Impact of multiple isolation procedures on the differentiation potential of adipose derived canine mesenchymal stem cells

OBJECTIVE

In regenerative biology, the most commonly used cells are adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs). This is due to the abundance and easy accessibility of AD-MSCs.

METHODS

In this study, canine AD-MSCs were harvested from different anatomical locations, i.e., subcutaneous (SC), omental (OM), and perirenal (PR). Various isolation techniques namely explants (TRT-I), collagenase-digestion (TRT-II), collagenase-digested explants (TRT-III), and trypsin-digested explants (TRT-IV) were used to segregate the MSCs to evaluate cell doubling time, viability, and adipogenic/osteogenic lineage differentiation potential.

RESULTS

The study showed that the SC stem cells had superior growth kinetics compared to other tissues, while the cells isolated through TRT-II performed better than the other cell isolation procedures. The metabolic status of cells isolated from dog adipose tissue indicated that all cells had adequate metabolic rates. However, SC-MSCs derived from TRT-III and TRT-IV outperformed those derived from TRT-I and TRT-II. The differentiation analysis revealed that cells differentiate into adipogenic and osteogenic lineage regardless of treatment, as demonstrated by positive oil red O (ORO) and Alizarin Red S (ALZ) stain. It is worth mentioning that cells derived from TRT-III had larger and more intracellular droplets compared to the other treatments. The TRT-I, -II, and -III showed greater osteogenic differentiation in cells isolated from PR and OM regions compared to SC-derived cells. However, the TRT-IV resulted in better osteogenic differentiation in cells from SC, followed by the OM and PR-derived cells.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that all methods of MSCs isolation from adipose tissues are successful; however, the TRT-II had the highest rate of cell re-assortment from the SC, while, TRT-II and -IV are most suitable for isolating cells from PR and OM adipose tissue.

Cydonia oblonga-Seed-Mucilage-Based pH-Sensitive Graft Copolymer for Controlled Drug Delivery-In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation

The primary objective of this study was to assess the potential utility of quince seed mucilage as an excipient within a graft copolymer for the development of an oral-controlled drug delivery system. The Cydonia oblonga-mucilage-based graft copolymer was synthesized via a free radical polymerization method, employing potassium per sulfate (KPS) as the initiator and N, N-methylene bisacrylamide (MBA) as the crosslinker. Various concentrations of monomers, namely acrylic acid (AA) and methacrylic acid (MAA), were used in the graft copolymerization process. Metoprolol tartarate was then incorporated into this graft copolymer matrix, and the resultant drug delivery system was subjected to comprehensive characterization using techniques such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The swelling behavior of the drug delivery system was evaluated under different pH conditions, and in vitro drug release studies were conducted. Furthermore, pharmacokinetic parameters including the area under the curve (AUC), maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), time to reach Cmax (Tmax), and half-life (t1/2) were determined for metoprolol-loaded hydrogel formulations in rabbit plasma, and these results were compared with those obtained from a commercially available product. The key findings from the study include observations that higher concentrations of acrylic acid (AA) and Cydonia oblonga mucilage (CM) in the graft copolymer enhanced swelling, while the opposite trend was noted at elevated concentrations of methacrylic acid (MAA) and N, N-methylene bisacrylamide (MBA). FTIR analysis confirmed the formation of the graft copolymer and established the compatibility between the drug and the polymer. SEM imaging revealed a porous structure in the prepared formulations. Additionally, the swelling behavior and drug release profiles indicated a pH-sensitive pattern. The pharmacokinetic assessment revealed sustained release patterns of metoprolol from the hydrogel network system. Notably, the drug-loaded formulation exhibited a higher Cmax (156.48 ng/mL) compared to the marketed metoprolol product (96 ng/mL), and the AUC of the hydrogel-loaded metoprolol was 2.3 times greater than that of the marketed formulation. In conclusion, this study underscores the potential of quince seed mucilage as an intelligent material for graft-copolymer-based oral-controlled release drug delivery systems.

