Neuroprotective effects of sulforaphane after contusive spinal cord injury

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to oxidative stress, calcium mobilization, glutamate toxicity, the release of proinflammatory factors, and depletion of reduced glutathione (GSH) at the site of injury. Induction of the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway can alleviate neurotoxicity by protecting against GSH depletion, oxidation, intracellular calcium overload, mitochondrial dysfunction, and excitotoxicity. Sulforaphane (SF), an isothiocyanate derived from broccoli, is a potent naturally-occurring inducer of the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway, leading to upregulation of genes encoding cytoprotective proteins such as NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1, and GSH-regulatory enzymes. Additionally, SF can attenuate inflammation by inhibiting the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway, and the enzymatic activity of the proinflammatory cytokine macrophage inhibitory factor (MIF). Our study examined systemic administration of SF in a rat model of contusion SCI, in an effort to utilize its indirect antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to decrease secondary injury. Two doses of SF (10 or 50?mg/kg) were administered at 10?min and 72?h after contusion SCI. SF (50?mg/kg) treatment resulted in both acute and long-term beneficial effects, including upregulation of the phase 2 antioxidant response at the injury site, decreased mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines (i.e., MMP-9) in the injured spinal cord, inactivation of urinary MIF tautomerase activity, enhanced hindlimb locomotor function, and an increased number of serotonergic axons caudal to the lesion site. These findings demonstrate that SF provides neuroprotective effects in the spinal cord after injury, and could be a candidate for therapy of SCI.     

Hepatic autophagy after severe burn in response to endoplasmic reticulum stress

Background

Previous studies showed that liver dysfunction develops soon after severe burn, and this is associated with activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Autophagy is a catabolic process to maintain cellular organelle balance; ER stress is associated with autophagy signaling cascades. We thus sought to determine whether autophagy signals were associated with damage in the liver after burn, and further whether burn-associated ER stress activates autophagy signals in hepatocytes.

Methods

C57BL/6 male mice received a 25% total body surface area full-thickness scald burn, and liver was harvested at 24 h after burn. HepG2 cells were stimulated with an ER stress inducer thapsigargin (TG) for 24 h to mimic ER stress in vitro. Terminal deoxyuridine nick-end labeling staining was performed on histologic sections of liver. Autophagy was assessed by immunoblotting. Statistical analysis was performed using the Student t-test and significance was accepted at P < 0.05.

Results

Terminal deoxyuridine nick-end labeling positive–stained hepatocytes increased in burned animals with a significant elevation of caspase 3 activity (P < 0.05). Hepatic autophagy-related (ATG) protein 3, ATG5 and light chain (LC) 3B elevated significantly in burn animals as well (P < 0.05). Expression of Beclin-1, LC3A, and LC3B increased in HepG2 cells in response to TG, similar to the response seen in vivo. Cytosolic adenosine triphosphate dropped significantly, and adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase (AMPK) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) were phosphorylated as well in response to TG (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

ER stress, which occurs in hepatocytes after severe injury, is associated with autophagy and liver damage after severe burn. In response to ER stress, activated autophagy is associated with adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase and mammalian target target of rapamycin pathway.     

Gender-related differences in recovery of locomotor function after spinal cord injury in mice

STUDY DESIGN: In order to study the role of gender in recovery, we induced a thoracic compression spinal cord injury (SCI) separately in 2-month-old male and female C57Bl/6 mice. OBJECTIVES: We intended to assess effects of gender on recovery of hindlimb motor function and to correlate these with histomorphologic profiles of injured spinal cord tissue. METHODS: Locomotor function was evaluated by three means: a modified locomotor scoring system for rodents, beam walking and computerized activity meter. Histology was analyzed by comparison of hematoxylin and eosin-stained perfused specimens. RESULTS: Locomotor scores were 2.2+/-0.9 on day 1 in male mice, while, in contrast, they were significantly higher, 7.3+/-1.7, in females (P<0.02). On day 14 Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan scores were 9.5+/-2.2 in male mice and 16.0+/-2.2 in females (P<0.03). Terminal histology showed that the spinal cord architecture was relatively better preserved in female mice and that the extent of necrosis and infiltration of inflammatory cells was less compared to males. SETTING: Neurobiology Research Laboratory of University of Kansas Medical School in US Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, Missouri. CONCLUSION: We found that the severity of the initial injury as well as the ultimate recovery of motor function after SCI is significantly influenced by gender, being remarkably better in females. The mechanism(s) of neuroprotection in females, although not yet elucidated, may be associated with the effects of estrogen on pathophysiological processes (blood flow, leukocyte migration inhibition, antioxidant properties, and inhibition of apoptosis). SPONSORSHIP: Medical Research, US Department of Veterans Affairs, the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation and NIH.     

