Role of leukocytes and endothelial cells in the development of angiogenesis in inflammation and wound healing

Widespread Vascularization and Correlation of Glycosaminoglycan Accumulation to Tendon Pain in Human Plantar Fascia Tendinopathy

BACKGROUND

Plantar fasciitis is a painful tendinous condition (tendinopathy) with a high prevalence in athletes. While a healthy tendon has limited blood flow, ultrasound has indicated elevated blood flow in tendinopathy, but it is unknown if this is related to a de facto increase in the tendon vasculature. Likewise, an accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) is observed in tendinopathy, but its relationship to clinical pain is unknown.

PURPOSE

To explore to what extent vascularization, inflammation, and fat infiltration were present in patients with plantar fasciitis and if they were related to clinical symptoms.

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive laboratory study.

METHODS

Biopsy specimens from tendinopathic plantar fascia tissue were obtained per-operatively from both the primary site of tendon pain and tissue swelling ("proximal") and a region that appeared macroscopically healthy at 1 to 2 cm away from the primary site ("distal") in 22 patients. Biopsy specimens were examined with immunofluorescence for markers of blood vessels, tissue cell density, fat infiltration, and macrophage level. In addition, pain during the first step in the morning (registered during an earlier study) was correlated with the content of collagen and GAGs in tissue.

RESULTS

High vascularization (and cellularity) was present in both the proximal (0.89%) and the distal (0.96%) plantar fascia samples, whereas inconsistent but not significantly different fat infiltration and macrophage levels were observed. The collagen content was similar in the 2 plantar fascia regions, whereas the GAG content was higher in the proximal region (3.2% in proximal and 2.8% in distal; P = .027). The GAG content in the proximal region was positively correlated with the subjective morning pain score in the patients with tendinopathy (n = 17).

CONCLUSION

In patients with plantar fasciitis, marked tissue vascularization was present in both the painful focal region and a neighboring nonsymptomatic area. In contrast, the accumulation of hydrophilic GAGs was greater in the symptomatic region and was positively correlated with increased clinical pain levels in daily life.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The accumulation of GAGs in tissue rather than the extent of vascularization appears to be linked with the clinical degree of pain symptoms of the disease.

Mesenchymal stem cell therapy in diabetic foot ulcer: An updated comprehensive review

Background

Diabetes has evolved into a worldwide public health issue. One of the most serious complications of diabetes is diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), which frequently creates a significant financial strain on patients and lowers their quality of life. Up until now, there has been no curative therapy for DFU, only symptomatic relief or an interruption in the disease's progression. Recent studies have focused attention on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which provide innovative and potential treatment candidates for several illnesses as they can differentiate into various cell types. They are mostly extracted from the placenta, adipose tissue, umbilical cord (UC), and bone marrow (BM). Regardless of their origin, they show comparable features and small deviations. Our goal is to investigate MSCs' therapeutic effects, application obstacles, and patient benefit strategies for DFU therapy.

Methodology

A comprehensive search was conducted using specific keywords relating to DFU, MSCs, and connected topics in the databases of Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed. The main focus of the selection criteria was on English-language literature that explored the relationship between DFU, MSCs, and related factors.

Results and Discussion

Numerous studies are being conducted and have demonstrated that MSCs can induce re-epithelialization and angiogenesis, decrease inflammation, contribute to immunological modulation, and subsequently promote DFU healing, making them a promising approach to treating DFU. This review article provides a general snapshot of DFU (including clinical presentation, risk factors and etiopathogenesis, and conventional treatment) and discusses the clinical progress of MSCs in the management of DFU, taking into consideration the side effects and challenges during the application of MSCs and how to overcome these challenges to achieve maximum benefits.

Conclusion

The incorporation of MSCs in the management of DFU highlights their potential as a feasible therapeutic strategy. Establishing a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between DFU pathophysiology, MSC therapies, and related obstacles is essential for optimizing therapy outcomes and maximizing patient benefits.

Developmental Associations between Neurovascularization and Microglia Colonization

The temporal and spatial pattern of microglia colonization and vascular infiltration of the nervous system implies critical associated roles in early stages of nervous system development. Adding to existing reviews that cover a broad spectrum of the various roles of microglia during brain development, the current review will focus on the developmental ontogeny and interdependency between the colonization of the nervous system with yolk sac derived macrophages and vascularization. Gaining a better understanding of the timing and the interdependency of these two processes will significantly contribute to the interpretation of data generated regarding alterations in either process during early development. Additionally, such knowledge should provide a framework for understanding the influence of the early gestational environmental and the impact of genetics, disease, disorders, or exposures on the early developing nervous system and the potential for long-term and life-time effects.

Do autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) have a role in intra-oral bone regeneration? A critical review of clinical guidelines on decision-making process

In the past decades, personalized regenerative medicine has gained increased attention. Autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) such as PRP, PRGF, and L-PRF, all serving as a source of a large variety of cells and growth factors that participate in hard and soft tissue healing and regeneration, could play a significant role in regenerative periodontal procedures. This narrative review evaluated the relative impact of APCs in alveolar ridge preservation, sinus floor augmentation, and the regeneration of bony craters around teeth, both as a single substitute or in combination with a xenograft. L-PRF has a significant beneficial effect on alveolar ridge preservation (bone quality). The data for PRGF are less convincing, and PRP is controversial. L-PRF can successfully be used as a single substitute during transcrestal (≥3.5 mm bone gain) as well as 1-stage lateral window sinus floor elevation (>5 mm bone gain). For PRGF and especially PRP the data are very scarce. In the treatment of bony craters around teeth, during open flap debridement, L-PRF as a single substitute showed significant adjunctive benefits (e.g., >PPD reduction, >CAL gain, >crater depth reduction). The data for PRP and PRGF were non-conclusive. Adding PRP or L-PRF to a xenograft during OFD resulted in additional improvements (>PPD reduction, >CAL gain, >bone fill), for PRGF no data were found. Autologous platelet concentrates demonstrated to enhance bone and soft tissue healing in periodontal regenerative procedures. The data for L-PRF were most convincing. L-PRF also has the advantage of a greater simplicity of production, and its 100% autologous character.

