Neuroprotective Effect of Transplanted Neural Precursors Embedded on PLA/CS Scaffold in an Animal Model of Multiple Sclerosis

Nerve Regeneration Through Differentiation of Endometrial-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Nerve-Like Cells Using Polyacrylonitrile/Chitosan Conduit and Berberine in a Rat Sciatic Nerve Injury Model

Nervous injuries are common in humans. One of the most advanced treatment methods is neural tissue engineering. This research aims to utilize nerve-like cells (NLCs) derived from endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (EnMSCs) on a polyacrylonitrile/chitosan (PAN/CS) scaffold, along with berberine, for the reconstruction of a rat sciatic nerve injury model. In this experimental study, EnMSCs were obtained through enzymatic digestion and identified using flow cytometry and their differentiation into adipocyte and osteoblast. PAN nanofiber scaffolds were produced through electrospinning, and EnMSCs were neurally differentiated on these scaffolds for grafting into an animal model. The expression of Nestin, Map-2, Tuj-1, and NF genes in NLCs was confirmed through RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry. Twenty-five adult male rats were used in this study, divided into 5 groups: (1) Scaffold/Cells/Berberine, (2) Scaffold/Cells, (3) Scaffold, (4) Berberine, and (5) Control. The animals were maintained for 8 weeks, and their sciatic nerve function (SFI) was assessed. Additionally, histological examinations were performed using hematoxylin/eosin, luxol fast blue staining, and immunohistochemistry. According to the results, extraction, identification, and differentiation of EnMSCs and fabrication of PAN conduit and its transplantation were successfully performed. The best behavioral performance and histology were observed in the Scaffold/Cells/Berberine group. The SFI test results were -24.08 for the Scaffold/Cells/Berberine group and -39.27 for the control group. The nerve diameter in these two groups was 591 µm and 80 µm, respectively, and the percentage of new nerve formation was 18.5% in the Scaffold/Cells/Berberine group and 0.2% in the control group. The immunohistochemistry results demonstrated that the intensity of the green color was higher in the groups with cells compared to the groups without cells. Furthermore, in the luxol staining results, all groups showed a significant improvement compared to the control group. In the Scaffold/Cells/Berberine group, fibers, and axons appeared denser, more organized, and displayed a higher intensity of blue staining. According to the results of this study, EnMSCs demonstrated efficient differentiation into NLCs. With the assistance of PAN/CS scaffolds and simultaneous administration of berberine, EnMSCs have the potential for nerve regeneration and recovery from sciatic nerve injury in the rat animal model.

Enhanced Therapeutic Effects of Human Mesenchymal stem Cells Transduced with Secreted Klotho in a Murine Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Model

Treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) remains a major challenge. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) engineered with secreted Klotho (SKL) in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model of MS. EAE was induced in mice. MSCs or MSCs engineered with SKL (SKL-MSCs) were administered to EAE mice at the onset of disease. Hematoxylin-eosin and luxol fast blue staining were performed to evaluate histopathological changes. Expression of pro-inflammatory (TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-17) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines was determined in the spinal cord using real-time PCR. Spinal cords were then processed for immunohistochemistry of the aforementioned cytokines. The frequencies of Th1, Th17, and regulatory T (Treg) cells were evaluated by flow cytometry of the spleen. The results showed that SKL-MSCs decreased clinical scores and reduced demyelination and inflammatory infiltration in the spinal cord more significantly than MSCs. Compared to MSCs, SKL-MSCs also exhibited a more profound capability of decreasing expression of TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-17 and increasing expression of IL-10 in the spinal cord with an enhanced homing to the inflamed tissue. Moreover, SKL-MSCs decreased the frequencies of Th1 and Th17 cells and increased the frequency of Treg cells in the spleen more potently than MSCs. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that SKL overexpression enhances the therapeutic potential of MSCs, as evidenced by significantly improved disease severity, decreased inflammation and tissue damage in the spinal cord, and a promoted shift in the Th17/Treg balance towards the anti-inflammatory Treg side in the EAE mice.

