Extracellular vesicles of iPS cells highly capable of producing HGF and TGF-β1 can attenuate Sjögren's syndrome via innate immunity regulation

Impact of hepatocyte growth factor on the colonic morphology and gut microbiome in short bowel syndrome rat model

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the impact of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) on colonic morphology and gut microbiota in a rat model of short bowel syndrome (SBS).

METHODS

SD rats underwent jugular vein catheterization for total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and 90% small bowel resection [TPN + SBS (control group) or TPN + SBS + intravenous HGF (0.3 mg/kg/day, HGF group)]. Rats were harvested on day 7. Colonic morphology, gut microflora, tight junction, and Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) were evaluated.

RESULTS

No significant differences were observed in the colonic morphological assessment. No significant differences were observed in the expression of tight junction-related genes in the proximal colon. However, the claudin-1 expression tended to increase and the claudin-3 expression tended to decrease in the distal colon of the HGF group. The Verrucomicrobiota in the gut microflora of the colon tended to increase in the HGF group. The abundance of most LPS-producing microbiota was lower in the HGF group than in the control group. The gene expression of TLR4 was significantly downregulated in the distal colon of the HGF group.

CONCLUSION

HGF may enhance the mucus barrier through the tight junctions or gut microbiome in the distal colon.

Research progress of autoimmune diseases based on induced pluripotent stem cells

Autoimmune diseases can damage specific or multiple organs and tissues, influence the quality of life, and even cause disability and death. A 'disease in a dish' can be developed based on patients-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and iPSCs-derived disease-relevant cell types to provide a platform for pathogenesis research, phenotypical assays, cell therapy, and drug discovery. With rapid progress in molecular biology research methods including genome-sequencing technology, epigenetic analysis, '-omics' analysis and organoid technology, large amount of data represents an opportunity to help in gaining an in-depth understanding of pathological mechanisms and developing novel therapeutic strategies for these diseases. This paper aimed to review the iPSCs-based research on phenotype confirmation, mechanism exploration, drug discovery, and cell therapy for autoimmune diseases, especially multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and type 1 diabetes using iPSCs and iPSCs-derived cells.

Role of microRNAs in Immune Regulation with Translational and Clinical Applications

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are 19-23 nucleotide long, evolutionarily conserved noncoding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. In this review, involvement of miRNAs is summarized in the differentiation and function of immune cells, in anti-infective immune responses, immunodeficiencies and autoimmune diseases. Roles of miRNAs in anticancer immunity and in the transplantation of solid organs and hematopoietic stem cells are also discussed. Major focus is put on the translational clinical applications of miRNAs, including the establishment of noninvasive biomarkers for differential diagnosis and prediction of prognosis. Patient selection and response prediction to biological therapy is one of the most promising fields of application. Replacement or inhibition of miRNAs has enormous therapeutic potential, with constantly expanding possibilities. Although important challenges still await solutions, evaluation of miRNA fingerprints may contribute to an increasingly personalized management of immune dysregulation with a remarkable reduction in toxicity and treatment side effects. More detailed knowledge of the molecular effects of physical exercise and nutrition on the immune system may facilitate self-tailored lifestyle recommendations and advances in prevention.