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Atewologun FA, Okesanya OJ, Okon II, Kayode HH, Ukoaka BM, Olaleke NO, Ogaya JB, Okikiola LA, Manirambona E, Lucero-Prisno Iii DE. Examining the potentials of stem cell therapy in reducing the burden of selected non-communicable diseases in Africa. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:253. [PMID: 39135088 PMCID: PMC11321202 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03864-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Stem cell therapy (SCT) is a promising solution for addressing health challenges in Africa, particularly non-communicable diseases (NCDs). With their regenerative potential, stem cells have the inherent capacity to differentiate into numerous cell types for tissue repair. Despite infrastructural, ethical, and legal challenges, SCT holds immense promise for managing chronic illnesses and deep-seated tissue injuries. The rising prevalence of NCDs in Africa highlights the need for innovative strategies and treatment options. SCT offers hope in combating conditions like burns, osteoarthritis, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, heart failure and cancer, potentially reducing the burden of NCDs on the continent. Despite SCT's opportunities in Africa, there are significant obstacles. However, published research on SCT in Africa is scarce, but recent initiatives such as the Basic School on Neural Stem Cells (NSC) express interest in developing NSC research in Africa. SCT research in African regions, notably on neurogenesis, demonstrates a concentration on studying neurological processes in indigenous settings. While progress has been made in South Africa and Nigeria, issues such as brain drain and impediments to innovation remain. Clinical trials have investigated the efficacy of stem cell treatments, emphasising both potential benefits and limitations in implementing these therapies efficiently. Financing research, developing regulatory frameworks, and resolving affordability concerns are critical steps toward realizing the potential of stem cell treatment in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Inibehe Ime Okon
- Department of Research, Medical Research Circle (MedReC), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Postal Code 50 Goma, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo.
| | - Hassan Hakeem Kayode
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Federal Medical Centre, Bida, Niger State, Nigeria
| | | | - Noah Olabode Olaleke
- Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Jerico Bautista Ogaya
- Department of Medical Technology, Far Eastern University, Manila, Philippines
- Center for University Research, University of Makati, Makati City, Philippines
| | - Lawal Azeez Okikiola
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, USA
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Kwara State University, Malete, Nigeria
| | - Emery Manirambona
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno Iii
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Research and Innovation Office, Southern Leyte State University, Sogod, Southern Leyte, Philippines
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Liu Y, Song S, Liu Y, Fu T, Guo Y, Liu R, Chen J, Lin Y, Cheng Y, Li Y, Guan T, Ling S, Zeng H. MSCohi-O lenses for long-term retention of mesenchymal stem cells on ocular surface as a therapeutic approach for chronic ocular graft-versus-host disease. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:2356-2369. [PMID: 37949071 PMCID: PMC10724054 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic ocular graft-versus-host disease (oGVHD) is a common complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) and can lead to vision loss if not diagnosed and treated promptly. Currently, no approved drugs exist for oGVHD treatment. However, umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) have known immunoregulatory properties and have been employed in clinical trials for immune-mediated diseases. To address oGVHD, the application of UCMSCs to the ocular surface is a logical approach. Intravenous administration of UCMSCs poses risks, necessitating topical and local delivery. Retaining UCMSCs on the ocular surface remains a challenge. To overcome this, we invented mesenchymal stem cell-coating high oxygen-permeable hydrogel lenses combining UCMSCs and machinery to enable the long-term retention of UCMSCs on the ocular surface. Animal model experiments demonstrated that these lenses effectively retained UCMSCs, providing therapeutic benefits by decreasing corneal inflammation and damage, and inhibiting immune rejection and response, all crucial aspects in oGVHD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyue Liu
- Department of Stem Cell Research and Development, Guangdong Procapzoom Biosciences, Inc, Guangdong, China
| | - Siqi Song
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Youyu Liu
- Department of Stem Cell Research and Development, Guangdong Procapzoom Biosciences, Inc, Guangdong, China
| | - Ting Fu
- Department of Stem Cell Research and Development, Guangdong Procapzoom Biosciences, Inc, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanzheng Guo
- Department of Stem Cell Research and Development, Guangdong Procapzoom Biosciences, Inc, Guangdong, China
| | - Ruoqing Liu
- Department of Stem Cell Research and Development, Guangdong Procapzoom Biosciences, Inc, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiexing Chen
- Department of Stem Cell Research and Development, Guangdong Procapzoom Biosciences, Inc, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanchun Lin
- Department of Stem Cell Research and Development, Guangdong Procapzoom Biosciences, Inc, Guangdong, China
| | - Yaqi Cheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yun Li
- Department of Stem Cell Research and Development, Guangdong Procapzoom Biosciences, Inc, Guangdong, China
| | - Tian Guan
- Department of Stem Cell Research and Development, Guangdong Procapzoom Biosciences, Inc, Guangdong, China
| | - Shiqi Ling
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China.
| | - Haoyu Zeng
- Department of Stem Cell Research and Development, Guangdong Procapzoom Biosciences, Inc, Guangdong, China.
