Culture of rat mesenchymal stem cells on PHBV-PCL scaffolds: analysis of conditioned culture medium by FT-Raman spectroscopy / Cultivo de células-tronco mesenquimais de rato sobre arcabouços de PHBV-PCL: análise do meio de cultura condicionado por espectroscopia de FT-Raman

Abstract Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have great potential for application in cell therapy and tissue engineering procedures because of their plasticity and capacity to differentiate into different cell types. Given the widespread use of MSCs, it is necessary to better understand some properties related to osteogenic differentiation, particularly those linked to biomaterials used in tissue engineering. The aim of this study was to develop an analysis method using FT-Raman spectroscopy for the identification and quantification of biochemical components present in conditioned culture media derived from MSCs with or without induction of osteogenic differentiation. All experiments were performed between passages 3 and 5. For this analysis, MSCs were cultured on scaffolds composed of bioresorbable poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) polymers. MSCs (GIBCO®) were inoculated onto the pure polymers and 75:25 PHBV/PCL blend (dense and porous samples). The plate itself was used as control. The cells were maintained in DMEM (with low glucose) containing GlutaMAX® and 10% FBS at 37oC with 5% CO2 for 21 days. The conditioned culture media were collected and analyzed to probe for functional groups, as well as possible molecular variations associated with cell differentiation and metabolism. The method permitted to identify functional groups of specific molecules in the conditioned medium such as cholesterol, phosphatidylinositol, triglycerides, beta-subunit polypeptides, amide regions and hydrogen bonds of proteins, in addition to DNA expression. In the present study, FT-Raman spectroscopy exhibited limited resolution since different molecules can express similar or even the same stretching vibrations, a fact that makes analysis difficult. There were no variations in the readings between the samples studied. In conclusion, FT-Raman spectroscopy did not meet expectations under the conditions studied.

Resumo As células-tronco mesenquimais (MSCs) possuem grande potencial para aplicação em procedimentos terapêuticos ligados a terapia celular e engenharia de tecidos, considerando-se a plasticidade e capacidade de formação em diferentes tipos celulares por elas. Dada a abrangência no emprego das MSCs, há necessidade de se compreender melhor algumas propriedades relacionadas à diferenciação osteogênica, particularmente liga à biomateriais usados em engenharia de tecidos. Este projeto objetiva o desenvolvimento de uma metodologia de análise empregando-se a FT-Raman para identificação e quantificação de componentes bioquímicos presentes em meios de cultura condicionados por MSCs, com ou sem indução à diferenciação osteogênica. Todos os experimentos foram realizados entre as passagens 3 e 5. Para essas análises, as MSCs foram cultivadas sobre arcabouços de polímeros biorreabsorvíveis de poli (hidroxibutirato-co-hidroxivalerato) (PHBV) e o poli (ε-caprolactona) (PCL). As MSCs (GIBCO®) foram inoculadas nos polímeros puros e na mistura 75:25 de PHBV / PCL (amostras densas e porosas). As células foram mantidas em DMEM (com baixa glicose) contendo GlutaMAX® e 10% de SFB a 37oC com 5% de CO2 por 21 dias. A própria placa foi usada como controle. Os meios de cultura condicionados foram coletados e analisadas em FT-Raman para sondagem de grupos funcionais, bem como possíveis variações moleculares associadas com a diferenciação e metabolismo celular. Foi possível discernir grupos funcionais de moléculas específicas no meio condicionado, como colesterol, fosfatidilinositol, triglicerídeos, forma Beta de polipeptídeos, regiões de amida e ligações de hidrogênio de proteínas, além da expressão de DNA. Na presente avaliação, a FT-Raman apresentou como uma técnica de resolução limitada, uma vez que modos vibracionais de estiramento próximos ou mesmo iguais podem ser expressos por moléculas diferente, dificultando a análise. Não houve variações nas leituras entre as amostras estudadas, concluindo-se que a FT-Raman não atendeu às expectativas nas condições estudadas.

Culture of rat mesenchymal stem cells on PHBV-PCL scaffolds: analysis of conditioned culture medium by FT Raman spectroscopy / Cultivo de células-tronco mesenquimais de rato sobre arcabouços de PHBV-PCL: análise do meio de cultura condicionado por espectroscopia de FT-Raman

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have great potential for application in cell therapy and tissue engineering procedures because of their plasticity and capacity to differentiate into different cell types. Given the widespread use of MSCs, it is necessary to better understand some properties related to osteogenic differentiation, particularly those linked to biomaterials used in tissue engineering. The aim of this study was to develop an analysis method using FT-Raman spectroscopy for the identification and quantification of biochemical components present in conditioned culture media derived from MSCs with or without induction of osteogenic differentiation. All experiments were performed between passages 3 and 5. For this analysis, MSCs were cultured on scaffolds composed of bioresorbable poly(hydroxybutyrate co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) polymers. MSCs (GIBCO®) were inoculated onto the pure polymers and 75:25 PHBV/PCL blend (dense and porous samples). The plate itself was used as control. The cells were maintained in DMEM (with low glucose) containing GlutaMAX® and 10% FBS at 37ºC with 5% CO2 for 21 days. The conditioned culture media were collected and analyzed to probe for functional groups, as well as possible molecular variations associated with cell differentiation and metabolism. The method permitted to identify functional groups of specific molecules in the conditioned medium such as cholesterol, phosphatidylinositol, triglycerides, beta-subunit polypeptides, amide regions and hydrogen bonds of proteins, in addition to DNA expression. In the present study, FT-Raman spectroscopy exhibited limited resolution since different molecules can express similar or even the same stretching vibrations, a fact that makes analysis difficult. There were no variations in the readings between the samples studied. In conclusion, FT-Raman spectroscopy did not meet expectations under the conditions studied.

