Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles ameliorate airway inflammation in a rat model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Lung fibroblast-derived extracellular vesicles and soluble factors alleviate elastase-induced lung injury

One of the main pathological features of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the loss of functional alveolar tissue as a consequence of impaired regenerative capacities (emphysema). Recent research suggests that the secretome from mesenchymal cells, particularly extracellular vesicles (EVs), may possess regenerative properties beneficial for lung repair. However, the regenerative potential of the soluble factors (SFs) within the secretome remains largely unexplored in COPD. To this extent, we purified EVs and SFs secreted by lung fibroblasts to generate EV-enriched and SF-enriched fractions, and evaluated their effects on elastase-induced lung injury in both precision-cut lung slices (PCLS) and a mouse model. EV- and SF-enriched fractions were concentrated and purified from the conditioned medium of cultured MRC-5 lung fibroblasts using a combination of ultrafiltration and size exclusion chromatography, and were subsequently characterized according to the MISEV guidelines. Treatment with EV- or SF-enriched concentrates prevented and improved elastase-induced emphysema in PCLS, leading to reduced lung injury and upregulated markers of alveolar epithelial cells (aquaporin 5 and surfactant protein C), indicating potential parenchymal regeneration. Accordingly, prophylactic intratracheal treatment with lung fibroblast-derived EV- and SF-enriched concentrates in vivo attenuated elastase-induced lung tissue destruction, improved lung function, and enhanced gene expression of alveolar epithelial cell markers. Here, alveolar repair not only serves the purpose of facilitating gas exchange, but also by reinstating the essential parenchymal tethering required for optimal airway mechanics. In conclusion, this study highlights the therapeutic potential of both lung fibroblast-derived EV- and SF-enriched concentrates for the treatment of lung injury and emphysema.

Unlocking the Potential of Extracellular Vesicles as the Next Generation Therapy: Challenges and Opportunities

BACKGROUND

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have undergone extensive investigation for their potential therapeutic applications, primarily attributed to their paracrine activity. Recently, researchers have been exploring the therapeutic potential of extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by MSCs.

METHODS

MEDLINE/PubMed and Google scholar databases were used for the selection of literature. The keywords used were mesenchymal stem cells, extracellular vesicles, clinical application of EVs and challenges EVs production.

RESULTS

These EVs have demonstrated robust capabilities in transporting intracellular cargo, playing a critical role in facilitating cell-to-cell communication by carrying functional molecules, including proteins, RNA species, DNAs, and lipids. Utilizing EVs as an alternative to stem cells offers several benefits, such as improved safety, reduced immunogenicity, and the ability to traverse biological barriers. Consequently, EVs have emerged as an increasingly attractive option for clinical use.

CONCLUSION

From this perspective, this review delves into the advantages and challenges associated with employing MSC-EVs in clinical settings, with a specific focus on their potential in treating conditions like lung diseases, cancer, and autoimmune disorders.

Role of umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells in skin rejuvenation

Aging is the main cause of many degenerative diseases. The skin is the largest and the most intuitive organ that reflects the aging of the body. Under the interaction of endogenous and exogenous factors, there are cumulative changes in the structure, function, and appearance of the skin, which are characterized by decreased synthesis of collagen and elastin, increased wrinkles, relaxation, pigmentation, and other aging characteristics. skin aging is inevitable, but it can be delayed. The successful isolation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) in 1991 has greatly promoted the progress of cell therapy in human diseases. The International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT) points out that the MSC is a kind of pluripotent progenitor cells that have self-renewal ability (limited) in vitro and the potential for mesenchymal cell differentiation. This review mainly introduces the role of perinatal umbilical cord-derived MSC(UC-MSC) in the field of skin rejuvenation. An in-depth and systematic understanding of the mechanism of UC-MSCs against skin aging is of great significance for the early realization of the clinical transformation of UC-MSCs. This paper summarized the characteristics of skin aging and summarized the mechanism of UC-MSCs in skin rejuvenation reported in recent years. In order to provide a reference for further research of UC-MSCs to delay skin aging.

Advances in the application of extracellular vesicles derived from three-dimensional culture of stem cells

Stem cells (SCs) have been used therapeutically for decades, yet their applications are limited by factors such as the risk of immune rejection and potential tumorigenicity. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), a key paracrine component of stem cell potency, overcome the drawbacks of stem cell applications as a cell-free therapeutic agent and play an important role in treating various diseases. However, EVs derived from two-dimensional (2D) planar culture of SCs have low yield and face challenges in large-scale production, which hinders the clinical translation of EVs. Three-dimensional (3D) culture, given its ability to more realistically simulate the in vivo environment, can not only expand SCs in large quantities, but also improve the yield and activity of EVs, changing the content of EVs and improving their therapeutic effects. In this review, we briefly describe the advantages of EVs and EV-related clinical applications, provide an overview of 3D cell culture, and finally focus on specific applications and future perspectives of EVs derived from 3D culture of different SCs.

A new frontier in precision medicine: Exploring the role of extracellular vesicles in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory airway disease characterized by progressive respiratory difficulties. It has a high incidence and disability rate worldwide. However, currently there is still a lack of highly effective treatment methods for COPD, only symptom relief is possible. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore new treatment options. Almost all cells can secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs), which participate in many physiological activities by transporting cargoes and are associated with the pathogenesis of various diseases. Recently, many scholars have extensively studied the relationship between COPD and EVs, which has strongly demonstrated the significant impact of EVs from different sources on the occurrence and development of COPD. Therefore, EVs are a good starting point and new opportunity for the diagnosis and treatment of COPD. In this review, we mainly describe the current mechanisms of EVs in the pathogenesis of COPD, also the relationship between diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. At the same time, we also introduce some new methods for COPD therapy based on EVs. It is hoped that this article can provide new ideas for future research and contribute to the development of precision medicine.

Designer umbilical cord-stem cells induce alveolar wall regeneration in pulmonary disease models

Background

Researchers are focusing on cellular therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), with human bone marrow-derived MSCs (hBM-MSCs) leading the way. However, BM-MSCs may not be as optimal as therapeutic cells owing to their low growth potential, invasive harvesting, and high expression of aging-related genes with poor differentiation potential. Consequently, umbilical cord-derived MSCs (hUC-MSCs), which have many excellent features as allogeneic heterologous stem cells, have received considerable attention. Allogeneic and heterologous hUC-MSCs appear to be promising owing to their excellent therapeutic properties. However, MSCs cannot remain in the lungs for long periods after intravenous infusion.

Objective

To develop designer hUC-MSCs (dUC-MSCs), which are novel therapeutic cells with modified cell-adhesion properties, to aid COPD treatment.

Methods

dUC-MSCs were cultured on type-I collagen gels and laminin 411, which are extracellular matrices. Mouse models of elastase-induced COPD were treated with hUC-MSCs. Biochemical analysis of the lungs of treated and control animals was performed.

Results

Increased efficiency of vascular induction was found with dUC-MSCs transplanted into COPD mouse models compared with that observed with transplanted hUC-MSCs cultured on plates. The transplanted dUC-MSCs inhibited apoptosis by downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokine production, enhancing adhesion of the extracellular matrix to alveolar tissue via integrin β1, promoting the polarity of M2 macrophages, and contributing to the repair of collapsed alveolar walls by forming smooth muscle fibers. dUC-MSCs inhibited osteoclastogenesis in COPD-induced osteoporosis. hUC-MSCs are a promising cell source and have many advantages over BM-MSCs and adipose tissue-derived MSCs.