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Ding X, Lv S, Guo Z, Gong X, Wang C, Zhang X, Meng K. Potential Therapeutic Options for Premature Ovarian Insufficiency: Experimental and Clinical Evidence. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:3428-3442. [PMID: 37460850 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01300-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a condition in which a woman experiences premature decline in ovarian function before the age of 40 years, manifested by menstrual disorders, decreased fertility, and possibly postmenopausal symptoms such as insomnia, hot flashes, and osteoporosis, and is one of the predominant clinical syndromes leading to female infertility. Genetic, immunologic, iatrogenic and other factors, alone or in combination, have been reported to trigger POI, yet the etiology remains unknown in most cases. The main methods currently used clinically to ameliorate menopausal symptoms due to hypoestrogenemia in POI patients are hormone replacement therapy, while the primary methods available to address infertility in POI patients are oocyte donation and cryopreservation techniques, both of which have limitations to some degree. In recent years, researchers have continued to explore more efficient and safe therapies, and have achieved impressive results in preclinical trials. In this article, we will mainly review the three most popular therapies and their related signaling pathways published in the past ten years, with the aim of providing ideas for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuechun Ding
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Birth Defect Research and Transformation of Shandong Province, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- College of Second Clinical Medical, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Shenmin Lv
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Birth Defect Research and Transformation of Shandong Province, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- College of Second Clinical Medical, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Zhipeng Guo
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Birth Defect Research and Transformation of Shandong Province, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- College of Second Clinical Medical, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Xiaowei Gong
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Birth Defect Research and Transformation of Shandong Province, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- College of Second Clinical Medical, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Caiqin Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Birth Defect Research and Transformation of Shandong Province, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- College of Second Clinical Medical, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Birth Defect Research and Transformation of Shandong Province, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Kai Meng
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Birth Defect Research and Transformation of Shandong Province, Jining Medical University, Jining, China.
- Lin He's Academician Workstation of New Medicine and Clinical Translation, Jining Medical University, Jining, China.
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Lee DG, Lee YJ, Park SH, Park HR, Kang H, Kim JE. Preventive Effects of a Human Hematopoietic Mesenchymal Stem Cell (hHMSC) Therapy in Ovalbumin-Induced Food Allergy. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020511. [PMID: 35203718 PMCID: PMC8962321 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
No effective therapeutic strategies have been developed against food allergies. Immunomodulation during early infant period could prevent the development of food allergies. We investigated the preventive effects of human hematopoietic mesenchymal stem cells (hHMSCs) in mice with ovalbumin (OVA)-induced food allergy. BALB/c mice with OVA-induced food allergy were divided into 3 groups, and each group was treated with hHMSCs or hHMSC culture medium (hHMSC-CM) or saline. Ear thickness, allergy score, rectal temperature, and diarrhea occurrence were checked. Total IgE, OVA-specific IgE, and mucosal mast cell protease-1 (mMCP-1) were measured by ELISA. Other allergic parameters were analyzed using histology specimens, RT-PCR, and flow cytometry. Treatment with hHMSCs or hHMSC-CM significantly suppressed the frequency of anaphylactic response and rectal temperature decline, reduced diarrhea, total IgE, OVA-specific IgE, and mMCP-1. While the treatment decreased the level of Th2 cytokines, it enhanced IL-10 and TGF-β1 mRNA. Exposure to hHMSC or hHMSC-CM did not generate regulatory T cells, but reduced mast cells. The immunomodulatory effect on the Th2 cytokines was greater in hHMSC-CM than in hHMSCs. hHMSC treatment may be a promising preventive intervention against food allergy. Further studies are needed to elucidate the key substances released from hHMSC to induce immune tolerance.
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Kim EY, Kim HS, Hong KS, Chung HM, Park SP, Noh G. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cell therapy in atopic dermatitis and chronic urticaria: immunological and clinical viewpoints. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:539. [PMID: 34635172 PMCID: PMC8503727 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02583-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Allergic diseases are immune-mediated diseases. Allergies share a common immunopathogenesis, with specific differences according to the specific disease. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have been applied to people suffering from allergic and many other diseases. In this review, the immunologic roles of MSCs are systemically reviewed according to disease immunopathogenesis from a clinical viewpoint. MSCs seem to be a promising therapeutic modality not only as symptomatic treatments but also as causative and even preventive treatments for allergic diseases, including atopic dermatitis and chronic urticaria.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hyuk Soon Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Natural Science, The Graduate School of Dong-A University, Busan, Korea.,Department of Health Sciences, The Graduate School of Dong-A University, Busan, Korea
| | | | - Hyung-Min Chung
- Miraecellbio Co., Ltd., Seoul, Korea.,Department of Stem Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Se-Pill Park
- Miraecellbio Co., Ltd., Seoul, Korea. .,Faculty of Biotechnology, College of Applied Life Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju, 63243, Korea.
| | - Geunwoong Noh
- Department of Allergy, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Center, Cheju Halla General Hospital, Doreongno 65, Jeju-si, 63127, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Korea.
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