NF2 regulates IP3R-mediated Ca2+ signal and apoptosis in meningiomas.

Meningiomas are the most common primary intracranial tumors and account for nearly 30% of all nervous system tumors. Approximately half of meningioma patients exhibit neurofibromin 2 (NF2) gene inactivation. Here, NF2 was shown to interact with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium (Ca2+) channel inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor 1 (IP3R1) in IOMM-Lee, a high-grade malignant meningioma cell line, and the F1 subdomain of NF2 plays a critical role in this interaction. Functional assays indicated that NF2 promotes the phosphorylation of IP3R (Ser 1756) and IP3R-mediated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ release by binding to IP3R1, which results in Ca2+-dependent apoptosis. Knockout of NF2 decreased Ca2+ release and promoted resistance to apoptosis, which was rescued by wild-type NF2 overexpression but not by F1 subdomain deletion truncation overexpression. The effects of NF2 defects on the development of tumors were further studied in mouse models. The decreased expression level of NF2 caused by NF2 gene knockout or mutation affects the activity of the IP3R channel, which reduces Ca2+-dependent apoptosis, thereby promoting the development of tumors. We elucidated the interaction patterns of NF2 and IP3R1, revealed the molecular mechanism through which NF2 regulates IP3R1-mediated Ca2+ release, and elucidated the new pathogenic mechanism of meningioma-related NF2 variants. Our study broadens the current understanding of the biological function of NF2 and provides ideas for drug screening of NF2-associated meningioma.

Injectable Bombyx mori (B. mori) silk fibroin/MXene conductive hydrogel for electrically stimulating neural stem cells into neurons for treating brain damage.

Brain damage is a common tissue damage caused by trauma or diseases, which can be life-threatening. Stem cell implantation is an emerging strategy treating brain damage. The stem cell is commonly embedded in a matrix material for implantation, which protects stem cell and induces cell differentiation. Cell differentiation induction by this material is decisive in the effectiveness of this treatment strategy. In this work, we present an injectable fibroin/MXene conductive hydrogel as stem cell carrier, which further enables in-vivo electrical stimulation upon stem cells implanted into damaged brain tissue. Cell differentiation characterization of stem cell showed high effectiveness of electrical stimulation in this system, which is comparable to pure conductive membrane. Axon growth density of the newly differentiated neurons increased by 290% and axon length by 320%. In addition, unfavored astrocyte differentiation is minimized. The therapeutic effect of this system is proved through traumatic brain injury model on rats. Combined with in vivo electrical stimulation, cavities formation is reduced after traumatic brain injury, and rat motor function recovery is significantly promoted.

TREM (Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells)-1 Inhibition Attenuates Neuroinflammation via PKC (Protein Kinase C) δ/CARD9 (Caspase Recruitment Domain Family Member 9) Signaling Pathway After Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Mice.

Background and Purpose: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating subtype of stroke with high mortality and disability. Inflammatory response promotes secondary brain injury after ICH. TREM (triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells)-1 is a key regulator of inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of TREM-1 in neuroinflammatory response after ICH in mice. Methods: CD1 mice (n=275) were used in this study. Mice were subjected to ICH by autologous blood injection. TREM-1 knockout CRISPR was administered intracerebroventricularly to evaluate the role of TREM-1 after ICH. A selective TREM-1 inhibitor, LP17, was administered intranasally 2 hours after ICH. To elucidate TREM-1 signaling pathway, CARD9 (caspase recruitment domain family member 9) activation CRISPR was administered with LP17 and TREM-1 activating anti-mouse TREM-1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) was administered with Rottlerin, a specific PKC (protein kinase C) δ inhibitor. Lastly, to evaluate the role of HMGB1 (high-mobility group box 1) in TREM-1 mediated microglia activation, glycyrrhizin, an inhibitor of HMBG1 was administered with TREM-1 activating mAb. Neurobehavioral test, brain water content, Western blot, immunofluorescence staining, and coimmunoprecipitation was performed. Results: TREM-1 knockout reduced ICH-induced neurobehavioral deficits and neuroinflammatory response. The temporal expression of HMGB1, TREM-1, PKC δ, and CARD9 increased after ICH. TREM-1 was expressed on microglia. Intranasal administration of LP17 significantly decreased brain edema and improved neurobehavioral outcomes at 24 and 72 hours after ICH. LP17 promoted M2 microglia polarization and reduced proinflammatory cytokines after ICH, which was reversed with CARD9 activation CRISPR. TREM-1 mAb increased neurobehavior deficits, proinflammatory cytokines, and reduced M2 microglia after ICH, which was reversed with Rottlerin. HMBG1 interaction with TREM-1 increased after ICH, and glycyrrhizin reduced neuroinflammation and promoted M2 microglia which was reversed with TREM-1 mAb. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that TREM-1 enhanced neuroinflammation by modulating microglia polarization after ICH, and this regulation was partly mediated via PKC δ/CARD9 signaling pathway and increased HMGB1 activation of TREM-1.

