scholarly journals Neural cell injury pathology due to high-rate mechanical loading

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan B Estrada ◽  
Harry C Cramer ◽  
Mark T Scimone ◽  
Selda Buyukozturk ◽  
Christian Franck

Successful detection and prevention of brain injuries relies on the quantitative identification of cellular injury thresholds associated with the underlying pathology. Here, by combining a recently developed inertial microcavitation rheology technique with a 3D in vitro neural tissue model, we quantify and resolve the structural pathology and critical injury strain thresholds of neural cells occurring at high loading rates such as encountered in blast exposures or cavitation-based medical procedures. We find that neuronal dendritic spines characterized by MAP2 displayed the lowest physical failure strain at 7.3%, whereas microtubules and filamentous actin were able to tolerate appreciably higher strains (14%) prior to injury. Interestingly, while these critical injury thresholds were similar to previous literature values reported for moderate and lower strain rates (<100 1/s), the pathology of primary injury reported here was distinctly different by being purely physical in nature as compared to biochemical activation during apoptosis or necrosis.

Author(s):  
Prithiv K R Kumar

Stem cells have the capacity to differentiate into any type of cell or organ. Stems cell originate from any part of the body, including the brain. Brain cells or rather neural stem cells have the capacitive advantage of differentiating into the central nervous system leading to the formation of neurons and glial cells. Neural stem cells should have a source by editing DNA, or by mixings chemical enzymes of iPSCs. By this method, a limitless number of neuron stem cells can be obtained. Increase in supply of NSCs help in repairing glial cells which in-turn heal the central nervous system. Generally, brain injuries cause motor and sensory deficits leading to stroke. With all trials from novel therapeutic methods to enhanced rehabilitation time, the economy and quality of life is suppressed. Only PSCs have proven effective for grafting cells into NSCs. Neurons derived from stem cells is the only challenge that limits in-vitro usage in the near future.


2019 ◽  
Vol 70 (5) ◽  
pp. 1754-1757
Author(s):  
Marius Toma Papacocea ◽  
Ioana Anca Badarau ◽  
Mugurel Radoi ◽  
Ioana Raluca Papacocea

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) represent a high impact public health problem due to a high rate of death , long term disability and occurrence especially in young adults. Despite several promising animal studies, several parameters were proposed as biological markers and were assessed for this aim. Our study proposes the study of the early biochemical changes in association to hematological parameters for severe TBI patients prognosis. 43 patients with acute TBI were included in study based on clinical, laboratory and imagistic findings. The severity of the TBI was established by Glasgow Coma Scale GCS 3-8. In all patients were evaluated hematologic parameters (Red blood cell count - RBC, Hematocrit, blood Hemoglobin, White blood cell - WBC, Platelet count and biochemical parameters (glucose, urea, creatinine, electrolytes). Outcome was expressed as Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS), between 1-5. Values were compared to control group -15 cases. Significant early differences in body temperature, heart rate, and systolic blood pressure were observed in TBI group versus control (p[0.05). After correlation, laboratory findings significantly associated to severe outcome - GOS = 1, 2 - (p[0.05) were plasma Na decrease and significant glucose increase. An early increase of temperature and decrease of Na may predict a severe outcome in patients with acute TBI; association with shifts in heart rate and blood pressure, imposes aggressive treatment measures.


2019 ◽  
Vol 98 (12) ◽  
pp. 1386-1396 ◽  
Author(s):  
X. Hong ◽  
S.N. Min ◽  
Y.Y. Zhang ◽  
Y.T. Lin ◽  
F. Wang ◽  
...  

