Mesenchymal stem cells differentiated into chondrocyte-Like cells

Emerging role of mesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles in vascular dementia

Vascular dementia (VD) is a prevalent cognitive disorder among the elderly. Its pathological mechanism encompasses neuronal damage, synaptic dysfunction, vascular abnormalities, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress, among others. In recent years, extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have garnered significant attention as an emerging therapeutic strategy. Current research indicates that MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) play a pivotal role in both the diagnosis and treatment of VD. Thus, this article delves into the recent advancements of MSC-EVs in VD, discussing the mechanisms by which EVs influence the pathophysiological processes of VD. These mechanisms form the theoretical foundation for their neuroprotective effect in VD treatment. Additionally, the article highlights the potential applications of EVs in VD diagnosis. In conclusion, MSC-EVs present a promising innovative treatment strategy for VD. With rigorous research and ongoing innovation, this concept can transition into practical clinical treatment, providing more effective options for VD patients.

Combination of human platelet lysate and 3D gelatin scaffolds to enhance osteogenic differentiation of human amniotic fluid derived mesenchymal stem cells

Bone disorders are major health issues requiring specialized care; however, the traditional bone grafting method had several limitations. Thus, bone tissue engineering has become a potential alternative. In therapeutic treatments, using fetal bovine serum (FBS) as a culture supplement may result in the risk of contamination and host immunological response; therefore, human platelet lysate (hPL) has been considered a viable alternative source. This study attempted to compare the effectiveness and safety of different culture supplements, either FBS or hPL, on the osteoblastic differentiation potential of mesenchymal stem cells derived from human amniotic fluid (hAF-MSCs) under a three-dimensional gelatin scaffold. The results indicate that hAF-MSCs have the potential to be used in clinical applications as they meet the criteria for mesenchymal stem cells based on their morphology, the expression of a particular surface antigen, their proliferation ability, and their capacity for multipotent differentiation. After evaluation by MTT and Alamar blue proliferation assay, 10% of hPL was selected. The osteogenic differentiation of hAF-MSCs under three-dimensional gelatin scaffold using osteogenic-induced media supplemented with hPL was achievable and markedly stimulated osteoblast differentiation. Moreover, the expressions of osteoblastogenic related genes, including OCN, ALP, and COL1A1, exhibited the highest degree of expression under hPL-supplemented circumstances when compared with the control and the FBS-supplemented group. The induced cells under hPL-supplemented conditions also presented the highest ALP activity level and the greatest degree of calcium accumulation. These outcomes would indicate that hPL is a suitable substitute for animal derived serum. Importantly, osteogenic differentiation of human amniotic fluid derived mesenchymal stem cells using hPL-supplemented media and three-dimensional scaffolds may open the door to developing an alternative construct for repairing bone defects.

Tumor Microenvironmental Competitive Endogenous RNA Network and Immune Cells Act as Robust Prognostic Predictor of Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is malignant hematologic tumors with frequent recurrence and cause high mortality. Its fate is determined by abnormal intracellular competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network and extracellular tumor microenvironment (TME). This study aims to build a ceRNA network related to AML TME to explore new prognostic and therapeutic targets. The RNA expression data of AML were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. First, we used the ESTIMATE algorithm to calculate the immune cells and stromal cells infiltration scores in the TME and found that all scores were highly correlated with AML’s prognostic characteristics. Subsequently, differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs between high and low score groups were identified to construct a TME-related ceRNA network. Further, the Cox-lasso survival model was employed to screen out the hub prognostic ceRNA network composed of two mRNAs (EPB41L3, COL2A1), three miRNAs (hsa-mir-26a-5p, hsa-mir-148b-3p, hsa-mir-148a-3p), and two lncRNAs (CYP1B1-AS1, C9orf106), and construct nomograms. Finally, we used CIBERSORT algorithm and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis to identify the prognostic TME immune cells and found that naive B cells, M2-type macrophages, and helper follicular T cells were related to prognosis, and the hub ceRNAs were highly correlated with immune cell infiltration. This study provided a new perspective to elucidate how TME regulates AML process and put forward the new therapy strategies combining targeting tumor cells with disintegrating TME.