As células-tronco mesenquimais (MSCs) possuem grande potencial para aplicação em procedimentos terapêuticos ligados a terapia celular e engenharia de tecidos, considerando-se a plasticidade e capacidade de formação em diferentes tipos celulares por elas. Dada a abrangência no emprego das MSCs, há necessidade de se compreender melhor algumas propriedades relacionadas à diferenciação osteogênica, particularmente liga à biomateriais usados em engenharia de tecidos. Este projeto objetiva o desenvolvimento de uma metodologia de análise empregando-se a FT-Raman para identificação e quantificação de componentes bioquímicos presentes em meios de cultura condicionados por MSCs, com ou sem indução à diferenciação osteogênica. Todos os experimentos foram realizados entre as passagens 3 e 5. Para essas análises, as MSCs foram cultivadas sobre arcabouços de polímeros biorreabsorvíveis de poli (hidroxibutirato-co-hidroxivalerato) (PHBV) e o poli (ε-caprolactona) (PCL). As MSCs (GIBCO®) foram inoculadas nos polímeros puros e na mistura 75:25 de PHBV / PCL (amostras densas e porosas). As células foram mantidas em DMEM (com baixa glicose) contendo GlutaMAX® e 10% de SFB a 37oC com 5% de CO2 por 21 dias. A própria placa foi usada como controle. Os meios de cultura condicionados foram coletados e analisadas em FT-Raman para sondagem de grupos funcionais, bem como possíveis variações moleculares associadas com a diferenciação e metabolismo celular. Foi possível discernir grupos funcionais de moléculas específicas no meio condicionado, como colesterol, fosfatidilinositol, triglicerídeos, forma Beta de polipeptídeos, regiões de amida e ligações de hidrogênio de proteínas, além da expressão de DNA. Na presente avaliação, a FT-Raman apresentou como uma técnica de resolução limitada, uma vez que modos vibracionais de estiramento próximos ou mesmo iguais podem ser expressos por moléculas diferente, dificultando a [...].

Accelerating Wound Healing of Traumatic Ulcer with Topical Application of Dental Pulp Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome and Robusta Green Coffee Bean Extract Combination in vivo

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the ability of a combination dental pulp mesenchymal stem cell secretome (DPMSCS), robusta green coffee bean extract (RGCBE), and Carboxymethylcellulose-Natrium (CMC-Na) in a Wistar rats model of traumatic ulcers. Material and Methods: Twenty-eight young, male, healthy Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) were divided into seven groups randomly: Group K0, group K1-3 (traumatic ulcer rats that received CMC-Na gel for three days), group K1-7 (traumatic ulcer rats that received CMC-Na gel for seven days), group K2-3 (traumatic ulcer rats that received RGCBE for three days), group K2-7 (traumatic ulcer rats that received RGCBE for seven days), group K3-3 (traumatic ulcer rats that received DPMSCS for three days), and group K3-7 (traumatic ulcer rats that received DPMSCS for seven days). An ulcer was made with an amalgam stopper on the right buccal mucosa of the rats. DPMSCS 50% gel was applied to the ulcer on the left buccal mucosa. The ulcer diameter was measured on day 3 and day 7. Results: There was a significant difference in the diameter of the ulcer, the number of neutrophils, and fibroblasts in the treatment group compared to the control group on day 7. Conclusion: A combination of DPMSCS and RGCBE 50% accelerates traumatic ulcer wound healing by lowering ulcer diameter, decreasing neutrophil counts, and increasing fibroblast proliferation in vivo.

Avaliação dos efeitos modulatórios da hematopoese no envelhecimento: Papel das células tronco mesenquimais medulares / Evaluation of the modulatory effects of hematopoiesis during aging: Role of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

O envelhecimento é um processo fisiológico que traz consigo uma série de alterações no organismo que se estendem até o nível molecular. Diante disto, este é um processo complexo que afeta diversos tecidos, sendo um deles o hematopoético, local onde, através de interações da Célula Tronco Hematopoética (CTH) com o ambiente ao seu redor, incluindo a Célula Tronco Mesenquimal (CTM), ocorre a hematopoese. Embora já sejam descritas na literatura algumas alterações na medula óssea consequentes do envelhecimento, os mecanismos por trás de tais mudanças permanecem elusivas, principalmente no âmbito das interações celulares ocorrentes na medula óssea. Portanto, este trabalho buscou investigar como o envelhecimento afeta a regulação hematopoética no contexto de sua relação com as CTM medulares. Para esta pesquisa, foram utilizados camundongos machos isogênicos da linhagem C57BL/6, dividindoos em grupos conforme sua idade: jovens (3 ­ 5 meses) e idosos (18 ­ 19 meses). Foi realizada a caracterização do modelo através de aspectos físicos como consumo proteico, variação de peso, entre outros, seguido de avaliação bioquímica e hematológica. Adicionalmente, foram coletadas células medulares e, posteriormente, realizado o isolamento das CTMs. Para estudar a relação destas células com a hematopoese, foram realizados ensaios in vitro utilizando a linhagem celular leucêmica C1498 (TIB-49™, ATCC®) mantidas em contato com o sobrenadante das CTMs isoladas. Quanto aos parâmetros bioquímicos, os animais idosos apresentaram menores níveis de albumina, aspartato alanina transferase (ALT) e de triglicerídeos quando comparados aos animais jovens. Contrariamente, os animais idosos apresentaram um maior nível de colesterol. Na avaliação hematológica, foi constatado pelo hemograma que os animais idosos apresentaram valores comparáveis aos animais jovens, todavia, o mielograma mostrou menor celularidade geral, seguido de menor número de células da linhagem eritroide e maior número de precursores granulocíticos. Através da imunofenotipagem, foi revelado um maior número de CTHs e de precursores grânulosmonocíticos na medula de animais idosos quando comparado aos jovens, e uma menor frequência de progenitores linfoides. Na imunofenotipagem de sangue periférico de animais idosos houve uma redução no número de linfócitos B e de eritrócitos, e aumento na população de células natural killers. Na imunofenotipagem de CTMs, o marcador CD73 apresentou menor expressão nos animais idosos. Avaliando o secretoma destas células estromais, foram encontrados no sobrenadante de CTMs de animais idosos aumentos significativos nas concentrações de CXCL12 e SCF e redução de IL-11. No âmbito molecular, as CTMs de animais idosos apresentaram aumento na expressão de Akt1, Nos e Ppar-γ, e redução na expressão de Csf3 e Cdh2. Adicionalmente, quando comparado a ação das CTMs de animais idosos em relação as CTMs de animais jovens, observou-se que CTMs de animais idosos foram capazes de aumentar a expressão de Sox2, Pou5f1 e Nanog e diminuir a expressão de Cdkn1a de células da linhagem C1498. O sobrenadante de CTMs de animais idosos também resultou na maior proliferação e migração de células da linhagem C1498. Portanto, levando em consideração a importância das CTMs sobre a regulação do sistema hematopoético, pode-se concluir que, no envelhecimento, as CTMs criam um ambiente propício para a proliferação celular no qual a manutenção da pluripotência é estimulada, o que pode acarretar em uma desregulação do sítio hematopoético quando habitado por células malignas