Role of the bcl-2 gene after contusive spinal cord injury in mice

OBJECTIVE: Apoptosis is indicated to have an important role in the secondary injury mechanisms of acute spinal cord injury (SCI). The proto-oncogene bcl-2 has been demonstrated to prevent apoptotic cell death in a wide variety of cell types. This study examined the recovery of behavioral function and histopathological variables after controlled-impact SCI in human bcl-2 transgenic (TG) mice and control mice. METHODS: Six bcl-2 TG mice and five control mice were subjected to controlled-impact SCI of moderate severity at T10, with the use of a pneumatic impact device (0.25-mm-deep deformation; impact velocity, 2 m/s). Functional deficits were evaluated at times up to 28 days after SCI, with assessments of hindlimb reflexes and coordinated motor function. The extents of the lesions were histopathologically analyzed and quantified with morphometric measurements. RESULTS: Both control and bcl-2 TG mice exhibited profound deficits immediately after injury, with subsequent gradual symptomatic recovery. The mean functional scores for the control mice were lower than those for the bcl-2 TG mice, although the Mann-Whitney U test revealed no significant differences. The mean lesion volume for the bcl-2 TG mice (mean +/- standard deviation, 2.9 +/- 1.1 x 10(-2) mm(3)) was significantly lower than that for the control mice (5.1 +/- 0.8 x 10(-2) mm(3); unpaired t test, P = 0.0101). Immunohistological analysis of the spinal cords from the bcl-2 TG mice revealed marked expression of Bcl-2 at the injury site and in adjacent regions. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that overexpression of the bcl-2 gene may play a protective role in neuropathological sequelae after SCI.     

Social and environmental enrichment improves sensory and motor recovery after severe contusive spinal cord injury in the rat

Neuropathic pain and motor dysfunction are difficult problems following spinal cord injury (SCI). Social and environmental enrichment (SEE), which models much of the clinical rehabilitation environment for post-SCI persons, is the focus of the current investigation which examines the effects of multiple-housing and the addition of climbing spaces, improved bedding and crawl toys on the sensory and motor recovery following a severe contusive SCI. Efficacy was determined with sensory testing, open-field motor behavioral testing, lesion volume analysis and quantification of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the lumbar spinal cord with and without SEE provided during the recovery period. Sensory and motor testing were performed weekly for 12 weeks following SCI. SEE significantly and permanently reversed cutaneous allodynia, but not thermal hyperalgesia, to near normal levels. The gross locomotor performance (BBB [Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan] motor scores) significantly improved about two points. In addition, the BBB subscale scores were significantly improved nearly seven points by the end of the study. SEE also significantly improved foot rotation to normal levels and reduced gridwalk footfall errors nearly 50%, but had no effect on stride length or base of support dysfunctions. SEE significantly increased the total volume of a thoracic segment of cord encompassing the injury site at 12 weeks, by reducing cavitation and increasing both the volume of grey and white matter spared, compared to SCI alone. When BDNF levels were examined in the injured lumbar spinal cord, SEE significantly returned BDNF levels to near-normal. These data suggest that immediate use of SEE after contusive SCI is able to improve overall spinal cell survival and prevent much of the sensory and motor dysfunction that accompanies contusive SCI.     

