Immunomodulatory benefits of mesenchymal stem cells treated with Caffeine in adjuvant-induced arthritis

Impact of coffee intake on human aging: Epidemiology and cellular mechanisms

The conception of coffee consumption has undergone a profound modification, evolving from a noxious habit into a safe lifestyle actually preserving human health. The last 20 years also provided strikingly consistent epidemiological evidence showing that the regular consumption of moderate doses of coffee attenuates all-cause mortality, an effect observed in over 50 studies in different geographic regions and different ethnicities. Coffee intake attenuates the major causes of mortality, dampening cardiovascular-, cerebrovascular-, cancer- and respiratory diseases-associated mortality, as well as some of the major causes of functional deterioration in the elderly such as loss of memory, depression and frailty. The amplitude of the benefit seems discrete (17 % reduction) but nonetheless corresponds to an average increase in healthspan of 1.8 years of lifetime. This review explores evidence from studies in humans and human tissues supporting an ability of coffee and of its main components (caffeine and chlorogenic acids) to preserve the main biological mechanisms responsible for the aging process, namely genomic instability, macromolecular damage, metabolic and proteostatic impairments with particularly robust effects on the control of stress adaptation and inflammation and unclear effects on stem cells and regeneration. Further studies are required to detail these mechanistic benefits in aged individuals, which may offer new insights into understanding of the biology of aging and the development of new senostatic strategies. Additionally, the safety of this lifestyle factor in the elderly prompts a renewed attention to recommending the maintenance of coffee consumption throughout life as a healthy lifestyle and to further exploring who gets the greater benefit with what schedules of which particular types and doses of coffee.

Propionibacterium freudenreichii MJ2-derived extracellular vesicles inhibit RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis and improve collagen-induced rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis causes excessive bone loss by stimulating osteoclast differentiation. Extracellular vesicles are valuable disease markers, conveyors of distant cell-to-cell communication, and carriers for drug delivery. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-osteoclastogenic effects of extracellular vesicles derived from dairy Propionibacterium freudenreichii MJ2 (PFEVs) and the improvement effect of PFEVs on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) animal model. PFEVs were observed by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and LC-MS/MS. The inhibitory activity of PFEVs against receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation was investigated in RAW 264.7 cells. PFEVs significantly decreased the expression levels of genes and proteins related to osteoclast differentiation. PFEVs decreased RANK-RANKL binding. In a CIA mouse model, PFEVs treatment significantly reduced arthritis scores and collagen-specific immunoglobulins. PFEVs treatment also reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines. The anti-inflammatory effects were confirmed by H&E staining, and PFEVs treatment inhibited osteoclastogenesis in the CIA mouse model. In conclusion, PFEVs inhibited osteoclast differentiation by inhibiting RANK-RANKL signaling, thereby decreasing the expression of osteoclast differentiation-related genes. PFEVs also improved collagen-induced arthritis by inhibiting inflammation and osteoclastogenesis.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells-Involved Strategies for Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapy

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints and bone destruction. Because of systemic administration and poor targeting, traditional anti-rheumatic drugs have unsatisfactory treatment efficacy and strong side effects, including myelosuppression, liver or kidney function damage, and malignant tumors. Consequently, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-involved therapy is proposed for RA therapy as a benefit of their immunosuppressive and tissue-repairing effects. This review summarizes the progress of MSCs-involved RA therapy through suppressing inflammation and promoting tissue regeneration and predicts their potential clinical application.

Inflammation-Targeting Mesenchymal Stem Cells Combined with Photothermal Treatment Attenuate Severe Joint Inflammation

