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Regenerative Therapy Jun 2024Regeneration of full thickness burn wounds is a significant clinical challenge. Direct stem cell transplantation at the wound site has a promising effect on wound...
Regeneration of full thickness burn wounds is a significant clinical challenge. Direct stem cell transplantation at the wound site has a promising effect on wound regeneration. However, stem cell survival within the harsh wound environment is critically compromised. In this regard, preconditioning of stem cells with cytoprotective compounds can improve the efficiency of transplanted cells. This study evaluated the possible effect of alpha terpineol (αT) preconditioned mesenchymal stem cells (αT-MSCs) in full thickness acid burn wound. An optimized concentration of 10 μM αT was used for MSC preconditioning, followed by scratch assay analysis. A novel rat model of full thickness acid burn wound was developed and characterized macroscopic and histological examinations. Treatment (normal and αT-MSCs) was given after 48 h of burn wound induction, and the healing pattern was examined till day 40. Skin tissues were harvested at the early (day 10) and late (day 40) wound healing phases and examined by histological grading, neovascularization, and gene expression profiling of healing mediators. In scratch assay, αT-MSCs exhibited enhanced cell migration and wound closure (scratch gap) compared to normal MSCs. findings revealed enhanced regeneration in the wound treated with αT-MSCs compared to normal MSCs and untreated control. Histology revealed enhanced collagen deposition with regenerated skin layers in normal MSC- and αT-MSC treated groups compared to the untreated control. These findings were correlated with enhanced expression of α-SMA as shown by immunohistochemistry. Additionally, αT-MSC group showed reduced inflammation and oxidative stress, and enhanced regeneration, as witnessed by a decrease in , , , and and an increase in , , , , , , and gene expression levels at early and late phases, respectively. Overall findings demonstrated that αT exerts its therapeutic effect by mitigating excessive inflammation and oxidative stress while concurrently enhancing neovascularization. Thus, this study offers new perspectives on managing full thickness acid burn wounds in future clinical settings.
PubMed: 38948132
DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2024.05.008 -
World Journal of Stem Cells Jun 2024Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells are potential optimal cell sources for stem cell therapies, and pretreatment has proven to enhance cell vitality and function. In a recent...
Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells are potential optimal cell sources for stem cell therapies, and pretreatment has proven to enhance cell vitality and function. In a recent publication, Li explored a new combination of pretreatment conditions. Here, we present an editorial to comment on their work and provide our view on mesenchymal stem/stromal cell precondition.
PubMed: 38948100
DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v16.i6.615 -
World Journal of Stem Cells Jun 2024Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is characterized by a disruption in the normal function of the brain due to an injury following a trauma, which can potentially cause severe... (Clinical Trial)
Clinical Trial
BACKGROUND
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is characterized by a disruption in the normal function of the brain due to an injury following a trauma, which can potentially cause severe physical, cognitive, and emotional impairment. Stem cell transplantation has evolved as a novel treatment modality in the management of TBI, as it has the potential to arrest the degeneration and promote regeneration of new cells in the brain. Wharton's Jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) have recently shown beneficial effects in the functional recovery of neurological deficits.
AIM
To evaluate the safety and efficiency of MSC therapy in TBI.
METHODS
We present 6 patients, 4 male and 2 female aged between 21 and 27 years who suffered a TBI. These 6 patients underwent 6 doses of intrathecal, intramuscular (i.m.) and intravenous transplantation of WJ-MSCs at a target dose of 1 × 10/kg for each application route. Spasticity was assessed using the Modified Ashworth scale (MAS), motor function according to the Medical Research Council Muscle Strength Scale, quality of life was assessed by the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scale and Karnofsky Performance Status scale.
RESULTS
Our patients showed only early, transient complications, such as subfebrile fever, mild headache, and muscle pain due to i.m. injection, which resolved within 24 h. During the one year follow-up, no other safety issues or adverse events were reported. These 6 patients showed improvements in their cognitive abilities, muscle spasticity, muscle strength, performance scores and fine motor skills when compared before and after the intervention. MAS values, which we used to assess spasticity, were observed to statistically significantly decrease for both left and right sides ( < 0.001). The FIM scale includes both motor scores ( < 0.05) and cognitive scores ( < 0.001) and showed a significant increase in pretest posttest analyses. The difference observed in the participants' Karnofsky Performance Scale values pre and post the intervention was statistically significant ( < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
This study showed that cell transplantation has a safe, effective and promising future in the management of TBI.
PubMed: 38948099
DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v16.i6.641 -
World Journal of Stem Cells Jun 2024Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic interstitial lung disease characterized by fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix formation, causing structural damage...
