An enzyme-free technique enables the isolation of a large number of adipose-derived stem cells at the bedside

Adipose mesenchymal stem cell conditioned medium and extract: A promising therapeutic option for regenerative breast cancer therapy

Introduction

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer and a leading cause of cancer death in U.S. women. The tumor microenvironment, especially nearby adipocytes, plays a crucial role in its progression. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of human adipose mesenchymal stem cells-derived conditioned medium (SUP) and extract (CE) from on breast cancer cells.

Methods

Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells were isolated and characterized by flow cytometry using Cluster of Differentiation (CD) markers (CD34, CD45, CD90, and CD105). The differentiation potential was confirmed via adipogenic and osteogenic induction. MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were treated with SUP and CE, and cell viability was assessed using the 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-Yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT) assay at 24, 48, and 72 h. Doubling time, colony formation, wound healing, and gene expression for key cancer-related genes (TIMP1, TIMP2, MMP2, PDL1, IDO, Bax, caspase 3, and caspase 9) were also evaluated.

Results

Both SUP and CE significantly inhibited the viability of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, reduced their doubling time, and suppressed colony formation. In wound healing assays, cell migration was notably impaired in MDA-MB-231 cells but less so in MCF-7 cells. Real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed downregulation of TIMP1, MMP2, PDL1, and IDO in MDA-MB-231 cells after treatment, while CE increased certain gene expressions in MCF-7 cells. Bax, caspase 3, and caspase 9 expressions were significantly upregulated in MDA-MB-231 cells but not in MCF-7 cells after treatment.

Conclusion

Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells-derived SUP and CE exhibit antitumor effects on breast cancer cells, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy to suppress tumor progression. Mesenchymal stem cells-SUP and CE could be a safe and novel regenerative approach for breast reconstruction postmastectomy without tumor recurrence risk.

Comparing mechanical and enzymatic isolation procedures to isolate adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction: A systematic review

The stromal vascular fraction of adipose tissue has gained popularity as regenerative therapy for tissue repair. Both enzymatic and mechanical intraoperative SVF isolation procedures exist. To date, the quest for the preferred isolation procedure persists, due to the absence of standardised yield measurements and a defined clinical threshold. This systematic review is an update of the systematic review published in 2018, where guidelines were proposed to improve and standardise SVF isolation procedures. An elaborate data search in MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE (Ovid) and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was conducted from September 2016 to date. A total of 26 full-text articles met inclusion criteria, evaluating 33 isolation procedures (11 enzymatic and 22 mechanical). In general, enzymatic and mechanical SVF isolation procedures yield comparable outcomes concerning cell yield (2.3-18.0 × 105 resp. 0.03-26.7 × 105 cells/ml), and cell viability (70%-99% resp. 46%-97.5%), while mechanical procedures are less time consuming (8-20 min vs. 50-210 min) and cost-efficient. However, as most studies used poorly validated outcome measures on SVF characterisation, it still remains unclear which intraoperative SVF isolation method is preferred. Future studies are recommended to implement standardised guidelines to standardise methods and improve comparability between studies.

Understanding and controlling the variables for stromal vascular fraction therapy

In regenerative medicine, the isolation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) from the adipose tissue's stromal vascular fraction (SVF) is a critical area of study. Our review meticulously examines the isolation process of MSCs, starting with the extraction of adipose tissue. The choice of liposuction technique, anatomical site, and immediate processing are essential to maintain cell functionality. We delve into the intricacies of enzymatic digestion, emphasizing the fine-tuning of enzyme concentrations to maximize cell yield while preventing harm. The review then outlines the filtration and centrifugation techniques necessary for isolating a purified SVF, alongside cell viability assessments like flow cytometry, which are vital for confirming the efficacy of the isolated MSCs. We discuss the advantages and drawbacks of using autologous vs allogeneic SVF sources, touching upon immunocompatibility and logistical considerations, as well as the variability inherent in donor-derived cells. Anesthesia choices, the selection between hypodermic needles vs liposuction cannulas, and the role of adipose tissue lysers in achieving cellular dissociation are evaluated for their impact on SVF isolation. Centrifugation protocols are also analyzed for their part in ensuring the integrity of the SVF. The necessity for standardized MSC isolation protocols is highlighted, promoting reproducibility and successful clinical application. We encourage ongoing research to deepen the understanding of MSC biology and therapeutic action, aiming to further the field of regenerative medicine. The review concludes with a call for rigorous research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strict adherence to ethical and regulatory standards to safeguard patient safety and optimize treatment outcomes with MSCs.

Retrospective evaluation of the short-term effectiveness of non-enzymatically isolated stromal vascular fraction cells in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Background

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is the most common degenerative joint disease. Adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction cell therapy slows the progression of knee osteoarthritis and prevents hyaline cartilage degeneration without serious side effects. This study aims to present retrospectively the effectiveness of stromal vascular fraction cells isolated from adipose tissue by the non-enzymatic method applied to 55 osteoarthritis patients of different age groups and Kellgren-Lawrence grades on the recovery of the disease.

