Recombinant Slit2 attenuates neuroinflammation after surgical brain injury by inhibiting peripheral immune cell infiltration via Robo1-srGAP1 pathway in a rat model

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Peripheral immune cell infiltration to the brain tissue at the perisurgical site can promote neuroinflammation after surgical brain injury (SBI). Slit2, an extracellular matrix protein, has been reported to reduce leukocyte migration. This study evaluated the effect of recombinant Slit2 and the role of its receptor roundabout1 (Robo1) and its downstream mediator Slit-Robo GTPase activating protein 1 (srGAP1)-Cdc42 on peripheral immune cell infiltration after SBI in a rat model.

METHODS

One hundred and fifty-three adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (280-350 g) were used. Partial resection of right frontal lobe was performed to induce SBI. Slit2 siRNA was administered by intracerebroventricular injection 24h before SBI. Recombinant Slit2 was injected intraperitoneally 1h before SBI. Recombinant Robo1 used as a decoy receptor was co-administered with recombinant Slit2. srGAP1 siRNA was administered by intracerebroventricular injection 24h before SBI. Post-assessments included brain water content measurement, neurological tests, ELISA, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and Cdc42 activity assay.

RESULTS

Endogenous Slit2 was increased after SBI. Robo1 was expressed by peripheral immune cells. Endogenous Slit2 knockdown worsened brain edema after SBI. Recombinant Slit2 administration reduced brain edema, neurological deficits, and pro-inflammatory cytokines after SBI. Recombinant Slit2 reduced peripheral immune cell markers cluster of differentiation 45 (CD45) and myeloperoxidase (MPO), as well as Cdc42 activity in the perisurgical brain tissue which was reversed by recombinant Robo1 co-administration and srGAP1 siRNA.

CONCLUSIONS

Recombinant Slit2 improved outcomes by reducing neuroinflammation after SBI, possibly by decreasing peripheral immune cell infiltration to the perisurgical site through Robo1-srGAP1 mediated inhibition of Cdc42 activity. These results suggest that Slit2 may be beneficial to reduce SBI-induced neuroinflammation.

Pilot, Multicenter, Open-Label Evaluation of Safety, Tolerability and Efficacy of a Novel, Topical Multipotent Growth Factor Formulation for the Periorbital Region

BACKGROUND

This multicenter, open-label pilot study evaluated safety, efficacy and tolerability of a topical formulation containing a multipotent growth factor resignaling complex (MRCx), when applied to infraorbital and lateral canthal skin.

METHODS

Thirty-nine female subjects with mean age of 56.8 years who had periorbital lines and wrinkles, uneven skin texture, puffiness, and lack of skin firmness were enrolled, and 38 completed the study. All subjects applied the multipotent growth factor formulation bilaterally to the periorbital area, twice daily for 60 days. Efficacy and treatment-related adverse events were evaluated at Baseline and days 14, 30, and 60. Investigators rated the periorbital areas based on 10-point scales.

RESULTS

Subjects' self-reported compliance with treatment was greater than 99% throughout the study. At day 60, all subjects had improvement in infraorbital brightness (≥ 2 points), moistness (≥ 2 points), wrinkles (≥ 1 point), sallowness (≥ 1 point), crepiness (≥ 1 point), smooth texture (≥ 1 point), skin tightness (≥ 1 point), and skin tone (≥ 1 point). Investigator-rated assessments showed ≥ 1-point improvement for lateral canthal wrinkles, dyschromia/mottled pigmentation, skin tone, overall brightness, and moistness. Investigator-rated scoring on the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) demonstrated that 67.6% of subjects were much improved/improved at day 14, and 63.1% remained improved at day 60. Overall, 76.2% and 79.0% of subjects were very pleased/pleased/mostly pleased with the appearance of their infraorbital and lateral canthal areas at day 60. Adverse events comprised one case of mild canthal erythema, and one case of mild eye irritation, both of which were respectively resolved.

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot study demonstrated that the topical multipotent growth factor formulation was safe, effective and well tolerated for periorbital skin rejuvenation.

