Transplantation of autologous adipose stem cells lacks therapeutic efficacy in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model. PLoS One. 2014;9:e85007. [PMID: 24465465 PMCID: PMC3897387 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0085007]

Utility of process capability indices in assessment of quality control processes at a clinical laboratory chain

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the utility of the process capability indices Cp and Cpk for assessing the quality control processes at chain laboratory facilities.

METHODS

In April 2020, the minimum Cp and Cpk values for 33 assays of a laboratory chain with 19 facilities were collected for further analysis and a total of 627 datasets (Cp and Cpk ) were compared. In addition, standard values for Cp and Cpk , defined as the lowest of the top 20%, were obtained for comparison and the indices were used to determine whether precision or trueness improvements were required for the corresponding assay.

RESULTS

A total of 627 datasets of 33 assays from 19 laboratory facilities were collected for further analysis. Based on the Cp results, 329 (52.5%), 211 (33.7%), 65 (10.3%), and 22 (3.5%) were rated as excellent, good, marginal, and poor, respectively. While the corresponding results for Cpk were 300 (47.8%), 216 (34.4%), 79 (12.6%), and 32 (5.1%). In addition, it was noteworthy that eight (Cp criteria) and six assays (Cpk criteria) were rated as excellent or good at all 19 facilities. Comparison of the process capability indices at the Jinan KingMed Center with the standard values revealed that total protein, albumin, and urea showed trueness individual improvement, precision individual improvement, and precision common improvement, respectively, while the results of other assays were stable.

CONCLUSION

Process capability indices are useful for evaluating the quality control procedures in laboratory facilities and can help improve the precision and trueness of laboratory tests.

Extracellular vesicles derived from ascitic fluid enhance growth and migration of ovarian cancer cells

Ovarian cancer is associated with a high mortality rate due to diagnosis at advanced stages. Dissemination often occurs intraperitoneally within the ascites fluid. The microenvironment can support dissemination through several mechanisms. One potential ascites factor which may mediate dissemination are EVs or extracellular vesicles that can carry information in the form of miRNAs, proteins, lipids, and act as mediators of cellular communication. We present our observations on EVs isolated from ascitic supernatants from patients diagnosed with high grade serous ovarian carcinoma in augmenting motility, growth, and migration towards omental fat. MicroRNA profiling of EVs from malignant ascitic supernatant demonstrates high expression of miR 200c-3p, miR18a-5p, miR1246, and miR1290 and low expression of miR 100- 5p as compared to EVs isolated from benign ascitic supernatant. The migration of ovarian cancer spheroids towards omental fat is enhanced in the presence of malignant ascitic EVs. Gene expression of these cells showed increased expression of ZBED2, ZBTB20, ABCC3, UHMK1, and low expression of Transgelin and MARCKS. We present evidence that ovarian ascitic EVs increase the growth of ovarian cancer spheroids through miRNAs.

Cocaine and chronic stress exposure produce an additive increase in neuronal activity in the basolateral amygdala

Cocaine addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder. Stress and cues related to cocaine are two common relapse triggers. We have recently shown that exposure to repeated restraint stress during early withdrawal accelerates the time-dependent intensification or "incubation" of cue-induced cocaine craving that occurs during the first month of withdrawal, although craving ultimately plateaus at the same level observed in controls. These data indicate that chronic stress exposure during early withdrawal may result in increased vulnerability to cue-induced relapse during this period. Previous studies have shown that chronic stress exposure in drug-naïve rats increases neuronal activity in the basolateral amygdala (BLA), a region critical for behavioral responses to stress. Given that glutamatergic projections from the BLA to the nucleus accumbens are critical for the incubation of cue-induced cocaine craving, we hypothesized that cocaine withdrawal and chronic stress exposure produce separate increases that additively increase BLA neuronal activity. To assess this, we conducted in vivo extracellular single-unit recordings from the BLA of anesthetized adult male rats following cocaine or saline self-administration (6 h/day for 10 days) and repeated restraint stress or control conditions on withdrawal days (WD) 6-14. Recordings were conducted from WD15 to WD20. Interestingly, cocaine exposure alone increased the spontaneous firing rate in the BLA to levels observed following chronic stress exposure in drug-naïve rats. Chronic stress exposure during cocaine withdrawal further increased firing rate. These studies may identify a potential mechanism by which both cocaine and chronic stress exposure drive cue-induced relapse vulnerability during abstinence.

