Highly Pluripotent Adipose-Derived Stem Cell-Enriched Nanofat: A Novel Translational System in Stem Cell Therapy

Fat graft is widely used in plastic and reconstructive surgery. The size of the injectable product, the unpredictable fat resorption rates, and subsequent adverse effects make it tricky to inject untreated fat into the dermal layer. Mechanical emulsification of fat tissue, which Tonnard introduced, solves these problems, and the product obtained was called nanofat. Nanofat is widely used in clinical and aesthetic settings to treat facial compartments, hypertrophic and atrophic scars, wrinkle attenuation, skin rejuvenation, and alopecia. Several studies demonstrate that the tissue regeneration effects of nanofat are attributable to its rich content of adipose-derived stem cells. This study aimed to characterize Hy-Tissue Nanofat product by investigating morphology, cellular yield, adipose-derived stem cell (ASC) proliferation rate and clonogenic capability, immunophenotyping, and differential potential. The percentage of SEEA3 and CD105 expression was also analyzed to establish the presence of multilineage-differentiating stress-enduring (MUSE) cell. Our results showed that the Hy-Tissue Nanofat kit could isolate 3.74 × 10⁴ ± 1.31 × 10⁴ proliferative nucleated cells for milliliter of the treated fat. Nanofat-derived ASC can grow in colonies and show high differentiation capacity into adipocytes, osteocytes, and chondrocytes. Moreover, immunophenotyping analysis revealed the expression of MUSE cell antigen, making this nanofat enriched of pluripotent stem cell, increasing its potential in regenerative medicine. The unique characteristics of MUSE cells give a simple, feasible strategy for treating a variety of diseases.

Point-of-care heart failure platform: where are we now and where are we going to?

INTRODUCTION

Heart failure (HF) remains a leading cause of cardiovascular (CV) mortality in patients with CV disease. The point-of-care (POC) HF platform seems to be an ideal non-invasive workflow-adapted system for personally adjusted management of patients with HF.

AREAS COVERED

In the present manuscript, we reviewed the literature covering some relevant studies regarding the role of point-of care heart failure platform in the risk stratification, earlier diagnosis and prognostically beneficial treatment of patients with different phenotypes of HF.

EXPERT OPINION

POC HF platform including personal consultation, optimization of the comorbidity treatment, step-by-step HF diagnostic algorithm, single biomarker measurements, has also partially been provided in the current guidelines. Although there are several obstacles to implement POC in routine practice, such as education level, aging, affordability of health care, even partial implementation of POC can also improve clinical outcomes. POC seems to be an evolving model, more research studies are required to clearly see whether it helps to make better decisions with diagnosis and care of HF, as well helps to achieve better clinical outcomes.In summary, the POC HF platform is considered to be a more effective tool than conventional algorithm of HF management.

Rational Design of Novel Therapies for Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration

BACKGROUND

This review highlights the recent scientific advances that have enabled rational design of novel clinical trials for pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN), a rare autosomal recessive neurogenetic disorder associated with progressive neurodegenerative changes and functional impairment. PKAN is caused by genetic variants in the PANK2 gene that result in dysfunction in pantothenate kinase 2 (PANK2) enzyme activity, with consequent disruption of coenzyme A (CoA) synthesis, and subsequent accumulation of brain iron. The clinical phenotype is varied and may include dystonia, rigidity, bradykinesia, postural instability, spasticity, loss of ambulation and ability to communicate, feeding difficulties, psychiatric issues, and cognitive and visual impairment. There are several symptom-targeted treatments, but these do not provide sustained benefit as the disorder progresses.

OBJECTIVES

A detailed understanding of the molecular and biochemical pathogenesis of PKAN has opened the door for the design of novel rationally designed therapeutics that target the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Two large double-blind phase 3 clinical trials have been completed for deferiprone (an iron chelation treatment) and fosmetpantotenate (precursor replacement therapy). A pilot open-label trial of pantethine as a potential precursor replacement strategy has also been completed, and a trial of 4-phosphopantetheine has begun enrollment. Several other compounds have been evaluated in pre-clinical studies, and additional clinical trials may be anticipated.

CONCLUSIONS

Experience with these trials has encouraged a critical evaluation of optimal trial designs, as well as the development of PKAN-specific measures to monitor outcomes. PKAN provides a valuable example for understanding targeted drug development and clinical trial design for rare disorders. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

The role of biomaterials in stem cell-based regenerative medicine.Future Med Chem. 2019;11:1777-1790. [PMID: 31288586 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2018-0347]

Stem cell therapy is a promising alternative approach to the treatment of a number of incurable degenerative diseases. However, low cell retention and survival after transplantation limit the therapeutic efficacy of stem cells for clinical translational applications. The utilization of biomaterials has been progressively successful in controlling the fate of transplanted cells by imitating the cellular microenvironment for optimal tissue repair and regeneration. This review mainly focuses on the engineered microenvironments with synthetic biomaterials in modification of stem cell behaviors. Moreover, the possible advancements in translational therapy by using biomaterials with stem cells are prospected and the challenges of the current restriction in clinical applications are highlighted.

Molecular Mechanisms and Translational Therapies for Human Epidermal Receptor 2 Positive Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women. Human epidermal receptor 2 (HER2) positive breast cancer (HER2+ BC) is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer, with poor prognosis and a high rate of recurrence. About one third of breast cancer is HER2+ BC with significantly high expression level of HER2 protein compared to other subtypes. Therefore, HER2 is an important biomarker and an ideal target for developing therapeutic strategies for the treatment HER2+ BC. In this review, HER2 structure and physiological and pathological roles in HER2+ BC are discussed. Two diagnostic tests, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), for evaluating HER2 expression levels are briefly introduced. The current mainstay targeted therapies for HER2+ BC include monoclonal antibodies, small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) and other emerging anti-HER2 agents. In clinical practice, combination therapies are commonly adopted in order to achieve synergistic drug response. This review will help to better understand the molecular mechanism of HER2+ BC and further facilitate the development of more effective therapeutic strategies against HER2+ BC.