神经营养因子3 壳聚糖支架诱导成年大鼠脑损伤后海马神经网络的形成

目的观察神经营养因子3(NT-3)壳聚糖支架诱导神经突触形成,修复成年大鼠创伤性脑损伤。方法60 只成年雄性Wistar 大鼠平均分为单纯损伤组、单纯壳聚糖支架组和NT-3 壳聚糖支架组,分别于术后3 d、7 d、14 d、28 d 和60 d,通过免疫组织化学方法检测损伤区神经再生。术后30 d 和60 d 应用神经示踪方法与免疫电镜技术观察损伤区内再生的神经突触。结果NT-3壳聚糖支架组海马损伤区内nestin+、微管蛋白β-tubulin-Ⅲ+、微管相关蛋白2 (MAP2)+神经细胞较单纯壳聚糖支架组和单纯损伤组明显增加(P<0.01)。NT-3 壳聚糖支架组在海马损伤区内观察到5-溴脱氧尿嘧啶(BrdU)/MAP2+双阳性新生神经元,并形成突触联系。结论NT-3 壳聚糖支架可激活脑损伤区神经前体细胞增殖,分化为成熟神经元并形成神经突触,参与脑神经网络的重建。     

Combinatorial tissue engineering partially restores function after spinal cord injury

Hydrogel scaffolds provide a beneficial microenvironment in transected rat spinal cord. A combinatorial biomaterials‐based strategy provided a microenvironment that facilitated regeneration while reducing foreign body reaction to the three‐dimensional spinal cord construct. We used poly lactic‐co‐glycolic acid microspheres to provide sustained release of rapamycin from Schwann cell (SC)‐loaded, positively charged oligo‐polyethylene glycol fumarate scaffolds. The biological activity and dose‐release characteristics of rapamycin from microspheres alone and from microspheres embedded in the scaffold were determined in vitro. Three dose formulations of rapamycin were compared with controls in 53 rats. We observed a dose‐dependent reduction in the fibrotic reaction to the scaffold and improved functional recovery over 6 weeks. Recovery was replicated in a second cohort of 28 animals that included retransection injury. Immunohistochemical and stereological analysis demonstrated that blood vessel number, surface area, vessel diameter, basement membrane collagen, and microvessel phenotype within the regenerated tissue was dependent on the presence of SCs and rapamycin. TRITC‐dextran injection demonstrated enhanced perfusion into scaffold channels. Rapamycin also increased the number of descending regenerated axons, as assessed by Fast Blue retrograde axonal tracing. These results demonstrate that normalization of the neovasculature was associated with enhanced axonal regeneration and improved function after spinal cord transection.     

A role for apolipoprotein E, apolipoprotein A-I, and low density lipoprotein receptors in cholesterol transport during regeneration and remyelination of the rat sciatic nerve.

Recent work has demonstrated that apo E secretion and accumulation increase in the regenerating peripheral nerve. The fact that apoE, in conjunction with apoA-I and LDL receptors, participates in a well-established lipid transfer system raised the possibility that apoE is also involved in lipid transport in the injured nerve. In the present study of the crushed rat sciatic nerve, a combination of techniques was used to trace the cellular associations of apoE, apoA-I, and the LDL receptor during nerve repair and to determine the distribution of lipid at each stage. After a crush injury, as axons died and Schwann cells reabsorbed myelin, resident and monocyte-derived macrophages produced large quantities of apoE distal to the injury site. As axons regenerated in the first week, their tips contained a high concentration of LDL receptors. After axon regeneration, apoE and apoA-I began to accumulate distal to the injury site and macrophages became increasingly cholesterol-loaded. As remyelination began in the second and third weeks after injury, Schwann cells exhausted their cholesterol stores, then displayed increased LDL receptors. Depletion of macrophage cholesterol stores followed over the next several weeks. During this stage of regeneration, apoE and apoA-I were present in the extracellular matrix as components of cholesterol-rich lipoproteins. Our results demonstrate that the regenerating peripheral nerve possesses the components of a cholesterol transfer mechanism, and the sequence of events suggests that this mechanism supplies the cholesterol required for rapid membrane biogenesis during axon regeneration and remyelination.     