Immunomodulatory Activity of Polysaccharides Isolated from Saussurea salicifolia L. and Saussurea frolovii Ledeb

The genus Saussurea has been used in the preparation of therapies for a number of medical problems, yet not much is known about the therapeutic high-molecular-weight compounds present in extracts from these plants. Since polysaccharides are important in immune modulation, we investigated the chemical composition and immunomodulatory activity of Saussurea salicifolia L. and Saussurea frolovii Ledeb polysaccharides. Water-soluble polysaccharides from the aerial parts of these plants were extracted using water at pHs of 2 and 6 and subsequently precipitated in ethanol to obtain fractions SSP2 and SSP6 from S. salicifolia and fractions SSF2 and SSF6 from S. frolovii. The molecular weights of fractions SSP2, SSP6, SFP2, and SFP6 were estimated to be 143.7, 113.2, 75.3, and 64.3 kDa, respectively. The polysaccharides from S. frolovii contained xylose (67.1-71.7%) and glucose (28.3-32.9%), whereas the polysaccharides from S. frolovii contained xylose (63.1-76.7%), glucose (11.8-19.2%), galactose (4.7-8.3%), and rhamnose (6.8-9.4%). Fractions SSP2, SSP6, and SFP2 stimulated nitric oxide (NO) production by murine macrophages, and NO production induced by SSP2, SSP6, and SFP2 was not inhibited by polymyxin B treatment of the fractions, whereaspolymyxin B treatment diminished the effects of SFP6, suggesting that SFP6 could contain lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The LPS-free fractions SSP2, SSP6, and SFP2 had potent immunomodulatory activity, induced NO production, and activated transcription factors NF-κB/AP-1 in human monocytic THP-1 cells and cytokine production by human MonoMac-6 monocytic cells, including interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interferon-γ, monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). These data suggest that at least part of the beneficial therapeutic effects reported for water extracts of the Saussurea species are due to the modulation of leukocyte functions by polysaccharides.

Immunomodulatory Effects of Microcin C7 in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppressed Mice

Microcin C7 (McC) as a viable immunomodulator peptide can be a potential solution for pathogenic microbial infection in the post-antibiotic era and has gained substantial attention. This study was designed to evaluate the immunomodulatory activity of Microcin C7 in a cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunodeficient mouse model. We show that Microcin C7 treatment significantly alleviated the CTX-caused body weight loss, improved the feed and water consumption to improve the state of the mice, and elevated the absolute number and proportion of peripheral blood lymphocytes as well as the level of hemoglobulin. We further aim to characterize the phenotypes of the immune function and intestinal health profiles. The results demonstrate that Microcin C7 treatment increased serum levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgG, interleukin 6, and hemolysin, promoted splenic lymphocyte proliferation induced by concanavalin A and LPS, and enhanced the phagocytosis of peritoneal macrophages immunized by sheep red blood cells. Additionally, Microcin C7 treatment decreased levels of diamine oxidase and d-lactate, ameliorated CTX-induced intestinal morphological damage, and increased the levels of zonula occluden 1, occludin, claudin-1, mucin 2, and secretary IgA in the jejunum and colon. Moreover, Microcin C7 administration is sufficient to reverse CTX-induced intestinal microbiota dysbiosis by increasing the number of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, decreasing the number of Escherichia coli in colonic contents. Collectively, our results demonstrate that Microcin C7 may have protective and immunomodulatory functions and could be a potential candidate used in animal feed, functional foods, and immunological regimens..

Role of Iron Oxide (Fe2O3) Nanocomposites in Advanced Biomedical Applications: A State-of-the-Art Review

Nanomaterials have demonstrated a wide range of applications and recently, novel biomedical studies are devoted to improving the functionality and effectivity of traditional and unmodified systems, either drug carriers and common scaffolds for tissue engineering or advanced hydrogels for wound healing purposes. In this regard, metal oxide nanoparticles show great potential as versatile tools in biomedical science. In particular, iron oxide nanoparticles with different shape and sizes hold outstanding physiochemical characteristics, such as high specific area and porous structure that make them idoneous nanomaterials to be used in diverse aspects of medicine and biological systems. Moreover, due to the high thermal stability and mechanical strength of Fe₂O₃, they have been combined with several polymers and employed for various nano-treatments for specific human diseases. This review is focused on summarizing the applications of Fe₂O₃-based nanocomposites in the biomedical field, including nanocarriers for drug delivery, tissue engineering, and wound healing. Additionally, their structure, magnetic properties, biocompatibility, and toxicity will be discussed.

Acanthoic acid, unique potential pimaradiene diterpene isolated from Acanthopanax koreanum Nakai (Araliaceae): A review on its pharmacology, molecular mechanism, and structural modification

Acanthoic acid (AA) is a pimaradiene diterpene isolated from the root bark of Acanthopanax koreanum Nakai (Araliaceae) with a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetes, liver protection, gastrointestinal protection, and cardiovascular protection. In addition, AA promotes its pharmacological effects by targeting liver X receptors (LXRs), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4) and IL-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK) signaling pathways, or AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway, etc. Also, some studies focus on the structural modification of AA to improve its pharmacological activities. The review summarizes the pharmacological activities, molecular mechanism, and the structural modification of AA, which might supply information for the development of AA in the future.

LGALS3BP in Microglia Promotes Retinal Angiogenesis Through PI3K/AKT Pathway During Hypoxia

Purpose

Retinal microglia promote angiogenesis and vasculopathy in oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR); however, its specific molecular mechanism in the formation of retinal angiogenesis remains unclear. The lectin galactoside-binding soluble 3 binding protein (LGALS3BP), a member of the scavenger receptor cysteine-rich (SRCR) domain protein family, is involved in tumor neovascularization, and we therefore hypothesized that LGALS3BP plays an active role in microglia-induced angiogenesis.

Methods

The expression of LGALS3BP in microglia was detected by immunofluorescence, RT-qPCR, and western blotting. Functional assays of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) such as migration, proliferation, and tube formation were measured by Transwell, EdU, and Matrigel assays. Angiogenesis-related factors and PI3K/AKT levels were detected by western blotting. The relationship between LGALS3BP and PI3K or HIF-1α was investigated by immunoprecipitation.

