Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells alleviate inflammatory bowel disease by inhibiting ERK phosphorylation in neutrophils

Comparison of different sources of mesenchymal stem cells: focus on inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) poses a significant challenge in modern medicine, with conventional treatments limited by efficacy and associated side effects, necessitating innovative therapeutic approaches. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have emerged as promising candidates for IBD treatment due to their immunomodulatory properties and regenerative potential. This thesis aims to explore and compare various sources of MSC and evaluate their efficacy in treating IBD. This study comprehensively analyses MSC derived from multiple sources, including bone marrow, adipose tissue, umbilical cord, and other potential reservoirs. Core elements of this investigation include assessing differences in cell acquisition, immunomodulatory effects, and differentiation capabilities among these MSC sources, as well as comparing their clinical trial outcomes in IBD patients to their therapeutic efficacy in animal models. Through meticulous evaluation and comparative analysis, this thesis aims to elucidate disparities in the efficacy of different MSC sources for IBD treatment, thereby identifying the most promising therapeutic applications. The findings of this study are intended to advance our understanding of MSC biology and offer valuable insights for selecting the most effective MSC sources for personalized IBD therapy. Ultimately, this research endeavor will optimise therapeutic strategies for managing inflammatory bowel disease through the utilization of MSC.

Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells and lung cancer: We should be hopeful or hopeless?

Lung cancer (LC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-caused death that possesses a poor prognosis and low survival rate worldwide. In general, LC is classified into small-cell (SCLC) and non-small-cell carcinoma (NSCLC) (involving 80% of patients). Although chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and molecular-targeted therapy are considered standard approaches for LC treatment, these options have low success with detrimental effects on the life quality of patients. Ergo, recommending treatment with maximum effectiveness and minimum side effects for LC patients has been a substantial challenge for researchers and clinicians in the present era. Recently, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-based strategies have sparked much interest in preventing or treating numerous illnesses. These multipotent stem cells can be isolated from diverse sources, such as umbilical cord, bone marrow, and adipose tissue. Among these sources, umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) have been in the spotlight of MSCs-based therapies thanks to their considerable advantages, such as high proliferation ability, low immune reactions and tumorigenesis, and easiness in collection and isolation. Some experimental studies have investigated the functionality of intact UC-MSCs and extracellular vesicles, exosomes, and conditioned medium derived from UC-MSCs, as well as genetically engineered UC-MSCs. In this review, we aimed to highlight the influences of these UMSCs-based methods in LC treatment with cellular and molecular insights.

Neutrophil infiltration associated genes on the prognosis and tumor immune microenvironment of lung adenocarcinoma

The neutrophils exhibit both anti-tumor and pro-tumor effects in cancers. The correlation between neutrophils and tumor development in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is still uncertain, possibly due to a lack of specific neutrophil infiltration evaluation methods. In this study, we identified 30 hub genes that were significantly associated with neutrophil infiltration in LUAD through data mining, survival analysis, and multiple tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TICs) analysis, including TIMER, CIBERSORT, QUANTISEQ, XCELL, and MCPCOUNTER. Consensus clustering analysis showed that these 30 hub genes were correlated with clinical features in LUAD. We further developed a neutrophil scoring system based on these hub genes. The neutrophil score was significantly correlated with prognosis and tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in LUAD. It was also positively associated with PD-L1 expression and negatively associated with tumor mutational burden (TMB). When combined with the neutrophil score, the predictive capacity of PD-L1 and TMB for prognosis was significantly improved. Thus, the 30 hub genes might play an essential role in the interaction of neutrophils and LUAD, and the neutrophil scoring system might effectually assess the infiltration of neutrophils. Furthermore, we verified the expression of these 30 genes in the LUAD tumor tissues collected from our department. We further found that overexpressed TNFAIP6 and TLR6 and downregulated P2RY13, SCARF1, DPEP2, PRAM1, CYP27A1, CFP, GPX3, and NCF1 in LUAD tissue might be potentially associated with neutrophils pro-tumor effects. The following in vitro experiments demonstrated that TNFAIP6 and TLR6 were significantly overexpressed, and P2RY13 and CYP27A1 were significantly downregulated in LUAD cell lines, compared to BEAS-2B cells. Knocking down TNFAIP6 in A549 and PC9 resulted in the upregulation of FAS, CCL3, and ICAM-1, and the downregulation of CCL2, CXCR4, and VEGF-A in neutrophils when co-culturing with the conditioned medium (CM) from LUAD cells. Knocking down TNFAIP6 in LUAD also led to an elevated early apoptosis rate of neutrophils. Therefore, overexpressed TNFAIP6 in LUAD cancer cells might lead to neutrophils "N2" polarization, which exhibited pro-tumor effects. Further research based on the genes identified in this pilot study might shed light on neutrophils' effects on LUAD in the future.