Effect of controlled delivery of neurotrophin-3 from fibrin on spinal cord injury in a long term model.

The goal of this work was to assess the effect of the controlled delivery of neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) from an affinity-based delivery system in fibrin scaffolds on regeneration following spinal cord injury (SCI). A heparin-based delivery system (HBDS) was used to immobilize NT-3 within fibrin scaffolds via non-covalent interactions. The fibrin scaffolds were implanted in lesions immediately after injury in an adult rat model of SCI (complete ablation of a 2 mm segment of the cord at T9). Delivery of NT-3 was controlled by an affinity-based delivery system that limits drug loss by diffusion and releases the drug via cell-mediated processes. Twelve weeks after injury and treatment, animals treated with fibrin scaffolds and NT-3, with or without the delivery system, did not show functional improvement over saline controls. Substantial cavitation at edges of the lesion was present, and while neuronal fibers were present inside the lesion, traced corticospinal and dorsal sensory tracts did not regenerate into the lesion. Therefore, while previous studies indicate that the controlled delivery of NT-3 from fibrin scaffolds may increase the short term regenerative response, the continued degeneration of the cord, indicative of the severity of the injury, limits the long term regeneration stimulated by this treatment. Chronic or repeated treatments or a less severe injury model may prove useful in assessing the utility of controlled delivery systems for the treatment of spinal cord injury.     

The incorporation of growth factor and chondroitinase ABC into an electrospun scaffold to promote axon regrowth following spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury results in tissue necrosis in and around the lesion site, commonly leading to the formation of a fluid‐filled cyst. This pathological end point represents a physical gap that impedes axonal regeneration. To overcome the obstacle of the cavity, we have explored the extent to which axonal substrates can be bioengineered through electrospinning, a process that uses an electrical field to produce fine fibres of synthetic or biological molecules. Recently, we demonstrated the potential of electrospinning to generate an aligned matrix that can influence the directionality and growth of axons. Here, we show that this matrix can be supplemented with nerve growth factor and chondroitinase ABC to provide trophic support and neutralize glial‐derived inhibitory proteins. Moreover, we show how air‐gap electrospinning can be used to generate a cylindrical matrix that matches the shape of the cord. Upon implantation in a completely transected rat spinal cord, matrices supplemented with NGF and chondroitinase ABC promote significant functional recovery. An examination of these matrices post‐implantation shows that electrospun aligned monofilaments induce a more robust cellular infiltration than unaligned monofilaments. Further, a vascular network is generated in these matrices, with some endothelial cells using the electrospun fibres as a growth substrate. The presence of axons within these implanted matrices demonstrates that they facilitate axon regeneration following spinal cord injury. Collectively, these results demonstrate the potential of electrospinning to generate an aligned substrate that can provide trophic support, directional guidance cues and regeneration‐inhibitory neutralizing compounds to regenerating axons following spinal cord injury. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

GDNF Schwann cells in hydrogel scaffolds promote regional axon regeneration,remyelination and functional improvement after spinal cord transection in rats

