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Salem BAA, ElKaliny HH, El-Hafez AAAA, Sarhan NI. Comparative Histological Study of Therapeutic Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cells versus Mesenchymal Stem Cells Co-Cultured with Liver Tissue on Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Adult Male Albino Rats. J Microsc Ultrastruct 2023; 11:225-236. [PMID: 38213650 PMCID: PMC10779448 DOI: 10.4103/jmau.jmau_62_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Context Liver diseases are major causes of morbidity and mortality. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic effects, so they can be used in the treatment of liver diseases. MSCs co-cultured with diseased liver tissue improve the homing capacity, survival rate, and paracrine effects of the MSCs, as well as the ability to enhance liver function. Aims This work aimed to study the therapeutic effect of MSCs versus MSCs co-cultured with liver tissue on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity in adult male albino rats. Settings and Design Twenty adult male albino rats were divided into four equal groups; Group I (control group), Group II received CCl4 intraperitoneally (i.p.), Group III received CCl4 i.p. and then injected with MSCs intravenously (i.v.), and Group IV received CCl4 i.p. and then injected with co-cultured MSCs i.v. Materials and Methods Finally, liver specimens were processed for light microscopy (LM) and electron microscopy (EM). Statistical analysis was carried out to assess histological scoring, area percentage of collagen fibers, number of glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive cells, and biochemical analysis of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. Statistical Analysis Used Statistical analysis of (histological scoring, area % of collagen fibers, and biochemical analysis) was done by using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test using graphpad software (SanDiego, CA, USA). The means ± standard deviations were used for statistical analysis. Results LM of Group II revealed loss of hepatic architecture and diffuse fibrosis with dilated congested blood vessels, bile ductular proliferation, and cellular infiltrations. Vacuolated cytoplasm with or without pyknotic nuclei was observed in addition to micro- and macro-steatosis. EM demonstrated disfigured hepatocytes with abnormal organelles surrounding atypical nucleus. Group III showed restoration of the normal liver architecture with greater extent in Group IV. Statistical analysis confirmed the microscopic findings. Conclusions Co-cultured MSCs with diseased liver tissue augmented the therapeutic effects of MSCs in treating hepatotoxicity induced by CCl4 in adult male albino rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bothina Abo-Alazm Salem
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Heba Hassan ElKaliny
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | | | - Naglaa Ibrahim Sarhan
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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2
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Zhao P, Sun T, Lyu C, Liang K, Du Y. Cell mediated ECM-degradation as an emerging tool for anti-fibrotic strategy. CELL REGENERATION (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 12:29. [PMID: 37653282 PMCID: PMC10471565 DOI: 10.1186/s13619-023-00172-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Investigation into the role of cells with respect to extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling is still in its infancy. Particularly, ECM degradation is an indispensable process during the recovery from fibrosis. Cells with ECM degradation ability due to the secretion of various matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have emerged as novel contributors to the treatment of fibrotic diseases. In this review, we focus on the ECM degradation ability of cells associated with the repertoire of MMPs that facilitate the attenuation of fibrosis through the inhibition of ECM deposition. Besides, innovative approaches to engineering and characterizing cells with degradation ability, as well as elucidating the mechanism of the ECM degradation, are also illustrated. Studies conducted to date on the use of cell-based degradation for therapeutic purposes to combat fibrosis are summarized. Finally, we discuss the therapeutic potential of cells with high degradation ability, hoping to bridge the gap between benchside research and bedside applications in treating fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Tian Sun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Cheng Lyu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Kaini Liang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yanan Du
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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3
