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Hoenders R, Ghelman R, Portella C, Simmons S, Locke A, Cramer H, Gallego-Perez D, Jong M. A review of the WHO strategy on traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine from the perspective of academic consortia for integrative medicine and health. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1395698. [PMID: 38933107 PMCID: PMC11201178 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1395698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite important progress in modern medicine, widely regarded as an indispensable foundation of healthcare in all highly advanced nations and regions, not all patients respond well to available treatments in biomedicine alone. Additionally, there are concerns about side effects of many medications and interventions, the unsustainable cost of healthcare and the low resolution of chronic non-communicable diseases and mental disorders whose incidence has risen in the last decades. Besides, the chronic stress and burnout of many healthcare professionals impairs the therapeutic relationship. These circumstances call for a change in the current paradigm and practices of biomedicine healthcare. Most of the world population (80%) uses some form of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (T&CM), usually alongside biomedicine. Patients seem equally satisfied with biomedicine and T&CM, but in the field of T&CM there are also many challenges, such as unsupported claims for safety and/or efficacy, contamination of herbal medicines and problems with regulation and quality standards. As biomedicine and T&CM seem to have different strengths and weaknesses, integration of both approaches may be beneficial. Indeed, WHO has repeatedly called upon member states to work on the integration of T&CM into healthcare systems. Integrative medicine (IM) is an approach that offers a paradigm for doing so. It combines the best of both worlds (biomedicine and T&CM), based on evidence for efficacy and safety, adopting a holistic personalized approach, focused on health. In the last decades academic health centers are increasingly supportive of IM, as evidenced by the foundation of national academic consortia for integrative medicine in Brazil (2017), the Netherlands (2018), and Germany (2024) besides the pioneering American consortium (1998). However, the integration process is slow and sometimes met with criticism and even hostility. The WHO T&CM strategies (2002-2005 and 2014-2023) have provided incipient guidance on the integration process, but several challenges are yet to be addressed. This policy review proposes several possible solutions, including the establishment of a global matrix of academic consortia for IM, to update and extend the WHO T&CM strategy, that is currently under review.
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Panic A, Moore J, Gallego-Perez D. Single clonal tracking on biomimetic microtextured platforms for real-time guided migration analysis of myeloid-derived suppressor cell dissemination characteristics ex vivo. Methods Cell Biol 2024; 184:97-103. [PMID: 38555161 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2024.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Current strategies to undermine the deleterious influence of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are lacking effective clinical solutions, in large part, due to insufficient knowledge on susceptible cellular and molecular targets. We describe here the application of biomimetic microfabricated platforms designed to analyze migratory phenotypes of MDSCs in the tumor niche ex vivo, which may enable accelerated therapeutic discovery. By mimicking the guided structural cues present in the physiological architecture of the TME, aligned microtopography substrates can elucidate potential interventions on migratory phenotypes of MDSCs at the single clonal level. Coupled with cellular and molecular biology analysis tools, our approach employs real-time tracking analysis of cell motility to probe the dissemination characteristics of MDSCs under guided migration conditions. These methods allow us to identify cellular subpopulations of interest based on their disseminative and suppressive capabilities. By doing so, we illustrate the potential of applying microscale engineering tools, in concert with dynamic live cell imaging and bioanalysis methods to uncover novel exploitable motility targets for advancing cancer therapy discovery. The inherent simplicity and extended application to a variety of contexts in tumor-associated cell migration render this method widely accessible to existing biological laboratory conditions and interests.
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Das D, Lawrence WR, Diaz-Starokozheva L, Salazar-Puerta A, Ott N, Goebel ER, Damughtala A, Vidal P, Gallentine S, Moore JT, Kayuha D, Mendonca NC, Albert JB, Houser R, Johnson J, Powell H, Higuita-Castro N, Stanford KI, Gallego-Perez D. Injectable pulverized electrospun poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) fibers improve human adipose tissue engraftment and volume retention. J Biomed Mater Res A 2023; 111:1722-1733. [PMID: 37326365 PMCID: PMC10527741 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Autologous adipose tissue is commonly used for tissue engraftment for the purposes of soft tissue reconstruction due to its relative abundance in the human body and ease of acquisition using liposuction methods. This has led to the adoption of autologous adipose engraftment procedures that allow for the injection of adipose tissues to be used as a "filler" for correcting cosmetic defects and deformities in soft tissues. However, the clinical use of such methods has several limitations, including high resorption rates and poor cell survivability, which lead to low graft volume retention and inconsistent outcomes. Here, we describe a novel application of milled electrospun poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) fibers, which can be co-injected with adipose tissue to improve engraftment outcomes. These PLGA fibers had no significant negative impact on the viability of adipocytes in vitro and did not elicit long-term proinflammatory responses in vivo. Furthermore, co-delivery of human adipose tissue with pulverized electrospun PLGA fibers led to significant improvements in reperfusion, vascularity, and retention of graft volume compared to injections of adipose tissue alone. Taken together, the use of milled electrospun fibers to enhance autologous adipose engraftment techniques represents a novel approach for improving upon the shortcomings of such methods.