Positively‐charged oligo[poly(ethylene glycol)fumarate] (OPF⁺) is a biodegradable hydrogel used for spinal cord injury repair. We compared scaffolds containing primary Schwann cells (SCs) to scaffolds delivering SCs genetically modified to secrete high concentrations of glial cell‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). Multichannel OPF⁺ scaffolds loaded with SCs or GDNF‐SCs were implanted into transected rat spinal cords for 4 weeks. GDNF‐SCs promoted regeneration of more axons into OPF⁺ scaffolds (2773.0 ± 396.0) than primary SC OPF⁺ scaffolds (1666.0 ± 352.2) (p = 0.0491). This increase was most significant in central and ventral‐midline channels of the scaffold. Axonal remyelination was quantitated by stereologic analysis. Increased myelination of regenerating axons was observed in the GDNF‐SC group. Myelinating cell and axon complexes were formed by host SCs and not by implanted cells or host oligodendrocytes. Fast Blue retrograde tracing studies determined the rostral‐caudal directionality of axonal growth. The number of neurons that projected axons rostrally through the GDNF‐SC scaffolds was higher (7929 ± 1670) than in animals with SC OPF⁺ scaffolds (1069 ± 241.5) (p < 0.0001). The majority of ascending axons were derived from neurons located more than 15 mm from the scaffold‐cord interface, and were identified to be lumbosacral intraspinal motor neurons. Transected animals with GDNF‐SC OPF⁺ scaffolds partially recovered locomotor function at weeks 3 and 4 following surgery. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Local delivery of FTY720 and NSCs on electrospun PLGA scaffolds improves functional recovery after spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a common issue in the clinic that causes severe motor and sensory dysfunction below the lesion level. FTY720, also known as fingolimod, has recently been reported to exert a positive effect on the recovery from a spinal cord injury. Through local delivery to the lesion site, FTY720 effectively integrates with biomaterials, and the systemic adverse effects are alleviated. However, the effects of the proper mass ratio of FTY720 in biomaterials on neural stem cell (NSC) proliferation and differentiation, as well as functional recovery after SCI, have not been thoroughly investigated. In our study, we fabricated electrospun poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA)/FTY720 scaffolds at different mass ratios (0.1%, 1%, and 10%) and characterized these scaffolds. The effects of electrospun PLGA/FTY720 scaffolds on NSC proliferation and differentiation were measured. Then, a rat model of spinal transection was established to investigate the effects of PLGA/FTY720 scaffolds loaded with NSCs. Notably, 1% PLGA/FTY720 scaffolds exerted the best effects on the proliferation and differentiation of NSCs and 10% PLGA/FTY720 was cytotoxic to NSCs. Based on the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) score, HE staining and immunofluorescence staining, the PLGA/FTY720 scaffold loaded with NSCs effectively promoted the recovery of spinal cord function. Thus, FTY720 properly integrated with electrospun PLGA scaffolds, and electrospun PLGA/FTY720 scaffolds loaded with NSCs may have potential applications for SCI as a nerve implant.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a common issue in the clinic that causes severe motor and sensory dysfunction below the lesion level.     

胎脑移植治疗脑外伤瘫痪

目的：探讨胎脑移植对脑外伤瘫痪的效果。方法：以机械性脑外伤瘫痪模型鼠观察伤后２周行胎脑移植鼠术后病理学及脑电功率谱变化,并与无移植外伤及正常鼠比较。９例脑外伤后遗瘫痪患者接受同种异体胎脑移植,并与４例按常规治疗的类似病人对照。结果：随访观察显示移植病人肢体瘫痪均有不同程度恢复,头颅ＣＴ及脑电功率谱亦明显改善。结论：实验和临床结果均提示胎脑移植对脑外伤后遗瘫痪有一定疗效。     

骨髓基质细胞移植促进脊髓全横断损伤区神经元轴突的再生变化

背景:近年来,部分学者证明骨髓基质细胞移植可促进轴突再生,改善脊髓损伤引起的运动功能障碍,但目前关于移植骨髓基质细胞如何促进轴突再生,移植细胞与再生轴突的关系尚不清楚.目的:通过免疫荧光组织化学和免疫电镜的方法,探讨移植骨髓基质细胞促进脊髓全横断损伤区轴突再生的机制.设计、时间及地点:随机对照动物实验,细胞学体内观察,于2006-03/2007-06在新加坡国立大学解剖系完成.材料:清洁级Wistar新生大鼠1只,用于骨髓基质细胞培养.清洁级成年雌性Wistar大鼠36只,无菌条件下显露、切断脊髓T_(10),制备脊髓全横断损伤模型.方法:通过传代法培养、纯化骨髓基质细胞.36只成年Wistar雌性大鼠随机投币法分为移植组和对照组,每组18只.移植组大鼠脊髓全横断损伤9 d后以1×10~(11)L~(-1)的密度移植骨髓基质细胞,缺损区5μL,损伤区上、下1 mm处各2.5 μL,对照组动物在相同部位注射等量DMEM完全培养基,注射速度1 μL/min.主要观察指标:①移植骨髓基质细胞存活、分化情况.②轴突再生情况.③移植组和对照组宿主自身的nestin、NF200、GFAP和CNP阳性细胞在脊髓损伤区存活情况.④内源性CNP阳性细胞和再生纤维关系.结果:骨髓基质细胞移植2周时,脊髓损伤区可见大量CFDA-SE标记的移植细胞,随时间延长,存活的移植细胞数目逐渐降低,考虑脊髓损伤区内大量的0×42阳性吞噬细胞,激活小胶质细胞及空洞可能影响移植细胞的存活.虽然骨髓基质细胞数目逐渐降低,骨髓基质细胞移植可促进损伤区轴突的再生,而且还可促进宿主自身的nestin、NF200、GFAP和CNP阳性细胞在脊髓损伤区存活.宿主自身CNP和许旺细胞促进损伤轴突的再生和髓鞘形成.结论:移植骨髓基质细胞移植可促进宿主自身CNP和许旺细胞在脊髓损伤区存活,后者具有促进损伤轴突再生和髓鞘形成的作用.     