Conclusion

We developed novel designer cells that may be involved in anti-inflammatory, homeostatic, injury repair, and disease resistance processes. dUC-MSCs repair and regenerate the alveolar wall by enhancing adhesion to the damaged site. Therefore, they can contribute to the treatment of COPD and systemic diseases such as osteoporosis.

Mesenchymal stromal cell-based therapy in lung diseases; from research to clinic

Recent studies demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are important for the cell-based therapy of diseased or injured lung due to their immunomodulatory and regenerative properties as well as limited side effects in experimental animal models. Preclinical studies have shown that MSCs have also a remarkable effect on the immune cells, which play major roles in the pathogenesis of multiple lung diseases, by modulating their activity, proliferation, and functions. In addition, MSCs can inhibit both the infiltrated immune cells and detrimental immune responses in the lung and can be used in treating lung diseases caused by a virus infection such as Tuberculosis and SARS-COV-2. Moreover, MSCs are a source for alveolar epithelial cells such as type 2 (AT2) cells. These MSC-derived functional AT2-like cells can be used to treat and diminish serious lung disorders, including acute lung injury, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pulmonary fibrosis in animal models. As an alternative MSC-based therapy, extracellular vesicles that are derived from MSC-derived can be employed in regenerative medicine. Herein, we discussed the key research findings from recent clinical and preclinical studies on the functions of MSCs in treating some common and well-studied lung diseases. We also discussed the mechanisms underlying MSC-based therapy of well-studied lung diseases, and the recent employment of MSCs in both the attenuation of lung injury/inflammation and promotion of the regeneration of lung alveolar cells after injury. Finally, we described the role of MSC-based therapy in treating major pulmonary diseases such as pneumonia, COPD, asthma, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Attenuate Murine Cytomegalovirus-Infected Pneumonia via NF-κB/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway

Reactivation and infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV) are frequently observed in recipients of solid organ transplants, bone marrow transplants, and individuals with HIV infection. This presents an increasing risk of allograft rejection, opportunistic infection, graft failure, and patient mortality. Among immunocompromised hosts, interstitial pneumonia is the most critical clinical manifestation of CMV infection. Recent studies have demonstrated the potential therapeutic benefits of exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSC-exos) in preclinical models of acute lung injury, including pneumonia, ARDS, and sepsis. However, the role of MSC-exos in the pathogenesis of infectious viral diseases, such as CMV pneumonia, remains unclear. In a mouse model of murine CMV-induced pneumonia, we observed that intravenous administration of mouse MSC (mMSC)-exos reduced lung damage, decreased the hyperinflammatory response, and shifted macrophage polarization from the M1 to the M2 phenotype. Treatment with mMSC-exos also significantly reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells and pulmonary fibrosis. Furthermore, in vitro studies revealed that mMSC-exos reversed the hyperinflammatory phenotype of bone marrow-derived macrophages infected with murine CMV. Mechanistically, mMSC-exos treatment decreased activation of the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway both in vivo and in vitro. In summary, our findings indicate that mMSC-exo treatment is effective in severe CMV pneumonia by reducing lung inflammation and fibrosis through the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway, thus providing promising therapeutic potential for clinical CMV infection.

Unlocking the Future: Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Lung Repair

The human respiratory system is susceptible to a variety of diseases, ranging from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary fibrosis to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Today, lung diseases represent one of the major challenges to the health care sector and represent one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Current treatment options often focus on managing symptoms rather than addressing the underlying cause of the disease. The limitations of conventional therapies highlight the urgent clinical need for innovative solutions capable of repairing damaged lung tissue at a fundamental level. Pluripotent stem cell technologies have now reached clinical maturity and hold immense potential to revolutionize the landscape of lung repair and regenerative medicine. Meanwhile, human embryonic (HESCs) and human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can be coaxed to differentiate into lung-specific cell types such as bronchial and alveolar epithelial cells, or pulmonary endothelial cells. This holds the promise of regenerating damaged lung tissue and restoring normal respiratory function. While methods for targeted genetic engineering of hPSCs and lung cell differentiation have substantially advanced, the required GMP-grade clinical-scale production technologies as well as the development of suitable preclinical animal models and cell application strategies are less advanced. This review provides an overview of current perspectives on PSC-based therapies for lung repair, explores key advances, and envisions future directions in this dynamic field.

Cellular senescence in chronic lung diseases from newborns to the elderly: An update literature review

The role of cellular senescence in age-related diseases has been fully recognized. In various age-related-chronic lung diseases, the function of alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) is impaired and alveolar regeneration disorders, especially in bronchopulmonary dysplasia，pulmonary fibrosis (PF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cancer, etc. Except for age-related-chronic lung diseases, an increasing number of studies are exploring the role of cellular senescence in developmental chronic lung diseases, which typically originate in childhood and even in the neonatal period. This review provides an overview of cellular senescence and lung diseases from newborns to the elderly, attempting to draw attention to the relationship between cellular senescence and developmental lung diseases.

Notoginsenoside R1 restrains the proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle cells isolated from rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

OBJECTIVE

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common disorder that is characterized by systemic and lung inflammation. Notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1) displays anti-inflammatory properties in numerous diseases. We aimed to explore the function and mechanism of NGR1 in COPD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

COPD rats were established through cigarette smoke exposure, lipopolysaccharide injection, and cold stimulation. Rat airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) were separated and identified. Then, ASMCs were treated with NGR1 (25 or 50 μM) and cigarette smoke extract (CSE). Thereafter, the vitality, proliferation, and migration of ASMCs were measured. Additionally, cell cycle, inflammation-related factors, α-SMA, and PI3K/AKT pathway-related marker expressions of the ASMCs were also detected. Molecular docking experiments were conducted to explore the interaction of NGR1 to PI3K, TGF-β, p65, and AKT. Moreover, 740 Y-P (a PI3K/Akt pathway agonist) were used to validate the mechanism of NGR1 on COPD.

RESULTS

NGR1 inhibited the proliferation and migration, but caused cell cycle arrest for CSE-triggered ASMCs. Furthermore, NGR1 not only decreased IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α contents, but also reduced α-SMA expression in CSE-stimulated ASMCs. Moreover, NGR1restrainedTGF-β1 expression, PI3K, p65, and AKT phosphorylation in CSE-stimulated ASMCs. Molecular docking experiments showed NGR1 exhibited a strong binding ability to PI3K, TGF-β1, p65, and AKT. Notably, the effects of NGR1 on the proliferation and migration of CSE-induced ASMCs were reversed by 740 Y-P.

CONCLUSIONS

NGR1 can restrain the proliferation and migration of CSE-induced ASMCs, indicating that NGR1 may be a therapeutic candidate for treating COPD.