The role of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosome in epigenetic modifications in inflammatory diseases

Epigenetic modification is a complex process of reversible and heritable alterations in gene function, and the combination of epigenetic and metabolic alterations is recognized as an important causative factor in diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), osteoarthritis (OA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and even tumors. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) and MSC-derived exosome (MSC-EXO) are widely studied in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, where they appear to be promising therapeutic agents, partly through the potent regulation of epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation, acetylation, phosphorylation, and expression of regulatory non-coding RNAs, which affects the occurrence and development of inflammatory diseases. In this review, we summarize the current research on the role of MSC-EXO in inflammatory diseases through their modulation of epigenetic modifications and discuss its potential application in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

hucMSC-Ex Alleviates IBD-Associated Intestinal Fibrosis by Inhibiting ERK Phosphorylation in Intestinal Fibroblasts

Background

Intestinal fibrosis, one of the complications of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is associated with fistula and intestinal stricture formation. There are currently no treatments for fibrosis. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes have been proven to exert inhibitory and reversal effects in IBD and other organ fibrosis. In this study, we explored the role of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (hucMSC-Ex) in IBD-related fibrosis and its associated mechanism to provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of IBD-related intestinal fibrosis.

Methods

We established a DSS-induced mouse IBD-related intestinal fibrosis model and observed the effect of hucMSC-Ex on the mouse model. We also used the TGF-induced human intestinal fibroblast CCD-18Co to observe the role of hucMSC-Ex in the proliferation, migration, and activation of intestinal fibroblasts. Having observed that the extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway in intestinal fibrosis can be inhibited by hucMSC-Ex, we treated intestinal fibroblasts with an ERK inhibitor to emphasize the potential target of ERK phosphorylation in the treatment of IBD-associated intestinal fibrosis.

Results

In the animal model of IBD-related fibrosis, hucMSC-Ex alleviated inflammation-related fibrosis as evident in the thinning of the mice's intestinal wall and decreased expression of related molecules. Moreover, hucMSC-Ex inhibited TGF-β-induced proliferation, migration, and activation of human intestinal fibroblasts, and ERK phosphorylation played a key role in IBD-associated fibrosis. The inhibition of ERK decreased the expression of fibrosis-related indicators such as α-SMA, fibronectin, and collagen I.

Conclusion

hucMSC-Ex alleviates DSS-induced IBD-related intestinal fibrosis by inhibiting profibrotic molecules and intestinal fibroblast proliferation and migration by decreasing ERK phosphorylation.

HUCMSC-derived Exosomes Suppress the Titanium Particles-induced Osteolysis in Mice through Inhibiting CCL2 and CCL3

OBJECTIVE

Wear particles induce inflammation and the further osteolysis around the prosthesis, has been proven to be the main cause of aseptic hip joint loosening. In this research, we aimed to clarify whether human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUCMSCs) could inhibit the titanium particles-induced osteolysis and shed light upon its mechanism.

METHODS

The expression of chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 3 (CCL3) and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5 (CCL5) were examinjed in clinical specimens of aseptic hip prosthesis loosening patients. Local injection of lentivirus that knocked down CCL2 or CCL3 in a cranial osteolysis mice model were used to exam the effect of CCL2 and CCL3 on titanium particles-induced osteolysis in vivo. Transwell assay was used to examine the effect of CCL2 and CCL3 on titanium particles-induced activation of macrophage in vitro. Furthermore, the therapeutic effect of HUCMSCs, and exosomes from HUCMSCs were also examed in vivo and vitro. Immunohistochemical and real-time PCR were used to examine the expression of relative pathways. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student-Newman-Keuls post hoc t test were used to analyze the results and determine the statistical significance of the differences.