A review of chitosan polysaccharides: Neuropharmacological implications and tissue regeneration

One of the current challenges in targeting neurological disorders is that many therapeutic molecules cannot cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which limits the use of natural molecules in nervous tissue regeneration. Thus, the development of new drugs to effectively treat neurological disorders would be a challenge. Natural resources are well known as a source of several therapeutic agents for the treatment of neurologic disorders. Recently, chitosan (CTS) and its derivatives from arthropod exoskeletons, have attracted much attention as a drug delivery system to transport therapeutic substances across the BBB and thanks to other neuroprotective effects including the participation to the CNS regenerations scaffolds to replicate the extracellular matrix and microenvironment of the body. This review will discuss the place of natural resource therapy in targeting neurological disorders. In particular, it will highlight recent understanding and progress in the applications of CTS as drug delivery systems and their therapeutic effects on these disorders through tissue regeneration, as well as the molecular mechanisms by which they exert these effects.

State of the Art and Current Challenges on Electroactive Biomaterials and Strategies for Neural Tissue Regeneration

The loss or failure of an organ/tissue stands as one of the healthcare system's most prevalent, devastating, and costly challenges. Strategies for neural tissue repair and regeneration have received significant attention due to their particularly strong impact on patients' well-being. Many research efforts are dedicated not only to control the disease symptoms but also to find solutions to repair the damaged tissues. Neural tissue engineering (TE) plays a key role in addressing this problem and significant efforts are being carried out to develop strategies for neural repair treatment. In the last years, active materials allowing to tune cell-materials interaction are being increasingly used, representing a recent paradigm in TE applications. Among the most important stimuli influencing cell behavior are the electrical and mechanical ones. In this way, materials with the ability to provide this kind of stimuli to the neural cells seem to be appropriate to support neural TE. In this scope, this review summarizes the different biomaterials types used for neural TE, highlighting the relevance of using active biomaterials and electrical stimulation. Furthermore, this review provides not only a compilation of the most relevant studies and results but also strategies for novel and more biomimetic approaches for neural TE.

Role of Hedgehog Signaling Pathways in Multipotent Mesenchymal Stem Cells Differentiation

Multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have high self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation potentials and low immunogenicity, so they have attracted much attention in the field of regenerative medicine and have a promising clinical application. MSCs originate from the mesoderm and can differentiate not only into osteoblasts, cartilage, adipocytes, and muscle cells but also into ectodermal and endodermal cell lineages across embryonic layers. To design cell therapy for replacement of damaged tissues, it is essential to understand the signaling pathways, which have a major impact on MSC differentiation, as this will help to integrate the signaling inputs to initiate a specific lineage. Hedgehog (Hh) signaling plays a vital role in the development of various tissues and organs in the embryo. As a morphogen, Hh not only regulates the survival and proliferation of tissue progenitor and stem populations but also is a critical moderator of MSC differentiation, involving tri-lineage and across embryonic layer differentiation of MSCs. This review summarizes the role of Hh signaling pathway in the differentiation of MSCs to mesodermal, endodermal, and ectodermal cells.

Nose-to-Brain: The Next Step for Stem Cell and Biomaterial Therapy in Neurological Disorders

Neurological disorders are a leading cause of morbidity worldwide, giving rise to a growing need to develop treatments to revert their symptoms. This review highlights the great potential of recent advances in cell therapy for the treatment of neurological disorders. Through the administration of pluripotent or stem cells, this novel therapy may promote neuroprotection, neuroplasticity, and neuroregeneration in lesion areas. The review also addresses the administration of these therapeutic molecules by the intranasal route, a promising, non-conventional route that allows for direct access to the central nervous system without crossing the blood–brain barrier, avoiding potential adverse reactions and enabling the administration of large quantities of therapeutic molecules to the brain. Finally, we focus on the need to use biomaterials, which play an important role as nutrient carriers, scaffolds, and immune modulators in the administration of non-autologous cells. Little research has been conducted into the integration of biomaterials alongside intranasally administered cell therapy, a highly promising approach for the treatment of neurological disorders.

The Integration of Cell Therapy and Biomaterials as Treatment Strategies for Remyelination

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic degenerative autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that causes inflammation, demyelinating lesions, and axonal damage and is associated with a high rate of early-onset disability. Disease-modifying therapies are used to mitigate the inflammatory process in MS but do not promote regeneration or remyelination; cell therapy may play an important role in these processes, modulating inflammation and promoting the repopulation of oligodendrocytes, which are responsible for myelin repair. The development of genetic engineering has led to the emergence of stable, biocompatible biomaterials that may promote a favorable environment for exogenous cells. This review summarizes the available evidence about the effects of transplantation of different types of stem cells reported in studies with several animal models of MS and clinical trials in human patients. We also address the advantages of combining cell therapy with biomaterials.