Sildenafil improves epicenter vascular perfusion but not hindlimb functional recovery after contusive spinal cord injury in mice

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important regulator of vasodilation and angiogenesis in the central nervous system (CNS). Signaling initiated by the membrane receptor CD47 antagonizes vasodilation and angiogenesis by inhibiting synthesis of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). We recently found that deletion of CD47 led to significant functional locomotor improvements, enhanced angiogenesis, and increased epicenter microvascular perfusion in mice after moderate contusive spinal cord injury (SCI). We tested the hypothesis that improving NO/cGMP signaling within the spinal cord immediately after injury would increase microvascular perfusion, angiogenesis, and functional recovery, with an acute, 7-day administration of the cGMP phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor sildenafil. PDE5 expression is localized within spinal cord microvascular endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells. While PDE5 antagonism has been shown to increase angiogenesis in a rat embolic stroke model, sildenafil had no significant effect on angiogenesis at 7 days post-injury after murine contusive SCI. Sildenafil treatment increased cGMP concentrations within the spinal cord and improved epicenter microvascular perfusion. Basso Mouse Scale (BMS) and Treadscan analyses revealed that sildenafil treatment had no functional consequence on hindlimb locomotor recovery. These data support the hypothesis that acutely improving microvascular perfusion within the injury epicenter by itself is an insufficient strategy for improving functional deficits following contusive SCI.     

鸡尾酒神经保护剂降低急性脊髓损伤大鼠的内质网应激水平并促进运动功能恢复

[目的]观察鸡尾酒神经保护剂N6对SD大鼠急性脊髓损伤后脊髓组织内质网应激相关蛋白GRP78和CHOP表达量的影响以及运动功能恢复情况,探讨鸡尾酒制剂对损伤脊髓的保护作用机制。[方法]60只雌性SD大鼠被随机分为5组(n=12),假手术组(Sham组)、单纯脊髓损伤组(SCI组)、甲强龙30 mg/kg腹腔给药组(MP-a组)、甲强龙20μl蛛网膜下腔给药组(MP-b)和鸡尾酒神经保护剂20μl蛛网膜下腔给药组(Cocktail组)。采用NYU打击器建立大鼠急性脊髓损伤模型,给药组造模成功后10 min即给予相应药物治疗。各组大鼠于治疗后72 h,提取损伤段脊髓蛋白,用Western-blot方法检测GRP78和CHOP相对表达量,灌注后取损伤段脊髓做CHOP免疫荧光染色。各组剩余大鼠每7d进行后肢运动功能BBB评分,28 d时取损伤段脊髓,Luxol Fast Blue染色后观察髓鞘再生情况。[结果]与SCI组、MP-a和MP-b组相比,Cocktail组GRP78表达水平明显升高(P0.05)、CHOP表达水平明显降低(P0.05),BBB评分在第14、21、28 d有明显升高(P0.05),髓鞘存留面积较大。[结论]采用鸡尾酒神经保护剂N6蛛网膜下腔给药的方法治疗大鼠急性损伤,可有效降低脊髓组织CHOP表达量,抑制内质网应激水平,促进髓鞘再生和运动功能恢复。     

Collateral sprouting as a target for improved function after spinal cord injury

Functional recovery after spinal cord injury might be improved by enhancing the extent of innervation through stimulation of collateral sprouting, which is the growth of a new axon along the shaft of a non-injured axon. This review discusses (1) the spontaneous collateral sprouting of uninjured motor and sensory systems that has been shown after spinal cord injury in animal models, (2) experimental treatment strategies that are being developed to enhance collateral sprouting in motor systems and to reduce sensory sprouting which is associated with autonomic dysreflexia and pain, and (3) cell-surface and intracellular signaling mechanisms that are known to regulate axonal branching. The conclusion is that relatively little is known about collateral sprouting in adult mammals after spinal cord injury but that it may contribute to spontaneous functional motor recovery and causes sensory dysfunction. There is some promising data in rodents that collateral sprouting can be modulated for improved function, but the applicability to primates and relevance to human spinal cord injury remains to be determined.     