Biomimetic supramolecular designs for the controlled release of growth factors in bone regeneration

The extracellular matrix (ECM) of tissues is an assembly of insoluble macromolecules that specifically interact with soluble bioactive molecules and regulate their distribution and availability to cells. Recapitulating this ability has been an important target in controlled growth factor delivery strategies for tissue regeneration and requires the design of multifunctional carriers. This review describes the integration of supramolecular interactions on the design of delivery strategies that encompass self-assembling and engineered affinity components to construct advanced biomimetic carriers for growth factor delivery. Several glycan- and peptide-based self-assemblies reported in the literature are highlighted and commented upon. These examples demonstrate how molecular design and chemistry are successfully employed to create versatile multifunctional molecules which self-assemble/disassemble in a precisely predicted manner, thus controlling compartmentalization, transport and delivery. Finally, we discuss whether recent advances in the design and preparation of supramolecular delivery systems have been sufficient to drive real translation towards a clinical impact.

Extracellular matrix-inspired growth factor delivery systems for bone regeneration

Growth factors are very promising molecules to enhance bone regeneration. However, their translation to clinical use has been seriously limited, facing issues related to safety and cost-effectiveness. These problems derive from the vastly supra-physiological doses of growth factor used without optimized delivery systems. Therefore, these issues have motivated the development of new delivery systems allowing better control of the spatiotemporal release and signaling of growth factors. Because the extracellular matrix (ECM) naturally plays a fundamental role in coordinating growth factor activity in vivo, a number of novel delivery systems have been inspired by the growth factor regulatory function of the ECM. After introducing the role of growth factors during the bone regeneration process, this review exposes different issues that growth factor-based therapies have encountered in the clinic and highlights recent delivery approaches based on the natural interaction between growth factor and the ECM.

Intranasal Delivery of Apelin-13 Is Neuroprotective and Promotes Angiogenesis After Ischemic Stroke in Mice

Apelin is a peptide originally isolated from bovine stomach tissue extracts and identified as an endogenous ligand of the APJ receptor; recent work showed that apelin ameliorates the ischemic injury in the heart and the brain. Being an analogue to the angiotensin II receptor, the apelin/APJ signaling may mediate angiogenesis process. We explored the noninvasive intranasal brain delivery method and investigated therapeutic effects of apelin-13 in a focal ischemic stroke model of mice. Intranasal administration of apelin-13 (4 mg/kg) was given 30 min after the onset of stroke and repeated once daily. Three days after stroke, mice received apelin-13 had significantly reduced infarct volume and less neuronal death in the penumbra. Western blot analyses showed upregulated levels of apelin, apelin receptor APLNR, and Bcl-2 and decreased caspase-3 activation in the apelin-13-treated brain. The proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1β, and chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 mRNA increased in the ischemic brain, which were significantly attenuated by apelin-13. Apelin-13 remarkably reduced microglia recruitment and activation in the penumbra according to morphological features of Iba-1-positive cells 3 days after ischemia. Apelin-13 significantly increased the expression of angiogenic factor vascular endothelial growth factor and matrix metalloproteinase-9 14 days after stroke. Angiogenesis illustrated by collagen IV + /5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridin + colabeled cells was significantly increased by the apelin-13 treatment 21 days after stroke. Finally, apelin-13 promoted the local cerebral blood flow restoration and long-term functional recovery. This study demonstrates a noninvasive intranasal delivery of apelin-13 after stroke, suggesting that the reduced inflammatory activities, decreased cell death, and increased angiogenesis contribute to the therapeutic benefits of apelin-13.

Modifications of collagen-based biomaterials with immobilized growth factors or peptides

In order to provide an instructive microenvironment to facilitate cellular behaviors and tissue regeneration, biomaterials can be modified by immobilizing growth factors or peptides. We describe here our procedure for modification of collagen-based biomaterials, both porous scaffolds and hydrogel systems, with growth factors or peptides by covalent immobilization. Characterizations of the modified biomaterials (immobilization efficiency, release profile, morphology, mechanical strength, and rheology) and in vitro testing with cells are also discussed.