RESULTS

Results showed that titanium particles caused the osteolysis at the mice cranial in vivo and a large number of macrophages that migrated, while local injection of HUCMSCs and exosomes did inhibit the cranial osteolysis and migration. An exosome inhibitor GW4869 significantly increased the osteolysis area in the mice cranium osteolysis model, and increased the number of migrated macrophages. Immunohistochemical results suggested that the expression of CCL2, CCL3 and CD68 in the cranial in Titanium particles mice increased significantly, but was significantly reduced by HUCMSCs or exosomes. HUCMSC and exosomes down-regulate the expression of CCL3 in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSION

HUCMSCs and HUCMSC-derived exosomes could suppress the titanium particles-induced osteolysis in mice through inhibiting chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 3.

Neutrophil Heterogeneity and its Roles in the Inflammatory Network after Ischemic Stroke

As the first peripheral immune cells to enter the brain after ischemic stroke, neutrophils are important participants in stroke-related neuroinflammation. Neutrophils are quickly mobilized from the periphery in response to a stroke episode and cross the blood-brain barrier to reach the ischemic brain parenchyma. This process involves the mobilization and activation of neutrophils from peripheral immune organs (including the bone marrow and spleen), their chemotaxis in the peripheral blood, and their infiltration into the brain parenchyma (including disruption of the blood-brain barrier, inflammatory effects on brain tissue, and interactions with other immune cell types). In the past, it was believed that neutrophils aggravated brain injuries through the massive release of proteases, reactive oxygen species, pro-inflammatory factors, and extracellular structures known as neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). With the failure of early clinical trials targeting neutrophils and uncovering their underlying heterogeneity, our view of their role in ischemic stroke has become more complex and multifaceted. As neutrophils can be divided into N1 and N2 phenotypes in tumors, neutrophils have also been found to have similar phenotypes after ischemic stroke, and play different roles in the development and prognosis of ischemic stroke. N1 neutrophils are dominant during the acute phase of stroke (within three days) and are responsible for the damage to neural structures via the aforementioned mechanisms. However, the proportion of N2 neutrophils gradually increases in later phases, and this has a beneficial effect through the release of anti-inflammatory factors and other neuroprotective mediators. Moreover, the N1 and N2 phenotypes are highly plastic and can be transformed into each other under certain conditions. The pronounced differences in their function and their high degree of plasticity make these neutrophil subpopulations promising targets for the treatment of ischemic stroke.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells Ameliorate DSS-Induced Experimental Colitis by Modulating the Gut Microbiota and MUC-1 Pathway

Purpose

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have become novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). However, the precise cellular and molecular mechanisms by which MSCs restore intestinal tissue homeostasis and repair the epithelial barrier have not been well elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects and possible mechanisms of human MSCs in the treatment of experimental colitis.

Methods

We performed an integrative transcriptomic, proteomic, untargeted metabolomics, and gut microbiota analyses in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced IBD mouse model. The cell viability of IEC-6 cells was determined by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The expression of MUC-1 and ferroptosis-related genes were determined by immunohistochemical staining, Western blot, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).

Results

Mice treated with MSCs showed notable amelioration in the severity of DSS-induced colitis, which was associated with reduced levels of proinflammatory cytokines and restoration of the lymphocyte subpopulation balance. Treatment with MSC restored the gut microbiota and altered their metabolites in DSS-induced IBD mice. The 16s rDNA sequencing showed that treatment with MSC modulated the composition of probiotics, including the upregulation of the contents of Firmicutes, Lactobacillus, Blautia, Clostridia, and Helicobacter bacteria in mouse colons. Protein proteomics and transcriptome analyses revealed that pathways related to cell immune responses, including inflammatory cytokines, were suppressed in the MSC group. The ferroptosis-related gene, MUC-1, was significantly upregulated in the MSC-treated group. MUC-1-inhibition experiments indicated that MUC-1 was essential for epithelial cell growth. Through overexpression of MUC-1, it showed that upregulation of SLC7A11 and GPX4, and downregulation of ACSL4 in erastin and RSL3-treated IEC-6 cells, respectively.