RASL11B gene enhances hyaluronic acid-mediated chondrogenic differentiation in human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells via the activation of Sox9/ERK/smad signals

This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms, whereby hyaluronic acid, a main extracellular matrix component of articular cartilage, promotes the chondrogenic differentiation of human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs). Our previous findings indicated that hyaluronic acid combined with hAMSCs showed a marked therapeutic effect against rat osteoarthritis. In the present study, hyaluronic acid markedly enhanced the expression of chondrocyte-specific markers including Col2α1, Acan, and Sox9 in hAMSCs, with strong synergistic effects on chondrogenic differentiation, in combination with the commonly used inducer, transforming growth factor β3 (TGF-β3). Microarray analysis showed that Ras-like protein family member 11B (RASL11B) played a pivotal role in the process of hyaluronic acid-mediated chondrogenesis of hAMSCs. This directional differentiation was significantly inhibited by RASL11B knockdown, but RASL11B overexpression dramatically promoted the expression of Sox9, a master chondrogenesis transcriptional factor, at the levels of transcription and translation. Increased Sox9 expression subsequently resulted in high expression levels of Col2α1 and Acan and the accumulation of cartilage-specific matrix components, such as type 2 collagen and glycosaminoglycans. Moreover, we observed that RASL11B activated the signal molecules such as ERK1/2, and Smad2/3 in the presence of hyaluronic acid during TGF-β3-induced chondrogenesis of hAMSCs. Taken together, these findings suggest that hyaluronic acid activates the RASL11B gene to potentiate the chondrogenic differentiation of hAMSCs via the activation of Sox9 and ERK/Smad signaling, thus providing a new strategy for cartilage defect repairing by hyaluronic acid-based stem cell therapy.

The effects of human platelet lysate versus commercial endothelial growth medium on the endothelial differentiation potential of human amniotic fluid mesenchymal stem cells

To differentiate stem cells into endothelial cells, vascular endothelia growth factors (VEGF) serve as the major signal for stimulating the cells. However, there are other cytokines or growth factors associated with endothelial cell development and differentiation. Human platelet lysate (hPL) has been a promising reagent in cell-based therapy since it is considered as a source of bioactive molecules and growth factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro differentiation of human amniotic fluid mesenchymal stem cells (hAF-MSCs) into endothelial-like cells under hPL together with VEGF or endothelial cell growth medium 2 (EGM-2), a commercially induced medium. In this study, hAF-MSCs were isolated from human amniotic fluid cells (hAFCs) using the direct adherence method. The cells expressed CD44, CD73, CD90, and HLA-ABC at high levels and expressed Oct-4 (octamer-binding transcription factor 4) at low levels. The cells were negative for CD31, CD34, CD45, CD105 and HLA-DR. This study found that hAF-MSCs induced with hPL and VEGF had the ability to differentiate into endothelial-like cells by presenting endothelial specific markers (vWF, VEGFR2 and eNOS), forming a network-like structure on Matrigel, and producing nitric oxide (NO). This outcome was similar to those of experiments involving EGM-2 induced cells. The present findings indicate that hPL + VEGF can induce hAF-MSCs to express endothelial cell characteristics. Our findings represent an important step forward in the development of a clinically compliant process for the production of endothelial cell-derived hAF-MSCs, and their subsequent testing in future clinical trials.