Bosutinib Attenuates Inflammation via Inhibiting Salt-Inducible Kinases in Experimental Model of Intracerebral Hemorrhage on Mice.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a subtype of stroke with highest mortality and morbidity. Pronounced inflammation plays a significant role in the development of the secondary brain injury after ICH. Recently, SIK-2 (salt-inducible kinase-2) was identified as an important component controlling inflammatory response. Here we sought to investigate the role of SIK-2 in post-ICH inflammation and potential protective effects of SIK-2 inhibition after ICH. METHODS: Two hundred and ninety-three male CD-1 mice were used. ICH was induced via injection of 30 µL of autologous blood. Recombinant SIK-2 was administrated 1 hour after ICH intracerebroventricularly. SIK-2 small interfering RNA was injected intracerebroventricularly 24 hours before ICH. Bosutinib, a clinically approved tyrosine kinase inhibitor with affinity to SIK-2, was given intranasally 1 hour or 6 hours after ICH. Effects of treatments were evaluated by neurological tests and brain water content calculation. Molecular pathways were investigated by Western blots and immunofluorescence studies. RESULTS: Endogenous SIK-2 was expressed in microglia and neurons. SIK-2 expression was reduced after ICH. Exogenous SIK-2 aggravated post-ICH inflammation, leading to brain edema and the neurobehavioral deficits. SIK-2 inhibition attenuated post-ICH inflammation, reducing brain edema and ameliorating neurological dysfunctions. Bosutinib inhibited SIK-2-attenuating ICH-induced brain damage. Protective effects of Bosutinib were mediated, at least partly, by CRTC3 (cyclic amp-response element binding protein-regulated transcription coactivator 3)/cyclic amp-response element binding protein/NF-κB (nuclear factor-κB) pathway. CONCLUSIONS: SIK-2 participates in inflammation induction after ICH. SIK-2 inhibition via Bosutinib or small interfering RNA decreased inflammation, attenuating brain injury. SIK-2 effects are, at least partly, mediated by CRTC3-cyclic amp-response element binding protein-NF-κB signaling pathway.

Neuroprotective Mechanisms of Melatonin in Hemorrhagic Stroke.

Hemorrhagic stroke which consists of subarachnoid hemorrhage and intracerebral hemorrhage is a dominant cause of death and disability worldwide. Although great efforts have been made, the physiological mechanisms of these diseases are not fully understood and effective pharmacological interventions are still lacking. Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine), a neurohormone produced by the pineal gland, is a broad-spectrum antioxidant and potent free radical scavenger. More importantly, there is extensive evidence demonstrating that melatonin confers neuroprotective effects in experimental models of hemorrhagic stroke. Multiple molecular mechanisms such as antioxidant, anti-apoptosis, and anti-inflammation, contribute to melatonin-mediated neuroprotection against brain injury after hemorrhagic stroke. This review article aims to summarize current knowledge regarding the beneficial effects of melatonin in experimental models of hemorrhagic stroke and explores the underlying mechanisms. We propose that melatonin is a promising neuroprotective candidate that is worthy of further evaluation for its potential therapeutic applications in hemorrhagic stroke.

The autophagy-lysosomal system in subarachnoid haemorrhage.