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Duarte-Sanmiguel S, Salazar-Puerta AI, Panic A, Dodd D, Francis C, Alzate-Correa D, Ortega-Pineda L, Lemmerman L, Rincon-Benavides MA, Dathathreya K, Lawrence W, Ott N, Zhang J, Deng B, Wang S, Santander SP, McComb DW, Reategui E, Palmer AF, Carson WE, Higuita-Castro N, Gallego-Perez D. ICAM-1-decorated extracellular vesicles loaded with miR-146a and Glut1 drive immunomodulation and hinder tumor progression in a murine model of breast cancer. Biomater Sci 2023; 11:6834-6847. [PMID: 37646133 PMCID: PMC10591940 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm00573a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-associated immune cells play a crucial role in cancer progression. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), for example, are immature innate immune cells that infiltrate the tumor to exert immunosuppressive activity and protect cancer cells from the host's immune system and/or cancer-specific immunotherapies. While tumor-associated immune cells have emerged as a promising therapeutic target, efforts to counter immunosuppression within the tumor niche have been hampered by the lack of approaches that selectively target the immune cell compartment of the tumor, to effectively eliminate "tumor-protecting" immune cells and/or drive an "anti-tumor" phenotype. Here we report on a novel nanotechnology-based approach to target tumor-associated immune cells and promote "anti-tumor" responses in a murine model of breast cancer. Engineered extracellular vesicles (EVs) decorated with ICAM-1 ligands and loaded with miR-146a and Glut1, were biosynthesized (in vitro or in vivo) and administered to tumor-bearing mice once a week for up to 5 weeks. The impact of this treatment modality on the immune cell compartment and tumor progression was evaluated via RT-qPCR, flow cytometry, and histology. Our results indicate that weekly administration of the engineered EVs (i.e., ICAM-1-decorated and loaded with miR-146a and Glut1) hampered tumor progression compared to ICAM-1-decorated EVs with no cargo. Flow cytometry analyses of the tumors indicated a shift in the phenotype of the immune cell population toward a more pro-inflammatory state, which appeared to have facilitated the infiltration of tumor-targeting T cells, and was associated with a reduction in tumor size and decreased metastatic burden. Altogether, our results indicate that ICAM-1-decorated EVs could be a powerful platform nanotechnology for the deployment of immune cell-targeting therapies to solid tumors.
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Ortega-Pineda L, Guilfoyle E, Rincon-Benavides MA, Anaparthi AL, Lemmerman LR, Cuellar-Gaviria TZ, Lawrence W, Buss JL, Deng B, Blackstone BN, Salazar-Puerta A, McComb DW, Powell H, Gallego-Perez D, Higuita-Castro N. Engineered extracellular vesicles from human skin cells induce pro-β-cell conversions in pancreatic ductal cells. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2023; 3:2200173. [PMID: 38911285 PMCID: PMC11192446 DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202200173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Direct nuclear reprogramming has the potential to enable the development of β cell replacement therapies for diabetes that do not require the use of progenitor/stem cell populations. However, despite their promise, current approaches to β cell-directed reprogramming rely heavily on the use of viral vectors. Here we explored the use of extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) as novel non-viral carriers of endocrine cell-patterning transcription factors, to transfect and transdifferentiate pancreatic ductal epithelial cells (PDCs) into hormone-expressing cells. Electrotransfection of HDFs with expression plasmids for Pdx1, Ngn3, and MafA (PNM) led to the release of EVs loaded with PNM at the gene, mRNA, and protein level. Exposing PDC cultures to PNM-loaded EVs led to successful transfection and increased PNM expression in PDCs, which ultimately resulted in endocrine cell-directed conversions based on the expression of insulin/c-peptide, glucagon, and glucose transporter 2 (Glut2). These findings were further corroborated in vivo in a mouse model following intraductal injection of PNM- vs sham-loaded EVs. Collectively these findings suggest that dermal fibroblast-derived EVs could potentially serve as a powerful platform technology for the development and deployment of non-viral reprogramming-based cell therapies for insulin-dependent diabetes.
