Viability Of Neural Stem Cells Research Articles

Novel 3D bioprinting approach for spinal cord injury repair using neural stem cells and TGF-β1 monoclonal antibody

ObjectiveTo investigate the repair of spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats using 3D bioprinted decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) hydrogel, neural stem cells (NSCs), and TGF-β1 monoclonal antibody. MethodsThe spinal cord-derived dECM hydrogel (SC-dECM-gel) was optimized for 3D printing. Rheological tests established a 3 ​% concentration as optimal. In vitro tests assessed the effects of TGF-β1 monoclonal antibody on NSC viability and differentiation. A rat SCI model was treated with the printed gel, and recovery was monitored using the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan test and evoked potentials. ResultsThe 3 ​% SC-dECM-gel showed superior rheological properties. TGF-β1 monoclonal antibody enhanced NSC survival and differentiation in vitro. In vivo, the 3D bioprinted gel significantly improved motor function and promoted neuronal regeneration. Conclusion3D bioprinted SC-dECM-gel loaded with NSCs and TGF-β1 monoclonal antibody effectively restores motor function and promotes regeneration in SCI rats, offering a promising approach for SCI treatment.

Secretion of GPNMB from Neural Stem Cells Induced by ET-1 Contributes to Angiogenesis after Spinal Cord Injury.

The feeble plasticity of spinal cord microvascular endothelial cells (SCMECs) after trauma is one of the major causes of spinal cord injury (SCI). Neural stem cells (NSCs) play an important role in nerve repair. Glycoprotein nonmetastatic B (GPNMB) has neuroprotective effects and can be stimulated by endothelin 1 (ET-1), and its expression is upregulated in SCI. Here, we aim to investigate whether elevated ET-1 levels stimulate NSCs to secrete GPNMB, thereby further promoting angiogenesis. Mouse SCMECs and NSCs were isolated, cultured, and identified by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence staining. NSCs were treated with ET-1, while SCMECs were cocultured with NSCs, followed by treatment with ET-1. NCS and SCMEC viability were evaluated using cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) assay, while cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis were examined using 5'-Ethynyl-2'-Deoxyuridine (EdU) staining, wound healing assay, Transwell assay, and tube formation assay. GPNMB expression in NCSs and SCMECs was quantified by western blot assay, quantitative Real-Time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Mouse SCMECs and NSCs were successfully isolated and cultured. ET-1 promoted NSC viability and proliferation and upregulated GPNMB expression. NSCs and ET-1-treated NSCs promoted the viability, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and GPNMB expression in SCMECs compared with control group cells, while GPNMB antibody reversed the above effects of ET-1 on the SCMECs. ET-1 promotes SCMEC migration and invasion, along with angiogenesis, by enhancing NSC-mediated GPNMB secretion, so ET-1 may be a novel therapeutic target for SCI.

Human mesenchymal stem cells-derived microvesicles increase oligodendrogenesis and neurogenesis of cultured adult neural stem cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are involved in tissue repair and anti-inflammatory activities and have shown promising therapeutic efficiency in different animal models of neurodegenerative disorders. Microvesicles (MVs), implicated in cellular communication, are secreted from MSCs and play a key role in determining the fate of cell differentiation. Our study examines the effect of human umbilical cord MSC-derived MVs (hUC-MSC MVs) on the proliferation and differentiation potential of adult neural stem cells (NSCs). Results showed that 0.2 μg MSC derived MVs significantly increased the viability of NSCs and their proliferation, as demonstrated by an increase in the number of neurospheres and their derived cells, compared to controls. In addition, all hUC-MSC MVs concentrations (0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 µg) induced the differentiation of NSCs toward precursors (Olig2 + ) and mature oligodendrocytes (MBP+). This increase in mature oligodendrocytes was inversely proportional to the dose of MVs. Moreover, hUC-MSC MVs induced the differentiation of NSCs into neurons (β-tubulin + ), in a dose-dependent manner, but had no effect on astrocytes (GFAP+). Furthermore, treatment of NSCs with hUC-MSC MVs (0.1 and 0.2 μg) significantly increased the expression levels of the proliferation marker Ki67 gene, compared to controls. Finally, hUC-MSC MVs (0.1 μg) significantly increased the expression level of Sox10 transcripts; but not Pax6 gene, demonstrating an increased NSC ability to differentiate into oligodendrocytes. In conclusion, our study showed that hUC-MSC MVs increased NSC proliferation in vitro and induced NSC differentiation into oligodendrocytes and neurons, but not astrocytes.