Aging is a physiological process in which occurs a series of alterations in an organism that extend to a molecular level. It is a complex process that affects various tissues, one of them being the bone marrow, wherethrough the interactions of the hematopoietic stem cell (CTH) with its surrounding environment, including with the mesenchymal stem cell (CTM), hematopoiesis takes place. Although some aging-associated alterations in the bone marrow can be found described in the literature, the mechanisms behind said changes remain elusive, especially when regarding the cellular interactions present inside the bone marrow. Therefore, this research aimed to investigate how aging affects the regulation of hematopoiesis in the context of its interactions with bone marrow-derived CTMs. For this investigation, male isogenic C57BL/6 mice were used as animal models. These were separated in two groups according to their age: young (3 ­ 5 months) and aged (18 ­ 19 months). The animal models were characterized by their physical properties such as protein intake and weight variation, followed by biochemical and hematological evaluation. Bone marrow cells were obtained and identified through immunophenotyping, thus isolating different cell populations, including the CTMs. To study the relationship between these cells and hematopoiesis, in vitro assays were conducted utilizing the leukemic cell lineage C1498 (TIB-49™, ATCC®) maintained in contact with the supernatant of isolated CTMs. By their biochemical profile, aged mice showed lower levels of albumin, alanine-aspartate transferase (ALT) and triglycerides compared to the young group. In contrast, aged mice had a higher cholesterol level. Hematological evaluation by total blood count showed similar results between the two groups, however, the myelogram revealed that the aged animals had lower cellularity, with less frequent cells from the erythroid lineage, with an increase in granulocytic precursors. Through immunophenotyping, it was also revealed that aged mice have higher numbers of hematopoietic stem cells, while also being noted a reduced population of lymphoid progenitors. An increase in the granulomonocytic progenitors was also found. Immunophenotyping peripheral blood cells of aged mice revealed reduced numbers of B lymphocytes and erythrocytes, and an increased natural killer cell population. Additionally, the cell surface marker CD73 was found to be less expressed in aged mice CTMs. The secretome of these stromal cells obtained from aged mice showed higher levels of CXCL12 and SCF, and lower levels of IL-11when compared to the young counterparts. At a molecular level, CTMs obtained from aged mice expressed more Akt1, Nos and Ppar-γ, while the expression of Csf3 and Cdh2 was reduced. Additionally, when comparing the effects of aged mice CTMs with young mice CTMs, it was observed that the first expressed were capable of increasing the expression of Sox2, Pou5f1 and Nanog, while decreasing Cdkn1a expression in the C1498 cell lineage. The supernatant obtained from aged mice also favored the proliferation and cell migration of the C1498 cell line. Thus, considering the importance that CTMs have over the hematopoietic system, we can conclude that, in aging, CTMs create a special environment which favors cell proliferation and maintenance of pluripotency, which can result in a dysregulation of the hematopoietic tissue when malignant cells are present

Approaches in the treatment of perianal fistula in Crohn disease

Perianal fistula is a common complication of Crohn disease, and it is a great burden on the life and psychology of patients, but its treatment is still a difficult problem to face. In recent years, progress in the treatment of Crohn disease has progressed rapidly due to the advent of biological agents, but there has been a lack of research on perianal fistula in Crohn disease, and the direction of research has been scattered; therefore, the author reviews the traditional treatment of perianal fistula in Crohn disease in the context of the available literature and discusses emerging and potential therapeutic approaches. (AU)

Treatment of Muscle Injury with Stem Cells - Experimental Study in Rabbits / Tratamento da lesão muscular com células-tronco - Estudo experimental em coelhos