Effects of Apelin on RAW264.7 cells under both normal and hypoxic conditions

Macrophages are an important source of pro-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic factors, which can promote pathological processes involving inflammation and angiogenesis. This study investigated the effects of Apelin on macrophages under both normal and hypoxic conditions. Under normal culture conditions, Apelin down-regulated the mRNA expression levels of monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP1), monocyte chemotactic protein 3 (MCP3), macrophage inflammatory protein 1 (MIP1α, MIP1β), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), Angiopoietin 2 (Ang2) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα). The supernatant concentrations of MCP1, MCP3, MIP1α, MIP1β, macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (MIP2) and TNFα proteins were significantly decreased in the Apelin treated group. Hypoxia induced profound up-regulations of the angiogenic, chemokine, and inflammatory factors at both the mRNA and protein levels. Apelin suppressed the hypoxia-induced increases in MCP1, MCP3, MIP2, MIP1β and TNFα expression. The underlying mechanism of Apelin inhibit inflammation is regulating NF-κB/JNK signal pathway. Additionally, Apelin can protect macrophages from apoptosis and can enhance cell migration during hypoxia. And cleaved Caspase9/3 pathways were involved in Apelin inhibiting RAW264.7 apoptosis. In conclusion, we showed the effect of Apelin on RAW264.7 macrophage under normal and hypoxic condition, which could further influence the angiogenesis and inflammation process that promoted by macrophages.

TLR4 activation by lipopolysaccharide confers survival advantage to growth factor deprived prostate cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PCa) cells express Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4), a known pro-tumorigenic molecule for different cancer cells. The cancer cells residing in the avascular region of the tumor confront various metabolic stresses and continuously adapt mechanisms to overcome them. We hypothesized that TLR4 activation might provide direct survival advantage to metabolically stressed PCa cells.

METHODS

We first investigated the effect of LPS on survival of serum deprived PCa cells. To understand the molecular mechanisms involved in TLR4 mediated PCa survival, we next investigated change in expression of markers for apoptosis, senescence and autophagy. Ultimately, the effect of LPS on established prostate tumors was confirmed in vivo using a syngeneic rat model for PCa.

RESULTS

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated TLR4 activation significantly enhanced survival of serum deprived (SD) PC3, DU145 and MAT-LyLu PCa cells. TLR4 inhibition by a specific inhibitor resulted in rapid death of SD-PC3 cells, which was significantly suppressed by LPS. Interestingly, LPS treatment suppressed macroautophagy in SD-PC3 cells and increased expression of CCL2 (C-C motif ligand-2), a known autophagy inhibitor and pro-survival factor. Intra-tumor LPS injection resulted in increased tumor mass, induced TLR4 activation, suppressed autophagy, and increased the macrophage population in MAT-LyLu-tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study reveals that bacterial LPS enhance survival of PCa cells under conditions of nutrient stress through TLR4 activation. Moreover, LPS induces overexpression of CCL2 involved in the suppression of starvation-induced macroautophagy in PCa cells, and enhanced macrophage population in prostate tumors in vivo. Taken together, the current study suggests the importance of bacterial infection or TLR4-activation in prostate cancer pathogenesis.

Structural apelin analogues: mitochondrial ROS inhibition and cardiometabolic protection in myocardial ischaemia reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Mitochondria-derived oxidative stress is believed to be crucially involved in cardiac ischaemia reperfusion (I/R) injury, although currently no therapies exist that specifically target mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The present study was designed to evaluate the potential effects of the structural analogues of apelin-12, an adipocyte-derived peptide, on mitochondrial ROS generation, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and metabolic and functional recovery to myocardial I/R injury.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

In cultured H9C2 cardiomyoblasts and adult cardiomyocytes, oxidative stress was induced by hypoxia reoxygenation. Isolated rat hearts were subjected to 35 min of global ischaemia and 30 min of reperfusion. Apelin-12, apelin-13 and structural apelin-12 analogues, AI and AII, were infused during 5 min prior to ischaemia.

