Human placental mesenchymal stem cells regulate inflammation via the NF‑κB signaling pathway

Combined effect of pantoprazole and mesenchymal stem cells on experimentally induced gastric ulcer: implication of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis pathways

Gastric ulcer (GU) is one of the most common diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract that affects millions of people worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the possible alleviating effect of a combined treatment of pantoprazole (PANTO) and adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) in comparison with each treatment alone on the healing process of the experimentally induced GU in rats, and to uncover the involved pathways. Rats were divided into five groups: (1) Control, (2) GU, (3) PANTO, (4) ADSCs and (5) ADSCs + PANTO. Markers of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis were assessed. The current data indicated that PANTO-, ADSCs- and ADSCs + PANTO-treated groups showed significant drop (p < 0.05) in serum advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) and advanced glycation end products (AGEPs) along with significant elevation (p < 0.05) in serum TAC versus the untreated GU group. Moreover, the treated groups (PANTO, ADSCs and ADSCs + PANTO) displayed significant down-regulation (p < 0.05) in gastric nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) and caspase-3 along with significant up-regulation (p < 0.05) in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) genes expression compared to the untreated GU group. Immunohistochemical examination of gastric tissue for transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) showed moderate to mild and weak immune reactions, respectively in the PANTO-, ADSCs- and ADSCs + PANTO-treated rat. Histopathological investigation of gastric tissue revealed moderate to slight histopathological alterations and almost normal histological features of the epithelial cells, gastric mucosal layer, muscularis mucosa and submucosa in PANTO-, ADSCs- and ADSCs + PANTO-treated rats, respectively. Conclusively, the co-treatment with ADSCs and PANTO evidenced sententious physiological protection against GU by suppressing oxidative stress, inhibiting inflammation and reducing apoptosis with consequent acceleration of gastric tissue healing process.

Expression and characterization of β-1,3-1,4-glucanase of Aspergillus usamii in Escherichia coli and its application in sourdough bread making

A β-1,3-1,4-glucanase gene (Auglu12A) from Aspergillus usamii was successfully expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). The recombinant enzyme, reAuglu12A was efficiently purified using the one-step nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid affinity chromatography. The specific activity of reAuglu12A was 694.8 U/mg, with an optimal temperature of 55°C and pH of 5.0. The reAuglu12A exhibited stability at temperatures up to 60°C and within the pH range of 4.0-5.5. The reAuglu12A hydrolytic activity was increased in the presence of metal ions, especially K+ and Na+ , whereas it exhibited a Km and Vmax of 8.35 mg/mL and 1254.02 µmol/min/mg, respectively, toward barley β-glucan at pH 5.0 and 55°C. The addition of reAuglu12A significantly increased the specific volume (p < 0.05) and reduced crumb firmness and chewiness (p < 0.05) of wheat-barley sourdough bread during a 7-day storage period compared to the control. Overall, the quality of wheat-barley sourdough bread was improved after incorporation of reAuglu12A (especially at 3000 U/300 g). These changes were attributed to the synergistic effect of acidification by sourdough and its metabolites which provided a conducive environment for the optimal action of reAuglu12A in the degradation of β-glucans of barley flour in sourdough. This stabilized the dough structure, thereby enhancing the quality, texture, and shelf life of the bread. These findings suggest that reAuglu12A holds promise as a candidate for β-glucanase application in the baking industry.

Exploring the mechanism of atherosclerosis and the intervention of traditional Chinese medicine combined with mesenchymal stem cells based on inflammatory targets

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory vascular disease, which is the common pathological basis of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The immune inflammatory response throughout the course of AS has been evidenced by studies, in which a large number of immune cells and inflammatory factors play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of AS. The inflammation related to AS is mainly mediated by inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, TNF-α, hs-CRP, SAA), inflammatory enzymes (Lp-PLA2, sPLA2-IIA, MMPs), and inflammatory signaling pathways (P38 MAPK signaling pathway, NF-κB signaling pathway, TLR2/4 signaling pathway). It is involved in the pathophysiological process of AS, and the degree of inflammation measured by it can be used to evaluate the risk of progression of AS plaque instability. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has shown the advantage of minimal side effects in immune regulation and has made some progress in the prevention and treatment of AS. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), as self-renewal, highly differentiated, and pluripotent stem cells with anti-inflammatory properties and immune regulation, have been widely used for AS treatment. They also play an important inflammation-immune regulatory function in AS. Notably, in terms of regulating immune cells and inflammatory factors, compared with TCM and its compound, the combination therapy has obvious anti-inflammatory advantages over the use of MSCs alone. It is an important means to further improve the efficacy of AS and provides a new way for the prevention and treatment of AS.

Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells and bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common complication in preterm infants, leading to chronic respiratory disease. There has been an improvement in perinatal care, but many infants still suffer from impaired branching morphogenesis, alveolarization, and pulmonary capillary formation, causing lung function impairments and BPD. There is an increased risk of respiratory infections, pulmonary hypertension, and neurodevelopmental delays in infants with BPD, all of which can lead to long-term morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, treatment options for Bronchopulmonary dysplasia are limited. A growing body of evidence indicates that mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) can treat various lung diseases in regenerative medicine. MSCs are multipotent cells that can differentiate into multiple cell types, including lung cells, and possess immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative stress, and regenerative properties. MSCs are regulated by mitochondrial function, as well as oxidant stress responses. Maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis will likely be key for MSCs to stimulate proper lung development and regeneration in Bronchopulmonary dysplasia. In recent years, MSCs have demonstrated promising results in treating and preventing bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Studies have shown that MSC therapy can reduce inflammation, mitochondrial impairment, lung injury, and fibrosis. In light of this, MSCs have emerged as a potential therapeutic option for treating Bronchopulmonary dysplasia. The article explores the role of MSCs in lung development and disease, summarizes MSC therapy's effectiveness in treating Bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and delves into the mechanisms behind this treatment.