Adipose-Derived Stem Cells from Obese Donors Polarize Macrophages and Microglia toward a Pro-Inflammatory Phenotype

Macrophages and microglia represent the primary phagocytes and first line of defense in the peripheral and central immune systems. They activate and polarize into a spectrum of pro- and anti-inflammatory phenotypes in response to various stimuli. This activation is tightly regulated to balance the appropriate immune response with tissue repair and homeostasis. Disruption of this balance results in inflammatory disease states and tissue damage. Adipose stem cells (ASCs) have great therapeutic potential because of the potent immunomodulatory capabilities which induce the polarization of microglia and macrophages to the anti-inflammatory, M2, phenotype. In this study, we examined the effects of donor heterogeneity on ASC function. Specifically, we investigated the impact of donor obesity on ASC stemness and immunomodulatory abilities. Our findings revealed that ASCs from obese donors (ObASCs) exhibited reduced stem cell characteristics when compared to ASCs from lean donors (LnASCs). We also found that ObASCs promote a pro-inflammatory phenotype in murine macrophage and microglial cells, as indicated by the upregulated expression of pro-inflammatory genes, increased nitric oxide pathway activity, and impaired phagocytosis and migration. These findings highlight the importance of considering individual donor characteristics such as obesity when selecting donors and cells for use in ASC therapeutic applications and regenerative medicine.

In Vitro Study of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Transduced with Lentiviral Vector Carrying the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Gene

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) exerts its survival-promoting effects on photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells, however, delivery systems with little-to-no side effect are needed to sustain its controlled release and long-term efficacy. Our previous studies demonstrated that adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are ideal delivery systems for gene therapy; moreover, ADSCs present unique properties like migration to damaged tissue sites, immunomodulation and anti-inflammation. Herein, we propose to employ ADSCs as the BDNF gene delivery vehicle. Different Analyses like flow cytometry, differentiation and cell proliferation assays etc demonstrated that BDNF were successfully transduced into ADSCs and the stemness of ADSCs was maintained even with the transduction. Real Time PCR and Western blot were used to measure mRNA and protein expressions of the BDNF-transduced ADSCs. The results demonstrated that the BDNF expression level of the lentiviral-BDNF transduced ADSCs is significantly increased and, moreover, enhanced the expression of other neurotrophic and downstream signaling factors. The data suggest that ADSCs are a reliable delivery vehicle for BDNF and could be used for the treatment of various diseases.

Short-Term Rapamycin Preconditioning Diminishes Therapeutic Efficacy of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in a Murine Model of Multiple Sclerosis

Human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) show immense promise for treating inflammatory diseases, attributed primarily to their potent paracrine signaling. Previous investigations demonstrated that short-term Rapamycin preconditioning of bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs) elevated secretion of prostaglandin E2, a pleiotropic molecule with therapeutic effects in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of multiple sclerosis (MS), and enhanced immunosuppressive capacity in vitro. However, this has yet to be examined in ASCs. The present study examined the therapeutic potential of short-term Rapamycin-preconditioned ASCs in the EAE model. Animals were treated at peak disease with control ASCs (EAE-ASCs), Rapa-preconditioned ASCs (EAE-Rapa-ASCs), or vehicle control (EAE). Results show that EAE-ASCs improved clinical disease scores and elevated intact myelin compared to both EAE and EAE-Rapa-ASC animals. These results correlated with augmented CD4+ T helper (Th) and T regulatory (Treg) cell populations in the spinal cord, and increased gene expression of interleukin-10 (IL-10), an anti-inflammatory cytokine. Conversely, EAE-Rapa-ASC mice showed no improvement in clinical disease scores, reduced myelin levels, and significantly less Th and Treg cells in the spinal cord. These findings suggest that short-term Rapamycin preconditioning reduces the therapeutic efficacy of ASCs when applied to late-stage EAE.

Mesenchymal stem cells in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model of multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplantation has been considered a possible therapeutic method for Multiple Sclerosis (MS). However, no quantitative data synthesis of MSCs therapy for MS exists. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of MSCs in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) animal model of MS.

METHODS

We identified eligible studies published from January 1980 to January 2017 by searching four electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science). The outcome was the effects of MSCs on clinical performance evaluated by the EAE clinical score.

RESULTS

36 preclinical studies including 675 animals in MSCs treatment group, and 693 animals in control group were included in this meta-analysis. We found that MSCs transplantation significantly ameliorated the symptoms and delayed the disease progression (SMD = -1.25, 95% CI: -1.45 to -1.05, P < 0.001). However, no significant differences in effect sizes were unveiled relative to clinical score standard (P = 0.35), type of MSCs (P = 0.35), source of MSCs (P = 0.06), MSCs dose (P = 0.44), delivery methods (P = 0.31) and follow up period (P = 0.73).

CONCLUSIONS

The current study showed that MSCs transplantation could ameliorate clinical performance in EAE animal model of MS. These findings support the further studies translate MSCs to treat MS in humans.