KEY RESULTS

In cardiac cells, mitochondrial ROS production was inhibited by the structural analogues of apelin, AI and AII, in comparison with the natural peptides, apelin-12 and apelin-13. Treatment of cardiomyocytes with AI and AII decreased cell apoptosis concentration-dependently. In a rat model of I/R injury, pre-ischaemic infusion of AI and AII markedly reduced ROS formation in the myocardial effluent and attenuated cell membrane damage. Prevention of oxidative damage by AI and AII was associated with the improvement of functional and metabolic recovery after I/R in the heart.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

These data provide the evidence for the potential of the structural apelin analogues in selective reduction of mitochondrial ROS generation and myocardial apoptosis and form the basis for a promising therapeutic strategy in the treatment of oxidative stress-related heart disease.

Natural assembly of platelet lysate-loaded nanocarriers into enriched 3D hydrogels for cartilage regeneration

The role of Platelet Lysates (PLs) as a source of growth factors (GFs) and as main element of three-dimensional (3D) hydrogels has been previously described. However, the resulting hydrogels usually suffer from high degree of contraction, limiting their usefulness. This work describes the development of a stable biomimetic 3D hydrogel structure based on PLs, through the spontaneous assembling of a high concentration of chitosan-chondroitin sulfate nanoparticles (CH/CS NPs) with PLs loaded by adsorption. The interactions between the NPs and the lysates resemble the ones observed in the extracellular matrix (ECM) native environment between glycosaminoglycans and ECM proteins. In vitro release studies were carried out focusing on the quantification of PDGF-BB and TGF-β1 GFs. Human adipose derived stem cells (hASCs) were entrapped in these 3D hydrogels and cultured in vitro under chondrogenic stimulus, in order to assess their potential use for cartilage regeneration. Histological, immunohistological and gene expression analysis demonstrated that the PL-assembled constructs entrapping hASCs exhibited results similar to the positive control (hASCS cultured in pellets), concerning the levels of collagen II expression and immunolocalization of collagen type I and II and aggrecan. Moreover, the deposition of new cartilage ECM was detected by alcian blue and safranin-O positive stainings. This work demonstrates the potential of PLs to act simultaneously as a source/carrier of GFs and as a 3D structure of support, through the application of a "bottom-up" approach involving the assembly of NPs, resulting in an enriched construct for cartilage regeneration applications.

Biomedical application of low molecular weight heparin/protamine nano/micro particles as cell- and growth factor-carriers and coating matrix

Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH)/protamine (P) nano/micro particles (N/MPs) (LMWH/P N/MPs) were applied as carriers for heparin-binding growth factors (GFs) and for adhesive cells including adipose-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). A mixture of LMWH and P yields a dispersion of N/MPs (100 nm–3 μm in diameter). LMWH/P N/MPs can be immobilized onto cell surfaces or extracellular matrix, control the release, activate GFs and protect various GFs. Furthermore, LMWH/P N/MPs can also bind to adhesive cell surfaces, inducing cells and LMWH/P N/MPs-aggregate formation. Those aggregates substantially promoted cellular viability, and induced vascularization and fibrous tissue formation in vivo. The LMWH/P N/MPs, in combination with ADSCs or BMSCs, are effective cell-carriers and are potential promising novel therapeutic agents for inducing vascularization and fibrous tissue formation in ischemic disease by transplantation of the ADSCs and LMWH/P N/MPs-aggregates. LMWH/P N/MPs can also bind to tissue culture plates and adsorb exogenous GFs or GFs from those cells. The LMWH/P N/MPs-coated matrix in the presence of GFs may provide novel biomaterials that can control cellular activity such as growth and differentiation. Furthermore, three-dimensional (3D) cultures of cells including ADSCs and BMSCs using plasma-medium gel with LMWH/P N/MPs exhibited efficient cell proliferation. Thus, LMWH/P N/MPs are an adequate carrier both for GFs and for stromal cells such as ADSCs and BMSCs, and are a functional coating matrix for their cultures.