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Salazar-Puerta AI, Kordowski M, Cuellar-Gaviria TZ, Rincon-Benavides MA, Hussein J, Flemister D, Mayoral-Andrade G, Barringer G, Guilfoyle E, Blackstone BN, Deng B, Zepeda-Orozco D, McComb DW, Powell H, Dasi LP, Gallego-Perez D, Higuita-Castro N. Engineered Extracellular Vesicle-Based Therapies for Valvular Heart Disease. Cell Mol Bioeng 2023; 16:309-324. [PMID: 37810997 PMCID: PMC10550890 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-023-00783-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Valvular heart disease represents a significant burden to the healthcare system, with approximately 5 million cases diagnosed annually in the US. Among these cases, calcific aortic stenosis (CAS) stands out as the most prevalent form of valvular heart disease in the aging population. CAS is characterized by the progressive calcification of the aortic valve leaflets, leading to valve stiffening. While aortic valve replacement is the standard of care for CAS patients, the long-term durability of prosthetic devices is poor, calling for innovative strategies to halt or reverse disease progression. Here, we explor the potential use of novel extracellular vesicle (EV)-based nanocarriers for delivering molecular payloads to the affected valve tissue. This approach aims to reduce inflammation and potentially promote resorption of the calcified tissue. Methods Engineered EVs loaded with the reprogramming myeloid transcription factors, CEBPA and Spi1, known to mediate the transdifferentiation of committed endothelial cells into macrophages. We evaluated the ability of these engineered EVs to deliver DNA and transcripts encoding CEBPA and Spil into calcified aortic valve tissue obtained from patients undergoing valve replacement due to aortic stenosis. We also investigated whether these EVs could induce the transdifferentiation of endothelial cells into macrophage-like cells. Results Engineered EVs loaded with CEBPA + Spi1 were successfully derived from human dermal fibroblasts. Peak EV loading was found to be at 4 h after nanotransfection of donor cells. These CEBPA + Spi1 loaded EVs effectively transfected aortic valve cells, resulting in the successful induction of transdifferentiation, both in vitro with endothelial cells and ex vivo with valvular endothelial cells, leading to the development of anti-inflammatory macrophage-like cells. Conclusions Our findings highlight the potential of engineered EVs as a next generation nanocarrier to target aberrant calcifications on diseased heart valves. This development holds promise as a novel therapy for high-risk patients who may not be suitable candidates for valve replacement surgery. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12195-023-00783-x.
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Salazar-Puerta AI, Rincon-Benavides MA, Cuellar-Gaviria TZ, Aldana J, Martinez GV, Ortega-Pineda L, Das D, Dodd D, Spencer CA, Deng B, McComb DW, Englert JA, Ghadiali S, Zepeda-Orozco D, Wold LE, Gallego-Perez D, Higuita-Castro N. Engineered Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Dermal Fibroblasts Attenuate Inflammation in a Murine Model of Acute Lung Injury. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2210579. [PMID: 37119468 PMCID: PMC10573710 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202210579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) represents a significant burden to the healthcare system, with ≈200 000 cases diagnosed annually in the USA. ARDS patients suffer from severe refractory hypoxemia, alveolar-capillary barrier dysfunction, impaired surfactant function, and abnormal upregulation of inflammatory pathways that lead to intensive care unit admission, prolonged hospitalization, and increased disability-adjusted life years. Currently, there is no cure or FDA-approved therapy for ARDS. This work describes the implementation of engineered extracellular vesicle (eEV)-based nanocarriers for targeted nonviral delivery of anti-inflammatory payloads to the inflamed/injured lung. The results show the ability of surfactant protein A (SPA)-functionalized IL-4- and IL-10-loaded eEVs to promote intrapulmonary retention and reduce inflammation, both in vitro and in vivo. Significant attenuation is observed in tissue damage, proinflammatory cytokine secretion, macrophage activation, influx of protein-rich fluid, and neutrophil infiltration into the alveolar space as early as 6 h post-eEVs treatment. Additionally, metabolomics analyses show that eEV treatment causes significant changes in the metabolic profile of inflamed lungs, driving the secretion of key anti-inflammatory metabolites. Altogether, these results establish the potential of eEVs derived from dermal fibroblasts to reduce inflammation, tissue damage, and the prevalence/progression of injury during ARDS via nonviral delivery of anti-inflammatory genes/transcripts.
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Rincon-Benavides MA, Mendonca NC, Cuellar-Gaviria TZ, Salazar-Puerta AI, Ortega-Pineda L, Blackstone BN, Deng B, McComb DW, Gallego-Perez D, Powell HM, Higuita-Castro N. Engineered Vasculogenic Extracellular Vesicles Drive Nonviral Direct Conversions of Human Dermal Fibroblasts into Induced Endothelial Cells and Improve Wound Closure. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2023; 6:2200197. [PMID: 37577183 PMCID: PMC10416766 DOI: 10.1002/adtp.202200197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Vasculogenic cell therapies have emerged as a powerful tool to increase vascularization and promote tissue repair/regeneration. Current approaches to cell therapies, however, rely mostly on progenitor cells, which pose significant risks (e.g., uncontrolled differentiation, tumorigenesis, and genetic/epigenetic abnormalities). Moreover, reprogramming methodologies used to generate induced endothelial cells (iECs) from induced pluripotent stem cells rely heavily on viral vectors, which pose additional translational limitations. This work describes the development of engineered human extracellular vesicles (EVs) capable of driving reprogramming-based vasculogenic therapies without the need for progenitor cells and/or viral vectors. The EVs were derived from primary human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs), and were engineered to pack transcription factor genes/transcripts of ETV2, FLI1, and FOXC2 (EFF). Our results indicate that in addition of EFF, the engineered EVs were also loaded with transcripts of angiogenic factors (e.g., VEGF-A, VEGF-KDR, FGF2). In vitro and in vivo studies indicate that such EVs effectively transfected HDFs and drove direct conversions towards iECs within 7-14 days. Finally, wound healing studies in mice indicate that engineered EVs lead to improved wound closure and vascularity. Altogether, our results show the potential of engineered human vasculogenic EVs to drive direct reprogramming processes of somatic cells towards iECs, and facilitate tissue repair/regeneration.