Results

Our results showed that the expression of LGALS3BP was significantly increased in microglia surrounding neovascularization of the OIR mice and was also upregulated in human microglial clone 3 (HMC3) cells after hypoxia. Moreover, HUVECs co-cultured with hypoxic HMC3 cells showed increased migration, proliferation, and tube formation, as well as levels of angiogenesis-related factor. However, the proangiogenic ability and angiogenesis-related factor expression of HMC3 cells was suppressed after silencing LGALS3BP. LGALS3BP induces the upregulation of angiogenesis-related factors through the PI3K/AKT pathway and then promotes angiogenesis in microglia.

Conclusions

Collectively, our findings suggest that LGALS3BP in microglia plays an important role in angiogenesis, suggesting a potential therapeutic target of LGALS3BP for angiogenesis.

Stem Cell-Based Therapy: A Promising Treatment for Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a severe complication of diabetes and a challenging medical condition. Conventional treatments for DFU have not been effective enough to reduce the amputation rates, which urges the need for additional treatment. Stem cell-based therapy for DFU has been investigated over the past years. Its therapeutic effect is through promoting angiogenesis, secreting paracrine factors, stimulating vascular differentiation, suppressing inflammation, improving collagen deposition, and immunomodulation. It is controversial which type and origin of stem cells, and which administration route would be the most optimal for therapy. We reviewed the different types and origins of stem cells and routes of administration used for the treatment of DFU in clinical and preclinical studies. Diabetes leads to the impairment of the stem cells in the diseased patients, which makes it less ideal to use autologous stem cells, and requires looking for a matching donor. Moreover, angioplasty could be complementary to stem cell therapy, and scaffolds have a positive impact on the healing process of DFU by stem cell-based therapy. In short, stem cell-based therapy is promising in the field of regenerative medicine, but more studies are still needed to determine the ideal type of stem cells required in therapy, their safety, proper dosing, and optimal administration route.

Emerging roles of steroid receptor coactivators in stromal cell responses

Tissue parenchyma is the functional unit of an organ and all of the remaining cells within that organ collectively make up the tissue stroma. The stroma includes fibroblasts, endothelial cells, immune cells, and nerves. Interactions between stromal and epithelial cells are essential for tissue development and healing after injury. These interactions are governed by growth factors, inflammatory cytokines and hormone signaling cascades. The steroid receptor coactivator (SRC) family of proteins includes three transcriptional coactivators that facilitate the assembly of multi-protein complexes to induce gene expression in response to activation of many cellular transcription factor signaling cascades. They are ubiquitously expressed and are especially critical for the developmental function of steroid hormone responsive tissues. The SRCs are overexpressed in multiple cancers including breast, ovarian, prostate and endometrial cancers. In this review, we focus on the role of the SRCs in regulating the functions of stromal cell components responsible for angiogenesis, inflammation and cell differentiation.

Differential Biological Behavior of Fibroblasts and Endothelial Cells under Aloe vera Gel Culturing

Aloe vera is used for its large variety of biological activities such as wound healing, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, immunomodulatory, gastroprotective, and anti-cancer. Although the beneficial effects of Aloe vera on wound healing have been proven, little is known about its effects at the cellular level. In this study, we evaluated the angiogenic and migrative effects of Aloe vera gel on fibroblasts and endothelial cells. Fibroblasts and endothelial cells were cultured in monolayer conditions with low glucose DMEM with 10% serum and 1% penicillin-streptomycin. Fresh and mature leaves of Aloe vera were used for gel preparation. Cell proliferation and morphology were studied by an inverted microscope. The migration of fibroblasts was assessed by scratch assay. MTT assay was performed for cell viability assessment, and real-time RT-PCR was used for evaluation of PECAM-1, integrin α1 and β1 transcription. After two days, the protein level of PECAM-1 was detected by flow cytometry. Our results showed that Aloe vera has a higher proliferative effect on fibroblasts in comparison with endothelial cells. Aloe vera also induced the migration of fibroblasts. The viability of both types of cells was similar to control ones. Integrin α_1, β₁ and PECAM-1 gene expression increased significantly (P <0.005) in Aloe vera treated fibroblasts and endothelial cells in comparison with the control groups. However, the expression of these genes was significantly higher in fibroblasts in comparison with endothelial cells. Protein levels of PECAM-1 showed no change in both cell types upon Aloe vera treatment. Aloe vera gel induced angiogenic and cell adhesion properties in fibroblasts more than endothelial cells. Further investigations are needed to show the main role of fibroblasts rather than endothelial cells in wound healing by Aloe vera administration.

Effects of ALA-PDT on the Healing of Mouse Skin Wounds Infected With Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Its Related Mechanisms

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising new method to eliminate microbial infection and promote wound healing. Its effectiveness has been confirmed by some studies; however, the mechanisms of PDT in wound healing remain obscure. We used mouse skin wounds infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa as a research object to explore the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT). ALA-PDT treatment significantly reduced the load of P. aeruginosa in the wound and surrounding tissues and promoted the healing of skin wounds in mice. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Sirius red staining showed that ALA-PDT promoted granulation tissue formation, angiogenesis, and collagen regeneration and remodeling. After ALA-PDT treatment, the expression of inflammatory factors (TNF-α and IL-1β) first increased and then decreased, while the secretion of growth factors (TGF-β-1 and VEGF) increased gradually after treatment. Furthermore, ALA-PDT affected the polarization state of macrophages, activating and promoting macrophages from an M1 to an M2 phenotype. In conclusion, ALA-PDT can not only kill bacteria but also promote wound healing by regulating inflammatory factors, collagen remodeling and macrophages. This study further clarifies the mechanism of PDT in the healing of infectious skin wounds and provides further experimental evidence for its clinical treatment of skin wounds infected by P. aeruginosa.

Laquinimod Inhibits Inflammation-Induced Angiogenesis in the Cornea

Background: Inflammation-induced angiogenesis plays a critical role in many eye diseases, and abnormal angiogenesis inhibition is regarded as a therapeutic approach. Here, we examined the effects of laquinimod on inflammatory corneal angiogenesis.

