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International Journal of Molecular... Jul 2023Recovery from a traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) is challenging due to the limited regenerative capacity of the central nervous system to restore cells, myelin, and... (Review)
Review
Recovery from a traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) is challenging due to the limited regenerative capacity of the central nervous system to restore cells, myelin, and neural connections. Cell therapy, particularly with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), holds significant promise for TSCI treatment. This systematic review aims to analyze the efficacy, safety, and therapeutic potential of MSC-based cell therapies in TSCI. A comprehensive search of PUBMED and COCHRANE databases until February 2023 was conducted, combining terms such as "spinal cord injury," "stem cells," "stem cell therapy," "mesenchymal stem cells," and "traumatic spinal cord injury". Among the 53 studies initially identified, 22 (21 clinical trials and 1 case series) were included. Findings from these studies consistently demonstrate improvements in AIS (ASIA Impairment Scale) grades, sensory scores, and, to a lesser extent, motor scores. Meta-analyses further support these positive outcomes. MSC-based therapies have shown short- and medium-term safety, as indicated by the absence of significant adverse events within the studied timeframe. However, caution is required when drawing generalized recommendations due to the limited scientific evidence available. Further research is needed to elucidate the long-term safety and clinical implications of these advancements. Although significant progress has been made, particularly with MSC-based therapies, additional studies exploring other potential future therapies such as gene therapies, neurostimulation techniques, and tissue engineering approaches are essential for a comprehensive understanding of the evolving TSCI treatment landscape.
Topics: Humans; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation; Spinal Cord Injuries; Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy; Myelin Sheath; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Spinal Cord
PubMed: 37511478
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411719 -
Human Cell Jan 2024Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory, autoimmune, and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by demyelination and... (Review)
Review
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory, autoimmune, and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by demyelination and axonal loss. It is induced by attack of autoreactive lymphocytes on the myelin sheath and endogenous remyelination failure, eventually leading to accumulation of neurological disability. Disease-modifying agents can successfully address inflammatory relapses, but have low efficacy in progressive forms of MS, and cannot stop the progressive neurodegenerative process. Thus, the stem cell replacement therapy approach, which aims to overcome CNS cell loss and remyelination failure, is considered a promising alternative treatment. Although the mechanisms behind the beneficial effects of stem cell transplantation are not yet fully understood, neurotrophic support, immunomodulation, and cell replacement appear to play an important role, leading to a multifaceted fight against the pathology of the disease. The present systematic review is focusing on the efficacy of stem cells to migrate at the lesion sites of the CNS and develop functional oligodendrocytes remyelinating axons. While most studies confirm the improvement of neurological deficits after the administration of different stem cell types, many critical issues need to be clarified before they can be efficiently introduced into clinical practice.
Topics: Humans; Multiple Sclerosis; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Myelin Sheath; Stem Cells; Oligodendroglia
PubMed: 37985645
DOI: 10.1007/s13577-023-01006-1 -
IBRO Neuroscience Reports Dec 2023, the pathogen that causes human leprosy, has a unique affinity for infecting and persisting inside Schwann cells, the principal glia of the peripheral nervous system.... (Review)
Review
, the pathogen that causes human leprosy, has a unique affinity for infecting and persisting inside Schwann cells, the principal glia of the peripheral nervous system. Several studies have focused on this intricate host-pathogen interaction as an attempt to advance the current knowledge of the mechanisms governing nerve destruction and disease progression. However, during the chronic course of leprosy neuropathy, Schwann cells can respond to and internalize both live and dead and bacilli-derived antigens, and this may result in divergent cellular pathobiological responses. This may also distinctly contribute to tissue degeneration, failure to repair, inflammatory reactions, and nerve fibrosis, hallmarks of the disease. Therefore, the present study systematically searched for published studies on -Schwann cell interaction to summarize the findings and provide a focused discussion of Schwann cell dynamics following challenge with leprosy bacilli.
