Impact of dexamethasone concentration on cartilage tissue formation from human synovial derived stem cells in vitro

Self-Assembled PLGA-Pluronic F127 Microsphere for Sustained Drug Release for Osteoarthritis

For many years, sustained-release drug delivery systems (SRDDS) have emerged as a featured topic in the pharmaceutical field. Particularly for chronic diseases, such as osteoarthritis, there is a lot of demand for SRDDS because of the long treatment period and repetitive medication administration. Thus, we developed an injectable PLGA-F127 microsphere (MS) that is capable of the in situ conversion to an implant. The microprecipitation method for PLGA-F127 MS was established, and the physicochemical stability of the products was confirmed. The microspheres were assembled into a single mass in 37 °C aqueous conditions and showed a remarkably delayed drug release profile. First, the release started with no significant initial burst and lagged for 60 days. After that, in the next 40 days, the remaining 75% of the drugs were constantly released until day 105. We expect that our PLGA-F127 MS could be employed to extend the release period of 2 months of medication to 4 months. This could be a valuable solution for developing novel SRDDS for local injections.

Basic fibroblast growth factor promotes meniscus regeneration through the cultivation of synovial mesenchymal stem cells via the CXCL6-CXCR2 pathway

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in promoting meniscus regeneration by cultivating synovial mesenchymal stem cells (SMSCs) and to validate the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Human SMSCs were collected from patients with osteoarthritis. Eight-week-old nude rats underwent hemi-meniscectomy, and SMSCs in pellet form, either with or without bFGF (1.0 × 106 cells per pellet), were implanted at the site of meniscus defects. Rats were divided into the control (no transplantation), FGF (-) (pellet without bFGF), and FGF (+) (pellet with bFGF) groups. Different examinations, including assessment of the regenerated meniscus area, histological scoring of the regenerated meniscus and cartilage, meniscus indentation test, and immunohistochemistry analysis, were performed at 4 and 8 weeks after surgery.

RESULTS

Transplanted SMSCs adhered to the regenerative meniscus. Compared with the control group, the FGF (+) group had larger regenerated meniscus areas, superior histological scores of the meniscus and cartilage, and better meniscus mechanical properties. RNA sequencing of SMSCs revealed that the gene expression of chemokines that bind to CXCR2 was upregulated by bFGF. Furthermore, conditioned medium derived from SMSCs cultivated with bFGF exhibited enhanced cell migration, proliferation, and chondrogenic differentiation, which were specifically inhibited by CXCR2 or CXCL6 inhibitors.

CONCLUSION

SMSCs cultured with bFGF promoted the expression of CXCL6. This mechanism may enhance cell migration, proliferation, and chondrogenic differentiation, thereby resulting in superior meniscus regeneration and cartilage preservation.

Autologous and Allogeneic Cytotherapies for Large Knee (Osteo)Chondral Defects: Manufacturing Process Benchmarking and Parallel Functional Qualification

Cytotherapies are often necessary for the management of symptomatic large knee (osteo)-chondral defects. While autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) has been clinically used for 30 years, allogeneic cells (clinical-grade FE002 primary chondroprogenitors) have been investigated in translational settings (Swiss progenitor cell transplantation program). The aim of this study was to comparatively assess autologous and allogeneic approaches (quality, safety, functional attributes) to cell-based knee chondrotherapies developed for clinical use. Protocol benchmarking from a manufacturing process and control viewpoint enabled us to highlight the respective advantages and risks. Safety data (telomerase and soft agarose colony formation assays, high passage cell senescence) and risk analyses were reported for the allogeneic FE002 cellular active substance in preparation for an autologous to allogeneic clinical protocol transposition. Validation results on autologous bioengineered grafts (autologous chondrocyte-bearing Chondro-Gide scaffolds) confirmed significant chondrogenic induction (COL2 and ACAN upregulation, extracellular matrix synthesis) after 2 weeks of co-culture. Allogeneic grafts (bearing FE002 primary chondroprogenitors) displayed comparable endpoint quality and functionality attributes. Parameters of translational relevance (transport medium, finished product suturability) were validated for the allogeneic protocol. Notably, the process-based benchmarking of both approaches highlighted the key advantages of allogeneic FE002 cell-bearing grafts (reduced cellular variability, enhanced process standardization, rationalized logistical and clinical pathways). Overall, this study built on our robust knowledge and local experience with ACI (long-term safety and efficacy), setting an appropriate standard for further clinical investigations into allogeneic progenitor cell-based orthopedic protocols.

