Combined treatment of high-intensity interval training with neural stem cell generation on contusive model of spinal cord injury in rats.

INTRODUCTION: Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to inflammation, axonal degeneration, and gliosis. A combined treatment of exercise and neural stem cells (NSC) has been proposed to improve neural repair. This study evaluated a combined treatment of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with NSC generation from adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) on a contusive model of SCI in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vitro, rat ADSCs were isolated from the perinephric regions of Sprague-Dawley rats using enzymatic digestion. The ADSCs were transdifferentiated into neurospheres using B27, EGF, and bFGF. After production of NSC, they were labeled using green fluorescent protein (GFP). For the in vivo study, rats were divided into eight groups: control group, sham operation group, sham operation + HIIT group, sham operation + NSC group, SCI group, SCI + HIIT group, SCI + NSC group, and SCI/HIIT/NSC group. Laminectomy was carried out at the T12 level using the impactor system. HIIT was performed three times per week. To assess behavioral function, the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor test and H-reflex was carried out once a week for 12 weeks. We examined glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), S100ß, and NF200 expression. RESULTS: NSC transplantation, HIIT and combined therapy with NSC transplantation, and the HIIT protocol improved locomotor function with decreased maximum H to maximum M reflexes (H/M ratio) and increased the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan score. CONCLUSION: Combined therapy in contused rats using the HIIT protocol and neurosphere-derived NSC transplantation improves functional and histological outcomes.

Dimorphic evaluation of hippocampal changes in rat model of demyelination: A comparative functional, morphometric, and histological study.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common autoimmune disease. Progressive depletion of the brain and spinal cord tissue appears at the onset of the disease. Several studies have shown the increased size of the ventricles of the brain and decreases in the area of the corpus callosum and the width of the brain. Other important symptoms of this disease are cognitive, learning, and memory disorders. AIM: The aim of this study was to compare morphometric, histological, and functional changes in the demyelination model in both sexes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, male and female Wistar rats were studied in four experimental groups. Demyelination was induced by the injection of ethidium bromide in the ventricular region. The chronic effect of demyelination on spatial memory, movement, and coordination was investigated using the Morris Water Maze (MWM), and clinical and balance beam tests, respectively. Myelin degradation, cell death and neurogenesis were estimated using Luxol Fast Blue staining and immunohistochemistry (Caspase-3 and Nestin markers). In addition, morphometric findings were recorded for the brain and hippocampus (weight, volume, length, width). RESULT: Demyelination increased the time and distance index and decreased the residence time in the target quarter in the water maze test (p < .001). It also increases the neuromuscular and modified neurological severity score (p < .01). Demyelination increases caspase-3 (p < .05) expression and decreases Nestin expression (p < .001), which are directly related to the extent of damage. CONCLUSION: This study showed an interaction between hippocampal structural and functional networks in explaining spatial learning and memory in the early stages of MS.

The Effect of Prosopis farcta and Its Bioactive Luteolin on the Hippocampus of Mice after Induced Ischemia Reperfusion.

BACKGROUND: Ischemia plays an important role in increasing damage to the nervous system. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Prosopis farcta (PFE) and its bioactive luteolin (Lu) and forced swimming exercise on the hippocampus of mice after induced ischemia reperfusion. METHODS: The bioactive component of PFE (Lu) was identified by HPLC. Fifty-six male mice were divided into different groups. Ischemia was induced by ligation of the common carotid artery. After mice training (swimming exercise, 8 weeks) and consuming PFE and Lu, the mice's memory ability was evaluated in the shuttle box. Histological examination was performed by Nissel staining and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Results showed that the ischemic mice exercised and treated with PFE and Lu had higher step-through latency (STL) compared with the nonexercised mice, and this was confirmed with time spent in the dark compartment (TDC). The number of dark cells in the ischemic group exercising and receiving PFE and Lu decreased compared to that of the other groups in the hippocampus. DCX protein expression was increased in nonexercised groups compared to that of the exercised groups and those treated with PFE and Lu, while NeuN decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Forced swimming exercise following ischemia, as well as consumption of PFE and Lu, has reduced cell death and increased neurogenesis in the hippocampus and thus may help improve memory in ischemia.

