Inhibition of gene expression and production of iNOS and TNF-α in experimental model of neurodegenerative disorders stimulated microglia by Soy nano-isoflavone/stem cell-exosomes

The Protective Effects of MSC-Derived Exosomes Against Chemotherapy-Induced Parotid Gland Cytotoxicity

Background: Fluorouracil (5-FU) is one of the most popular chemotherapeutic agents used in various cancer therapy protocols. Cell-free therapy utilizing exosomes is gaining increased popularity as a safer option due to concerns over potential tumor progression following stem cell therapy. Methods: Parotid glands of albino were treated with a single bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMMSC)-derived exosomes injection (100 μg/kg/dose suspended in 0.2 mL phosphate-buffered saline [PBS]), a single 5-Fu injection (20 mg/kg), and BMMSC-derived exosomes plus 5-FU and compared to control group (daily saline injections). After 30 days, the parotid glands were examined using qualitative histological evaluation, immunohistochemical evaluation using rabbit polyclonal mouse antibody to Ki-67, caspase 3, and iNOS, as well as quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to evaluate gene expression of TGFβ1, TNF-α, and BCL-2. Results: Histological examination of the parotid gland revealed that BMMSC-derived exosomes restored the glands' architecture and repaired most of the distortion created by 5-FU. Immunohistochemical expression of tumor proliferation and cell death markers were restored to normal levels in the exosome-treated groups that were similar to the control group. Furthermore, BMMSC-derived exosomes reversed the effects of 5-FU on quantitative gene expression levels and showed a significant decrease in TNF-α (p < 0.001) and a significant increase in TGFβ (p < 0.0001) and BCL-2 (p < 0.05) when compared to 5-FU treatment. Conclusion: Within the limitations of the current study, BMMSC-derived exosomes have the potential to counteract the cytotoxic effects of 5-FU on the parotid glands of rats in vivo. Further studies are deemed necessary to simulate clinical scenarios.

In vitro and in vivo leishmanicidal and trypanocidal activities of isoflavans from Tabebuia chrysantha (Jacq.) G. Nicholson timber by-products

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis and Chagas disease are neglected tropical diseases that affect millions worldwide. Despite the high morbidity associated with these infections, current treatments are often highly toxic and are showing diminishing efficacy. Thus, new therapeutic options are urgently needed. In this study, bio-guided assays were conducted on the sawdust of Tabebuia chrysantha ("guayacán") to identify promising bioactive compounds. The ethanolic crude extract, five chromatography fractions, pure isoflavans sativan and vestitol, and a mixture were evaluated in vitro against Leishmania braziliensis and Trypanosoma cruzi. High leishmanicidal and trypanocidal activities were observed in the crude extract, fraction F2 (rich in sativan and vestitol), and the two pure isoflavans. Given the abundance and ease of obtaining the isoflavan mixture, its therapeutic potential was further evaluated in vivo in hamsters infected with L. braziliensis and mice infected with T. cruzi. Remarkably, topical and intraperitoneal administration of the chromatography fraction achieved a 67% clinical cure in hamsters with L. braziliensis infection and a 75% reduction in parasitemia in T. cruzi-infected mice. While the antiparasitic effects of certain flavonoids have been documented, this study is the first to demonstrate the efficacy of isoflavans in animal models for both diseases. The potential efficacy observed against T. cruzi and L. braziliensis, two pathogens with limited treatment options and a significant drawback of the available treatments, highlights the therapeutic potential of this combination of sativan and vestitol, which can be derived from timber industry waste, presenting an abundant and accessible source for further development.

Effects of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes in Central Nervous System Diseases

Central nervous system (CNS) diseases are one of the diseases that threaten human health. The delivery of drugs targeting the CNS has always been a significant challenge; the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is the main obstacle that must be overcome. The rise of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) therapy has brought hope for the treatment of CNS diseases. However, the problems of low homing rate, susceptibility differentiation into astrocytes, immune rejection, and formation of iatrogenic tumors of transplanted BMSCs limit their clinical application. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (BMSC-Exos) have become a hot research topic in the treatment of CNS diseases in recent years because of their excellent histocompatibility, low immunogenicity, ease of crossing the BBB, and their ability to serve as natural carriers for treatment. This article reviews the mechanisms of BMSC-Exos in CNS diseases and provides direction for further research.