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Pei Q, Yi Q, Tang L. Liver Fibrosis Resolution: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Opportunities. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119671. [PMID: 37298621 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is a critical system for metabolism in human beings, which plays an essential role in an abundance of physiological processes and is vulnerable to endogenous or exogenous injuries. After the damage to the liver, a type of aberrant wound healing response known as liver fibrosis may happen, which can result in an excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) and then cause cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), seriously endangering human health and causing a great economic burden. However, few effective anti-fibrotic medications are clinically available to treat liver fibrosis. The most efficient approach to liver fibrosis prevention and treatment currently is to eliminate its causes, but this approach's efficiency is too slow, or some causes cannot be fully eliminated, which causes liver fibrosis to worsen. In cases of advanced fibrosis, the only available treatment is liver transplantation. Therefore, new treatments or therapeutic agents need to be explored to stop the further development of early liver fibrosis or to reverse the fibrosis process to achieve liver fibrosis resolution. Understanding the mechanisms that lead to the development of liver fibrosis is necessary to find new therapeutic targets and drugs. The complex process of liver fibrosis is regulated by a variety of cells and cytokines, among which hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the essential cells, and their continued activation will lead to further progression of liver fibrosis. It has been found that inhibiting HSC activation, or inducing apoptosis, and inactivating activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) can reverse fibrosis and thus achieve liver fibrosis regression. Hence, this review will concentrate on how HSCs become activated during liver fibrosis, including intercellular interactions and related signaling pathways, as well as targeting HSCs or liver fibrosis signaling pathways to achieve the resolution of liver fibrosis. Finally, new therapeutic compounds targeting liver fibrosis are summarized to provide more options for the therapy of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiying Pei
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Qian Yi
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Liling Tang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
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4
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Yang X, Li Q, Liu W, Zong C, Wei L, Shi Y, Han Z. Mesenchymal stromal cells in hepatic fibrosis/cirrhosis: from pathogenesis to treatment. Cell Mol Immunol 2023; 20:583-599. [PMID: 36823236 PMCID: PMC10229624 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-023-00983-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis/cirrhosis is a significant health burden worldwide, resulting in liver failure or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and accounting for many deaths each year. The pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis/cirrhosis is very complex, which makes treatment challenging. Endogenous mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been shown to play pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. Paradoxically, exogenous MSCs have also been used in clinical trials for liver cirrhosis, and their effectiveness has been observed in most completed clinical trials. There are still many issues to be resolved to promote the use of MSCs in the clinic in the future. In this review, we will examine the controversial role of MSCs in the pathogenesis and treatment of hepatic fibrosis/cirrhosis. We also investigated the clinical trials involving MSCs in liver cirrhosis, summarized the parameters that need to be standardized, and discussed how to promote the use of MSCs from a clinical perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Yang
- Department of Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
- Key Laboratory on Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer, Ministry of Education, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital/National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Medical Biomaterials of Jiangsu Province, Medical College of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Qing Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Wenting Liu
- Department of Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
- Key Laboratory on Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer, Ministry of Education, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital/National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Chen Zong
- Department of Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
- Key Laboratory on Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer, Ministry of Education, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital/National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Lixin Wei
- Department of Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
- Key Laboratory on Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer, Ministry of Education, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital/National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Yufang Shi
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Medical Biomaterials of Jiangsu Province, Medical College of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China.
