Impact of Cryopreservation on Caprine Fetal Adnexa Derived Stem Cells and Its Evaluation for Growth Kinetics, Phenotypic Characterization, and Wound Healing Potential in Xenogenic Rat Model

Comprehensive characterisation and cryopreservation optimisation of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells

Over half of the world's buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) inhabit India, and buffaloes frequently encounter health challenges that resist conventional treatments, prompting the exploration of alternative therapeutic strategies. One promising approach is stem cell therapy, particularly multipotent mesenchymal/stromal stem cells (MSCs). These cells have shown significant efficacy in addressing various diseases in livestock that exhibit resistance to conventional therapies. Adipose tissue-derived MSCs (ADSCs) have garnered attention due to their accessibility and robust expansion potential. The current study comprehensively characterises buffalo ADSCs (bADSCs), confirming their identity as MSCs capable of differentiating into diverse cell lineages-the identified characteristics position bADSCs as promising candidates for applications in regenerative medicine, applicable in veterinary contexts. Notably, the study established that a cryoprotective solution comprising 10 % dimethyl sulfoxide and 90 % fetal bovine serum is optimal for preserving bADSCs. This cryoprotective solution maintains vital parameters, including viability, apoptosis, senescence, cell adherence, adherent cell viability, metabolic and clonogenic efficiency, and the activity of reactive oxygen species and trilineage differentiation potential following thawing. These findings lay the foundation for developing a cryo-banking system for bADSCs. Subsequent research efforts are focused on exploring the therapeutic potential of bADSCs in specific disease models and clinical settings. The outcomes of such investigations may pave the way for innovative and effective treatments, further enhancing our understanding of the regenerative capabilities of bADSCs.

The use of stem cells in the treatment of mastitis in dairy cows

Mastitis is a multifactorial inflammatory disease. The increase in antibiotic resistance of bacteria that cause mastitis means that cattle breeders would prefer to reduce the use of antibiotics. Recently, therapies using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from various sources have gained significant interest in the development of regenerative medicine in humans and animals, due to their extraordinary range of properties and functions. The aim of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of an allogeneic stem cells derived from bone marrow (BMSC) and adipose tissue (ADSC) in treating mastitis in dairy cattle. The research material consisted of milk and blood samples collected from 39 Polish Holstein-Friesian cows, 36 of which were classified as having mastitis, based on cytological evaluation of their milk. The experimental group was divided into subgroups according to the method of MSC administration: intravenous, intramammary, and intravenous + intramammary, and according to the allogeneic stem cells administered: BMSC and ADSC. The research material was collected at several time intervals: before the administration of stem cells, after 24 and 72 h, and after 7 days. Blood samples were collected to assess hematological parameters and the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, while the milk samples were used for microbiological assessment and to determine the somatic cells count (SCC). The administration of allogeneic MSCs resulted in a reduction in the total number of bacterial cells, Staphylococcus aureus, bacteria from the Enterobacteriaceae group, and a systematic decrease in SCC in milk. The therapeutic effect was achieved via intravenous + intramammary or intramammary administration.

Exploring the therapeutic potential of allogeneic amniotic membrane for quality wound healing in rabbit model

BACKGROUND

The amniotic membrane (AM) has shown immense potential in repairing wounds due to its great regenerative qualities. Although the role of AM as a biological scaffold in repairing wounds has been studied well, the tissue regenerative potential of AM-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and conditioned media (CM) derived from it remains to be discovered as of now. Here, we examined the wound healing abilities of fresh and frozen thawed rabbit AM (rAM) along with the MSCs and their lyophilised CM in rabbits challenged with skin wounds.

METHODS

To elucidate the role of rAM-MSCs and its CM in repairing the wound, we isolated it from the freshly derived placenta and characterised their differentiation potential by performing an in vitro tri-lineage differentiation assay besides other standard confirmations. We compared the wound repair capacities of rAM-MSCs and lyophilised CM with the fresh and cryopreserved AM at different timelines by applying them to excision wounds created in rabbits.