Enhanced chondrogenic differentiation of iPS cell-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells via neural crest cell induction for hyaline cartilage repair

Background: To date, there is no effective long-lasting treatment for cartilage tissue repair. Primary chondrocytes and mesenchymal stem/stromal cells are the most commonly used cell sources in regenerative medicine. However, both cell types have limitations, such as dedifferentiation, donor morbidity, and limited expansion. Here, we report a stepwise differentiation method to generate matrix-rich cartilage spheroids from induced pluripotent stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (iMSCs) via the induction of neural crest cells under xeno-free conditions. Methods: The genes and signaling pathways regulating the chondrogenic susceptibility of iMSCs generated under different conditions were studied. Enhanced chondrogenic differentiation was achieved using a combination of growth factors and small-molecule inducers. Results: We demonstrated that the use of a thienoindazole derivative, TD-198946, synergistically improves chondrogenesis in iMSCs. The proposed strategy produced controlled-size spheroids and increased cartilage extracellular matrix production with no signs of dedifferentiation, fibrotic cartilage formation, or hypertrophy in vivo. Conclusion: These findings provide a novel cell source for stem cell-based cartilage repair. Furthermore, since chondrogenic spheroids have the potential to fuse within a few days, they can be used as building blocks for biofabrication of larger cartilage tissues using technologies such as the Kenzan Bioprinting method.

Growth Differentiation Factor 7 promotes multiple-lineage differentiation in tenogenic cultures of mesenchymal stem cells

The repair of the tendon-bone interface, which is composed of tendon, fibrocartilage, and bony attachment, remains a clinical challenge. The application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), collagen-rich extracellular matrix (ECMs), as well as growth factors, has the potential to regenerate this special multiple-tissue structure through the so-called biological augmentation. We present here an in vitro tendon regeneration model with C3H10T1/2 cells cultured on Collagen I matrix and evaluated the lineage determination effects of Growth Differentiation Factor 7 (GDF-7). We found that besides tenogenic effect, GDF-7 also stimulates the expression of osteoblastic as well as adipocytic genes. Our results indicate that GDF-7 might be a promising growth factor for regeneration of the tendon-bone interface due to its multiple-lineage stimulating effects. However, the side effect on adipogenic differentiation should be of concern, as it is a known risk factor for repair failures.

Strategies to Convert Cells into Hyaline Cartilage: Magic Spells for Adult Stem Cells

Damaged hyaline cartilage gradually decreases joint function and growing pain significantly reduces the quality of a patient’s life. The clinically approved procedure of autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) for treating knee cartilage lesions has several limits, including the absence of healthy articular cartilage tissues for cell isolation and difficulties related to the chondrocyte expansion in vitro. Today, various ACI modifications are being developed using autologous chondrocytes from alternative sources, such as the auricles, nose and ribs. Adult stem cells from different tissues are also of great interest due to their less traumatic material extraction and their innate abilities of active proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation. According to the different adult stem cell types and their origin, various strategies have been proposed for stem cell expansion and initiation of their chondrogenic differentiation. The current review presents the diversity in developing applied techniques based on autologous adult stem cell differentiation to hyaline cartilage tissue and targeted to articular cartilage damage therapy.

Dexamethasone: Insights into Pharmacological Aspects, Therapeutic Mechanisms, and Delivery Systems

Dexamethasone (DEX) has been widely used to treat a variety of diseases, including autoimmune diseases, allergies, ocular disorders, cancer, and, more recently, COVID-19. However, DEX usage is often restricted in the clinic due to its poor water solubility. When administered through a systemic route, it can elicit severe side effects, such as hypertension, peptic ulcers, hyperglycemia, and hydro-electrolytic disorders. There is currently much interest in developing efficient DEX-loaded nanoformulations that ameliorate adverse disease effects inhibiting advancements in scientific research. Various nanoparticles have been developed to selectively deliver drugs without destroying healthy cells or organs in recent years. In the present review, we have summarized some of the most attractive applications of DEX-loaded delivery systems, including liposomes, polymers, hydrogels, nanofibers, silica, calcium phosphate, and hydroxyapatite. This review provides our readers with a broad spectrum of nanomedicine approaches to deliver DEX safely.