Curcumin Affects the Proliferation and Neurogenesis of Embryonic Neural Stem Cells in Rats

Background: Curcumin, found in the rhizome of Curcuma longa, demonstrates anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. Objectives: This study aims to assess its effects on the proliferation and differentiation of embryonic neural stem cells (NSCs). Methods: Female rats (n = 36) became pregnant, resulting in the formation of embryos (n = 176). Neural stem cells from female embryos (n = 50, embryonic day 15.5, E15.5) were cultured in a serum-free medium with growth factors (FGF-2 and EGF). Curcumin was then added at doses of 0.1, 0.5, and 1 µM. The proliferation of NSCs was assessed using the MTT colorimetric assay, nestin immunofluorescence labeling, and RT-PCR. NSC differentiation was compared using immunocytochemistry (ICC) and RT-PCR for nestin, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and class III β-tubulin (Tuj-1). Results: Curcumin at concentrations of 0.1 and 0.5 µM increased the proliferation of NSCs, as indicated by an increase in neurosphere diameter. Similarly, the MTT assay showed that curcumin at doses of 0.1 and 0.5 µM enhanced the viability of NSCs. In the differentiation condition, no significant difference was observed. However, RT-PCR analysis showed that nestin and GFAP expressions reached their highest levels in cells treated with curcumin at a dose of 0.5 µM, while Tuj-1 expression significantly increased in cells treated with curcumin at a dose of 1 µM. Conclusions: Curcumin at lower doses may regulate the proliferation and differentiation of NSCs. Treating NSCs with curcumin could provide a promising option for pre-differentiation before cell therapy.

Tanshinone IIA improves Alzheimer's disease via RNA nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1/microRNA-291a-3p/member RAS oncogene family Rab22a axis.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Tanshinone IIA (Tan-IIA), a bioactive compound isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza plants, has shown potential neuroprotective effects; however, the mechanisms underlying such a function remain unclear. To investigate potential Tan-IIA neuroprotective effects in AD and to elucidate their underlying mechanisms. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was utilized to analyze structural brain tissue morphology. To assess changes in oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, we performed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blotting. Additionally, the effect of Tan-IIA on AD cell models was evaluated in vitro using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Genetic changes related to the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1)/microRNA (miRNA, miR)-291a-3p/member RAS oncogene family Rab22a axis were assessed through reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In vivo, Tan-IIA treatment improved neuronal morphology and attenuated oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in the brain tissue of AD mice. In vitro experiments showed that Tan-IIA dose-dependently ameliorated the amyloid-beta 1-42-induced reduction of neural stem cell viability, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. In this process, the lncRNA NEAT1 - a potential therapeutic target - is highly expressed in AD mice and downregulated via Tan-IIA treatment. Mechanistically, NEAT1 promotes the transcription and translation of Rab22a via miR-291a-3p, which activates nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling, leading to activation of the pro-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2-associated X protein and inhibition of the anti-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2 protein, which exacerbates AD. Tan-IIA intervention effectively blocked this process by inhibiting the NEAT1/miR-291a-3p/Rab22a axis and NF-κB signaling. This study demonstrates that Tan-IIA exerts neuroprotective effects in AD by modulating the NEAT1/miR-291a-3p/Rab22a/NF-κB signaling pathway, serving as a foundation for the development of innovative approaches for AD therapy.

Kaempferol regulates apoptosis and migration of neural stem cells to attenuate cerebral infarction by O-GlcNAcylation of β-catenin.

Ischemic stroke remains a major cause of disability and death. Kaempferol (Kae) is a neuroprotective flavonoid compound. Thus, this study aimed to explore the impact of Kae on cerebral infarction. We generated the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse model to study the effects of Kae on infarction volume and neurological function. The oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD)/reoxygenation (R) model of neural stem cells (NSCs) was established to study the effects of Kae on cell viability, migration, and apoptosis. Cell processes were assessed by cell counting kit-8, Transwell assay, flow cytometry, and TUNEL analysis. The molecular mechanism was assessed using the Western blot. The results indicated that Kae attenuated MCAO-induced cerebral infarction and neurological injury. Besides, Kae promoted cell viability and migration and inhibited apoptosis of OGD/R-treated NSCs. Moreover, OGD/R suppressed total O-GlcNAcylation level and O-GlcNAcylation of β-catenin, thereby suppressing the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, whereas Kae reversed the suppression. Inactivation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway abrogated the biological functions of NSCs mediated by Kae. In conclusion, Kae suppressed cerebral infarction by facilitating NSC viability, migration, and inhibiting apoptosis. Mechanically, Kae promoted O-GlcNAcylation of β-catenin to activate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Kae may have a lessening effect on ischemic stroke.