RESULTS

By monitoring wound contractions and tissue histology of wounded skin at different time points after the application, we observed that rAM-MSCs and rAM-MSC-derived CM significantly promoted wound closure compared to the control group. We also observed that the wound closure capacity of rAM-MSCs and rAM-MSC-derived CM is as efficient as fresh and cryopreserved rAM.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that rAM-MSCs and rAM-MSC derived CM can be effectively used to treat skin wounds in animals and correctly delivered to the damaged tissue using AM as a bioscaffold, either fresh or frozen.

Mesenchymal stem cells of Oravka chicken breed: promising path to biodiversity conservation

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multilineage cells able to differentiate into other cell types. MSCs derived from bone marrow or compact bones are the most accessible stem cells used in tissue engineering. Therefore, the aim of this study was to isolate, characterize and cryopreserve MSCs of endangered Oravka chicken breed. MSCs were obtained from compact bones of the femur and tibiotarsus. MSCs were spindle-shaped and were able to differentiate into osteo-, adipo-, and chondrocytes under the specific differentiation conditions. Furthermore, MSCs were positive for surface markers such as CD29, CD44, CD73, CD90, CD105, CD146 and negative for CD34CD45 by flow cytometry. Moreover, MSCs demonstrated high positivity of "stemness" markers aldehyde dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase as well as for intracellular markers vimentin, desmin, α-SMA. Subsequently, MSCs were cryopreserved using 10% dimethyl sulfoxide in liquid nitrogen. Based on the results from the viability, phenotype, and ultrastructure assessment we can concluded that the MSCs were not negatively affected by the cryopreservation. Finally, MSCs of endangered Oravka chicken breed were successfully stored in animal gene bank, thus making them a valuable genetic resource.

Comparison of freshly cultured versus cryopreserved mesenchymal stem cells in animal models of inflammation: A pre-clinical systematic review

Background:

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells that demonstrate therapeutic potential for the treatment of acute and chronic inflammatory-mediated conditions. Although controversial, some studies suggest that MSCs may lose their functionality with cryopreservation which could render them non-efficacious. Hence, we conducted a systematic review of comparative pre-clinical models of inflammation to determine if there are differences in in vivo measures of pre-clinical efficacy (primary outcomes) and in vitro potency (secondary outcomes) between freshly cultured and cryopreserved MSCs.

Methods:

A systematic search on OvidMEDLINE, EMBASE, BIOSIS, and Web of Science (until January 13, 2022) was conducted. The primary outcome included measures of in vivo pre-clinical efficacy; secondary outcomes included measures of in vitro MSC potency. Risk of bias was assessed by the SYRCLE ‘Risk of Bias’ assessment tool for pre-clinical studies.

Results:

Eighteen studies were included. A total of 257 in vivo pre-clinical efficacy experiments represented 101 distinct outcome measures. Of these outcomes, 2.3% (6/257) were significantly different at the 0.05 level or less; 2 favoured freshly cultured and 4 favoured cryopreserved MSCs. A total of 68 in vitro experiments represented 32 different potency measures; 13% (9/68) of the experiments were significantly different at the 0.05 level or less, with seven experiments favouring freshly cultured MSC and two favouring cryopreserved MSCs.

Conclusions:

The majority of preclinical primary in vivo efficacy and secondary in vitro potency outcomes were not significantly different (p<0.05) between freshly cultured and cryopreserved MSCs. Our systematic summary of the current evidence base may provide MSC basic and clinical research scientists additional rationale for considering a cryopreserved MSC product in their pre-clinical studies and clinical trials as well as help identify research gaps and guide future related research.