Fungal allergen-induced IL-33 secretion involves cholesterol-dependent, VDAC-1-mediated ATP release from the airway epithelium

KEY POINTS

Alternaria aeroallergens induce the release of ATP from human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells by activating a conductive pathway involving voltage-dependent anion channel-1 (VDAC-1) and by exocytosis of ATP localized within membrane vesicles. Inhibition of VDAC-1 blocked Alternaria-evoked Ca²⁺ uptake across the plasma membrane of HBE cells and interleukin (IL)-33 release into the extracellular media. Reducing cholesterol content with a cholesterol scavenger (β-methylcyclodextrin) or statin compound (simvastatin) blocked ATP and IL-33 release by lowering the expression of VDAC-1 in the plasma membrane. Pretreatment with simvastatin for 24 h also inhibited the increase in tight junction macromolecule permeability that occurs following Alternaria exposure. These results establish a novel role for VDAC-1 as a mechanism underlying ATP release induced by fungal allergens and suggests a possible therapeutic use for cholesterol lowering compounds in reducing Alternaria-stimulated allergic inflammation.

ABSTRACT

Human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells exposed to allergens derived from the common saprophytic fungus, Alternaria alternata release ATP, which in turn stimulates P2X₇ receptor-mediated Ca²⁺ uptake across the plasma membrane. The subsequent increase in intracellular calcium concentration induces proteolytic processing and secretion of interleukin (IL)-33, a critical cytokine involved in the initiation of allergic airway inflammation. A major objective of the present study was to identify the mechanism responsible for conductive ATP release. The results show that pretreatment of HBE cells with inhibitors of the voltage-dependent anion channel-1 (VDAC-1) or treatment with a VDAC-1 selective blocking antibody or silencing mRNA expression of the channel by RNA interference, inhibit Alternaria-evoked ATP release. Moreover, inhibition of VDAC-1 channel activity or reducing protein expression blocked the secretion of IL-33. Similarly, reducing the cholesterol content of HBE cells with simvastatin or the cholesterol scavenger β-methylcyclodextrin also blocked ATP release and IL-33 secretion by decreasing the level of VDAC-1 expression in the plasma membrane. In addition, simvastatin inhibited the increase in tight junction macromolecule permeability that was previously observed after Alternaria exposure. These results demonstrate a novel function for VDAC-1 as the conductive mechanism responsible for Alternaria-induced ATP release, an essential early step in the processing, mobilization and secretion of IL-33 by the airway epithelium. Furthermore, the simvastatin-evoked reduction of VDAC-1 expression in the plasma membrane, suggests the possibility that cholesterol lowering compounds may be beneficial in alleviating allergic airway inflammation induced by fungal allergens.

Bioactive borate glass triggers phenotypic changes in adipose stem cells

A bioactive borate glass, 13-93B3 (B3), has been used successfully in the clinic to treat chronic, nonhealing wounds without scarring. However, the mechanism by which B3 stimulates wound healing is poorly understood. Because adipose stem cells (ASCs) have been shown to have multiple roles in wound repair, we hypothesized that B3 triggers ASCs. In this study, we evaluate the effects of B3 on ASC survival, migration, differentiation, and protein secretion in vitro. In concentrations ≤10 mg/ml, B3 did not affect ASC viability under static conditions. B3 promoted the migration of ASCs but did not increase differentiation into bone or fat. B3 also decreased ASCs secretion of collagen I, PAI-1, MCP-1, DR6, DKK-1, angiogenin, IL-1, IGFBP-6, VEGF, and TIMP-2; increased expression of IL-1R and E-selectin; had a transient decrease in IL-6 secretion; and had a transient increase in bFGF secretion. Together, these results show that B3 alters the protein secretion of ASCs.

Timing in drug absorption and disposition: The past, present, and future of chronopharmacokinetics

The importance of drug dosing time in pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and toxicity is receiving increasing attention from the scientific community. In spite of mounting evidence that circadian oscillations affect drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME), there remain many unanswered questions in this field and, occasionally, conflicting experimental results. Such data arise not only from translational difficulties caused by interspecies differences but also from variability in study design and a lack of understanding of how the circadian clock affects physiological factors that strongly influence ADME, namely, the expression and activity of drug transporters. Hence, the main goal of this review is to provide an updated analysis of the role of the circadian rhythm in drug absorption, distribution across blood-tissue barriers, metabolism in hepatic and extra-hepatic tissues, and hepatobiliary and renal excretion. It is expected that the research suggestions proposed here will contribute to a tissue-targeted and time-targeted pharmacotherapy.