Delivery of neurotrophin-3 from fibrin enhances neuronal fiber sprouting after spinal cord injury.

Neurotrophins have been shown to promote axonal growth and regeneration after spinal cord injury. The therapeutic utility of neurotrophins may be enhanced by using a controlled delivery system to increase the duration of neurotrophin availability following injury. Such a delivery system can be incorporated into a bioactive scaffold to serve as a physical bridge for regeneration. This study assessed the effect of controlled delivery of neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) from fibrin scaffolds implanted in spinal cord lesions immediately following 2-mm ablation injury in adult rats. Nine days after injury, fibrin scaffolds containing the delivery system and NT-3 (1000 ng/mL) elicited more robust neuronal fiber growth into the lesion than did control scaffolds or saline (1.5- to 3-fold increase). Implantation of fibrin scaffolds resulted in a dramatic reduction of glial scar formation at the white matter border of the lesion. Hindlimb motor function of treated animals did not improve relative to controls at 12 weeks post-injury. Thus, controlled delivery of NT-3 from fibrin scaffolds enhanced the initial regenerative response by increasing neuronal fiber sprouting and cell migration into the lesion, while functional motor recovery was not observed in this model.     

Methacrylate‐endcapped caprolactone and FM19G11 provide a proper niche for spinal cord‐derived neural cells

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a cause of paralysis. Although some strategies have been proposed to palliate the severity of this condition, so far no effective therapies have been found to reverse it. Recently, we have shown that acute transplantation of ependymal stem/progenitor cells (epSPCs), which are spinal cord‐derived neural precursors, rescue lost neurological function after SCI in rodents. However, in a chronic scenario with axon repulsive reactive scar, cell transplantation alone is not sufficient to bridge a spinal cord lesion, therefore a combinatorial approach is necessary to fill cavities in the damaged tissue with biomaterial that supports stem cells and ensures that better neural integration and survival occur. Caprolactone 2‐(methacryloyloxy) ethyl ester (CLMA) is a monomer [obtained as a result of ε‐caprolactone and 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) ring opening/esterification reaction], which can be processed to obtain a porous non‐toxic 3D scaffold that shows good biocompatibility with epSPC cultures. epSPCs adhere to the scaffolds and maintain the ability to expand the culture through the biomaterial. However, a significant reduction of cell viability of epSPCs after 6 days in vitro was detected. FM19G11, which has been shown to enhance self‐renewal properties, rescues cell viability at 6 days. Moreover, addition of FM19G11 enhances the survival rates of mature neurons from the dorsal root ganglia when cultured with epSPCs on 3D CLMA scaffolds. Overall, CLMA porous scaffolds constitute a good niche to support neural cells for cell transplantation approaches that, in combination with FM19G11, offer a new framework for further trials in spinal cord regeneration. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Transplantation of human bone marrow‐derived clonal mesenchymal stem cells reduces fibrotic scar formation in a rat spinal cord injury model