Autologous Platelet Lysate Is an Alternative to Fetal Bovine Serum for Canine Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Culture and Differentiation

The use of fetal bovine serum (FBS) in regenerative medicine raises serious ethical and scientific concerns. We have cultured and differentiated the canine mesenchymal stem cells (cMSCs) in five different media combinations of autologous platelet lysate (A-PL) and FBS; consisting of 0% A-PL and 10% FBS (M-1), 2.5% A-PL and 7.5% FBS (M-2), 5% A-PL and 5% FBS (M-3), 7.5% A-PL and 2.5% FBS (M-4), and 10% A-PL and 0% FBS (M-5). The cMSCs were evaluated for their doubling time, differentiation efficiency, and expression of CD73, CD90, CD105, and PDGFRα. The mRNA expression of NT5E, THY1, ENG, PPARγ, FABP4, FAS, SP7, BGLAP, and SPP1 was also assessed. The results indicated non-significant differences in cellular proliferation/viability; positive expression of surface markers, and PDGFRα with substantial adipo/osteogenic differentiation. The expression of adipogenic (PPARγ, FABP4, FAS), and osteogenic (SP7, BGLAP, SPP1) genes were higher (p < 0.05) in the M5 group. In conclusion, A-PL in cMSCs culture did not negatively affect cellular proliferation and viability but also enhanced their genetic potential for multilineage differentiation. Our results indicate that A-PL can be used as an alternative for FBS to develop potent cMSCs under good manufacturing practice protocol for regenerative medicine.

Characterization and differentiation potential of mesenchymal stem cells isolated from multiple canine adipose tissue sources

Background

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are undifferentiated cells that can give rise to a mesoderm lineage. Adipose-derived MSCs are an easy and accessible source for MSCs isolation, although each source of MSC has its own advantages and disadvantages. Our study identifies a promising source for the isolation and differentiation of canines MSCs. For this purpose, adipose tissue from inguinal subcutaneous (SC), perirenal (PR), omental (OM), and infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) was isolated and processed for MSCs isolation. In the third passage, MSCs proliferation/metabolism, surface markers expression, in vitro differentiation potential and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (CD73, CD90, CD105, PPARγ, FabP4, FAS, SP7, Osteopontin, and Osteocalcin) were evaluated.

Results

Our results showed that MSCs derived from IPFP have a higher proliferation rate, while OM-derived MSCs have higher cell metabolism. In addition, MSCs from all adipose tissue sources showed positive expression of CD73 (NT5E), CD90 (THY1), CD105 (ENDOGLIN), and very low expression of CD45. The isolated canine MSCs were successfully differentiated into adipogenic and osteogenic lineages. The oil-red-O quantification and adipogenic gene expression (FAS, FabP4, and PPARγ) were higher in OM-derived cells, followed by IPFP-MSCs. Similarly, in osteogenic differentiation, alkaline phosphatase activity and osteogenic gene (SP7 and Osteocalcin) expression were higher in OM-derived MSCs, while osteopontin expression was higher in PR-derived MSCs.

Conclusion

In summary, among all four adipose tissue sources, OM-derived MSCs have better differentiation potential toward adipo- and osteogenic lineages, followed by IPFP-MSCs. Interestingly, among all adipose tissue sources, MSCs derived from IPFP have the maximum proliferation potential. The characterization and differentiation potential of canine MSCs isolated from four different adipose tissue sources are useful to assess their potential for application in regenerative medicine.

Red Ginseng Oil Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Offers Protection against Ultraviolet-Induced Photo Toxicity

Ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer) is a well-known herbal medicine that has been used for a long time in Korea to treat various diseases. This study investigated the in vitro and in vivo protective effects of red ginseng extract (RGE) and red ginseng oil (RGO). Liver injury was produced in BALB/c mice by 400 mg/kg of acetaminophen intraperitoneal injection. The antioxidant effects of RGE and RGO on the free radicals 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) were measured. In addition, the hepatoprotective activities of RGE and RGO on liver markers, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and oxidative stress markers, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) enzyme activity, and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in serum and histopathological analysis, were evaluated. The protective effect of RGO on UV-induced phototoxicity was also evaluated in Balb/c 3T3 mouse fibroblast cell line. RGE and RGO effectively inhibited the radicals DPPH and ABTS compared with ascorbic acid and trolox, respectively. Moreover, RGE and RGO significantly decreased the liver enzyme (ALT and AST) levels, increased the antioxidant enzyme (SOD and CAT) levels, and decreased the DNA oxidation product (8-OHdG) content in mice serum. RGO also exhibited protective effect against UV irradiation compared with chlorpromazine hydrochloride, a known phototoxic drug, in Balb/c 3T3 cell line. RGE and RGO possess antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties in mice, and RGO exerts nonphototoxic activity in Balb/c 3T3 cells.