Stem Cells from a Female Rat Model of Type 2 Diabetes/Obesity and Stress Urinary Incontinence Are Damaged by In Vitro Exposure to its Dyslipidemic Serum, Predicting Inadequate Repair Capacity In Vivo

Female stress urinary incontinence (FSUI) is prevalent in women with type 2 diabetes/obesity (T2D/O), and treatment is not optimal. Autograph stem cell therapy surprisingly has poor efficacy. In the male rat model of T2D/O, it was demonstrated that epigenetic changes, triggered by long-term exposure to the dyslipidemic milieu, led to abnormal global transcriptional signatures (GTS) of genes and microRNAs (miR), and impaired the repair capacity of muscle-derived stem cells (MDSC). This was mimicked in vitro by treatment of MDSC with dyslipidemic serum or lipid factors. The current study aimed to predict whether these changes also occur in stem cells from female 12 weeks old T2D/O rats, a model of FSUI. MDSCs from T2D/O (ZF4-SC) and normal female rats (ZL4-SC) were treated in vitro with either dyslipidemic serum (ZFS) from late T2D/O 24 weeks old female Zucker fatty (ZF) rats, or normal serum (ZLS) from 24 weeks old female Zucker lean (ZL) rats, for 4 days and subjected to assays for fat deposition, apoptosis, scratch closing, myostatin, interleukin-6, and miR-GTS. The dyslipidemic ZFS affected both female stem cells more severely than in the male MDSC, with some gender-specific differences in miR-GTS. The changes in miR-GTS and myostatin/interleukin-6 balance may predict in vivo noxious effects of the T2D/O milieu that might impair autograft stem cell (SC) therapy for FSUI, but this requires future studies.

Targeted ITS1 sequencing unravels the mycodiversity of deep-sea sediments from the Gulf of Mexico

Fungi from marine environments have been significantly less studied than terrestrial fungi. This study describes distribution patterns and associated habitat characteristics of the mycobiota of deep-sea sediments collected from the Mexican exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Gulf of Mexico (GoM), ranging between 1000 and > 3500 m depth. Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 (ITS1) amplicons were sequenced by Illumina MiSeq. From 29 stations sampled across three annual campaigns, a total of 4421 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were obtained, indicating a high fungal richness. Most OTUs assignments corresponded to Ascomycota, unidentified fungi and Basidiomycota. The majority of the stations shared a mere 31 OTUs, including the worldwide reported genera Penicillium, Rhodotorula and Cladosporium. Both a transient and a conserved community were identified, suggesting their dependence on or adaptation to the habitat dynamics, respectively. The differences found in fungal richness and taxonomic compositions were correlated principally with latitude, carbon and carbonates content, and terrigenous content, which could be the potential drivers that delimit fungal distribution. This study represents an expansion of our current knowledge on the biogeography of the fungal community from deep-sea sediments, and identifies the geographic and physicochemical properties that delimit fungal composition and distribution in the GoM.

Unsuitability of indigenous South American Rutaceae as potential hosts of Diaphorina citri

BACKGROUND

'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' is transmitted by Diaphorina citri, an insect with a wide range of hosts in Rutaceae. Species related to Citrus occur in Brazilian forests where they may serve as hosts for psyllids and infested citrus orchards.

RESULTS

The suitability of plants as hosts of D. citri was classified into four groups. Group I (high suitability): Citrus × aurantium 'Valencia', 'Citrus limonia', Murraya paniculata (syn. Murraya exotica L.) (Aurantioideae: Aurantieae) and Bergera koenigii (Aurantioideae: Clauseneae). Group II (intermediate to low suitability): Citrus (Poncirus) trifoliata 'Pomeroy', Citrus wintersii, Swinglea glutinosa (Aurantieae) and Clausena lansium (Clauseneae). Group III (not suitable): Aegle marmelos, Atalantia buxifolia, Citrus ('Microcitrus') sp. (Aurantieae) and Helietta apiculata (Amyridoideae). Group IV (non-hosts): Glycosmis pentaphylla (Clauseneae), Balfourodendron riedelianum, Casimiroa edulis, Esenbeckia febrifuga, Esenbeckia leiocarpa, Metrodorea stipularis, Zanthoxylum rhoifolium (Amyridoideae) and Dictyoloma vandellianum (Cneoroideae). Insects survived longer on newly differentiated leaves compared with fully expanded soft leaves. Psyllids either did not develop or did not survive for long on most Group IV species, all of which, with the exception of G. pentaphylla, occur naturally in Brazilian forests.

