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Yang Y, Li S, Peng Q, Guo Y, Gao Y, Gong Y, Lu J, Zhang Y, Shi X. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells promoted tumor cell growth associated with increased interleukin-18 in hepatocellular carcinoma. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:762. [PMID: 38874690 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09688-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is experiencing a concerning rise in both incidence and mortality rates. Current therapeutic strategies are limited in their effectiveness, largely due to the complex causes of the disease and significant levels of drug resistance. Given the latest developments in human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) research, there is a debate over the continued use of stem cell transplantation for treating tumors. Consequently, this study seeks to explore the role of hUC-MSCs in the management of HCC. METHODS AND RESULTS HUC-MSCs increased the number (10.75 ± 1.50) in the DEN/TCPOBOP-induced mice hepatoma model, compared with DMSO group (7.25 ± 1.71). Moreover, the liver index in hUC-MSCs group (0.21 ± 0.06) was greater than that in DMSO group (0.09 ± 0.01). Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis revealed that while hUC-MSCs did not alter Foxp3 expression, they significantly stimulated Ki67 expression, indicative of increased tumor cellular proliferation. Additionally, immunofluorescence (IF) studies showed that hUC-MSCs increased CD8+ T cell counts without affecting macrophage numbers. Notably, granzyme B expression remained nearly undetectable. We observed that serum IL-18 levels were higher in the hUC-MSCs group (109.66 ± 0.38 pg/ml) compared to the DMSO group (91.14 ± 4.37 pg/ml). Conversely, IL-1β levels decreased in the hUC-MSCs group (63.00 ± 0.53 pg/ml) relative to the DMSO group (97.38 ± 9.08 pg/ml). CONCLUSIONS According to this study, hUC-MSCs promoted the growth of liver tumors. Therefore, we proposed that hUC-MSCs are not suitable for treating HCC, as they exhibit clinically prohibited abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanguang Yang
- Laboratory of Integrated Medicine Tumor Immunology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, 030000, China
- Department of Pathobiology and Immunology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Shenghao Li
- Department of Pathobiology and Immunology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Qing Peng
- Department of Pathobiology and Immunology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yinglin Guo
- Department of Pathobiology and Immunology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yuting Gao
- Laboratory of Integrated Medicine Tumor Immunology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, 030000, China
- Department of Pathobiology and Immunology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yi Gong
- Laboratory of Integrated Medicine Tumor Immunology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, 030000, China
- Department of Pathobiology and Immunology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Junlan Lu
- Laboratory of Integrated Medicine Tumor Immunology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, 030000, China
- Department of Pathobiology and Immunology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yuman Zhang
- Department of Pathobiology and Immunology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xinli Shi
- Laboratory of Integrated Medicine Tumor Immunology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, 030000, China.
- Department of Pathobiology and Immunology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China.
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Duan Y, Chen X, Shao H, Li Y, Zhang Z, Li H, Zhao C, Xiao H, Wang J, Zhang X. Enhanced immunosuppressive capability of mesenchymal stem cell-derived small extracellular vesicles with high expression of CD73 in experimental autoimmune uveitis. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:149. [PMID: 38783393 PMCID: PMC11118760 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03764-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoimmune uveitis is an inflammatory disease triggered by an aberrant immune response. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived small extracellular vesicles (MSC-sEVs) are emerging as potential therapeutic agents for this condition. CD73, an ectoenzyme present on MSC-sEVs, is involved in mitigating inflammation by converting extracellular adenosine monophosphate into adenosine. We hypothesize that the inhibitory effect of MSC-sEVs on experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) could be partially attributed to the surface expression of CD73. METHODS To investigate novel therapeutic approaches for autoimmune uveitis, we performed lentiviral transduction to overexpress CD73 on the surface of MSC-sEVs, yielding CD73-enriched MSC-sEVs (sEVs-CD73). Mice with interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP)-induced EAU were grouped randomly and treated with 50 µg MSC-sEVs, vector infected MSC-sEVs, sEVs-CD73 or PBS via single tail vein injection. We evaluated the clinical and histological features of the induced mice and analyzed the proportion and functional capabilities of T helper cells. Furthermore, T-cells were co-cultured with various MSC-sEVs in vitro, and we quantified the resulting inflammatory response to assess the potential therapeutic benefits of sEVs-CD73. RESULTS Compared to MSC-sEVs, sEVs-CD73 significantly alleviates EAU, leading to reduced inflammation and diminished tissue damage. Treatment with sEVs-CD73 results in a decreased proportion of Th1 cells in the spleen, draining lymph nodes, and eyes, accompanied by an increased proportion of regulatory T-cells (Treg cells). In vitro assays further reveal that sEVs-CD73 inhibits T-cell proliferation, suppresses Th1 cells differentiation, and enhances Treg cells proportion. CONCLUSION Over-expression of CD73 on MSC-sEVs enhances their immunosuppressive effects in EAU, indicating that sEVs-CD73 has the potential as an efficient immunotherapeutic agent for autoimmune uveitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Duan
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiteng Chen
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Hui Shao
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kentucky Lions Eye Center, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Yongtao Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhihui Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Huan Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Chuan Zhao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Hong Xiao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiawei Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaomin Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China.