Funding:

Ontario Institute for Regenerative Medicine

Topical spray of Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells derived from umbilical cord accelerates diabetic wound healing

BACKGROUND & AIM

Cell-based therapy utilizing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is currently being investigated as a therapeutic agent for chronic wounds. There is no evidence regarding effectiveness of the spray and local transfer of this cellular product in diabetic wound healing. Accordingly, the present study, using clinical, pathological and biometric parameters, investigated the effectiveness of the spray of these cells in the healing of diabetic wounds in rats.

METHODS

Three days after the induction of diabetes (50 mg/kg single dose of streptozotocin) a circular excision was created on the back of rats. Diabetic rats were divided into two groups (n=21): Control and WJ-MSCs group. Sampling of the studied groups was performed on days 7, 14 and 21 after wounding. Histological, ultrasound imaging of dermis and epidermis in the wound area for thickness and density measurement and skin elasticity were evaluated.

RESULTS

Our results on days 7, 14, and 21 after wounding showed that the wound closure, thickness and density of new epidermis and dermis, as well as skin elasticity in healed wound were significantly higher in WJ-MSCs group compared to the Control group.

CONCLUSION

Application of WJ-MSCs suspension spray on the wound area can accelerate healing in diabetic wounds. Our findings may potentially provide a helpful therapeutic strategy for patients with a diabetic wound.

MSC therapy in livestock models

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have great value as therapeutic tools in a wide array of applications in regenerative medicine. The wide repertoire of cell functions regarding tissue regeneration, immunomodulation, and antimicrobial activity makes MSC-based therapy a strong candidate for treatment options in a variety of clinical conditions and should be studied to expand the current breadth of knowledge surrounding their physiological properties and therapeutic benefits. Livestock models are an appropriate resource for testing the efficacy of MSC therapies for their use in biomedical research and can be used to improve both human health and animal agriculture. Agricultural animal models such as pigs, cattle, sheep, and goats have grown in popularity for in vivo research relative to small animal models due to their overlapping similarities in structure and function that more closely mimic the human body. Cutaneous wound healing, bone regeneration, osteoarthritis, ischemic reperfusion injury, and mastitis recovery represent a few examples of the types of disease states that may be investigated in livestock using MSC-based therapy. Although the cost of agricultural animals is greater than small animal models, the information gained using livestock as a model holds great value for human applications, and in some cases, outcompetes the weight of information gained from rodent models. With emerging fields such as exosome-based therapy, proper in vivo models will be needed for testing efficacy and translational practice, i.e., livestock models should be strongly considered as candidates. The potential for capitalizing on areas that have crossover benefits for both agricultural economic gain and improved health of the animals while minimizing the gap between translational research and clinical practice are what make livestock great choices for experimental MSC models.

Adipose Tissue- and Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Sheep: Culture Characteristics

Simple Summary

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are available in minuscule numbers in the body or placental tissues. These cells have mostly been harvested from bone marrow and adipose tissue. To broaden the currently available knowledge, the current study provides (a) information on the feasibility of isolation of MSCs at different ambient temperatures, (b) details of MSCs’ culture characteristics with respect to the physiological status of the donor, and (c) information on the viability of cryopreserved cells. Bone marrow harbors a higher mononuclear cell fraction than that of the adipose tissue, although percent adherent cells are comparably more in adipose tissue. MSCs from a pregnant donor show enhanced proliferation and differentiation potential, although further studies are desired. The cryopreserved cells have comparable characteristics to that of the fresh cells. In conclusion, donor animals’ tissue type and physiological status may affect MSCs’ characteristics and should be taken into consideration while applying in clinical settings.