Abstract Objective Histological and macroscopic evaluation of the healing process of acute lesions of the femoral rectus muscle using stem cells derived from adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs). Method An experimental study was conducted with 18 hind legs of New Zealand rabbits, which were divided into three study groups according to the intervention to be performed. In group I, no surgical procedure was performed; in group II—SHAN, the experimental lesion was performed without any additional intervention protocol; in group III—Intervention, the addition of ADSCs was performed in the same topography of the experimental lesion. After the proposed period, 2 weeks, the material was collected and submitted to macroscopic and histological evaluation. Results The quantitative analysis showed that the addition of ADSCs is related to the reduction of inflammatory cells in the 2-week evaluation (164.2 cells in group II - SHAN to 89.62 cells in group III - ADSC). The qualitative analysis of the slides with Picrosirius red, noticed an increase in orange/yellow fibers in group III - ADSC, which evidences a final healing process. The macroscopic evaluation found no difference between the groups. Conclusion The use of ADSCs in the treatment of acute muscle injury presented histological advantages when compared to their non-use.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliação histológica e macroscópica do processo de cicatrização das lesões agudas do músculo reto femoral, com utilização de células-tronco derivadas de tecido adiposo (ADSCs, na sigla em inglês). Método Foi realizado um estudo experimental com 18 patas traseiras de coelhos Nova Zelândia, que foram divididos em três nos grupos de estudo de acordo com a intervenção a ser realizada. No grupo I não foi realizado procedimento cirúrgico; no grupo II - SHAN foi realizado a lesão experimental sem nenhum protocolo de intervenção adicional; e no grupo III - Intervenção foi realizado a adição de ADSCs na mesma topografia onde foi realizada a lesão experimental. Após o período proposto, 2 semanas, o material foi coletado, submetido a avaliação macroscópica e histológica. Resultados A análise quantitativa demonstrou que a adição de ADSCs está relacionada com a diminuição de células inflamatórias na avaliação com 2 semanas (164,2 células no grupo II - SHAN para 89,62 células no grupo III - ADSC). A análise qualitativa das lâminas coradas com Picrosírius red demonstrou um aumento das fibras de cor laranja/amarela no grupo III - ADSC, o que evidencia um processo final de cicatrização. A avaliação macroscópica não encontrou diferença entre os grupos. Conclusão A utilização de ADSCs no tratamento de lesão muscular aguda apresentou vantagens histológicas quando comparada a sua não utilização.

Evaluation of different protocols for culturing mesenchymal stem cells derived from murine bone marrow

ABSTRACT Introduction: Culturing bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) is a key point in different fields of research, including tissue engineering and regenerative medicine and studies of the bone marrow microenvironment. However, isolating and expanding murine BM-MSCs in vitro has challenged researchers due to the low purity and yield of obtained cells. In this study, we aimed to evaluate five different protocols to culture murine BM-MSCs in vitro. Methods: All protocols were based on the adhesion capacity of BM-MSCs to the tissue culture plastic surface and varied in the types of plate, culture media, serum, additional supplementation and initial cell density. Flow cytometry analysis was used to investigate lineage purity after expansion. Results: The expression of CD45 and CD11b was detected in the cultures generated according to all protocols, indicating low purity with the presence of hematopoietic cells and macrophages. The cellular growth rate and morphology varied between the cultures performed according to each protocol. Cells cultured according to protocol 5 (8 × 107cells/plate, Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI) culture medium during first passage and then Iscove's Modified Delbecco's Medium (IMDM) culture medium, both supplemented with 9% fetal bovine serum, 9% horse serum, 12μM L-glutamine) presented the best performance, with a satisfactory growth rate and spindle-shape morphology. Conclusion: Our results point out that the purity and satisfactory growth rate of murine BM-MSC cultures are not easily achieved and additional approaches must be tested for a proper cell expansion.

Células madre en odontología: nuevas perspectivas / Stem cells in dentistry: new perspectives

En el campo de la odontología, prevalecen actualmente alternativas terapéuticas con una filosofía conservadora. Sin embargo, con el advenimiento de los tratamientos con células madre (CM), se amplían las posibilidades terapéuticas, que buscan la combinación y el equilibrio entre la intervención tradicional y las posibilidades de reposición de estructuras anatómicas dañadas, a través de la regeneración de tejidos utilizando células madre o sus derivados (AU)

In the dentistry field, therapeutic alternatives with a conservative philosophy currently prevail. However, with the advent of stem cell (SC) treatments, therapeutic possibilities are expanding, seeking a combination and balance between traditional intervention and the pos- sibility of replacing damaged anatomical structures through tissue regeneration, using stem cells or their derivatives (AU)

BMP-4, TGF-β and Smad3 as Modulators of Synovial Fluid Cells Viability / BMP-4, TGF-β e Smad3 como moduladores da viabilidade das células do líquido sinovial

Abstract Objective Our goal was to evaluate the modulation of the synovial fluid cells (SFC) from patients with and without osteoarthritis (OA) by bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP-4), Smad-3 and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β). Methods Synovial fluid was collected from patients submitted to knee arthroscopy or replacement and were centrifuged to isolate cells from the fluid. Cells were cultured for 21 days and characterized as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) according to the criteria of the International Society of Cell Therapy. Then, we performed an [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay (MTT) assay after exposing cells with and without OA to TGF-β, Smad3 and BMP-4 pathway inhibitors and to different concentrations of BMP4. Results Exposure to the TGF-β, Smad3 and BMP-4 inhibitors modifies the mitochondrial activity of the SFCs. The activity of the SFCs is modified by influences of increasing concentrations of BMP4, but there is no difference in cellular activity between patients with and without OA. Conclusion TGF-β, Smad3 and BMP-4 modulate the activity of SFCs from patients with and without knee OA.