Human mesenchymal stem cell secretomes: Factors affecting profiling and challenges in clinical application

The promising field of regenerative medicine is thrilling as it can repair and restore organs for various debilitating diseases. Mesenchymal stem cells are one of the main components in regenerative medicine that work through the release of secretomes. By adopting the use of the secretome in cell-free-based therapy, we may be able to address the challenges faced in cell-based therapy. As one of the components of cell-free-based therapy, secretome has the advantage of a better safety and efficacy profile than mesenchymal stem cells. However, secretome has its challenges that need to be addressed, such as its bioprocessing methods that may impact the secretome content and its mechanisms of action in clinical settings. Effective and standardization of bioprocessing protocols are important to ensure the supply and sustainability of secretomes for clinical applications. This may eventually impact its commercialization and marketability. In this review, the bioprocessing methods and their impacts on the secretome profile and treatment are discussed. This improves understanding of its fundamental aspects leading to potential clinical applications.

Therapeutic utility of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells-based approaches in pulmonary diseases: Recent advancements and prospects

Pulmonary diseases across all ages threaten millions of people and have emerged as one of the major public health issues worldwide. For diverse disease conditions, the currently available approaches are focused on alleviating clinical symptoms and delaying disease progression but have not shown significant therapeutic effects in patients with lung diseases. Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) isolated from the human UC have the capacity for self-renewal and multilineage differentiation. Moreover, in recent years, these cells have been demonstrated to have unique advantages in the treatment of lung diseases. We searched the Public Clinical Trial Database and found 55 clinical trials involving UC-MSC therapy for pulmonary diseases, including coronavirus disease 2019, acute respiratory distress syndrome, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and pulmonary fibrosis. In this review, we summarize the characteristics of these registered clinical trials and relevant published results and explore in depth the challenges and opportunitiesfaced in clinical application. Moreover, the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in UC-MSC-based therapy for pulmonary diseases are also analyzed in depth. In brief, this comprehensive review and detailed analysis of these clinical trials can be expected to provide a scientific reference for future large-scale clinical application.

Periodontal Ligament Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Regulate Muc5ac Expression in Rat Conjunctival Goblet Cells via Regulating Macrophages Toward an Anti-Inflammatory Phenotype

BACKGROUND

Several studies have reported the protective effects of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-Exos) in reducing inflammation and decreasing conjunctival goblet cell (CGC) loss in dry eye disease. However, whether MSC-Exos provide anti-inflammatory profiles in macrophages, thus contributing to CGC protection, has remained elusive.

METHODS

Macrophages were incubated with PKH26-labeled periodontal ligament mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (PDLSC-Exos) for 12 h, and uptake of PDLSC-Exos by macrophages was observed by a confocal fluorescence microscope. The mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-10, and Arg1 was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The protein expression of TNF-α and IL-10 were quantified using western blotting. Then, CGCs were exposed to different macrophage supernatants and qRT-PCR was used to detect the Muc5ac mRNA expression of CGCs in response to or absence of cholinergic stimulation. ELISA was used to determine the Muc5ac secretion of CGCs in response to cholinergic stimulation.

RESULTS

The uptake of PDLSC-Exos by M1 macrophages facilitates M2 macrophage polarization with the elevated expressions of IL-10 and Arg1. In macrophage supernatant-treated CGCs systems, PDLSC-Exo-treated M1 macrophage supernatant significantly enhanced the Muc5ac expression of CGCs in response to, or in the absence of, cholinergic stimulation, while the addition of PDLSC-Exos to the control macrophage supernatant did not generate a change in Muc5ac expression. Conversely, the addition of PDLSC-Exos to the diluted control macrophage supernatant induced a significant increase in Muc5ac expression.

CONCLUSION

PDLSC-Exos could protect CGCs against M1 macrophage-mediated inflammation, and the protective effects of PDLSC-Exos are partly attributable to their effects on M1 macrophages.

The role of extracellular vesicles in COPD and potential clinical value

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous lung disease and a major health burden worldwide. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanosized vesicles which possess a lipid bilayer structure that are secreted by various cells. They contain a variety of bioactive substances, which can regulate various physiological and pathological processes and are closely related to the development of diseases. Recently, EVs have emerged as a novel tool for intercellular crosstalk, which plays an essential role in COPD development. This paper reviews the role of EVs in the development of COPD and their potential clinical value, in order to provide a reference for further research on COPD.

Role of genetically engineered mesenchymal stem cell exosomes and LncRNAs in respiratory diseases treatment

The term acute respiratory disease encompasses a wide range of acute lung diseases, which in recent years have been ranked among the top three deadly diseases in the world. Since conventional treatment methods, including the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, have had no significant effect on the treatment process of these diseases, the attention of the medical community has been drawn to alternative methods. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are multipotential stem/progenitor cells that have extensive immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties and also play a critical role in the microenvironment of injured tissue. MSC secretomes (containing large extracellular vesicles, microvesicles, and exosomes) are a newly introduced option for cell-free therapies that can circumvent the hurdles of cell-based therapies while maintaining the therapeutic role of MSC themselves. The therapeutic capabilities of MSCs have been showed in many acute respiratory diseases, including chronic respiratory disease (CRD), novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID -19), and pneumonia. MSCs offer novel therapeutic approaches for chronic and acute lung diseases due to their anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. In this review, we summarize the current evidence on the efficacy and safety of MSC-derived products in preclinical models of lung diseases and highlight the biologically active compounds present in the MSC secretome and their mechanisms involved in anti-inflammatory activity and tissue regeneration.

Lung regeneration: diverse cell types and the therapeutic potential

Lung tissue has a certain regenerative ability and triggers repair procedures after injury. Under controllable conditions, lung tissue can restore normal structure and function. Disruptions in this process can lead to respiratory system failure and even death, causing substantial medical burden. The main types of respiratory diseases are chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Multiple cells, such as lung epithelial cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and immune cells, are involved in regulating the repair process after lung injury. Although the mechanism that regulates the process of lung repair has not been fully elucidated, clinical trials targeting different cells and signaling pathways have achieved some therapeutic effects in different respiratory diseases. In this review, we provide an overview of the cell type involved in the process of lung regeneration and repair, research models, and summarize molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of lung regeneration and fibrosis. Moreover, we discuss the current clinical trials of stem cell therapy and pharmacological strategies for COPD, IPF, and ARDS treatment. This review provides a reference for further research on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of lung regeneration, drug development, and clinical trials.

Advancements in engineered mesenchymal stem cell exosomes for chronic lung disease treatment

Chronic lung diseases include an array of conditions that impact airways and lung structures, leading to considerable societal burdens. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their exosomes (MSC-exos) can be used for cell therapy and exhibit a diverse spectrum of anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and immunomodulatory properties. Engineered MSC-exos possesses enhanced capabilities for targeted drug delivery, resulting in more potent targeting effects. Through various engineering modifications, these exosomes can exert many biological effects, resulting in specific therapeutic outcomes for many diseases. Moreover, engineered stem cell exosomes may exhibit an increased capacity to traverse physiological barriers and infiltrate protected lesions, thereby exerting their therapeutic effects. These characteristics render them a promising therapeutic agent for chronic pulmonary diseases. This article discusses and reviews the strategies and mechanisms of engineered MSC-exos in the treatment of chronic respiratory diseases based on many studies to provide new solutions for these diseases.