CONCLUSION

Citrus relatives occurring in forests near citrus orchards are not suitable hosts of D. citri and, therefore, do not contribute to huanglongbing spread. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Stem Cell-Based Therapies for Multiple Sclerosis: Current Perspectives

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and neurodegenerative autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Disease-modifying therapies (DMT) targeting inflammation have been shown to reduce disease activity in patients with relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS). The current therapeutic challenge is to find an effective treatment to halt disease progression and reverse established neural damage. Stem cell-based therapies have emerged to address this dilemma. Several types of stem cells have been considered for clinical use, such as autologous hematopoietic (aHSC), mesenchymal (MSC), neuronal (NSC), human embryonic (hESC), and induced pluripotent (iPSC) stem cells. There is convincing evidence that immunoablation followed by hematopoietic therapy (aHSCT) has a high efficacy for suppressing inflammatory MS activity and improving neurological disability in patients with RRMS. In addition, MSC therapy may be a safe and tolerable treatment, but its clinical value is still under evaluation. Various studies have shown early promising results with other cellular therapies for CNS repair and decreasing inflammation. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge and limitations of different stem cell-based therapies for the treatment of patients with MS.

Prevalence of bee viruses in Apis cerana cerana populations from different locations in the Fujian Province of China

Prevalence of honeybee viral diseases has recently been causing major problems in the beekeeping industry, causing economic losses worldwide. Honeybees are susceptible to a variety of diseases and various pathogens. Among these pathogens, prevalence viruses, along with other factors, are seriously threatening the health of bee species. In the present study, samples were collected from 80 Apis cerana cerana (A. c. cerana) colonies from three different locations, Cangshan, Fuan, and Yongtai, in the Fujian Province of China. All samples were screened using the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) method for detection of seven honeybee viruses, namely, Chinese sacbrood virus (CSBV), deformed wing virus (DWV), Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV), black queen cell virus (BQCV), chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV), acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV), and Kashmir bee virus (KBV). Our results showed that CSBV was the most prevalent as it was detected in (90%), of the samples, DWV was detected in (81.25%), and IAPV was detected in (26.25%). In contrast, insignificant prevalence results were obtained from all apiaries for BQCV, CBPV, APBV, and KBV, which were not detected in any sample. Here, we are providing the first report on the molecular detection of honeybee viruses, especially the prevalence of IAPV, from different regions in the Fujian Province of China with a high prevalence of bee viruses, on A. c. cerana, and there is great concern for the presence of honeybee viruses in the population of the native honeybee (A. c. cerana) in China.

Study of the cytological features of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells from patients with neuromyelitis optica

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a refractory autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system without an effective cure. Autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) are considered to be promising therapeutic agents for this disease due to their potential regenerative, immune regulatory and neurotrophic effects. However, little is known about the cytological features of BM-MSCs from patients with NMO, which may influence any therapeutic effects. The present study aimed to compare the proliferation, differentiation and senescence of BM-MSCs from patients with NMO with that of age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. It was revealed that there were no significant differences in terms of cell morphology or differentiation capacities in the BM-MSCs from the patients with NMO. However, in comparison with healthy controls, BM-MSCs derived from the Patients with NMO exhibited a decreased proliferation rate, in addition to a decreased expression of several cell cycle-promoting and proliferation-associated genes. Furthermore, the cell death rate increased in BM-MSCs from patients under normal culture conditions and an assessment of the gene expression profile further confirmed that the BM-MSCs from patients with NMO were more vulnerable to senescence. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), as a major mitotic stimulatory factor for MSCs and a potent therapeutic cytokine in demyelinating disease, was able to overcome the decreased proliferation rate and increased senescence defects in BM-MSCs from the patients with NMO. Taken together, the results from the present study have enabled the proposition of the possibility of combining the application of autologous BM-MSCs and PDGF for refractory and severe patients with NMO in order to elicit improved therapeutic effects, or, at the least, to include PDGF as a necessary and standard growth factor in the current in vitro formula for the culture of NMO patient-derived BM-MSCs.

Effect of pH on Cr(III) accumulation, biomass production, and phenolic profile in 2 Salvinia species

We analyzed the effect of pH on Cr(III) accumulation, biomass production, and phenolic profile of Salvinia rotundifolia and Salvinia minima plants grown in the presence of increasing concentrations of CrCl₃ . Biomass accumulation, metal tolerance index, and photosynthetic pigment contents indicate that Salvinia rotundifolia seems to be more tolerant of Cr(III) than S. minima at different pHs. Increased metal accumulation by Salvinia species under increasing pH could be explained by changes of the protonation status of cell wall functional groups because both the highest and the lowest pH values used in the present study were outside of the levels at which Cr(III) species start to precipitate. The metal translocation factor indicates that in buffered conditions S. rotundifolia tend to retain more Cr(III) in lacinias than S. minima, probably through the involvement of insoluble phenolics. The results of the present study could be useful to the management of solution pH to maximize the removal of Cr(III) by aquatic plants. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:167-176. © 2018 SETAC.