Three-dimensional Culture and Chondrogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Interconnected Collagen Scaffolds

Interconnected scaffolds are useful for promoting the chondrogenic differentiation of stem cells. Collagen scaffolds with interconnected pore structures were fabricated with poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) sponge templates. The PLGA-templated collagen scaffolds were used to culture human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) to investigate their promotive effect on the chondrogenic differentiation of hMSCs. The cells adhered to the scaffolds with a homogeneous distribution and proliferated with culture time. The expression of chondrogenesis-related genes was upregulated, and abundant cartilaginous matrices were detected. After subcutaneous implantation, the PLGA-templated collagen scaffolds further enhanced the production of cartilaginous matrices and the mechanical properties of the implants. The good interconnectivity of the PLGA-templated collagen scaffolds promoted chondrogenic differentiation. In particular, the collagen scaffolds prepared with large pore-bearing PLGA sponge templates showed the highest promotive effect.

Scaffold-free approaches for the fabrication of engineered articular cartilage tissue

Tissue engineered cartilaginous constructs have meet great advances in the past decades as a treatment for osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease affecting people all over the world as the population ages. Scaffold-free tissue engineered constructs are designed and developed in recent years with only cells and cell-derived matrix involved. Scaffold-free tissue constructs do not require cell adherence on exogenous materials and are superior to scaffold-based constructs in (1) relying on only cells to produce matrix, (2) not interfering cell-cell signaling, cell migration or small molecules diffusion after implantation and (3) introducing no exogenous impurities. In this review, three main scaffold-free methodologies for cartilage tissue engineering, the cell sheet technology, the phase transfer cell culture-living hyaline cartilage graft (PTCC-LhCG) system and the cell aggregate-based (bottom-up) methods, were reviewed, covering mold fabrication, decellularization and 3D bioprinting. The recent advances, medical applications, superiority and drawbacks were elaborated in detail.

Development and Application of 3D Bioprinted Scaffolds Supporting Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting is a revolutionary technology that replicates 3D functional living tissue scaffolds in vitro by controlling the layer-by-layer deposition of biomaterials and enables highly precise positioning of cells. With the development of this technology, more advanced research on the mechanisms of tissue morphogenesis, clinical drug screening, and organ regeneration may be pursued. Because of their self-renewal characteristics and multidirectional differentiation potential, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have outstanding advantages in stem cell research and applications. In this review, we discuss the advantages of different bioinks containing human iPSCs that are fabricated by using 3D bioprinting. In particular, we focus on the ability of these bioinks to support iPSCs and promote their proliferation and differentiation. In addition, we summarize the applications of 3D bioprinting with iPSC-containing bioinks and put forward new views on the current research status.

Divergence in chondrogenic potential between in vitro and in vivo of adipose- and synovial-stem cells from mouse and human

BACKGROUND

Somatic stem cell transplantation has been performed for cartilage injury, but the reparative mechanisms are still conflicting. The chondrogenic potential of stem cells are thought as promising features for cartilage therapy; however, the correlation between their potential for chondrogenesis in vitro and in vivo remains undefined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the intrinsic chondrogenic condition depends on cell types and explore an indicator to select useful stem cells for cartilage regeneration.

METHODS

The chondrogenic potential of two different stem cell types derived from adipose tissue (ASCs) and synovium (SSCs) of mice and humans was assessed using bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP2) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1). Their in vivo chondrogenic potential was validated through transplantation into a mouse osteochondral defect model.

RESULTS

All cell types showed apparent chondrogenesis under the combination of BMP2 and TGFβ1 in vitro, as assessed by the formation of proteoglycan- and type 2 collagen (COL2)-rich tissues. However, our results vastly differed with those observed following single stimulation among species and cell types; apparent chondrogenesis of mouse SSCs was observed with supplementation of BMP2 or TGFβ1, whereas chondrogenesis of mouse ASCs and human SSCs was observed with supplementation of BMP2 not TGFβ1. Human ASCs showed no obvious chondrogenesis following single stimulation. Mouse SSCs showed the formation of hyaline-like cartilage which had less fibrous components (COL1/3) with supplementation of TGFβ1. However, human cells developed COL1/3+ tissues with all treatments. Transcriptomic analysis for TGFβ receptors and ligands of cells prior to chondrogenic induction did not indicate their distinct reactivity to the TGFβ1 or BMP2. In the transplanted site in vivo, mouse SSCs formed hyaline-like cartilage (proteoglycan+/COL2+/COL1-/COL3-) but other cell types mainly formed COL1/3-positive fibrous tissues in line with in vitro reactivity to TGFβ1.

