Mesenchymal Stem Cell-based Scaffolds in Regenerative Medicine of Dental Diseases

Investigating the enhancement of neural differentiation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell with Foeniculum vulgare nanoemulsions: An in vitro research

BACKGROUND

Neurons, distributed throughout the body, regulate various bodily functions. The recovery of the nervous system is often slow and can be irreversible. Currently, the approach of using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in conjunction with conventional treatments for nervous system injuries is being explored. Nanoemulsions are systems designed for the nanoscale delivery of drug cargoes. Foeniculum vulgare (F. vulgare), a medicinal plant long utilized in complementary medicine, is the focus of this study. The aim is to utilize nanoemulsions of fennel to induce the differentiation of MSCs into neural-like cells in vitro.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADSCs) were commercially purchased. These cells were cultured in DMEM medium containing 10 % fetal bovine serum and 1 % penicillin-streptomycin antibiotic. Based on a sequential extraction method, n-hexane (Hex), ethyl acetate (EtAc), and ethanolic extracts were obtained from the seeds of F. vulgare. To prepare the F. vulgare extract nanoemulsion, the aqueous phase (distilled water), the oily part (F. vulgare extract), Span 80 and Tween 20 were used. The optimal dose of F. vulgare nanoemulsion was determined using the MTT assay and acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining. Neural differentiation was induced using a specialized differentiation medium on the MSCs, with the prepared nanoemulsions acting as inducers. The neural differentiation of the human differentiated hADSCs was studied and evaluated through Real-time PCR and immunocytochemistry (ICC) techniques on days 7 and 14.

RESULTS

The results obtained from the MTT and AO/EB tests indicated that the optimal dose of F. vulgare nanoemulsions is 1 μg/ml. Analysis of neural differentiation index gene expression revealed a significant (P ≤ 0.05) upregulation of MAP-2, β-tubulin III, and NSE genes on days 7 and 14 following treatment with the nanoemulsions. It is noteworthy that the nanoemulsion prepared from the hexane extract of the plant showed a significant increase in the expression of marker genes in the process of neural differentiation. Protein expression analysis demonstrated an increase in MAP-2, β-tubulin III, and NSE (gamma enolase) proteins in response to the nanoemulsion inducers compared to the control group (TCPS).

DISCUSSION

Overall, our findings indicate that F. vulgare nanoemulsions have a positive effect on the expression of genes and proteins related to neural differentiation in hADSCs. The proposed protocol may serve as a potential therapeutic strategy in complementary medicine for patients seeking to improve injuries to the nervous system. However, further studies and performance measurements are necessary in future research to confirm these results.

The bone microenvironment: new insights into the role of stem cells and cell communication in bone regeneration

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play a crucial role in bone formation and remodeling. Intrinsic genetic factors and extrinsic environmental cues regulate their differentiation into osteoblasts. Within the bone microenvironment, a complex network of biochemical and biomechanical signals orchestrates bone homeostasis and regeneration. In addition, the crosstalk among MSCs, immune cells, and neighboring cells-mediated by extracellular vesicles and non-coding RNAs (such as circular RNAs and micro RNAs) -profoundly influences osteogenic differentiation and bone remodeling. Recent studies have explored specific signaling pathways that contribute to effective bone regeneration, highlighting the potential of manipulating the bone microenvironment to enhance MSC functionality. The integration of advanced biomaterials, gene editing techniques, and controlled delivery systems is paving the way for more targeted and efficient regenerative therapies. Furthermore, artificial intelligence could improve bone tissue engineering, optimize biomaterial design, and enable personalized treatment strategies. This review explores the latest advancements in bone regeneration, emphasizing the intricate interplay among stem cells, immune cells, and signaling molecules. By providing a comprehensive overview of these mechanisms and their clinical implications, we aim to shed light on future research directions in this rapidly evolving field.

Review of carbonaceous nanoparticles for antibacterial uses in various dental infections

The mouth cavity is the second most complex microbial community in the human body. It is composed of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. An imbalance in the oral microbiota may lead to various conditions, including caries, soft tissue infections, periodontitis, root canal infections, peri-implantitis (PI), pulpitis, candidiasis, and denture stomatitis. Additionally, several locally administered antimicrobials have been suggested for dentistry in surgical and non-surgical applications. The main drawbacks are increased antimicrobial resistance, the risk of upsetting the natural microbiota, and hypersensitivity responses. Because of their unique physiochemical characteristics, nanoparticles (NPs) can circumvent antibiotic-resistance mechanisms and exert antimicrobial action via a variety of new bactericidal routes. Because of their anti-microbial properties, carbon-based NPs are becoming more and more effective antibacterial agents. Periodontitis, mouth infections, PI, dentin and root infections, and other dental diseases are among the conditions that may be treated using carbon NPs (CNPs) like graphene oxide and carbon dots. An outline of the scientific development of multifunctional CNPs concerning oral disorders will be given before talking about the significant influence of CNPs on dental health. Some of these illnesses include Periodontitis, oral infections, dental caries, dental pulp disorders, dentin and dental root infections, and PI. We also review the remaining research and application barriers for carbon-based NPs and possible future problems.