Critical Role of Tumor Necrosis Factor Signaling in Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Based Therapy for Autoimmune and Inflammatory Diseases

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been broadly used as a therapy for autoimmune disease in both animal models and clinical trials. MSCs inhibit T effector cells and many other immune cells, while activating regulatory T cells, thus reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and repressing inflammation. TNF can modify the MSC effects via two TNF receptors, i.e., TNFR1 in general mediates pro-inflammatory effects and TNFR2 mediates anti-inflammatory effects. In the central nervous system, TNF signaling plays a dual role, which enhances inflammation via TNFR1 on immune cells while providing cytoprotection via TNFR2 on neural cells. In addition, the soluble form of TNFR1 and membrane-bound TNF also participate in the regulation to fine-tune the functions of target cells. Other factors that impact TNF signaling and MSC functions include the gender of the host, disease course, cytokine concentrations, and the length of treatment time. This review will introduce the fascinating progress in this aspect of research and discuss remaining questions and future perspectives.

Concise Review: Using Fat to Fight Disease: A Systematic Review of Nonhomologous Adipose-Derived Stromal/Stem Cell Therapies

The objective of this Review is to describe the safety and efficacy of adipose stem/stromal cells (ASC) and stromal vascular fraction (SVF) in treating common diseases and the next steps in research that must occur prior to clinical use. Pubmed, Ovid Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched for articles about use of SVF or ASC for disease therapy published between 2012 and 2017. One meta-analysis, 2 randomized controlled trials, and 16 case series were included, representing 844 human patients. Sixty-nine studies were performed in preclinical models of disease. ASCs improved symptoms, fistula healing, remission, and recurrence rates in severe cases of inflammatory bowel disease. In osteoarthritis, ASC and SVF improved symptom-related, functional, radiographic, and histological scores. ASC and SVF were also shown to improve clinical outcomes in ischemic stroke, multiple sclerosis, myocardial ischemia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, chronic liver failure, glioblastoma, acute kidney injury, and chronic skin wounds. These effects were primarily paracrine in nature and mediated through reduction of inflammation and promotion of tissue repair. In the majority of human studies, autologous ASC and SVF from liposuction procedures were used, minimizing the risk to recipients. Very few serious, treatment-related adverse events were reported. The main adverse event was postprocedural pain. SVF and ASC are promising therapies for a variety of human diseases, particularly for patients with severe cases refractory to current medical treatments. Further randomized controlled trials must be performed to elaborate potential safety and efficacy prior to clinical use. Stem Cells 2018;36:1311-1328.

Gene therapy with mesenchymal stem cells expressing IFN-ß ameliorates neuroinflammation in experimental models of multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Recombinant IFN-ß is one of the first-line treatments in multiple sclerosis (MS), despite its lack of efficacy in some patients. In this context, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent a promising therapeutic alternative due to their immunomodulatory properties and multipotency. Moreover, by taking advantage of their pathotropism, these cells can be genetically modified to be used as carriers for delivering or secreting therapeutic drugs into injured tissues. Here, we report the therapeutic effect of systemic delivery of adipose-derived MSCs (AdMSCs), transduced with the IFN-β gene, into mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Relapsing-remitting and chronic progressive EAE were induced in mice. Cells were injected i.v. Disease severity, inflammation and tissue damage were assessed clinically, by flow cytometry of spleens and histopathological evaluation of the CNS respectively.

KEY RESULTS

Genetic engineering did not modify the biological characteristics of these AdMSCs (morphology, growth rate, immunophenotype and multipotency). Furthermore, the transduction of IFN-ß to AdMSCs maintained and, in some cases, enhanced the functional properties of AdMSCs by ameliorating the symptoms of MS in EAE models and by decreasing indications of peripheral and central neuro-inflammation.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Gene therapy was found to be more effective than cell therapy in ameliorating several clinical parameters in both EAE models, presumably due to the continuous expression of IFN-β. Furthermore, it has significant advantages over AdMSC therapy, and also over systemic IFN-ß treatment, by providing long-term expression of the cytokine at therapeutic concentrations and reducing the frequency of injections, while minimizing dose-limiting side effects.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells of Dental Origin-Their Potential for Antiinflammatory and Regenerative Actions in Brain and Gut Damage

Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, traumatic brain and spinal cord injury and neuroinflammatory multiple sclerosis are diverse disorders of the central nervous system. However, they are all characterized by various levels of inappropriate inflammatory/immune response along with tissue destruction. In the gastrointestinal system, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is also a consequence of tissue destruction resulting from an uncontrolled inflammation. Interestingly, there are many similarities in the immunopathomechanisms of these CNS disorders and the various forms of IBD. Since it is very hard or impossible to cure them by conventional manner, novel therapeutic approaches such as the use of mesenchymal stem cells, are needed. Mesenchymal stem cells have already been isolated from various tissues including the dental pulp and periodontal ligament. Such cells possess transdifferentiating capabilities for different tissue specific cells to serve as new building blocks for regeneration. But more importantly, they are also potent immunomodulators inhibiting proinflammatory processes and stimulating anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

The present review was prepared to compare the immunopathomechanisms of the above mentioned neurodegenerative, neurotraumatic and neuroinflammatory diseases with IBD. Additionally, we considered the potential use of mesenchymal stem cells, especially those from dental origin to treat such disorders. We conceive that such efforts will yield considerable advance in treatment options for central and peripheral disorders related to inflammatory degeneration.