Augmented locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury in the athymic nude rat

The immune response contributes to ongoing secondary tissue destruction following spinal cord injury (SCI). Although infiltrating neutrophils and monocytes have been well studied in this process, T-cells have received less attention. The objective of this study was to assess locomotor recovery and tissue morphology after SCI in athymic (nude) rats, in which T-cell numbers are reduced. Results in athymic rats were compared with heterozygote littermates with normal T-cell profiles and with Sprague-Dawley rats from previous studies in our lab. Following transection of rat spinal cords at T10, we assessed the animals' locomotor recovery on a weekly basis for up to 11 weeks, using the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan locomotor rating scale. Nude rats showed better locomotor recovery than did heterozygote or Sprague-Dawley rats, achieving scores of 5.6 +/- 0.8 versus 1.0 +/- 0.0, respectively (p = 0.002), at 4 weeks postinjury. The improved recovery of nude rats persisted for the 11-week postinjury assessment period, and was consistent with improved spinal reflexes rather than with recovery of descending motor pathways. Anatomical evaluation at 11 weeks indicated no difference in nude versus heterozygote rats in the size or distribution of cavities caudal to the transection site, but secondary damage was more severe rostral to the transection site in heterozygote rats. In neither group did cavities extend beyond 4 mm caudal to the transection site, and were therefore not directly responsible for the functional differences between the two groups. Cellular expression of the microglia/macrophage antigen ectodysplasin A (ED1) was reduced in nude rats as compared to heterozygotes, but no difference was observed in expression levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine, the 200-kDa neurofilament, or glial fibrillary acidic protein. The findings of the study show that a reduction in T-cell numbers significantly improves locomotor recovery after spinal cord transection, indicating a deleterious role for these immune cells in neural repair after trauma.     

Intermittent fasting in mice does not improve hindlimb motor performance after spinal cord injury

Previously, we reported that every-other-day-fasting (EODF) in Sprague-Dawley rats initiated after cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) effectively promoted functional recovery, reduced lesion size, and enhanced sprouting of the corticospinal tract. More recently, we also showed improved behavioral recovery with EODF after a moderate thoracic contusion injury in rats. In order to make use of transgenic mouse models to study molecular mechanisms of EODF, we tested here whether this intermittent fasting regimen was also beneficial in mice after SCI. Starting after SCI, C57BL/6 mice were fed a standard rodent chow diet either with unrestricted access or feeding every other day. Over a 14-week post-injury period, we assessed hindlimb locomotor function with the Basso Mouse Scale (BMS) open-field test and horizontal ladder, and the spinal cords were evaluated histologically to measure white and grey matter sparing. EODF resulted in an overall caloric restriction of 20% compared to animals fed ad libitum (AL). The EODF-treated animals exhibited a ～ 14% reduction in body weight compared to AL mice, and never recovered to their pre-operative body weight. In contrast to rats on an intermittent fasting regimen, mice exhibited no increase in blood ketone bodies by the end of the second, third, and fourth day of fasting. EODF had no beneficial effect on tissue sparing and failed to improve behavioral recovery of hindlimb function. Hence this observation stands in stark contrast to our earlier observations in Sprague-Dawley rats. This is likely due to the difference in the metabolic response to intermittent fasting as evidenced by different ketone levels during the first week of the EODF regimen.     

Effects of enriched housing on functional recovery after spinal cord contusive injury in the adult rat

To date, most research performed in the area of spinal cord injury focuses on treatments designed to either prevent spreading lesion (secondary injury) or to enhance outgrowth of long descending and ascending fiber tracts around or through the lesion. In the last decade, however, several authors have shown that it is possible to enhance locomotor function after spinal cord injury in both animals and patients using specific training paradigms. As a first step towards combining such training paradigms with pharmacotherapy, we evaluated recovery of function in adult rats sustaining a spinal cord contusion injury (MASCIS device, 12.5 mm at T8), either housed in an enriched environment or in standard cages (n = 15 in both groups). The animals in the enriched environment were stimulated to increase their locomotor activity by placing water and food on opposite sides of the cage. As extra stimuli, a running wheel and several other objects were added to the cage. We show that exposure to the enriched environment improves gross and fine locomotor recovery as measured by the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale, the BBB subscale, the Gridwalk, and the Thoracolumbar height test. However, no group differences were found on our electrophysiological parameters nor on the amount of spared white matter. These data justify further studies on enriched housing and more controlled exercise training, with their use as potential additive to pharmacological intervention.     

