Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Andrea Raspa, Luisa Carminati, Raffaele Pugliese, Federico Fontana, Fabrizio Gelain
Summary: After spinal cord injuries, harmful events such as activated microglia/macrophages infiltration, astrocyte migration, and increased production of inhibitory CSPGs often occur. Chronic SCI results in a gliotic scar that acts as a barrier to axonal regrowth, but biomaterial scaffolds show promise in promoting nervous cell restoration. Research focusing on self-assembling peptide (SAP) hydrogels loaded with Chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) demonstrates potential for enhancing host neural regeneration and behavioral recovery in chronic SCI.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Dingyang Liu, He Shen, Yeyu Shen, Ge Long, Xinghui He, Yannan Zhao, Zhiquan Yang, Jianwu Dai, Xing Li
Summary: The study indicates that the scaffold loaded with dual cues shows good effects in promoting neuron and endothelial cell migration, as well as axon and vessel regeneration. Long-term therapeutic effects include revascularization, spinal cord axonal regeneration, fibrotic scar reduction, electrophysiological recovery, and motor function improvement.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Min Jung Kwon, Yeojin Seo, Hana Cho, Hyung Soon Kim, Young Joo Oh, Simay Geniscan, Minjae Kim, Hee Hwan Park, Eun-Hye Joe, Myung-Hee Kwon, Han Chang Kang, Byung Gon Kim
Summary: Preconditioning nerve injury can enhance axonal regeneration of DRG neurons by activating pro-regenerative perineuronal macrophages. This study reveals that oncomodulin (ONCM) produced from regeneration-associated macrophages strongly influences the regeneration of DRG sensory axons. Delivery of ONCM using a nanogel system can promote sensory axon regeneration following spinal cord injury.
Article
Neurosciences
Jon Prager, Daisuke Ito, Darren R. Carwardine, Prince Jiju, Divya M. Chari, Nicolas Granger, Liang-Fong Wong
Summary: The study demonstrates that genetically modified canine olfactory mucosal OECs can provide sufficient chABC to drive modest functional improvement in a rat SCI model. Animals transplanted with cOEC-chABC showed superior performance in behavioral testing and gait compared to the other two groups, with potential mechanisms of recovery observed.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Menghon Cheah, Yuyan Cheng, Veselina Petrova, Anda Cimpean, Pavla Jendelova, Vivek Swarup, Clifford J. Woolf, Daniel H. Geschwind, James W. Fawcett
Summary: Sensory dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in the peripheral branch regenerate readily after injury, but not in the central branch. However, expression of a9 integrin and its activator kindlin-1 (a9k1) enables axons to interact with tenascin-C, promoting extensive regeneration and reconnection of sensory axons in the spinal cord. Transcriptomic analyses of adult male rat DRG neurons revealed that a9k1 expression upregulates a known peripheral nerve regeneration program. Coupling a9k1 treatment with dorsal root axotomy leads to extensive central axonal regeneration, accompanied by the expression of a distinctive CNS regeneration program involving genes associated with ubiquitination, autophagy, ER, trafficking, and signaling. Pharmacological inhibition of these processes blocks axon regeneration, validating their causal contributions to sensory regeneration.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Ingrid Vargova, Jan Kriska, Jessica C. F. Kwok, James W. Fawcett, Pavla Jendelova
Summary: Spinal cord interneurons play a significant role in circuit reorganization and recovery after spinal cord injury. However, there is a lack of suitable in vitro models for studying regeneration. In this study, a mouse primary spinal cord neuronal culture model was developed to analyze the maturation, morphology, physiology, connectivity, and regeneration of interneurons.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Caixia Fan, Wen Yang, Lulu Zhang, Hui Cai, Yan Zhuang, Yanyan Chen, Yannan Zhao, Jianwu Dai
Summary: Spinal cord injury is a severe damage to the central nervous system, often leading to the loss of spinal cord structure and function. Researchers have developed a new hydrogel material with mechanical and electrical properties similar to the spinal cord, which can be used for spinal cord regeneration. By introducing glutathione and MMP-responsive proteins into the hydrogel, biomolecules can be released in response to the microenvironment of spinal cord injury, promoting axon regeneration and angiogenesis, and improving motor function recovery.
Review
Cell Biology
Vasiliki Tsata, Daniel Wehner
Summary: The capacity for long-distance axon regeneration and functional recovery after spinal cord injury is poor in mammals but remarkable in some vertebrates, like fish and salamanders. The cellular and molecular basis of this difference is starting to emerge, including the identification of target cells reacting to injury and cues directing pro-regenerative responses. Zebrafish is one of the most understood models in terms of successful spinal cord regeneration, with neuron-intrinsic and extrinsic factors playing pivotal roles in axon regeneration and function recovery.