PubMed: 38204570
DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2023.05.009 -
Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience 2023The pathomechanisms underlying migraine are intricate and remain largely unclear. Initially regarded as a neuronal disorder, migraine research primarily concentrated on...
BACKGROUND
The pathomechanisms underlying migraine are intricate and remain largely unclear. Initially regarded as a neuronal disorder, migraine research primarily concentrated on understanding the pathophysiological changes within neurons. However, recent advances have revealed the significant involvement of neuroinflammation and the neuro-glio-vascular interplay in migraine pathogenesis.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from their inception until November 2022. The retrieved results underwent a screening process based on title and abstract, and the full texts of the remaining papers were thoroughly assessed for eligibility. Only studies that met the predetermined inclusion criteria were included in the review.
RESULTS
Fifty-nine studies, consisting of 6 human studies and 53 animal studies, met the inclusion criteria. Among the 6 human studies, 2 focused on genetic analyses, while the remaining studies employed functional imaging, serum analyses and clinical trials. Regarding the 53 animal studies investigating glial cells in migraine, 19 of them explored the role of satellite glial cells and/or Schwann cells in the trigeminal ganglion and/or trigeminal nerve. Additionally, 17 studies highlighted the significance of microglia and/or astrocytes in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis, particularly in relation to central sensitization during migraine chronification. Furthermore, 17 studies examined the involvement of astrocytes and/or microglia in the cortex.
CONCLUSION
Glial cells, including astrocytes, microglia, satellite glial cells and Schwann cells in the central and peripheral nervous system, participate both in the development as well as chronic progression of migraine in disease-associated regions such as the trigeminovascular system, trigeminal nucleus caudalis and cortex, among other brain regions.
PubMed: 37456527
DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1219574 -
The Journal of Surgical Research Aug 2023Peripheral nerve injuries have been associated with increased healthcare costs and decreased patients' quality of life. Aging represents one factor that slows the speed... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Peripheral nerve injuries have been associated with increased healthcare costs and decreased patients' quality of life. Aging represents one factor that slows the speed of peripheral nervous system (PNS) regeneration. Since cellular homeostasis imbalance associated with aging lead to an increased failure in nerve regeneration in mammals of advanced age, this systematic review aims to determine the main molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in peripheral nerve regeneration in aged murine models after a peripheral nerve injuries.
METHODS
Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a literature search of 4 databases was conducted in July 2022 for studies comparing the peripheral nerve regeneration capability between young and aged murine models.
RESULTS
After the initial search yielded 744 publications, ten articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria. These studies show that age-related changes such as chronic inflammatory state, delayed macrophages' response to injury, dysfunctional Schwann Cells (SCs), and microenvironment alterations cause a reduction in the regenerative capability of the PNS in murine models. Furthermore, identifying altered gene expression patterns of SC after nerve damage can contribute to the understanding of physiological modifications produced by aging.