Beta2-adrenoreceptor agonist-enhanced recovery of locomotor function after spinal cord injury is glutathione dependent

The beta2-adrenoreceptor agonist, clenbuterol, has been shown to spare spinal cord tissue and enhance locomotor recovery in an experimental model of spinal cord contusion injury. A likely mechanism of neurodegeneration following spinal cord injury involves generation of toxic levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), e.g., O2-*, H2O2 and OH*, which overwhelm endogenous antioxidants. Agents, such as clenbuterol, that oppose neurodegeneration and improve recovery of locomotor function may possibly act by improving redox status. Consistent with reduced oxidative stress by beta2-agonist treatment following injury, prior blockade of synthesis of the antioxidant tripeptide, glutathione, with buthionine sulfoximine completely inhibited the ability of clenbuterol to enhance locomotor recovery and spare spinal cord tissue. Moreover, at 8 h postinjury, clenbuterol caused an increase in glutathione reductase activity, an indicator of cellular redox status, at the injury site that was also blocked by buthionine sulfoximine. Although clenbuterol improved locomotor recovery only when administered within a therapeutic window of several days postinjury, the accumulation of protein carbonyls in the spinal cord at 1 week postinjury, a consequence of ongoing ROS-mediated neurodegeneration, was also decreased by clenbuterol in a glutathione-dependent manner. Together, these results suggest that activation of beta2-adrenoreceptors during the acute phase of injury stimulates glutathione-dependent antioxidative processes, that lead to reduced oxidative damage and greater locomotor function as the injury evolves during the subacute and chronic phases.     

内质网应激反应在严重烧伤大鼠心肌细胞凋亡中的作用

目的内质网应激反应(endoplasmic reticulum stress,ERS)介导的凋亡是真核细胞重要凋亡途径之一,通过观察严重烧伤大鼠心肌ERS不同通路蛋白表达变化,探讨其在心肌细胞凋亡中的可能作用。方法雄性7周龄Wistar大鼠64只,体重200～220 g;随机分为两组,每组32只。实验组大鼠背部制备30%体表面积Ⅲ度烫伤;对照组制备假伤模型。伤后1、4、7、14 d两组各处死8只大鼠取心肌组织,透射电镜观察心肌超微结构变化,TUNEL法检测心肌细胞凋亡,Western blot检测ERS相关蛋白,如葡萄糖调节蛋白78(glucose regulated protein 78,GRP 78)、C/EBP同源蛋白(C/EBP-homologous protein,CHOP)、半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白酶12(Caspase 12)剪切体表达变化。结果大鼠均存活至实验结束。透射电镜观察示实验组大鼠心肌细胞呈凋亡改变。伤后各时间点实验组心肌细胞凋亡指数均明显高于对照组(P<0.05),伤后1、4、7 d凋亡指数逐渐升高,14 d时下降,各时间点间比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。实验组心肌细胞GRP78、CHOP及Caspase 12剪切体蛋白表达持续升高,其中各时间点GRP 78及Caspase 12剪切体表达均较对照组显著升高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);除伤后1 d外,其余各时间点实验组CHOP蛋白表达均较对照组升高(P<0.05)。结论严重烧伤后大鼠心肌发生ERS,其中CHOP、Caspase 12介导的凋亡通路活化,ERS可能是心肌细胞凋亡的途径之一。     

Anesthetic preconditioning with sevoflurane does not protect the spinal cord after an ischemic-reperfusion injury in the rat