Differentiation of cardiomyocyte-like cells from human amniotic fluid mesenchymal stem cells by combined induction with human platelet lysate and 5-azacytidine

Human amniotic fluid mesenchymal stem cells (hAF-MSCs) have been shown to be effective in the treatment of many diseases. Platelet lysate (PL) contains multiple growth and differentiation factors; therefore, it can be used as a differentiation inducer. In this study, we attempted to evaluate the efficiency of human platelet lysate (hPL) on cell viability and the effects on cardiomyogenic differentiation of hAF-MSCs. When treating the cells with hPL, the result showed an increase in cell viability. Expressions of cardiomyogenic specific genes, including GATA4, cTnT, Cx43 and Nkx2.5, were higher in the combined treatment groups of 5-azacytidine (5-aza) and hPL than the expressions of cardiomyogenic specific genes in the control group and in the 5-aza treatment group. In terms of the results of immunofluorescence and immunoenzymatic staining, the highest expressions of cardiomyogenic specific proteins were revealed in combined treatment groups. It can be summarized that hPL may be an effective supporting cardiomyogenic supplementary factor for cardiomyogenic differentiation in hAF-MSCs.

High temperature CaSiO3-Ca3(PO4)2 ceramic promotes osteogenic differentiation in adult human mesenchymal stem cells

Silicophosphate calcium ceramics are widely used in orthopedic and oral surgery applications because of their properties for stimulating bone formation and bone bonding. These bioceramics, together with multipotent undifferentiated adult human mesenchymal stem cells, are serious candidates in the field of bone tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. For this reason, the influence of a novel 30 wt%CaSiO₃ - 70 wt%Ca₃(PO₄)₂ ceramic over a primary adult human mesenchymal stem cells culture has been investigated in this study, observing a total colonization of the biomaterial by cells at 21 days. The osteoinductive capacity of the materials was also studied: alkaline phosphatase activity, gene quantification of osteoblastic genes and calcium deposits stained by Alizarin Red test, showed evidences of osteogenic differentiation of adult human mesenchymal stem cells seeded with this bioceramic both in growth medium and osteogenic medium. Therefore, the 30 wt%CaSiO₃ - 70 wt%Ca₃(PO₄)₂ bioceramic represents a potential scaffold which could be used in the field of biomaterials for bone tissue engineering, allowing cell adhesion, proliferation and promoting osteogenic differentiation of adult human mesenchymal stem cells.

Effect of ascorbic acid on differentiation of human amniotic fluid mesenchymal stem cells into cardiomyocyte-like cells

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of ascorbic acid (AA) on cell viability, cytotoxicity and the effects on cardiomyogenic differentiation of the human amniotic fluid mesenchymal stem cells (hAF-MSCs). The results of methylthiazole tetrazolium (MTT) assay and cell apoptosis assay indicated that after 24, 48 and 72 h of treatment, AA had no effect on cells viability and cytotoxicity. After treating the hAF-MSCs with 5-azacytidine (5-aza) and a combination of AA and 5-aza, the alamar blue cells proliferation assay showed the normal growth characteristic similar to control group. Especially, the morphological changes were observed between day 0 and day 21, and it was revealed that the hAF-MSCs exhibited myotube-like morphology after 7 days of cell culturing. Moreover, the treatment with a combination of AA and 5-aza was able to up-regulate the cardiomyogenic specific gene levels, which are known to play an important role in cardiomyogenesis. This was specifically notable with the results of immunofluorescence and immunoenzymatic staining in the AA combined with 5-aza treatment group, the highest expression of cardiomyogenic specific proteins was revealed including for GATA4, cTnT, Cx43 and Nkx2.5. It could be concluded that AA may be a good alternative cardiomyogenic inducing factor for hAF-MSCs and may open new insights into future biomedical applications for a clinically treatment.