Resumo Objetivo Nosso objetivo foi avaliar a modulação das células do líquido sinovial (SFCs, na sigla em inglês) de pacientes com e sem osteoartrite (OA) por proteína morfogenética óssea 4 (BMP-4), Smad3 e transformador do fator de crescimento β (TGF-β). Métodos O do líquido sinovial foi coletado de pacientes submetidos a artroscopia ou artroplastia do joelho, e centrifugados para isolar as células do liquido sinovial. As células foram cultivadas por 21 dias e caracterizadas como células-tronco mesenquimais (MSCs, na sigla em inglês) de acordo com os critérios da International Society of Cell Therapy. Em seguida, realizamos um ensaio de brometo de 3-4,5-dimetil-tiazol-2-il-2,5difeniltetrazólio (MTT) depois de expor células com e sem OA para TGF-β, inibidores de via Smad3 e BMP-4 e para diferentes concentrações de BMP-4. Resultados A exposição aos inibidores TGF-β, Smad3 e BMP-4 modifica a atividade mitocondrial das SFCs. A atividade das SFCs é modificada por influências sobre o aumento das concentrações de BMP-4, mas não há diferença na atividade celular entre pacientes com e sem OA. Conclusão TGF-β, Smad3 e BMP-4 modulam a atividade das SFCs de pacientes com e sem OA do joelho.

Efficiency and safety of umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal/ stem cells in multiple sclerosis combined treatment / Eficacia y seguridad de las células madre / estromales mesenquimales del cordón umbilical en el tratamiento combinado de la esclerosis múltiple

SUMMARY: Multiple sclerosis is a demyelinating disease of the nervous system that affects young people of working age and quickly leads to disability. Treatment of this pathology with umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells is promising, given their immunomodulatory and neurotrophic properties. The study involved 27 patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, 12 of whom underwent combined treatment (intravenous and intrathecal administration) of umbilical cord multipotent mesenchymal stromal/stem cells. The effectiveness of treatment was determined by the degree of neurological deficit and spasticity. Combined treatment with umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells significantly improves the condition of patients with multiple sclerosis and promotes the regression of neurological deficits and spasticity. This treatment is safe, but for a deeper study, it is necessary to continue research in this area.

RESUMEN: La esclerosis múltiple es una enfermedad desmielinizante del sistema nervioso que afecta a los jóvenes en edad laboral y conduce rapidamente a la discapacidad. El tratamiento de esta patología con células madre mesenquimales de cordón umbilical es prometedor, debido a sus propiedades inmunomoduladoras y neurotróficas. En el estudio participaron 27 pacientes diagnosticados de esclerosis múltiple, 12 de los cuales fueron sometidos a un tratamiento combinado (administración intravenosa e intratecal) de células madre / estromales mesenquimales multipotentes del cordón umbilical. La efectividad del tratamiento estuvo determinada por el grado de déficit neurológico y espasticidad. El tratamiento combinado con células madre mesenquimales del cordón umbilical mejora significativamente la condición de los pacientes con esclerosis múltiple y promueve la regresión de los déficits neurológicos y la espasticidad. Este tratamiento es seguro, sin embargo, es necesario continuar investigando en esta area.

Mesenchymal stem cells have ameliorative effect on the colitis model via Nrf2/HO-1 pathway

Purpose: To evaluate the ameliorative effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on acetic acid colitis model via Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in rats. Methods: In this study, 30 rats were divided into three groups. Acute colitis was induced by rectal administration of 4% solution of acetic acid. MSCs were injected intraperitoneally in the treatment group. Results: Increased levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), pentraxin-3, and malondialdehyde (MDA) in colitis group were revealed biochemically. Increased level of TNF-α and decreased levels of Nrf2 and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were observed in rectum tissues. Increased fibrous tissue proliferation, vascularization and inflammatory cell infiltration were described in the colitis group. Significant improvement was observed in MSCs treated group histopathologically. Increased immunopositivity of TNF-α, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and CD68 markers was observed in the colitis group cells, and decreased level of this positivity was observed in MSCs treated group. Conclusions: Biochemical, histopathological and immunohistochemical results strongly support the ameliorative effect of MSCs against acetic induced colitis model via Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in rats.

Progress in replicative senescence of mesenchymal stem cells regulated by microenvironment / 生理学报

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a class of pluripotent cells that can self-renew and differentiate. Numerous studies have shown that MSCs have important roles in areas such as regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. However, it is worth noting that MSCs will gradually age during long-term in vitro expansion with decreased stemness such as weakened migration ability, slowed proliferation rate and decreased differentiation potential, which greatly hinders the application of MSCs. Currently, the microenvironment for cell growth is recognized as one of the factors causing senescence in MSCs. Recent studies point out that the latest technologies such as exogenous administration, oxygen concentration regulation and extracellular matrix (ECM) construction can delay stem cell senescence by simulating or regulating the microenvironment. Here, we review the current knowledge of the characteristics and molecular mechanisms of senescent MSCs and microenvironment strategies to maintain MSCs stemness, which can provide a reference for future large-scale application of MSCs preparations in tissue engineering and clinical studies.