Current clinical therapeutic efficacy for the treatment of osteo- and rheumatoid-arthritis is obviously limited. Although mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are considered as a source of promising regenerative therapy, un-modified or genetically engineered MSCs injected in vivo restrict their clinical utility because of the low drug efficacy and unpredicted side effect, respectively. Herein, a strategy to enhance the migration efficacy of MSCs to inflamed joints via an inflammation-mediated education process is demonstrated. To reinforce the limited anti-inflammatory activity of MSCs, gold nanostar loaded with triamcinolone is conjugated to MSC. Furthermore, near-infrared laser-assisted photothermal therapy (PTT) induced by gold nanostar significantly elevates the anti-inflammatory efficacy of the developed drugs, even in advanced stage arthritis model. An immunological regulation mechanism study of PTT is first suggested in this study; the expression of the interleukin 22 receptor, implicated in the pathogenesis of arthritis, is downregulated in T lymphocytes by PTT, and Th17 differentiation from naïve CD4 T cell is inhibited. Collectively, inflammation-targeting MSCs conjugated with triamcinolone-loaded gold nanostar (Edu-MSCs-AuS-TA) promote the repolarization of macrophages and decrease neutrophil recruitment in joints. In addition, Edu-MSCs-AuS-TA significantly alleviate arthritis-associated pain, improve general locomotor activity, and more importantly, induce cartilage regeneration even for severe stages of arthritis model.

Therapeutic Effects of Tretinoin and Caffeine-Treated Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell on Immunological Features of Ulcerative Colitis: An Animal Model Study

Background

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is one of the inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases. It causes irritation, inflammation, and ulcers in the digestive tract. UC is distinguished clinically by abdominal and rectal pain and intestinal secretion abnormalities. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy could be the underlying treatment for UC. This study aimed to compare the results of MSC therapy with tretinoin and caffeine in an animal model.

Materials and Methods

Sixty male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into six equal groups. Five groups were exposed to acetic acid-induced colitis, and one healthy negative control group was designed. The positive control group was UC-induced mouse model with no treatment. Besides, treatment groups were MSCs (n = 2×106) that received tretinoin and caffeine. The treatment group was given mesalazine orally. The decision to begin treatment was taken after monitoring the symptoms of the UC.

Results

MSCs, tretinoin, and caffeine-treated MSCs significantly decrease inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α) and inflammatory mediators (myeloperoxidase (MPO) and nitric oxide (NO)) compared with the positive control group. However, the alleviated effects of tretinoin-treated MSCs significantly were more than those of MSCs and caffeine-treated MSCs.

Conclusion

MSC therapy is an effective option for UC and can prevent disease progression. The results represented a high developmental rate and simple cell application of MSC therapy in UC patients. Also, MSC therapy's ability for immunomodulation is strengthened by drugs that improve their microenvironment by binding to their receptors.

Association between coffee consumption and high C-reactive protein levels in Korean adults

The findings of studies investigating the relationship between coffee consumption and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels have been inconsistent, and few researchers considered the type of coffee. We examined the association between coffee consumption and high CRP levels, using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2016-2018, with 9337 adults aged 19-64 years. A 24-h diet recall was used to assess diet, including the amount and type of coffee consumed. We classified coffee into black coffee and coffee with sugar and/or cream (non-drinkers, or ≤ 1, 2-3, > 3 cups/d) and used multivariable logistic regression models with high CRP levels (≥ 2·2 mg/l). After the adjustment for potential confounders, 2-3 cups/d of coffee consumption were inversely associated with high CRP levels, compared with no consumption (OR = 0·83, 95 % CI 0·69, 0·99). By type of coffee, the inverse association was stronger in subjects consuming black coffee (OR = 0·61, 95 % CI 0·45, 0·84), while the inverse association was much weaker in those consuming coffee with sugar and/or cream (OR = 0·92, 95 % CI 0·74, 1·14). By sex, the inverse association of 2-3 cups of black coffee was found both in men (OR = 0·65, 95 % CI 0·41, 1·03) and women (OR = 0·55, 95 % CI 0·36, 0·83). More than three cups/d of heavy coffee consumption were not significantly associated with high CRP levels. Our findings indicate that moderate black coffee consumption of 2-3 cups/d is inversely associated with high CRP levels in Korean adults. Further prospective studies are warranted to provide definitive evidence.