IgG4-related sialadenitis (IgG4-RS) is a newly recognized immune-mediated systemic fibroinflammatory disease that affects salivary glands and leads to hyposalivation. Tumor necrosis factor–α (TNF-α) is a critical proinflammatory cytokine involved in several salivary gland disorders, but its role and mechanism regarding acinar cell injury in IgG4-RS are unknown. Here, we found that TNF-α level was significantly increased in serum and submandibular gland (SMG) of patients and that serum TNF-α level was negatively correlated with saliva flow rate. Ultrastructural observations of IgG4-RS SMGs revealed accumulation of large autophagic vacuoles, as well as dense fibrous bundles, decreased secretory granules, widened intercellular spaces, swollen mitochondria, and expanded endoplasmic reticulum. Expression levels of LC3 and p62 were both increased in patients’ SMGs. TNF-α treatment led to elevated levels of LC3II and p62 in both SMG-C6 cells and cultured human SMG tissues but did not further increase their levels when combined with bafilomycin A1 treatment. Moreover, transfection of Ad-mCherry-GFP-LC3B in SMG-C6 cells confirmed the suppression of autophagic flux after TNF-α treatment. Immunofluorescence imaging revealed that costaining of LC3 and the lysosomal marker LAMP2 was significantly decreased in patients, TNF-α–treated SMG-C6 cells, and cultured human SMGs, indicating a reduction in autophagosome-lysosome fusion. Furthermore, the ratio of pro/mature cathepsin D was elevated in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro. TNF-α also appeared to induce abnormal acidification of lysosomes in acinar cells, as assessed by lysosomal pH and LysoTracker DND-26 fluorescence intensity. In addition, TNF-α treatment induced transcription factor EB (TFEB) redistribution in SMG-C6 cells, which was consistent with the changes observed in IgG4-RS patients. TNF-α increased the phosphorylation of extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, and inhibition of ERK1/2 by U0126 reversed TNF-α–induced TFEB redistribution, lysosomal dysfunction, and autophagic flux suppression. These findings suggest that TNF-α is a key cytokine related to acinar cell injury in IgG4-RS through ERK1/2-mediated autophagic flux suppression.


2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. ii201-ii202
Author(s):  
Miranda Tallman ◽  
Abigail Zalenski ◽  
Amanda Deighen ◽  
Morgan Schrock ◽  
Sherry Mortach ◽  
...  

Abstract Glioblastoma (GBM) is a malignant brain tumor with nearly universal recurrence. GBM cancer stem cells (CSCs), a subpopulation of radio- and chemo-resistant cancer cells capable of self-renewal, contribute to the high rate of recurrence. The anti-cancer agent, CBL0137, inhibits the FACT (facilitates chromatin transcription) complex leading to cancer cell specific cytotoxicity. Here, we show that CBL0137 sensitized GBM CSCs to radiotherapy using both in vitro and in vivo models. Treatment of CBL0137 combined with radiotherapy led to increased DNA damage in GBM patient specimens and failure to resolve the damage led to decreased cell viability. Using clonogenic assays, we confirmed that CBL0137 radiosensitized the CSCs. To validate that combination therapy impacted CSCs, we used an in vivo subcutaneous model and showed a decrease in the frequency of cancer stem cells present in tumors as well as decreased tumor volume. Using an orthotopic model of GBM, we confirmed that treatment with CBL0137 followed by radiotherapy led to significantly increased survival compared to either treatment alone. Radiotherapy remains a critical component of patient care for GBM, even though there exists a resistant subpopulation. Radio-sensitizing agents, including CBL0137, pose an exciting treatment paradigm to increase the efficacy of irradiation, especially by inclusively targeting CSCs.


2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 351-357
Author(s):  
Bilge Özerman Edis ◽  
Muhammet Bektaş ◽  
Rüstem Nurten