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Chiang CL, Hu EY, Chang L, Labanowska J, Zapolnik K, Mo X, Shi J, Doong TJ, Lozanski A, Yan PS, Bundschuh R, Walker LA, Gallego-Perez D, Lu W, Long M, Kim S, Heerema NA, Lozanski G, Woyach JA, Byrd JC, Lee LJ, Muthusamy N. Leukemia-initiating HSCs in chronic lymphocytic leukemia reveal clonal leukemogenesis and differential drug sensitivity. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111115. [PMID: 35858552 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The existence of "leukemia-initiating cells" (LICs) in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) remains controversial due to the difficulty in isolating and identifying the tumor-initiating cells. Here, we demonstrate a microchannel electroporation (MEP) microarray that injects RNA-detecting probes into single live cells, allowing the imaging and characterization of heterogeneous LICs by intracellular RNA expression. Using limited-cell FACS sequencing (LC-FACSeq), we can detect and monitor rare live LICs during leukemogenesis and characterize their differential drug sensitivity. Disease-associated mutation accumulation in developing B lymphoid but not myeloid lineage in CLL patient hematopoietic stem cells (CLL-HSCs), and development of independent clonal CLL-like cells in murine patient-derived xenograft models, suggests the existence of CLL LICs. Furthermore, we identify differential protein ubiquitination and unfolding response signatures in GATA2high CLL-HSCs that exhibit increased sensitivity to lenalidomide and resistance to fludarabine compared to GATA2lowCLL-HSCs. These results highlight the existence of therapeutically targetable disease precursors in CLL.
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Alzate-Correa D, Lawrence WR, Salazar-Puerta A, Higuita-Castro N, Gallego-Perez D. Nanotechnology-Driven Cell-Based Therapies in Regenerative Medicine. AAPS J 2022; 24:43. [PMID: 35292878 PMCID: PMC9074705 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-022-00692-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The administration of cells as therapeutic agents has emerged as a novel approach to complement the use of small molecule drugs and other biologics for the treatment of numerous conditions. Although the use of cells for structural and/or functional tissue repair and regeneration provides new avenues to address increasingly complex disease processes, it also faces numerous challenges related to efficacy, safety, and translational potential. Recent advances in nanotechnology-driven cell therapies have the potential to overcome many of these issues through precise modulation of cellular behavior. Here, we describe several approaches that illustrate the use of different nanotechnologies for the optimization of cell therapies and discuss some of the obstacles that need to be overcome to allow for the widespread implementation of nanotechnology-based cell therapies in regenerative medicine.
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Duarte-Sanmiguel S, Panic A, Dodd DJ, Salazar-Puerta A, Moore JT, Lawrence WR, Nairon K, Francis C, Zachariah N, McCoy W, Turaga R, Skardal A, Carson WE, Higuita-Castro N, Gallego-Perez D. In Situ Deployment of Engineered Extracellular Vesicles into the Tumor Niche via Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2101619. [PMID: 34662497 PMCID: PMC8891033 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202101619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as a promising carrier system for the delivery of therapeutic payloads in multiple disease models, including cancer. However, effective targeting of EVs to cancerous tissue remains a challenge. Here, it is shown that nonviral transfection of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) can be leveraged to drive targeted release of engineered EVs that can modulate transfer and overexpression of therapeutic anticancer genes in tumor cells and tissue. MDSCs are immature immune cells that exhibit enhanced tropism toward tumor tissue and play a role in modulating tumor progression. Current MDSC research has been mostly focused on mitigating immunosuppression in the tumor niche; however, the tumor homing abilities of these cells present untapped potential to deliver EV therapeutics directly to cancerous tissue. In vivo and ex vivo studies with murine models of breast cancer show that nonviral transfection of MDSCs does not hinder their ability to home to cancerous tissue. Moreover, transfected MDSCs can release engineered EVs and mediate antitumoral responses via paracrine signaling, including decreased invasion/metastatic activity and increased apoptosis/necrosis. Altogether, these findings indicate that MDSCs can be a powerful tool for the deployment of EV-based therapeutics to tumor tissue.