Overview of Caffeine Effects on Human Health and Emerging Delivery Strategies

Caffeine is a naturally occurring alkaloid found in various plants. It acts as a stimulant, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and even an aid in pain management, and is found in several over-the-counter medications. This naturally derived bioactive compound is the best-known ingredient in coffee and other beverages, such as tea, soft drinks, and energy drinks, and is widely consumed worldwide. Therefore, it is extremely important to research the effects of this substance on the human body. With this in mind, caffeine and its derivatives have been extensively studied to evaluate its ability to prevent diseases and exert anti-aging and neuroprotective effects. This review is intended to provide an overview of caffeine's effects on cancer and cardiovascular, immunological, inflammatory, and neurological diseases, among others. The heavily researched area of caffeine in sports will also be discussed. Finally, recent advances in the development of novel nanocarrier-based formulations, to enhance the bioavailability of caffeine and its beneficial effects will be discussed.

Recent advances to enhance the immunomodulatory potential of mesenchymal stem cells

Considering the unique therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), including their immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory properties as well as their ability to improve tissue regeneration, these cells have attracted the attention of scientists and clinicians for the treatment of different inflammatory and immune system mediated disorders. However, various clinical trials using MSCs for the therapeutic purpose are conflicting and differ from the results of promising preclinical studies. This inconsistency is caused by several factors such as poor migration and homing capacities, low survival rate, low level of proliferation and differentiation, and donor-dependent variation of the cells. Enhancement and retention of persistent therapeutic effects of the cells remain a challenge to overcome in MSC-based therapy. In this review, we summarized various approaches to enhance the clinical outcomes of MSC-based therapy as well as revised current and future perspectives for the creation of cellular products with improved potential for diverse clinical applications.

UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-Based Cell Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology Analysis to Reveal the Potential Antiarthritic Effects of Pristimerin: In Vitro, In Silico and In Vivo Study

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by systemic inflammation and synovial hyperplasia. Pristimerin, a natural triterpenoid isolated from plants belonging to the Celastraceae and Hippocrateaceae families, has been reported to exhibit anti-inflammation and anti-proliferation activities. Our study aims to reveal the antiarthritic effects of pristimerin and explore its potential mechanism using in vitro, in silico, and in vivo methods. In the present study, pristimerin treatment led to a dose-dependent decrease in cell viability and migration in TNF-α stimulated human rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes MH7A. Moreover, UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-based cell metabolomics analysis demonstrated that phospholipid biosynthesis, fatty acid biosynthesis, glutathione metabolism and amino acid metabolic pathways were involved in TNF-α induced MH7A cells after pristimerin treatment. In addition, the adjuvant–induced arthritis (AIA) rat model was employed, and the results exhibited that pristimerin could effectively relieve arthritis symptoms and histopathological damage as well as reduce serum levels of TNF-α, NO and synovial expressions of p-Akt and p-Erk in AIA rats. Furthermore, network pharmacology analysis was performed to visualize crucial protein targets of pristimerin for RA treatment, which showed that the effects were mediated through the MAPK/Erk1/2, PI3K/Akt pathways and directing binding with TNF-α. Taken together, our study not only offered new insights into the biochemical mechanism of natural compounds for RA treatment, but also provided a strategy that integrated in vitro, in silico and in vivo studies to facilitate screening of new anti-RA drugs.

Dietary sources, health benefits, and risks of caffeine

Dietary intake of caffeine has significantly increased in recent years, and beneficial and harmful effects of caffeine have been extensively studied. This paper reviews antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of caffeine as well as its protective effects on cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes mellitus, cancers, and neurodegenerative and liver diseases. In addition, we summarize the side effects of long-term or excessive caffeine consumption on sleep, migraine, intraocular pressure, pregnant women, children, and adolescents. The health benefits of caffeine depend on the amount of caffeine intake and the physical condition of consumers. Moderate intake of caffeine helps to prevent and modulate several diseases. However, the long-term or over-consumption of caffeine can lead to addiction, insomnia, migraine, and other side effects. In addition, children, adolescents, pregnant women, and people who are sensitive to caffeine should be recommended to restrict/reduce their intake to avoid potential adverse effects.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Based Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have great potential to differentiate into various types of cells, including but not limited to, adipocytes, chondrocytes and osteoblasts. In addition to their progenitor characteristics, MSCs hold unique immunomodulatory properties that provide new opportunities in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, and can serve as a promising tool in stem cell-based therapy. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disorder that deteriorates quality and function of the synovium membrane, resulting in chronic inflammation, pain and progressive cartilage and bone destruction. The mechanism of RA pathogenesis is associated with dysregulation of innate and adaptive immunity. Current conventional treatments by steroid drugs, antirheumatic drugs and biological agents are being applied in clinical practice. However, long-term use of these drugs causes side effects, and some RA patients may acquire resistance to these drugs. In this regard, recently investigated MSC-based therapy is considered as a promising approach in RA treatment. In this study, we review conventional and modern treatment approaches, such as MSC-based therapy through the understanding of the link between MSCs and the innate and adaptive immune systems. Moreover, we discuss recent achievements in preclinical and clinical studies as well as various strategies for the enhancement of MSC immunoregulatory properties.