This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect on tissue repair and scar formation of human bone marrow‐derived clonal mesenchymal stem cells (hcMSCs) homogeneously isolated by using a subfractionation culturing method, in comparison with the non‐clonal MSCs (hMSCs), in a rat spinal cord injury (SCI) model. The SCI was made using a vascular clip at the T9 level. Cells were transplanted into the lesion site 3 days after injury. A functional test was performed over 4 weeks employing a BBB score. Rats were killed for histological analysis at 3 days, 1 week and 4 weeks after injury. The transplantation of hMSCs and hcMSCs significantly reduced lesion size and the fluid‐filled cavity at 4 weeks in comparison with the control group injected with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) (p < 0.01). Transplantation of hcMSCs showed more axons reserved than that of hMSCs in the lesion epicentre filled with non‐neuronal tissues. In addition, hMSCs and hcMSCs clearly reduced the inflammatory reaction and intraparenchymal hemorrhaging, compared with the PBS group. Interestingly, hcMSCs largely decreased Col IV expression, one of the markers of fibrotic scars. hcMSCs yielded therapeutic effects more than equal to those of hMSCs on the SCI. Both hMSCs and hcMSCs created an increase in axon regeneration and reduced scar formation around the SCI lesion. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Nanofibrous gelatine scaffolds integrated with nerve growth factor‐loaded alginate microspheres for brain tissue engineering

Neural regeneration research is designed in part to develop strategies for therapy after nerve damage due to injury or disease. In this study, a new gelatine‐based biomimetic scaffold was fabricated for brain tissue engineering applications. A technique combining thermally induced phase separation and porogen leaching was used to create interconnected macropores and nanofibrous structure. To promote tissue regeneration processes, the scaffolds were integrated with nerve growth factor (NGF)‐loaded alginate microspheres. The results showed that nanofibrous matrix could only be obtained when gelatine concentration was at least 7.5% (w/v). The scaffold with a modulus value (1.2 kPa) similar to that of brain tissue (0.5–1 kPa) was obtained by optimizing the heat treatment time, macropore size and gelatine concentration. The encapsulation efficiencies of NGF into 0.1% and 1% alginate microspheres were 85% and 100%, respectively. The release rate of NGF from the microspheres was controlled by the alginate concentration and the poly(L‐lysine) coating. The immobilization of the microspheres in the scaffold reduced burst release and significantly extended the release period. The nanofibrous architecture and controlled release of NGF from the microspheres induced neurite extension of PC12 cells, demonstrating that the released NGF was in an active form. The results suggest that the scaffolds prepared in this study may have potential applications in brain tissue engineering due to topologic and mechanical properties similar to brain tissue and pore structure suitable for cell growth and differentiation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Alpha‐Adrenoceptor Modulation in Central Nervous System Trauma: Pain,Spasms, and Paralysis – An Unlucky Triad

Many researchers have attempted to pharmacologically modulate the adrenergic system to control locomotion, pain, and spasms after central nervous system (CNS) trauma, although such efforts have led to conflicting results. Despite this, multiple studies highlight that α‐adrenoceptors (α‐ARs) are promising therapeutic targets because in the CNS, they are involved in reactivity to stressors and regulation of locomotion, pain, and spasms. These functions can be activated by direct modulation of these receptors on neuronal networks in the brain and the spinal cord. In addition, these multifunctional receptors are also broadly expressed on immune cells. This suggests that they might play a key role in modulating immunological responses, which may be crucial in treating spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury as both diseases are characterized by a strong inflammatory component. Reducing the proinflammatory response will create a more permissive environment for axon regeneration and may support neuromodulation in combination therapies. However, pharmacological interventions are hindered by adrenergic system complexity and the even more complicated anatomical and physiological changes in the CNS after trauma. This review is the first concise overview of the pros and cons of α‐AR modulation in the context of CNS trauma.     