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Zhipeng Han
- Department of Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Key Laboratory on Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer, Ministry of Education, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital/National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
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5
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Wang EY, Zhao Y, Okhovatian S, Smith JB, Radisic M. Intersection of stem cell biology and engineering towards next generation in vitro models of human fibrosis. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1005051. [PMID: 36338120 PMCID: PMC9630603 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1005051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Human fibrotic diseases constitute a major health problem worldwide. Fibrosis involves significant etiological heterogeneity and encompasses a wide spectrum of diseases affecting various organs. To date, many fibrosis targeted therapeutic agents failed due to inadequate efficacy and poor prognosis. In order to dissect disease mechanisms and develop therapeutic solutions for fibrosis patients, in vitro disease models have gone a long way in terms of platform development. The introduction of engineered organ-on-a-chip platforms has brought a revolutionary dimension to the current fibrosis studies and discovery of anti-fibrotic therapeutics. Advances in human induced pluripotent stem cells and tissue engineering technologies are enabling significant progress in this field. Some of the most recent breakthroughs and emerging challenges are discussed, with an emphasis on engineering strategies for platform design, development, and application of machine learning on these models for anti-fibrotic drug discovery. In this review, we discuss engineered designs to model fibrosis and how biosensor and machine learning technologies combine to facilitate mechanistic studies of fibrosis and pre-clinical drug testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Yan Wang
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yimu Zhao
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sargol Okhovatian
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jacob B. Smith
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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6
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Liu P, Mao Y, Xie Y, Wei J, Yao J. Stem cells for treatment of liver fibrosis/cirrhosis: clinical progress and therapeutic potential. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:356. [PMID: 35883127 PMCID: PMC9327386 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-03041-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cost-effective treatment strategies for liver fibrosis or cirrhosis are limited. Many clinical trials of stem cells for liver disease shown that stem cells might be a potential therapeutic approach. This review will summarize the published clinical trials of stem cells for the treatment of liver fibrosis/cirrhosis and provide the latest overview of various cell sources, cell doses, and delivery methods. We also describe the limitations and strengths of various stem cells in clinical applications. Furthermore, to clarify how stem cells play a therapeutic role in liver fibrosis, we discuss the molecular mechanisms of stem cells for treatment of liver fibrosis, including liver regeneration, immunoregulation, resistance to injury, myofibroblast repression, and extracellular matrix degradation. We provide a perspective for the prospects of future clinical implementation of stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinyan Liu
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yongcui Mao
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ye Xie
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jiayun Wei
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jia Yao
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China. .,Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China.
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7
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Liu X, Wang L, Tan S, Chen Z, Wu B, Wu X. Therapeutic Effects of Berberine on Liver Fibrosis are associated With Lipid Metabolism and Intestinal Flora. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:814871. [PMID: 35308208 PMCID: PMC8924518 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.814871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cirrhosis is a form of liver fibrosis resulting from chronic hepatitis caused by various liver diseases, such as viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver damage, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, autoimmune liver disease, and by parasitic diseases such as schistosomiasis. Liver fibrosis is the common pathological base and precursors of cirrhosis. Inflammation and disorders of lipid metabolism are key drivers in liver fibrosis. Studies have determined that parts of the arachidonic acid pathway, such as its metabolic enzymes and biologically active products, are hallmarks of inflammation, and that aberrant peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ)-mediated regulation causes disorders of lipid metabolism. However, despite the ongoing research focus on delineating the mechanisms of liver fibrosis that underpin various chronic liver diseases, effective clinical treatments have yet to be developed. Berberine (BBR) is an isoquinoline alkaloid with multiple biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, and anti-hyperlipidemic activities. Many studies have also found that BBR acts via multiple pathways to alleviate liver fibrosis. Furthermore, the absorption of BBR is increased by nitroreductase-containing intestinal flora, and is strengthened via crosstalk with bile acid metabolism. This improves the oral bioavailability of BBR, thereby enhancing its clinical utility. The production of butyrate by intestinal anaerobic bacteria is dramatically increased by BBR, thereby amplifying butyrate-mediated alleviation of liver fibrosis. In this review, we discuss the effects of BBR on liver fibrosis and lipid metabolism, particularly the metabolism of arachidonic acid, and highlight the potential mechanisms by which BBR relieves liver fibrosis through lipid metabolism related and intestinal flora related pathways. We hope that this review will provide insights on the BBR-based treatment of liver cirrhosis and related research in this area, and we encourage further studies that increase the ability of BBR to enhance liver health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianzhi Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China