Material and Methods

Fifty-five patients with knee osteoarthritis, treated with stromal vascular fraction cells at the International Medical Centre (Azerbaijan) between 2020 and 2021, were included in the study to be evaluated retrospectively. Patients aged 32–67 years, Grades I–IV according to Kellgren-Lawrence classification, were included in this study. Pain and functional limitations were assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaires before treatment, at the 5th month, and 12th month after stromal vascular fraction injection.

Results

At the fifth and 12th months post-treatment, it was observed that the WOMAC scores were significantly improved compared with pre-treatment scores. It was also observed that stromal vascular fraction therapy was effective for Kellgren-Lawrence Grades I and II at 12 months. The most significant decrease in the WOMAC score after stromal vascular fraction treatment was observed in patients aged 45–60 years, and it was also found that there was no meaningful relationship between stromal vascular fraction efficiency and gender.

Conclusion

According to our results, non-enzymatically stromal vascular fraction treatment is more effective for longer in osteoarthritis patients with early age and low Kellgren-Lawrence grades (I and II). Moreover, our finding is that the stromal vascular fraction cells could be used safely in osteoarthritis treatments and significantly benefit patients’ quality of life.

Anti-tumorigenic effects of naive and TLR4-primed adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells

BACKGROUND

One of the main reasons for the unsuccessful treatment of pancreatic cancer is the intense desmoplastic pancreatic microenvironment. In the literature, the effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their inflammatory phenotypes on cancer cells have been a subject of controversy. Therefore, it is crucial to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of this interaction, especially in the context of pancreatic cancer. We aimed to investigate the effects of naive, TLR4-activated, and TLR4-inhibited phenotypes of adipose-derived MSCs (ADMSC) on pancreatic ductal cell line (Panc-1).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Adipose-derived MSCs were induced into a proinflammatory phenotype using a 0.5 μg/mL dose of TLR4 agonist, while an anti-inflammatory phenotype was generated in ADMSCs using a 25 μg/mL dose of TLR4 antagonist. We observed that the proliferation of Panc-1 cells was inhibited when naive ADMSCs:Panc-1(10:1) and proinflammatory ADMSCs:Panc-1(10:1) were directly cocultured.

RESULTS

In indirect coculture, both naive and proinflammatory ADMSCs exhibited a significant 10-fold increase in their inhibitory effect on the proliferation and colony forming capacity of Panc-1 cells, with the added benefit of inducing apoptosis. In our study, both naive and proinflammatory ADMSCs were found to regulate the expression of genes associated with metastasis (MMP2, KDR, MMP9, TIMP1, IGF2R, and COL1A1) and EMT (CDH1, VIM, ZEB1, and CLDN1) in Panc-1 cells. Remarkably, both naive and proinflammatory ADMSCs demonstrated antitumor effects on Panc-1 cells. However, it was observed that anti-inflammatory ADMSCs showed tumor-promoting effects instead. Furthermore, we observed a reciprocal influence between ADMSCs and Panc-1 cells on each other's proinflammatory cytokine expressions, suggesting a dynamic interplay within the tumor microenvironment.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings underscore the significance of both the naive state and different inflammatory phenotypes of MSCs in the microenvironment and represent a pivotal step toward the development of novel therapeutic approaches for pancreatic cancer. Understanding the intricate interactions between MSCs and cancer cells may open new avenues for targeted interventions in cancer therapy.

Effects of Autologous Microfragmented Adipose Tissue on Healing of Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomies in Dogs: A Prospective Clinical Trial

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of autologous microfragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) applied after mechanical fragmentation and assess these effects radiographically in bone healing in dogs subjected to tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO). Twenty dogs with unilateral cranial cruciate ligament disease were enrolled and randomly assigned to the treatment group (MFAT) or the control group (NT). The MFAT group underwent TPLO and autologous MFAT intra-articular administration, while the NT group underwent TPLO alone. Adipose tissue was collected from the thigh region, and MFAT was obtained by mechanical fragmentation at the end of the surgery. The patients were subjected to X-ray examination preoperatively, immediately postoperatively (T0), and at 4 (T1) and 8 (T2) weeks postoperatively. Two radiographic scores that had previously been described for the evaluation of bone healing after TPLO were used. A 12-point scoring system (from 0 = no healing to 12 = complete remodelling) was used at T0, T1, and T2, while a 5-point scoring system (from 0 = no healing to 4 = 76-100% of healing) was used at T1 and T2. The median healing scores were significantly higher at T1 and T2 for the MFAT group compared with the NT group for the 12-point (p < 0.05) and 5-point (p < 0.05) scoring systems. The intra-articular injection of autologous microfragmented adipose tissue can accelerate bone healing after TPLO without complications.