Matrigel enhances differentiation of human adipose tissue-derived stem cells into dopaminergic neuron.

BACKGROUND: Therapy based stem cells have offered a novel therapeutic approach for the improvement of neurodegenerative diseases, specially Parkinson. Hence, developing a well-established culture model with appropriate stem cells is extremely crucial in regenerative engineering to provide efficient targeted cells. Human adult mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue (hADSCs) have emerged as a promising source of stem cells due to their unique potentials of self-renewal and differentiation into other stem cells. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differentiation capacity of hADSCs into dopaminergic and neuron-like cells in the 3D culture plate (Matrigel). METHODS AND MATERIALS: hADSCs were obtained from adipose tissues of patients and then characterized morphologically with flowcytometry. Isolated cells were harvested to perform differentiation on Matrigel and tissue culture plate (TCP) supplemented with induction factors. The survival rate of cells during neural induction was monitored by MTT. The expression of specific cell markers was analyzed by QRT-PCR and immunocytochemistry on days 2, 8 and 14. The level of released dopamine was measured using HPLC technique. RESULTS: Matrigel had a positive effect on maintaining cell growth compared to those on TCP. Moreover, the number of TH and MAPII positive cells is substantially higher in Matrigel than in TCP. Sox2 and Nestin had a prominent expression in hADSCs within the first days of differentiation. The gene expression of neural markers such as TH, Nurr1, LMX1A and DAT was detected and increased after day 8. Moreover, the dopamine released in the cell harvested on Matrigel was greater than those seeded on TCP. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, hADSCs could generate dopaminergic cells, which suggest its strong capability to serve as a tool for Parkinson disease model in the regenerative medicine.

Differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells into functional motor neuron: In vitro and ex vivo study.

There are several therapeutic options for spinal cord injury (SCI), among these strategies stem cell therapy is a potential treatment. The stem cells based therapies have been investigating in acute phase of clinical trials for promoting spinal repair in humans through replacement of functional neuronal and glial cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the differentiation of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells (hDPSCs) into functional motor neuron like cells (MNLCs) and promote neuroregeneration by stimulating local neurogenesis in the adult spinal cord slice culture. The immunocytochemistry analysis demonstrated that hDPSCs were positive for mesenchymal stem cell markers (CD73, CD90 and CD105) and negative for the hematopoietic markers (CD34 and CD45). hDPSCs were induced to neurospheres (via implementing B27, EGF, and bFGF) and then neural stem cells (NSC). The NSC differentiated into MNLCs in two steps: first by Shh and RA and ; then with GDNF and BDNF administration. The NS and the NSC were assessed for Oct4, nestin, Nanog, Sox2 expression while the MNLCs were evaluated by ISLET1, Olig2, and HB9 genes. Our results showed that hDPSC can be differentiated into motor neuron phenotype with expression of the motor neuron genes. The functionality of MNLCs was demonstrated by FM1-43, intracellular calcium ion shift and co- culture with C2C12. We co-cultivated hDPSCs with adult rat spinal slices in vitro. Immunostaining and hoechst assay showed that hDPSCs were able to migrate, proliferate and integrate in both the anterolateral zone and the edges of the spinal slices.

Promoting motor functions in a spinal cord injury model of rats using transplantation of differentiated human olfactory stem cells: A step towards future therapy.