In Vitro Evaluation of Human Demineralised Teeth Matrix on Osteogenic Differentiation of Gingival Mesenchymal Stem Cells

ABSTRACT@#The use of tooth-derived material as a scaffold has gained attention recently due to its ease of availability and bioactive properties. Hence, the objective of this study was to determine in vitro interaction of human gingival mesenchymal stem cells (hGMSCs) with human demineralised teeth matrix (hDTM) on osteogenic potential with or without osteogenic inducers. The hGMSCs were established and characterised on their morphology, proliferation, population doubling time (PDT), viability, colony-forming ability, expression of cell surface markers and adipogenic differentiation. Further, the effect of hDTM on the biocompatibility and osteogenic differentiation ability of hGMSCs was evaluated. The hGMSCs displayed a fibroblast-like appearance and exhibited a greater proliferative activity. The cells showed > 91% viability, and PDT varied between 39.34 hours and 62.59 hours. Further, hGMSCs indicated their propensity to form clusters/ colonies, and expressed the markers, such as CD29, CD44, CD73 and CD90, but were negative for CD34 and CD45. When treated with adipogenic induction medium, hGMSCs were able to exhibit the formation of neutral lipid vacuoles. The hGMSCs cultured with hDTM did not show any cytotoxic changes including morphology and viability. Mineralisation of calcium nodules was observed in hGMSCs when cultured in osteogenic induction (OI) medium as an indication of osteogenesis. hGMSCs when cultured with hDTM confirmed the presence of a mineralised matrix. Further, when the cells were cultured with hDTM along with OI, they showed slightly enhanced differentiation into osteocytes. In conclusion, hGMSCs were shown to be biocompatible with hDTM, and demonstrated their enhanced osteogenic potential in the presence of hDTM and osteogenic supplements.

In Vitro Evaluation of Human Demineralised Teeth Matrix on Osteogenic Differentiation of Gingival Mesenchymal Stem Cells

ABSTRACT@#The use of tooth-derived material as a scaffold has gained attention recently due to its ease of availability and bioactive properties. Hence, the objective of this study was to determine in vitro interaction of human gingival mesenchymal stem cells (hGMSCs) with human demineralised teeth matrix (hDTM) on osteogenic potential with or without osteogenic inducers. The hGMSCs were established and characterised on their morphology, proliferation, population doubling time (PDT), viability, colony-forming ability, expression of cell surface markers and adipogenic differentiation. Further, the effect of hDTM on the biocompatibility and osteogenic differentiation ability of hGMSCs was evaluated. The hGMSCs displayed a fibroblast-like appearance and exhibited a greater proliferative activity. The cells showed > 91% viability, and PDT varied between 39.34 hours and 62.59 hours. Further, hGMSCs indicated their propensity to form clusters/ colonies, and expressed the markers, such as CD29, CD44, CD73 and CD90, but were negative for CD34 and CD45. When treated with adipogenic induction medium, hGMSCs were able to exhibit the formation of neutral lipid vacuoles. The hGMSCs cultured with hDTM did not show any cytotoxic changes including morphology and viability. Mineralisation of calcium nodules was observed in hGMSCs when cultured in osteogenic induction (OI) medium as an indication of osteogenesis. hGMSCs when cultured with hDTM confirmed the presence of a mineralised matrix. Further, when the cells were cultured with hDTM along with OI, they showed slightly enhanced differentiation into osteocytes. In conclusion, hGMSCs were shown to be biocompatible with hDTM, and demonstrated their enhanced osteogenic potential in the presence of hDTM and osteogenic supplements.

Hyperactivation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal pathway impairs TNF-α-induced autophagy in mesenchymal stem cells from patients with ankylosing spondylitis / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the changes in autophagy of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from patients with ankylosing spondylitis and explore the mechanism for decreased autophagy in ASMSCs.@*METHODS@#MSCs collected from 14 patients with AS (ASMSCs) and from 15 healthy donors (HDMSCs) were cultured in the absence or presence of 25 ng/mL TNF-α for 6 h. Autophagy of the cells was determined by immunofluorescence staining of GFP-LC3B, and the results were confirmed by detecting the protein expressions of autophagy markers LC3 II/LC3 I and P62. The mRNA expressions of the related genes were detected using qRT-PCR, and the protein expressions of the autophagy markers and signaling pathway-related molecules were determined with Western blotting. TG100713 was used to block the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal pathway, and its effect on autophagy of ASMSCs was evaluated.@*RESULTS@#ASMSCs showed significantly weaker GFP-LC3B puncta staining and lower protein expression levels of LC3 II/LC3 I but higher levels of P62 protein (P < 0.05), indicating a decreased autophagy capacity as compared with HDMSCs. TNF-α-induced ASMSCs showed significantly higher protein expressions of p-PI3K/ PI3K, p-AKT/AKT and p-mTOR/mTOR than HDMSCs (P < 0.05), suggesting hyperactivation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in ASMSCs. Blocking PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling with TG100713 eliminated the difference in TNF-α-induced autophagy between HDMSCs and ASMSCs.@*CONCLUSION@#In patients with AS, hyperactivation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway results in decreased autophagy of the MSCs and potentially contributes to chronic inflammation.

Effects of mesenchymal stem cells on primary culture and secretion function of parathyroid cells in vitro / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To investigate the effects of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) on proliferation and hormone secretion of parathyroid cells in votro. Methods: The parathyroid cells and ADMSCs were obtained from 10 SD rats by cell separation and culture. The phenotype of P3 generation for ADMSCs was detected by flow cytometry. The co-culture of parathyroid cells and ADMSCs was conducted in the ratios of 2∶1, 1∶1, 1∶2 and 1∶5, respectively. The level of parathyroid hormone in cell supernatant was determined. The results were compared with the parathyroid hormone in the supernatant of parathyroid cells cultured separately in the corresponding number. The effects of ADMSCs on the hormone secretion of parathyroid cells were evaluated. SPSS 11.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: The primary culture of either parathyroid cells or ADMSCs and the co-culture of these cells in vitro were performed successfully, and the in vitro culture of different proportions of the two cells showed different effects on parathyroid hormone secretion. The co-culture of parathyroid cells and ADMSCs, especially in the ratio of 1∶5, facilitated the secretion of parathyroid hormone ((1.3±0.0) vs. (0.8±0.1), (1.3±0.0) vs. (0.9±0.0), (1.7±0.5) vs. (0.9±0.0), (1.7±0.0) vs. (1.2±0.2))ng/L with t value of 25.46, 64.30, 3.32, 7.16, P<0.05 on the 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th days respectively. Secondly, when the ratio was 1∶2, the PTH level showed an upward trend. Conclusion: Parathyroid cells and ADMSCs can be co-cultured in vitro, facilitating the secretion of parathyroid hormone under the appropriate cell proportion such as the ratio of by parathyroid cells to ADMSCs at 1∶5.