The wonders of stem cells therapeutic application towards chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a respiratory condition characterized by its heterogeneous nature, progressive course, and significant impact on individuals' quality of life. It is a prevalent global health issue affecting a substantial number of individuals and can pose life-threatening complications if left unmanaged. The development and course of COPD can be influenced by a range of risk factors, including genetic predisposition and environmental exposures. Nevertheless, as researchers adopt a more comprehensive and expansive viewpoint of therapeutic techniques, the associated obstacles become more apparent. Indeed, a definitive medication for COPD that reliably leads to symptom alleviation has not yet been discovered. Therefore, the limitations of conventional therapy methods prompted researchers to focus on the advancement of novel procedures, potentially leading to significant outcomes. In contemporary times, the field of regenerative medicine and cell therapy has presented unprecedented opportunities for the exploration of innovative treatments for COPD, owing to the distinctive attributes exhibited by stem cells. Hence, it is imperative to provide due consideration to preclinical investigations and notable characteristics of stem cells as they serve as a means to comprehensively comprehend the fundamental mechanisms of COPD and uncover novel therapeutic strategies with enhanced efficacy for patients.

Systematic analysis of various RNA transcripts and construction of biological regulatory networks at the post-transcriptional level for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND

Although chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, airway remodeling, and protease-antiprotease imbalance have been implicated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the exact pathogenesis is still obscure. Gene transcription and post-transcriptional regulation have been taken into account as key regulators of COPD occurrence and development. Identifying the hub genes and constructing biological regulatory networks at the post-transcriptional level will help extend current knowledge on COPD pathogenesis and develop potential drugs.

METHODS

All lung tissues from non-smokers (n = 6), smokers without COPD (smokers, n = 7), and smokers with COPD (COPD, n = 7) were collected to detect messenger RNA (mRNA), microRNA (miRNA), circular RNA (circRNA), and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression and identify the hub genes. Biological regulatory networks were constructed at the post-transcriptional level, including the RNA-binding protein (RBP)-hub gene interaction network and the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network. In addition, we assessed the composition and abundance of immune cells in COPD lung tissue and predicted potential therapeutic drugs for COPD. Finally, the hub genes were confirmed at both the RNA and protein levels.

RESULTS

Among the 20 participants, a total of 121169 mRNA transcripts, 1871 miRNA transcripts, 4244 circRNA transcripts, and 122130 lncRNA transcripts were detected. There were differences in the expression of 1561 mRNAs, 48 miRNAs, 33 circRNAs, and 545 lncRNAs between smokers and non-smokers, as well as 1289 mRNAs, 69 miRNAs, 32 circRNAs, and 433 lncRNAs between smokers and COPD patients. 18 hub genes were identified in COPD. TGF-β signaling and Wnt/β-catenin signaling may be involved in the development of COPD. Furthermore, the circRNA/lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA networks and the RBP-hub gene interaction network were also constructed. Analysis of the immune cell infiltration level revealed that M2 macrophages and activated NK cells were increased in COPD lung tissues. Finally, we identified that the ITK inhibitor and oxybutynin chloride may be effective in treating COPD.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified several novel hub genes involved in COPD pathogenesis. TGF-β signaling and Wnt/β-catenin signaling were the most dysregulated pathways in COPD patients. Our study constructed post-transcriptional biological regulatory networks and predicted small-molecule drugs for the treatment of COPD, which enhanced the existing understanding of COPD pathogenesis and suggested an innovative direction for the therapeutic intervention of the disease.

Biomimetic scaffold-based stem cell transplantation promotes lung regeneration

Therapeutic options are limited for severe lung injury and disease as the spontaneous regeneration of functional alveolar is terminated owing to the weakness of the inherent stem cells and the dyscrasia of the niche. Umbilical cord mesenchymal-derived stem cells (UC-MSCs) have been applied to clinical trials to promote lung repair through stem cell niche restruction. However, the application of UC-MSCs is hampered by the effectiveness of cell transplantation with few cells homing to the injury sites and poor retention, survival, and proliferation in vivo. In this study, we constructed an artificial three-dimensional (3D) biomimetic scaffold-based MSCs implant to establish a beneficial regeneration niche for endogenous stem cells in situ lung regeneration. The therapeutic potential of 3D biomimetic scaffold-based MSCs implants was evaluated by 3D culture in vitro. And RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was mapped to explore the gene expression involved in the niche improvement. Next, a model of partial lung resection was established in rats, and the implants were implanted into the operative region. Effects of the implants on rat resected lung injury repair were detected. The results revealed that UC-MSCs loaded on biomimetic scaffolds exerted strong paracrine effects and some UC-MSCs migrated to the lung from scaffolds and had long-term retention to suppress inflammation and fibrosis in residual lungs and promoted vascular endothelial cells and alveolar type II epithelial cells to enter the scaffolds. Then, under the guidance of the ECM-mimicking structures of scaffolds and the stimulation of the remaining UC-MSCs, vascular and alveolar-like structures were formed in the scaffold region. Moreover, the general morphology of the operative lung was also restored. Taken together, the artificial 3D biomimetic scaffold-based MSCs implants induce in situ lung regeneration and recovery after lung destruction, providing a promising direction for tissue engineering and stem cell strategies in lung regeneration.

Cigarette Smoke-Induced Respiratory Response: Insights into Cellular Processes and Biomarkers

Cigarette smoke (CS) poses a significant risk factor for respiratory, vascular, and organ diseases owing to its high content of harmful chemicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS). These substances are known to induce oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and senescence due to their exposure to environmental pollutants and the presence of oxidative enzymes. The lung is particularly susceptible to oxidative stress. Persistent oxidative stress caused by chronic exposure to CS can lead to respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis (PF), and lung cancer. Avoiding exposure to environmental pollutants, like cigarette smoke and air pollution, can help mitigate oxidative stress. A comprehensive understanding of oxidative stress and its impact on the lungs requires future research. This includes identifying strategies for preventing and treating lung diseases as well as investigating the underlying mechanisms behind oxidative stress. Thus, this review aims to investigate the cellular processes induced by CS, specifically inflammation, apoptosis, senescence, and their associated biomarkers. Furthermore, this review will delve into the alveolar response provoked by CS, emphasizing the roles of potential therapeutic target markers and strategies in inflammation and oxidative stress.

Extracellular vesicles and COPD: foe or friend?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory airway disease characterized by progressive airflow limitation. The complex biological processes of COPD include protein hydrolysis tissue remodeling, innate immune inflammation, disturbed host-pathogen response, abnormal cellular phenotype conversion, and cellular senescence. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) (including apoptotic vesicles, microvesicles and exosomes), are released by almost all cell types and can be found in a variety of body fluids including blood, sputum and urine. EVs are key mediators in cell-cell communication and can be used by using their bioactive substances (DNA, RNA, miRNA, proteins and other metabolites) to enable cells in adjacent and distant tissues to perform a wide variety of functions, which in turn affect the physiological and pathological functions of the body. Thus, EVs is expected to play an important role in the pathogenesis of COPD, which in turn affects its acute exacerbations and may serve as a diagnostic marker for it. Furthermore, recent therapeutic approaches and advances have introduced EVs into the treatment of COPD, such as the modification of EVs into novel drug delivery vehicles. Here, we discuss the role of EVs from cells of different origins in the pathogenesis of COPD and explore their possible use as biomarkers in diagnosis, and finally describe their role in therapy and future prospects for their application. Graphical Abstract.