Human platelet lysate as an alternative to fetal bovine serum for culture and endothelial differentiation of human amniotic fluid mesenchymal stem cells

Human amniotic fluid (hAF) mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are commonly cultured in medium containing FBS. However, there are concerns about using animal serum in therapeutic applications due to the potential for immunogenic reactions and the risk of transmission of pathogens. For safety reasons, human platelet lysate (hPL) has been suggested as a replacement for FBS because it appears to be a natural source of growth factors. In this present study, it was investigated whether FBS could be substituted with hPL in hAF-MSCs culture without affecting their properties. Pooled hPL was generated by the freeze-thaw method. The concentration of hPL was selected after evaluation by MTT assay. The hAF-MSCs were cultured in FBS- or hPL-supplemented conditions and shared a fibroblast-like morphology. Cell proliferation assays showed that the growth characteristic of hAF-MSCs cultured in 10% hPL-supplemented media was similar to those cultured in 10% FBS-supplemented media. The expression of MSC markers did not differ between the cells cultured in the different conditions. The endothelial differentiation potential was also investigated. Reverse transcription-quantitative (RT-q)PCR revealed that induced cells supplemented with hPL showed an increase level of endothelial specific gene expression compared to the FBS-supplemented cells. Immunofluorescence analysis showed specific protein localization in both induced cell groups. Additionally, induced cells supplemented with hPL had the potential to form networks on Matrigel. This present study indicated that hPL could be used to culture and enhance the endothelial differentiation potential of hAF-MSCs.

Amniotic fluid: Source of valuable mesenchymal stem cells and alternatively used as cryopreserved solution

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which possess remarkable capabilities, are found in amniotic fluid (AF). The findings of several studies have shown the potential benefits of these cells in applications of regenerative medicine. In clinical applications, an over-period of time is required in a preparation process that makes cell collection become more necessary. Herein, the aim of this study was to preserve and characterize the cell's properties after cell cryopreservation into an appropriate cryogenic medium. The results illustrated that the highest hAF-MSCs viability was found when the cells were conserved in a solution of 5% DMSO + 10% FBS in AF. However, no statistical differences were identified in a chromosomal aberration of the post-thawed cells when compared to the non-frozen cells. These cells could also maintain their MSC features through the ability to express cell prolific quality, illustrating the typical MSC markers and immune privilege properties of CD44, CD73, CD90 and HLA-ABC. Additionally, post-thawed cells were able to differentiate into chondrogenic lineage by exhibiting chondrogenic related genes (SOX9, AGC, COL2A1) and proteins (transcription factor SOX9 protein (SOX9), cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) and aggrecan core protein (AGC)), as well as to present sGAGs accumulation. Interestingly, the use of a transmission electron microscope (TEM) uncovered the enrichment of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER) that coincided with euchromatin and the prominent nucleolus in the chondrogenic-induced cells that are normally found in the cells of natural cartilage. All in all, this study manifested that AF can be a major consideration and applied for use as a co-mixture of cryogenic medium.

Arthroscopic Harvest of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells From the Infrapatellar Fat Pad

BACKGROUND

The successful isolation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) from the arthroscopically harvested infrapatellar fat pad (IFP) would provide orthopaedic surgeons with an autologous solution for regenerative procedures.

PURPOSE

To demonstrate the quantity and viability of the mesenchymal stem cell population arthroscopically harvested from the IFP as well as the surrounding synovium.

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive laboratory study.

METHODS

The posterior border of the IFP, including the surrounding synovial tissue, was harvested arthroscopically from patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Tissue was then collected in an AquaVage adipose canister, followed by fat fractionization using syringe emulsification and concentration with an AdiPrep device. In the laboratory, the layers of tissue were separated and then digested with 0.3% type I collagenase. The pelleted stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells were then immediately analyzed for viability, mesenchymal cell surface markers by fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and clonogenic capacity. After culture expansion, the metabolic activity of the ADSCs was assessed by an AlamarBlue assay, and the multilineage differentiation capability was tested. The transition of surface antigens from the SVF toward expanded ADSCs at passage 2 was further evaluated.