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Ortega-Pineda L, Sunyecz A, Salazar-Puerta AI, Rincon-Benavides MA, Alzate-Correa D, Anaparthi AL, Guilfoyle E, Mezache L, Struckman HL, Duarte-Sanmiguel S, Deng B, McComb DW, Dodd D, Lawrence WR, Moore J, Zhang J, Reátegui E, Veeraraghavan R, Nelson MT, Gallego-Perez D, Higuita-Castro N. Designer Extracellular Vesicles Modulate Pro-Neuronal Cell Responses and Improve Intracranial Retention. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2100805. [PMID: 35014204 PMCID: PMC9466406 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202100805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Gene/oligonucleotide therapies have emerged as a promising strategy for the treatment of different neurological conditions. However, current methodologies for the delivery of neurogenic/neurotrophic cargo to brain and nerve tissue are fraught with caveats, including reliance on viral vectors, potential toxicity, and immune/inflammatory responses. Moreover, delivery to the central nervous system is further compounded by the low permeability of the blood brain barrier. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as promising delivery vehicles for neurogenic/neurotrophic therapies, overcoming many of the limitations mentioned above. However, the manufacturing processes used for therapeutic EVs remain poorly understood. Here, we conducted a detailed study of the manufacturing process of neurogenic EVs by characterizing the nature of cargo and surface decoration, as well as the transfer dynamics across donor cells, EVs, and recipient cells. Neurogenic EVs loaded with Ascl1, Brn2, and Myt1l (ABM) are found to show enhanced neuron-specific tropism, modulate electrophysiological activity in neuronal cultures, and drive pro-neurogenic conversions/reprogramming. Moreover, murine studies demonstrate that surface decoration with glutamate receptors appears to mediate enhanced EV delivery to the brain. Altogether, the results indicate that ABM-loaded designer EVs can be a promising platform nanotechnology to drive pro-neuronal responses, and that surface functionalization with glutamate receptors can facilitate the deployment of EVs to the brain.
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Lemmerman LR, Harris HN, Balch MHH, Rincon-Benavides MA, Higuita-Castro N, Arnold DW, Gallego-Perez D. Transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion with an Intraluminal Suture Enables Reproducible Induction of Ischemic Stroke in Mice. Bio Protoc 2022; 12:e4305. [PMID: 35284595 PMCID: PMC8857907 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of mortality and chronic disability worldwide, underscoring the need for reliable and accurate animal models to study this disease's pathology, molecular mechanisms of injury, and treatment approaches. As most clinical strokes occur in regions supplied by the middle cerebral artery (MCA), several experimental models have been developed to simulate an MCA occlusion (MCAO), including transcranial MCAO, micro- or macro-sphere embolism, thromboembolisation, photothrombosis, Endothelin-1 injection, and - the most common method for ischemic stroke induction in murine models - intraluminal MCAO. In the intraluminal MCAO model, the external carotid artery (ECA) is permanently ligated, after which a partially-coated monofilament is inserted and advanced proximally to the common carotid artery (CCA) bifurcation, before being introduced into the internal carotid artery (ICA). The coated tip of the monofilament is then advanced to the origin of the MCA and secured for the duration of occlusion. With respect to other MCAO models, this model offers enhanced reproducibility regarding infarct volume and cognitive/functional deficits, and does not require a craniotomy. Here, we provide a detailed protocol for the surgical induction of unilateral transient ischemic stroke in mice, using the intraluminal MCAO model. Graphic abstract: Overview of the intraluminal monofilament method for transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in mouse.
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Lemmerman LR, Balch MHH, Moore JT, Alzate-Correa D, Rincon-Benavides MA, Salazar-Puerta A, Gnyawali S, Harris HN, Lawrence W, Ortega-Pineda L, Wilch L, Risser IB, Maxwell AJ, Duarte-Sanmiguel S, Dodd D, Guio-Vega GP, McTigue DM, Arnold WD, Nimjee SM, Sen CK, Khanna S, Rink C, Higuita-Castro N, Gallego-Perez D. Nanotransfection-based vasculogenic cell reprogramming drives functional recovery in a mouse model of ischemic stroke. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabd4735. [PMID: 33741587 PMCID: PMC7978431 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abd4735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke causes vascular and neuronal tissue deficiencies that could lead to substantial functional impairment and/or death. Although progenitor-based vasculogenic cell therapies have shown promise as a potential rescue strategy following ischemic stroke, current approaches face major hurdles. Here, we used fibroblasts nanotransfected with Etv2, Foxc2, and Fli1 (EFF) to drive reprogramming-based vasculogenesis, intracranially, as a potential therapy for ischemic stroke. Perfusion analyses suggest that intracranial delivery of EFF-nanotransfected fibroblasts led to a dose-dependent increase in perfusion 14 days after injection. MRI and behavioral tests revealed ~70% infarct resolution and up to ~90% motor recovery for mice treated with EFF-nanotransfected fibroblasts. Immunohistological analysis confirmed increases in vascularity and neuronal cellularity, as well as reduced glial scar formation in response to treatment with EFF-nanotransfected fibroblasts. Together, our results suggest that vasculogenic cell therapies based on nanotransfection-driven (i.e., nonviral) cellular reprogramming represent a promising strategy for the treatment of ischemic stroke.