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Harrell CR, Djonov V, Antonijevic A, Volarevic V. NLRP3 Inflammasome as a Potentially New Therapeutic Target of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Exosomes in the Treatment of Inflammatory Eye Diseases. Cells 2023; 12:2327. [PMID: 37759549 PMCID: PMC10529394 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to their potent immunoregulatory and angio-modulatory properties, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their exosomes (MSC-Exos) have emerged as potential game-changers in regenerative ophthalmology, particularly for the personalized treatment of inflammatory diseases. MSCs suppress detrimental immune responses in the eyes and alleviate ongoing inflammation in ocular tissues by modulating the phenotype and function of all immune cells that play pathogenic roles in the development and progression of inflammatory eye diseases. MSC-Exos, due to their nano-sized dimension and lipid envelope, easily bypass all barriers in the eyes and deliver MSC-sourced bioactive compounds directly to target cells. Although MSCs and their exosomes offer a novel approach to treating immune cell-driven eye diseases, further research is needed to optimize their therapeutic efficacy. A significant number of experimental studies is currently focused on the delineation of intracellular targets, which crucially contribute to the immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects of MSCs and MSC-Exos. The activation of NLRP3 inflammasome induces programmed cell death of epithelial cells, induces the generation of inflammatory phenotypes in eye-infiltrated immune cells, and enhances the expression of adhesion molecules on ECs facilitating the recruitment of circulating leukocytes in injured and inflamed eyes. In this review article, we summarize current knowledge about signaling pathways that are responsible for NLRP3 inflammasome-driven intraocular inflammation and we emphasize molecular mechanisms that regulate MSC-based modulation of NLRP3-driven signaling in eye-infiltrated immune cells, providing evidence that NLRP3 inflammasome should be considered a potentially new therapeutic target for MSCs and MSC-Exo-based treatment of inflammatory eye diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Randall Harrell
- Regenerative Processing Plant, LLC, 34176 US Highway 19 N, Palm Harbor, FL 34684, USA;
| | - Valentin Djonov
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 2, 3012 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Ana Antonijevic
- Center for Harm Reduction of Biological and Chemical Hazards, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 69 Svetozar Markovic Street, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia;
| | - Vladislav Volarevic
- Center for Harm Reduction of Biological and Chemical Hazards, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 69 Svetozar Markovic Street, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia;
- Department of Genetics and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 69 Svetozar Markovic Street, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
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Zhang H, Zhu Q, Ji Y, Wang M, Zhang Q, Liu W, Li R, Zhang J, Xu P, Song X, Lv C. hucMSCs treatment prevents pulmonary fibrosis by reducing circANKRD42-YAP1-mediated mechanical stiffness. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:5514-5534. [PMID: 37335082 PMCID: PMC10333056 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fibrosing interstitial pneumonia of unknown cause. The most typical characteristic of IPF is gradual weakening of pulmonary elasticity and increase in hardness/rigidity with aging. This study aims to identify a novel treatment approach for IPF and explore mechanism of mechanical stiffness underlying human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hucMSCs) therapy. Target ability of hucMSCs was examined by labeling with cell membrane dye Dil. Anti-pulmonary fibrosis effect of hucMSCs therapy by reducing mechanical stiffness was evaluated by lung function analysis and MicroCT imaging system and atomic force microscope in vivo and in vitro. Results showed that stiff environment of fibrogenesis caused cells to establish a mechanical connection between cytoplasm and nucleus, initiating expression of related mechanical genes such as Myo1c and F-actin. HucMSCs treatment blocked force transmission and reduced mechanical force. For further exploration of mechanism, ATGGAG was mutated to CTTGCG (the binding site of miR-136-5p) in the full-length sequence of circANKRD42. Wildtype and mutant plasmids of circANKRD42 were packaged into adenovirus vectors and sprayed into lungs of mice. Mechanistic dissection revealed that hucMSCs treatment repressed circANKRD42 reverse splicing biogenesis by inhibiting hnRNP L, which in turn promoted miR-136-5p binds to 3'-Untranslated Region (3'-UTR) of YAP1 mRNA directly, thus inhibiting translation of YAP1 and reducing YAP1 protein entering nucleus. The condition repressed expression of related mechanical genes to block force transmission and reduce mechanical forces. The mechanosensing mechanism mediated directly by circANKRD42-YAP1 axis in hucMSCs treatment, which has potential general applicability in IPF treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitong Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou 256603, China
| | - Qi Zhu
- Department of Cellular and Genetic Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Yunxia Ji
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou 256603, China
| | - Meirong Wang
- Department of Cellular and Genetic Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou 256603, China
| | - Weili Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou 256603, China
| | - Ruiqiong Li
- Department of Clinical Nursing, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou 256603, China
| | - Jinjin Zhang
- Department of Cellular and Genetic Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Pan Xu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou 256603, China
| | - Xiaodong Song
- Department of Cellular and Genetic Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Changjun Lv
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou 256603, China
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Chen X, Jiang Y, Duan Y, Zhang X, Li X. Mesenchymal-Stem-Cell-Based Strategies for Retinal Diseases. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13101901. [PMID: 36292786 PMCID: PMC9602395 DOI: 10.3390/genes13101901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal diseases are major causes of irreversible vision loss and blindness. Despite extensive research into their pathophysiology and etiology, pharmacotherapy effectiveness and surgical outcomes remain poor. Based largely on numerous preclinical studies, administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as a therapeutic strategy for retinal diseases holds great promise, and various approaches have been applied to the therapies. However, hindered by the retinal barriers, the initial vision for the stem cell replacement strategy fails to achieve the anticipated effect and has now been questioned. Accumulating evidence now suggests that the paracrine effect may play a dominant role in MSC-based treatment, and MSC-derived extracellular vesicles emerge as a novel compelling alternative for cell-free therapy. This review summarizes the therapeutic potential and current strategies of this fascinating class of cells in retinal degeneration and other retinal dysfunctions.
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