The autophagy-lysosomal pathway is a self-catabolic process by which dysfunctional or unnecessary intracellular components are degraded by lysosomal enzymes. Proper function of this pathway is critical for maintaining cell homeostasis and survival. Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is one of the most devastating forms of stroke. Multiple pathogenic mechanisms, such as inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress, are all responsible for brain injury and poor outcome after SAH. Most recently, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that the autophagy-lysosomal pathway plays a crucial role in the pathophysiological process after SAH. Appropriate activity of autophagy-lysosomal pathway acts as a pro-survival mechanism in SAH, while excessive self-digestion results in cell death after SAH. Consequently, in this review article, we will give an overview of the pathophysiological roles of autophagy-lysosomal pathway in the pathogenesis of SAH. And approaching the molecular mechanisms underlying this pathway in SAH pathology is anticipated, which may ultimately allow development of effective therapeutic strategies for SAH patients through regulating the autophagy-lysosomal machinery.

Effect of CDKN2A/B rs4977756 polymorphism on glioma risk: a meta-analysis of 16 studies including 24077 participants.

So far, epidemiological studies have been performed to investigate the association of CDKN2A/B rs4977756 polymorphism and glioma risk. However, the results from different studies remain inconsistent. To clarify these conflicts and to quantitatively evaluate the effect of rs4977756 polymorphism on glioma risk, a meta-analysis was conducted using relevant published clinical studies about rs4977756 polymorphisms and glioma risk. Relevant studies concerning the association between rs4977756 polymorphism and risk of glioma were included in this meta-analysis. Odds ratio (OR) and 95 % confidence interval (CI) were calculated under fixed or random effects models when appropriate. Subgroup analyses were performed by race. This meta-analysis included 13 studies with a total of 8129 cases and 15,858 controls. The pooled results showed that there was an obvious association of CDKN2A/B rs4977756 polymorphism with risk of glioma in all four comparison models (dominant model/AG + GG vs. AA: OR = 1.36, 95 %CI = 1.20-1.54, p < 0.01; heterozygote comparison/AG vs. AA: OR = 1.31, 95 %CI = 1.12-1.53, p < 0.01; homozygote comparison/GG versus AA: OR = 1.49, 95 %CI = 1.36-1.64, p < 0.01; additive model/G vs. A: OR = 1.23, 95 %CI = 1.18-1.28, p < 0.01, respectively). For the subgroup analyses of ethnicities, similar results were observed in Caucasians. However, the association was not found between rs4977756 polymorphism and the risk of glioma in all models for the Asian studies. The CDKN2A/B rs4977756 polymorphism is obvious increase the risk of glioma in Caucasians. Future studies are needed to confirm the results in other ethnic populations.

Astaxanthin as a Potential Neuroprotective Agent for Neurological Diseases.

Neurological diseases, which consist of acute injuries and chronic neurodegeneration, are the leading causes of human death and disability. However, the pathophysiology of these diseases have not been fully elucidated, and effective treatments are still lacking. Astaxanthin, a member of the xanthophyll group, is a red-orange carotenoid with unique cell membrane actions and diverse biological activities. More importantly, there is evidence demonstrating that astaxanthin confers neuroprotective effects in experimental models of acute injuries, chronic neurodegenerative disorders, and neurological diseases. The beneficial effects of astaxanthin are linked to its oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic characteristics. In this review, we will focus on the neuroprotective properties of astaxanthin and explore the underlying mechanisms in the setting of neurological diseases.

LRIG1 dictates the chemo-sensitivity of temozolomide (TMZ) in U251 glioblastoma cells via down-regulation of EGFR/topoisomerase-2/Bcl-2.