Recent advancements in nanoparticle-mediated approaches for restoration of multiple sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease with complicated immunopathology which necessitates considering multifactorial aspects for its management. Nano-sized pharmaceutical carriers named nanoparticles (NPs) can support impressive management of disease not only in early detection and prognosis level but also in a therapeutic manner. The most prominent initiator of MS is the domination of cellular immunity to humoral immunity and increment of inflammatory cytokines. The administration of several platforms of NPs for MS management holds great promise so far. The efforts for MS management through in vitro and in vivo (experimental animal models) evaluations, pave a new way to a highly efficient therapeutic means and aiding its translation to the clinic in the near future.

An in situ hydrogel-forming scaffold loaded by PLGA microspheres containing carbon nanotube as a suitable niche for neural differentiation

The cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions are known to have a strong impact on cell behaviors in neural tissues. Due to complex physiology system and limited regenerative capacity of nervous system, neural tissue engineering has attracted attention as a promising strategy. In this study, we designed a hydrogel loaded by poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres containing carbon nanotubes (CNT) and the biochemical differentiation factors, as a scaffold, in order to replicate the neural niche for stem cell growth (and/or differentiation). Different formulations from Hyaluronic acid (H), Poloxamer (P), Ethoxy-silane-capped poloxamer (PE), and cross-linked Alginate (Alg) were utilized as an in situ gel structure matrix to mirror the mechanical properties of the ECM of CNS. Subsequently, conductivity, surface morphology, size of microspheres, and CNT dispersion in microsphere were measured using two probes electrical conductometer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and Raman spectroscopy, respectively. According to SEM and fluorescent microscopy images, CNTs increased the porosity of polymeric structure, which, in turn, facilitated the adhesion of stem cells on the surface of microspheres compared with control. Microstructure and rheological behaviors of different gel compositions were investigated using SEM and parallel-plate oscillatory rheometer, respectively. The MTT assay showed the toxicity profile of hydrogels was appropriate for cell transplantation. The confocal images illustrated the 3D platform of P15%H10% and P20%H5% gel formulations containing the PLGA-CNT microspheres, which allows the proliferation of neural stem cells (NSCs) derived from MSC. The results of real-time PCR and immunocytochemistry showed neuronal differentiation capacity of cultured NSCs derived from MSC in the alginate gel that contained PLGA-CNT microspheres as well as other control groups. The dispersion of the CNT-PLGA microspheres, covered by NSCs, into alginate gel in the presence of induction factors was found to notably enhance the expression of Sox2-SYP and β-Tubulin III neuronal markers.

Potential of Chitosan and Its Derivatives for Biomedical Applications in the Central Nervous System

It is well known that the central nervous system (CNS) has a limited regenerative capacity and that many therapeutic molecules cannot cross the blood brain barrier (BBB). The use of biomaterials has emerged as an alternative to overcome these limitations. For many years, biomedical applications of chitosan have been studied due to its remarkable biological properties, biocompatibility, and high versatility. Moreover, the interest in this biomaterial for CNS biomedical implementation has increased because of its ability to cross the BBB, mucoadhesiveness, and hydrogel formation capacity. Several chitosan-based biomaterials have been applied with promising results as drug, cell and gene delivery vehicles. Moreover, their capacity to form porous scaffolds and to bear cells and biomolecules has offered a way to achieve neural regeneration. Therefore, this review aims to bring together recent works that highlight the potential of chitosan and its derivatives as adequate biomaterials for applications directed toward the CNS. First, an overview of chitosan and its derivatives is provided with an emphasis on the properties that favor different applications. Second, a compilation of works that employ chitosan-based biomaterials for drug delivery, gene therapy, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine in the CNS is presented. Finally, the most interesting trends and future perspectives of chitosan and its derivatives applications in the CNS are shown.