A review of the immunomodulatory properties of mesenchymal stem cells and their derived extracellular vesicles in small-cell and non-small-cell lung cancer cells

Among the most challenging diseases to treat is lung cancer (LC). While immunotherapy has a checkered history, it has lately shown great promise in the treatment of LC, and interest in this promising new approach is on the rise around the globe. Immunotherapy using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is gaining popularity. Regenerative medicine, cell therapy, and immune modulation are three areas that have shown significant interest in MSCs. More than that, MSCs have recently attracted attention as potential anti-cancer drug delivery vehicles due to their inherent ability to go home to tumor locations. Making MSCs a double-edged sword in the fight against neoplastic illnesses, they are also known to impart pro-oncogenic properties. Additionally, multiple studies have proposed extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by MSCs as a potential therapeutic agent or method for delivering anti-cancer drugs. However, there has been conflicting evidence regarding the impact of MSCs or MSC-EV on the behavior of cancer cells, and the exact mechanism for this effect is still unknown. Our research has focused on MSCs and their key characteristics, such as their immunomodulatory capabilities for cancer therapy. Our research has also explored the potential of MSCs and their derivatives to treat small-cell and non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLC and SCLC, respectively) by leveraging MSCs' immunomodulatory characteristics. At the end of this article, we covered the pros and cons of this therapy procedure, as well as what researchers want to do in the future to make it more suitable for clinical application in LC treatment.

Artificial intelligence in breast cancer survival prediction: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Breast cancer (BC), as a leading cause of cancer mortality in women, demands robust prediction models for early diagnosis and personalized treatment. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms offer promising solutions for automated survival prediction, driving this study's systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

Three online databases (Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus) were comprehensively searched (January 2016-August 2023) using key terms ("Breast Cancer", "Survival Prediction", and "Machine Learning") and their synonyms. Original articles applying ML algorithms for BC survival prediction using clinical data were included. The quality of studies was assessed via the Qiao Quality Assessment tool.

Results

Amongst 140 identified articles, 32 met the eligibility criteria. Analyzed ML methods achieved a mean validation accuracy of 89.73%. Hybrid models, combining traditional and modern ML techniques, were mostly considered to predict survival rates (40.62%). Supervised learning was the dominant ML paradigm (75%). Common ML methodologies included pre-processing, feature extraction, dimensionality reduction, and classification. Deep Learning (DL), particularly Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), emerged as the preferred modern algorithm within these methodologies. Notably, 81.25% of studies relied on internal validation, primarily using K-fold cross-validation and train/test split strategies.

Conclusion

The findings underscore the significant potential of AI-based algorithms in enhancing the accuracy of BC survival predictions. However, to ensure the robustness and generalizability of these predictive models, future research should emphasize the importance of rigorous external validation. Such endeavors will not only validate the efficacy of these models across diverse populations but also pave the way for their integration into clinical practice, ultimately contributing to personalized patient care and improved survival outcomes.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42024513350.

A review on the potential use of bismuth nanoparticles in oral health

According to many investigations, persistent oral infections may be caused by oral pathogenic biofilms. Irritation of soft tissues and subsequent bone resorption due to bacterial biofilm contamination of the implant further worsen oral health. Dental problems may be effectively treated using metal nanoparticles (NPs) because they limit the development of many different types of bacteria. With their low toxicity, X-ray sensitivity, high atomic number, near-infrared driven semiconductor qualities, and cheap cost, multifunctional bismuth (Bi) NPs with therapeutic activities show significant potential for the domains of bacterial infection diagnostics and treatment. Also, by directly communicating with the bacterial cell wall, stimulating intracellular effects, inhibiting biofilm formation, producing reactive oxygen species, and inducing adaptive and innate immune responses, BiNPs offer an alternative to conventional antibiotics for treating bacteria with multiple drug resistance (MDR). Hence, BiNPs, which have more antibacterial activity and fewer side effects than chlorhexidine, might be a promising option to fight biofilm-forming bacteria in the mouth. This could lead to their usage in several areas of dentistry. The research delves into the many synthesis techniques of BiNPs and their antibacterial and anticancer capabilities. Next, we'll review how this nanoparticle has helped with dental infections, periodontitis, and dental implant problems. The anticancer effects of BiNPs on oral cancer were also studied. Thus, after this paper, we have highlighted the therapeutic limits and ways to address this issue for the clinical success of BiNPs in promoting oral and dental health.