Abstract

The current study demonstrates the culture characteristics of adipose tissue and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). The study evaluates the effect of ambient temperature, physiological status of the donor and the tissue source on sheep (Ovis aries) mesenchymal stem cells. The tissue samples were harvested from full term pregnant female sheep (n = 9) and male sheep (n = 10). Adipose tissue was harvested from n = 9 sheep and bone marrow from n = 10 sheep. The samples (adipose tissue, n = 2; bone marrow, n = 3) transported at cold ambient temperature (<10 °C) failed to yield MSCs while those (n = 14) at higher (>20 °C) ambient temperature successfully yielded MSCs. Bone marrow mononuclear cell (MNC) fraction was higher than the adipose tissue-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF), but the percent adherent cells (PAC) was higher in the later cell fraction. Adipose tissue-derived MSCs from the full term female sheep had a significantly (p < 0.05) higher proliferation potential as compared to those of the male sheep-derived MSCs. Female sheep MSCs also had rapid differentiation potential. The cryopreserved MSCs had morphological features comparable to that of the fresh cells. In conclusion, the tissue type and physiological status of donor animal may affect MSCs’ characteristics and should be taken into consideration while applying in clinical settings.

Comparative analysis of the immunomodulatory potential of caprine fetal adnexa derived mesenchymal stem cells

The caprine mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from fetal adnexa are highly proliferative. These cells possess tri-lineage differentiation potential and express MSC surface antigens and pluripotency markers with a wound-healing potential. This present study was conducted to compare the immunomodulatory potential of caprine MSCs derived from the fetal adnexa. Mid-gestation caprine uteri (2-3 months) were collected from the abattoir to isolate MSCs from amniotic fluid (cAF), amniotic sac (cAS), Wharton's jelly (cWJ) and cord blood (cCB), which were expanded and characterized at the 3^rd passage. These MSCs were then stimulated with inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ and TNF-α) to assess the percentage of inhibition produced on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) proliferation. The percentage of inhibition on activated PBMCs proliferation produced by cWJ MSCs and cAS MSCs was significantly higher than cCB and cAF MSCs. The relative mRNA expression profile and immunofluorescent localization of different immunomodulatory cytokines and growth factors were conducted upon stimulation. The mRNA expression profile of a set of different cytokines and growth factors in each caprine fetal adnexa MSCs were modulated. Indoleamine 2, 3 dioxygenase appeared to be the major immunomodulator in cWJ, cAF, and cCB MSCs whereas inducible nitric oxide synthase in cAS MSCs. This study suggests that caprine MSCs derived from fetal adnexa display variable immunomodulatory potential, which appears to be modulated by different molecules among sources.

Effects of Xenogen Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Cryo-Platelet Gel on Intractable Wound Healing in Animal

BACKGROUND

Today, the effects of growth factors and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in promoting wound healing have been confirmed.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the effect of MSCs and platelet cryogel on wound healing.

METHODS

40 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=8). The control group just dressed, the second group received platelet cryogel, the third group received platelet cryogel containing MSCs, the fourth group received plasma, and the fifth group received plasma plus MSCs. The biopsy was obtained from the wounds in 2, 4, 6, and 8 days of the treatment. Then pathological evaluation was conducted. Finally, qRT-PCR was performed to determine angiogenesis.

RESULTS

The intervention groups had faster wound healing and lower wound area than the control group (p<0.05). The highest wound healing rate and the smallest wound area were observed in the group after receiving platelet cryogel plus MSCs. Angiogenesis, fibrosis, myoepithelial and epithelialization in the pathologic examination using H & E staining were not significantly different between the groups. The expression of Ang-1 in the intervention groups was higher than the control group and the highest expression was observed in the platelet cryogel plus MSCs, followed by the platelet cryogel group. The expression of VEGF in the plasma plus MSCs was higher than in the other groups.

CONCLUSION

Further studies require to determine the effects of combined use of platelet cryogel plus MSCs on other types of wounds and evaluate mechanisms involved in wound healing like collagenases and inflammatory factors.

Small Ruminants and Its Use in Regenerative Medicine: Recent Works and Future Perspectives

Simple Summary

Small ruminants such as sheep and goats have been increasingly used as animal models due to their dimensions, physiology and anatomy identical to those of humans. Their low costs, ease of accommodation, great longevity and easy handling make them advantageous animals to be used in a wide range of research work. Although there is already a lot of scientific literature describing these species, their use still lacks some standardization. The purpose of this review is to summarize the general principles related to the use of small ruminants as animal models for scientific research.

