Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome Improves Clinical Outcomes and Changes Biomarkers in Knee Osteoarthritis.

(1) Background: The current treatment for osteoarthritis is ineffective due to its focus on pain relief and lack of cartilage repair. Viscosupplementation such as hyaluronic acid improves symptoms but remains unnoticed for several months. Researchers are exploring cell-based therapies such as mesenchymal stem cells secretome and mesenchymal stem cells, which can repair cartilage damage. The objective of the research is to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of the secretome derived from umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) with hyaluronic acid (HA). (2) Methods: An open-label clinical trial involving 30 knee osteoarthritis patients divided into two groups received UC-MSC secretome and hyaluronic acid doses. The study assessed clinical outcomes using VAS and WOMAC and measured MMP-3 and TGF-ß1 levels before and after treatment. (3) Results: A study of 30 subjects found that the UC-MSC secretome group showed a decrease in pain in the OA knee compared to the HA group. The therapy was most effective after the third injection, and the group showed a decrease in the MMP-3 ratio and an increase in TGF-ß1 compared to the hyaluronic acid group. (4) Conclusions: UC-MSC secretome intra-articular injections showed superior clinical improvement, biomarker changes, and no side effects compared to hyaluronic acid over a 5-week interval.

Effect of Extra-Virgin Olive Oil on Hand Foot Syndrome and hs-CRP in Patients Receiving Capecitabine: A Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Hand Foot Syndrome (HFS) is a frequent adverse effect observed in patients undergoing capecitabine chemotherapy, often leading to treatment disruptions and dose adjustments. Elevated C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) levels have been associated with the development of HFS. This study aimed to assess the potential of unrefined Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) supplementation in mitigating HFS and hs-CRP elevation among individuals receiving capecitabine chemotherapy. METHODS: Between November 2022 and May 2023, forty-five eligible participants were enrolled in this randomized trial. Patients with advanced colorectal or breast cancer were randomly allocated into three groups: an intervention group receiving unrefined EVOO supplementation (30 mL per day) alongside capecitabine, a placebo group receiving refined extra light olive oil (ELOO) supplementation (30 mL per day) alongside capecitabine, and a control group receiving capecitabine alone. The masking of both placebo and intervention groups was ensured through identical packaging and instructions, maintaining participant and physician blindness to the assigned treatments. Randomization, achieved via computer-generated sequences, ensured even distribution among the three groups. RESULTS: HFS incidences were notably lower in the EVOO group (13.3%) compared to the placebo (66.7%) and control (80%) groups. Instances of Grade 2 or more severe HFS were observed in 20% of placebo and 40% of control group patients. No cases of severe HFS were reported in the EVOO group. Moreover, EVOO supplementation led to a significant reduction in hs-CRP levels when contrasted with the placebo and control groups. These findings suggest that EVOO may serve as a preventive measure against HFS and exhibit anti-inflammatory effects in patients undergoing capecitabine chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the potential benefits of incorporating unrefined EVOO into the regimen of patients undergoing capecitabine chemotherapy. EVOO supplementation was associated with lower incidences of HFS and a reduction in hs-CRP levels, indicating its possible role in preventing HFS development and mitigating inflammation.

Efficacy of Sambiloto Extracts, Andrographis paniculate, (Burm. F) in Inhibiting Diabetic Retinopathy Progression: An in Vivo Study.

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of diabetes mellitus complication and occurred in retinal microvascular. This study was aimed to investigate the efficacy of Sambiloto, Andrographis paniculate (A. paniculata) extract on glycemic profile, antioxidant and inflammatory cytokine parameters in diabetic rats, and phytochemical analysis of A. paniculata. Methods: A. paniculata extract (APE) was carried out by maceration with ethanol. Diabetes mellitus in Wistar male rats was induced with streptozotocin. Retinal vessel diameters were estimated using a method by Vucetic. Inflammatory cytokine and antioxidant parameters were evaluated in retinal tissue. The alkaloid and flavonoid contents in extract were analyzed using thin layer chromatography method. Results: Funduscopic examination presented some changes in the diameter of the blood vessels. The vessel diameter in the diabetic retinopathy group with APE in concentration of 100 and 200 mg/kg BW groups was significantly lower than in the DR group (p<0.05). The administration of APE in dosages of 100 and 200 mg/kg BW showed reduced glutathione, SOD, and catalase levels compared to the DR group (p<0.05). Conclusion: A. paniculata extract doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg BW improved diabetic retinopathy in rats through hypoglycemic effects, antioxidant effects, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.