Combined VEGF and bFGF loaded nanofiber membrane protects against neuronal injury and hypomyelination in a rat model of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion.

Abstract

Currently, there are no effective therapeutic targets for the treatment of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion(CCH)-induced cerebral ischemic injury. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) are discovered as the inducers of neurogenesis and angiogenesis. We previously made a nanofiber membrane (NFM), maintaining a long-term release of VEGF and bFGF up to 35 days, which might make VEGF and bFGF NFM as the potential protective agents against cerebral ischemic insult. In this study, the effects of VEGF and bFGF delivered by NFM into brain were investigated as well as their underlying mechanismsin a rat model of CCH. VEGF + bFGF NFM application increased the expressions of tight junction proteins, maintained BBB integrity, and alleviated vasogenic cerebral edema. Furthermore, VEGF + bFGF NFM sticking enhanced angiogenesis and elevated CBF. Besides, VEGF + bFGF NFM treatment inhibited neuronal apoptosis and decreased neuronal loss. Moreover, roofing of VEGF + bFGF NFM attenuated microglial activation and blocked the launch of NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-1β pathway. In addition, VEGF + bFGF NFM administration prevented disruption to the pre/postsynaptic membranes and loss of myelin sheath, relieving synaptic injury and demyelination. Oligodendrogenesis, neurogenesis and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway were involved in the treatment of VEGF + bFGF NFM against CCH-induced neuronal injury and hypomyelination. These findings supported that VEGF + bFGF NFM application constitutes a neuroprotective strategy for the treatment of CCH, which may be worth further clinical translational research as a novel neuroprotective approach, benifiting indirect surgical revascularization.

• Authors: Yi-Fang Wu, Jun Sun, Ming Chen, Qi Lin, Kai-Yan Jin, Shao-Hua Su, Jian Hai
• Journal: International immunopharmacology (Int Immunopharmacol) Vol. 125 Issue Pt A Pg. 111108 (Dec 2023) ISSN: 1878-1705 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 37890380 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Chemical References

• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
• Fibroblast Growth Factor 2
• Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors

Topics

• Rats
• Animals
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (therapeutic use, metabolism)
• Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 (therapeutic use)
• Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases
• Nanofibers (therapeutic use)
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
• Brain Ischemia (metabolism)
• Ischemia
• Brain Injuries