Effects of Naringenin on Experimentally Induced Rheumatoid Arthritis in Wistar Rats

Naringenin is one of the most important and abundant known flavonoids found in grapefruit and other citrus fruits. This experimental study aimed to assess the clinical effects and immune responses of naringenin in the animal model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) according to various reports on its anti-inflammatory effects and modulation of the immune system. To this end, 40 Wistar rats in the weight range of 160-180g were randomly assigned to four groups (n=10) including healthy, control, naringenin, and methotrexate orally treated groups. To induce RA disease, a compound of 200 μl of Freund's adjuvant and collagen type II was injected subcutaneously into the rear footpads of rats. The severity of RA clinical signs was assessed based on a standard scoring method. The treatment lasted for three weeks (days7-28 after induction). The obtained data pointed out that the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), myeloperoxidase, nitric oxide, IL-17, and IFN-γ cytokines significantly increased in the RA rats, while the level of their serum antioxidants significantly reduced, compared to the healthy rats. The inflammation of the paws and the level of CRP decreased similarly in both methotrexate and naringenin-treated groups. In the naringenin-treated group, a further decrease was detected in serum myeloperoxidase, nitric oxide, and the total antioxidant capacity occurred, as compared to the methotrexate-treated rats. Nonetheless, IL-17 and IFN-γ cytokines levels were further decreased in the methotrexate-treated group. Accordingly, it can be concluded that naringenin can be effectively used for the reduction of inflammatory effects and control of RA disease.

The adenosinergic pathway in mesenchymal stem cell fate and functions

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play an important role in tissue homeostasis and damage repair through their ability to differentiate into cells of different tissues, trophic support, and immunomodulation. These properties made them attractive for clinical applications in regenerative medicine, immune disorders, and cell transplantation. However, despite multiple preclinical and clinical studies demonstrating beneficial effects of MSCs, their native identity and mechanisms of action remain inconclusive. Since its discovery, the CD73/ecto-5'-nucleotidase is known as a classic marker for MSCs, but its role goes far beyond a phenotypic characterization antigen. CD73 contributes to adenosine production, therefore, is an essential component of purinergic signaling, a pathway composed of different nucleotides and nucleosides, which concentrations are finely regulated by the ectoenzymes and receptors. Thus, purinergic signaling controls pathophysiological functions such as proliferation, migration, cell fate, and immune responses. Despite the remarkable progress already achieved in considering adenosinergic pathway as a therapeutic target in different pathologies, its role is not fully explored in the context of the therapeutic functions of MSCs. Therefore, in this review, we provide an overview of the role of CD73 and adenosine-mediated signaling in the functions ascribed to MSCs, such as homing and proliferation, cell differentiation, and immunomodulation. Additionally, we will discuss the pathophysiological role of MSCs, via CD73 and adenosine, in different diseases, as well as in tumor development and progression. A better understanding of the adenosinergic pathway in the regulation of MSCs functions will help to provide improved therapeutic strategies applicable in regenerative medicine.