| | - Lifu Wang
- KingMed School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Siwei Tan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China
| | - Zebin Chen
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoying Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China
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8
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Fukushima K, Itaba N, Kono Y, Okazaki S, Enokida S, Kuranobu N, Murakami J, Enokida M, Nagashima H, Kanzaki S, Namba N, Shiota G. Secreted matrix metalloproteinase-14 is a predictor for antifibrotic effect of IC-2-engineered mesenchymal stem cell sheets on liver fibrosis in mice. Regen Ther 2021; 18:292-301. [PMID: 34504910 PMCID: PMC8399086 DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2021.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Transplantation of IC-2-engineered bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (BM-MSC) sheets (IC-2 sheets) was previously reported to potentially reduce liver fibrosis. Methods This study prepared IC-2-engineered cell sheets from multiple lots of BM-MSCs and examined the therapeutic effects of these cell sheets on liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride in mice. The predictive factors for antifibrotic effect on liver fibrosis were tried to identify in advance. Results Secreted matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-14 was found to be a useful predictive factor to reduce liver fibrosis. Moreover, the cutoff index of MMP-14 for 30% reduction of liver fibrosis was 0.918 fg/cell, judging from univariate analysis and receiver operating curve analysis. In addition, MMP-13 activity and thioredoxin contents in IC-2 sheets were also inversely correlated with hepatic hydroxyproline contents. Finally, IC-2 was also found to promote MMP-14 secretion from BM-MSCs of elderly patients. Surprisingly, the values of secreted MMP-14 from BM-MSCs of elderly patients were much higher than those of young persons. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that the IC-2 sheets would be applicable to clinical use in autologous transplantation for patients with cirrhosis regardless of the patient's age. IC-2- sheets from multiple lots of BM-MSCs ameliorate liver fibrosis in mice. Secreted MMP-14 is a useful predictive marker to reduce liver fibrosis. MMP-13 and thioredoxin in IC-2 sheets were also associated with liver fibrosis. IC-2 also promotes MMP-14 secretion from BM-MSCs of elderly patients.
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Key Words
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- AST, aspartate aminotransferase
- BM-MSCs, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells
- C3, complement C3
- CCl4, carbon tetrachloride
- DMSO, dimethyl sulfoxide
- EDTA, ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid
- FACS, Fluorescence-activated cell sorter
- FALD, fontan-associated liver disease
- GAPDH, Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase
- HCC, hepatic cellular carcinoma
- HLA, human leukocyte antigen
- HSCs, hepatic stellate cells
- Hepatic cell sheets
- IgG, immunoglobulin G
- LC, liver cirrhosis
- MMP-14, matrix metalloproteinase
- MSCs, mesenchymal stem cells
- Matrix metalloproteinase-14
- Mesenchymal stem cells
- Wnt/β-catenin signal inhibitor
- chronic liver injury
- hBM-MNCs, human bone marrow mononuclear cells
- iPS cells, induced pluripotent stem cells
- αSMA, α-smooth muscle actin
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Fukushima
- Division of Pediatrics and Perinatology, Department of Multidisciplinary Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8504, Japan
| | - Noriko Itaba
- Division of Medical Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Genomic Medicine and Regenerative Therapy, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8503, Japan
| | - Yohei Kono
- Division of Medical Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Genomic Medicine and Regenerative Therapy, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8503, Japan
| | - Shizuma Okazaki
- Division of Medical Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Genomic Medicine and Regenerative Therapy, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8503, Japan
| | - Shinpei Enokida
- Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Department of Sensory and Motor Organs, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, 683-8504, Japan
| | - Naomi Kuranobu
- Division of Pediatrics and Perinatology, Department of Multidisciplinary Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8504, Japan
| | - Jun Murakami
- Division of Pediatrics and Perinatology, Department of Multidisciplinary Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8504, Japan
| | - Makoto Enokida
- Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Department of Sensory and Motor Organs, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, 683-8504, Japan
| | - Hideki Nagashima
- Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Department of Sensory and Motor Organs, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, 683-8504, Japan
| | - Susumu Kanzaki
- Division of Pediatrics and Perinatology, Department of Multidisciplinary Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8504, Japan
- Asahigawaso Rehabilitation & Medical Center, Okayama, 703-8555, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Namba
- Division of Pediatrics and Perinatology, Department of Multidisciplinary Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8504, Japan
| | - Goshi Shiota
- Division of Medical Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Genomic Medicine and Regenerative Therapy, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8503, Japan
- Corresponding author. Division of Medical Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Genomic Medicine and Regenerative Therapy, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8503, Japan. Fax: +81-859-38-6430.
