Mesenchymal stem cells' seeded amniotic membrane as a tissue-engineered dressing for wound healing.

Different biomaterials have been used as biological dressing for wound regeneration. For many decades, human amniotic membrane graft (AM) has been widely applied for treating acute and chronic wounds. It has minimal toxicity and immunogenicity, supports mesenchymal cell in-growth, improves epidermal cell adherence and proliferation, and finally is inexpensive and readily available. Enrichment of tissue grafts with the stem cells is a new approach to improve their regenerative effects. This animal study aimed at investigating feasibility, safety, and efficacy of tissue-engineered dressings composed of AM and two different types of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the excisional wound model in rats. Human adipose-derived MSCs (ADMSCs) and placenta-derived MSCs (PLMSCs) were manufactured from the donated adipose and placenta tissues respectively. After cell characterization, MSCs were seeded on acellular AM (AAM) and cultivated for 5 days. Excisional wound model was developed in 24 male Wistar rats that were randomly classified into four groups including control, AAM, ADMSCs + AAM, and PLMSCs + AAM (n = 6 in each group). Tissue-engineered constructs were applied, and photographs were taken on days 0, 7, and 14 for observing the wound healing rates. In days 7 and 14 post-treatment, three rats from each group were euthanized, and wound biopsies were harvested, and histopathologic studies were conducted. The results of wound closure rate, re-epithelialization, angiogenesis, and collagen remodeling demonstrated that in comparison with the control groups, the MSC-seeded AAMs had superior regenerative effects in excisional wound animal model. Between MSCs group, the PLMSCs showed better healing effect. Our data suggested that seeding of MSCs on AAM can boosts its regenerative effects in wound treatment. We also found that PLMSCs had superior regenerative effects to ADMSc in the rat model of excisional wound.

Birjand longitudinal aging study (BLAS): the objectives, study protocol and design (wave I: baseline data gathering).

OBJECTIVES: The pace of population aging is growing rapidly around the world. Aging is associated with the emergence of different health status including geriatric syndrome such as frailty, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and dementia. These conditions are the most prominent challenges for health care systems and also elderly people. Therefore, understanding these changes can help scientists to prevent and treat significant health issues and also improve the functional ability of older adults. METHODS: This is a protocol of the first wave of Birjand Longitudinal Aging Study that is an ongoing community-based prospective cohort study with a following up at least 10 years. This study carries out on aged population ≥ 60 years which were residents in Birjand County (urban and rural older subjects). The selection of the participants of this study in urban areas is based on an age group weighted multistage stratified random sample while in the rural region the sample was selected from all ten rural regions of Birjand County by simple random sampling. The rural region sampling was based on the list of the aged population which were under the coverage of the rural health center. Sociodemographic, past medical history, lifestyle, sleep, activities of daily living, cognitive function, quality of life, and social capital were evaluated by interviewing with the participants and one of the informants. Anthropometric measures, electrocardiography, and interpretation of ophthalmologic examination were carried out by experts. Fasting Blood samples were collected and bio-banked in - 80 °C. then finally biochemical and hematologic markers were measured. RESULTS: This is the protocol of stage one baseline of Birjand Longitudinal Aging Study (BLAS). The BLAS is an enjoining study, the first phase of its baseline was carried out on a community- dwelling aged population sample ≥ 60 years who were residents in urban and rural regions of Birjand County. This is a community based prospective cohort study with at least 10 years follow up of participants. The data for 65% of older subjects (response rate = 65%) that lived in clusters were collected. CONCLUSIONS: This study can help scientists to recognize some risk factors related to the aging process and also aware policymakers about the necessity to create heath care services at regional and even national levels.