LRRK2 Attenuates Antioxidant Response in Familial Parkinson's Disease Derived Neural Stem Cells.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease, characterized by the loss of midbrain dopaminergic neurons which leads to impaired motor and cognitive functions. PD is predominantly an idiopathic disease; however, about 5% of cases are linked to hereditary mutations. The most common mutation in both familial and sporadic PD is the G2019S mutation of leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2). Currently, it is not fully understood how this mutation leads to PD pathology. In this study, we isolated self-renewable, multipotent neural stem cells (NSCs) from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) harboring the G2019S LRRK2 mutation and compared them with their isogenic gene corrected counterparts using single-cell RNA-sequencing. Unbiased single-cell transcriptomic analysis revealed perturbations in many canonical pathways, specifically NRF2-mediated oxidative stress response, and glutathione redox reactions. Through various functional assays, we observed that G2019S iPSCs and NSCs exhibit increased basal levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We demonstrated that mutant cells show significant increase in the expression for KEAP1 and decrease in NRF2 associated with a reduced antioxidant response. The decreased viability of mutant NSCs in the H2O2-induced oxidative stress assay was rescued by two potent antioxidant drugs, PrC-210 at concentrations of 500 µM and 1 mM and Edaravone at concentrations 50 µM and 100 µM. Our data suggest that the hyperactive LRRK2 G2019S kinase activity leads to increase in KEAP1, which binds NRF2 and leads to its degradation, reduction in the antioxidant response, increased ROS, mitochondria dysfunction and cell death observed in the PD phenotype.

Plasmalogen Improves Memory Function by Regulating Neurogenesis in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Diseases.

Adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) is associated with hippocampus-dependent cognitive function, and its initiation is attributed to neural stem cells (NSCs). Dysregulated AHN has been identified in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and may underlie impaired cognitive function in AD. Modulating the function of NSCs and stimulating AHN are potential ways to manipulate AD. Plasmalogen (PLA) are a class of cell membrane glycerophospholipids which exhibit neuroprotective properties. However, the effect of PLA on altered AHN in AD has not been investigated. In our study, PLA(10μg/mL) -attenuated Aβ (1-42) (5μM) induced a decrease in NSC viability and neuronal differentiation of NSCs, partially through regulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Additionally, AD mice were supplemented with PLA (67mg/kg/day) for 6 weeks. PLA treatment improved the impaired AHN in AD mice, including increasing the number of neural stem cells (NSCs) and newly generated neurons. The memory function of AD mice was also enhanced after PLA administration. Therefore, it was summarized that PLA could regulate NSC differentiation by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and ameliorate AD-related memory impairment through up-regulating AHN.

NR4A1 alleviates the toxicity in neural stem cells induced by propofol in early life by regulating AMPK pathway

Purpose: To examine the association of propofol (PRO) with related key genes that may serve as potential biomarkers for alleviation of PRO-induced toxicity in neural stem cells (NSCs).
 Methods: Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened based on GEO database, using the analysis platform of Metaboanalyst, GEO2R, DAVID and Ehbio. NSCs were purchased and treated with 3 μM of propofol (PRO). NR4A1 was transfected into NSCs, and the NR4A1 expression, apoptosis-related protein and AMPK pathway-related protein were determined by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting. Cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated by methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromid (MTT) assay and flow cytometry.
 Results: A total of 278 DEGs were analyzed on GSE106799 microarray, and finally screened for differentially expressed down-regulated gene, NR4A1, which is a hubgene. NR4A1 expression decreased in PRO-induced NSCs. Furthermore, NR4A1 attenuated the PRO-induced decrease in the viability of NSCs and the increase in apoptosis. Moreover, NR4A1 increased p-AMPK/AMPK level.
 Conclusion: NR4A1 attenuates the toxicity in NSCs induced by PRO by regulating AMPK pathways, and thus provides a theoretical basis for the treatment of nerve damage caused by anesthetics.

Metformin attenuates sevoflurane-induced neurogenesis damage and cognitive impairment: involvement of the Nrf2/G6PD pathway.