BACKGROUND
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic interstitial lung disease characterized by fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix formation, causing structural damage and lung failure. Stem cell therapy and mesenchymal stem cells-extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) offer new hope for PF treatment.
AIM
To investigate the therapeutic potential of MSC-EVs in alleviating fibrosis, oxidative stress, and immune inflammation in A549 cells and bleomycin (BLM)-induced mouse model.
METHODS
The effect of MSC-EVs on A549 cells was assessed by fibrosis markers [collagen I and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), oxidative stress regulators [nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and inflammatory regulators [nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) p65, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-2]. Similarly, they were assessed in the lungs of mice where PF was induced by BLM after MSC-EV transfection. MSC-EVs ion PF mice were detected by pathological staining and western blot. Single-cell RNA sequencing was performed to investigate the effects of the MSC-EVs on gene expression profiles of macrophages after modeling in mice.
RESULTS
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 enhanced fibrosis in A549 cells, significantly increasing collagen I and α-SMA levels. Notably, treatment with MSC-EVs demonstrated a remarkable alleviation of these effects. Similarly, the expression of oxidative stress regulators, such as Nrf2 and HO-1, along with inflammatory regulators, including NF-κB p65 and IL-1β, were mitigated by MSC-EV treatment. Furthermore, in a parallel manner, MSC-EVs exhibited a downregulatory impact on collagen deposition, oxidative stress injuries, and inflammatory-related cytokines in the lungs of mice with PF. Additionally, the mRNA sequencing results suggested that BLM may induce PF in mice by upregulating pulmonary collagen fiber deposition and triggering an immune inflammatory response. The findings collectively highlight the potential therapeutic efficacy of MSC-EVs in ameliorating fibrotic processes, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses associated with PF.
CONCLUSION
MSC-EVs could ameliorate fibrosis and by downregulating collagen deposition, oxidative stress, and immune-inflammatory responses.
PubMed: 38948098
DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v16.i6.670 -
World Journal of Stem Cells Jun 2024Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) involves pelvic organ herniation into the vagina due to pelvic floor tissue laxity, and vaginal structure is an essential factor. In POP, the...
BACKGROUND
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) involves pelvic organ herniation into the vagina due to pelvic floor tissue laxity, and vaginal structure is an essential factor. In POP, the vaginal walls exhibit abnormal collagen distribution and decreased fibroblast levels and functions. The intricate etiology of POP and the prohibition of transvaginal meshes in pelvic reconstruction surgery present challenges in targeted therapy development. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells (hucMSCs) present limitations, but their exosomes (hucMSC-Exo) are promising therapeutic tools for promoting fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix remodeling.
AIM
To investigate the effects of hucMSC-Exo on the functions of primary vaginal fibroblasts and to elucidate the underlying mechanism involved.
METHODS
Human vaginal wall collagen content was assessed by Masson's trichrome and Sirius blue staining. Gene expression differences in fibroblasts from patients with and without POP were assessed RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). The effects of hucMSC-Exo on fibroblasts were determined functional experiments . RNA-seq data from fibroblasts exposed to hucMSC-Exo and microRNA (miRNA) sequencing data from hucMSC-Exo were jointly analyzed to identify effective molecules.
RESULTS
In POP, the vaginal wall exhibited abnormal collagen distribution and reduced fibroblast 1 quality and quantity. Treatment with 4 or 6 μg/mL hucMSC-Exo suppressed inflammation in POP group fibroblasts, stimulated primary fibroblast growth, and elevated collagen I (Col1) production . High-throughput RNA-seq of fibroblasts treated with hucMSC-Exo and miRNA sequencing of hucMSC-Exo revealed that abundant exosomal miRNAs downregulated matrix metalloproteinase 11 (MMP11) expression.
CONCLUSION
HucMSC-Exo normalized the growth and function of primary fibroblasts from patients with POP by promoting cell growth and Col1 expression . Abundant miRNAs in hucMSC-Exo targeted and downregulated MMP11 expression. HucMSC-Exo-based therapy may be ideal for safely and effectively treating POP.
PubMed: 38948096
DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v16.i6.708 -
World Journal of Stem Cells Jun 2024The treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) complicated by sepsis syndrome (SS) remains challenging.
BACKGROUND
The treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) complicated by sepsis syndrome (SS) remains challenging.
AIM
To investigate whether combined adipose-derived mesenchymal-stem-cells (ADMSCs)-derived exosome (EX) and exogenous mitochondria (mito) protect the lung from ARDS complicated by SS.
METHODS
study, including L2 cells treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and study including male-adult-SD rats categorized into groups 1 (sham-operated-control), 2 (ARDS-SS), 3 (ARDS-SS + EX), 4 (ARDS-SS + mito), and 5 (ARDS-SS + EX + mito), were included in the present study.