Human olfactory ecto-mesenchymal stem cells (hOE-MSCs) derived from the human olfactory mucosa (OM) can be easily isolated and expanded in cultures while their immense plasticity is maintained. To mitigate ethical concerns, the hOE-MSCs can be also transplanted across allogeneic barriers, making them desirable cells for clinical applications. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of administering the hOE-MSCs on a spinal cord injury (SCI) model of rats. These cells were accordingly isolated and cultured, and then treated in the neurobasal medium containing serum-free Dulbecco's Modified Essential Medium (DMEM) and Ham's F-12 Medium (DMEM/F12) with 2% B27 for two days. Afterwards, the pre-induced cells were incubated in N2B27 with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), fibroblast growth factor 8b (FGF8b), sonic hedgehog (SHH), and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) for six days. The efficacy of the induced cells was additionally evaluated using immunocytochemistry (ICC) and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The differentiated cells were similarly transplanted into the SC contusions. Functional recovery was further conducted on a weekly basis for eight consecutive weeks. Moreover, cell integration was assessed via conventional histology and ICC, whose results revealed the expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) marker at the induction stage. According to the RT-PCR findings, the highest expression level of insulin gene-enhancer protein (islet-1), oligodendrocyte transcription factor (Olig2), and homeobox protein HB9 was observed at the induction stage. The number of engraftment cells also rose (approximately by 2.5 % ± 0.1) in the motor neuron-like cells derived from the hOE-MSCs-grafted group compared with the OE-MSCs-grafted one. The functional analysis correspondingly revealed that locomotor and sensory scores considerably improved in the rats in the treatment group. These findings suggested that motor neuron-like cells derived from the hOE-MSCs could be utilized as an alternative cell-based therapeutic strategy for SCI.

Role of cerebrospinal fluid in differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells into neuron-like cells.

Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) could be differentiated into neuron like-cells under particular microenvironments. It has been reported that a wide range of factors, presented in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), playing part in neuronal differentiation during embryonic stages, we herein introduce a novel culture media complex to differentiate hDPSCs into neuron-like cells. The hDPSCs were initially isolated and characterized. The CSF was prepared from the Cisterna magna of 19-day-old Wistar rat embryos, embryonic cerebrospinal fluid (E-CSF). The hDPSCs were treated by 5% E-CSF for 2 days, then neurospheres were cultured in DMEM/F12 supplemented with 10-6 µm retinoic acid (RA), glial-derived neurotrophic factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor for 6 days. The cells which were cultured in basic culture medium were considered as control group. Morphology of differentiated cells as well as process elongation were examined by an inverted microscope. In addition, the neural differentiation markers (Nestin and MAP2) were studied employing immunocytochemistry. Neuronal-like processes appeared 8 days after treatment. Neural progenitor marker (Nestin) and a mature neural marker (MAP2) were expressed in treated group. Moreover Nissl bodies were found in the cytoplasm of treated group. Taking these together, we have designed a simple protocol for generating neuron-like cells using CSF from the hDPSCs, applicable for cell therapy in several neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease.

Antimicrobial peptides-loaded smart chitosan hydrogel: Release behavior and antibacterial potential against antibiotic resistant clinical isolates.

In this study, we synthesized thermo-responsive chitosan (TCTS) hydrogels, and loaded with different concentrations of antimicrobial peptide (AMP) (0, 4, 8 and 16 µg·ml-1) to fabricate an antibacterial wound dressing against resistant clinical isolates. Physico-chemical properties, release behavior, cytobiocompatibility and antibacterial activity of the AMP-TCTS hydrogels against standard strain and resistant Acinetobacter baumannii were fully determined in vitro. The TCTS-40% ß-glycerolphosphate hydrogels showed a gelation time of 15 min at 37 °C. 80% weight loss at day 35 with no changes in pH value was observed. AMP-TCTS hydrogels showed a burst release of AMP (around 40%) at day 1, and a controlled release up to day 7. A dramatic water uptake was observed at first 4 h, and then continued for 10 h in a steady manner. All the AMP-TCTS hydrogels showed excellent cytobiocompatibility for human fibroblasts. The TCTS showed no antibacterial activity against both standard strain and clinical isolates. All the AMP-TCTS hydrogels had strong antibacterial activity against standard strains, but only 16 µg·ml-1 showed antibacterial behavior against resistant A. baumannii. Our results strongly suggest the 16 µg·ml-1 AMP-TCTS hydrogel as an excellent antibacterial wound dressing against resistant A. baumannii, and now promises to proceed with pre-clinical investigations.

Neurogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells by optogenetics stimulation.