Uncovering the gray zone: mapping the global landscape of direct-to-consumer businesses offering interventions based on secretomes, extracellular vesicles, and exosomes

BACKGROUND

The last decade has seen a significant increase in media attention, industrial growth, and patient interest in stem cell-based interventions. This led to a rise in direct-to-consumer businesses offering stem cell "therapies" for multiple indications with little evidence of safety and efficacy. In parallel, the use of stem cell secretomes as a substitute for stem cell transplantation has become an increasing trend in regenerative medicine with multiple clinical trials currently assessing their efficacy and safety profile. As a result, multiple businesses and private clinics have now started to exploit this situation and are offering secretome-based interventions despite the lack of supporting data. This poses significant risks for the patients and could lead to a credibility crisis in the field.

METHODS

Internet searches were used to locate clinics marketing and selling interventions based on stem cell secretomes, exosomes, or extracellular vesicles. Data were extracted from websites with a particular focus on the global distribution of the businesses, the cellular source of the secretome, the indication spectrum, and the pricing of the provided services. Lastly, the types of evidence used on the websites of the businesses to market their services were extracted.

RESULTS

Overall, 114 companies market secretome-based therapies in 28 countries. The vast majority of the interventions are based on allogenic stem cells from undisclosed cellular sources and skin care is the most marketed indication. The price range is USD99-20,000 depending on the indication.

CONCLUSIONS

The direct-to-consumer industry for secretome-based therapies appears to be primed for growth in the absence of appropriate regulatory frameworks and guidelines. We conclude that such business activity requires tight regulations and monitoring by the respective national regulatory bodies to prevent patients from being conned and more importantly from being put at risk.

Extracellular vesicle-transmitted miR-671-5p alleviates lung inflammation and injury by regulating the AAK1/NF-κB axis

Mesenchymal stem cells regulate remote intercellular signaling communication via their secreted extracellular vesicles. Here, we report that menstrual blood-derived stem cells alleviate acute lung inflammation and injury via their extracellular vesicle-transmitted miR-671-5p. Disruption of this abundantly expressed miR-671-5p dramatically reduced the ameliorative effect of extracellular vesicles released by menstrual blood-derived stem cells on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pulmonary inflammatory injury. Mechanistically, miR-671-5p directly targets the kinase AAK1 for post-transcriptional degradation. AAK1 is found to positively regulate the activation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling by controlling the stability of the inhibitory protein IκBα. This study identifies a potential molecular basis of how extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells improve pulmonary inflammatory injury and highlights the functional importance of the miR-671-5p/AAK1 axis in the progression of pulmonary inflammatory diseases. More importantly, this study provides a promising cell-based approach for the treatment of pulmonary inflammatory disorders through an extracellular vesicle-dependent pathway.

YAP-regulated type II alveolar epithelial cell differentiation mediated by human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells in acute respiratory distress syndrome

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) contributes to higher mortality worldwide. Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) have immunomodulatory and regenerative potential. However, the effects of hUC-MSCs as an ARDS treatment remain unclear. We investigated the role of hUC-MSCs in the differentiation of type II alveolar epithelial cells (AECII) by regulating Yes-associated protein (YAP) in ARDS. Male C57BL/6JNarl mice were intratracheally (i.t.) administered lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce an ARDS model, followed by a single intravenous (i.v.) dose of hUC-MSCs. hUC-MSCs improved pulmonary function, decreased inflammation on day 3, and mitigated lung injury by reducing the lung injury score and increasing lung aeration (%) in mice on day 7 (p < 0.05). hUC-MSCs inactivated YAP on AECII and facilitated cell differentiation by decreasing Pro-surfactant protein C (Pro-SPC) and galectin 3 (LGALS3) while increasing podoplanin (T1α) in lungs of mice (p < 0.05). In AECII MLE-12 cells, both coculture with hUC-MSCs after LPS exposure and the YAP inhibitor, verteporfin, reduced Pro-SPC and LGALS3, whereas the YAP inhibitor increased T1α expression (p < 0.05). In conclusion, hUC-MSCs ameliorated lung injury of ARDS and regulated YAP to facilitate AECII differentiation.

Key Role of Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Interaction with Macrophages in Promoting Repair of Lung Injury

Lung macrophages (Mφs) are essential for pulmonary innate immunity and host defense due to their dynamic polarization and phenotype shifts. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have secretory, immunomodulatory, and tissue-reparative properties and have shown promise in acute and chronic inflammatory lung diseases and in COVID-19. Many beneficial effects of MSCs are mediated through their interaction with resident alveolar and pulmonary interstitial Mφs. Bidirectional MSC-Mφ communication is achieved through direct contact, soluble factor secretion/activation, and organelle transfer. The lung microenvironment facilitates MSC secretion of factors that result in Mφ polarization towards an immunosuppressive M2-like phenotype for the restoration of tissue homeostasis. M2-like Mφ in turn can affect the MSC immune regulatory function in MSC engraftment and tissue reparatory effects. This review article highlights the mechanisms of crosstalk between MSCs and Mφs and the potential role of their interaction in lung repair in inflammatory lung diseases.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: New Soldiers in the War on Immune-Mediated Diseases

Inflammatory diseases are a group of debilitating disorders with varying degrees of long-lasting functional impairment of targeted system. New therapeutic agents that will attenuate on-going inflammation and, at the same time, promote regeneration of injured organ are urgently needed for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. During the last decade numerous studies have demonstrated that crucial therapeutic benefits of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in inflammatory diseases are based on the effects of MSC-produced paracrine mediators and not on the activity of engrafted cells themselves. Thus, to overcome the limitations of stem cell transplantation, MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) have been rigorously investigated, as a promising cell-free pharmaceutical component. In this review, we focus on the mechanisms of MSC-EV covering the current knowledge on their potential therapeutic applications for immune-mediated diseases.

Therapeutic potential of exosome-based personalized delivery platform in chronic inflammatory diseases

In the inflammatory microenvironment, there are numerous exosomes secreted by immune cells (Macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic cells), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and platelets as intercellular communicators, which participate in the regulation of inflammation by modulating gene expression and releasing anti-inflammatory factors. Due to their good biocompatibility, accurate targeting, low toxicity and immunogenicity, these exosomes are able to selectively deliver therapeutic drugs to the site of inflammation through interactions between their surface-antibody or modified ligand with cell surface receptors. Therefore, the role of exosome-based biomimetic delivery strategies in inflammatory diseases has attracted increasing attention. Here we review current knowledge and techniques for exosome identification, isolation, modification and drug loading. More importantly, we highlight progress in using exosomes to treat chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), atherosclerosis (AS), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Finally, we also discuss their potential and challenges as anti-inflammatory drug carriers.