RESULTS
study showed an abundance of mito found in recipient-L2 cells, resulting in significantly higher mitochondrial-cytochrome-C, adenosine triphosphate and relative mitochondrial DNA levels ( < 0.001). The protein levels of inflammation [interleukin (IL)-1β/tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α/nuclear factor-κB/toll-like receptor (TLR)-4/matrix-metalloproteinase (MMP)-9/oxidative-stress (NOX-1/NOX-2)/apoptosis (cleaved-caspase3/cleaved-poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase)] were significantly attenuated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated L2 cells with EX treatment than without EX treatment, whereas the protein expressions of cellular junctions [occluding/β-catenin/zonula occludens (ZO)-1/E-cadherin] exhibited an opposite pattern of inflammation (all < 0.001). Animals were euthanized by 72 h post-48 h-ARDS induction, and lung tissues were harvested. By 72 h, flow cytometric analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid demonstrated that the levels of inflammatory cells (Ly6G+/CD14+/CD68+/CD11+/myeloperoxidase+) and albumin were lowest in group 1, highest in group 2, and significantly higher in groups 3 and 4 than in group 5 (all < 0.0001), whereas arterial oxygen-saturation (SaO%) displayed an opposite pattern of albumin among the groups. Histopathological findings of lung injury/fibrosis area and inflammatory/DNA-damaged markers (CD68+/γ-H2AX) displayed an identical pattern of SaO% among the groups (all < 0.0001). The protein expressions of inflammatory (TLR-4/MMP-9/IL-1β/TNF-α)/oxidative stress (NOX-1/NOX-2/p22phox/oxidized protein)/mitochondrial-damaged (cytosolic-cytochrome-C/dynamin-related protein 1)/autophagic (beclin-1/Atg-5/ratio of LC3B-II/LC3B-I) biomarkers exhibited a similar manner, whereas antioxidants [nuclear respiratory factor (Nrf)-1/Nrf-2]/cellular junctions (ZO-1/E-cadherin)/mitochondrial electron transport chain (complex I-V) exhibited an opposite manner of albumin among the groups (all < 0.0001).
CONCLUSION
Combined EX-mito therapy was better than merely one for protecting the lung against ARDS-SS induced injury.
PubMed: 38948095
DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v16.i6.690 -
World Journal of Stem Cells Jun 2024The stem cell pre-treatment approaches at cellular and sub-cellular levels encompass physical manipulation of stem cells to growth factor treatment, genetic...
The stem cell pre-treatment approaches at cellular and sub-cellular levels encompass physical manipulation of stem cells to growth factor treatment, genetic manipulation, and chemical and pharmacological treatment, each strategy having advantages and limitations. Most of these pre-treatment protocols are non-combinative. This editorial is a continuum of Li 's published article and Wan 's editorial focusing on the significance of pre-treatment strategies to enhance their stemness, immunoregulatory, and immunosuppressive properties. They have elaborated on the intricacies of the combinative pre-treatment protocol using pro-inflammatory cytokines and hypoxia. Applying a well-defined multi-pronged combinatorial strategy of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), pre-treatment based on the mechanistic understanding is expected to develop "Super MSCs", which will create a transformative shift in MSC-based therapies in clinical settings, potentially revolutionizing the field. Once optimized, the standardized protocols may be used with slight modifications to pre-treat different stem cells to develop "super stem cells" with augmented stemness, functionality, and reparability for diverse clinical applications with better outcomes.
PubMed: 38948094
DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v16.i6.623 -
World Journal of Stem Cells Jun 2024Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe gastrointestinal disease that affects premature infants. Although mounting evidence supports the therapeutic effect of...
BACKGROUND
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe gastrointestinal disease that affects premature infants. Although mounting evidence supports the therapeutic effect of exosomes on NEC, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.
AIM
To investigate the mechanisms underlying the regulation of inflammatory response and intestinal barrier function by umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (UCMSCs) exosomes, as well as their potential in alleviating NEC in neonatal mice.
METHODS
NEC was induced in 5-d-old C57BL/6 pups through hypoxia and gavage feeding of formula containing lipopolysaccharide (LPS), after which the mice received human UCMSC exosomes (hUCMSC-exos). The control mice were allowed to breastfeed with their dams. Ileal tissues were collected from the mice and analyzed by histopathology and immunoblotting. Colon tissues were collected from NEC neonates and analyzed by immunofluorescence. Molecular biology and cell culture approaches were employed to study the related mechanisms in intestinal epithelial cells.
RESULTS
We found that autophagy is overactivated in intestinal epithelial cells during NEC, resulting in reduced expression of tight junction proteins and an increased inflammatory response. The ability of hUCMSC-exos to ameliorate NEC in a mouse model was dependent on decreased intestinal autophagy. We also showed that hUCMSC-exos alleviate the inflammatory response and increase migration ability in intestinal epithelial cells induced by LPS.