CONCLUSIONS
The interaction between macrophages and SC plays a crucial role in the nerve regeneration of aged models. Therefore, studies aimed at developing new and promising therapies for nerve regeneration should focus on these cellular groups to enhance the regenerative capabilities of the PNS in elderly populations.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Mice; Aged; Peripheral Nerve Injuries; Quality of Life; Peripheral Nerves; Aging; Nerve Regeneration; Mammals
PubMed: 37060859
DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2023.03.017 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine May 2024: Vestibular schwannoma (VS) is a benign tumor of the eighth cranial nerve formed from neoplastic Schwann cells. Although VS can cause a variety of symptoms, tinnitus is... (Review)
Review
: Vestibular schwannoma (VS) is a benign tumor of the eighth cranial nerve formed from neoplastic Schwann cells. Although VS can cause a variety of symptoms, tinnitus is one of the most distressing symptoms for patients and can greatly impact quality of life. The objective of this systematic review is to comprehensively examine and compare the outcomes related to tinnitus in patients undergoing treatment for VS. Specifically, it evaluates patient experiences with tinnitus following the removal of VS using the various surgical approaches of traditional surgical resection and gamma knife radiosurgery (GKS). By delving into various aspects such as the severity of tinnitus post-treatment, the duration of symptom relief, patient quality of life, new onset of tinnitus after VS treatment, and any potential complications or side effects, this review aims to provide a detailed analysis of VS treatment on tinnitus outcomes. : Following PRISMA guidelines, articles were included from PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and EMBASE. Quality assessment and risk of bias analysis were performed using a ROBINS-I tool. : Although VS-associated tinnitus is variable in its intensity and persistence post-resection, there was a trend towards a decreased tinnitus burden in patients. Irrespective of the surgical approach or the treatment with GKS, there were cases of persistent or worsened tinnitus within the studied cohorts. : The findings of this systematic review highlight the complex relationship between VS resection and tinnitus outcomes. These findings underscore the need for individualized patient counseling and tailored treatment approaches in managing VS-associated tinnitus. The findings of this systematic review may help in guiding clinicians towards making more informed and personalized healthcare decisions. Further studies must be completed to fill gaps in the current literature.
PubMed: 38892775
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13113065 -
World Neurosurgery Jun 2024Schwannomas are benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors arising from myelinating Schwann cells. Although macrocystic changes are regularly encountered in schwannoma... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Schwannomas are benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors arising from myelinating Schwann cells. Although macrocystic changes are regularly encountered in schwannoma variants such as vestibular nerve tumors, they are exceedingly rare among spinal neoplasms.
METHODS
Case report and systematic review of 4 databases (Ovid Medline, PubMed, Science Direct, and SCOPUS) from inception to present. All peer-reviewed publications reporting intradural cystic thoracic schwannoma were included.
RESULTS
We identified 8 publications documenting 9 cases of cystic thoracic schwannoma. Four were female, 5 male; median age was 41 years (range, 27-80). Presentations ranged from incidental to pain, sensory changes, lower extremity paresis, or bowel/bladder dysfunction. Characteristic radiographic findings included T1 hypointensity, T2 hyperintensity, and cord effacement or compression. The present case followed a similar pattern: a 52-year-old male presented with worsening bilateral lower extremity weakness, low back pain, and gait dysfunction, worsening over 3 days. Examination also revealed decreased left lower extremity sensation. Imaging identified a well-delineated intradural, extramedullary macrocystic extending over T7-T10. The patient underwent a laminectomy resulting in complete tumor resection and restoration of intact neurologic function. Final pathology confirmed benign cystic schwannoma.
CONCLUSIONS
Macrocystic thoracic schwannomas are exceedingly rare and lack a comprehensive scheme for clinical classification of their natural history and pathogenesis. We report the 10th case of such a schwannoma, and the first associated systematic review. Although macrocystic thoracic schwannomas are not frequently encountered, accurate diagnosis and appropriate neurosurgical treatment is critical in these vulnerable patients, given the opportunity for excellent functional outcomes following neurosurgical treatment.
Topics: Humans; Neurilemmoma; Male; Middle Aged; Thoracic Vertebrae; Female; Spinal Cord Neoplasms; Adult; Aged
PubMed: 38522790
DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.03.091 -
European Archives of... Mar 2024Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a potentially serious complication following surgical treatment of vestibular schwannoma, a benign tumor originating from... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a potentially serious complication following surgical treatment of vestibular schwannoma, a benign tumor originating from Schwann cells of the vestibulocochlear nerve. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of CVST following surgical treatment of vestibular schwannoma and the factors contributing to its occurrence.
METHOD
Two independent researchers searched the global databases of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library up to September 01, 2023. We employed a random-effects model for data analysis. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the I test. To assess the quality of the studies meeting our inclusion criteria, we employed the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist.