Knockdown of long non-coding RNA MIR4697 host gene inhibits adipogenic differentiation in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To preliminarily investigate the role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) MIR4697 host gene (MIR4697HG) in regulating the adipogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs).@*METHODS@#For adipogenic differentiation, BMSCs were induced in adipogenic media for 10 days. The mRNA expression levels of lncRNA MIR4697HG and adipogenic marker genes including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), CCAAT/enhanced binding protein α (CEBP/α) and adiponectin (ADIPQ) were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) at different time points (0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10 days). The MIR4697HG stable knockdown-BMSC cell line was generated by infection of MIR4697HG shRNA-containing lentiviruses. To avoid off-target effect, two target sequences (shMIR4697HG-1, shMIR4697HG-2) were designed. And then cells were induced to differentiate in adipogenic medium. Oil red O staining, Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to detect the effect of MIR4697HG knockdown on adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs.@*RESULTS@#The mRNA expression level of MIR4697HG was significantly increased during adipogenic differentiation (P < 0.01), and adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs was evidenced by upregulated mRNA levels of specific adipogenesis-related genes including PPARγ, CEBP/α and ADIPQ. Observed by fluorescence microscopy, more than 90% transfected target cells expressed green fluorescent protein successfully after shMIR4697HG-1 group, shMIR4697HG-2 group and shNC group transfection for 72 h. And the transfection efficiency of MIR4697HG examined by qRT-PCR was above 60%. Then the BMSCs were treated with adipogenic media for 7 days and showed that the mRNA expression levels of adipogenesis-related genes including PPARγ, CEBP/α and ADIPQ were significantly decreased in the MIR4697HG knockdown group (P < 0.01), while the expression levels of PPARγ and CEBP/α proteins were decreased remarkably as well (P < 0.01). Consistently, MIR4697HG knockdown BMSCs formed less lipid droplets compared with the control BMSCs, which further demonstrated that MIR4697HG knockdown inhibited adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs.@*CONCLUSION@#lncRNA MIR4697HG played a crucial role in regulating the adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs, and MIR4697HG knockdown significantly inhibited the adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs. These data may suggest that lncRNA MIR4697HG could serve as a therapeutic potential target for the aberrant adipogenic differentiation-associated disorders including osteoporosis.

Research advances on exosomes derived from adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in promoting diabetic wound healing / 中华烧伤杂志

Impaired healing of diabetic wounds is mainly attributed to its pathological mechanism, and refractory diabetic wounds bring heavy burdens to patients and society. Exosomes derived from stem cells possess the similar ability as stem cells in promoting tissue regeneration and more clinical advantages and are gradually playing important roles in wound healing. In recent years, researches have shown that exosomes derived from adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSC-EXOs) can promote the healing of diabetic wounds by participating in various processes of wound healing. This article reviews the pathological mechanism leading to impaired healing of diabetic wounds, the related mechanism and the application prospect of ADSC-EXOs in promoting diabetic wound healing.

Effects of non-muscle myosin Ⅱ silenced bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells transplantation on lung extracellular matrix in rats after endotoxin/lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury / 中华烧伤杂志