In the current study, we aimed to understand the potential role of leucine-rich repeats and immunoglobulin-like domains 1 (LRIG1) in TMZ-resistance of U251 glioma cells. We established TMZ-resistant U251 clones (U251/TMZ cells), which expressed low level of LRIG1, but high levels of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), topoisomerase-2 (Topo-2) and Bcl-2. Depletion of LRIG1 by the targeted RNA interference (RNAi) upregulated EGFR/Topo-2/Bcl-2 in U251 cells, and the cells were resistant to TMZ. Reversely, over-expression of LRIG1 in U251 cells downregulated EGFR/Topo-2/Bcl-2 expressions, and cells were hyper-sensitive to TMZ. Our data suggested EGFR-dependent mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activation was important for Topo-2 and Bcl-2 expressions in U251/TMZ cells. The EGFR inhibitor and the mTOR inhibitor downregulated Topo-2/Bcl-2 expressions, both inhibitors also restored TMZ sensitivity in U251/TMZ cells. Finally, inhibition of Topo-2 or Bcl-2 by targeted RNAi(s) knockdown or by the corresponding inhibitor re-sensitized U251/TMZ cells to TMZ, indicating that both Topo-2 and Bcl-2 were important for TMZ resistance in the resistant U251 cells. Based on these results, we concluded that LRIG1 inhibits EGFR expression and the downstream signaling activation, interferes with Bcl-2/Topo-2 expressions and eventually sensitizes glioma cells to TMZ.

Intracerebral schwannoma mimicking parasagittal meningioma.

A 24-year-old female patient presented to the neurological department after a seizure that lasted for 10 minutes. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a cystic and heterogeneously enhanced giant mass in the right frontal lobe mimicking parasagittal meningioma. Surgery via a single frontal craniotomy confirmed the tumor was attached to the falx cerebri and sagittal sinus. The histological diagnosis was schwannoma. Since total resection of the tumor, the patient was seizure free. Twelve months of follow-up revealed good outcome.

The comparison between dissociate bone flap cranioplasty and traditional cranioplasty in the treatment of depressed skull fractures.

OBJECTIVE: Depressed skull fractures (DSF) with operation indications should be paid with enough attention because they have several complications and can influence esthetics. The optimal surgical method for DSF remains unclear. We explored the merits of dissociate bone flap cranioplasty. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From July 2006 to August 2012, we performed 30 craniotomies on patients with DSF, which were divided into 2 groups: 1 group, which consisted of 18 patients, underwent dissociate bone cranioplasty; the other 12 patients underwent lever-up cranioplasty. A helical computed tomographic scan was routinely obtained after the operation and a 3-dimensional technique was performed on some patients to evaluate the postoperative condition of the flap. RESULTS: Dissociate bone flap cranioplasty was performed on the 18 patients [11 men, 7 women: age, 26-70 (41) y]. No complications were observed in these patients. Lever-up cranioplasty was applied in the 12 patients [8 men, 4 women: age, 19-60 (41.8) y]; 2 patients had wound infection and 2 emerged with epidural hematoma. Obvious statistical significance of stability (P = 0.013) and position (P = 0.015) was found between the 2 methods. CONCLUSIONS: Dissociate bone flap cranioplasty is safer, more flexible, has less complications, and has better plasticity. We advocate the use of bone flap cranioplasty in dealing with DSF.

Cranial reconstruction with titanium clamps in frontal comminuted depressed skull fractures.

OBJECTIVE: Frontal comminuted depressed skull fractures need special attention due to complications and aesthetics. The optimal method of reconstruction and fixation of frontal bone fragments remains a matter of discussion. We explored the advantages of reconstruction of frontal bone with titanium clamps. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From May 2007 to September 2011, we performed 18 craniotomies with titanium clamps to fix the cranial fragments. On the beginning of craniotomy, single-window craniotomy (n = 11) and 2-window craniotomy (n = 9) were designed. After dural closure and frontobasal reconstruction, these fragments were fixed with titanium clamps. A helical CT scan was obtained after operation and a 3-dimensional technique was performed to evaluate the postoperative results. RESULTS: The CranioFix titanium clamp system was applied in 18 patients. No intraoperative and postoperative complications related to clamps were observed. The number of bone fragments ranged from 2 to 5 (average 3.3 pieces) while the number of clamps ranged from 3 to 8 (average 5.8). The time of refixation ranged from 5 to 17 minutes with an average of 9.4 minutes. Obvious statistical significance (P = 0.015) was found in postoperative CT scan results between single-window group and 2-window group, although it is not statistically different in intraoperative subjective valuation (P > 0.05). In all 18 cases, the alignment of fragments was precise, the fixation rigid, and the aesthetic result satisfying. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstruction of the forehead by refixation of bone fragments with titanium clamps in frontal depressed skull fractures is safe and suitable. This technique promises to be a good alternative in the repair of frontal comminuted depressed skull fractures. The simplicity, reliable fixation, and fast handling are its prominent features.