Anesthetics such as sevoflurane are commonly administered to infants and children. However, the possible neurotoxicity caused by prolonged or repetitive exposure to it should be a concern. The neuroprotective effects of metformin are observed in many models of neurological disorders. In this study, we investigated whether metformin could reduce the developmental neurotoxicity induced by sevoflurane exposure in neonatal rats and the potential mechanism. Postnatal day 7 (PND 7) Sprague-Dawley rats and neural stem cells (NSCs) were treated with normal saline or metformin before sevoflurane exposure. The Morris water maze (MWM) was used to observe spatial memory and learning at PND 35-42. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect neurogenesis in the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricle and the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the dentate gyrus at PND 14. MTT assays, immunofluorescence staining, and TUNEL staining were used to assess the viability, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of NSCs. Western blotting and ELISA were used to assess the protein expression of cleaved caspase-3, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) pathway-related molecules. Exposure to sevoflurane resulted in late cognitive defects, impaired neurogenesis in both the SVZ and SGZ, reduced NSC viability and proliferation, increased NSC apoptosis, and decreased protein expression of G6PD in vitro. Metformin pretreatment attenuated sevoflurane-induced cognitive functional decline and neurogenesis inhibition. Metformin pretreatment also increased the protein expression of Nrf2 and G6PD. However, treatment with the Nrf2 inhibitor, ML385 or the G6PD inhibitor, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) reversed the protective effect of metformin on sevoflurane-induced NSC damage in vitro. Our findings suggested that metformin could reduce sevoflurane-induced neurogenesis damage and neurocognitive defects in the developing rat brain by influencing the Nrf2/G6PD signaling pathways.

Dual Effects of miR-181b-2-3p/SOX21 Interaction on Microglia and Neural Stem Cells after Gamma Irradiation.

Ionizing radiation induces brain inflammation and the impairment of neurogenesis by activating microglia and inducing apoptosis in neurogenic zones. However, the causal relationship between microglial activation and the impairment of neurogenesis as well as the relevant molecular mechanisms involved in microRNA (miR) remain unknown. In the present study, we employed immunohistochemistry and real-time RT-PCR to study the microglial activation and miRNA expression in mouse brains. Real-time RT-PCR, western blot, ELISA, cell proliferation and cytotoxicity assay were used in BV2 and mouse neural stem cells (NSCs). In the mouse model, we found the acute activation of microglia at 1 day and an increased number of microglial cells at 1, 7 and 120 days after irradiation at postnatal day 3 (P3), day 10 (P10) and day 21 (P21), respectively. In cell models, the activation of BV2, a type of microglial cell line, was observed after gamma irradiation. Real-time RT-PCR analysis revealed a deceased expression of miR-181b-2-3p and an increased expression of its target SRY-related high-mobility group box transcription factor 21 (SOX21) in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. The results of the luciferase reporter assay confirmed that SOX21 was the target of miR-181b-2-3p. Furthermore, SOX21 knockdown by siRNA inhibited the activation of microglia, thereby suggesting that the direct interaction of 181b-2-3p with SOX21 might be involved in radiation-induced microglial activation and proliferation. Interestingly, the gamma irradiation of NSCs increased miR-181b-2-3p expression but decreased SOX21 mRNA, which was the opposite of irradiation-induced expression in BV2 cells. As irradiation reduced the viability and proliferation of NSCs, whereas the overexpression of SOX21 restored the impaired cell viability and promoted the proliferation of NSCs, the findings suggest that the radiation-induced interaction of miR-181b-2-3p with SOX21 may play dual roles in microglia and NSCs, respectively, leading to the impairment of brain neurogenesis.

