Effect of type 2 diabetic serum on the behavior of Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells in vitro

CD73: agent development potential and its application in diabetes and atherosclerosis

CD73, an important metabolic and immune escape-promoting gene, catalyzes the hydrolysis of adenosine monophosphate (AMP) to adenosine (ADO). AMP has anti-inflammatory and vascular relaxant properties, while ADO has a strong immunosuppressive effect, suggesting that CD73 has pro-inflammatory and immune escape effects. However, CD73 also decreased proinflammatory reaction, suggesting that CD73 has a positive side to the body. Indeed, CD73 plays a protective role in diabetes, while with age, CD73 changes from anti-atherosclerosis to pro-atherosclerosis. The upregulation of CD73 with agents, including AGT-5, Aire-overexpressing DCs, Aspirin, BAFFR-Fc, CD4+ peptide, ICAs, IL-2 therapies, SAgAs, sCD73, stem cells, RAD51 inhibitor, TLR9 inhibitor, and VD, decreased diabetes and atherosclerosis development. However, the downregulation of CD73 with agents, including benzothiadiazine derivatives and CD73 siRNA, reduced atherosclerosis. Notably, many CD73 agents were investigated in clinical trials. However, no agents were used to treat diabetes and atherosclerosis. Most agents were CD73 inhibitors. Only FP-1201, a CD73 agonist, was investigated in clinical trials but its further development was discontinued. In addition, many lncRNAs, circRNAs, and genes are located at the same chromosomal location as CD73. In particular, circNT5E promoted CD73 expression. circNT5E may be a promising target for agent development. This mini-review focuses on the current state of knowledge of CD73 in diabetes, atherosclerosis, and its potential role in agent development.

Safety Considerations for Lyophilized Human Amniotic Membrane Impregnated with Colistin and Silver Nanoparticles

Lyophilized human amniotic membrane (HAM) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have multispectral applications as a biological dressing. The present study focuses on the safety aspects of HAM coated with colistin and AgNPs (HACoN) dressing in relation to its structural and hematological changes. Four dressing groups were designed for the study, HAM, HAM coated with colistin (HACo), HAM coated with AgNPs (HAN), and HAM coated with colistin (HACo) and HACoN. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were utilized for constitutional analysis. Biological safety was checked by applying HAM of all groups on open excisional burn wounds on Sprague-Dawley rats for 21 days. The skin, kidneys, liver, and spleen were removed, and histological analysis was performed for detailed structural analysis. Oxidative stress was assessed using homogenate from newly generated skin. No structural or biochemical change was observed in any of the study groups as observed by SEM and FTIR. After 21 days of grafting, wounds were healed properly with normal skin, and no anomaly was observed in related to kidneys, spleen, and liver. Some of antioxidant enzymes were increased, while malondialdehyde which is a reactive oxygen species was reduced in the skin tissue homogenate of HACoN group. Impregnation of colistin and AgNPs in combination on HAM has no effects on hematological and structural constitution of HAM. It leaves no obvious change in vital organs of rats and improves oxidative stress and inflammation. Hence, it can be claimed that HACoN is a biologically safe antibacterial dressing.

The Fate Status of Stem Cells in Diabetes and its Role in the Occurrence of Diabetic Complications

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is becoming a growing risk factor for public health worldwide. It is a very common disease and is widely known for its susceptibility to multiple complications which do great harm to the life and health of patients, some even lead to death. To date, there are many mechanisms for the complications of diabetes, including the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the abnormal changes of gas transmitters, which ultimately lead to injuries of cells, tissues and organs. Normally, even if injured, the body can quickly repair and maintain its homeostasis. This is closely associated with the repair and regeneration ability of stem cells. However, many studies have demonstrated that stem cells happen to be damaged under DM, which may be a nonnegligible factor in the occurrence and progression of diabetic complications. Therefore, this review summarizes how diabetes causes the corresponding complications by affecting stem cells from two aspects: stem cells dysfunctions and stem cells quantity alteration. In addition, since mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), especially bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs), have the advantages of strong differentiation ability, large quantity and wide application, we mainly focus on the impact of diabetes on them. The review also puts forward the basis of using exogenous stem cells to treat diabetic complications. It is hoped that through this review, researchers can have a clearer understanding of the roles of stem cells in diabetic complications, thus promoting the process of using stem cells to treat diabetic complications.