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Sharma A, Chakraborty A, Jaganathan BG. Review of the potential of mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of infectious diseases. World J Stem Cells 2021; 13:568-593. [PMID: 34249228 PMCID: PMC8246252 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v13.i6.568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic value of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for the treatment of infectious diseases and the repair of disease-induced tissue damage has been explored extensively. MSCs inhibit inflammation, reduce pathogen load and tissue damage encountered during infectious diseases through the secretion of antimicrobial factors for pathogen clearance and they phagocytose certain bacteria themselves. MSCs dampen tissue damage during infection by downregulating the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and inhibiting the excessive recruitment of neutrophils and proliferation of T cells at the site of injury. MSCs aid in the regeneration of damaged tissue by differentiating into the damaged cell types or by releasing paracrine factors that direct tissue regeneration, differentiation, and wound healing. In this review, we discuss in detail the various mechanisms by which MSCs help combat pathogens, tissue damage associated with infectious diseases, and challenges in utilizing MSCs for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Sharma
- Stem Cell and Cancer Biology Group, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, India
| | - Anuja Chakraborty
- Stem Cell and Cancer Biology Group, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, India
| | - Bithiah Grace Jaganathan
- Stem Cell and Cancer Biology Group, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, India
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Geervliet E, Moreno S, Baiamonte L, Booijink R, Boye S, Wang P, Voit B, Lederer A, Appelhans D, Bansal R. Matrix metalloproteinase-1 decorated polymersomes, a surface-active extracellular matrix therapeutic, potentiates collagen degradation and attenuates early liver fibrosis. J Control Release 2021; 332:594-607. [PMID: 33737203 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis affects millions of people worldwide and is rising vastly over the past decades. With no viable therapies available, liver transplantation is the only curative treatment for advanced diseased patients. Excessive accumulation of aberrant extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, mostly collagens, produced by activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), is a hallmark of liver fibrosis. Several studies have suggested an inverse correlation between collagen-I degrading matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) serum levels and liver fibrosis progression highlighting reduced MMP-1 levels are associated with poor disease prognosis in patients with liver fibrosis. We hypothesized that delivery of MMP-1 might potentiate collagen degradation and attenuate fibrosis development. In this study, we report a novel approach for the delivery of MMP-1 using MMP-1 decorated polymersomes (MMPsomes), as a surface-active vesicle-based ECM therapeutic, for the treatment of liver fibrosis. The storage-stable and enzymatically active MMPsomes were fabricated by a post-loading of Psomes with MMP-1. MMPsomes were extensively characterized for the physicochemical properties, MMP-1 surface localization, stability, enzymatic activity, and biological effects. Dose-dependent effects of MMP-1, and effects of MMPsomes versus MMP-1, empty polymersomes (Psomes) and MMP-1 + Psomes on gene and protein expression of collagen-I, MMP-1/TIMP-1 ratio, migration and cell viability were examined in TGFβ-activated human HSCs. Finally, the therapeutic effects of MMPsomes, compared to MMP-1, were evaluated in vivo in carbon-tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced early liver fibrosis mouse model. MMPsomes exhibited favorable physicochemical properties, MMP-1 surface localization and improved therapeutic efficacy in TGFβ-activated human HSCs in vitro. In CCl4-induced early liver fibrosis mouse model, MMPsomes inhibited intra-hepatic collagen-I (ECM marker, indicating early liver fibrosis) and F4/80 (marker for macrophages, indicating liver inflammation) expression. In conclusion, our results demonstrate an innovative approach of MMP-1 delivery, using surface-decorated MMPsomes, for alleviating liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline Geervliet
- Translational Liver Research, Department of Medical Cell Biophysics, Technical Medical Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, 7522 NB Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Silvia Moreno
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Straße 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Luca Baiamonte
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Straße 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Richell Booijink
- Translational Liver Research, Department of Medical Cell Biophysics, Technical Medical Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, 7522 NB Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Susanne Boye
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Straße 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Peng Wang
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Straße 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany; Technische Universität Dresden, Organic Chemistry of Polymers, 01062 Dresden, Germany
| | - Brigitte Voit
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Straße 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany; Technische Universität Dresden, Organic Chemistry of Polymers, 01062 Dresden, Germany
| | - Albena Lederer
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Straße 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany; Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Stellenbosch University, Matieland 7602, South Africa.