Methods: Mouse model of corneal neovascularization was induced by NaOH. Laquinimod or control vehicle were topically applied to alkali-treated eyes twice a day for 10 days. Corneal neovascularization, infiltrating inflammatory cells, and the levels of chemokines, pro-inflammatory cytokines were assessed. RAW cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells were used in vitro to further explore the underlying mechanisms of the effects of laquinimod on inflammation-induced angiogenesis.

Results: Topical administration of laquinimod to the injured corneas dramatically inhibited alkali-induced corneal neovascularization and decreased inflammatory cell (such as macrophage) infiltration in a corneal injury mouse model. Laquinimod significantly downregulated the expression of chemokines (monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and macrophage inflammatory protein-1), pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-alpha), vascular endothelial growth factor, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing C-terminal caspase-recruitment domain adaptor protein in both injured corneas and RAW cells. In vitro, laquinimod also dramatically inhibited the proliferation, migration and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Conclusion: Laquinimod inhibits inflammation-induced angiogenesis in the cornea. These results suggest that laquinimod is a potential new therapeutic option for corneal neovascularization and other angiogenesis-associated diseases.

Midkine: The Who, What, Where, and When of a Promising Neurotrophic Therapy for Perinatal Brain Injury

Midkine (MK) is a small secreted heparin-binding protein highly expressed during embryonic/fetal development which, through interactions with multiple cell surface receptors promotes growth through effects on cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. MK is upregulated in the adult central nervous system (CNS) after multiple types of experimental injury and has neuroprotective and neuroregenerative properties. The potential for MK as a therapy for developmental brain injury is largely unknown. This review discusses what is known of MK's expression and actions in the developing brain, areas for future research, and the potential for using MK as a therapeutic agent to ameliorate the effects of brain damage caused by insults such as birth-related hypoxia and inflammation.

The beneficial effects of antioxidants combination on cardiac injury induced by tetrachloromethane

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of carsil (CAR) either alone or in combination with α-tocopherol (α-TOCO) and/or turmeric (TUMR) against tetrachloromethane (TCM)-induced cardiomyocyte injury in rats. Administration of CAR either alone or in combination with α-TOCO and/or TUMR post-TCM injection, significantly mitigated the increases in serum troponin T, creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) as well as interleukin-6 (IL-6), interferon γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP). They also decline the elevation of caspase-3, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein expression as well as DNA damage in cardiac tissues induced by TCM. The biochemical results were confirmed by histopathological investigation. Conclusion: The combination of the three antioxidants showed greater cardioprotective potential, compared to individual drugs. Therefore, this combination may be recommended as a complementary therapy to antagonize cardiac injury induced by different insults.

Antiangiogenic Activity of Flavonoids: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract: An imbalance of angiogenesis contributes to many pathologies such as cancer, arthritis and retinopathy, hence molecules that can modulate angiogenesis are of considerable therapeutic importance. Despite many reports on the promising antiangiogenic properties of naturally occurring flavonoids, no flavonoids have progressed to the clinic for this application. This systematic review and meta-analysis therefore evaluates the antiangiogenic activities of a wide range of flavonoids and is presented in two sections. The first part of the study (Systematic overview) included 402 articles identified by searching articles published before May 2020 using ScienceDirect, PubMed and Web of Science databases. From this initial search, different classes of flavonoids with antiangiogenic activities, related pathologies and use of in vitro and/or in/ex vivo angiogenesis assays were identified. In the second part (Meta-analysis), 25 studies concerning the antiangiogenic evaluation of flavonoids using the in vivo chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay were included, following a targeted search on articles published prior to June 2020. Meta-analysis of 15 out of the 25 eligible studies showed concentration dependent antiangiogenic activity of six compared subclasses of flavonoids with isoflavones, flavonols and flavones being the most active (64 to 80% reduction of blood vessels at 100 µM). Furthermore, the key structural features required for the antiangiogenic activity of flavonoids were derived from the pooled data in a structure activity relationship (SAR) study. All in all, flavonoids are promising candidates for the development of antiangiogenic agents, however further investigations are needed to determine the key structural features responsible for their activity.

Comparative study between zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesis by biogenic and wet chemical methods in vivo and in vitro against Staphylococcus aureus

ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) can be used as nano medicine for Staphylococcus aureus infection, which causes deleterious effects on liver, kidney and lung tissue, as it causes catarrhal bronchitis, peri-bronchial oedema, lymphocytic granulomas, oedematous fluid and haemorrhage inside the bronchi, and interstitial pneumonia. In this research ZnO nanoparticle (ZnO-NPs) synthesis by biogenic method using green alga Ulva fasciata and by wet chemical method. Both of them tested in vitro and in vivo against Staphylococcus aureus. The characterization of ZnO-NPs was detected by U.V spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). In vivo assessment eight groups, each group contain of five rats and the treatment as follow (1) an uninfected control group; (2) an infected group; groups (3), (4), and (5) were injected with biogenic or chemical ZnO-NPs or zinc acetate, as the bulk group, respectively; and groups (6), (7) and (8) were infected and then treated in the same manner as groups (3), (4), and (5), respectively. The blood profile, biochemical parameters, phagocytic activity and histological assessment of liver, kidney and lung tissue of each rat was investigated after 20 days. The rats treated with 5 mg/1 kg natural ZnO-NPs showed improved lung characteristics, and the number of platelets in the infected groups treated with ZnO-NPs from chemical and natural sources (G6 and G7) was close to those in the control group. However, the trend was reversed for regarding lymphocytes, which remained at higher levels in uninfected animals treated with synthetic ZnO-NPs (G4) than in infected rats treated with synthetic ZnO-NPs (G7). Moreover, a significant difference in phagocytic activity was found among all groups compared to that of controls. Compared to control group rats (G1), uninfected rats injected with only natural ZnO-NPs (G3) showed a significant (P < 0.05) improvement in the phagocytic index. We propose that ZnO-NPs produced from natural sources are preferable to those produced from chemical sources for use as nano medicine for the treatment of S. aureus infection in albino rats.