TREM1 as a novel prognostic biomarker and tumor immune microenvironment evaluator in glioma.

Glioma is the most malignant tumor in the central nervous system with a poor prognosis. The tumor immune microenvironment plays a crucial role in glioma formation and progress. TREM1, as a vital immune regulator, has not been investigated in glioma. This study aims to explore the role of TREM1 in prognosis and tumor immune microenvironment of glioma. The mRNA expression level of TREM1 was collected from TCGA and GEO databases. The correlations between the clinic-pathological features and TREM1 expression were analyzed using Cox regression analysis. Kaplan-Meier was used to evaluate the effect of TREM1 on OS. Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes were performed to analyze the functional annotations and signaling pathways of the TREM1 coexpression genes. ESTIMATE and TIMER explored the correlations between TREM1 and immune cell infiltration. Spearman correlation analysis was conducted to examine the association between the TREM1 and immune checkpoint expression. The expression level of TREM1 was significantly increased in glioma. TREM1 overexpression was positively related to poor prognosis, higher World Health Organization grade, isocitrate dehydrogenase wildtype, and 1p/19q non-codeletion. TREM1 coexpression genes were mainly related to immunoregulation and inflammatory response. TREM1 participated in the initiation and progression of glioma by regulating immune cell infiltration and expression of immune checkpoints. TREM1 is an effective prognostic and diagnostic biomarker in glioma. It can be adopted as a novel predictor for clinical prognosis, pathological characteristics, and immune microenvironment in glioma patients.

Endothelial TREM-1 receptor regulates the blood-brain barrier integrity after intracerebral hemorrhage in mice via SYK/ß-catenin signaling.

BACKGROUND: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a high mortality and disability stroke subtype. Destruction of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a crucial contributor to brain edema and neurological deficit after ICH. Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM-1) has been reported to be expressed in endothelial cells, but its role in ICH remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the role of TREM-1 on BBB permeability after ICH in mice. METHODS: Two hundred and forty-two CD1 mice were used in this study. The ICH model was established by collagenase injection. LP17 was administered intranasally at 2 or 8 h after ICH to inhibit TREM-1. To explore the underlying mechanism, SYK activation CRISPR was administered intracerebroventricularly with LP17, and Anti-mouse TREM-1 rat IgG2a (a specific TREM-1 agonist) was injected intracerebroventricularly with R406 (a specific SYK inhibitor) intraperitoneally. Neurobehavioral outcome, brain water content, BBB permeability, and protein expression were evaluated. RESULTS: The expression level of the TREM-1 receptor increased rapidly as early as 6 h after ICH, and it was mainly expressed on the endotheliocytes in the neurovascular unit. Early and delayed administration of LP17 significantly decreased brain edema and improved neurobehavioral outcomes at 24 h after ICH. LP17 reduced the BBB permeability by increasing ß-catenin, claudin-5 and ZO-1 expression. Furthermore, SYK activation CRISPR abolished the beneficial effect of LP17 on the expression of the above junction molecules. Meanwhile, R406 reversed the impact of the TREM-1 activator on the downregulation of ß-catenin, claudin-5 and ZO-1 expression. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that TREM-1 deteriorated BBB permeability via modulating the expression of interendothelial junction molecules after ICH, and this regulation is partly mediated by the SYK/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

Metal-Organic Frameworks Nucleated by Silk Fibroin and Modified with Tumor-Targeting Peptides for Targeted Multimodal Cancer Therapy.