Treatment of Tendon Injuries of the Lower Limb with Growth Factors Associated with Autologous Fibrin Scaffold or Collagenous Scaffold

Tendon injuries are an increasing problem in orthopedics as we are faced with a growing demand in sports and recreation and an aging population. Tendons have poor spontaneous regenerative capacity, and often, complete recovery after injury is not achieved. Once injured, tendons do not completely re-acquire the biological and biomechanical properties of normal tendons due to the formation of adhesions and scarring, and often these abnormalities in the arrangement and structure are risk factors for re-injury. These problems associated with the healing of tendon injuries are a challenge for clinicians and surgeons. This study examined 9 cases of subcutaneous injuries including quadriceps tendon (2 cases), patellar tendon (1 case), and Achilles tendon (6 cases), incomplete and complete, treated consecutively. The surgical technique has provided, as appropriate, the termino-terminal tenorraphy, techniques of plastics of rotation flap, reinsertion with suture anchors, and in one case tendon augmentation with cadaver tissue. In cases where we needed mechanical support to the suture, we used preloaded growth factors on porcine collagen scaffold; in cases where we needed only one biological support, we used fibrin scaffold.

Early activated hepatic stellate cell-derived molecules reverse acute hepatic injury

AIM: To test whether hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) at different activation stages play different roles in acetaminophen (APAP)-induced acute liver injury (ALI).

METHODS: HSCs were isolated from mouse liver and cultured in vitro. Morphological changes of initiation HSCs [HSCs (5d)] and perpetuation HSCs [HSCs (p3)] were observed by immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy. The protective effects of HSC-derived molecules, cell lysates and HSC-conditioned medium (HSC-CM) were tested in vivo by survival and histopathological analyses. Liver injury was determined by measuring aminotransferase levels in the serum and by histologic examination of tissue sections under a light microscope. Additionally, to determine the molecular mediators of the observed protective effects of initiation HSCs, we examined HSC-CM using a high-density protein array.

RESULTS: HSCs (5d) and HSCs (p3) had different morphological and phenotypic traits. HSCs (5d) presented a star-shaped appearance with expressing α-SMA at non-uniform levels between cells. However, HSCs (p3) evolved into myofibroblast-like cells without lipid droplets and expressed a uniform and higher level of α-SMA. HSC-CM (5d), but not HSC-CM (p3), provided a significant survival benefit and showed a dramatic reduction of hepatocellular necrosis and panlobular leukocyte infiltrates in mice exposed to APAP. However, this protective effect was abrogated at higher cell masses, indicating a therapeutic window of effectiveness. Furthermore, the protein array screen revealed that HSC-CM (5d) was composed of many chemokines and growth factors that correlated with inflammatory inhibition and therapeutic activity. When compared with HSC-CM (p3), higher levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, macrophage inflammatory protein-1γ, hepatocyte growth factor, interleukin-10, and matrix metalloproteinase-2, but lower levels of stem cell factor and Fas-Ligand were observed in HSC-CM (5d).

CONCLUSION: These data indicated that initiation HSCs and perpetuation HSCs were different in morphology and protein expression, and provided the first experimental evidence of the potential medical value of initiation HSC-derived molecules in the treatment of ALI.

Spatial regulation of controlled bioactive factor delivery for bone tissue engineering

Limitations of current treatment options for critical size bone defects create a significant clinical need for tissue engineered bone strategies. This review describes how control over the spatiotemporal delivery of growth factors, nucleic acids, and drugs and small molecules may aid in recapitulating signals present in bone development and healing, regenerating interfaces of bone with other connective tissues, and enhancing vascularization of tissue engineered bone. State-of-the-art technologies used to create spatially controlled patterns of bioactive factors on the surfaces of materials, to build up 3D materials with patterns of signal presentation within their bulk, and to pattern bioactive factor delivery after scaffold fabrication are presented, highlighting their applications in bone tissue engineering. As these techniques improve in areas such as spatial resolution and speed of patterning, they will continue to grow in value as model systems for understanding cell responses to spatially regulated bioactive factor signal presentation in vitro, and as strategies to investigate the capacity of the defined spatial arrangement of these signals to drive bone regeneration in vivo.