Transdifferentiation of Human Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Dopaminergic Neurons in a Three-Dimensional Culture.

Introduction: The induction of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (HUC-MSCs) toward dopaminergic neurons is a major challenge in tissue engineering and experimental and clinical treatments of various neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson disease. This study aims to differentiate HUC-MSCs into dopaminergic neuron-like cells. Methods: Following the isolation and characterization of HUC-MSCs, they were transferred to Matrigel-coated plates and incubated with a cocktail of dopaminergic neuronal differentiation factors. The capacity of differentiation into dopaminergic neuron-like cells in 2-dimensional culture and on Matrigel was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunocytochemistry, and high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: Our results showed that dopaminergic neuronal markers' transcript and protein levels were significantly increased on the Matrigel differentiated cells compared to 2D culture plates. Conclusion: Overall, the results of this study suggest that HUC-MSCs can successfully differentiate toward dopaminergic neuron-like cells on Matrigel, having great potential for the treatment of dopaminergic neuron-related diseases.

Differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells into functional motor neuron: In vitro and ex vivo study.

There are several therapeutic options for spinal cord injury (SCI), among these strategies stem cell therapy is a potential treatment. The stem cells based therapies have been investigating in acute phase of clinical trials for promoting spinal repair in humans through replacement of functional neuronal and glial cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the differentiation of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells (hDPSCs) into functional motor neuron like cells (MNLCs) and promote neuroregeneration by stimulating local neurogenesis in the adult spinal cord slice culture. The immunocytochemistry analysis demonstrated that hDPSCs were positive for mesenchymal stem cell markers (CD73, CD90 and CD105) and negative for the hematopoietic markers (CD34 and CD45). hDPSCs were induced to neurospheres (via implementing B27, EGF, and bFGF) and then neural stem cells (NSC). The NSC differentiated into MNLCs in two steps: first by Shh and RA and ; then with GDNF and BDNF administration. The NS and the NSC were assessed for Oct4, nestin, Nanog, Sox2 expression while the MNLCs were evaluated by ISLET1, Olig2, and HB9 genes. Our results showed that hDPSC can be differentiated into motor neuron phenotype with expression of the motor neuron genes. The functionality of MNLCs was demonstrated by FM1-43, intracellular calcium ion shift and co- culture with C2C12. We co-cultivated hDPSCs with adult rat spinal slices in vitro. Immunostaining and hoechst assay showed that hDPSCs were able to migrate, proliferate and integrate in both the anterolateral zone and the edges of the spinal slices.

Potential role of human chorionic gonadotropin supplementation in spermatogenesis in rats subjected to forced swimming exercise.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the supportive effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on the quality of spermatogenesis, including count, motility, morphology, viability and apoptosis of sperm following forced swimming exercise. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this study. All rats were divided into four groups: control group; swimming exercise group (S); hCG administration group and swimming (SG) with hCG administration group (G). The experimental group was trained to force swimming stress for 10 min for 6 days. Then the sperm quality parameters were measured after dissection and epididymis removal. Spermatogenesis and germ cell apoptosis were evaluated by using Miller & Johnsen's score and TUNEL staining respectively. RESULTS: Results showed the count (control: 113±3.1, S: 74±1.9, G: 111±3, and SG: 103±2.4), motility (control:  93±2, S: 67±2.8,G: 90±2.7, and SG: 78±1), morphology (control: 89±3%, S: 47±2.4%, G: 90±3.1%, and SG: 67±1.1%), and viability of sperm (control: 91±2.9, S: 50±2, G: 91±1.9, and SG: 70±1.3) in swimming exercised-hCG administered group, significantly enhanced by hCG treatment compared to the swimming exercise group (p≤0.01). Also the number of apoptotic germ cells significantly decreased in swimming exercised-hCG administered group compared to the swimming exercised group. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that administration of hCG can protect the testes against the detrimental effect of forced swimming exercise in adult male rats.