Multimodal therapy requires effective drug carriers that can deliver multiple drugs to specific locations in a controlled manner. Here, the study presents a novel nanoplatform constructed using zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8), a nanoscale metal-organic framework nucleated under the mediation of silk fibroin (SF). The nanoplatform is modified with the newly discovered MCF-7 breast tumor-targeting peptide, AREYGTRFSLIGGYR (AR peptide). Indocyanine green (ICG) and doxorubicin (DOX) are loaded onto the nanoplatform with high drug encapsulation efficiency (>95%). ICG enables the resultant nanoparticles (NPs), called AR-ZS/ID-P, to release reactive oxygen species for photodynamic therapy (PDT) and heat for photothermal therapy (PTT) under near-infrared (NIR) irradiation, promoting NIR fluorescence and thermal imaging to guide DOX-induced chemotherapy. Additionally, the controlled release of both ICG and DOX at acidic tumor conditions due to the dissolution of ZIF-8 provides a drug-targeting mechanism in addition to the AR peptide. When intravenously injected, AR-ZS/ID-P NPs specifically target breast tumors and exhibit higher anticancer efficacy than other groups through ICG-enabled PDT and PTT and DOX-derived chemotherapy, without inducing side effects. The results demonstrate that AR-ZS/ID-P NPs are a promising multimodal theranostic nanoplatform with maximal therapeutic efficacy and minimal side effects for targeted and controllable drug delivery.

Tubridge Flow Diverter for the Treatment of Unruptured Dissecting Cerebral Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: The Tubridge flow diverter is a device widely used in China aimed at reconstructing parent artery and occluding complex aneurysm. The experience of the Tubridge in treating unruptured vertebrobasilar artery dissecting aneurysms is still limited. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Tubridge flow diverter for the treatment of vertebrobasilar artery dissecting aneurysms. METHODS: We reviewed the clinical records of aneurysms treated with the Tubridge flow diverter between 2019 and 2021 in a national cerebrovascular disease center. Therapeutic process, occlusion rate, and clinical outcome were compared. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients with 23 vertebrobasilar artery aneurysms were identified. The results showed that the mean length and mean maximal width were 15.14 and 9.14 mm, respectively, in the vertebrobasilar artery. Twenty-four Tubridge flow diverters were successfully implanted without unfold failure. A complete occlusion rate at the last angiographic follow-up was achieved in 78.26% of vertebrobasilar artery aneurysms. Fifteen branch arteries were covered, and only 1 branch artery disappeared at follow-up. Mild asymptomatic cerebral infarction occurred in 3 patients (13.04%); intracranial hemorrhage was not found in the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary experience suggests that the Tubridge flow diverter might be a safe and effective tool for dissecting cerebral aneurysms. Branch arteries were well protected and mild asymptomatic cerebral infarction occurred in some patients. Adequate evidence is required to clear the definite indications and complications in a multicenter randomized controlled trial with a long-term follow-up.

Tubridge flow diverter for the treatment of small and medium aneurysms.

Background: Tubridge flow diverter is a widely used device aimed at reconstructing parent arteries and occluding complex aneurysms in China. The experience of Tubridge in treating small and medium aneurysms is still limited. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Tubridge flow diverter for the treatment of the two types of aneurysms. Methods: We reviewed the clinical records of aneurysms treated with a Tubridge flow diverter between 2018 and 2021 in a national cerebrovascular disease center. Cases were divided into small and medium aneurysms according to aneurysm size. The therapeutic process, occlusion rate, and clinical outcome were compared. Results: In total, 57 patients and 77 aneurysms were identified. The patients were divided into two groups: small aneurysms (39 patients, 54 aneurysms) and medium aneurysms (18 patients, 23 aneurysms). There were 19 patients with tandem aneurysms (a total of 39 aneurysms) in the two groups, among which 15 patients (30 aneurysms) were in the small aneurysm group and four patients (nine aneurysms) were in the medium aneurysm group. The results show that the mean maximal diameter/neck in the small and medium aneurysms was 3.68/3.25 and 7.61/6.24 mm, respectively. In total, 57 Tubridge flow diverters were successfully implanted without unfolding failure, and there were six patients with new mild cerebral infarction in the small aneurysm group. The complete occlusion rate on the last angiographic follow-up was achieved in 88.46% of the small aneurysms group and 81.82% of the medium aneurysms group. The complete occlusion rate of patients with tandem aneurysms in the last angiographic follow-up was 86.67% (13/15) of the small aneurysms group and 50% (2/4) of the medium aneurysm group. Intracranial hemorrhage was nonencountered in the two groups. Conclusion: Our preliminary experience suggests that the Tubridge flow diverter might be a safe and effective treatment for small and medium aneurysms along the internal carotid artery. Long stents may increase the risk of cerebral infarction. Adequate evidence is required to clarify the definite indications and complications in a multicenter randomized controlled trial with a long-term follow-up.