A comprehensive review on chlorpyrifos toxicity with special reference to endocrine disruption: Evidence of mechanisms, exposures and mitigation strategies

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is a broad-spectrum chlorinated organophosphate (OP) pesticide used for the control of a variety of insects and pathogens in crops, fruits, vegetables, as well as households, and various other locations. The toxicity of CPF has been associated with neurological dysfunctions, endocrine disruption, and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). It can also induce developmental and behavioral anomalies, hematological malignancies, genotoxicity, histopathological aberrations, immunotoxicity, and oxidative stress as evidenced by animal modeling. Moreover, eye irritation and dermatological defects are also reported due to CPF toxicity. The mechanism of action of CPF involves blocking the active sites of the enzyme, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), thereby producing adverse nervous system effects. Although CPF has low persistence in the body, its active metabolites, 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCP), and chlorpyrifos-oxon (CPO) are comparatively more persistent, albeit equally toxic, and thus produce serious health complications. The present review has been compiled taking into account the work related to CPF toxicity and provides a brief compilation of CPF-induced defects in animals and humans, emphasizing the abnormalities leading to endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity, reproductive carcinogenesis, and disruptive mammary gland functionality. Moreover, the clinical signs and symptoms associated with the CPF exposure along with the possible pharmacological treatment are reported in this treatise. Additionally, the effect of food processing methods in reducing CPF residues from different agricultural commodities and dietary interventions to curtail the toxicity of CPF has also been discussed.

Optimization of mixed surfactants-based β-carotene nanoemulsions using response surface methodology: An ultrasonic homogenization approach

In the present study, food grade mixed surfactant-based β-carotene nanoemulsions were prepared without using any co-surfactant. Response surface methodology (RSM) along with central composite design (CCD) was used to investigate the effect of independent variables (surfactant concentration, ultrasonic homogenization time and oil content) on response variables. RSM analysis results revealed that experimental results were best fitted into a quadratic polynomial model with regression coefficient values of more than 0.900 for all responses. Optimized preparation conditions for β-carotene nanoemulsions were 5.82% surfactant concentration, 4 min ultrasonic homogenization time and 6.50% oil content. The experimental values at optimized preparation conditions were 119.33 nm droplet size, 2.67p-Anisidine value and 85.63% β-carotene retention. This study will be helpful for the fortification of aqueous products with β-carotene.

Differential effects of experimental hyperthyroidism on declined immunity of broiler chicken

Thyroid hormones (THs) are involved in the development of lymphoid organs and regulation of immune function in birds. However, their role as an immune-modulator in the hyperthyroid state is still debatable. To explore the interrelationship of thyroxine (T₄ ) and the immune system, chicks were divided into three groups. Group I was comprised of control birds, who received the basal diet while group II and III were given diets supplemented with 5 μg and 10 μg thyroxine/kg feed, respectively, from 15 to 28 days of age. Cell-mediated immune response was evaluated through in vitro abdominal macrophage phagocytosis assay, macrophage nitric oxide (NO) production, heterophil-to-lymphocyte (H:L) ratio and delayed-type hypersensitivity response against phytohemagglutinin (PHA). Humoural immune response was assessed through serum IgG and IgM antibody production against sheep red blood cells (SRBCs) and antibody production against infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). Sampling was carried out at 7, 14 and 21 days of treatment. Results have shown higher levels (p < .001) of circulating T₄ in both treatment groups compared to the control group. There was a lower (p < .05) macrophage engulfment percentage, an increase in H:L ratio (p < .001) in treated birds, while their NO production remained higher (p < .05) in thyroxine supplemented groups after bacterial lipopolysaccharide stimulation. The humoural immune response revealed a significant decline (p < .001) in IgG, IgM antibody production against SRBCs but IBV circulating antibodies increased with age. In conclusion, hyperthyroidism has a strong co-relation with decreased immune performance of birds.

Upgrade of egg quality through different heat-combating systems during high environmental temperature

The aim of the study was to find out the effect of various heat-combating systems (HCS) on the egg quality characteristics of commercial laying hens during high environmental temperature of the year. Three hundred pullets were wing banded and randomly divided into 15 experimental units comprising of 20 pullets each. These units were randomly allotted to five treatment groups, replicated thrice according to four heat-combating systems (desert cooling, water sprinkling, time limit feeding, ascorbic acid supplementation), and the control was maintained under the same housing system. The mean values of egg weight, eggshell thickness, Haugh unit, thick albumen height, yolk height, and yolk diameter were calculated. The layers kept under the influence of desert cooling produced eggs with more weight and thicker shells than those under other systems. Results of the present study did not show any difference in the shell thickness between water sprinkling and ascorbic acid supplementation as compared to the control group. Haugh unit and yolk index values obtained from the layers kept under various HCS did not significantly differ from those of the control group. All HCS significantly reduced the occurrence of blood spots in the eggs as compared to the control. All the treatments in general markedly reduced the incidence of meat spots in the eggs especially with the supplementation of ascorbic acid being the most effective. Among all of the treatments, the desert cooling system proved to be the best for producing better-quality eggs during hot periods of the year with less humidity.