AbstractObjectivesCardiac damage in patient with diphtheritic myocarditis is reported as the leading cause of mortality. Diphtheria toxin (DTx) is a well-known bacterial toxin inducing various cytotoxic effects. Mainly, catalytic fragment inhibits protein synthesis, induces cytotoxicity, and depolymerizes actin filaments. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate the extent of myofibrillar damage under DTx treatment to porcine cardiac tissue samples.MethodsTissue samples were incubated with DTx for 1–3 h in culture conditions. To analyze whole toxin (both fragments) distribution, conjugation of DTx with FITC was performed. Measurements were carried out with fluorescence spectrophotometer before and after dialysis. Immunofluorescence microscopy was used to show localization of DTx-FITC (15 nM) on cardiac tissue incubated for 2 h. Ultrastructural characterization of cardiac tissue samples treated with DTx (15 or 150 nM) was performed with transmission electron microscopy.ResultsDTx exerts myofibrillar disorganization. Myofilament degeneration, mitochondrial damage, vacuolization, and abundant lipid droplets were determined with 150 nM of DTx treatment.ConclusionsThis finding is an addition to depolymerization of actin filaments as a result of the DTx-actin interactions in in vitro conditions, indicating that myofilament damage can occur with DTx directly besides protein synthesis inhibition. Ultrastructural results support the importance of filamentous actin degeneration at diphtheritic myocarditis.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuejie Gao ◽  
Bo Li ◽  
Anqi Ye ◽  
Houcai Wang ◽  
Yongsheng Xie ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Multiple myeloma (MM) is a highly aggressive and incurable clonal plasma cell disease with a high rate of recurrence. Thus, the development of new therapies is urgently needed. DCZ0805, a novel compound synthesized from osalmide and pterostilbene, has few observed side effects. In the current study, we intend to investigate the therapeutic effects of DCZ0805 in MM cells and elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying its anti-myeloma activity. Methods We used the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, immunofluorescence staining, cell cycle assessment, apoptosis assay, western blot analysis, dual-luciferase reporter assay and a tumor xenograft mouse model to investigate the effect of DCZ0805 treatment both in vivo and in vitro. Results The results showed that DCZ0805 treatment arrested the cell at the G0/G1 phase and suppressed MM cells survival by inducing apoptosis via extrinsic and intrinsic pathways. DCZ0805 suppressed the NF-κB signaling pathway activation, which may have contributed to the inhibition of cell proliferation. DCZ0805 treatment remarkably reduced the tumor burden in the immunocompromised xenograft mouse model, with no obvious toxicity observed. Conclusion The findings of this study indicate that DCZ0805 can serve as a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of MM.


Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 91
Author(s):  
Verena Schultz ◽  
Stephanie L. Cumberworth ◽  
Quan Gu ◽  
Natasha Johnson ◽  
Claire L. Donald ◽  
...  

Understanding how Zika virus (Flaviviridae; ZIKV) affects neural cells is paramount in comprehending pathologies associated with infection. Whilst the effects of ZIKV in neural development are well documented, impact on the adult nervous system remains obscure. Here, we investigated the effects of ZIKV infection in established mature myelinated central nervous system (CNS) cultures. Infection incurred damage to myelinated fibers, with ZIKV-positive cells appearing when myelin damage was first detected as well as axonal pathology, suggesting the latter was a consequence of oligodendroglia infection. Transcriptome analysis revealed host factors that were upregulated during ZIKV infection. One such factor, CCL5, was validated in vitro as inhibiting myelination. Transferred UV-inactivated media from infected cultures did not damage myelin and axons, suggesting that viral replication is necessary to induce the observed effects. These data show that ZIKV infection affects CNS cells even after myelination—which is critical for saltatory conduction and neuronal function—has taken place. Understanding the targets of this virus across developmental stages including the mature CNS, and the subsequent effects of infection of cell types, is necessary to understand effective time frames for therapeutic intervention.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (9) ◽  
pp. 4390
Author(s):  
Jana Horváthová ◽  
Roman Moravčík ◽  
Miroslava Matúšková ◽  
Vladimír Šišovský ◽  
Andrej Boháč ◽  
...  