STEM-22. EFFECT OF A SRC INHIBITORY PEPTIDE BASED ON CONNEXIN43 ON NEURAL STEM CELLS WITH GLIOMA-DRIVER MUTATIONS

Abstract Glioblastomas are one of the most malignant tumors. Glioma Stem Cells (GSCs) are a subpopulation of cells resistant to standard treatments, responsible for tumor recurrence. Strong evidence supports that Neural Stem Cells (NSCs) from the subventricular zone (SVZ) are the origin of GSCs. This transition frequently concurs with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) overexpression or mutations, such as EGFRvIII. Our group designed a cell penetrating peptide based on connexin43 (TAT-Cx43266-283) that inhibits the oncoprotein c-Src and therefore targets GSCs, increasing survival in glioma-bearing mice. Because c-Src and EGFR signaling are closely related, we explored the effect of TAT-Cx43266-283 in the transition of NSCs to GSCs. We compared the effect of TAT-Cx43266-283, control peptides, temozolomide and erlotinib, a common EGFR inhibitor, in SVZ NSCs (Control-NSCs) and murine NSC and patient-derived GSCs with key glioma-driver mutations in Nf1, PTEN and EGFR. EGFR signaling pathway was analyzed by Western blot. Furthermore, we are analyzing the effect of TAT-Cx43266-283 in a mouse model where tumors originate from SVZ NSCs with glioma-driver mutations. Our results showed a strong effect of TAT-Cx43266-283 in cell viability of NSCs and patient-derived GSCs with EGFR amplification or active EGFRvIII, without significant effects in Control-NSCs. Importantly, we found a lower effect of temozolomide, erlotinib, and other control peptides in these cells. Western blot analyses suggest that TAT-Cx43266-283 decreases EGFR, EGFRvIII and c-Src activity. Preliminary in vivo results suggest that TAT-Cx43266-283 decreases tumor size and enhances survival in mice bearing gliomas initiated by altered NSCs. So far, our results show that TAT-Cx43266-283 impairs EGFR signaling pathway with the subsequent reduction in the proliferation and survival of NSCs or GSCs with EGFR alterations. These results stress the relevance of TAT-Cx43266-283 as a future therapy against glioblastoma, alone or in combination with other treatments.

“The Effects of Silver Nanoparticle Shape on Protein Adsorption and Neural Stem Cell Viability”

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are important and widely used as antimicrobials and nanodrug carriers. The increased use of AgNPs in consumer products has raised concerns about nanosafety; for instance, AgNPs may be inhaled and translocated to the brain via olfactory neural stem cells/progenitors. While the biological effects of nanoparticle size have been widely investigated, there are little data on the effects of particle shape on cellular phenotype. Therefore, here we investigated the interactions between AgNP spheres, rods, cubes, and triangles and human plasma proteins as well as their effects on the viability of NE-4C neural stem cells. Nanoparticles were synthesized by wet chemistry methods and characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential measurement, transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and differential centrifugal sedimentation. NE-4C cell viability was assessed using the MTT reduction assay, and the cellular uptake of differently shaped nanoparticles was monitored by electron microscopy. All 50 nm (in at least one dimension) AgNPs exerted toxic effects, with rods and cubes displaying greater toxicity than spheres and triangles. These cellular and physicochemical results indicate that edges on the AgNPs increase toxicity, presumably due to enhanced ion dissolution from the edges.

Kinase inhibit region of SOCS3 attenuates IL6-induced proliferation and astrocytic differentiation of neural stem cells via cross talk between signaling pathways.

Efficiency of neural stem cells (NSCs) therapy for brain injury is restricted by astrogliosis around the damaged region, in which JAK2/STAT3 signaling plays a key role. The SOCS3 that can directly inhibit JAK/STAT3 pathway. Here, we investigated the effects of a fusion peptide that combined kinase inhibitory region (KIR) of SOCS3 and virus trans-activator of transcription (TAT) on biological behavior of cultured NSCs under inflammatory conditions. NSCs were isolated from embryonic brain of SD rats, TAT-KIR was synthesized, and penetration rate was evaluated by flow cytometry (FACS). CCK8, immunostaining, and FACS were used to detected of TAT-KIR on the proliferation of NSCs. The expressions of GFAP and β tubulin III positive cells induced by IL6 with/without TAT-KIR were examined by immunostaining and Western blotting to observe the NSCs differentiation, and the effect of TAT-KIR on signaling cross talk was observed by Western blotting. Penetration rate of TAT-KIR into primary cultured NSCs was up to 94%. TAT-KIR did not affect the growth and viability of NSCs. It significantly reduced the NSCs proliferation that enhanced by IL-6 stimulation via blocking the cell cycle progression from the G0/G1 to S phase. In addition, TAT-KIR attenuated astrocytic differentiation and kept high level of neuronal differentiation derived from IL-6-induced NSCs. The fate of NSCs differentiation under inflammatory conditions was affected by TAT-KIR, which was associated with synchronous inhibition of STAT3 and AKT, while promoting JNK expression. TAT-KIR mimetic of SOCS3 could be a promising approach for brain repair via regulating the biological behaviors of exogenous NSCs.

