Potential role of N-Succinyl-Chitosan in immune reconstitution after umbilical cord blood transplantation in mice

Effects of Soy–Whey Protein Nutritional Supplementation on Hematopoiesis and Immune Reconstitution in an Allogeneic Transplanted Mice

Profound malnutrition and immunodeficiency are serious negative effects of radiotherapy and bone marrow transplantation for hematologic malignancy patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of nutritional supplementation with a soy–whey protein mixture on hematopoietic and immune reconstitution in an allogeneic transplant mouse model. Male BALB/c (H-2Kd) mice, 6–8 weeks-old, were divided randomly into five groups and then provided with different protein nutrition support. After 28 days, blood samples, bone marrow, spleen, and thymus were harvested to measure the effects. The results showed that soy–whey blended protein supplements promoted hematopoietic stem cell engraftment, body weight recovery, and the recovery of white blood cells, lymphocytes, and neutrophils; triggered the expansion of hematopoietic stem cells and progenitor cell pools by increasing the numbers of the c-kit⁺ progenitor, Lin-Sca1⁺c-kit⁺, short-term hematopoietic stem cells, and multipotent progenitors; enhanced thymus re-establishment and splenic subset recovery in both organ index and absolute number; improved overall nutritional status by increasing total serum protein, albumin, and globulin; protected the liver from radiation-induced injury, and increased antioxidant capacity as indicated by lower concentrations of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, malondialdehyde, and 4-hydroxynonenal. This study indicated that soy–whey blended protein as important nutrients, from both plant and animal sources, had a greater positive effect on patients with hematological malignancies to accelerate hematopoiesis and immune reconstitution after bone marrow transplantation.

Chitosan-based Colloidal Polyelectrolyte Complexes for Drug Delivery: A Review

Polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) as safe drug delivery carriers, are spontaneously formed by mixing the oppositely charged polyelectrolyte solutions in water without using organic solvents nor chemical cross-linker or surfactant. Intensifying attentions on the PECs study are aroused in academia and industry since the fabrication process of PECs is mild and they are ideal vectors for the delivery of susceptible drugs and macromolecules. Chitosan as the unique natural cationic polysaccharide, is a good bioadhesive material. Besides, due to its excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, abundant availability and hydrophilic nature, chitosan-based PECs have been extensively applied for drug delivery, particularly after administration through mucosal and parenteral routes. The purpose of this review is to compile the recent advances on the biomedical applications of chitosan-based PECs, with specific focuses on the mucosal delivery, cancer therapy, gene delivery and anti-HIV therapy. The challenges and the perspectives of the chitosan-based PECs are briefly commented as well.