Stem cell‐based cellular replacement strategies following traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Given the limited capacity of the central nervous system for self‐repair, the use of stem cells holds an enormous potential in cell replacement therapy following traumatic brain injury and has thus received a great deal of scientific and public interest in recent years. During the past decade, several stem/progenitor cell types and lines from various sources such as embryonic rodent and human stem cells, immortalized progenitor cells, bone marrow derived cells or even post‐mitotic neurons derived from human teratocarcinoma cells have been assessed for their potential to improve neurofunctional and behavioural outcome after transplantation into the experimentally injured brain. A number of studies indicate that cells engrafted into the injured brain can survive and, at least in part, may reverse behavioural dysfunction and histomorphological damage. Although these results emphasized their potential therapeutic role in traumatic brain injury, the detailed mechansim on how stem cells generate their mode of action, e.g. via integration into surviving neuronal circuits, local trophic support, or modification of the local mircoenvironment to enhance endogenous regeneration and potection remain yet to be identified. A review on current pre‐clinical knowledge with respect to cellular replacement into the experimentally injured brain is presented.     

Strategies for neurotrophin‐3 and chondroitinase ABC release from freeze‐cast chitosan–alginate nerve‐guidance scaffolds

Freeze casting, or controlled unidirectional solidification, can be used to fabricate chitosan–alginate (C–A) scaffolds with highly aligned porosity that are suitable for use as nerve‐guidance channels. To augment the guidance of growth across a spinal cord injury lesion, these scaffolds are now evaluated in vitro to assess their ability to release neurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3) and chondroitinase ABC (chABC) in a controlled manner. Protein‐loaded microcapsules were incorporated into C–A scaffolds prior to freeze casting without affecting the original scaffold architecture. In vitro protein release was not significantly different when comparing protein loaded directly into the scaffolds with release from scaffolds containing incorporated microcapsules. NT‐3 was released from the C–A scaffolds for 8 weeks in vitro, while chABC was released for up to 7 weeks. Low total percentages of protein released from the scaffolds over this time period were attributed to limitation of diffusion by the interpenetrating polymer network matrix of the scaffold walls. NT‐3 and chABC released from the scaffolds retained bioactivity, as determined by a neurite outgrowth assay, and the promotion of neurite growth across an inhibitory barrier of chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans. This demonstrates the potential of these multifunctional scaffolds for enhancing axonal regeneration through growth‐inhibiting glial scars via the sustained release of chABC and NT‐3. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Optimization of photocrosslinked gelatin/hyaluronic acid hybrid scaffold for the repair of cartilage defect

There is no therapy currently available for fully repairing articular cartilage lesions. Our laboratory has recently developed a visible light‐activatable methacrylated gelatin (mGL) hydrogel, with the potential for cartilage regeneration. In this study, we further optimized mGL scaffolds by supplementing methacrylated hyaluronic acid (mHA), which has been shown to stimulate chondrogenesis via activation of critical cellular signalling pathways. We hypothesized that the introduction of an optimal ratio of mHA would enhance the biological properties of mGL scaffolds and augment chondrogenesis of human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs). To test this hypothesis, hybrid scaffolds consisting of mGL and mHA at different weight ratios were fabricated with hBMSCs encapsulated at 20 × 10⁶ cells/ml and maintained in a chondrogenesis‐promoting medium. The chondrogenenic differentiation of hBMSCs, within different scaffolds, was estimated after 8 weeks of culture. Our results showed that mGL/mHA at a 9:1 (%, w/v) ratio resulted in the lowest hBMSC hypertrophy and highest glycosaminoglycan production, with a slightly increased volume of the entire construct. The applicability of this optimally designed mGL/mHA hybrid scaffold for cartilage repair was then examined in vivo. A full‐thickness cylindrical osteochondral defect was surgically created in the rabbit femoral condyle, and a three‐dimensional cell–biomaterial construct was fabricated by in situ photocrosslinking to fully fill the lesion site. The results showed that implantation of the mGL/mHA (9:1) construct resulted in both cartilage and subchondral bone regeneration after 12 weeks, supporting its use as a promising scaffold for repair and resurfacing of articular cartilage defects, in the clinical setting.     