CONCLUSION

Optimal chondrogenic factors driving chondrogenesis from somatic stem cells are intrinsically distinct among cell types and species. Among them, the response to TGFβ1 may possibly represent the fate of stem cells when locally transplanted into cartilage defects.

Promoting Effect of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor in Synovial Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Based Cartilage Regeneration

Synovial mesenchymal stem cell (SMSC) is the promising cell source of cartilage regeneration but has several issues to overcome such as limited cell proliferation and heterogeneity of cartilage regeneration ability. Previous reports demonstrated that basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) can promote proliferation and cartilage differentiation potential of MSCs in vitro, although no reports show its beneficial effect in vivo. The purpose of this study is to investigate the promoting effect of bFGF on cartilage regeneration using human SMSC in vivo. SMSCs were cultured with or without bFGF in a growth medium, and 2 × 10⁵ cells were aggregated to form a synovial pellet. Synovial pellets were implanted into osteochondral defects induced in the femoral trochlea of severe combined immunodeficient mice, and histological evaluation was performed after eight weeks. The presence of implanted SMSCs was confirmed by the observation of human vimentin immunostaining-positive cells. Interestingly, broad lacunae structures and cartilage substrate stained by Safranin-O were observed only in the bFGF (+) group. The bFGF (+) group had significantly higher O’Driscoll scores in the cartilage repair than the bFGF (−) group. The addition of bFGF to SMSC growth culture may be a useful treatment option to promote cartilage regeneration in vivo.

A novel negative regulatory mechanism of Smurf2 in BMP/Smad signaling in bone

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) play important roles in bone metabolism. Smad ubiquitination regulatory factors (Smurfs) regulate TGF-β/BMP signaling via ubiquitination, resulting in degradation of signaling molecules to prevent excessive activation of TGF-β/BMP signaling. Though Smurf2 has been shown to negatively regulate TGF-β/Smad signaling, its involvement in BMP/Smad signaling in bone metabolism has not been thoroughly investigated. In the present study, we sought to evaluate the role of Smurf2 in BMP/Smad signaling in bone metabolism. Absorbable collagen sponges containing 3 μg of recombinant human BMP2 (rhBMP2) were implanted in the dorsal muscle pouches of wild type (WT) and Smurf2^−/− mice. The rhBMP2-induced ectopic bone in Smurf2^−/− mice showed greater bone mass, higher mineral apposition and bone formation rates, and greater osteoblast numbers than the ectopic bone in WT mice. In WT mice, the ectopic bone consisted of a thin discontinuous outer cortical shell and scant inner trabecular bone. In contrast, in Smurf2^−/− mice, the induced bone consisted of a thick, continuous outer cortical shell and abundant inner trabecular bone. Additionally, rhBMP2-stimulated bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) from Smurf2^−/− mice showed increased osteogenic differentiation. Smurf2 induced the ubiquitination of Smad1/5. BMP/Smad signaling was enhanced in Smurf2^−/− BMSCs stimulated with rhBMP2, and the inhibition of BMP/Smad signaling suppressed osteogenic differentiation of these BMSCs. These findings demonstrate that Smurf2 negatively regulates BMP/Smad signaling, thereby identifying a new regulatory mechanism in bone metabolism.