Autologous platelet concentrates in maxillofacial regenerative therapy

Platelet concentrates have emerged as innovative autologous blood products that enhance tissue healing and regeneration in regenerative therapy. A common feature of these products is their higher than baseline platelet concentration, which improves wound healing and tissue repair. Four main categories of products can be easily defined, based on their leukocyte content and fibrin architecture: pure platelet-rich plasma, such as Cell Separator PRP or Anitua' PRGF; leukocyte- and platelet-rich plasma (L-PRP), such as PCCS or Ace PRP; pure platelet-rich fibrin (P-PRF), such as Fibrinet PRFM; and leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF), such as Choukroun's PRF. Two families contain significant concentrations of leukocytes: L-PRP and L-PRF. These four families of products have different biological signatures and mechanisms and obviously different clinical applications. An L-PRF membrane releases growth factors and matrix proteins over a period longer than 7 days, whereas a PRP gel matrix releases and disperses its growth factors in a relatively quick download. In the near future, simple and inexpensive products such as L-PRF are expected to have applications in oral-maxillofacial surgery, periodontal surgery, plastic surgery, orthopedic surgery, and sports medicine. Leukocytes substantially affect the intrinsic biology and properties of platelet concentrates, not only because they enhance immune function and antibacterial potential, but also because they have essential roles in the wound healing process. Unfortunately, their impact has been almost completely neglected in the literature. Improved understanding of the effects of leukocytes in wound healing is essential for development of new clinical applications of platelet concentrates.

Experimental models for cutaneous hypertrophic scar research

Human skin wound repair may result in various outcomes with most of them leading to scar formation. Commonly seen in many cutaneous wound healing cases, hypertrophic scars are considered as phenotypes of abnormal wound repair. To prevent the formation of hypertrophic scars, efforts have been made to understand the mechanism of scarring following wound closure. Numerous in vivo and in vitro models have been created to facilitate investigations into cutaneous scarring and the development of antiscarring treatments. To select the best model for a specific study, background knowledge of the current models of hypertrophic scars is necessary. In this review, we describe in vivo and in vitro models for studying hypertrophic scars, as well as the distinct characteristics of these models. The choice of models for a specific study should be based on the characteristics of the model and the goal of the study. In general, in vivo animal models are often used in phenotypical scar formation analysis, development of antiscarring treatment, and functional analyses of individual genes. In contrast, in vitro models are chosen to pathway identification during scar formation as well as in high-throughput analysis in drug development. Besides helping investigators choose the best scarring model for their research, the goal of this review is to provide knowledge for improving the existing models and development of new models. These will contribute to the progress of scarring studies.

N‑acetyl cysteine protects HUVECs against lipopolysaccharide‑mediated inflammatory reaction by blocking the NF‑κB signaling pathway

The purpose of the study was to explore the potential protective effects of N‑acetylcysteine (NAC) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‑induced inflammatory injury to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). It was also assessed whether the underlying mechanism of this protective effect is mediated via suppression of the nuclear factor‑kappa B (NF‑κB) signaling pathway. Cell viability of HUVECs treated with different concentrations of NAC was assessed using Cell Counting Kit‑8 (CCK‑8) assay. The mRNA expression of inflammatory factors [interleukin‑8 (IL‑8), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‑α), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and intercellular cell adhesive molecule 1 (ICAM‑1)] were assessed using real time semi‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Protein expression levels of TNF‑α and IL‑8 were assessed using enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay. Protein expression levels of ICAM‑1 and the NF‑κB signaling pathway were assessed using western blotting. Nitric reductase method was used to quantify nitric oxide (NO) and iNOS. LPS stimulated the production of TNF‑α, IL‑8, NO, and ICAM‑1 by HUVECs. Moreover, LPS induced activation of the NF‑κB signaling pathway and increased the protein expression of phosphorylated p65. However, pretreatment of HUVECs with NAC significantly attenuated the increase in the expression of inflammatory factors and the level of phosphorylated p65; this indicated that NAC prevented the activation of the NF‑κB signaling pathway. The present findings indicated that NAC protects HUVECs against LPS‑mediated inflammatory reaction and alleviates inflammation. The underlying mechanism is related to the NF‑κB signaling pathway. NAC appears to be a promising agent for prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Prognostic value of some inflammatory markers in patients with lymphoma

Background: Lymphoma is a group of blood cell tumors which develop from lymphocytes. The main forms of lymphoma are Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-HL (NHL). Cytokines may contribute to lymphoma and they are related to risk NHL and HL. Aim: Assessment of the serum level of certain inflammatory markers as complementary indicators to confirm diagnosis of lymphoma patients that may be subjected to more invasive biopsy methods. Method: The serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), and eotaxin were assessed by Bio-Plex Pro assays in 81 lymphoma patients and 44 NHL and 37 HL patients before and after chemotherapy treatment as well as 20 healthy persons as a control group. Results: Lymphoma patients showed significantly raised marker levels before treatment and significantly reduced levels related to pre-treatment and controls of post-treatment for most of the markers. MCP-1 reported the highest diagnostic accuracy. G-CSF significantly raised pre-treatment and TNF-α. MCP-1 significantly increased in post treated HL compared with NHL. In order to distinguish HL from NHL, G-CSF reported the highest diagnostic accuracy. NHL patients reported complete remission (CR) and those who reported stable disease (SD) and progressive disease (PD) represented 25% and 38% respectively compared with 16% and 27% of HL patients, while partial remission (PR) of HL patients were 56% compared with 36% of NHL patients. Conclusion: Most of the markers were significantly increased in pre-treatment but significantly decreased post-treatment. However, it was not considerably enough to get better prognosis of the disease. Elevated serum levels of inflammatory markers correlate with disease severity and low benefit from treatment.

Prostaglandin E2 hydrogel improves cutaneous wound healing via M2 macrophages polarization

Wound healing is regulated by a complex series of events and overlapping phases. A delicate balance of cytokines and mediators in tissue repair is required for optimal therapy in clinical applications. Molecular imaging technologies, with their versatility in monitoring cellular and molecular events in living organisms, offer tangible options to better guide tissue repair by regulating the balance of cytokines and mediators at injured sites.

Methods: A murine cutaneous wound healing model was developed to investigate if incorporation of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) into chitosan (CS) hydrogel (CS+PGE₂ hydrogel) could enhance its therapeutic effects. Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) was used to noninvasively monitor the inflammation and angiogenesis processes at injured sites during wound healing. We also investigated the M1 and M2 paradigm of macrophage activation during wound healing.