RESULTS
We included 23 articles in this meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of CVST after vestibular schwannoma surgery was 6.4% (95%CI 3.4-11.5%). The pooled prevalence of CVST following the retrosigmoid (RS), translabyrinthine (TL), and middle cranial fossa (MCF) approaches was 4.8% (95%CI 2.0-11.0%), 9.6% (95%CI 4.3-20.3%) and 9.9% (95%CI 1.6-42.2%), respectively, revealing a significant difference between the TL and the RS approaches (Odds ratio = 2.10, 95%CI 1.45-3.04, P < 0.001). The sigmoid sinus exhibited the highest post-operative thrombosis rate (7.9%), surpassing the transverse sinus (3.7%) and involvement of both sigmoid and transverse sinuses (1.6%), respectively. No significant associations were found with demographic or surgical factors.
CONCLUSION
In the current meta-analysis, we identified a 6.4% CVST prevalence following vestibular schwannoma surgery, with varying rates depending on the surgical approach. No significant associations with patient or surgical factors were found, emphasizing the need for heightened clinical vigilance and further research in this context.
TRAIL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO ID: CRD42023453513.
PubMed: 38443628
DOI: 10.1007/s00405-024-08534-y -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2023is an intracellular bacillus that causes leprosy, a neglected disease that affects macrophages and Schwann cells. Leprosy reactions are acute inflammatory responses to... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
is an intracellular bacillus that causes leprosy, a neglected disease that affects macrophages and Schwann cells. Leprosy reactions are acute inflammatory responses to mycobacterial antigens, classified as type1 (T1R), a predominant cellular immune response, or type2 (T2R), a humoral phenomenon, leading to a high number of bacilli in infected cells and nerve structures. Xenophagy is a type of selective autophagy that targets intracellular bacteria for lysosomal degradation; however, its immune mechanisms during leprosy reactions are still unclear. This review summarizes the relationship between the autophagic process and elimination during leprosy reactions.
METHODS
Three databases, PubMed/Medline (n = 91), Scopus (n = 73), and ScienceDirect (n = 124), were searched. After applying the eligibility criteria, articles were selected for independent peer reviewers in August 2023.
RESULTS
From a total of 288 studies retrieved, eight were included. In multibacillary (MB) patients who progressed to T1R, xenophagy blockade and increased inflammasome activation were observed, with IL-1β secretion before the reactional episode occurrence. On the other hand, recent data actually observed increased IL-15 levels before the reaction began, as well as IFN-γ production and xenophagy induction.
CONCLUSION
Our search results showed a dichotomy in the T1R development and their relationship with xenophagy. No T2R studies were found.
PubMed: 38133338
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12121455 -
Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and... Dec 2023Neurofibroma is a benign tumor of the peripheral nervous system affecting Schwann cells as well as neural sheath cells. It is usually considered as a component of Von...
Neurofibroma is a benign tumor of the peripheral nervous system affecting Schwann cells as well as neural sheath cells. It is usually considered as a component of Von Recklinghausen's disease, but solitary lesions have also been reported, though not very frequently. It is mostly reported on the skin. In the head and neck region, trigeminal nerve and the cervical nerves are frequently affected; in the oral cavity, tongue is the most commonly affected site. Intra-osseous neurofibromas of the oral cavity are extremely rare and only 22 cases have been reported in the last two decades. The present review is an attempt to know if there is any clinical or radiological feature that can assist in the diagnosis of solitary intra-osseous neurofibroma of the jaws? The literature was reviewed from 01.01.2000 to 05.06.2022 exclusively for case reports, case series, and reviews using the keywords: neurofibroma; neurinoma, maxilla; mandible; jaws, single; solitary; one. Search engines: PubMed Central, Lilac, and Science Direct were used by applying the Boolean operator "OR" and "AND". The review has been submitted for registration in PROSPERO (receipt 340775).
PubMed: 37974811
DOI: 10.1007/s12070-023-04058-9