Multiple Sclerosis and Obesity: Possible Roles of Adipokines

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder of the Central Nervous System that has been associated with several environmental factors, such as diet and obesity. The possible link between MS and obesity has become more interesting in recent years since the discovery of the remarkable properties of adipose tissue. Once MS is initiated, obesity can contribute to increased disease severity by negatively influencing disease progress and treatment response, but, also, obesity in early life is highly relevant as a susceptibility factor and causally related risk for late MS development. The aim of this review was to discuss recent evidence about the link between obesity, as a chronic inflammatory state, and the pathogenesis of MS as a chronic autoimmune and inflammatory disease. First, we describe the main cells involved in MS pathogenesis, both from neural tissue and from the immune system, and including a new participant, the adipocyte, focusing on their roles in MS. Second, we concentrate on the role of several adipokines that are able to participate in the mediation of the immune response in MS and on the possible cross talk between the latter. Finally, we explore recent therapy that involves the transplantation of adipocyte precursor cells for the treatment of MS.

Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells Do Not Ameliorate Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis and Are Not Detectable in the Central Nervous System of Transplanted Mice

Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) constitute progenitor cells that can be isolated from different tissues. Based on their immunomodulatory and neuroprotective functions, MSC-based cell-therapy approaches have been suggested to antagonize inflammatory activity and neuronal damage associated with autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS), for example, multiple sclerosis (MS). Intravenous MSC transplantation was reported to ameliorate experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the murine model of MS, within days after transplantation. However, systemic distribution patterns and fate of MSCs after administration, especially their potential to migrate into inflammatory lesions within the CNS, remain to be elucidated. This question has of recent become particularly important, since therapeutic infusion of MSCs is now being tested in clinical trials with MS-affected patients. Here, we made use of the established EAE mouse model to investigate migration and therapeutic efficacy of murine bone marrow-derived MSCs. Applying a variety of techniques, including magnetic resonance imaging, immunohistochemistry, fluorescence in-situ hybridization, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction we found no evidence for immediate migration of infused MSC into the CNS of treated mice. Moreover, in contrast to other studies, transplanted MSCs did not ameliorate EAE. In conclusion, our data does not provide substantiation for a relevant migration of infused MSCs into the CNS of EAE mice supporting the hypothesis that potential therapeutic efficacy could be based on systemic effects. Evaluation of possible mechanisms underlying the observed discrepancies in MSC treatment outcomes between different EAE models demands further studies.

Human Adipose Stromal/Stem Cells from Obese Donors Show Reduced Efficacy in Halting Disease Progression in the Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Model of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the white matter of the central nervous system and involves inflammation and demyelination. The recent advances in our understanding of adipose-derived stromal/stem cells (ASCs) and the utilization of these cells in clinical settings to treat diseases have made it essential to identify the most effective ASCs for therapy. Studies have not yet investigated the impact of obesity on the therapeutic efficacy of ASCs. Obesity is characterized by adipocyte hyperplasia and hypertrophy and can extend to metabolic and endocrine dysfunction. Investigating the impact obesity has on ASC biology will determine whether these cells are suitable for use in regenerative medicine. The therapeutic efficacy of ASCs isolated from lean subjects (body mass index [BMI] < 25; lnASCs) and obese subjects (BMI > 30; obASCs) were determined in murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model of multiple sclerosis. Compared with the EAE disease-modifying effects of lnASCs, obASCs consistently failed to alleviate clinical symptoms or inhibit inflammation in the central nervous system. When activated, obASCs expressed higher mRNA levels of several pro-inflammatory cytokines compared with lnASCs. Additionally, conditioned media (CM) collected from the obASCs markedly enhanced the proliferation and differentiation of T cells; whereas, CM from lnASC did not. These results indicate that obesity reduces, or eliminates, the anti-inflammatory effects of human ASCs such that they may not be a suitable cell source for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. The data suggest that donor demographics may be particularly important when identifying suitable stem cells for treatment.

Mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases in experimental animal models

Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells [also known as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)] are currently being studied as a cell-based treatment for inflammatory disorders. Experimental animal models of human immune-mediated diseases have been instrumental in establishing their immunosuppressive properties. In this review, we summarize recent studies examining the effectiveness of MSCs as immunotherapy in several widely-studied animal models, including type 1 diabetes, experimental autoimmune arthritis, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, inflammatory bowel disease, graft-vs-host disease, and systemic lupus erythematosus. In addition, we discuss mechanisms identified by which MSCs mediate immune suppression in specific disease models, and potential sources of functional variability of MSCs between studies.