Supplementation of apelin increase plasma levels of nesfatin-1 in normal and DOCA-salt hypertensive rats

AIMS

We aimed to observe the effects of apelin supplementation on the plasma levels of nesfatin-1 in DOCA-salt hypertensive and normal rats.

METHODS

For this purpose, 28 young Wistar albino male rats were divided into four groups; Control (C), Control + Apelin (C+A), Hypertension (HT) and Hypertension + Apelin (HT+A). Hypertension was induced by injection of DOCA-salt (25 mg/kg, s.c.) twice weekly, 4 weeks, whereas intraperitoneal apelin was administered (200 µg.kg-1) for 17 days. Plasma nesfatin-1 and apelin levels were measured with ELISA. Systolic blood pressure was monitored using a tail cuff system. The relationships between plasma nesfatin levels and blood pressure were assessed.

RESULTS

Plasma nesfatin-1 levels was found lower in control animals compared to C+A, HT and HT+A groups (p = 0.002, p = 0.026 and p = 0.011, respectively). Systolic blood pressures were similar in the C and C+A groups, but systolic blood pressures of the HT and HT+A groups was found significantly higher than the C and C+A groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, apelin administration induced an increment of nesfatin-1 in normal rats and plasma levels of nesfatin-1 increase in DOCA-salt hypertension rats. But apelin addition in hypertension did not cause an extra increase in nesfatin-1 levels. This is the first report to investigate the effect of apelin administration on plasma nesfatin levels of normal and hypertensive rats (Fig. 2, Ref. 44).

Mechanistic and biological significance of DNA methyltransferase 1 upregulated by growth factors in human hepatocellular carcinoma

Dysregulation of growth factor signaling plays a pivotal role in controlling the malignancy phenotype and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the precise oncogenic mechanisms underlying transcription regulation of certain tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) by growth factors are poorly understood. In the present study, we report a novel insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) pathway that mediates de novo DNA methylation and TSG (such as DLC1 and CHD5) silencing by upregulation of the DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) via an AKT/β-transducin repeat-containing protein (βTrCP)-mediated ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in HCC. Analysis of DNA methylation in CpG islands of target genes revealed high co-localization of DNMT1 and DNMT3B on the promoters of TSGs associated with enhanced CpG hypermethylation. Our results point to a novel epigenetic mechanism for growth factor-mediated repression of TSG transcription that involves DNA methylation.

Comparison between PRP, PRGF and PRF: lights and shadows in three similar but different protocols

OBJECTIVE

The main goal of the modern surgery is to get a low invasiveness and a high rate of clinical healing: in the last years, it has been introduced the concept of a "regenerative surgery", and many techniques has been widely described in the literature. The most used are PRP, PRGF and PRF techniques. Aim of this research is to compare the three protocol of PRP, PRF and PRGF in their essential features, so to suggest to the practitioners the best blood product to use in the regenerative surgery.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Among the advantages that shows the PRF, compared to PRP and PRGF, we can cite a greater simplicity of production for the absence of manipulation that leads to a reduced possibility of alteration of the protocol due to an error of the operator. The special texture of the PRF and its biological features shows clearly an interesting surgical versatility and all the characteristics that can support a faster tissues regeneration and high-quality clinical outcomes.