Review
Neurosciences
Harun Najib Noristani
Summary: This article describes the different response of ascending dorsal column axons and descending corticospinal tract (CST) axons after spinal cord injury (SCI), as well as the efficacy of molecules targeting intrinsic axon regeneration in promoting their regrowth. Accumulating evidence suggests important differences in regenerative response between dorsal column and CST axons when targeting intrinsic pro-regenerative molecules.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Review
Emergency Medicine
Yu Zhang, Shuhai Yang, Chang Liu, Xiaoxiao Han, Xiaosong Gu, Songlin Zhou
Summary: Spinal cord injury often results in permanent disability due to the loss of functional recovery. The formation of a glial scar around the damaged tissue can interrupt the healing process, and therapeutic treatments targeting scar components are important for improving functional recovery.
Article
Neurosciences
Chun Cui, Lin-Fang Wang, Shu-Bing Huang, Peng Zhao, Yong-Quan Chen, Yi-Bo Wu, Chen-Meng Qiao, Wei-Jiang Zhao, Yan-Qin Shen
Summary: The study found that the expression of NPY decreased in adult zebrafish spinal cord after injury, and inhibiting NPY expression impeded descend axon regeneration and locomotor recovery. This suggests that NPY in motoneurons may promote recovery by regulating motoneuron proliferation through activation of NPY1R.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Jingjia Ye, Shuang Jin, Wanxiong Cai, Xiangfeng Chen, Hanyu Zheng, Tianfang Zhang, Wujie Lu, Xiaojian Li, Chengzhen Liang, Qixin Chen, Yaxian Wang, Xiaosong Gu, Bin Yu, Zuobing Chen, Xuhua Wang
Summary: A self-assembling hydrogel depot that releases anti-inflammatory drugs and growth factors locally has been proposed as a solution to repair severe spinal cord injuries and promote nerve regrowth.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Qiong Zhang, Mingfu Liu, Haibin Nong, Yanan Zhang, Yiguang Bai, Pan Liu, Shaohui Zong, Gaofeng Zeng
Summary: TFHL has shown to improve motor function recovery and promote spinal cord tissue repair in rats with spinal cord injury (SCI). It reduces apoptosis and improves the functional status of neurons. TFHL also improves cell morphology, microstructure, and axonal regeneration of damaged spinal motor neurons, and promotes the secretion of neurotrophic factors. Furthermore, TFHL promotes autophagy and related protein expression both in vivo and in vitro.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Linquan Zhou, Zhenyu Wang, Dehui Chen, Jiemin Lin, Wenwen Li, Shengyu Guo, Rongcan Wu, Xin Zhao, Taotao Lin, Gang Chen, Wenge Liu
Summary: This study developed a photocurable silk fibroin hydrogel to deliver basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) for spinal cord injury treatment. The hydrogel exhibited slow release of bFGF, promoting nerve axon regeneration, inhibiting glial cell proliferation, improving neuronal mitochondrial function, and suppressing local inflammation and oxidative stress. This novel method provides a new treatment strategy for spinal cord injury.
MATERIALS & DESIGN
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Ashraful Islam, Veronica J. Tom
Summary: Spinal cord injury is a devastating event that can permanently disrupt multiple functions, and delivering genetic material using viral vectors has the potential to promote axon regeneration and overcome obstacles. However, various factors should be considered when using viral vector for gene therapy. Gene therapy shows promise in preclinical models for treating spinal cord injury.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Song Xue, Feng Kong, Yiying Song, Jia Liu
Summary: This study used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging to explore the relationship between individual's spontaneous neural activity and social interaction anxiety in a nonclinical population. The results showed that social interaction anxiety was correlated with the fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations in several brain regions, and that emotional intelligence partially mediated this relationship. This study provides evidence for the neural basis of social interaction anxiety in the normal population and highlights the role of emotional intelligence in this anxiety.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Katsuyuki Yamaguchi, Takuya Yazawa
Summary: This study provides morphometric data on the development of the human medullary arcuate nucleus (AN) by examining the brains of preterm and perinatal infants. The results show that AN morphology demonstrates asymmetry and individual variability during the fetal period. The volume and neuronal number of AN increase exponentially with age, while neuronal density decreases exponentially. The AN may undergo neuron death and neuroblasts production after mid-gestation.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Zhan Zhou, Weixin Dai, Tianxiao Liu, Min Shi, Yi Wei, Lifei Chen, Yubo Xie
Summary: Studies have shown that propofol-induced neurotoxicity is caused by disruption of mitochondrial fission and fusion, leading to an energy supply imbalance for developing neurons. Healthy mitochondria released by astrocytes can migrate to compromised neurons to mitigate propofol-induced neurotoxicity, but the exact mechanisms involved still need further clarification.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
An Chen, Song Hao, Yongpeng Han, Yang Fang, Yibei Miao
Summary: This study explores the efficacy of two forms of BCI attention training games and finds that physical games may be more effective than video games. The research also offers valuable insights for future game design from a neuroscience perspective.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Lina Liu, Luran Liu, Yunting Lu, Tianyuan Zhang, Wenting Zhao