| | - Dietmar Appelhans
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Straße 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany.
| | - Ruchi Bansal
- Translational Liver Research, Department of Medical Cell Biophysics, Technical Medical Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, 7522 NB Enschede, the Netherlands.
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11
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Zhu M, Hua T, Ouyang T, Qian H, Yu B. Applications of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Liver Fibrosis: Novel Strategies, Mechanisms, and Clinical Practice. Stem Cells Int 2021; 2021:6546780. [PMID: 34434239 PMCID: PMC8380491 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6546780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a common result of most chronic liver diseases, and advanced fibrosis often leads to cirrhosis. Currently, there is no effective treatment for liver cirrhosis except liver transplantation. Therefore, it is important to carry out antifibrosis treatment to reverse liver damage in the early stage of liver fibrosis. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are the most widely used stem cells in the field of regenerative medicine. The preclinical and clinical research results of MSCs in the treatment of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis show that MSC administration is a promising treatment for liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. MSCs reverse liver fibrosis and increase liver function mainly through differentiation into hepatocytes, immune regulation, secretion of cytokines and other nutritional factors, reduction of hepatocyte apoptosis, and promotion of hepatocyte regeneration. Recently, many studies provided a variety of new methods and strategies to improve the effect of MSCs in the treatment of liver fibrosis. In this review, we summarized the current effective methods and strategies and their potential mechanisms of MSCs in the treatment of liver fibrosis, as well as the current research progress in clinical practice. We expect to achieve complete reversal of liver injury with MSC-based therapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmei Zhu
- 1Department of Cell Biology, Center for Stem Cell and Medicine, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Tianzhen Hua
- 1Department of Cell Biology, Center for Stem Cell and Medicine, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Tao Ouyang
- 1Department of Cell Biology, Center for Stem Cell and Medicine, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Huofu Qian
- 2Department of Gastroenterology, The Second People's Hospital of Taizhou, China
| | - Bing Yu
- 1Department of Cell Biology, Center for Stem Cell and Medicine, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai 200433, China
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12
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Dos Santos HT, Kim K, Okano T, Camden JM, Weisman GA, Baker OJ, Nam K. Cell Sheets Restore Secretory Function in Wounded Mouse Submandibular Glands. Cells 2020; 9:cells9122645. [PMID: 33316992 PMCID: PMC7763220 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Thermoresponsive cell culture plates release cells as confluent living sheets in response to small changes in temperature, with recovered cell sheets retaining functional extracellular matrix proteins and tight junctions, both of which indicate formation of intact and functional tissue. Our recent studies demonstrated that cell sheets are highly effective in promoting mouse submandibular gland (SMG) cell differentiation and recovering tissue integrity. However, these studies were performed only at early time points and extension of the observation period is needed to investigate duration of the cell sheets. Thus, the goal of this study was to demonstrate that treatment of wounded mouse SMG with cell sheets is capable of increasing salivary epithelial integrity over extended time periods. The results indicate that cell sheets promote tissue organization as early as eight days after transplantation and that these effects endure through Day 20. Furthermore, cell sheet transplantation in wounded SMG induces a significant time-dependent enhancement of cell polarization, differentiation and ion transporter expression. Finally, this treatment restored saliva quantity to pre-wounding levels at both eight and twenty days post-surgery and significantly improved saliva quality at twenty days post-surgery. These data indicate that cell sheets engineered with thermoresponsive cell culture plates are useful for salivary gland regeneration and provide evidence for the long-term stability of cell sheets, thereby offering a potential new therapeutic strategy for treating hyposalivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harim T Dos Santos
- Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Kyungsook Kim
- Cell Sheet Tissue Engineering Center (CSTEC), Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Teruo Okano
- Cell Sheet Tissue Engineering Center (CSTEC), Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Institute of Advanced Biomedical Engineering and Science, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo 162-8666, Japan
| | - Jean M Camden
- Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Gary A Weisman
- Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Olga J Baker
- Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Kihoon Nam
- Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
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13
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Geervliet E, Bansal R. Matrix Metalloproteinases as Potential Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets in Liver Diseases. Cells 2020; 9:E1212. [PMID: 32414178 PMCID: PMC7290342 DOI: 10.3390/cells9051212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver diseases, characterized by an excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) resulting in scar tissue formation, are a growing health problem causing increasing morbidity and mortality worldwide. Currently, therapeutic options for tissue fibrosis are severely limited, and organ transplantation is the only treatment for the end-stage liver diseases. During liver damage, injured hepatocytes release proinflammatory factors resulting in the recruitment and activation of immune cells that activate quiescent hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Upon activation, HSCs transdifferentiate into highly proliferative, migratory, contractile and ECM-producing myofibroblasts. The disrupted balance between ECM deposition and degradation leads to the formation of scar tissue referred to as fibrosis. This balance can be restored either by reducing ECM deposition (by inhibition of HSCs activation and proliferation) or enhancing ECM degradation (by increased expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)). MMPs play an important role in ECM remodeling and represent an interesting target for therapeutic drug discovery. In this review, we present the current knowledge about ECM remodeling and role of the different MMPs in liver diseases. MMP expression patterns in different stages of liver diseases have also been reviewed to determine their role as biomarkers. Finally, we highlight MMPs as promising therapeutic targets for the resolution of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ruchi Bansal
- Translational Liver Research, Department of Medical Cell BioPhysics, Technical Medical Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands;
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14
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Sakaguchi T, Kono Y, Itaba N, Morimoto M, Isomoto H, Shiota G. Identification of a Novel Deactivating Small-Molecule Compound for Fibrogenic Hepatic Stellate Cells. Yonago Acta Med 2020; 63:79-87. [PMID: 32158337 DOI: 10.33160/yam.2020.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Liver fibrosis progresses to decompensated liver cirrhosis, for which medical needs remain unmet. We recently developed IC-2, a small-molecule compound that suppresses Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and found that IC-2 also suppresses liver fibrosis. In this study, we performed three-step screening of newly synthesized IC-2 derivatives to identify other small-molecule compounds that suppress liver fibrosis. Methods The screening system consisted of three steps: a cell viability assay, a transcription factor 4 (TCF4) reporter assay, and induction of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen 1α1 (Col1A1) expression in response to each compound. Screening using human LX-2 hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) was performed to target HSCs, which are the driver cells of liver fibrosis. Results In the first step, since 9b and 9b-CONH2 at 100 μM did not have any effects on cell viability, they were omitted in the next screening. Additionally, the conditions that led to > 40% inhibition of the controls were also excluded in subsequent screening. The second step was performed under 31 conditions for 19 small-molecule compounds. Sixteen small-molecule compounds caused significant reduction of TCF4 activity relative to that of 0.1% DMSO. Of the 16 compounds, the 10 showing the greatest suppression of TCF4 activity were selected for the third step. Expressions of mRNA for α-SMA and Col1A1 were significantly reduced by seven and three small-molecule compounds, respectively. The greatest reductions in the α-SMA and Col1A1 mRNA expressions were observed in the cells treated with IC-2-F. Protein expressions of α-SMA and Col1A1 caused by IC-2-F were also comparable to those caused by IC-2. Conclusion IC-2-F was identified as a novel deactivating small-molecule compound for HSCs in vitro. These data suggest that IC-2-F is a promising medicine for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuki Sakaguchi