Impact of extracellular vesicles on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and potential therapy in cardiopulmonary disease

Cardiopulmonary diseases span a wide breadth of conditions affecting both heart and lung, the burden of which is globally significant. Chronic pulmonary disease and cardiovascular disease are two of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. This makes it critical to understand disease pathogenesis, thereby providing new diagnostic and therapeutic avenues to improve clinical outcomes. Extracellular vesicles provide insight into all three of these features of the disease. Extracellular vesicles are membrane-bound vesicles released by a multitude, if not all, cell types and are involved in multiple physiological and pathological processes that play an important role in intercellular communication. They can be isolated from bodily fluids, such as blood, urine, and saliva, and their contents include a variety of proteins, proteases, and microRNA. These vesicles have shown to act as effective transmitters of biological signals within the heart and lung and have roles in the pathogenesis and diagnosis of multiple cardiopulmonary diseases as well as demonstrate potential as therapeutic agents to treat said conditions. In this review article, we will discuss the role these extracellular vesicles play in the diagnosis, pathogenesis, and therapeutic possibilities of cardiovascular, pulmonary, and infection-related cardiopulmonary diseases.

Exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells protect against papain-induced emphysema by preventing apoptosis through activating VEGF-VEGFR2-mediated AKT and MEK/ERK pathways in rats

Introduction

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of high mortality and heavy burden in the world. Unfortunately, emphysema, as an important component of COPD, has no curative treatments currently. Recently, human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes (hUCMSC-Ex) constitute a promising alternative approach for tissue regeneration and repair. However, the roles of hUCMSC-Ex in emphysema and its mechanism are largely unknown. Here, we investigated the effect and the action mechanism of hUCMSC-Ex in repairing emphysema induced by papain in rats.

Methods

SD rats were used to establish a papain-induced emphysema model and estimate the effect and mechanism of hUCMSC-Ex treatment. H&E staining and mean linear intercept (MLI) were used to evaluate the hUCMSC-Ex effect on emphysema. Western blotting, TUNEL and miRNA-seq were used to investigate the molecular mechanisms of hUCMSC-Ex treatment in models of papain-induced emphysema.

Results

Papain treatment led to typical emphysema, while hUCMSC-Ex reversed emphysematous changes effectively. Apoptosis of endothelial cells and other types of cells were observed in models, while hUCMSC-Ex effectively prevented their apoptosis. hUCMSC-Ex repressed active caspase-3, activated VEGF-VEGFR2-mediated AKT pathway and MEK/ERK pathway in emphysematous lungs. Notably, several miRNAs, such as hsa-miR-10a-5p and hsa-miR-146a-5p, were target related to the roles of hUCMSC-Ex in papain-induced emphysema through VEGF-VEGFR2-mediated AKT and MEK/ERK pathways.

Conclusions

hUCMSC-Ex effectively rescued the papain-induced emphysema injury through VEGF-VEGFR2-mediated AKT pathway and MEK/ERK pathway.

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Exosomes from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSC-Ex) pro protect against papain-injured emphysema in rats.

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hUCMSC-Ex prevent lung cells apoptosis by activating VEGF-VEGFR2-mediated AKT and MEK/ERK pathways.

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Several miRNAs, such as hsa-miR-10a-5p, were target related to the roles of hUCMSC-Ex.

Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Extracellular Vesicles in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive interstitial fibrotic disease that leads to disability and death within 5 years of diagnosis. Pulmonary fibrosis is a disease with a multifactorial etiology. The concept of aberrant regeneration of the pulmonary epithelium reveals the pathogenesis of IPF, according to which repeated damage and death of alveolar epithelial cells is the main mechanism leading to the development of progressive IPF. Cell death provokes the migration, proliferation and activation of fibroblasts, which overproduce extracellular matrix, resulting in fibrotic deformity of the lung tissue. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) are promising therapies for pulmonary fibrosis. MSCs, and EVs derived from MSCs, modulate the activity of immune cells, inhibit the expression of profibrotic genes, reduce collagen deposition and promote the repair of damaged lung tissue. This review considers the molecular mechanisms of the development of IPF and the multifaceted role of MSCs in the therapy of IPF. Currently, EVs-MSCs are regarded as a promising cell-free therapy tool, so in this review we discuss the results available to date of the use of EVs-MSCs for lung tissue repair.

Advances in mesenchymal stromal cell therapy for acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome

Acute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) develops rapidly and has high mortality. ALI/ARDS is mainly manifested as acute or progressive hypoxic respiratory failure. At present, there is no effective clinical intervention for the treatment of ALI/ARDS. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) show promise for ALI/ARDS treatment due to their biological characteristics, easy cultivation, low immunogenicity, and abundant sources. The therapeutic mechanisms of MSCs in diseases are related to their homing capability, multidirectional differentiation, anti-inflammatory effect, paracrine signaling, macrophage polarization, the polarization of the MSCs themselves, and MSCs-derived exosomes. In this review, we discuss the pathogenesis of ALI/ARDS along with the biological characteristics and mechanisms of MSCs in the treatment of ALI/ARDS.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma: mesenchymal stem cells and their extracellular vesicles as potential therapeutic tools

Chronic lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, are one of the most frequent causes of morbidity and mortality in the global. COPD is characterized by progressive loss of lung function through inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress caused by chronic exposure to harmful environmental pollutants. Airway inflammation and epithelial remodeling are also two main characteristics of asthma. In spite of extensive efforts from researchers, there is still a great need for novel therapeutic approaches for treatment of these conditions. Accumulating evidence suggests the potential role of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in treatment of many lung injuries due to their beneficial features including immunomodulation and tissue regeneration. Besides, the therapeutic advantages of MSCs are chiefly related to their paracrine functions such as releasing extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs comprising exosomes and microvesicles are heterogeneous bilayer membrane structures loaded with various lipids, nucleic acids and proteins. Due to their lower immunogenicity, tumorigenicity, and easier management, EVs have appeared as favorable alternatives to stem cell therapies. Therefore, in this review, we provided an overview on the current understanding of the importance of MSCs and MSC-derived EVs from different sources reported in preclinical and clinical COPD and asthmatic models.

Therapeutic role of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes in respiratory disease

Exosomes are extracellular vesicles found in various tissues, blood circulation, and tissue fluids, secreted into the extracellular environment by fusing a multivesicular body with a plasma membrane. Various cell types release these vesicles to contribute to many cellular functions, including intercellular communication, cell proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis, response to stress, and immune system signaling. These natural nanoparticles have therapeutic effects in various diseases and exhibit a behavior similar to the cell from which they originated. In the meantime, exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells have attracted the attention of many researchers and physicians due to their unique ability to modulate the immune system, repair tissue and reduce inflammation. Numerous clinical and preclinical studies have examined the effect of MSC-derived exosomes in various diseases, and their results have been published in prestigious journals. This review article discusses the biogenesis and sources of exosomes, MSC-derived exosomes, the use of these exosomes in regenerative medicine, and treatments based on exosomes derived from stem cells in respiratory diseases.

The Emerging Role of Extracellular Vesicles Detected in Different Biological Fluids in COPD

The pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by complex cellular and molecular mechanisms, not fully elucidated so far. It involves inflammatory cells (monocytes/macrophages, neutrophils, lymphocytes), cytokines, chemokines and, probably, new players yet to be clearly identified and described. Chronic local and systemic inflammation, lung aging and cellular senescence are key pathological events in COPD development and progression over time. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), released by virtually all cells both as microvesicles and exosomes into different biological fluids, are involved in intercellular communication and, therefore, represent intriguing players in pathobiological mechanisms (including those characterizing aging and chronic diseases); moreover, the role of EVs as biomarkers in different diseases, including COPD, is rapidly gaining recognition. In this review, after recalling the essential steps of COPD pathogenesis, we summarize the current evidence on the roles of EVs collected in different biological mediums as biomarkers in COPD and as potential players in the specific mechanisms leading to disease development. We will also briefly review the data on EV as potential therapeutic targets and potential therapeutic agents.