Potential effects of commonly applied drugs on neural stem cell proliferation and viability: A hypothesis-generating systematic review and meta-analysis.

Neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation is an emerging and promising approach to combat neurodegenerative diseases. While NSCs can differentiate into neural cell types, many therapeutic effects are mediated by paracrine, “drug-like” mechanisms. Neurodegenerative diseases are predominantly a burden of the elderly who commonly suffer from comorbidities and thus are subject to pharmacotherapies. There is substantial knowledge about drug-drug interactions but almost nothing is known about a potential impact of pharmacotherapy on NSCs. Such knowledge is decisive for designing tailored treatment programs for individual patients. Previous studies revealed preliminary evidence that the anti-depressants fluoxetine and imipramine may affect NSC viability and proliferation. Here, we derive a hypothesis on how commonly applied drugs, statins and antihypertensives, may affect NSC viability, proliferation, and differentiation. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis looking at potential effects of commonly prescribed antihypertensive and antihyperlipidemic medication on NSC function. PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched on according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Publications were assessed against a priori established selection criteria for relevancy. A meta-analysis was then performed on data extracted from publications eligible for full text review to estimate drug effects on NSC functions. Our systematic review identified 1,017 potential studies, 55 of which were eligible for full text review. Out of those, 21 were included in the qualitative synthesis. The meta-analysis was performed on 13 publications; the remainder were excluded as they met exclusion criteria or lacked sufficient data to perform a meta-analysis. The meta-analysis revealed that alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonists, an anti-hypertensive drug class [p < 0.05, 95% confidence intervals (CI) = –1.54; –0.35], and various statins [p < 0.05, 95% CI = –3.17; –0.0694] had an inhibiting effect on NSC proliferation. Moreover, we present preliminary evidence that L-type calcium channel blockers and statins, particularly lovastatin, may reduce NSC viability. Although the data available in the literature is limited, there are clear indications for an impact of commonly applied drugs, in particular statins, on NSC function. Considering the modes of action of the respective drugs, we reveal plausible mechanisms by which this impact may be mediated, creating a testable hypothesis, and providing insights into how future confirmative research on this topic may be conducted.

CNTF induces Clcf1 in astrocytes to promote the differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells

NSCs play an essential role in the regeneration process of the central nervous system. However, due to the influence of the harsh pathological microenvironment, the viability of neural stem cells is limited, and the therapeutic effect needs improvement. Previous studies have found that stem cells overexpressing ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) have apparent therapeutic effects on remyelination, but the specific mechanism of action still needs to be further explored. We found that astrocytes, the most numerous groups in the CNS, exhibited a pathological role in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model, but after stimulation with CNTF-NSCs, a phenotypic switch occurred and induced the neurotrophic factor cardiotrophin-like cytokine 1 (Clcf1) production. Mechanistically, Clcf1 can significantly promote the differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), and the advanced effect can attenuate by the Clcf1 antibody. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the pathway by which CNTF-NSCs exert their therapeutic effects by affecting astrocytes. It is expected to identify a potential therapeutic factor, Clcf1, for the treatment of demyelinating diseases.

Fingolimod Nanoemulsions at Different Particle Sizes Define the Fate of Spinal Cord Injury Recovery.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating condition for which no definitive treatment has yet been identified. Notably, it influences other tissues through inflammatory reactions and metabolic disturbances. Therefore, fingolimod (FTY-720), as an FDA-approved inflammatory modulator, would be promising. In the present study, nanocarriers with two distinct monodisperse particle sizes of 60 (nF60) and 190 (nF190) nm were prepared via low-(stirring) and high-energy (probe ultrasound) emulsion oil in water (O/W) methods. Larger nanocarriers showed higher EE% and sustained-release profile than smaller nanocarriers. Neural stem cell (NSC) viability and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release were studied in the presence of nanocarriers and free FTY-720. The results indicated that nanocarriers and free FTY-720 enhanced NSC viability compared with the control group. However, nF190 induced significantly less cell membrane damage than nF60. Nanocarriers and free FTY-720 enhanced motor neuron recovery in SCI rats, while body weight and return to bladder reflux by nF190 were significantly higher than those in the nF60 group. Return to bladder reflux might be due to the role of FTY-720 in the regulation of detrusor muscle tone and preservation of the integrity of vessels by acting on endothelial cells. Moreover, nF190 gained higher soleus muscle weight than the free drugs; probably decreasing proinflammatory cytokines in the soleus diminishes muscular atrophy in SCI rats. In summary, it might be said that larger nanocarriers with sustained-release profile and less cell membrane damage seem to be more efficient than smaller ones to manage SCI and enhance bladder reflux. These data will help pharmaceutical companies select the correct particle size for nanodrugs and develop more efficient drug formulations to treat SCI.