Summary: This study reveals that GDI1 serves as a potential diagnostic biomarker for AD and inhibition of GDI1 can attenuate Aβ-induced neurotoxicity. The findings offer new insights for the treatment of AD.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Zahra Gholami, Ava Soltani Hekmat, Ali Abbasi, Kazem Javanmardi
Summary: This study investigated the effects of alamandine on allodynia in a rat model and found the presence of MrgD receptors in the vlPAG and RVM regions. Microinjection of alamandine resulted in a significant increase in paw withdrawal threshold and could be blocked by an MrgD receptor antagonist. Upregulation of MrgD receptor expression following allodynia induction suggests a potential compensatory mechanism in response to pain.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Mingliang Xu, Lei Xia, Junjie Li, Yehong Du, Zhifang Dong
Summary: This study found that DHF effectively alleviates sevoflurane-induced cognitive impairment in developing mice by restoring the balance between tau O-GlcNAcylation and phosphorylation. Therefore, DHF has the potential to be a therapeutic agent for treating cognitive impairment associated with anesthetics, such as sevoflurane.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Tsubasa Mitsutake, Hisato Nakazono, Takanori Taniguchi, Hisayoshi Yoshizuka, Maiko Sakamoto
Summary: The posterior parietal cortex plays a crucial role in postural stability, and transcranial electrical stimulation of this region can modulate physical control responses. This study found that cathodal stimulation significantly decreased joint angular velocity in multiple directions, while there were no significant differences with transcranial random noise stimulation.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Xishuai Yang, Wei Zhang, Xueli Chang, Zuopeng Li, Runquan Du, Junhong Guo
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of low-dose rituximab (RTX) in patients with muscle-specific kinase antibody positive myasthenia gravis (MuSK-MG). The results showed that low-dose RTX treatment led to significant improvements in clinical symptoms and quality of life for patients with MuSK-MG.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Jian Zhang, Shunyuan Guo, Rong Tao, Fan Wang, Yihong Xie, Huizi Wang, Lan Ding, Yuejian Shen, Xiaoli Zhou, Junli Feng, Qing Shen
Summary: This study established an Alzheimer's disease (AD) model of zebrafish induced by AlCl3 and found that marine-derived plasmalogens (Pls) could alleviate cognitive impairments of AD zebrafish by reversing athletic impairment and altering the expression levels of genes related to oxidative stress, ferroptosis, synaptic dysfunction, and apoptosis.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Lu Li, Jiaqi Ren, Qi Fang, Liqiang Yu, Jintao Wang
Summary: ICU-AW is a common and severe neuromuscular complication in critically ill patients. Electrophysiological examination is essential for accurate diagnosis and early prediction of the disease. This study aimed to establish and validate an ICU-AW predictive model in SIRS patients, providing a practical tool for early clinical prediction.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Ahmad Alipour, Roghayeh Mohammadi
Summary: The present study aimed to investigate the separate and combined effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the primary motor cortex (M1) and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (F3) regions on pain relief in patients with type-2 diabetes suffering from neuropathic pain (NP). The results showed that tDCS had the potential to induce pain relief in patients with type-2 diabetes suffering from NP. The mean perceived pain intensity in the posttest was lower in the M1 stimulation group than in the F3 stimulation group. However, more trials with larger sample sizes are necessary to define clinically relevant effects.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Eduardo J. Fusse, Franciele F. Scarante, Maria A. Vicente, Mariana M. Marrubia, Flavia Turcato, Davi S. Scomparin, Melissa A. Ribeiro, Maria J. Figueiredo, Tamires A. V. Brigante, Francisco S. Guimaraes, Alline C. Campos
Summary: Repeated exposure to psychosocial stress alters the endocannabinoid system and affects brain regions associated with emotional distress. Enhancing the effects of endocannabinoids through pharmacological inhibition induces an anti-stress behavioral effect, possibly mediated by the mTOR signaling pathway.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Giulia Agostoni, Luca Bischetti, Federica Repaci, Margherita Bechi, Marco Spangaro, Irene Ceccato, Elena Cavallini, Luca Fiorentino, Francesca Martini, Jacopo Sapienza, Mariachiara Buonocore, Michele Francesco D'Incalci, Federica Cocchi, Carmelo Guglielmino, Roberto Cavallaro, Marta Bosia, Valentina Bambini
Summary: This study found a general impairment in humor comprehension in individuals with schizophrenia, with mental jokes being more difficult for both patients and controls. Humor comprehension was closely associated with the patients' overall pragmatic and linguistic profile, while the association with Theory of Mind (ToM) was minimal. Another notable finding was the increased appreciation of humor in individuals with schizophrenia, who rated jokes as funnier than controls did, regardless of whether they were correctly or incorrectly completed. The funniness ratings were not predicted by any measure, suggesting a dimension of humor untied to cognition or psychopathology.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Xiuping Gong, Qi Li, Yang Liu
Summary: This study demonstrates that Sev targets CREBBP to inhibit ALG13 transcription, leading to hippocampal damage and cognitive impairment.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)