Neuroprotective effects of apelin-13 on experimental ischemic stroke through suppression of inflammation

Acute inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenic progression of post-ischemic neuronal damage. Apelin-13 has been investigated as a neuropeptide for various neurological disorders. The present study was performed to evaluate the effects of apelin-13 on the inflammation of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Transient focal I/R model in male Wistar rats were induced by 2h middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) followed by 24h reperfusion. Rats then received treatment with apelin-13 or vehicle after ischemia at the onset of reperfusion. The neurological deficit was evaluated and the infarct volume was measured by TTC staining. The activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) was measured. The expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) were measured using real-time PCR. And the expression of apelin receptor (APJ), ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1 (Iba1), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) were measured by immunohistochemistry and western blot. Our results demonstrated that treatment with apelin-13 in I/R rats markedly reduced neurological deficits and the infarct volume. The increase of MPO activity induced by I/R was inhibited by apelin-13 treatment. The real-time PCR showed that apelin-13 decreased the expression of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, TNF-α and ICAM-1 in I/R rats. The expression of APJ in I/R rats was increased. And the expression of Iba1, GFAP and HMGB1 in I/R rats was decreased by apelin-13 treatment indicating the inhibition of microglia, astrocytes and other inflammatory cells. In conclusion, apelin-13 is neuroprotective for neurons against I/R through inhibiting the neuroinflammation.

Scaffolds for Controlled Release of Cartilage Growth Factors

In recent years, cell-based therapies using adult stem cells have attracted considerable interest in regenerative medicine. A tissue-engineered construct for cartilage repair should provide a support for the cell and allow sustained in situ delivery of bioactive factors capable of inducing cell differentiation into chondrocytes. Pharmacologically active microcarriers (PAMs), made of biodegradable and biocompatible poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide acid) (PLGA), are a unique system which combines these properties in an adaptable and simple microdevice. This device relies on nanoprecipitation of proteins encapsulated in polymeric microspheres with a solid in oil in water emulsion-solvent evaporation process, and their subsequent coating with extracellular matrix protein molecules. Here, we describe their preparation process, and some of their characterization methods for an application in cartilage tissue engineering.

LECT2 improves the outcomes in ayu with Vibrio anguillarum infection via monocytes/macrophages

Leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin 2 (LECT2) is reported to be a cytokine involved in the immune response against pathogenic microorganisms in fish. However, its accurate function in whole fish remains unclear. In this study, we provide the first report on the effect of LECT2 on fish defenses against pathogens in vivo. The administration of recombinant LECT2 improved the survival rate of Vibrio anguillarum infected ayu. The bacterial burden of V. anguillarum infected ayu was decreased in LECT2-treated ayu blood, liver, spleen, and kidney compared with saline control. In bacteria-infected ayu, LECT2 treatment altered the mRNA expression of cytokines, including TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-10, which are all important for the inflammatory response in fish. LECT2 treatment also reduced histological damage in bacteria-infected ayu, and increased peritoneal monocytes/macrophages in both healthy and infected ayu at 12 h post infection. When ayu monocytes/macrophages were depleted by clodronate-liposomes treatment, LECT2 treatment did not increase the survival rate of bacteria-infected fish compared with healthy control fish. Thus our results suggest that LECT2 can modulate host defense in ayu and mediate antibacterial protection against V. anguillarum through monocytes/macrophages.

The role of apelin-13 in novel object recognition memory

Apelin and its receptor APJ (apelin receptor) are prominently expressed in brain regions involved in learning and memory. However, the role of apelin in cognition was largely unclear. Here, the role of apelin-13 in memory processes was investigated in mice novel object recognition task. Post-training injection of apelin-13 (0.3 and 1 nmol) dose-dependently impaired short-term memory (STM), however, pre-training infusion of apelin-13 (1 nmol) did not affect STM, suggesting apelin-13 blocks formation but not acquisition of STM. Apelin-13 (1 nmol) administered immediately, 30, 60 or 120 min post-training impaired long-term memory (LTM) in a time-dependent manner (30 min), however, both pre-training and pre-test infusion of apelin-13 (1 nmol) did not affect LTM, suggesting apelin-13 impaired consolidation but not acquisition and recall of LTM. Taken together, for the first time, our results indicate that apelin-13 blocks STM formation and LTM consolidation in novel object recognition task.

Evaluation of a novel anti-aging topical formulation containing cycloastragenol, growth factors, peptides, and antioxidants

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

This study investigates the efficacy, tolerance, and usability of a single product containing cycloastragenol, growth factors, peptides, and antioxidants to decrease the visible signs of aging, including fine lines, and wrinkles, texture, pore size, elasticity, skin color/clarity, redness, hydration, and overall skin quality.