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Tang S, Salazar-Puerta A, Richards J, Khan S, Hoyland JA, Gallego-Perez D, Walter B, Higuita-Castro N, Purmessur D. Non-viral reprogramming of human nucleus pulposus cells with FOXF1 via extracellular vesicle delivery: an in vitro and in vivo study. Eur Cell Mater 2021; 41:90-107. [PMID: 33465243 PMCID: PMC8514169 DOI: 10.22203/ecm.v041a07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is characterized by decreased cellularity and proteoglycan synthesis and increased inflammation, catabolism, and neural/vascular ingrowth. Regenerative methods for IVD degeneration are largely cell-therapy-based or involve viral vectors, which are associated with mutagenesis and undesired immune responses. The present study used bulk electroporation and engineered extracellular vesicles (EVs) to deliver forkhead-box F1 (FOXF1) mRNA to degenerate human nucleus pulposus (NP) cells as a minimally invasive therapeutic strategy for IVD regeneration. Bulk electroporation was used to investigate FOXF1 effects on human NP cells during a 4-week culture in 3D agarose constructs. Engineered EV delivery of FOXF1 into human IVD cells in monolayer was determined, with subsequent in vivo validation in a pilot mouse IVD puncture model. FOXF1 transfection significantly altered gene expression by upregulating healthy NP markers [FOXF1, keratin 19 (KRT19)], decreasing inflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-1β, -6], catabolic enzymes [metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13)] and nerve growth factor (NGF), with significant increases in glycosaminoglycan accumulation in human NP cells. Engineered EVs loaded with FOXF1 demonstrated successful encapsulation of FOXF1 cargo and effective uptake by human NP cells cultured in monolayer. Injection of FOXF1-loaded EVs into the mouse IVD in vivo resulted in a significant upregulation of FOXF1 and Brachyury, compared to controls at 7 d post-injection, with no evidence of cytotoxicity. This is the first study to demonstrate non-viral delivery of FOXF1 and reprogramming of human NP cells in vitro and mouse IVD cells in vivo. This strategy represents a non-addictive approach for treating IVD degeneration and associated back pain.
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Moore JT, Wier CG, Lemmerman LR, Ortega-Pineda L, Dodd DJ, Lawrence WR, Duarte-Sanmiguel S, Dathathreya K, Diaz-Starokozheva L, Harris HN, Sen CK, Valerio IL, Higuita-Castro N, Arnold WD, Kolb SJ, Gallego-Perez D. Nanochannel-Based Poration Drives Benign and Effective Nonviral Gene Delivery to Peripheral Nerve Tissue. ADVANCED BIOSYSTEMS 2020; 4:e2000157. [PMID: 32939985 PMCID: PMC7704786 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202000157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
While gene and cell therapies have emerged as promising treatment strategies for various neurological conditions, heavy reliance on viral vectors can hamper widespread clinical implementation. Here, the use of tissue nanotransfection as a platform nanotechnology to drive nonviral gene delivery to nerve tissue via nanochannels, in an effective, controlled, and benign manner is explored. TNT facilitates plasmid DNA delivery to the sciatic nerve of mice in a voltage-dependent manner. Compared to standard bulk electroporation (BEP), impairment in toe-spread and pinprick response is not caused by TNT, and has limited to no impact on electrophysiological parameters. BEP, however, induces significant nerve damage and increases macrophage immunoreactivity. TNT is subsequently used to deliver vasculogenic cell therapies to crushed nerves via delivery of reprogramming factor genes Etv2, Foxc2, and Fli1 (EFF). The results indicate the TNT-based delivery of EFF in a sciatic nerve crush model leads to increased vascularity, reduced macrophage infiltration, and improved recovery in electrophysiological parameters compared to crushed nerves that are TNT-treated with sham/empty plasmids. Altogether, the results indicate that TNT can be a powerful platform nanotechnology for localized nonviral gene delivery to nerve tissue, in vivo, and the deployment of reprogramming-based cell therapies for nerve repair/regeneration.