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Regenerative Therapeutics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan.,Division of Medicine and Clinical Science, Department of Multidisciplinary Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, Yonago 683-8503, Japan
| | - Yohei Kono
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Regenerative Therapeutics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan
| | - Noriko Itaba
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Regenerative Therapeutics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan
| | - Minoru Morimoto
- Research Initiative Center, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8550, Japan
| | - Hajime Isomoto
- Division of Medicine and Clinical Science, Department of Multidisciplinary Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, Yonago 683-8503, Japan
| | - Goshi Shiota
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Regenerative Therapeutics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan
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15
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Czekaj P, Król M, Limanówka Ł, Michalik M, Lorek K, Gramignoli R. Assessment of animal experimental models of toxic liver injury in the context of their potential application as preclinical models for cell therapy. Eur J Pharmacol 2019; 861:172597. [PMID: 31408648 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2019.172597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 08/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Preclinical animal models allow to study development and progression of several diseases, including liver disorders. These studies, for ethical reasons and medical limits, are impossible to carry out in human patients. At the same time, such experimental models constitute an important source of knowledge on pathomechanisms for drug- and virus-induced hepatotoxicity, both acute and chronic. Carbon tetrachloride, D-Galactosamine, and retrorsine are xenobiotics that can be used in immunocompetent animal models of hepatotoxicity, where chemical-intoxicated livers present histological features representative of human viruses-related infection. A prolonged derangement into liver architecture and functions commonly lead to cirrhosis, eventually resulting in hepatocellular carcinoma. In human, orthotopic liver transplantation commonly resolve most the problems related to cirrhosis. However, the shortage of donors does not allow all the patients in the waiting list to receive an organ on time. A promising alternative treatment for acute and chronic liver disease has been advised in liver cell transplantation, but the limited availability of hepatocytes for clinical approaches, in addition to the immunosuppressant regiment required to sustain cellular long-term engraftment have been encouraging the use of alternative cell sources. A recent effective source of stem cells have been recently identified in the human amnion membrane. Human amnion epithelial cells (hAEC) have been preclinically tested and proven sufficient to rescue immunocompetent rodents lethally intoxicated with drugs. The adoption of therapeutic procedures based on hAEC transplant in immunocompetent recipients affected by liver diseases, as well as patients with immune-related disorders, may constitute a successful new alternative therapy in regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Czekaj
- Department of Cytophysiology, Chair of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland, Medyków 18 str., 40-752, Katowice, Poland.
| | - Mateusz Król
- Students Scientific Society, Department of Cytophysiology, Chair of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland, Medyków 18 str., 40-752, Katowice, Poland.
| | - Łukasz Limanówka
- Students Scientific Society, Department of Cytophysiology, Chair of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland, Medyków 18 str., 40-752, Katowice, Poland
| | - Marcin Michalik
- Students Scientific Society, Department of Cytophysiology, Chair of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland, Medyków 18 str., 40-752, Katowice, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Lorek
- Students Scientific Society, Department of Cytophysiology, Chair of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland, Medyków 18 str., 40-752, Katowice, Poland
| | - Roberto Gramignoli
- Department of Laboratory Medicine (LABMED), H5, Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels Allé 8, 14152, Huddinge, Sweden.
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