Tailoring synthetic polymeric biomaterials towards nerve tissue engineering: a review

The nervous system is known as a crucial part of the body and derangement in this system can cause potentially lethal consequences or serious side effects. Unfortunately, the nervous system is unable to rehabilitate damaged regions following seriously debilitating disorders such as stroke, spinal cord injury and brain trauma which, in turn, lead to the reduction of quality of life for the patient. Major challenges in restoring the damaged nervous system are low regenerative capacity and the complexity of physiology system. Synthetic polymeric biomaterials with outstanding properties such as excellent biocompatibility and non-immunogenicity find a wide range of applications in biomedical fields especially neural implants and nerve tissue engineering scaffolds. Despite these advancements, tailoring polymeric biomaterials for design of a desired scaffold is fundamental issue that needs tremendous attention to promote the therapeutic benefits and minimize adverse effects. This review aims to (i) describe the nervous system and related injuries. Then, (ii) nerve tissue engineering strategies are discussed and (iii) physiochemical properties of synthetic polymeric biomaterials systematically highlighted. Moreover, tailoring synthetic polymeric biomaterials for nerve tissue engineering is reviewed.

Differentiation of endometrial stem cells into insulin-producing cells using signaling molecules and zinc oxide nanoparticles, and three-dimensional culture on nanofibrous scaffolds

Diabetes mellitus is the most common metabolic disorder with a high mortality and morbidity rate. A new promising strategy to treat DM is pancreatic tissue engineering. We described a 3D culture system accompanied by signaling factors to differentiate hEnSCs into IPCs in the presence of nZnO. We isolated EnSCs and cultured it in DMEM/F12 medium. Nanofibrous PLA/Cs scaffold was prepared through the electrospinning method. The morphological properties of the scaffolds and cells were evaluated by SEM. MTT assay was used to investigate the metabolic activity of the hEnSCs cultured on the scaffolds and a four-stage protocol was applied to differentiate hEnSCs. The differentiated cells were tested for pancreatic markers by immunocytochemistry, qRT-PCR and DTZ staining. The results of this study revealed that hEnSCs cultured on PLA/Cs scaffold and treated with nZnO can efficiently differentiate into IPCs. The examination of differentiated cell morphology showed their near similarity with pancreatic islet cells, and DTZ staining emphasized the presence of insulin granules inside their cytoplasm. Moreover, qRT-PCR and immunofluorescent staining results showed the efficient expression of specific gene markers of IPCs in resultant differentiated cells. Moreover, PLA/CS and nZnO were able to provide a good nanoenvironment for the differentiation of hEnSCs into IPCS the in presence of other molecules.

Transplanted neural-like cells improve memory and Alzheimer-like pathology in a rat model

BACKGROUND AIMS

Degeneration of the central nerve system, particularly in Alzheimer's disease, is a burden on society, and despite years of research, there is no effective treatment. Cell therapy appears to be an option that is of growing interest in neural studies. The main aim of this study was to investigate the histological and physiological effects of transplantation the neuron-like cell (NLC)-derived mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) on the repair of brain lesions in an Alzheimer's animal model (AM) in rats.

METHODS

Behavioral experiments were conducted in the light hours in a Y-shaped maze device. Animals were randomly divided into five groups, with seven rats per group. The nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM) was destroyed bilaterally with an electrical lesion (0.5 mA for 3 s). One week after the bilateral lesion of the NBM, the differentiated NLCs (0.1 mL) were injected with stereotaxic surgery using a Hamilton syringe at NBM coordinates, and behavioral and histological tests were performed by the Y-maze task and hematoxylin and eosin staining after five weeks of the lesion. Also, differentiated cells detected by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis and fluorescent immunostaining.

RESULTS

The expression of neuronal markers including Nestin, Map2, NF-H, Tuj-1, GFAP and Olig-2 was surveyed by using the immunocytochemistry and qRT-PCR methods, and the results confirmed that the genes in question were expressed significantly more compared than the control sample. Five weeks after the cell transplantation in the AM, morphological and physiological investigation during the determination period confirmed improved disease state in the tested models.

CONCLUSIONS

It should be noted that by improving the neuronal connectivity in AM rat brains, the transplanted NLCs rescue Alzheimer's cognition. This research has presented some preclinical evidence that showed NLCs transplantation can be used for AM treatment.