INTRODUCTION: Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs), a promising source for autologous transplantation in regenerative medicine, have been shown to be able to differentiate into neural precursors. Optogenetics is considered as an advanced biological technique in neuroscience which is able to control the activity of genetically modified stem cells by light. The purpose of this study is to investigate the neurogenic differentiation of hDPSCs following optogenetic stimulation. METHODS: The hDPSCs were isolated by mechanical enzymatic digestion from an impacted third molar and cultured in DMEM/F12. The cells were infected with lentiviruses carrying CaMKIIa-hChR2 (H134R). Opsin-expressing hDPSCs were plated at the density of 5 × 104 cells/well in 6-well plates and optical stimulation was conducted with blue light (470 nm) pulsing at 15 Hz, 90 % Duty Cycle and 10 mW power for 10 s every 90 minutes, 6 times a day for 5 days. Two control groups including non-opsin-expressing hDPSCs and opsin-expressing hDPSCs with no optical stimulation were also included in the study. A day after last light stimulation, the viability of cells was analyzed by the MTT assay and the morphological changes were examined by phase contrast microscopy. The expression of Nestin, Microtubule-Associated protein 2 (MAP2) and Doublecortin (DCX) were examined by immunocytochemistry. RESULTS: Human DPSCs expressed the reporter gene, mCherry, 72 hours after lentiviral infection. The result of MTT assay revealed a significant more viability in optical stimulated opsin-expressing hDPSCs as compared with two control groups. Moreover, optical stimulation increased the expression of Nestin, Doublecortin and MAP2 along with morphological changes from spindle shape to neuron-like shape. CONCLUSION: Optogenetics stimulation through depolarizing the hDPSCs can increase the cells viability and/or proliferation and also promote the differentiation toward neuron-like cells.

Differentiation of bone marrow stromal stem cells seeded on silk scaffold to mature oligodendrocyte using cerebrospinal fluid.

The differentiation of cultured Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) on silk scaffold into mature oligodendrocyte was done in the presence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). BMSC were isolated from Sprague-Dawley rats and were seeded on silk scaffold. The seeded cells were cultured in DMEM/F12 medium supplemented with CFS, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), Retinoic acid (RA) and Epidermal growth factor (EGF). The glial differentiation was investigated using Real time-PCR and immunofluorescence techniques for specific glial markers: Oligo 2, NG2, PLP and MBP. Our dates showed that the differentiated cells expressed specific glial markers: Oligo 2, NG2, PLP and MBP. The specific mature oligodendrocyte genes were up regulated in cultured cells on silk scaffold in the presence of CSF. It is concluded that CSF leads to improve glial differentiation of seeded BMSC on silk scaffold using preparation of appropriate niche. This culture condition may be served as an efficient differentiation induction protocol for glial phenotype, with the perspective of therapeutic application in neuroregenerative medicine.

Silk nanofibrous electrospun scaffold enhances differentiation of embryonic stem like cells derived from testis in to mature neuron.

The scaffolds accompanied with stem cells have great potential for applications in neural tissue engineering. Fabrication of nanofibrous scaffold similar to extracellular matrix is one of the applicable methods in neural tissue regeneration. The aim of this study was the fabrication of a silk nanofibrous scaffold as a microenvironment for neural guiding differentiation of embryonic stem like cells (ES Like cells) derived from testis toward neuron-like cells. ES Like derived from culturing of testicular cells in vitro, were seeded on silk scaffolds and induced to neuronal phenotype using 4-/4± RA technique following culturing the cells in the neurobasal medium supplemented with 20 ng/mL bFGF,10 ng/mL EGF, B27, and N2 for 8-12 days. The neural differentiation was confirmed via the evaluation of specific neural markers; Nestin, NF68, MAP2 and ß tubulin using immunocytochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction. Our results showed that silk scaffold support the attachment and proliferation of ES Like cells. The expression of Nestin, NF68, Map2, and ß tubulin markers were higher in cells grown on silk scaffold in compare to monolayer group. This study suggests electrospun silk nanofibrous scaffold as an appropriate substrate for neural induction of stem cells that is applicable for repairmen of damaged neural tissues. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 2662-2669, 2018.

Repair of Critical-Sized Rat Calvarial Defects With Three-Dimensional Hydroxyapatite-Gelatin Scaffolds and Bone Marrow Stromal Stem Cells.