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Pinckard KM, Shettigar VK, Wright KR, Abay E, Baer LA, Vidal P, Dewal RS, Das D, Duarte-Sanmiguel S, Hernández-Saavedra D, Arts PJ, Lehnig AC, Bussberg V, Narain NR, Kiebish MA, Yi F, Sparks LM, Goodpaster BH, Smith SR, Pratley RE, Lewandowski ED, Raman SV, Wold LE, Gallego-Perez D, Coen PM, Ziolo MT, Stanford KI. A Novel Endocrine Role for the BAT-Released Lipokine 12,13-diHOME to Mediate Cardiac Function. Circulation 2020; 143:145-159. [PMID: 33106031 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.120.049813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is an important tissue for thermogenesis, making it a potential target to decrease the risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, and recent studies have also identified BAT as an endocrine organ. Although BAT has been implicated to be protective in cardiovascular disease, to this point there are no studies that identify a direct role for BAT to mediate cardiac function. METHODS To determine the role of BAT on cardiac function, we utilized a model of BAT transplantation. We then performed lipidomics and identified an increase in the lipokine 12,13-dihydroxy-9Z-octadecenoic acid (12,13-diHOME). We utilized a mouse model with sustained overexpression of 12,13-diHOME and investigated the role of 12,13-diHOME in a nitric oxide synthase type 1 deficient (NOS1-/-) mouse and in isolated cardiomyocytes to determine effects on function and respiration. We also investigated 12,13-diHOME in a cohort of human patients with heart disease. RESULTS Here, we determined that transplantation of BAT (+BAT) improves cardiac function via the release of the lipokine 12,13-diHOME. Sustained overexpression of 12,13-diHOME using tissue nanotransfection negated the deleterious effects of a high-fat diet on cardiac function and remodeling, and acute injection of 12,13-diHOME increased cardiac hemodynamics via direct effects on the cardiomyocyte. Furthermore, incubation of cardiomyocytes with 12,13-diHOME increased mitochondrial respiration. The effects of 12,13-diHOME were absent in NOS1-/- mice and cardiomyocytes. We also provide the first evidence that 12,13-diHOME is decreased in human patients with heart disease. CONCLUSIONS Our results identify an endocrine role for BAT to enhance cardiac function that is mediated by regulation of calcium cycling via 12,13-diHOME and NOS1.
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Roy S, Sen CK, Ghatak S, Higuita-Castro N, Palakurti R, Nalluri N, Clark A, Stewart R, Gallego-Perez D, Prater DN, Khanna S. Neurogenic tissue nanotransfection in the management of cutaneous diabetic polyneuropathy. NANOMEDICINE : NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY, AND MEDICINE 2020; 28:102220. [PMID: 32422219 PMCID: PMC7802084 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2020.102220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
This work rests on our recent report on the successful use of tissue nanotransfection (TNT) delivery of Ascl1, Brn2, and Myt1l (TNTABM) to directly convert skin fibroblasts into electrophysiologically active induced neuronal cells (iN) in vivo. Here we report that in addition to successful neurogenic conversion of cells, TNTABM caused neurotrophic enrichment of the skin stroma. Thus, we asked whether such neurotrophic milieu of the skin can be leveraged to rescue pre-existing nerve fibers under chronic diabetic conditions. Topical cutaneous TNTABM caused elevation of endogenous NGF and other co-regulated neurotrophic factors such as Nt3. TNTABM spared loss of cutaneous PGP9.5+ mature nerve fibers in db/db diabetic mice. This is the first study demonstrating that under conditions of in vivo reprogramming, changes in the tissue microenvironment can be leveraged for therapeutic purposes such as the rescue of pre-existing nerve fibers from its predictable path of loss under conditions of diabetes.
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Shukla VC, Duarte-Sanmiguel S, Panic A, Senthilvelan A, Moore J, Bobba C, Benner B, Carson WE, Ghadiali SN, Gallego-Perez D. Reciprocal Signaling between Myeloid Derived Suppressor and Tumor Cells Enhances Cellular Motility and is Mediated by Structural Cues in the Microenvironment. ADVANCED BIOSYSTEMS 2020; 4:e2000049. [PMID: 32419350 PMCID: PMC7489303 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202000049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have gained significant attention for their immunosuppressive role in cancer and their ability to contribute to tumor progression and metastasis. Understanding the role of MDSCs in driving cancer cell migration, a process fundamental to metastasis, is essential to fully comprehend and target MDSC-tumor cell interactions. This study employs microfabricated platforms, which simulate the structural cues present in the tumor microenvironment (TME) to elucidate the effects of MDSCs on the migratory phenotype of cancer cells at the single cell level. The results indicate that the presence of MDSCs enhances the motility of cancer-epithelial cells when directional cues (either topographical or spatial) are present. This behavior appears to be independent of cell-cell contact and driven by soluble byproducts from heterotypic interactions between MDSCs and cancer cells. Moreover, MDSC cell-motility is also impacted by the presence of cancer cells and the cancer cell secretome in the presence of directional cues. Epithelial dedifferentiation is the likely mechanism for changes in cancer cell motility in response to MDSCs. These results highlight the biochemical and biostructural conditions under which MDSCs can support cancer cell migration, and could therefore provide new avenues of research and therapy aimed at stemming cancer progression.