Conclusion

This study described a mechanism by which treatment with MSCs ameliorated the severity of DSS-induced colitis by modulating the gut microbiota, immune response, and the MUC-1 pathway.

Therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells for refractory inflammatory and immune skin diseases

Inflammatory and immunological skin diseases such as psoriasis, systemic sclerosis, dermatomyositis and atopic dermatitis, whose abnormal skin manifestations not only affected life quality but also caused social discrimination, have been wildly concerned. Complex variables such as hereditary predisposition, racial differences, age and gender can influence the prevalence and therapeutic options. The population of patients with unsatisfactory curative effects under current therapies is growing, it's advisable to seek novel and advanced therapies that are less likely to cause systemic damage. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been proven with therapeutic benefits in tissue regeneration, self-renewal and differentiation abilities when treating refractory skin disorders in preclinical and clinical studies. Here we highlighted the immune modulation and inflammation suppression of MSCs in skin diseases, summarized current studies, research progress and related clinical trials, hoping to strengthen the confidence of promising MSCs therapy in future clinical application.

General consensus on multimodal functions and validation analysis of perinatal derivatives for regenerative medicine applications

Perinatal tissues, such as placenta and umbilical cord contain a variety of somatic stem cell types, spanning from the largely used hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells to the most recently described broadly multipotent epithelial and stromal cells. As perinatal derivatives (PnD), several of these cell types and related products provide an interesting regenerative potential for a variety of diseases. Within COST SPRINT Action, we continue our review series, revising and summarizing the modalities of action and proposed medical approaches using PnD products: cells, secretome, extracellular vesicles, and decellularized tissues. Focusing on the brain, bone, skeletal muscle, heart, intestinal, liver, and lung pathologies, we discuss the importance of potency testing in validating PnD therapeutics, and critically evaluate the concept of PnD application in the field of tissue regeneration. Hereby we aim to shed light on the actual therapeutic properties of PnD, with an open eye for future clinical application. This review is part of a quadrinomial series on functional/potency assays for validation of PnD, spanning biological functions, such as immunomodulation, anti-microbial/anti-cancer, anti-inflammation, wound healing, angiogenesis, and regeneration.

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells in the pathogenesis and regenerative therapy of inflammatory bowel diseases

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) represent a group of chronic inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract including ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn’s disease (CD), and unclassified IBDs. The pathogenesis of IBDs is related to genetic susceptibility, environmental factors, and dysbiosis that can lead to the dysfunction of immune responses and dysregulated homeostasis of local mucosal tissues characterized by severe inflammatory responses and tissue damage in GI tract. To date, extensive studies have indicated that IBDs cannot be completely cured and easy to relapse, thus prompting researchers to find novel and more effective therapeutics for this disease. Due to their potent multipotent differentiation and immunomodulatory capabilities, mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) not only play an important role in regulating immune and tissue homeostasis but also display potent therapeutic effects on various inflammatory diseases, including IBDs, in both preclinical and clinical studies. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview on the pathological mechanisms, the currently available therapeutics, particularly, the potential application of MSCs-based regenerative therapy for IBDs.

Potential mechanisms and therapeutic targets of mesenchymal stem cell transplantation for ischemic stroke

Ischemic stroke is one of the major causes of death and disability in the world. Currently, most patients cannot choose intravenous thrombolysis or intravascular mechanical thrombectomy because of narrow therapeutic windows and severe complications. Stem cell transplantation is an emerging treatment and has been studied in various central nervous system diseases. Animal and clinical studies showed that transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could alleviate neurological deficits and bring hope for ischemic stroke treatment. This article reviewed biological characteristics, safety, feasibility and efficacy of MSCs therapy, potential therapeutic targets of MSCs, and production process of Good Manufacturing Practices-grade MSCs, to explore the potential therapeutic targets of MSCs in the process of production and use and provide new therapeutic directions for ischemic stroke.