Mesenchymal stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells as therapies for multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, autoimmune, inflammatory demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system that leads to permanent neurological deficits. Current MS treatment regimens are insufficient to treat the irreversible neurological disabilities. Tremendous progress in the experimental and clinical applications of cell-based therapies has recognized stem cells as potential candidates for regenerative therapy for many neurodegenerative disorders including MS. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSCs) derived precursor cells can modulate the autoimmune response in the central nervous system (CNS) and promote endogenous remyelination and repair process in animal models. This review highlights studies involving the immunomodulatory and regenerative effects of mesenchymal stem cells and iPSCs derived cells in animal models, and their translation into immunomodulatory and neuroregenerative treatment strategies for MS.

Adipose stromal cells repair pressure ulcers in both young and elderly mice: potential role of adipogenesis in skin repair

More than 2.5 million patients in the U.S. require treatment for pressure ulcers annually, and the elderly are at particularly high risk for pressure ulcer development. Current therapy for pressure ulcers consists of conservative medical management for shallow lesions and aggressive debridement and surgery for deeper lesions. The current study uses a murine model to address the hypothesis that adipose-derived stromal/stem cell (ASC) treatment would accelerate and enhance pressure ulcer repair. The dorsal skin of both young (2 months old [mo]) and old (20 mo) C57BL/6J female mice was sandwiched between external magnets for 12 hours over 2 consecutive days to initiate a pressure ulcer. One day following the induction, mice were injected with ASCs isolated from congenic mice transgenic for the green fluorescent protein under a ubiquitous promoter. Relative to phosphate-buffered saline-treated controls, ASC-treated mice displayed a cell concentration-dependent acceleration of wound closure, improved epidermal/dermal architecture, increased adipogenesis, and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. The ASC-induced improvements occurred in both young and elderly recipients, although the expression profile of angiogenic, immunomodulatory, and reparative mRNAs differed as a function of age. The results are consistent with clinical reports that fat grafting improved skin architecture in thermal injuries; the authors of this published study have invoked ASC-based mechanisms to account for their clinical outcomes. Thus, the current proof-of-principle study sets the stage for clinical translation of autologous and/or allogeneic ASC treatment of pressure ulcers.

SIGNIFICANCE

Adipose-derived stromal/stem cells (ASCs) promote the healing of pressure ulcer wounds in both young and old mice. ASCs enhance wound healing rates through adipogenic differentiation and regeneration of the underlying architecture of the skin.

Obesity and weight loss could alter the properties of adipose stem cells?

The discovery that adipose tissue represents an interesting source of multipotent stem cells has led to many studies exploring the clinical potential of these cells in cell-based therapies. Recent advances in understanding the secretory capacity of adipose tissue and the role of adipokines in the development of obesity and associated disorders have added a new dimension to the study of adipose tissue biology in normal and diseased states. Subcutaneous adipose tissue forms the interface between the clinical application of regenerative medicine and the establishment of the pathological condition of obesity. These two facets of adipose tissue should be understood as potentially related phenomena. Because of the functional characteristics of adipose stem cells, these cells represent a fundamental tool for understanding how these two facets are interconnected and could be important for therapeutic applications. In fact, adipose tissue stem cells have multiple functions in obesity related to adipogenic, angiogenic and secretory capacities. In addition, we have also previously described a predominance of larger blood vessels and an adipogenic memory in the subcutaneous adipose tissue after massive weight loss subsequent to bariatric surgery (ex-obese patients). Understanding the reversibility of the behavior of adipose stem cells in obeses and in weight loss is relevant to both physiological studies and the potential use of these cells in regenerative medicine.

Mesenchymal stem cells: potential for therapy and treatment of chronic non-healing skin wounds

Wound healing is a complex physiological process including overlapping phases (hemostatic/inflammatory, proliferating and remodeling phases). Every alteration in this mechanism might lead to pathological conditions of different medical relevance. Treatments for chronic non-healing wounds are expensive because reiterative treatments are needed. Regenerative medicine and in particular mesenchymal stem cells approach is emerging as new potential clinical application in wound healing. In the past decades, advance in the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying wound healing process has led to extensive topical administration of growth factors as part of wound care. Currently, no definitive treatment is available and the research on optimal wound care depends upon the efficacy and cost-benefit of emerging therapies. Here we provide an overview on the novel approaches through stem cell therapy to improve cutaneous wound healing, with a focus on diabetic wounds and Systemic Sclerosis-associated ulcers, which are particularly challenging. Current and future treatment approaches are discussed with an emphasis on recent advances.