Stem Cells as Potential Targets of Polyphenols in Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and multiple sclerosis are major neurodegenerative diseases, which are characterized by the accumulation of abnormal pathogenic proteins due to oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired autophagy, and pathogens, leading to neurodegeneration and behavioral deficits. Herein, we reviewed the utility of plant polyphenols in regulating proliferation and differentiation of stem cells for inducing brain self-repair in AD and multiple sclerosis. Firstly, we discussed the genetic, physiological, and environmental factors involved in the pathophysiology of both the disorders. Next, we reviewed various stem cell therapies available and how they have proved useful in animal models of AD and multiple sclerosis. Lastly, we discussed how polyphenols utilize the potential of stem cells, either complementing their therapeutic effects or stimulating endogenous and exogenous neurogenesis, against these diseases. We suggest that polyphenols could be a potential candidate for stem cell therapy against neurodegenerative disorders.

Interaction of iPSC-derived neural stem cells on poly(L-lactic acid) nanofibrous scaffolds for possible use in neural tissue engineering

Tissue engineering is a rapidly growing technological area for the regeneration and reconstruction of damage to the central nervous system. By combining seed cells with appropriate biomaterial scaffolds, tissue engineering has the ability to improve nerve regeneration and functional recovery. In the present study, mouse induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were generated from mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) with the non-integrating episomal vectors pCEP4-EO2S-ET2K and pCEP4-miR-302-367 cluster, and differentiated into neural stem cells (NSCs) as transplanting cells. Electrospinning was then used to fabricate randomly oriented poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) nanofibers and aligned PLLA nanofibers and assessed their cytocompatibility and neurite guidance effect with iPSC-derived NSCs (iNSCs). The results demonstrated that non-integrated iPSCs were effectively generated and differentiated into iNSCs. PLLA nanofiber scaffolds were able to promote the adhesion, growth, survival and proliferation of the iNSCs. Furthermore, compared with randomly oriented PLLA nanofibers, the aligned PLLA nanofibers greatly directed neurite outgrowth from the iNSCs and significantly promoted neurite growth along the nanofibrous alignment. Overall, these findings indicate the feasibility of using PLLA nanofiber scaffolds in combination with iNSCs in vitro and support their potential for use in nerve tissue engineering.

Effects of Bu Shen Yi sui capsule on NogoA/NgR and its signaling pathways RhoA/ROCK in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Background

Axon growth inhibitory factors NogoA/Nogo receptor (NgR) and its signaling pathways RhoA/Rho kinase (ROCK) play a critical role in the repair of nerve damage in multiple sclerosis (MS). Bu Shen Yi Sui Capsule (BSYSC) is an effective Chinese formula utilized to treat MS in clinical setting and noted for its potent neuroprotective effects. In this study, we focus on the effects of BSYSC on promoting nerve repair and the underlying mechanisms in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS.

Methods

The EAE mouse model was induced by injecting subcutaneously with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) _35–55 supplemented with pertussis toxin. BSYSC was orally administrated at dose of 3.0 g/kg once a day for 40 days. The levels of protein gene product (PGP) 9.5, p-Tau, growth associated protein (GAP) -43, KI67 and Nestin in the brain or spinal cord on 20 and 40 day post-induction (dpi) were detected via immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis. Furthermore, NogoA/NgR and RhoA/ROCK signaling molecules were studied by qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis.

Results

Twenty or 40 days of treatment with BSYSC increased markedly PGP9.5 and GAP-43 levels, reduced p-Tau in the brain or spinal cord of mice with EAE. In addition, BSYSC elevated significantly the expression of KI67 and Nestin in the spinal cord 40 dpi. Further study showed that the activation of NogoA/NgR and RhoA/ROCK were suppressed by the presence of BSYSC.

Conclusions

BSYSC could attenuate axonal injury and promote repair of axonal damage in EAE mice in part through the down-regulation of NogoA/NgR and RhoA/ROCK signaling pathways.

Chitosan-Intercalated Montmorillonite/Poly(vinyl alcohol) Nanofibers as a Platform to Guide Neuronlike Differentiation of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells

In this study, we present a novel chitosan-intercalated montmorillonite/poly(vinyl alcohol) (OMMT/PVA) nanofibrous mesh as a microenvironment for guiding differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) toward neuronlike cells. The OMMT was prepared through ion exchange reaction between the montmorillonite (MMT) and chitosan. The PVA solutions containing various concentrations of OMMT were electrospun to form 3D OMMT-PVA nanofibrous meshes. The biomechanical and biological characteristics of the nanofibrous meshes were evaluated by ATR-FTIR, XRD, SEM, MTT, and LDH specific activity, contact angle, and DAPI staining. They were carried out for mechanical properties, overall viability, and toxicity of the cells. The hDPSCs were seeded on the prepared scaffolds and induced with neuronal specific differentiation media at two differentiation stages (2 days at preinduction stage and 6 days at induction stage). The neural differentiation of the cells cultured on the meshes was evaluated by determining the expression of Oct-4, Nestin, NF-M, NF-H, MAP2, and βIII-tubulin in the cells after preinduction, at induction stages by real-time PCR (RT-PCR) and immunostaining. All the synthesized nanofibers exhibited a homogeneous morphology with a favorable mechanical behavior. The population of the cells differentiated into neuronlike cells in all the experimental groups was significantly higher than that in control group. The expression level of the neuronal specific markers in the cells cultured on 5% OMMT/PVA meshes was significantly higher than the other groups. This study demonstrates the feasibility of the OMMT/PVA artificial nerve graft cultured with hDPSCs for regeneration of damaged neural tissues. These fabricated matrices may have a potential in neural tissue engineering applications.

Neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation in the conductive PEDOT-HA/Cs/Gel scaffold for neural tissue engineering

Engineering scaffolds with excellent electro-activity is increasingly important in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Oleic acid promotes the expression of neural markers in differentiated human endometrial stem cells

Variety of neurodegenerative diseases in humans are caused by loss of cells along with loss of function and disability. Cell replacement therapy is a potential strategy to cure neurodegenerative diseases. Mesenchymal stem cells are pluripotent non-hematopoietic cells that can be isolated from numerous tissues. Human endometrial-derived stem cell (hEnSC) are the abundant and easy available source with no immunological response, for cell replacement therapy. In the nervous system, where fatty acids are found in huge amounts, they participate in its development and maintenance throughout life. Oleic acid is a kind of the saturated fatty acids which plays crucial role in brain development. Oleic acid released by astrocytes is used by neurons for the synthesis of phospholipids and is specifically incorporated into growth cones. Human endometrial-derived stem cells in the third passage were divided into 3 groups including: control, sham (cultured in full differentiation medium without oleic acid) and experimental group (cultured in full differentiation medium with oleic acid) to differentiate over a 18-day period. Data from Real-Time PCR showed that mRNA levels of NF and β-TUBULIN were increased significantly (p<0.05) in oleic acid treated cells in comparison to control and sham groups. Immunocytochemistry analysis of Chat and NF expression also showed the same results. The present study clearly demonstrates that oleic acid promotes neural differentiation of hEnSC through regulation of gene expression.

The Role of Stem Cells in the Treatment of Cerebral Palsy: a Review

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neuromuscular disease due to injury in the infant's brain. The CP disorder causes many neurologic dysfunctions in the patient. Various treatment methods have been used for the management of CP disorder. However, there has been no absolute cure for this condition. Furthermore, some of the procedures which are currently used for relief of symptoms in CP cause discomfort or side effects in the patient. Recently, stem cell therapy has attracted a huge interest as a new therapeutic method for treatment of CP. Several investigations in animal and human with CP have demonstrated positive potential of stem cell transplantation for the treatment of CP disorder. The ultimate goal of this therapeutic method is to harness the regenerative capacity of the stem cells causing a formation of new tissues to replace the damaged tissue. During the recent years, there have been many investigations on stem cell therapy. However, there are still many unclear issues regarding this method and high effort is needed to create a technology as a perfect treatment. This review will discuss the scientific background of stem cell therapy for cerebral palsy including evidences from current clinical trials.

Differentiation of human endometrial stem cells into endothelial-like cells on gelatin/chitosan/bioglass nanofibrous scaffolds

The capacity of gelatin/chitosan/bioactive glass nanopowders (GEL/CS/BGNPs) scaffolds was investigated for increasing human endometrial stem cells (hEnSCs) differentiation into the endothelial cells in the presence of angiogenic factors. GEL/CS nanofibrous scaffold with different contents of BGNPs were fabricated and assessed. Expression of endothelial markers (CD31, vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin), and KDR) in differentiated cells was evaluated. Results showed the diameter of nanofiber increases with decreasing the BG content in GEL/CS scaffolds. Moreover, in vitro study indicated that the GEL/CS/BGNPs scaffold with 1.5% BGNPs content provided a suitable three-dimensional structure for endothelial cells differentiation. Thus, the GEL/CS/BGNPs scaffold can be recommended for blood vessels repair.