The Role of Dental-derived Stem Cell-based Therapy and Their Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Post-COVID-19 Syndrome-induced Tissue Damage

Long coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is linked to an increased risk of post-acute sequelae affecting the pulmonary and extrapulmonary organ systems. Up to 20% of COVID-19 patients may proceed to a more serious form, such as severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), or pulmonary fibrosis. Still, the majority of patients may only have mild, self-limiting sickness. Of particular concern is the possibility of parenchymal fibrosis and lung dysfunction in long-term COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, it has been observed that up to 43% of individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 also had acute renal injury (AKI). Care for kidney, brain, lung, cardiovascular, liver, ocular, and tissue injuries should be included in post-acute COVID-19 treatment. As a powerful immunomodulatory tool in regenerative medicine, dental stem cells (DSCs) have drawn much interest. Numerous immune cells and cytokines are involved in the excessive inflammatory response, which also has a significant effect on tissue regeneration. A unique reservoir of stem cells (SCs) for treating acute lung injury (ALI), liver damage, neurological diseases, cardiovascular issues, and renal damage may be found in tooth tissue, according to much research. Moreover, a growing corpus of in vivo research is connecting DSC-derived extracellular vesicles (DSC-EVs), which are essential paracrine effectors, to the beneficial effects of DSCs. DSC-EVs, which contain bioactive components and therapeutic potential in certain disorders, have been shown as potentially effective therapies for tissue damage after COVID-19. Consequently, we explore the properties of DSCs in this work. Next, we'll look at how SARS-CoV-2 affects tissue damage. Lastly, we have looked at the use of DSCs and DSC-EVs in managing COVID-19 and chronic tissue damage, such as injury to the heart, brain, lung, and other tissues.

The potential use of nanozymes as an antibacterial agents in oral infection, periodontitis, and peri-implantitis

Several studies suggest that oral pathogenic biofilms cause persistent oral infections. Among these is periodontitis, a prevalent condition brought on by plaque biofilm. It can even result in tooth loss. Furthermore, the accumulation of germs around a dental implant may lead to peri-implantitis, which damages the surrounding bone and gum tissue. Furthermore, bacterial biofilm contamination on the implant causes soft tissue irritation and adjacent bone resorption, severely compromising dental health. On decontaminated implant surfaces, however, re-osseointegration cannot be induced by standard biofilm removal techniques such as mechanical cleaning and antiseptic treatment. A family of nanoparticles known as nanozymes (NZs) comprise highly catalytically active multivalent metal components. The most often employed NZs with antibacterial activity are those that have peroxidase (POD) activity, among other types of NZs. Since NZs are less expensive, more easily produced, and more stable than natural enzymes, they hold great promise for use in various applications, including treating microbial infections. NZs have significantly contributed to studying implant success rates and periodontal health maintenance in periodontics and implantology. An extensive analysis of the research on various NZs and their applications in managing oral health conditions, including dental caries, dental pulp disorders, oral ulcers, peri-implantitis, and bacterial infections of the mouth. To combat bacteria, this review concentrates on NZs that imitate the activity of enzymes in implantology and periodontology. With a view to the future, there are several ways that NZs might be used to treat dental disorders antibacterially.

Recent advances in nanomaterial-based biosensor for periodontitis detection

Periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory condition caused by bacteria, often causes gradual destruction of the components that support teeth, such as the alveolar bone, cementum, periodontal ligament, and gingiva. This ultimately results in teeth becoming loose and eventually falling out. Timely identification has a crucial role in preventing and controlling its progression. Clinical measures are used to diagnose periodontitis. However, now, there is a hunt for alternative diagnostic and monitoring methods due to the progress of technology. Various biomarkers have been assessed using multiple bodily fluids as sample sources. Furthermore, conventional periodontal categorization factors do not provide significant insights into the present disease activity, severity and amount of tissue damage, future development, and responsiveness to treatment. In recent times, there has been a growing utilization of nanoparticle (NP)-based detection strategies to create quick and efficient detection assays. Every single one of these platforms leverages the distinct characteristics of NPs to identify periodontitis. Plasmonic NPs include metal NPs, quantum dots (QDs), carbon base NPs, and nanozymes, exceptionally potent light absorbers and scatterers. These find application in labeling, surface-enhanced spectroscopy, and color-changing sensors. Fluorescent NPs function as photostable and sensitive instruments capable of labeling various biological targets. This article presents a comprehensive summary of the latest developments in the effective utilization of various NPs to detect periodontitis.