Results: CS hydrogel could prolong the release of PGE₂, thereby improving its tissue repair and regeneration capabilities. Molecular imaging results showed that the prolonged release of PGE₂ could ameliorate inflammation by promoting the M2 phenotypic transformation of macrophages. Also, CS+PGE₂ hydrogel could augment angiogenesis at the injured sites during the early phase of tissue repair, as revealed by BLI. Furthermore, our results demonstrated that CS+PGE₂ hydrogel could regulate the balance among the three overlapping phases—inflammation, regeneration (angiogenesis), and remodeling (fibrosis)—during cutaneous wound healing.

Conclusion: Our findings highlight the potential of the CS+PGE₂ hydrogel as a novel therapeutic strategy for promoting tissue regeneration via M2 macrophage polarization. Moreover, molecular imaging provides a platform for monitoring cellular and molecular events in real-time during tissue repair and facilitates the discovery of optimal therapeutics for injury repair by regulating the balance of cytokines and mediators at injured sites.

Blood-brain barrier disruption and angiogenesis in a rat model for neurocysticercosis

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a helminth infection affecting the central nervous system caused by the larval stage (cysticercus) of Taenia solium. Since vascular alteration and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption contribute to NCC pathology, it is postulated that angiogenesis could contribute to the pathology of this disease. This study used a rat model for NCC and evaluated the expression of two angiogenic factors called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF2). Also, two markers for BBB disruption, the endothelial barrier antigen and immunoglobulin G, were evaluated using immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence techniques. Brain vasculature changes, BBB disruption, and overexpression of angiogenesis markers surrounding viable cysts were observed. Both VEGF-A and FGF2 were overexpressed in the tissue surrounding the cysticerci, and VEGF-A was overexpressed in astrocytes. Vessels showed decreased immunoreactivity to endothelial barrier antigen marker and an extensive staining for IgG was found in the tissues surrounding the cysts. Additionally, an endothelial cell tube formation assay using human umbilical vein endothelial cells showed that excretory and secretory antigens of T. solium cysticerci induce the formation of these tubes. This in vitro model supports the hypothesis that angiogenesis in NCC might be caused by the parasite itself, as opposed to the host inflammatory responses alone. In conclusion, brain vasculature changes, BBB disruption, and overexpression of angiogenesis markers surrounding viable cysts were observed. This study also demonstrates that cysticerci excretory-secretory processes alone can stimulate angiogenesis.

Development of a novel keratin dressing which accelerates full-thickness skin wound healing in diabetic mice: In vitro and in vivo studies

Impaired wound healing is a major medical problem in diabetes. The objective of this study was to determine the possible application of an insoluble fraction of fur-derived keratin biomaterial as a wound dressing in a full thickness surgical skin wound model in mice ( n = 20) with iatrogenically induced diabetes. The obtained keratin dressing was examined in vitro and in vivo. In vitro study showed the keratin dressing is tissue biocompatible and non-toxic for murine fibroblasts. Antimicrobial examination revealed the keratin dressing inhibited the growth of S. aureus and E. coli. In vivo studies showed the obtained dressing significantly ( p < 0.05) accelerated healing during the first week after surgery compared to control wounds. Keratin dressings were incorporated naturally into granulation and regenerating tissue without any visible signs of inflammatory response, which was confirmed by clinical and histopathological analysis. It is one of the first studies to show application of insoluble keratin proteins and its properties as a wound dressing. The obtained keratin dressing accelerated wound healing in mice with iatrogenically induced diabetes. Therefore, it can be considered as a safe and efficient wound dressing. Although future studies are needed to explain the molecular mechanism behind fur-derived keratin effect during the multilayer wound healing process, our findings may open the way for a new class of insoluble fur keratin dressings in chronic difficult to heal wounds treatment.

Extracellular matrix supports healing of transected rabbit Achilles tendon

Extracellular matrix (ECM) has been intensively used in cardio surgery. The main goal of this research was to determine if Achilles tendon healing could be promoted by applying extracellular matrix scaffold (CorMatrix®, USA). Sixteen (n = 16) New Zealand white mature rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were randomly allocated into two groups. Following complete surgical transection, rabbits in group A (ECM applied) (n = 8) had their Achilles tendons reconstructed using both, nylon suture and extracellular matrix scaffold, whereas in group B (without ECM) the tendons were reconstructed using nylon suture only. After four weeks, the rabbits were euthanized and tendon samples harvested and stained with hematoxylin eosin, Mallory, and Gomory and subsequently histologically analyzed according to modified Bonnar scale. Group B had significantly stronger inflammatory response, including abundant cell infiltration and neovascularization. In group A collagen fibers were predominantly found, whereas in group B reticular fibers were more abundant. Extracellular matrix scaffold has been found to have the real potential for promoting tendon healing through accelerating collagen formation, which is crucial for restoring biomechanical properties of a tendon, decreasing peritendineous adhesion formation, and reducing inflammatory edema and subsequently pain.

Gender-related differences observed among immune cells in synovial fluid in knee osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

There is no existing comprehensive report on the cellular composition of synovial fluids (SFs) from knee osteoarthritis (OA). We therefore aimed to characterise the immune cell composition in SFs from knee OA (KOA) and in subgroups according to gender.

DESIGN

The immunophenotyping of monocyte/macrophage lineage cells, T and B cells, NK cells, neutrophils, dendritic and mast cells (MC) present in SFs from 53 patients (24 males/29 females) with KOA was performed using 6-colour flow cytometry.

RESULTS

SFs from patients with OA contained 90% hematopoietic cells. Lymphocytes were the predominant cell population (44.8%) in the SFs of OA patients, with CD4⁺ T lymphocytes being more prevalent than CD8⁺ T cells (CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio = 1.3). Within the monocyte/macrophage lineage gating, monocytes accounted for 33.9%, macrophages 14.8%, myeloid dendritic cells 16.4%. The rest of the hematopoietic cells were comprised of neutrophils (8%), NK cells (3.8%), T regulatory cells (1.2%), plasmacytoid dendritic cells (1.1%), mast cells (0.3%). In OA females, a higher percentage of CD4⁺ T cells (P = 0.023), macrophages (P = 0.012), and a lower percentage of monocytes (P = 0.008) and CD8⁺ T cells (P = 0.002) were detected in comparison to OA males.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the immune cell composition of SFs, data mining analysis revealed distinct phenotypes (monocyte- and lymphocyte-predominant) within each gender group. This first study on the cellular complexity of SFs in KOA showed marked differences between male and female patients. The findings give a rational starting point for patient stratification according to their phenotypes, as is required for phenotype-specific treatment strategies.

