Use of kefir peptide (Kef-1) as an emerging approach for the treatment of oxidative stress and inflammation in 2K1C mice.

The benefits of kefir consumption are partially due to the rich composition of bioactive molecules released from its fermentation. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are bioactive molecules with potential use in the treatment or prevention of hypertension, heart failure, and myocardial infarction. Here, the in vivo actions of the Kef-1 peptide, an ACE inhibitor derived from kefir, were evaluated in an angiotensin II-dependent hypertension model. The Kef-1 peptide showed a potential anti-hypertensive effect. Additionally, Kef-1 exhibited systemic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In smooth muscle cells (SMCs), the Kef-1 peptide decreased ROS production through the reduced participation of NADPH oxidase and mitochondria. The aorta of 2K1C mice treated with Kef-1 showed lesser wall-thickening and partial restoration of the endothelial structure. In conclusion, these novel findings highlight the in vivo biological potential of this peptide demonstrating that Kef-1 may be a relevant nutraceutical treatment for cardiovascular diseases.

Decellularized Splenic Matrix as a Scaffold for Spleen Bioengineering.

The spleen is considered a non-essential organ. However, its importance is increasingly clear, given the serious disorders caused by its absence or dysfunction, e.g., greater susceptibility to infections, thromboembolism and cancer. Surgical techniques to preserve the spleen and maintain splenic function have become increasingly common. However, the morbidity and mortality associated with its absence and dysfunction are still high. We used the decellularization technique to obtain a viable splenic scaffold for recellularization in vitro and propose the idea of bioengineered spleen transplantation to the host. We observed the maintenance of important structural components such as white pulp, marginal zone and red pulp, in addition to the network of vascular ducts. The decellularized scaffold presents minimal residual DNA and SDS, which are essential to prevent immunogenic responses and transplantation failure. Also, the main components of the splenic matrix were preserved after decellularization, with retention of approximately 72% in the matrisomal protein content. The scaffold we developed was partially recellularized with stromal cells from the spleen of neonatal rats, demonstrating adhesion, proliferation and viability of cells. Therefore, the splenic scaffold is very promising for use in studies on spleen reconstruction and transplantation, with the aim of complete recovery of splenic function.

Decellularized splenic matrix as a scaffold for spleen bioengineering

The spleen is considered a non-essential organ. However, its importance is increasingly clear, given the serious disorders caused by its absence or dysfunction, e.g., greater susceptibility to infections, thromboembolism and cancer. Surgical techniques to preserve the spleen and maintain splenic function have become increasingly common. However, the morbidity and mortality associated with its absence and dysfunction are still high. We used the decellularization technique to obtain a viable splenic scaffold for recellularization in vitro and propose the idea of bioengineered spleen transplantation to the host. We observed the maintenance of important structural components such as white pulp, marginal zone and red pulp, in addition to the network of vascular ducts. The decellularized scaffold presents minimal residual DNA and SDS, which are essential to prevent immunogenic responses and transplantation failure. Also, the main components of the splenic matrix were preserved after decellularization, with retention of approximately 72% in the matrisomal protein content. The scaffold we developed was partially recellularized with stromal cells from the spleen of neonatal rats, demonstrating adhesion, proliferation and viability of cells. Therefore, the splenic scaffold is very promising for use in studies on spleen reconstruction and transplantation, with the aim of complete recovery of splenic function.