A high rate of glycolysis is considered a hallmark of tumor progression and is caused by overexpression of the enzyme 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3). Therefore, we analyzed the possibility of inhibiting tumor and endothelial cell metabolism through the inhibition of PFKFB3 by a small molecule, (E)-1-(pyridin-4-yl)-3-(quinolin-2-yl)prop-2-en-1-one (PFK15), as a promising therapy. The effects of PFK15 on cell proliferation and apoptosis were analyzed on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and the human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line DLD1 through cytotoxicity and proliferation assays, flow cytometry, and western blotting. The results showed that PFK15 inhibited the proliferation of both cell types and induced apoptosis with decreasing the Bcl-2/Bax ratio. On the basis of the results obtained from in vitro experiments, we performed a study on immunodeficient mice implanted with DLD1 cells. We found a reduced tumor mass after morning PFK15 treatment but not after evening treatment, suggesting circadian control of underlying processes. The reduction in tumor size was related to decreased expression of Ki-67, a marker of cell proliferation. We conclude that inhibition of glycolysis can represent a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment and its efficiency is circadian dependent.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Masashi Arita ◽  
Satoshi Watanabe ◽  
Nobumasa Aoki ◽  
Shoji Kuwahara ◽  
Ryo Suzuki ◽  
...  

AbstractCisplatin, one of the most active anticancer agents, is widely used in standard chemotherapy for various cancers. Cisplatin is more poorly tolerated than other chemotherapeutic drugs, and the main dose-limiting toxicity of cisplatin is its nephrotoxicity, which is dose-dependent. Although less toxic methods of cisplatin administration have been established, cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity remains an unsolved problem. Megalin is an endocytic receptor expressed at the apical membrane of proximal tubules. We previously demonstrated that nephrotoxic drugs, including cisplatin, are reabsorbed through megalin and cause proximal tubular cell injury. We further found that cilastatin blocked the binding of cisplatin to megalin in vitro. In this study, we investigated whether cilastatin could reduce cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity without influencing the antitumor effects of cisplatin. Nephrotoxicity was decreased or absent in mice treated with cisplatin and cilastatin, as determined by kidney injury molecule-1 staining and the blood urea nitrogen content. Combined with cilastatin, a twofold dose of cisplatin was used to successfully treat the mice, which enhanced the antitumor effects of cisplatin but reduced its nephrotoxicity. These findings suggest that we can increase the dose of cisplatin when combined with cilastatin and improve the outcome of cancer patients.


2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (Supplement_6) ◽  
pp. vi237-vi238
Author(s):  
Miranda Montgomery ◽  
Abigail Zalenski ◽  
Amanda Deighen ◽  
Sherry Mortach ◽  
Treg Grubb ◽  
...  

Abstract Glioblastoma (GBM) has a particularly high rate of recurrence with a 5-year overall survival rate of approximately 5%. This is in part due to a sub-population of cancer stem cells (CSC), which are both radioresistant and chemotherapeutically resistant to conventional treatments. Here we investigated CBL0137, a small molecule form of curaxin, in combination with radiotherapy as a means to radiosensitize CSCs. CBL0137 sequesters FACT (facilitates chromatin transcription) complex to chromatin, which leads to activation of p53 and inhibition of NF-κB. This sequestering of FACT results in cytotoxicity especially within tumor cells and prevents FACT from performing its primary role as a histone chaperone, as well as inhibits its part in the DNA damage response pathway. We show that when combined with radiotherapy, CBL0137 administration limited the ability of CSCs to identify and repair damaged DNA. CSCs treated in vitro with CBL0137 and irradiation showed an increased inhibition of cancer cell growth and decreased viability compared to irradiation or drug alone. Combination therapy also showed more DNA damage in the CSCs than with either agent alone. Based on our in vitro evidence for the efficacy of combination therapy to target CSCs, we moved forward to test the treatment in vivo. Using a subcutaneous model, we show that the amount of CD133+ cells (a marker for GMB CSCs) was reduced in irradiation plus CBL0137 compared to either treatment alone. Survival studies demonstrated that irradiation plus CBL0137 compared to irradiation alone or CBL0137 alone increase lifespan. Here we show the ability of CBL0137, in combination with irradiation, to target patient GBM CSCs both in vitro and in vivo. This work establishes a new treatment paradigm for GBM that inclusively targets CSCs and may ultimately reduce tumor recurrence.


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