Wharton's jelly derived mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into oocyte like cells in vitro by follicular fluid and cumulus cells conditioned medium

Wharton's jelly derived-mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) have a same developmental origin with primordial germ cells. WJ-MSCs perhaps differentiate into oocyte and germ like-cells (OLCs/GLCs) in the presence of appropriate inducers. Human follicular fluid (FF) and cumulus cells conditioned medium (CCM) are naturally rich sources for oocyte development. The aim of this study was to evaluate WJ-MSCs potential for differentiating into OLCs and GLCs exposed to FF and CCM. WJ-MSCs were cultured in two different induction media (10% FF, 10% CCM) for 21 days. Morphological changes and expression of developmental genes were evaluated on days 0, 7, 14 and 21 of culture. Also, on 21^st day of culture, the expression of oocyte and germ cell proteins investigated using immunofluorescence staining. Appearance of round shaped cells from 7^th day onwards indicated that WJ-MSCs can differentiate into OLCs when exposed to FF and CCM. The size of produced OLCs and expression of oocyte specific genes and proteins were increased more positively in FF group rather than CCM group. Although, WJ-MSCs could differentiate into OLCs by FF and CCM, however, the induction potential of FF for producing OLCs was better than CCM.

Age-dependent impairment of adipose-derived stem cells isolated from horses

BACKGROUND

Progressive loss of cell functionality caused by an age-related impairment in cell metabolism concerns not only mature specialized cells but also its progenitors, which significantly reduces their regenerative potential. Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are most commonly used in veterinary medicine as an alternative treatment option in ligaments and cartilage injuries, especially in case of high-value sport horses. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to identify the molecular alternations in ASCs derived from three age-matched horse groups: young (< 5), middle-aged (5-15), and old (> 15 years old).

METHODS

ASCs were isolated from three age-matched horse groups using an enzymatic method. Molecular changes were assessed using qRT-PCR, ELISA and western blot methods, flow cytometry-based system, and confocal and scanning electron microscopy.

RESULTS

Our findings showed that ASCs derived from the middle-aged and old groups exhibited a typical senescence phenotype, such as increased percentage of G1/G0-arrested cells, binucleation, enhanced β-galactosidase activity, and accumulation of γH2AX foci, as well as a reduction in cell proliferation. Moreover, aged ASCs were characterized by increased gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and miRNAs (interleukin 8 (IL-8), IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), miR-203b-5p, and miR-16-5p), as well as apoptosis markers (p21, p53, caspase-3, caspase-9). In addition, our study revealed that the protein level of mitofusin 1 (MFN1) markedly decreased with increasing age. Aged ASCs also displayed a reduction in mRNA levels of genes involved in stem cell homeostasis and homing, like TET-3, TET-3 (TET family), and C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4), as well as protein expression of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT1) and octamer transcription factor 3/4 (Oct 3/4). Furthermore, we observed a higher splicing ratio of XBP1 (X-box binding protein 1) mRNA, indicating elevated inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE-1) activity and, consequently, increased endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. We also observed reduced levels of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT-4) and insulin receptor (INSR) which indicated impaired insulin sensitivity.

CONCLUSIONS

Obtained data suggest that ASCs derived from horses older than 5 years old exhibited several molecular alternations which markedly limit their regenerative capacity. The results provide valuable information that allows for a better understanding of the molecular events occurring in ASCs in the course of aging and may help to identify new potential drug targets to restore their regenerative potential.

Mesenchymal stem cell dysfunction in diabetes

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease that results in a variety of systemic complications. Recently, stem cell-based therapies have been proposed as potential modalities to manage DM related complications. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) based therapies are often considered as an ideal stem cell-based treatment for DM management due to their immunosuppressive characteristics, anti-inflammatory properties and differentiation potential. While MSCs show tremendous promise, the underlying functional deficits of MSCs in DM patients is not well understood. Using the MEDLINE database to define these functional deficits, our search yielded 1826 articles of which 33 met our inclusion criteria. This allowed us to review the topic and illuminate four major molecular categories by which MSCs are compromised in both Type 1 DM and Type II DM models which include: (1) changes in angiogenesis/vasculogenesis, (2) altered pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, (3) increased oxidative stress markers and (4) impaired cellular differentiation and decreased proliferation. Knowledge of the deficits in MSC function will allow us to more clearly assess the efficacy of potential biologic therapies for reversing these dysfunctions when treating the complications of diabetic disease.

Therapeutic Effects of Adipose Stem Cells from Diabetic Mice for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes

To assess the potential therapeutic effects of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D), we compared the phenotype and functionality of ASCs isolated from high-fat diet and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced T2D and the leptin receptor-deficient (db/db) mice with cells from healthy C57BL/6 mice. ASCs from T2D or db/db mice showed similar expression patterns of cellular markers and abilities to differentiate into adipocytes, osteoblasts, and chondrocytes. However, the rate of proliferation was reduced. ASCs from db/db mice secreted less hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). T2D mice receiving a single intravenous injection of T2D or db/db ASCs showed increased insulin sensitivity, reduced inflammation and fat content in adipose tissue and the liver and increased pancreatic β cell mass through 5 weeks post-infusion. Our data show that, although ASCs from T2D or db/db mice had inferior proliferative capacity compared to cells from healthy controls, improved insulin sensitivity and less β cell death was seen in T2D mice receiving mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy. This study offers evidence that ASCs from diabetic donors have the potential to be used for cell therapy in the treatment of insulin resistance and T2D.