Abstract

Medical and translational scientific research requires the use of animal models as an initial approach to the study of new therapies and treatments, but when the objective is an exploration of translational potentialities, classical models fail to adequately mimic problems in humans. Among the larger animal models that have been explored more intensely in recent decades, small ruminants, namely sheep and goats, have emerged as excellent options. The main advantages associated to the use of these animals in research works are related to their anatomy and dimensions, larger than conventional laboratory animals, but very similar to those of humans in most physiological systems, in addition to their low maintenance and feeding costs, tendency to be docile, long life expectancies and few ethical complications raised in society. The most obvious disadvantages are the significant differences in some systems such as the gastrointestinal, and the reduced amount of data that limits the comparison between works and the validation of the characterization essays. Despite everything, recently these species have been increasingly used as animal models for diseases in different systems, and the results obtained open doors for their more frequent and advantageous use in the future. The purpose of this review is to summarize the general principles related to the use of small ruminants as animal models, with a focus on regenerative medicine, to group the most relevant works and results published recently and to highlight the potentials for the near future in medical research.

The preclinical and clinical implications of fetal adnexa derived mesenchymal stromal cells in wound healing therapy

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) isolated from fetal adnexa namely amniotic membrane/epithelium, amniotic fluid and umbilical cord have hogged the limelight in recent times, as a proposed alternative to MSCs from conventional sources. These cells which are identified as being in a developmentally primitive state have many advantages, the most important being the non-invasive nature of their isolation procedures, absence of ethical concerns, proliferation potential, differentiation abilities and low immunogenicity. In the present review, we are focusing on the potential preclinical and clinical applications of different cell types of fetal adnexa, in wound healing therapy. We also discuss the isolation-culture methods, cell surface marker expression, multi-lineage differentiation abilities, immune-modulatory capabilities and their homing property. Different mechanisms involved in the wound healing process and the role of stromal cells in therapeutic wound healing are highlighted. Further, we summarize the findings of the cell delivery systems in skin lesion models and paracrine functions of their secretome in the wound healing process. Overall, this holistic review outlines the research findings of fetal adnexa derived MSCs, their usefulness in wound healing therapy in human as well as in veterinary medicine.

Mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned media: A novel alternative of stem cell therapy for quality wound healing

Mesenchymal stem cells-conditioned media (MSCs-CM) contains several growth factors and cytokines, thus may be used as a better alternative to stem cell therapy, which needs to be elucidated. The present study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic potential of caprine, canine, and guinea pig bone marrow-derived MSCs-CM in excision wound healing in a guinea pig model. MSCs were obtained from bone marrow, expanded ex vivo and characterized as per ISCT criteria. CM was collected assayed by western blot to ascertain the presence of important secretory biomolecules. Quantitative estimation by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was done for a vascular epidermal growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in caprine MSCs-CM and optimum time for collection of CM was decided as 72 hr. CM from all the species was lyophilized by freeze-drying method. Full-thickness (2 × 2 cm² ) excision skin wounds were created in guinea pigs (six animals in each group) and respective lyophilized CM mixed with laminin gel was applied topically at weekly interval. On Day 28, histopathological examinations of healed skin were done by hemotoxylin and eosin staining. MSCs were found to secrete important growth factors and cytokines (i.e., VEGF, transforming growth factor-β1, fibroblast growth factor-2, insulin-like growth factor-1, stem cell factor, and IL-6) as demonstrated by immunohistochemistry and western blot assay. It was found that allogenic and xenogenic application of CM significantly improved quality wound healing with minimal scar formation. Thus, MSCs-CM can be used allogenically as well as xenogenically for quality wound healing.