Emerging role of exosomes in the pathology of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases; destructive and therapeutic properties

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is known as the third leading cause of human death globally. Enhanced chronic inflammation and pathological remodeling are the main consequences of COPD, leading to decreased life span. Histological and molecular investigations revealed that prominent immune cell infiltration and release of several cytokines contribute to progressive chronic remodeling. Recent investigations have revealed that exosomes belonging to extracellular vesicles are involved in the pathogenesis of COPD. It has been elucidated that exosomes secreted from immune cells are eligible to carry numerous pro-inflammatory factors exacerbating the pathological conditions. Here, in this review article, we have summarized various and reliable information about the negative role of immune cell-derived exosomes in the remodeling of pulmonary tissue and airways destruction in COPD patients.

Emerging Therapeutic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Chronic Respiratory Diseases: An Overview of Recent Progress

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) are able to carry genetic and protein goods to mediate the interaction between MSCs and target cells. Recently, more and more researches have focused on the therapeutic role of MSC-EVs in chronic respiratory diseases. In this review, we summarize the cumulative strategies and mechanisms of MSC-EVs in treating chronic respiratory diseases. This review suggests that MSC-EVs may serve as a novel cell-free-based therapy for chronic respiratory diseases, including COPD, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and pulmonary arterial hypertension. In current studies of chronic respiratory diseases, umbilical cord and bone marrow are main sources of MSC-EVs, while adipose tissue, lung, and induced pluripotent stem cells are also applied. Isolation methods of MSC-EVs in treating chronic respiratory diseases involve ultracentrifugation, exosome extraction kits and anion-exchange chromatography. Intratracheal delivery and intravenous administration are the most widely used routes of MSC-EVs. MSC-EVs are able to transfer microRNAs and protein to target cells and further magnify the therapeutic effects.

The Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Progression: An Approach on Their Therapeutics Potential

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fibrosing interstitial lung disease of unknown etiology. Different types of cells are involved in fibrogenesis, which is persistently physical and molecular stimulation, either directly or by interacting with bioactive molecules and extracellular vesicles (EVs). Current evidence suggests that EVs play an essential role in IPF development. EVs are released by a variety of cells, including fibroblasts, epithelial cells, and alveolar macrophages. In addition, EVs can transport bioactive molecules, such as lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, which play a pivotal role in cellular communication. Several proposed mechanisms show that an acceptor cell can capture, absorb, or interact with EVs through direct fusion with the plasma membrane, ligand–receptor interaction, and endocytotic process, modifying the target cell. During fibrogenesis, the release of EVs is deregulated, increases the EVs amount, and the cargo content is modified. This alteration is closely associated with the maintenance of the fibrotic microenvironment. This review summarizes the current data on the participation of EVs secreted by the cells playing a critical role in IPF pathogenesis.

Endothelial Microparticles Derived from Primary Pulmonary Microvascular Endothelial Cells Mediate Lung Inflammation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease by Transferring microRNA-126

Background

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are considered to new types of intercellular communication media, and microRNA is one of the most common transferring components of EVs. This study aimed to explore the potential role of endothelial microparticles (EMPs) derived from primary pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells in regulating lung inflammation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) through transferring microRNA-126 (miR-126).

Methods

EMPs generated from primary pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells were isolated by gradient centrifugation and characterized by transmission electron microscopy, flow cytometry and Western blotting. EMPs were treated to in vitro and in vivo COPD models induced by cigarette smoke extract (CSE). miR-126 mimics or inhibitors were transfected into EMPs by calcium chloride. Pathological changes of lung tissue, mRNA and protein levels of inflammation-related factors were measured to explore the effect of EMPs transferring miR-126 on CSE-induced inflammation.

Results

Both in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that mRNA and protein levels of inflammation-related factors were significantly increased in COPD group, while EMPs could dramatically reverse these increases. In vitro, overexpression of miR-126 in EMPs decreased HMGB1 expression and magnified the decreasing effect of EMPs on inflammation-related factors.

Conclusion

The present study reveals that EMPs are capable of alleviating lung inflammation and transferring miR-126 can magnify the anti-inflammatory effect of EMPs, which may provide a novel therapeutic alternative for COPD.

Fusobacterium nucleatum exacerbates chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in elastase-induced emphysematous mice

Exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with disease progression and increased mortality. Periodontal disease is a risk factor for exacerbation of COPD, but little is known about the role of periodontopathic bacteria in this process. Here, we investigated the effects of intratracheal administration of Fusobacterium nucleatum, a periodontopathic bacteria species, on COPD exacerbation in elastase‐induced emphysematous mice. The administration of F. nucleatum to elastase‐treated mice enhanced inflammatory responses, production of alveolar wall destruction factors, progression of emphysema, and recruitment of mucin, all of which are symptoms observed in patients with COPD exacerbation. Hence, we propose that F. nucleatum may play a role in exacerbation of COPD.

Exosomes derived from adipose-derived stem cells alleviate cigarette smoke-induced lung inflammation and injury by inhibiting alveolar macrophages pyroptosis

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a frequently encountered disease condition in clinical practice mainly caused by cigarette smoke (CS). The aim of this study was to investigate the protective roles of human adipose-derived stem cells-derived exosomes (ADSCs-Exo) in CS-induced lung inflammation and injury and explore the underlying mechanism by discovering the effects of ADSCs-Exo on alveolar macrophages (AMs) pyroptosis.

Methods

ADSCs were isolated from human adipose tissues harvested from three healthy donors, and then ADSCs-Exo were isolated. In vivo, 24 age-matched male C57BL/6 mice were exposed to CS for 4 weeks, followed by intratracheal administration of ADSCs-Exo or phosphate buffered saline. In vitro, MH-S cells, derived from mouse AMs, were stimulated by 2% CS extract (CSE) for 24 h, followed by the treatment of ADSCs-Exo or phosphate buffered saline. Pulmonary inflammation was analyzed by detecting pro-inflammatory cells and mediators in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Lung histology was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Mucus production was determined by Alcian blue-periodic acid-Schiff staining. The profile of AMs pyroptosis was evaluated by detecting the levels of pyroptosis-indicated proteins. The inflammatory response in AMs and the phagocytic activity of AMs were also investigated.

Results

In mice exposed to CS, the levels of pro-inflammatory cells and mediators were significantly increased, mucus production was markedly increased and lung architecture was obviously disrupted. AMs pyroptosis was elevated and AMs phagocytosis was inhibited. However, the administration of ADSCs-Exo greatly reversed these alterations caused by CS exposure. Consistently, in MH-S cells with CSE-induced properties modelling those found in COPD, the cellular inflammatory response was elevated, the pyroptotic activity was upregulated while the phagocytosis was decreased. Nonetheless, these abnormalities were remarkably alleviated by the treatment of ADSCs-Exo.