Mesenchymal progenitor cells derived from traumatized muscle enhance neurite growth

The success of peripheral nerve regeneration is governed by the rate and quality of axon bridging and myelination that occurs across the damaged region. Neurite growth and the migration of Schwann cells is regulated by neurotrophic factors produced as the nerve regenerates, and these processes can be enhanced by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which also produce neurotrophic factors and other factors that improve functional tissue regeneration. Our laboratory has recently identified a population of mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs) that can be harvested from traumatized muscle tissue debrided and collected during orthopaedic reconstructive surgery. The objective of this study was to determine whether the traumatized muscle‐derived MPCs exhibit neurotrophic function equivalent to that of bone marrow‐derived MSCs. Similar gene‐ and protein‐level expression of specific neurotrophic factors was observed for both cell types, and we localized neurogenic intracellular cell markers (brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and nestin) to a subpopulation of both MPCs and MSCs. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the MPC‐secreted factors were sufficient to enhance in vitro axon growth and cell migration in a chick embryonic dorsal root ganglia (DRG) model. Finally, DRGs in co‐culture with the MPCs appeared to increase their neurotrophic function via soluble factor communication. Our findings suggest that the neurotrophic function of traumatized muscle‐derived MPCs is substantially equivalent to that of the well‐characterized population of bone marrow‐derived MPCs, and suggest that the MPCs may be further developed as a cellular therapy to promote peripheral nerve regeneration. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Plasmid Releasing Multiple Channel Bridges for Transgene Expression After Spinal Cord Injury

The regeneration of tissues with complex architectures requires strategies that promote the appropriate cellular processes, and can direct their organization. Plasmid-loaded multiple channel bridges were engineered for spinal cord regeneration with the ability to support and direct cellular processes and promote gene transfer at the injury site. The bridges were manufactured with a gas foaming technique, and had multiple channels with controllable diameter and encapsulated plasmid. Initial studies investigating bridge implantation subcutaneously (SC) indicated transgene expression in vivo for 44 days, with gene expression dependent upon the pore size of the bridge. In the rat spinal cord, bridges implanted into a lateral hemisection supported substantial cell infiltration, aligned cells within the channels, axon growth across the channels, and high levels of transgene expression at the implant site with decreasing levels rostral and caudal. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the transfected cells at the implant site were present in both the pores and channels of the bridge and were mainly identified as Schwann cells, fibroblasts, and macrophages, in descending order of transfection. This synergy between gene delivery and the scaffold architecture may enable the engineering of tissues with complex architectures.     

Biodegradable calcium carbonate/mesoporous silica/poly(lactic-glycolic acid) microspheres scaffolds with osteogenesis ability for bone regeneration

Sintered microsphere-based scaffolds provide a porous structure and high-resolution spatial organization control, show great potential for bone regeneration, mainly from biodegradable biomaterials including poly(lactic-glycolic acid) (PLGA). However, acidic monomer regeneration, mainly from biodegradable biomaterials including poly(lactic-glycolic acid) (PLGA). However, acidic monomers generated by PLGA degradation tend to cause tissue inflammation, which is the central issue of PLGA-based bone regeneration scaffolds development. In this work, calcium carbonate (CC)/hexagonal mesoporous silica (HMS)/PLGA sintered microsphere-based scaffolds were developed. The scaffolds possessed a three-dimensional (3D) network structure and 30–40% porosity. The degradation results indicated that CC/HMS/PLGA scaffolds could compensate for pH increased caused by PLGA acidic byproducts effectively. Degradation results showed that CC/HMS/PLGA scaffold could effectively compensate for the pH increase caused by PLGA acidic by-products. Composite CC additives can induce the increase of adhesive proteins in the environment, which is conducive to the adhesion of cells to scaffolds. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) proliferation and osteogenic differentiation were evaluated by CCK-8 assay, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, ALP staining, and Alizarin Red staining. The results showed that compared with HMS/PLGA scaffolds, the proliferation of MSCs cultured with CC/HMS/PLGA scaffolds was enhanced. When cultured on the CC/HMS/PLGA scaffolds, MSCs also showed significantly enhanced ALP activity and higher calcium secretion compared with the HMS/PLGA scaffolds. CC/HMS/PLGA sintered microsphere-based scaffolds provides an attractive strategy for bone repair and regeneration with better performance.

Sintered microsphere-based scaffolds provide a porous structure and high-resolution spatial organization control, show great potential for bone regeneration, mainly from biodegradable biomaterials including poly(lactic-glycolic acid) (PLGA).