CONCLUSION
These results contribute to a better understanding of the protective mechanisms of hUCMSC-exos against NEC and provide a new theoretical and experimental foundation for NEC treatment. These findings also enhance our understanding of the role of the autophagy mechanism in NEC, offering potential avenues for identifying new therapeutic targets.
PubMed: 38948093
DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v16.i6.728 -
Theranostics 2024Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are considered a promising resource for cell therapy, exhibiting efficacy in ameliorating diverse bone diseases. However, most MSCs...
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are considered a promising resource for cell therapy, exhibiting efficacy in ameliorating diverse bone diseases. However, most MSCs undergo apoptosis shortly after transplantation and produce apoptotic extracellular vesicles (ApoEVs). This study aims to clarify the potential role of ApoEVs from apoptotic MSCs in ameliorating osteoporosis and molecular mechanism. In this study, Dio-labeled bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were injected into mice to track BMSCs apoptosis and ApoEVs production. ApoEVs were isolated from BMSCs after inducing apoptosis, the morphology, size distribution, marker proteins expression of ApoEVs were characterized. Protein mass spectrometry analysis revealed functional differences in proteins between ApoEVs and BMSCs. BMSCs were adopted to test the cellular response to ApoEVs. Ovariectomy mice were used to further compare the ability of ApoEVs in promoting bone formation. SiRNA and lentivirus were used for gain and loss-of-function assay. The results showed that BMSCs underwent apoptosis within 2 days after being injected into mice and produce a substantial quantity of ApoEVs. Proteomic analysis revealed that ApoEVs carried a diverse functional array of proteins, and easily traversed the circulation to reach the bone. After being phagocytized by endogenous BMSCs, ApoEVs efficiently promoted the proliferation, migration, and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. In an osteoporosis mouse model, treatment of ApoEVs alleviated bone loss and promoted bone formation. Mechanistically, ApoEVs carried Ras protein and activated the Ras/Raf1/Mek/Erk pathway to promote osteogenesis and bone formation and . Given that BMSC-derived ApoEVs are high-yield and easily obtained, our data underscore the substantive role of ApoEVs from dying BMSCs to treat bone loss, presenting broad implications for cell-free therapeutic modalities.
Topics: Animals; Extracellular Vesicles; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Osteoporosis; Apoptosis; Mice; Female; Osteogenesis; Cell Differentiation; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation; Cell Proliferation; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Disease Models, Animal; Ovariectomy; Proteomics; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 38948067
DOI: 10.7150/thno.96174 -
Oncology Research 2024At present, the role of many long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as tumor suppressors in the formation and development of cervical cancer (CC) has been studied. However,...
At present, the role of many long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as tumor suppressors in the formation and development of cervical cancer (CC) has been studied. However, lncRNA prostate cancer gene expression marker 1 (PCGEM1), whose high expression not only aggravates ovarian cancer but also can induce tumorigenesis and endometrial cancer progression, has not been studied in CC. The objective of this study was to investigate the expression and the underlying role of PCGEM1 in CC. The relative expression of PCGEM1 in CC cells was detected by real-time PCR. After the suppression of PCGEM1 expression by shRNA, the changes in the proliferation, migration, and invasion capacities were detected via CCK-8 assay, EdU assay, and colony formation assay wound healing assay. Transwell assay and the changes in expressions of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers were determined by western blot and immunofluorescence. The interplay among PCGEM1, miR-642a-5p, and kinesin family member 5B (KIF5B) was confirmed by bioinformatics analyses and luciferase reporter assay. Results showed that PCGEM1 expressions were up-regulated within CC cells. Cell viabilities, migration, and invasion were remarkably reduced after the suppression of PCGEM1 expression by shRNA in Hela and SiHa cells. N-cadherin was silenced, but E-cadherin expression was elevated by sh-PCGEM1. Moreover, by sponging miR-642a-5p in CC, PCGEM1 was verified as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) that modulates KIF5B levels. MiR-642a-5p down-regulation partially rescued sh-PCGEM1's inhibitory effects on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT process. In conclusion, the PCGEM1/miR-642a-5p/KIF5B signaling axis might be a novel therapeutic target in CC. This study provides a research basis and new direction for targeted therapy of CC.
Topics: Humans; RNA, Long Noncoding; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; MicroRNAs; Female; Kinesins; Cell Proliferation; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition; Disease Progression; Cell Movement; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Cell Line, Tumor; HeLa Cells; Neoplasm Invasiveness
PubMed: 38948025
DOI: 10.32604/or.2024.047454