Prevention of Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppression in Mice with the Antimicrobial Peptide Sublancin

Sublancin is a glycosylated antimicrobial peptide produced by Bacillus subtilis 168 with combined antibacterial and immunomodulatory activities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of sublancin on immunosuppression in cyclophosphamide-treated mice. In normal mice, the phagocytic activity of mouse peritoneal macrophages was significantly enhanced by oral administration of sublancin (1.0 mg/kg body weight) to BALB/c mice for 7 days (P < 0.01). In addition, the mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in peritoneal macrophages from sublancin- (1.0 mg/kg body weight) administered mice was significantly increased (P < 0.05). In cyclophosphamide-treated mice, oral sublancin administration accelerated the recovery of peripheral white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobins, and platelets and enhanced the macrophage phagocytic activity. Furthermore, sublancin restored the mRNA levels of IL-2, IL-4, and IL-6 in the spleen. Finally, the intestinal absorption of sublancin was poor as detected in the Caco-2 transwell system. Taken together, these findings suggest that sublancin plays a crucial role in the protection against immunosuppression in cyclophosphamide-treated mice and could be a potential candidate for use in immune therapy regimens.

Noncoding RNAs in Wound Healing: A New and Vast Frontier

Significance: Wound healing requires a highly orchestrated coordination of processes that are not yet fully understood. Therefore, available clinical therapies are thus far limited in their efficacy in preventing and treating both chronic wounds and scars. Current gene-based therapeutics is largely based on our understanding of the protein-coding genome and proteins involved in known wound healing pathways. Recent Advances: Noncoding RNAs such as microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs have recently been found to be significant modulators of gene expression in diverse cellular pathways. Research has now implicated noncoding RNAs in nearly every stage of the wound healing process, suggesting that they may serve as clinical therapeutic targets. Noncoding RNAs are critical regulators in processes such as angiogenesis and cutaneous cell migration and proliferation, including classically described biological pathways previously attributed to mostly protein constituents. Critical Issues: The complexity and diversity of the interactions of noncoding RNAs with their targets and other binding partners require thorough characterization and understanding of their functions before they may be altered to modulate human wound healing pathways. Future Directions: Research in the area of noncoding RNAs continues to rapidly expand our understanding of their potential roles in physiological and pathological wound healing. Coupled with improving technologies to enhance or suppress target noncoding RNA in vivo, these advances hold great promise in the development of new therapies for wound healing.

The Pharmaceutical Device Prisma® Skin Promotes in Vitro Angiogenesis through Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition during Skin Wound Healing

Glycosaminoglycans are polysaccharides of the extracellular matrix supporting skin wound closure. Mesoglycan is a mixture of glycosaminoglycans such as chondroitin-, dermatan-, heparan-sulfate and heparin and is the main component of Prisma^® Skin, a pharmaceutical device developed by Mediolanum Farmaceutici S.p.a. Here, we show the in vitro effects of this device in the new vessels formation by endothelial cells, since angiogenesis represents a key moment in wound healing. We found a strong increase of migration and invasion rates of these cells treated with mesoglycan and Prisma^® Skin which mediate the activation of the pathway triggered by CD44 receptor. Furthermore, endothelial cells form longer capillary-like structures with a great number of branches, in the presence of the same treatments. Thus, the device, thanks to the mesoglycan, leads the cells to the Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition, suggesting the switch to a fibroblast-like phenotype, as shown by immunofluorescence assays. Finally, we found that mesoglycan and Prisma^® Skin inhibit inflammatory reactions such as nitric oxide secretion and NF-κB nuclear translocation in endothelial cells and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α production by macrophages. In conclusion, based on our data, we suggest that Prisma^® Skin may be able to accelerate angiogenesis in skin wound healing, and regulate inflammation avoiding chronic, thus pathological, responses.

Bioglass promotes wound healing through modulating the paracrine effects between macrophages and repairing cells

Bioglass stimulates macrophages to switch to the M2 phenotype and modulates the paracrine effects between macrophages and repairing cells.

Platelet Rich Plasma: a short overview of certain bioactive components

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) represents a relatively new approach in regenerative medicine. It is obtained from patient’s own blood and contains different growth factors and other biomolecules necessary for wound healing. Since there are various protocols for PRP preparing, it usually results with PRP generation with different amounts of bioactive substances, which finally may modulate the intensity of wound healing. The reference data about potential effect of some PRP compounds on wound healing, in different tissues, are still controversial. This review summarizes recently known facts about physiological role of certain PRP components and guidance for further research. Also, this review discusses different procedure for PRP generation and potential effect of leukocytes on wound healing.

Mechanism of the immunostimulatory activity by a polysaccharide from Dictyophora indusiata

Dictyophora indusiata, an edible mushroom, is widely used not only as health foods but also as traditional Chinese medicine. This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism involved in the immunostimulatory activity of a polysaccharide from Dictyophora indusiata (DIP) in RAW264.7 cells. Results indicated that DIP induced the up-regulation of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) production as well as the mRNA expression levels of iNOS, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in macrophages. Furthermore, the functional blocking antibodies against TLR4 could markedly suppress DIP-mediated NO, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α production. Flow cytometry and confocal laser-scanning microscopy analyses confirmed that DIP could bind specifically to target cells, and the binding could be inhibited by anti-TLR4 monoclonal antibodies. The expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 was significantly induced by DIP. Therefore, the DIP-induced macrophage activation may be mediated via the TLR4/NF-κB signalling pathway.