Ontogenic development of corticotrophs in fetal buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) pituitary gland

To evaluate the subpopulation of corticotrophs in developing buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) fetus, pituitary glands were recovered (n=6 per group) from late first, second and third gestational female buffalo dams. The corticotrophs were identified by using specific antibodies against proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) through immunohistochemistry. There was a significant (P≤0.05) increase of immunoreactive (ir) ir-ACTH cells during late 2^nd trimester while, ir-POMC cells were more (P≤0.05) at late 3^rd trimester of gestation as compared to other age groups. The quantity of co-localized cells for POMC and ACTH was significantly (P≤0.05) greater at the end of 1^st gestation rather than 2^nd and 3^rd gestational fetal adenohypophyseal cells. This study is the first to demonstrate co-localization of POMC+ACTH and the affect of gestational age on the expression of these cells in buffalo fetus adenohypophysis.

Somatotrophs and lactotrophs: an immunohistochemical study of Gallus domesticus pituitary gland at different stages of induced moult

The objective of this study was to determine the distribution of somatotrophs and lactotrophs and conduct a morphometrical analysis of immunoreactive somatotrophs and lactotrophs in the pituitary glands of White Leghorn Hens (Gallus domesticus) during the period of induced moult. We divided the periods of induced moulting into three phases viz. 7, 14 and 21 days. The labeled alkalinephsphatase method with anti-GH (growth hormone) and anti-PRL (prolactin) as a primary antibody was used to detect somatotrophs and lactotrophs, in the midsagital sections of chicken adenohypophysis. Immunohistochemistry showed that somatotrophs are not only confined to the cephalo-caudal axis but can also be found in the caudal lobe; while lactotrophs were distributed in both lobes of the anterior pituitary gland at all stages of moulting (7, 14 and 21 days). Lactotrophs were of different shapes but somatotrophs were oval to round in morphology. At the given stages of induced moulting, some hypertrophied lactotrophs were also present after 7 days of induced moult in the anterior pituitary gland. However, there were moulting-related changes: from 7 to 21 days of induced moulting the immunoreactive-PRL cell population decreased, while the mean lactotroph size was more than that of somatotrophs. Basic quantitative and morphological information relating to somatotrophs and lactotrophs during the period of induced moult in laying hens is reported here and the changes brought about by induced moulting are restricted to PRL positive cells rather than GH positive cells.

Effect of ivermectin on the cellular and humoral immune responses of rabbits

The objective of this paper is to determine the effect of ivermectin administration on cell mediated (CMI) and humoral immunity (HI) of rabbits. CMI against dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) and sheep red blood cells (SRBC) in rabbits was determined by delayed-type hypersensitivity and macrophage engulfment assay (MEA), respectively; whereas, HI to Pasteurella multocida B2 vaccine and SRBC was determined by indirect haemagglutination assay (IHA) and Jerne hemolytic plaque formation assay (JHPFA), respectively. The rabbits were divided into four major groups (A through D) each subdivided into four sub-groups (1 through 4). Rabbits of group A served as vehicle control while those of groups B, C and D were treated with ivermectin at the dose rates of 200 microg/kg, 400 microg/kg and 600 microg/kg b.w., respectively. Cellular immunity was determined in sub-groups 1 and 2 through DNCB and MEA, respectively while HI was determined in sub-groups 3 and 4 through IHA and JHPFA, respectively. The skin sensitivity to DNCB at 24 and 48 h and macrophage engulfment of SRBC were highest (P>0.05) in rabbits administered with 600 microg/kg b.w. The highest geometric mean titers (14.00+/-0.31) and number of plaque forming units (1860+/-0.75) were found in rabbits that received ivermectin at a dose of 600 microg/kg b.w. followed, in order by the groups that received 400 microg/kg, 200 microg/kg b.w. and controls. Leukocyte counts were significantly higher in ivermectin-treated groups (C and D) than group A (vehicle control) and B (ivermectin at the rate of 200 microg/kg). A graded dose immune response suggested an immunopotentiating effect of ivermectin at higher doses.