Application of mesenchymal stem cells in regenerative medicine: A new approach in modern medical science

Upstream Process Protocol for MSCs Isolated from Different Human-Based Tissue Origins

This chapter introduces the increasing significance of mesenchymal stromal/stem cell (MSC) production in regenerative medicine and cellular therapeutics, outlines the growing interest in MSCs for various medical applications, and highlights their potential in advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) and the advancements in cell culture technologies that have facilitated large-scale MSC production under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), ensuring safety and efficacy. This chapter describes an optimized upstream protocol for laboratory-scale MSC production from different tissue sources. This protocol, conducted in flasks, controls critical parameters and lays the foundation for downstream processing to generate ATMPs. This comprehensive approach underscores the potential of MSCs in clinical applications and the importance of tailored production processes.

Evaluating the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells for diabetic neuropathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical studies

Diabetic neuropathy affects nearly half of all diabetics and poses a significant threat to public health. Recent preclinical studies suggest that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may represent a promising solution for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. However, an objective assessment of the preclinical effectiveness of MSCs is still pending. We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane library to identify preclinical studies that investigate the effects of MSCs on diabetic neuropathy up until 15 September 2023. Outcome indicators consisted of motor and sensory nerve conduction velocities, intra-epidermal nerve fiber density, sciatic nerve blood flow, capillary-to-muscle fiber ratio, neurotrophic factors, angiogenic factors and inflammatory cytokines. The literature review and meta-analysis were conducted independently by two researchers. 23 studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in this system review for qualitative and quantitative analysis. Pooled analyses indicated that MSCs exhibited an evident benefit in diabetic neuropathy in terms of motor (SMD = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.71-2.61) and sensory nerve conduction velocities (SMD = 2.93, 95% CI: 1.78-4.07), intra-epidermal nerve fiber density (SMD = 3.17, 95% CI: 2.28-4.07), sciatic nerve blood flow (SMD = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.37-2.66), and capillary-to-muscle fiber ratio (SMD = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.55 to 3.01, p < 0.00001). Furthermore, after MSC therapy, the expressions of neurotrophic and angiogenic factors increased significantly in most studies, while the levels of inflammatory cytokines were significantly reduced. The relevance of this review relies on the fact that summarizes an extensive body of work entailing substantial preclinical evidence that supports the efficacy of MSCs in mitigating diabetic neuropathy. While MSCs emerge as a promising potential treatment for diabetic neuropathy, further research is essential to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and the best administration strategy for MSCs.

BM-MSC-Loaded Graphene-Collagen Cryogels Ameliorate Neuroinflammation in a Rat Spinal Cord Injury Model

A major obstacle to axonal regeneration following spinal cord injury (SCI) is neuroinflammation mediated by astrocytes and microglial cells. We previously demonstrated that graphene-based collagen hydrogels alone can decrease neuroinflammation in SCI. Their regenerative potential, however, is poorly understood and incomplete. Furthermore, stem cells have demonstrated both neuroprotective and regenerative properties in spinal cord regeneration, although there are constraints connected with the application of stem cell-based therapy. In this study, we have analyzed the regeneration capability of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BM-MSC)-loaded graphene-cross-linked collagen cryogels (Gr-Col) in a thoracic (T10-T11) hemisection model of SCI. Our study found that BM-MSC-loaded Gr-Col improves axonal regeneration, reduces neuroinflammation by decreasing astrocyte reactivity, and promotes M2 macrophage polarization. BM-MSC-loaded-Gr-Col demonstrated enhanced regenerative potential compared to Gr-Col and the injury group control. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis revealed that BM-MSC-loaded-Gr-Col modulates the JAK2-STAT3 pathway, thus decreasing the reactive and scar-forming astrocyte phenotype. The decrease in neuroinflammation in the BM-MSC-loaded-Gr-Col group is attributed to the modulation of Notch/Rock and STAT5a/b and STAT6 signaling. Overall, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis suggests the promising role of BM-MSC-loaded-Gr-Col in promoting axonal regeneration after SCI by modulating molecular pathways such as the PI3/Akt pathway, focal adhesion kinase, and various inflammatory pathways.