VEGF and angiopoietins promote inflammatory cell recruitment and mature blood vessel formation in murine sponge/Matrigel model

A key feature in the induction of pathological angiogenesis is that inflammation precedes and accompanies the formation of neovessels as evidenced by increased vascular permeability and the recruitment of inflammatory cells. Previously, we and other groups have shown that selected growth factors, namely vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietins (Ang1 and Ang2) do not only promote angiogenesis, but can also induce inflammatory response. Herein, given a pro-inflammatory environment, we addressed the individual capacity of VEGF and angiopoietins to promote the formation of mature neovessels and to identify the different types of inflammatory cells accompanying the angiogenic process over time. Sterilized polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sponges soaked in growth factor-depleted Matrigel mixed with PBS, VEGF, Ang1, or Ang2 (200 ng/200 µl) were subcutaneously inserted into anesthetized mice. Sponges were removed at day 4, 7, 14, or 21 post-procedure for histological, immunohistological (IHC), and flow cytometry analyses. As compared to PBS-treated sponges, the three growth factors promoted the recruitment of inflammatory cells, mainly neutrophils and macrophages, and to a lesser extent, T- and B-cells. In addition, they were more potent and more rapid in the recruitment of endothelial cells (ECs) and in the formation and maturation (ensheating of smooth muscle cells around ECs) of neovessels. Thus, the autocrine/paracrine interaction among the different inflammatory cells in combination with VEGF, Ang1, or Ang2 provides a suitable microenvironment for the formation and maturation of blood vessels.

Acanthoic acid inhibits LPS-induced inflammatory response by activating LXRα in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Acanthoic acid, a pimaradiene diterpene isolated from Acanthopanax koreanum, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory activities. However, the effect of acanthoic acid on vascular inflammation has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of acanthoic acid on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory response in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The production of cytokines TNF-α and IL-8 was detected by ELISA. The expression of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, E-selectin, NF-κB and LXRα were detected by Western blotting. Adhesion of monocytes to HUVECs was detected by monocytic cell adhesion assay. The results showed that acanthoic acid dose-dependently inhibited LPS-induced TNF-α and IL-8 production. Acanthoic acid also inhibited TNF-α-induced IL-8 and IL-6 production. LPS-induced endothelial cell adhesion molecules, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 were also inhibited by acanthoic acid. Acanthoic acid inhibited LPS-induced NF-κB activation. Furthermore, acanthoic acid dose-dependently up-regulated the expression of LXRα. In addition, our results showed that the anti-inflammatory effect of acanthoic acid was attenuated by transfection with LXRα siRNA. In conclusion, the anti-inflammatory effect of acanthoic acid is due to its ability to activate LXRα. Acanthoic acid may be a therapeutic agent for inflammatory cardiovascular disease.

In vivo anticancer and immunomodulating activities of mannogalactoglucan-type polysaccharides from Lentinus edodes (Berkeley) Singer

There is considerable interest in the potential of mushrooms in modulating the immune system and/or suppressing tumor growth. Among the studied bioactive compounds in mushrooms, polysaccharides are the most important. Nontoxic fungal polysaccharides have a more important role in immunomodulating and antitumor activities which are related to their effects to act of immune effecter cells such as lymphocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, and natural killer cells involved in the innate and adaptive immunity. Two mannogalactoglucan-type polysaccharides (WPLE-N-2 and WPLE-A0.5-2), purified from the fruiting bodies of Lentinus edodes, were evaluated for their effects on the cellular immune response of Sarcoma 180 (S-180)-bearing mice. Mice were treated with 100 mg/kg body weight of the polysaccharides for 10 days. Significant tumor regressions of the polysaccharide groups' mice were observed compared to the control group. These polysaccharides could induce an increase in nitrite oxide (NO) production in peritoneal macrophages, significantly increase macrophage phagocytosis of tumor-bearing mice and augment concanavalin (ConA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced splenocytes proliferation. Our results indicated that immunomodulating activity occurred through host mediation in response to lymphocyte proliferation, macrophage phagocytosis and induction of NO production while the antitumor activity occurred through direct cytotoxicity. Our findings suggest that mannogalactoglucan-type polysaccharides from L. edodes can be explored as novel potential immunostimulants. Our research provides essential data to a better understanding of L. edodes bioactive compounds, especially polysaccharides. Our results also confirm the key role of β-linkages in the antitumor and immunomodulating effects of polysaccharides.

Stem Cell Spheroid-Based Sprout Assay in Three-Dimensional Fibrin Scaffold: A Novel In Vitro Model for the Study of Angiogenesis

Angiogenesis is a complex process of critical importance during development and in physiological and pathophysiological conditions. There is considerable research interest in studying the angiogenesis cascade and consequently a need for a physiologically valid, quantitative, and cost-effective assay. In this chapter, we describe the stem cell spheroid-based sprout assay in three-dimensional fibrin scaffold which allows fast and easy screening of pro- and anti-angiogenic effects of substances with a high degree of reproducibility.

Targeting cells of the myeloid lineage attenuates pain and disease progression in a prostate model of bone cancer

Tumor cells frequently metastasize to bone where they can generate cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP) that can be difficult to fully control using available therapies. Here, we explored whether PLX3397, a high-affinity small molecular antagonist that binds to and inhibits phosphorylation of colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor, the tyrosine-protein kinase c-Kit, and the FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3, can reduce CIBP. These 3 targets all regulate the proliferation and function of a subset of the myeloid cells including macrophages, osteoclasts, and mast cells. Preliminary experiments show that PLX3397 attenuated inflammatory pain after formalin injection into the hind paw of the rat. As there is an inflammatory component in CIBP, involving macrophages and osteoclasts, the effect of PLX3397 was explored in a prostate model of CIBP where skeletal pain, cancer cell proliferation, tumor metastasis, and bone remodeling could be monitored in the same animal. Administration of PLX3397 was initiated on day 14 after prostate cancer cell injection when the tumor was well established, and tumor-induced bone remodeling was first evident. Over the next 6 weeks, sustained administration of PLX3397 attenuated CIBP behaviors by approximately 50% and was equally efficacious in reducing tumor cell growth, formation of new tumor colonies in bone, and pathological tumor-induced bone remodeling. Developing a better understanding of potential effects that analgesic therapies have on the tumor itself may allow the development of therapies that not only better control the pain but also positively impact disease progression and overall survival in patients with bone cancer.