Differentiation of Human Endometrial Stem Cells into Schwann Cells in Fibrin Hydrogel as 3D Culture

Human endometrial stem cells (hEnSCs) are a new source of adult multipotent stem cells with the ability of differentiation into many cell lineages. Many stem cell sources are desirable for differentiation into Schwann cells. Schwann-like cells derived from hEnSCs may be one of the ideal alternative cell sources for Schwann cell generation. In this study, for differentiation of hEnSCs into Schwann cells, hEnSCs were induced with RA/FSK/PDGF-AA/HRG as an induction medium for 14 days. The cells were cultured in a tissue culture plate (TCP) and fibrin gel matrix. The viability of cultured cells in the fibrin gel and TCP was analyzed with 3-[4,5-dimethyl-2-thia-zolyl]-2, 5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay for 7 days. The attachment of cells was analyzed with SEM and DAPI staining. The expression of S100 and P75 as Schwann cell markers was evaluated by immunocytochemistry and quantitative real-time PCR (RT-PCR). The evaluation of the MTT assay and gene expression showed that the survival rate and differentiation of hEnSCs into Schwann cells in the fibrin gel were better than those in the TCP group. These results suggest that human EnSCs can be differentiated into Schwann cells in the fibrin gel better than in the TCP, and the fibrin gel might provide a suitable three-dimensional (3D) scaffold for clinical applications for cell therapy of the nervous system.

Comparison of Capability of Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Endometrial Stem Cells to Differentiate into Motor Neurons on Electrospun Poly(ε-caprolactone) Scaffold

Human endometrial and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells can be differentiated into a number of cell lineages. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are potential candidates for cellular therapy. The differentiation of human bone marrow MSCs (hBM-MSCs) and endometrial stem cells (hEnSCs) into motor neuron-like cells has been rarely investigated previously; however, the comparison between these stem cells when they are differentiated into motor neuron-like cell is yet to be studied. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate and compare the capability of hBM-MSCs and hEnSCs cultured on tissue culture polystyrene (TCP) and poly ε-caprolactone (PCL) nanofibrous scaffold to differentiate into motor neuron-like cells in the presence of neural inductive molecules. Engineered hBM-MSCs and hEnSCs seeded on PCL nanofibrous scaffold were differentiated into beta-tubulin III, islet-1, Neurofilament-H (NF-H), HB9, Pax6, and choactase-positive motor neurons by immunostaining and real-time PCR, in response to the signaling molecules. The data obtained from PCR and immunostaining showed that the expression of motor neuron markers of both hBM-MSCs and hEnSCs differentiated cells on PCL scaffold are significantly higher than that of the control group. The expression of these markers in hEnSCs differentiated cells was higher than that in hBM-MSCs. However, this difference was not statistically significant. In conclusion, differentiated hBM-MSCs and hEnSCs on PCL can provide a suitable three-dimensional situation for neuronal survival and outgrowth for regeneration of the central nervous system. Both cells may be potential candidates for cellular therapy in motor neuron disorders. However, differentiation of hEnSCs into motor neuron-like cells was better than hBM-MSCs.

Differential effect of Activin A and WNT3a on definitive endoderm differentiation on electrospun nanofibrous PCL scaffold

The first step in the formation of hepatocytes and beta cells is the generation of definitive endoderm (DE) which involves a central issue in developmental biology. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) have the pluripotency to differentiate into all three germ layers in vitro and have been considered potent candidates for regenerative medicine as an unlimited source of cells for therapeutic applications. In this study, we investigated the differentiating potential of hiPSCs on poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL) nanofibrous scaffold into DE cells. Here, we demonstrate directed differentiation of hiPSCs by factors such as Activin A and Wnt3a. The differentiation was determined by immunofluoresence staining with Sox17, FoxA2 and Goosecoid (Gsc) and also by qRT-PCR analysis. The results of this study showed that hiPSCs, as a new cell source, have the ability to differentiate into DE cells with a high capacity and also demonstrate that three dimension (3D) culture provides a suitable nanoenviroment for growth, proliferation and differentiation of hiPSCs. PCL nanofibrous scaffold with essential supplements, stimulating factors and EB-derived cells is able to provide a novel method for enhancing functional differentiation of hiPSCs into DE cells.