The effects of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 on adult neural stem cell proliferation, differentiation and survival in an in vitro model of ischemic stroke

The subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricles represents a main region where neural stem cells (NSCs) of the mature central nervous system (CNS) reside. Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) are the largest subclass of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily of ligands. BMP4 is one such member and plays important roles in adult NSC differentiation. However, the exact effects of BMP4 on SVZ adult NSCs in CNS ischemia are still unknown. Using oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) as an in vitro model of ischemia, we examined the behavior of adult NSCs. We observed that anoxia resulted in reduced viability of adult NSCs, and that BMP4 treatment clearly rescued apoptotic cell death following anoxia. Furthermore, BMP4 treatment exhibited a strong inhibitory effect on cellular proliferation of the adult NSCs in normoxic conditions. Moreover, such inhibitory effects of BMP4 treatment were also found in OGD conditions, despite the enhanced cellular proliferation of the adult NSCs that was observed under such ischemic conditions. Increased neuronal and astroglial commitment of adult NSCs were found in the OGD conditions, whereas a reduction in differentiated neurons and an increase in differentiated astrocytes were observed following BMP4 treatment. The present data indicate that BMP4 modulates proliferation and differentiation of SVZ-derived adult NSCs and promotes cell survival in the in vitro model of ischemic stroke.

Tetramethylpyrazine protects neural stem cells against sevoflurane-induced toxicity through Akt/GSK-3β pathway.

Sevoflurane, a commonly used anesthetic, has been found to cause neural stem cell (NSC) injury, thereby contributing to neurocognitive impairment following general anesthesia. Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), one of the most widely used medicinal compounds isolated from a traditional Chinese herb, possess neuroprotective activity. However, its effect on sevoflurane-induced NSC injury remains unclear. NSCs were pretreated with indicated concentrations of TMP for 2h and then exposed to sevoflurane for 6h. Cell injury was measured using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay. Cell viability and proliferation were detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling, respectively. Apoptotic cells were detected using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The levels of cleaved caspase-3, phosphorylated protein kinase B (Akt) and phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) were detected by western blotting. Our results showed exposure to sevoflurane decreased the viability and proliferation of NSCs, while TMP preserved NSC viability and proliferation after sevoflurane exposure. In addition, the expression of cleaved caspase-3 and TUNEL positive cells were markedly decreased in TMP-treated NSCs compared with the control. Furthermore, pretreatment with TMP significantly increased the levels of phosphorylated Akt and GSK-3β in sevoflurane-injured NSCs. However, an upstream inhibitor of Akt, LY294002 abolished the protective of TMP on the cell viability of NSCs. In conclusion, these findings indicate that TMP protects NSCs from sevoflurane-induced toxicity through Akt/GSK-3β pathway.

4,8-dicarboxyl-8,9-iridoid-1-glycoside Promotes Neural Stem Cell Differentiation Through MeCP2.

BackgroundBorojó (Borojoa patinoi Cuatrec) fruit has recently been shown to have a variety of health benefit, but the mechanisms have been little studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 4,8-dicarboxyl-8,9-iridoid-1-glycoside (388) on proliferation and differentiation of embryonic neural stem cells (NSCs).MethodsNSCs were treated with 388 and stem cell differentiation was determined by western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. The role of MeCP2 in 388-mediated embryonic NSCs differentiation was examined.ResultsThe results showed that in the presence of mitogen when NSCs proliferated and maintained their multipotency, treatment with 388 did not affect the viability of NSCs. Following mitogen withdrawal to initiate NSC differentiation, treatment with 388 at the doses of 10 and 50 μg/mL significantly increased neural differentiation in both cortex and spinal cord-derived culture. 388 also significantly up-regulated MeCP2 expression. The expression of the neuronal and oligodendrocytic markers was enhanced after addition of 388 in the differentiation culture. However, knockdown of MeCP2 results in inhibition of NSC differentiation, and the pro-differentiation effect of 388 was mostly abolished.ConclusionsThis study confirmed that 388 stimulates differentiation of NSCs and identifies its mechanism of action by upregulating MeCP2.