Anesthetic preconditioning (APC) is a protective mechanism, whereby exposure to a volatile anesthetic renders a tissue resistant to a subsequent ischemic insult. We hypothesized that APC of the rat spinal cord with sevoflurane would reduce neurologic deficit after an ischemic-reperfusion injury. Rats were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 groups. The ischemic preconditioning (IPC) group (n = 14) had 3 min of IPC, 30 min of reperfusion, and 12 min of ischemia. The chronic APC (cSEVO) group (n = 14) had 1 h of APC with 3.5% sevoflurane on each of 2 days before ischemia. The acute APC (aSEVO) group (n = 14) had 1 h of APC with 3.5% sevoflurane followed by a 1-h washout period before the induction of ischemia. The controls (n = 14) underwent no preconditioning before ischemia. IPC attenuated the ischemia-reperfusion injury, whereas aSEVO and cSEVO groups were no better than control animals. Histologic evaluation of the spinal cord showed severe neurologic damage in all groups except for the IPC group and sham-operated rats. APC with sevoflurane did not reduce neurologic injury in a rat model of spinal cord ischemia. Traditional ischemic preconditioning had a strong protective benefit on neurologic outcome.     

大鼠急性脊髓损伤后内质网应激相关蛋白CHOP的表达及其意义

目的:探讨内质网应激相关蛋白CHOP在急性脊髓损伤中的表达及其意义.方法:48只健康SD大鼠随机分为实验组与对照组(每组24只),实验组采用Allen法制作急性脊髓损伤模型,对照组只切开椎板不损伤脊髓.分别十伤后3h、1d、3d、7d时(每个时间点6只)应用改良Tarlov评分法评价其神经功能;然后处死动物,取受损节段脊髓行HE染色及免疫组化染色,观察形态学变化和CHOP在脊髓组织中的分布特点;并应用TUNEL方法检测神经细胞凋亡情况.其量的评定借助于IPP(Image-Pro Plus 6.0)软件,结果分别用累积光密度(integrated optical density,IOD)及平均光密度(mean density)表示.结果:对照组大鼠均末见明显瘫痪,实验组出现不同程度的下肢功能障碍,对照组各时间点的Tadov评分均高于实验组(P<0.01).对照组各时间点未见明显坏死细胞和细胞凋亡,实验组出现不同程度的细胞坏死和凋亡.实验组CHOP表达各时间点均明显高于对照组(P<0.01),实验组内CHOP表达1d增加,3d达到高峰,7d减少.实验组内细胞凋亡1d时增加,3d达到高峰,7d减少,且3h<1d<3d>7d(P<0.01).CHOP表达与细胞凋亡在时间上具有一致性,相关系数为0.644.结论:急性脊髓损伤能够诱导CHOP表达,CHOP表达的增高可能与内质网应激诱导的神经细胞凋亡有关.     

Leukemia inhibitory factor promotes recovery of locomotor function following spinal cord injury in the mouse

We describe an easy, minimal, rapid, and reproducible model of mouse spinal cord injury (SCI) that results in permanent paralysis involving one hind limb. We used this model to evaluate whether the paralysis can be prevented using two known neuroprotective drugs, namely leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and minocycline (MIN). Mice in the control vehicle (VEH) and MIN groups with SCI had negligible recovery of locomotor behavior. In contrast, the LIF groups showed a statistically significant improvement in locomotor behavior. Maximal recovery was observed when LIF was administered 2, 8, and 24 h after lesion, while no significant recovery was observed when LIF treatment commenced 1 week after the lesion. Unbiased stereological estimates revealed significantly higher numbers of myelinated axons below the lesion in the maximal recovery LIF groups. We conclude that LIF may be a useful treatment for recovery from paralysis after SCI.     

Synergistic effects of galectin-1 and reactive astrocytes on functional recovery after contusive spinal cord injury

Introduction  

Galectin-1 (Gal-1), a carbohydrate-binding protein, is differentially expressed by various normal and pathological tissues and appears to be functionally polyvalent. Recent evidence indicates that Gal-1 is involved in the proliferation of adult neural progenitor cells in neurogenic regions during adulthood. However, localization and functional roles of Gal-1 in the adult spinal cord have not been clarified.