Effect of cryopreservation on therapeutic potential of canine bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells augmented mesh scaffold for wound healing in guinea pig

The objective of this study was to compare the therapeutic potential of canine bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM MSCs) augmented mesh scaffold for wound healing potential in guinea pig before and after cryopreservation. Bone marrow aspirate was obtained from healthy dogs and culture was expanded in vitro. MSCs augmented mesh scaffold were cryopreserved for 30 days and then used for therapeutic purposes. Both fresh and frozen thaw MSCs augmented mesh scaffold along with fresh MSCs were used for therapeutic purposes in guinea pig. No significant (P > 0.05) difference was observed in population doubling time (PDT) among fresh and frozen thawed BM MSCs. Both fresh and frozen thawed BM MSCs expressed cell surface markers (CD73, CD90, and CD105), and did not express CD34 as was confirmed by Immunocytochemistry and Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction. The fresh and frozen thawed BM MSCs successfully differentiated into osteogenic, chondrogenic and adipogenic lineages. Therapeutic results revealed that the percent wound contraction on day 14 was more than 65 % for the mesh augmented with MSCs as well as freshly injected MSCs group as against 33-34 % in the control group. Healed wound quality parameters viz. surface epithelium, neovascularization, and collagen characteristics were better for the mesh augmented with MSCs as well as freshly injected MSCs group compared to the control group. No significant difference was noted among fresh and frozen thawed BM MSCs group and fresh MSCs injected group. Thus, it is concluded from this study that canine BM MSCs augmented mesh scaffold both fresh and frozen thaw can be used for quality wound healing.

Hair-follicle-associated pluripotent stem cells derived from cryopreserved intact human hair follicles sustain multilineage differentiation potential

The bulge area of the hair follicle contains hair-follicle-associated pluripotent (HAP) stem cells. Here, we present effective cryopreservation procedures of the human hair follicle that preserve the differentiation potential of HAP stem cells. Whole hair follicles isolated from human scalp were cryopreserved by a slow-rate cooling medium and stored in liquid nitrogen. A careful thawing method was used to collect the upper parts of the human hair follicles which were cultured for four weeks in a Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium with fetal bovine serum (FBS). Proliferating hair follicle cells were then shifted to DMEM/Ham’s Nutrient Mixture F-12 medium without FBS and allowed to grow for one week. These proliferating cells were able to produce HAP stem cell colonies with multilineage differentiation capacity. They produced keratinocytes, smooth muscle cells, cardiac muscle cells, neurons and glial cells. Interestingly, these cryopreserved hair follicles produced pluripotent HAP stem cell colonies similar to fresh follicles. These findings suggest that the cryopreserved whole human hair follicle preserves the ability to produce HAP stem cells, which will enable any individual to preserve a bank of these stem cells for personalized regenerative medicine.

An allogenic therapeutic strategy for canine spinal cord injury using mesenchymal stem cells

This study was conducted to characterize canine bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs); in vivo tracking in mice, and therapeutic evaluation in canine clinical paraplegia cases. Canine BMSCs were isolated, cultured, and characterized in vitro as per International Society for Cellular Therapy criteria, and successfully differentiated to chondrogenic, osteogenic, and adipogenic lineages. To demonstrate the homing property, the pGL4.51 vector that contained luciferase reporter gene was used to transfect BMSCs. Successfully transfected cells were injected around the skin wound in mice and in vivo imaging was done at 6, 12 and 24 hr post MSCs delivery. In vivo imaging revealed that transfected BMSCs migrated and concentrated predominantly toward the center of the wound. BMSCs were further evaluated for allogenic therapeutic potential in 44 clinical cases of spinal cord injuries (SCI) and compared with conventional therapy (control). Therapeutic potential as evaluated by different body reflexes and recovery score depicted significantly better results in stem cell-treated group compared to control group. In conclusion, allogenic canine BMSCs can serve as potent therapeutic candidate in cell-based therapies, especially for diseases like SCI, where the conventional medication is not so promising.