Stem cells to reverse aging

ABSTRACT

As human life expectancy continues to increase and the birth rate continues to decline, the phenomenon of aging is becoming more prominent worldwide. Therefore, addressing the problems associated with global aging has become a current research focus. The main manifestations of human aging are structural degeneration and functional decline of aging tissues and organs, quality of life decline, decreased ability to resist diseases, and high incidence rates of a variety of senile degenerative diseases. Thus far, no ideal treatments have been found. Stem cell (SC) therapies have broad application prospects in the field of regenerative medicine due to the inherent biological characteristics of SCs, such as their plasticity, self-renewal, and multidirectional differentiation potential. Thus, SCs could delay or even reverse aging. This manuscript reviews the causes of human aging, the biological characteristics of SCs, and research progress on age reversal.

Intestinal Fibrosis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and the Prospects of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy

Intestinal fibrosis is an important complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In the course of the development of fibrosis, certain parts of the intestine become narrowed, significantly destroying the structure and function of the intestine and affecting the quality of life of patients. Chronic inflammation is an important initiating factor of fibrosis. Unfortunately, the existing anti-inflammatory drugs cannot effectively prevent and alleviate fibrosis, and there is no effective anti-fibrotic drug, which makes surgical treatment the mainstream treatment for intestinal fibrosis and stenosis. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are capable of tissue regeneration and repair through their self-differentiation, secretion of cytokines, and secretion of extracellular vesicles. MSCs have been shown to play an important therapeutic role in the fibrosis of many organs. However, the role of MSC in intestinal fibrosis largely remained unexplored. This review summarizes the mechanism of intestinal fibrosis, including the role of immune cells, TGF-β, and the gut microbiome and metabolites. Available treatment options for fibrosis, particularly, MSCs are also discussed.

Perinatal derivatives: How to best characterize their multimodal functions in vitro. Part C: Inflammation, angiogenesis, and wound healing

Perinatal derivatives (PnD) are birth-associated tissues, such as placenta, umbilical cord, amniotic and chorionic membrane, and thereof-derived cells as well as secretomes. PnD play an increasing therapeutic role with beneficial effects on the treatment of various diseases. The aim of this review is to elucidate the modes of action of non-hematopoietic PnD on inflammation, angiogenesis and wound healing. We describe the source and type of PnD with a special focus on their effects on inflammation and immune response, on vascular function as well as on cutaneous and oral wound healing, which is a complex process that comprises hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation (including epithelialization, angiogenesis), and remodeling. We further evaluate the different in vitro assays currently used for assessing selected functional and therapeutic PnD properties. This review is a joint effort from the COST SPRINT Action (CA17116) with the intention to promote PnD into the clinics. It is part of a quadrinomial series on functional assays for validation of PnD, spanning biological functions, such as immunomodulation, anti-microbial/anti-cancer activities, anti-inflammation, wound healing, angiogenesis, and regeneration.

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell-secreted exosome alleviates dextran sulfate sodium-induced acute colitis by Treg cell induction and inflammatory cytokine reduction

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is an inflammatory condition that results in gastrointestinal tract damage. Various factors, including environmental and genetic agents, disrupt the function of the intestinal immune system that can lead to IBD. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) display an immunoregulatory function and demonstrate regenerative potential by paracrine action. In this study, we evaluated the immunomodulatory effects of MSCs' derived exosomes in the acute form of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Exosomes were isolated from adipose-derived MSCs. Acute colitis was induced by DSS. The exosome was used by intraperitoneal injection into mice with acute colitis. Stool consistency, body weight changes, bleeding severity, colon length, and weight were examined. At the experimental endpoint (Day 7), the changes in the colon tissue were evaluated. The level of cytokines of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-17 (IL-17), IL-4, IL-12, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and, IL-10, and Treg cells percentage were assayed. Results showed that exosome administration diminished colon shortening, bodyweight loss, bleeding, and colon injury. The levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-12, and IL-17 were decreased, and the level of TGF-β, IL-4, and IL-10 were increased in lymph node and spleen of mice treated with exosome.  Percentages of CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ Treg cells were grown in the lymph node and spleen of mice treated with exosomes. Overall, current data suggest that MSC-derived exosome could regulate the Treg population and improves inflammation in DSS-induced acute colitis.