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Lemmerman LR, Das D, Higuita-Castro N, Mirmira RG, Gallego-Perez D. Nanomedicine-Based Strategies for Diabetes: Diagnostics, Monitoring, and Treatment. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2020; 31:448-458. [PMID: 32396845 PMCID: PMC7987328 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2020.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Traditional methods for diabetes management require constant and tedious glucose monitoring (GM) and insulin injections, impacting quality of life. The global diabetic population is expected to increase to 439 million, with approximately US$490 billion in healthcare expenditures by 2030, imposing a significant burden on healthcare systems worldwide. Recent advances in nanotechnology have emerged as promising alternative strategies for the management of diabetes. For example, implantable nanosensors are being developed for continuous GM, new nanoparticle (NP)-based imaging approaches that quantify subtle changes in β cell mass can facilitate early diagnosis, and nanotechnology-based insulin delivery methods are being explored as novel therapies. Here, we provide a holistic summary of this rapidly advancing field compiling all aspects pertaining to the management of diabetes.
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Zhang Q, Sharan A, Espinosa SA, Gallego-Perez D, Weeks J. The Path Toward Integration of Traditional and Complementary Medicine into Health Systems Globally: The World Health Organization Report on the Implementation of the 2014-2023 Strategy. J Altern Complement Med 2020; 25:869-871. [PMID: 31525106 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2019.29077.jjw] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Duarte-Sanmiguel S, Higuita-Castro N, Gallego-Perez D. Nanoelectroporation and Collection of Genetically Modified Exosomes in Primary Cultures of Dendritic Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2050:79-84. [PMID: 31468481 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9740-4_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are cells of the immune system that behave as antigen presenters and assist in T cell activation. DCs have recently been used in cell-based immunotherapies for the treatment of different diseases due to the lack of adverse nonspecific immune responses, typically elicited by other approaches. Genetically modified DCs, for example, have been used to stimulate CD4/CD8 antigen presenting immune responses. However, genetic manipulation of primary DCs remains a challenge. Here we describe a protocol for nonviral, benign transfection of primary DCs using nanochannel-based electroporation, and the subsequent collection of genetically modified exosomes for downstream applications.
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Tang S, Richards J, Khan S, Hoyland J, Gallego-Perez D, Higuita-Castro N, Walter B, Purmessur D. Nonviral Transfection With Brachyury Reprograms Human Intervertebral Disc Cells to a Pro-Anabolic Anti-Catabolic/Inflammatory Phenotype: A Proof of Concept Study. J Orthop Res 2019; 37:2389-2400. [PMID: 31286562 DOI: 10.1002/jor.24408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a major contributor to chronic low back pain and is characterized by decreases in cellularity and proteoglycan synthesis, upregulation of matrix degradation, and increases in pro-inflammatory factors with neurovascular invasion. Current treatments fail to target the underlying pathology or promote tissue repair and approaches such as viral transfection raise safety concerns due to mutagenesis and unwarranted immune responses. To avoid such concerns, nonviral transfection is a viable method of gene delivery into the host cell while bypassing the caveats of viral delivery. Brachyury is expressed in the developing notochord and is associated with an immature healthy nucleus pulposus (NP). We hypothesize that Brachyury can reprogram degenerate NP cells to a healthy pro-anabolic phenotype with increased proteoglycan content and decreased expression of catabolic, inflammatory, and neurovascular markers. NP cells obtained from human autopsy and surgical tissues were transfected with plasmids encoding for Brachyury or an empty vector control via bulk electroporation. Post transfection, cells were seeded in three-dimensional agarose constructs cultured over 4 weeks and analyzed for viability, gene expression, and proteoglycan. Results demonstrated successful transfection of both autopsy and surgical NP cells. We observed long-term Brachyury expression, significant increased expression of NP phenotypic markers FOXF1, KRT19, and chondrogenic marker SOX9 with decreases in inflammatory cytokines IL1-β/IL6, NGF, and MMPs and significant increases in glycosaminoglycan accumulation. These results highlight nonviral transfection with developmental transcription factors, such as Brachyury, as a promising method to reprogram degenerate human disc cells toward a healthy NP phenotype. Clinical significance: This project proposes a novel translational approach for the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration via direct reprogramming of diseased human patient-derived IVD cells to a healthy phenotype. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:2389-2400, 2019.
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Aldana NS, Abdala V, Sousa J, Gallego-Perez D, Villar M, García H, Benavides I, Andrade M, Barajas Y, Benitez L. Thematic Structure development for the Virtual Health Library on Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine of the Americas. ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aimed.2019.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Gallego-Perez D. Therapeutic Pluralism in Latin America: from practice to policies, and the chasm in between. ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aimed.2019.03.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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