Combinatory Effects of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Indomethacin on Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis in Wistar Rats: Roles of IL-1β, IL-4, Nrf-2, and Oxidative Stress

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disorder triggered by autoimmune reactions and related with chronic inflammation and severe disability. Bone Marrow-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BM-MSCs) have shown a hopeful immunomodulatory effect towards repairing cartilage and restoring joint function. Additionally, indomethacin (IMC), a nonsteroidal compound, has been considered as a potent therapeutic agent that exhibits significant antipyretic properties and analgesic effects. The target of the current research is to assess the antiarthritic efficacy of BM-MSCs (10⁶ cells/rat at 1, 6, 12 and 18 days) and IMC (2 mg/kg body weight/day for 3 weeks) either alone or concurrently administered against complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritic rats. Changes in paw volume, body weight, gross lesions, and antioxidant defense system, as well as oxidative stress, were assessed. The Th1 cytokine (IL-1β) serum level and Th2 cytokine (IL-4) and Nrf-2 ankle joint expression were detected. In comparison to normal rats, it was found that the CFA-induced arthritic rats exhibited significant leukocytosis and increase in paw volume, LPO level, RF, and IL-1β serum levels. In parallel, arthritic rats that received BM-MSCs and/or IMC efficiently exhibited decrease in paw edema, leukocytosis, and enhancement in the antioxidant enzymatic levels of SOD, GPx, GST, and GSH in serum besides upregulation of Nrf-2 and anti-inflammatory IL-4 expression levels in the ankle articular joint. Likewise, these analyses were more evidenced by the histopathological sections and histological score. The data also revealed that the combined administration of BM-MSC and IMC was more potent in suppressing inflammation and enhancing the anti-inflammatory pathway than each agent alone. Thus, it can be concluded that the combined therapy with BM-MSC and IMC may be used as a promising therapeutic choice after assessing their efficacy and safety in human beings with RA, and the antiarthritic effects may be mediated via modulatory effects on Th1/Th2 cytokines, ozidative stress, and Nrf-2.

Immunomodulatory Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the joints and other organs for which there is currently no effective treatment. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have therapeutic potential due to their immunomodulatory and differentiation effects. While extensive experimental studies and clinical trials have demonstrated the effects of MSCs in various diseases, MSCs have been found to cause abnormal differentiation and tumor formation. Therefore, extracellular vesicles derived from MSCs (MSC-EVs) are more effective, less toxic, and more stable than the parental cells. MSC-EVs transfer various nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids from parent cells to recipient cells, and thus participate in chronic inflammatory and immune processes. In this review, we summarize the properties and biological functions of MSCs and MSC-EVs in RA. Improvement in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying MSC and MSC-EVs in RA provides an insight into potential biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for RA.

The Efficacy of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Therapy of Acute Kidney Injury Induced by Ischemia-Reperfusion in Animal Models

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), discovered and isolated from the bone marrow in the 1960s and with self-renewal capacity and multilineage differentiation potential, have valuable immunomodulatory abilities. Acute kidney injury (AKI) refers to rapid renal failure, which exhibits as quickly progressive decreasing excretion in few hours or days. This study was performed to assess the efficacy of MSCs in the treatment of AKI induced by ischemia-reperfusion using a meta-analysis method. A literature search using corresponding terms was performed in the following databases: Embase, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and ISI Web of Science databases up to Dec 31, 2019. Data for outcomes were identified, and the efficacy of MSCs for AKI was assessed using Cochrane Review Manager Version 5.3. Nineteen studies were eligible and recruited for this meta-analysis. MSC treatment can reduce the Scr levels at 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, and >7 days (1 day: WMD = -0.56, 95% CI: -0.78, -0.34, P < 0.00001; 2 days: WMD = -0.58, 95% CI: -0.89, -0.28, P = 0.0002; 3 days: WMD = -0.65, 95% CI: -0.84, -0.45, P < 0.00001; 5 days: WMD = -0.35, 95% CI: -0.54, -0.16, P = 0.0003; and >7 days: WMD = -0.22, 95% CI: -0.36, -0.08, P = 0.002) and can reduce the levels of BUN at 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, and 5 days (1 day: WMD = -11.72, 95% CI: -18.80, -4.64, P = 0.001; 2 days: WMD = -33.60, 95% CI: -40.15, -27.05, P < 0.00001; 3 days: WMD = -21.14, 95% CI: -26.15, -16.14, P < 0.00001; and 5 days: WMD = -8.88, 95% CI: -11.06, -6.69, P < 0.00001), and it also can reduce the levels of proteinuria at 3 days and >7 days and alleviate the renal damage in animal models of AKI. In conclusion, MSCs might be a promising therapeutic agent for AKI induced by ischemia-reperfusion.