The Cross-Talk between Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Immune Cells in Tissue Repair and Regeneration

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are self-renewable, rapidly proliferating, multipotent stem cells which reside in almost all post-natal tissues. MSCs possess potent immunoregulatory properties and, in juxtacrine and paracrine manner, modulate phenotype and function of all immune cells that participate in tissue repair and regeneration. Additionally, MSCs produce various pro-angiogenic factors and promote neo-vascularization in healing tissues, contributing to their enhanced repair and regeneration. In this review article, we summarized current knowledge about molecular mechanisms that regulate the crosstalk between MSCs and immune cells in tissue repair and regeneration.

Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Based Therapies as Promising Treatments for Muscle Regeneration After Snakebite Envenoming

Snakebite envenoming is a global neglected disease with an incidence of up to 2.7 million new cases every year. Although antivenoms are so-far the most effective treatment to reverse the acute systemic effects induced by snakebite envenoming, they have a limited therapeutic potential, being unable to completely neutralize the local venom effects. Local damage, such as dermonecrosis and myonecrosis, can lead to permanent sequelae with physical, social, and psychological implications. The strong inflammatory process induced by snake venoms is associated with poor tissue regeneration, in particular the lack of or reduced skeletal muscle regeneration. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs)-based therapies have shown both anti-inflammatory and pro-regenerative properties. We postulate that using allogeneic MSCs or their cell-free products can induce skeletal muscle regeneration in snakebite victims, improving all the three steps of the skeletal muscle regeneration process, mainly by anti-inflammatory activity, paracrine effects, neovascularization induction, and inhibition of tissue damage, instrumental for microenvironment remodeling and regeneration. Since snakebite envenoming occurs mainly in areas with poor healthcare, we enlist the principles and potential of MSCs-based therapies and discuss regulatory issues, good manufacturing practices, transportation, storage, and related-procedures that could allow the administration of these therapies, looking forward to a safe and cost-effective treatment for a so far unsolved and neglected health problem.

Ginsenoside from ginseng: a promising treatment for inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an autoimmune disease mediated by immune disorder and termed as one of the most refractory diseases by the Word Health Organization. Its morbidity has increased steadily over the past half century worldwide. Environmental, genetic, infectious, and immune factors are integral to the pathogenesis of IBD. Commonly known as the king of herbs, ginseng has been consumed in many countries for the past 2000 years. Its active ingredient ginsenosides, as the most prominent saponins of ginseng, have a wide range of pharmacological effects. Recent studies have confirmed that the active components of Panax ginseng have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects on IBD, including regulating the balance of immune cells, inhibiting the expression of cytokines, as well as activating Toll-like receptor 4, Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor (NLRP), mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling, and so on. Accumulated evidence indicates that ginsenosides may serve as a potential novel therapeutic drug or health product additive in IBD prevention and treatment in the future.

Synergistic therapeutic effect of mesenchymal stem cells and tolerogenic dendritic cells in an acute colitis mouse model

Cell-based therapy with tolerizing cells has been applied for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in previous experimental and clinical studies with promising results. In the current study, we utilized the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model, to investigate if tolerogenic dendritic cell-mesenchymal stem cell (tDC-MSC) combination therapy can augment the therapeutic effects of single transplantation of each cell type. The effect of MSC and tDC co-transplantation on the severity of colitis was assessed by daily monitoring of body weight, stool consistency, and rectal bleeding, and compared with control groups. Moreover, the colon length, colon weight, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were measured and evaluated with histological analysis of colon tissues. The Treg cell percentage and cytokine levels in spleens and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) were measured by flow cytometry and ELISA, respectively. The results showed co-transplantation of MSCs and tDCs was more effective in alleviating the clinical and histological manifestations of colitis than monotherapy, especially when compared with MSC alone. The protective effects of tDC-MSC were accompanied by the induction of Treg cells and increased the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines in spleens and mesenteric lymph nodes. Together, co-transplantation of MSCs and tDCs could be a promising and effective therapeutic approach in the treatment of IBD.