INTRODUCTION: The repair of critical-sized defects (CSDs) are one of the most challenging orthopedic problems and the attempts for development of an ideal scaffold for treatment of large bone defect are ongoing. AIM: The aim of this study was the effectiveness of hydroxyapatite-gelatin seeded with bone marrow stromal cells construct for healing of critical-sized bone defect in vivo. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this experimental study, the bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) were isolated by flushing method. For in vitro study, the cells were seeded on the scaffold and the cell viability as well as cytotoxicity were tested by MTT and LDH specific activity. The scaffold-cell construct was implanted into the critical-sized bone defect created in calvaria of Wistar male rats.15 rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=5), group 1 (control group): Injury without transplantation, group 2: implanted with hydroxyapatite-gelatin scaffold, group 3: hydroxyapatite-gelatin scaffold seeded with BMSCs. At different days post-implantation, the implanted site was collected and the bone healing was evaluated through H&E and Masson's Trichrome staining. ANOVA and paired t-test were used for data comparison and P<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The results of MTT showed that the scaffold has no toxic effects on stromal cells. The first signs of ossification in hydroxyapatite-gelatin with BMSCs cells group appeared in the first week. However, in the fourth week, ossification was completed and the scaffold remaining was found as embedded islands in the spongy bone tissue. The greatest number of lymphocytes in the experimental group was observed after one week of planting scaffold. CONCLUSION: Hydroxyapatite-gelatin scaffold coated with BMSCs cells has a potential role in the healing process of bone and would be a possible new therapeutic strategy to repair extensive bone lesions.

A Review of Herbal Therapy in Multiple Sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis is a complex autoimmune disorder which characterized by demyelination and axonal loss in the central nervous system (CNS). Several evidences indicate that some new drugs and stem cell therapy have opened a new horizon for multiple sclerosis treatment, but current therapies are partially effective or not safe in the long term. Recently, herbal therapies represent a promising therapeutic approach for multiple sclerosis disease. Here, we consider the potential benefits of some herbal compounds on different aspects of multiple sclerosis disease. The medicinal plants and their derivatives; Ginkgo biloba, Zingiber officinale, Curcuma longa, Hypericum perforatum, Valeriana officinalis, Vaccinium macrocarpon, Nigella sativa,Piper methysticum, Crocus sativus, Panax ginseng, Boswellia papyrifera, Vitis vinifera, Gastrodia elata, Camellia sinensis, Oenothera biennis, MS14 and Cannabis sativa have been informed to have several therapeutic effects in MS patients.

Differentiation of Spermatogonia Stem Cells into Functional Mature Neurons Characterized with Differential Gene Expression.

Transplantation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) is a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. However, ESCs are not usable clinically due to immunological and ethical limitations. The identification of an alternative safe cell source opens novel options via autologous transplantation in neuro-regeneration circumventing these problems. Here, we examined the neurogenic capacity of embryonic stem-like cells (ES-like cells) derived from the testis using neural growth factor inducers and utilized them to generate functional mature neurons. The neuronal differentiation of ES-like cells is induced in three stages. Stage 1 is related to embryoid body (EB) formation. To induce neuroprogenitor cells, EBs were cultured in the presence of retinoic acid, N2 supplement and fibroblast growth factor followed by culturing in a neurobasal medium containing B27, N2 supplements for additional 10 days, to allow the maturation and development of neuronal progenitor cells. The neurogenic differentiation was confirmed by immunostaining for markers of mature neurons. The differentiated neurons were positive for Tuj1 and Tau1. Real-time PCR dates indicated the expression of Nestin and Neuro D (neuroprogenitor markers) in induced cells at the second stage of the differentiation protocol. The differentiated mature neurons exhibited the specific neuron markers Map2 and ß-tubulin. The functional maturity of neurons was confirmed by an electrophysiological analysis of passive and active neural membrane properties. These findings indicated a differentiation capacity of ES-like cells derived from the testis to functionally mature neurons, which proposes them as a novel cell source for neuroregenerative medicine.