RESULTS

SVF cells were successfully harvested with a mean yield of 4.86 ± 2.64 × 10⁵ cells/g of tissue and a mean viability of 69.03% ± 10.75%, with ages ranging from 17 to 52 years (mean, 35.14 ± 13.70 years; n = 7). The cultured ADSCs composed a mean 5.85% ± 5.89% of SVF cells with a mean yield of 0.33 ± 0.42 × 10⁵ cells/g of tissue. The nonhematopoietic cells (CD45^-) displayed the following surface antigens as a percentage of the viable population: CD44⁺ (52.21% ± 4.50%), CD73⁺CD90⁺CD105⁺ (19.20% ± 17.04%), and CD44⁺CD73⁺CD90⁺CD105⁺ (15.32% ± 15.23%). There was also a significant increase in the expression of ADSC markers CD73 (96.97% ± 1.72%; P < .01), CD10 (84.47% ± 15.46%; P < .05), and CD166 (11.63% ± 7.84%; P < .005) starting at passage 2 compared with freshly harvested SVF cells. The clonogenic efficiency of SVF cells was determined at a mean 3.21% ± 1.52% for layer 1 and 1.51% ± 0.55% for layer 2. Differentiation into cartilage, fat, and bone tissue was demonstrated by tissue-specific staining and quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

CONCLUSION

SVF cells from the IFP and adjacent synovial tissue were successfully harvested using an arthroscopic technique and produced ADSCs with surface markers that meet criteria for defined mesenchymal stem cells.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

An autologous source of stem cells can now be harvested using a simple arthroscopic technique that will allow orthopaedic surgeons easier access to progenitor cells for regenerative procedures.

Sesamin encouraging effects on chondrogenic differentiation of human amniotic fluid-derived mesenchymal stem cells

Worldwide, the most recognized musculoskeletal degenerative disease is osteoarthritis (OA). Sesamin, a major abundant lignan compound present in Sesamun Indicum Linn, has been described for its various pharmacological effects and health benefits. However, the promoting effects of sesamin on chondrogenic differentiation have not yet been observed. Herein, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sesamin on cell cytotoxicity and the potent supporting effects on chondrogenic differentiation of human amniotic fluid-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAF-MSCs). The results indicated that sesamin was not toxic to hAF-MSCs after sesamin treatment. When treating the cells with a combination of sesamin and inducing factors, sesamin was able to up-regulate the expression level of specific genes which play an essential role during the cartilage development process, including SOX9, AGC, COL2A1, COL11A1, and COMP and also simultaneously promote the cartilage extracellular protein synthesis, aggrecan and type II collagen. Additionally, histological analysis revealed a high amount of accumulated sGAG staining inside the porous scaffold in the sesamin co-treating group. In conclusion, the results of this study have indicated that sesamin can be considered a chondrogenic inducing factor and a beneficial dietary supplement for cartilage repair.

Human Cord Blood-Derived CD133+/C-Kit+/Lin- Cells Have Bipotential Ability to Differentiate into Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Outgrowth Endothelial Cells

Recent evidence suggests that mononuclear cells (MNCs) derived from bone marrow and cord blood can differentiate into mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) or outgrowth endothelial cells (OECs). However, controversy exists as to whether MNCs have the pluripotent capacity to differentiate into MSCs or OECs or are a mixture of cell lineage-determined progenitors of MSCs or OECs. Here, using CD133⁺/C-kit⁺/Lin⁻ mononuclear cells (CKL− cells) isolated from human umbilical cord blood using magnetic cell sorting, we characterized the potency of MNC differentiation. We first found that CKL− cells cultured with conditioned medium of OECs or MSCs differentiated into OECs or MSCs and this differentiation was also induced by cell-to-cell contact. When we cultured single CKL− cells on OEC- or MSC-conditioned medium, the cells differentiated morphologically and genetically into OEC- or MSC-like cells, respectively. Moreover, we confirmed that OECs or MSCs differentiated from CKL− cells had the ability to form capillary-like structures in Matrigel and differentiate into osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and adipocytes. Finally, using microarray analysis, we identified specific factors of OECs or MSCs that could potentially be involved in the differentiation fate of CKL− cells. Together, these results suggest that cord blood-derived CKL− cells possess at least bipotential differentiation capacity toward MSCs or OECs.