Evidence that TD-198946 enhances the chondrogenic potential of human synovium-derived stem cells through the NOTCH3 signaling pathway

Human synovium-derived stem cells (hSSCs) are an attractive source of cells for cartilage repair. At present, the quality of tissue and techniques used for cartilage regeneration have scope for improvement. A small compound, TD-198946, was reported to enhance chondrogenic induction from hSSCs; however, other applications of TD-198946, such as priming the cell potential of hSSCs, remain unknown. Our study aimed to examine the effect of TD-198946 pretreatment on hSSCs. HSSCs were cultured with or without TD-198946 for 7 days during expansion culture and then converted into a three-dimensional pellet culture supplemented with bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2) and/or transforming growth factor beta-3 (TGFβ3). Chondrogenesis in cultures was assessed based on the GAG content, histology, and expression levels of chondrogenic marker genes. Cell pellets derived from TD-198946-pretreated hSSCs showed enhanced chondrogenic potential when chondrogenesis was induced by both BMP2 and TGFβ3. Moreover, cartilaginous tissue was efficiently generated from TD-198946-pretreated hSSCs using a combination of BMP2 and TGFβ3. Microarray analysis revealed that NOTCH pathway-related genes and their target genes were significantly upregulated in TD-198946-treated hSSCs, although TD-198946 alone did not upregulate chondrogenesis related markers. The administration of the NOTCH signal inhibitor diminished the effect of TD-198946. Thus, TD-198946 enhances the chondrogenic potential of hSSCs via the NOTCH3 signaling pathway. This study is the first to demonstrate the gradual activation of NOTCH3 signaling during chondrogenesis in hSSCs. The priming of NOTCH3 using TD-198946 provides a novel insight regarding the regulation of the differentiation of hSSCs into chondrocytes.

Molecular and Lifestyle Factors Modulating Obesity Disease

Obesity adversely affects bone health by means of multiple mechanisms, e.g., alterations in bone-regulating hormones, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Substantial evidence supports the relationship between adiposity and bone disorders in overweight/obese individuals. It is well known that the balance between mutually exclusive differentiation of progenitor cells into osteoblasts or adipocytes is controlled by different agents, including growth factors, hormones, genetic and epigenetic factors. Furthermore, an association between vitamin D deficiency and obesity has been reported. On the other hand, regular physical activity plays a key role in weight control, in the reduction of obesity-associated risks and promotes osteogenesis. The aim of this review is to highlight relevant cellular and molecular aspects for over-weight containment. In this context, the modulation of progenitor cells during differentiation as well as the role of epigenetics and microbiota in obesity disease will be discussed. Furthermore, lifestyle changes including an optimized diet as well as targeted physical activity will be suggested as strategies for the treatment of obesity disease.

BMP2 and TGF-β Cooperate Differently during Synovial-Derived Stem-Cell Chondrogenesis in a Dexamethasone-Dependent Manner

Recent studies highlighting mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) epigenetic memory suggest that a different differentiation medium may be required depending on the tissue of origin. As synovial-derived stem cells (SDSCs) attract interest we aimed to investigate the influence of TGF-β1, BMP-2 and dexamethasone on SDSC chondrogenesis in vitro. We demonstrate that dexamethasone-free medium led to enhanced chondrogenic differentiation at both the mRNA and matrix level. The greatest COL2A1/COL10A1 ratio was detected in cells exposed to a combination medium containing 10 ng/mL BMP-2 and 1 ng/mL TGF-β1 in the absence of dexamethasone, and this was reflected in the total amount of glycosaminoglycans produced. In summary, dexamethasone-free medium containing BMP-2 and TGF-β1 may be the most suitable when using SDSCs for cartilage tissue regeneration.

Determinants of stem cell lineage differentiation toward chondrogenesis versus adipogenesis

Adult stem cells, also termed as somatic stem cells, are undifferentiated cells, detected among differentiated cells in a tissue or an organ. Adult stem cells can differentiate toward lineage specific cell types of the tissue or organ in which they reside. They also have the ability to differentiate into mature cells of mesenchymal tissues, such as cartilage, fat and bone. Despite the fact that the balance has been comprehensively scrutinized between adipogenesis and osteogenesis and between chondrogenesis and osteogenesis, few reviews discuss the relationship between chondrogenesis and adipogenesis. In this review, the developmental and transcriptional crosstalk of chondrogenic and adipogenic lineages are briefly explored, followed by elucidation of signaling pathways and external factors guiding lineage determination between chondrogenic and adipogenic differentiation. An in-depth understanding of overlap and discrepancy between these two mesenchymal tissues in lineage differentiation would benefit regeneration of high-quality cartilage tissues and adipose tissues for clinical applications.