PuraMatrix hydrogel enhances the expression of motor neuron progenitor marker and improves adhesion and proliferation of motor neuron-like cells.

OBJECTIVES: Cell therapy has provided clinical applications to the treatment of motor neuron diseases. The current obstacle in stem cell therapy is to direct differentiation of stem cells into neurons in the neurodegenerative disorders. Biomaterial scaffolds can improve cell differentiation and are widely used in translational medicine and tissue engineering. The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of two-dimensional with a three-dimensional culture system in their ability to generate functional motor neuron-like cells from adipose-derived stem cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We compared motor neuron-like cells derived from rat adipose tissue in differentiation, adhesion, proliferation, and functional properties on two-dimensional with three-dimensional culture systems. Neural differentiation was analyzed by immunocytochemistry for immature (Islet1) and mature (HB9, ChAT, and synaptophysin) motor neuron markers. RESULTS: Our results indicated that the three-dimensional environment exhibited an increase in the number of Islet1. In contrast, two-dimensional culture system resulted in more homeobox gene (HB9), Choline Acetyltransferase (ChAT), and synaptophysin positive cells. The results of this investigation showed that proliferation and adhesion of motor neuron-like cells significantly increased in three-dimensional compared with two-dimensional environments. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggested that three-dimension may create a proliferative niche for motor neuron-like cells. Overall, this study strengthens the idea that three-dimensional culture may mimic neural stem cell environment for neural tissue regeneration.

Homing of Super Paramagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPIONs) Labeled Adipose-Derived Stem Cells by Magnetic Attraction in a Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Stem cell therapies for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD) are intended to replace lost dopaminergic neurons. The basis of this treatment is to guide the migration of transplanted cells into the target tissue or injury site. The aim of this study is an evaluation of the homing of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) labeled adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) by an external magnetic field in a rat model of PD. METHODS: ADSCs were obtained from perinephric regions of male adult rats and cultured in a DMEM medium. ADSC markers were assessed by immunostaining with CD90, CD105, CD49d, and CD45. The SPION was coated using poly-L-lysine hydrobromide and transfection was determined in rat ADSC using the GFP reporter gene. For this in vivo study, rats with PD were divided into five groups: a positive control group, a control group with PD (lesion with 6-HD injection), and three treatment groups: the PD/ADSC group (PD transplant with ADSCs transfected by BrdU), PD/ADSC/SPION group (PD transplant with ADSCs labeled with SPION and transfected by GFP), and the PD/ADSC/SPION/EM group (PD transplant with ADSCs labeled with SPION and transfected by GFP induced with external magnet). RESULTS: ADSCs were immunoreactive to fat markers CD90 (90.73±1.7), CD105 (87.4±2.9) and CD49d (79.6±2.6), with negative immunostaining at the hematopoietic stem cell marker (CD45: 1.4±0.4). The efficiency of cells with SPION/PLL was about 96% of ADSC. The highest number of GFP-positive cells was in the ADSC/SPION/EM group (54.5±1.3), which was significantly different from that in ADSC/SPION group (30.83±3 and P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Transfection of ADSC by SPION/PLL is an appropriate protocol for cell therapy. External magnets can be used for the delivery and homing of transplanted stem cells in the target tissue.

Anatomical Variations of the Musculocutaneous and Median Nerves: A Case Report.

The musculocutaneous nerve is a large terminal branch of the lateral cord of the brachial plexus. It passes under the pectoralis minor and penetrates the coracobrachialis muscle, descending between the biceps brachii and brachialis muscles in the arm. After dissection in upper extremities in a 28-year-old male cadaver, the median and musculocutaneous nerve were found to have variations on the right side where the musculocutaneous nerve formed communications with the median nerve. The median nerve innervated muscles of the front of the arm in this cadaver. In addition, the musculocutaneous nerve did not pierce the coracobrachialis muscle on the right side. Knowledge of these variations is extremely important when planning a surgery in the region of axilla.

Motor Neuron Transdifferentiation of Neural Stem Cell from Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Characterized by Differential Gene Expression.

Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) are adult stem cells which can be induced into motor neuron-like cells (MNLC) with a preinduction-induction protocol. The purpose of this study is to generate MNLC from neural stem cells (NSC) derived from ADSC. The latter were isolated from the perinephric regions of Sprague-Dawley rats, transdifferentiated into neurospheres (NS) using B27, EGF, and bFGF. After generating NSC from the NS, they induced into MNLC by treating them with Shh and RA, then with GDNF, CNTF, BDNF, and NT-3. The ADSC lineage was evaluated by its mesodermal differentiation and was characterized by immunostaining with CD90, CD105, CD49d, CD106, CD31, CD45, and stemness genes (Oct4, Nanog, and Sox2). The NS and the NSC were evaluated by immunostaining with nestin, NF68, and Neurod1, while the MNLC were evaluated by ISLET1, Olig2, and HB9 genes. The efficiency of MNLC generation was more than 95 ± 1.4 % (mean ± SEM). The in vitro generated myotubes were innervated by the MNLC. The induced ADSC adopted multipolar motor neuron morphology, and they expressed ISLET1, Olig2, and HB9. We conclude that ADSC can be induced into motor neuron phenotype with high efficiency, associated with differential expression of the motor neuron gene. The release of MNLC synaptic vesicles was demonstrated by FM1-43, and they were immunostained with synaptophysin. This activity was correlated with the intracellular calcium ion shift and membrane depolarization upon stimulation as was demonstrated by the calcium indicator and the voltage-sensitive dye, respectively.

Protective Effect of a cAMP Analogue on Behavioral Deficits and Neuropathological Changes in Cuprizone Model of Demyelination.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease that leads to neuronal cell loss. Cyclic AMP and its analogs are well known to decrease inflammation and apoptosis. In the present study, we examined the effects of bucladesine, a cell-permeable analogue of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), on myelin proteins (PLP, PMP-22), inflammation, and apoptotic, as well as anti-apoptotic factors in cuprizone model of demyelination. C57BL/6J mice were fed with chow containing 0.2% copper chelator cuprizone or vehicle by daily oral gavage for 5 weeks to induce reversible demyelination predominantly of the corpus callosum. Bucladesine was administered intraperitoneally at different doses (0.24, 0.48, or 0.7 µg/kg body weight) during the last 7 days of 5-week cuprizone treatment. Bucladesine exhibited a protective effect on myelination. Furthermore, bucladesine significantly decreased the production of interleukin-6 pro-inflammatory mediator as well as nuclear factor-κB activation and reduced the mean number of apoptotic cells compared to cuprizone-treated mice. Bucladesine also decreased production of caspase-3 as well as Bax and increased Bcl-2 levels. Our data revealed that enhancement of intracellular cAMP prevents demyelination and plays anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties in mice cuprizone model of demyelination. This suggests the modulation of intracellular cAMP as a potential target for treatment of MS.

Decreased GFAP expression and improved functional recovery in contused spinal cord of rats following valproic acid therapy.

Many studies have illustrated that much of the post-traumatic degeneration of the spinal cord cells is caused by the secondary mechanism. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of the anti-inflammatory property of valproic acid (VPA) on injured spinal cords (SC). The rats with the contused SC received intraperitoneal single injection of VPA (150, 200, 300, 400 or 500 mg/kg) at 2, 6, 12 and 24 h post-injury. Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) test and H-reflex evaluated the functional outcome for 12 weeks. The SC were investigated 3 months post-injury using morphometry and glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) expression. Reduction in cavitation, H/M ratio, BBB scores and GFAP expression in the treatment groups were significantly more than that of the untreated one (P < 0.05). The optimal improvement in the condition of the contused rats was in the ones treated at the acute phase of injury with 300 mg/kg of VPA at 12 h post-injury, they had the highest increase in BBB score and decrease in astrogliosis and axonal loss. We conclude that treating the contused rats with 300 mg/kg of VPA at 12 h post-injury improves the functional outcome and reduces the traumatized SC gliosis.