Evaluation of the Autologous Genetically Enriched Leucoconcentrate on the Lumbar Spinal Cord Morpho-Functional Recovery in a Mini Pig with Thoracic Spine Contusion Injury

Abstract

Background: Pathological changes associated with spinal cord injury (SCI) can be observed distant, rostral, or caudal to the epicenter of injury. These remote areas represent important therapeutic targets for post-traumatic spinal cord repair. The present study aimed to investigate the following in relation to SCI: distant changes in the spinal cord, peripheral nerve, and muscles. Methods: The changes in the spinal cord, the tibial nerve, and the hind limb muscles were evaluated in control SCI animals and after intravenous infusion of autologous leucoconcentrate enriched with genes encoding neuroprotective factors (VEGF, GDNF, and NCAM), which previously demonstrated a positive effect on post-traumatic restoration. Results: Two months after thoracic contusion in the treated mini pigs, a positive remodeling of the macro- and microglial cells, expression of PSD95 and Chat in the lumbar spinal cord, and preservation of the number and morphological characteristics of the myelinated fibers in the tibial nerve were observed and were aligned with hind limb motor recovery and reduced soleus muscle atrophy. Conclusion: Here, we show the positive effect of autologous genetically enriched leucoconcentrate-producing recombinant neuroprotective factors on targets distant to the primary lesion site in mini pigs with SCI. These findings open new perspectives for the therapy of SCI.

Innovation at the Intersection: Emerging Translational Research in Neurology and Psychiatry

“…The second paper evaluates the effect of the autologous genetically enriched leucoconcentrate (AGEL) on the lumbar spinal cord morpho-functional recovery in a mini pig with thoracic spine contusion injury [86]. AGEL is a cell-based therapy consisting of autologous leukocytes that are genetically modified to overexpress the neurotrophin-3 gene, a potent factor promoting neural survival, differentiation, and regeneration.…”

A Decade of Dedication: Pioneering Perspectives on Neurological Diseases and Mental Illnesses

“…Preclinical research plays a crucial role in understanding neuropsychiatric conditions [29][30][31][32]. By conducting studies in vitro and in vivo, researchers gather valuable data that would be impractical to obtain directly from humans [33][34][35][36][37][38]. These preclinical findings, combined with ongoing clinical studies, help us better understand the behavioral aspects of neuropsychiatric disorders [39][40][41].…”

From CGRP to PACAP, VIP, and Beyond: Unraveling the Next Chapters in Migraine Treatment

“…Humans typically experience migraines, but preclinical research using animal models reveals the interaction of genetic and environmental factors contributing to neurological disorders like migraines [56][57][58][59][60][61][62][63][64][65][66][67]. These models simulate disease conditions, aiding in identifying pathogenic processes, evaluating symptoms and comorbidities, and discovering interventions [68][69][70][71][72][73][74].…”