovery following SCI in rats, possibly via assimilation to cytoskeleton fiber, high surface/volume ratio, spatial interconnectivity and containing some adhesive molecules and growth factors, enhancement of anti-inflammation, anti-astrogliosis, neuronal extension, and neuronal regeneration effects.