Conclusions

ADSCs-Exo effectively attenuate CS-induced airway mucus overproduction, lung inflammation and injury by inhibiting AMs pyroptosis. Therefore, hADSCs-Exo may be a promising cell-free therapeutic candidate for CS-induced lung inflammation and injury.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12931-022-01926-w.

Isolation and Characterization of Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells

The safety and efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells/marrow stromal cells (MSC) have been widely studied. Since they are hypoimmunogenic, MSC can escape immune recognition, thus making them an attractive tool in clinical settings beyond autologous cell-based therapy. Paracrine factors including extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by MSC play a significant role in exerting therapeutic effects of MSC. Since their first discovery, MSC-EVs have been widely studied in an attempt to tackle the mechanisms of their therapeutic effects in various disease models. However, currently there are no standard methods to isolate EVs. Here, we describe a differential centrifugation-based protocol for isolation of EVs derived from human umbilical cord MSC (huc-MSC). In addition, the protocol describes methods for characterization of the EVs using transmission electron microscope, Western blot, and nanoparticle tracking analysis.

Extracellular Vesicles: Footprints of environmental exposures in the aging process?

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nano-sized lipid particles that participate in intercellular signaling through the trafficking of bioactive molecules from parental cells to recipient ones. This well-orchestrated communication system is crucial for the organism to respond to external cues in a coordinated manner; indeed, environmental and lifestyle exposures can modify both EV number and content, with consequences on cellular metabolism and homeostasis. In particular, a growing body of evidence suggests that exposome-induced changes in EV profile could regulate the aging process, both at the cellular and organismal levels. Here, we provide an overview of the role played by ambient-induced EVs on aging and age-related diseases. Among the several environmental factors that can affect the communication network operated by EVs, we focused on air pollution, ultraviolet light, diet, and physical exercise. Moreover, we performed a miRNA target analysis, to support the role of EV-miRNA emerging from the literature in the context of aging.

RECENT FINDINGS

The overall emerging picture strongly supports a key regulatory role for EVs at the interface between external stimuli and cellular/organismal aging, thus providing novel insights into the molecular mechanisms linking a "healthy exposome" to well-being in old age. In addition, this knowledge will pave the way for research aimed at developing innovative antiaging strategies based on EVs.

Therapeutic Potential of Human Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Recovering From Murine Pulmonary Emphysema Under Cigarette Smoke Exposure

Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) were shown to have potential for immunoregulation and tissue repair. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of hUC-MSCs on emphysema in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The C57BL/6JNarl mice were exposed to cigarette smoke (CS) for 4 months followed by administration of hUC-MSCs at 3 × 10⁶ (low dose), 1 × 10⁷ (medium dose), and 3 × 10⁷ cells/kg body weight (high dose). The hUC-MSCs caused significant decreases in emphysema severity by measuring the mean linear intercept (MLI) and destructive index (DI). A decrease in neutrophils (%) and an increase in lymphocytes (%) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were observed in emphysematous mice after hUC-MSC treatment. Lung levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1)/keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC), and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-12 significantly decreased after hUC-MSC administration. Significant reductions in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-1β, and IL-17A in serum occurred after hUC-MSC administration. Notably, the cell viability of lung fibroblasts improved with hUC-MSCs after being treated with CS extract (CSE). Furthermore, the hUC-MSCs-conditioned medium (hUC-MSCs-CM) restored the contractile force, and increased messenger RNA expressions of elastin and fibronectin by lung fibroblasts. In conclusion, hUC-MSCs reduced inflammatory responses and emphysema severity in CS-induced emphysematous mice.

Identification of autophagic target RAB13 with small-molecule inhibitor in low-grade glioma via integrated multi-omics approaches coupled with virtual screening of traditional Chinese medicine databases

Objectives

Autophagy, a highly conserved lysosomal degradation process in eukaryotic cells, has been widely reported closely related to the progression of many types of human cancers, including LGG; however, the intricate relationship between autophagy and LGG remains to be clarified.

Materials and methods

Multi‐omics methods were used to integrate omics data to determine potential autophagy regulators in LGG. The expression of ZFP36L2 and RAB13 in SW1088 cells was experimentally manipulated using cDNAs and small interfering RNAs (siRNA). RT‐qPCR detects RNAi gene knockout and cDNA overexpression efficiency. The expression levels of proteins in SW1088 cells were evaluated using Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence analysis. Homology modelling and molecular docking were used to identify compounds from Multi‐Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Databases. The apoptosis ratios were determined by flow cytometry analysis of Annexin‐V/PI double staining. We detect the number of autophagosomes by GFP‐MRFP‐LC3 plasmid transfection to verify the process of autophagy flow.

Results

We integrated various omics data from LGG, including EXP, MET and CNA data, with the SNF method and the LASSO algorithm, and identified ZFP36L2 and RAB13 as positive regulators of autophagy, which are closely related to the core autophagy regulators. Both transcription level and protein expression level of the four autophagy regulators, including ULK1, FIP200, ATG16L1 and ATG2B, and LC3 puncta were increased by ZFP36L2 and RAB13 overexpression. In addition, RAB13 participates in autophagy through ATG2B, FIP200, ULK1, ATG16L1 and Beclin‐1. Finally, we screened multi‐TCM databases and identified gallic acid as a novel potential RAB13 inhibitor, which was confirmed to negatively regulate autophagy as well as to induce cell death in SW1088 cells.

Conclusion

Our study identified the key autophagic regulators ZFP36L2 and Rab13 in LGG progression, and demonstrated that gallic acid is a small molecular inhibitor of RAB13, which negatively regulates autophagy and provides a possible small molecular medicine for the subsequent treatment of LGG.

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cell-derived exosomes in regenerative medicine and cancer; overview of development, challenges, and opportunities

Recently, mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) and their widespread biomedical applications have attracted great consideration from the scientific community around the world. However, reports have shown that the main populations of the transplanted MSCs are trapped in the liver, spleen, and lung upon administration, highlighting the importance of the development of cell-free therapies. Concerning rising evidence suggesting that the beneficial effects of MSC therapy are closely linked to MSC-released components, predominantly MSC-derived exosomes, the development of an MSC-based cell-free approach is of paramount importance. The exosomes are nano-sized (30100nm) lipid bilayer membrane vesicles, which are typically released by MSCs and are found in different body fluids. They include various bioactive molecules, such as messenger RNA (mRNA), microRNAs, proteins, and bioactive lipids, thus showing pronounced therapeutic competence for tissues recovery through the maintenance of their endogenous stem cells, the enhancement of regenerative phenotypic traits, inhibition of apoptosis concomitant with immune modulation, and stimulation of the angiogenesis. Conversely, the specific roles of MSC exosomes in the treatment of various tumors remain challenging. The development and clinical application of novel MSC-based cell-free strategies can be supported by better understanding their mechanisms, classifying the subpopulation of exosomes, enhancing the conditions of cell culture and isolation, and increasing the production of exosomes along with engineering exosomes to deliver drugs and therapeutic molecules to the target sites. In the current review, we deliver a brief overview of MSC-derived exosome biogenesis, composition, and isolation methods and discuss recent investigation regarding the therapeutic potential of MSC exosomes in regenerative medicine accompanied by their double-edged sword role in cancer.