Objective: To investigate the effects of non-muscle myosin Ⅱ (NMⅡ) gene silenced bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) on pulmonary extracellular matrix (ECM) and fibrosis in rats with acute lung injury (ALI) induced by endotoxin/lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Methods: The experimental research methods were adopted. Cells from femur and tibial bone marrow cavity of four one-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were identified as BMMSCs by flow cytometry, and the third passage of BMMSCs were used in the following experiments. The cells were divided into NMⅡ silenced group transfected with pHBLV-U6-ZsGreen-Puro plasmid containing small interference RNA sequence of NMⅡ gene, vector group transfected with empty plasmid, and blank control group without any treatment, and the protein expression of NMⅡ at 72 h after intervention was detected by Western blotting (n=3). The morphology of cells was observed by an inverted phase contrast microscope and cells labeled with chloromethylbenzoine (CM-DiⅠ) in vitro were observed by an inverted fluorescence microscope. Twenty 4-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into blank control group, ALI alone group, ALI+BMMSC group, and ALI+NMⅡ silenced BMMSC group according to the random number table, with 5 rats in each group. Rats in blank control group were not treated, and rats in the other 3 groups were given LPS to induce ALI. Immediately after modeling, rats in ALI alone group were injected with 1 mL normal saline via tail vein, rats in ALI+BMMSC group and ALI+NMⅡ silenced BMMSC group were injected with 1×107/mL BMMSCs and NMⅡ gene silenced BMMSCs of 1 mL labelled with CM-DiⅠ via tail vein, and rats in blank control group were injected with 1 mL normal saline via tail vein at the same time point, respectively. At 24 h after intervention, the lung tissue was collected to observe intrapulmonary homing of the BMMSCs by an inverted fluorescence microscope. Lung tissue was collected at 24 h, in 1 week, and in 2 weeks after intervention to observe pulmonary inflammation by hematoxylin eosin staining and to observe pulmonary fibrosis by Masson staining, and the pulmonary fibrosis in 2 weeks after intervention was scored by modified Ashcroft score (n=5). The content of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), and MMP-9 was detected by immunohistochemistry in 2 weeks after intervention (n=3), the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase (MPO) was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at 24 h after intervention (n=3), and the protein expressions of CD11b and epidermal growth factor like module containing mucin like hormone receptor 1 (EMR1) in 1 week after intervention were detected by immunofluorescence staining (n=3). Data were statistically analyzed with one-way analysis of variance, Bonferroni method, and Kruskal-Wallis H test. Results: At 72 h after intervention, the NMⅡprotein expression of cells in NMⅡ silenced group was significantly lower than those in blank control group and vector group (with P values <0.01). BMMSCs were in long spindle shape and grew in cluster shaped like vortexes, which were labelled with CM-DiⅠ successfully in vitro. At 24 h after intervention, cell homing in lung of rats in ALI+NMⅡ silenced BMMSC group was more pronounced than that in ALI+BMMSC group, while no CM-DiⅠ-labelled BMMSCs were observed in lung of rats in blank control group and ALI alone group. There was no obvious inflammatory cell infiltration in lung tissue of rats in blank control group at all time points, while inflammatory cell infiltration in lung tissue of rats in ALI+BMMSC group and ALI+NMⅡ silenced BMMSC group was significantly less than that in ALI alone group at 24 h after intervention, and alveolar wall turned to be thinner and a small amount of congestion in local lung tissue appeared in rats of the two groups in 1 week and 2 weeks after intervention. In 1 week and 2 weeks after intervention, collagen fiber deposition in lung tissue of rats in ALI alone group, ALI+BMMSC group, and ALI+NMⅡ silenced BMMSC group was significantly aggravated compared with that in blank control group, while collagen fiber deposition in lung tissue of rats in ALI+BMMSC group and ALI+NMⅡ silenced BMMSC group was significantly improved compared with that in ALI alone group. In 2 weeks after intervention, modified Ashcroft scores for pulmonary fibrosis of rats in ALI alone group, ALI+BMMSC group, and ALI+NMⅡ silenced BMMSC group were 2.36±0.22, 1.62±0.16, 1.06±0.26, respectively, significantly higher than 0.30±0.21 in blank control group (P<0.01). Modified Ashcroft scores for pulmonary fibrosis of rats in ALI+BMMSC group and ALI+NMⅡ silenced BMMSC group were significantly lower than that in ALI alone group (P<0.01), and modified Ashcroft score for pulmonary fibrosis of rats in ALI+NMⅡ silenced BMMSC group was significantly lower than that in ALI+BMMSC group (P<0.01). In 2 weeks after intervention, the content of α-SMA in lung tissue of rats in ALI+BMMSC group and ALI+NMⅡ silenced BMMSC group were significantly decreased compared with that in ALI alone group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The content of MMP-2 in lung tissue of rats in the 4 groups was similar (P>0.05). The content of MMP-9 in lung tissue of rats in ALI alone group was significantly increased compared with that in blank control group (P<0.01), and the content of MMP-9 in lung tissue of rats in ALI+BMMSC group and ALI+NMⅡ silenced BMMSC group was significantly decreased compared with that in ALI alone group (P<0.01). At 24 h after intervention, the activity of malondialdehyde, SOD, and MPO in lung tissue of rats in ALI alone group, ALI+BMMSC group, and ALI+NMⅡ silenced BMMSC group were significantly increased compared with that in blank control group (P<0.01), the activity of malondialdehyde in lung tissue of rats in ALI+NMⅡ silenced BMMSC group and the activity of SOD in lung tissue of rats in ALI+BMMSC group and ALI+NMⅡ silenced BMMSC group were significantly increased compared with that in ALI alone group (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the activity of SOD in lung tissue of rats in ALI+NMⅡ silenced BMMSC group was significantly decreased compared with that in ALI+BMMSC group (P<0.01). The activity of MPO in lung tissue of rats in ALI+BMMSC group and ALI+NMⅡ silenced BMMSC group was significantly decreased compared with that in ALI alone group (P<0.01), and the activity of MPO in lung tissue of rats in ALI+NMⅡ silenced BMMSC group was significantly decreased compared with that in ALI+BMMSC group (P<0.01). In 1 week after intervention, the protein expression of CD11b in lung tissue of rats in ALI+NMⅡ silenced BMMSC group was significantly increased compared with those in the other three groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01), while the protein expressions of EMR1 in lung tissue of rats in the four groups were similar (P>0.05). Conclusions: Transplantation of NMⅡ gene silenced BMMSCs can significantly improve the activity of ECM components in the lung tissue in LPS-induced ALI rats, remodel its integrity, and enhance its antioxidant capacity, and alleviate lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis.

Research advances on mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles in promoting angiogenesis of diabetic ulcers / 中华烧伤杂志

Extracellular vesicles are nanoparticles secreted by most eukaryotic cells and play important roles in material transport and information transmission between cells, involved in inflammation, angiogenesis, antigen presentation, cell apoptosis, cell differentiation, and other biological processes. The culture supernatant of mesenchymal stem cells is rich in extracellular vesicles, and the extracellular vesicles can regulate the formation of new blood vessels, a key step in wound healing and tissue repair. The persistence of diabetic ulcers is closely related to the blocked formation of wound vascular network. This article reviews the role of extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells in promoting angiogenesis of diabetic ulcers, in order to provide a new idea for the treatment of diabetic ulcers.