Transplantation of Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Attenuates Surgical Wound-Induced Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction in Mice.

Blood-brain barrier (BBB) is the most important component of central nervous system (CNS) to keep toxins and pathogens from CNS. Although our studies demonstrated that using interleukin-6 antibodies (IL-6-AB) reversed the increased permeability of BBB, IL-6-AB is limited in their application that only could be used a few hours before surgery and seemed delayed the surgical wounds healing process, which urges us to find another more effective method. In this study, we employed the C57BL/6J female mice to investigate the potential effects of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) transplantation on BBB dysfunction induced by surgical wound. Compared to IL-6-AB, the transplantation of UC-MSCs more effectively decreased the BBB permeability after surgical wound evaluated by dextran tracer (immunofluorescence imaging and luorescence quantification). In addition, UC-MSCs can largely decrease the ratio of proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 to the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in both serum and brain tissue after surgical wound. Moreover, UC-MSCs successfully increased the levels of tight junction proteins (TJs) in BBB such as ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-5 and extremely decreased the level of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). Interestingly, UC-MSCs treatment also had positive effects on wound healing while protecting the BBB dysfunction induced by surgical wound compared to IL-6-AB treatment. These findings suggest that UC-MSCs transplantation is a highly efficient and promising approach on protecting the integrity of BBB which caused by peripheral traumatic injuries.

Therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells and their derivatives in common skin inflammatory diseases: Atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

Chronic skin inflammatory diseases including atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis have been considered uncontrolled inflammatory responses, which have usually troubled patients around the world. Moreover, the recent method to treat AD and psoriasis has been based on the inhibition, not regulation, of the abnormal inflammatory response, which can induce a number of side effects and drug resistance in long-term treatment. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) and their derivatives have been widely used in immune diseases based on their regeneration, differentiation, and immunomodulation with few adverse effects, which makes MSCs a promising treatment for chronic skin inflammatory diseases. As a result, in this review, we aim to systematically discuss the therapeutic effects of various resources of MSCs, the application of preconditioning MSCs and engineering extracellular vesicles (EVs) in AD and psoriasis, and the clinical evaluation of the administration of MSCs and their derivatives, which can provide a comprehensive vision for the application of MSCs and their derivatives in future research and clinical treatment.

Hierarchically patterned protein scaffolds with nano-fibrillar and micro-lamellar structures modulate neural stem cell homing and promote neuronal differentiation.

Biophysical factors are essential in cell survival and behaviors, but constructing a suitable 3D microenvironment for the recruitment of stem cells and exerting their physiological functions remain a daunting challenge. Here, we present a novel silk fibroin (SF)-based fabrication strategy to develop hierarchical microchannel scaffolds for biomimetic nerve microenvironments in vitro. We first modulated the formation of SF nanofibers (SFNFs) that mimic the nanostructures of the native extracellular matrix (ECM) by using graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets as templates. Then, SFNF-GO systems were shaped into 3D porous scaffolds with aligned micro-lamellar structures by freeze-casting. The interconnected microchannels successfully induced cell infiltration and migration to the SFNF-GO scaffolds' interior. Meanwhile, the nano-fibrillar structures and the GO component significantly induced neural stem cells (NSCs) to differentiate into neurons within a short timeframe of 14 d. Importantly, these 3D hierarchical scaffolds induced a mild inflammatory response, extensive cell recruitment, and effective stimulation of NSC neuronal differentiation when implanted in vivo. Therefore, these SFNF-GO lamellar scaffolds with distinctive nano-/micro-topographies hold promise in the fields of nerve injury repair and regenerative medicine.