Investigating the production of platelet lysate obtained from low volume Cord Blood Units: Focus on growth factor content and regenerative potential.

BACKGROUND: The regenerative potential of platelet lysate (PL) and platelet gel (PG) is mediated by the release of platelets (PLTs) growth factors. The aim of this study was the evaluation of the PL production utilizing low volume single Cord Blood Units (CBUs) and the comparison of the biomolecule content between PLs obtained from intermediate and high volume CBUs. METHODS: CBUs (n = 90) with volumes greater than 50 ml and initial platelet count > 150 × 109/L were used. CBUs were classified into the following groups: group A (50-80 ml), group B (81-110 ml) and group C (111-150 ml). The CBUs were centrifuged twice for the production of the platelet concentrate (PC), which was stored at - 80 °C for at least 48 h. Then, rapidly thawed and the biomolecule content was determined using commercial ELISA kits. The regenerative potential of PLs was evaluated using the scratch wound and in vitro angiogenesis assay. RESULTS: CBPL was produced from low volume single CBUs and contained 3.4 ± 0.3 ×109 PLTs. PL obtained from intermediate and high volume CBUs consisted of 10.2 ±â€¯0.3 and 16.1 ±â€¯0.4 × 109 PLTs. All PL groups were characterized by high biomolecule content. Gap closure was observed within 72 h after the wound assay initiation and the capillary tubes were formed in all study groups. CONCLUSION: This study provided significant evidence regarding the utilization of the low volume CBUs for the production of CB derivatives, thus can serve as healing mediators in regenerative medicine approaches.

Inter-Tissue and Intra-Tissue Co-Expression Networks in Human Metabolism: Morphological Evaluation of the Link Between Transcription Factors ERß and NFAT in Morbid Obesity.

BACKGROUND: Estrogen receptor ß (ERß) plays an important role in human metabolism and some of its metabolic actions are mediated by a positive "cross-talk" with Nuclear Factor of Activated T cells (NFAT) and the key metabolic transcriptional coregulator Transcriptional Intermediary Factor 2 (TIF2). INTRODUCTION: Our study is an "in situ" morphological evaluation of the communication between ERß, NFAT and TIF2 in morbid obesity. Potential correlations with clinicopathological parameters and with the presence of diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were also explored. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of ERß and NFAT in the underlying pathophysiology of obesity and related comorbidities. We have investigated the expression of specific proteins using immunochemistry methodologies. METHODS: Our population consists of 50 morbidly obese patients undergoing planned bariatric surgery, during which biopsies were taken from visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), skeletal muscle (SM), extramyocellular adipose tissue (EMAT) and liver and the differential protein expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: We demonstrated an extensive intra- and inter-tissue co-expression network, which confirms the tissue-specific and integral role of each one of the investigated proteins in morbid obesity. Moreover, a beneficial role of ERß and NFATc1 against NAFLD is implicated, whereas the distinct roles of TIF2 still remain an enigma. CONCLUSION: We believe that our findings will shed light on the complex underlying mechanisms and that the investigated biomarkers could represent future targets for the prevention and therapy of obesity and its comorbidities.

Can obesity-induced inflammation in skeletal muscle and intramuscular adipose tissue accurately detect liver fibrosis?

OBJECTIVES: Obesity is characterized by a chronic, low grade, systemic inflammation. However, little is known about the role of skeletal muscle, which represents an active metabolic organ whose activities need to be determined. The purpose of our study was to detect relationships between skeletal muscle and adipose tissue inflammation with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and diabetes, as well as to explore associations with clinicopathological parameters. METHODS: Our study population consisted of 50 morbidly obese patients undergoing planned bariatric surgery. Biopsies were taken from visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), skeletal muscle (SM), extramyocellular adipose tissue (EMAT) and liver. The expression of CD68 and CD3 was assessed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Our findings suggest a complex inter- and intra-tissue co-expression network that links obesity-induced inflammation in adipose depots and skeletal muscle with NAFLD. A novel finding is the intricate cross-talk between SM, EMAT and the liver and the probable correlation between SM, EMAT inflammation and the presence of liver fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Although the mechanisms of obesity-induced inflammation and its association with NAFLD and liver fibrosis are incompletely understood, our findings indicate an extensive and complex tissue network that needs to be further investigated.