Stable Co-Cultivation of the Moss Physcomitrella patens with Human Cells in vitro as a New Approach to Support Metabolism of Diseased Alzheimer Cells.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating slowly progressive neurodegenerative disorder with no cure. While there are many hypotheses, the exact mechanism causing this pathology is still unknown. Among many other features, AD is characterized by brain hypometabolism and decreased sugar availability, to which neurons eventually succumb. In light of this aspect of the disease, we hypothesized that boosting fuel supply to neurons may help them survive or at least alleviate some of the symptoms. Here we demonstrate that live moss Physcomitrella patens cells can be safely co-cultured with human fibroblasts in vitro and thus have a potential for providing human cells with energy and other vital biomolecules. These data may form the foundation for the development of novel approaches to metabolic bioengineering and treatment of diseased cells based on live plants. In addition, by providing alternative energy sources to human tissues, the biotechnological potential of this interkingdom setup could also serve as a springboard to foster innovative dietary processes addressing current challenges of mankind such as famine or supporting long-haul space flight.

Gene Therapy Using Plasmid DNA Encoding VEGF164 and FGF2 Genes: A Novel Treatment of Naturally Occurring Tendinitis and Desmitis in Horses.

This clinical study describes the intralesional application of the plasmid DNA encoding two therapeutic species-specific growth factors: vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF164) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) in seven horses to restore naturally occurring injuries of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) (tendinitis) and in three horses with suspensory ligament branch desmitis. Following application all horses were able to commence a more rapid exercise program in comparison to standardized exercise programs. Clinical observation and ultrasonic imaging was used to evaluate the regeneration rate of the tendon and ligament injury recovery and to confirm the safety of this gene therapy in horses, throughout a 12 month period. Follow-up data of the horses revealed a positive outcome including significant ultrasonographic and clinical improvements in 8 out of 10 horses with SDFT and suspensory ligament branch lesions, with return to their pre-injury level of performance by 2-6 months after the completion of treatment. The ninth horse initially presenting with severe suspensory ligament branch desmopathy, showed no significant ultrasonographic improvements in the first 2 months after treatment, however, it improved clinically and became less lame. The final horse, presenting with severe tendinitis of the SDFT returned to their pre-injury level of performance, but experienced re-injury 6 months after treatment. This data is highly promising, however, further research in experimental models, with the histopathological, immunohistochemical and gene expression evaluation of the equine tendon/ligament after gene therapy application is required in order to fully understand the mechanisms of action. This treatment and the significant clinical impacts observed represents an important advancement in the field of medicine.

Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Application Combined With Fibrin Matrix Promotes Structural and Functional Recovery Following Spinal Cord Injury in Rats.

The use of stem and progenitor cells to restore damaged organs and tissues, in particular, the central nervous system, is currently considered a most promising therapy in regenerative medicine. At the same time, another approach aimed at stimulating regeneration with the use of stem cells encapsulated into a biopolymer matrix and capable of creating a specific microenvironment for the implanted cells similar to the natural extracellular matrix is under active development. Here, we study effects of the application of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) combined with a fibrin matrix on post-traumatic reactions in the spinal cord in rats. The AD-MSC application is found to exert a positive impact on the functional and structural recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI) that has been confirmed by the results of behavioral/electrophysiological and morphometric studies demonstrating reduced area of abnormal cavities and enhanced tissue retention in the site of injury. Immunohistochemical and real-time PCR analyses provide evidence that AD-MSC application decreases the GFAP expression in the area of SCI that might indicate the reduction of astroglial activation. Our results also demonstrate that AD-MSC application contributes to marked upregulation of PDGFßR and HSPA1b mRNA expression and decrease of Iba1 expression at the site of the central canal. Thus, the application of AD-MSCs combined with fibrin matrix at the site of SCI during the subacute period can stimulate important mechanisms of nervous tissue regeneration and should be further developed for clinical applications.