METHODS

Twenty subjects were enrolled in a 12-week, open-label, patient-assessment study. Subjects used a gentle cleanser, cycloastragenol, growth factors, peptides, and antioxidants (Regeneration Booster™, Jan Marini Skin Research (San Jose, CA) and a broad spectrum SPF for the duration of the 12-week study. Assessments were taken at baseline, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. All assessments were compared against baseline for statistical significance.

RESULTS

Eighteen of the twenty subjects completed the 12-week study. Improvement was significant after just 2 weeks of use for all measured categories except erythema and significant for all categories at 12 weeks. One hundred percent of study subjects noted improvement in at least 3 or more of the 8 assessed categories with an average improvement in 6.7 categories. Improvement response rate for individual categories ranged from 67% to 100% of study subjects. There were zero cases of sensitivity or irritation and product smell, feel and ease of application were rated "positive" by 100% of study subjects. Photographic improvement was most notable in texture and lines on the cheeks and eye area.

CONCLUSION

Regeneration Booster, when used as a stand-alone anti-aging solution, delivers rapid and significant reduction in the visible signs of aging. Subject satisfaction was extremely high and there were zero reported cases of sensitivity or irritation. Based on these observations, Regeneration Booster is a safe and effective topical product for individuals seeking significant improvement in the appearance of aging skin.

Composite chitosan and calcium sulfate scaffold for dual delivery of vancomycin and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2

A biodegradable, composite bone graft, composed of chitosan microspheres embedded in calcium sulfate, was evaluated in vitro for point-of-care loading and delivery of antibiotics and growth factors to prevent infection and stimulate healing in large bone injuries. Microspheres were loaded with rhBMP-2 or vancomycin prior to mixing into calcium sulfate loaded with vancomycin. Composites were evaluated for set time, drug release kinetics, and bacteriostatic/bactericidal activity of released vancomycin, induction of ALP expression by released rhBMP-2, and interaction of drugs on cells. Results showed the composite set in under 36 min and released vancomycin levels that were bactericidal to S. aureus (>MIC 8-16 μg/mL) for 18 days. Composites exhibited a 1 day-delayed release, followed by a continuous release of rhBMP-2 over 6 weeks; ranging from 0.06 to 1.49 ng/mL, and showed a dose dependent release based on initial loading. Released rhBMP-2 levels were, however, too low to induce detectable levels of ALP in W20-17 cells, due to the affinity of rhBMP-2 for calcium-based materials. With stimulating amounts of rhBMP-2 (>50 ng/mL), the ALP response from W-20-17 cells was inhibited when exposed to high vancomycin levels (1,800-3,600 μg/mL). This dual-delivery system is an attractive alternative to single delivery or preloaded systems for bone regeneration since it can simultaneously fight infection and deliver a potent growth factor. Additionally, this composite can accommodate a wide range of therapeutics and thus be customizable for specific patient needs, however, the potential interactive effects of multiple agents must be investigated to ensure that functional activity is not altered.

A novel approach for skin rejuvenation by regenerative medicine: delivery of stem cell-derived growth factors through an iontophoretic system

PURPOSE

It was hypothesized that mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived growth factor applied by iontophoretic transdermal delivery might improve ultraviolet beam (UVB)-induced photoaged skin. This experimental study was performed to confirm this hypothesis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Photoaged skin was induced in nude rat after an 8-week regimen of UVB irradiation, and an MSC-conditioned medium (MSC-CM) was conducted by an iontophoretic transdermal transport system. The effect of iontophoresis with MSC-CM was evaluated by replica method and measurement of the hyaluronic acid level in the dermis after treatment.

RESULTS

MSC-CM conducted by iontophoresis significantly reduced all parameters for wrinkles and increased hyaluronic acid in the dermis.

CONCLUSION

MSC-CM application by iontophoresis can be considered as a supplemental treatment to the methods for skin rejuvenation.