Cord blood mesenchymal stem cells: Potential use in neurological disorders

Advancing Regenerative Cellular Therapies in Non-Scarring Alopecia

Alopecia or baldness is a common diagnosis in clinical practice. Alopecia can be scarring or non-scarring, diffuse or patchy. The most prevalent type of alopecia is non-scarring alopecia, with the majority of cases being androgenetic alopecia (AGA) or alopecia areata (AA). AGA is traditionally treated with minoxidil and finasteride, while AA is treated with immune modulators; however, both treatments have significant downsides. These drawbacks compel us to explore regenerative therapies that are relatively devoid of adverse effects. A thorough literature review was conducted to explore the existing proven and experimental regenerative treatment modalities in non-scarring alopecia. Multiple treatment options compelled us to classify them into growth factor-rich and stem cell-rich. The growth factor-rich group included platelet-rich plasma, stem cell-conditioned medium, exosomes and placental extract whereas adult stem cells (adipose-derived stem cell-nano fat and stromal vascular fraction; bone marrow stem cell and hair follicle stem cells) and perinatal stem cells (umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs), Wharton jelly-derived MSCs (WJ-MSCs), amniotic fluid-derived MSCs (AF-MSCs), and placental MSCs) were grouped into the stem cell-rich group. Because of its regenerative and proliferative capabilities, MSC lies at the heart of regenerative cellular treatment for hair restoration. A literature review revealed that both adult and perinatal MSCs are successful as a mesotherapy for hair regrowth. However, there is a lack of standardization in terms of preparation, dose, and route of administration. To better understand the source and mode of action of regenerative cellular therapies in hair restoration, we have proposed the "À La Mode Classification". In addition, available evidence-based cellular treatments for hair regrowth have been thoroughly described.

Placenta mesenchymal stem cells differentiation toward neuronal-like cells on nanofibrous scaffold

Introduction: Transplantation of stem cells with a nanofibrous scaffold is a promising approach for spinal cord injury therapy. The aim of this work was to differentiate neural-like cells from placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PDMSCs) using suitable induction reagents in three (3D) and two dimensional (2D) culture systems. Methods: After isolation and characterization of PDMSCs, the cells were cultivated on poly-L-lactide acid (PLLA)/poly caprolactone (PCL) nanofibrous scaffold and treated with a neuronal medium for 7 days. Electron microscopy, qPCR, and immunostaining were used to examine the differentiation of PDMSCs (on scaffold and tissue culture polystyrene [TCPS]) and the expression rate of neuronal markers (beta-tubulin, nestin, GFAP, and MAP-2). Results: qPCR analysis showed that beta-tubulin (1.672 fold; P ≤ 0.0001), nestin (11.145 fold; P ≤ 0.0001), and GFAP (80.171; P ≤ 0.0001) gene expressions were higher on scaffolds compared with TCPS. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that nestin and beta-tubulin proteins were recognized in the PDMSCs differentiated on TCPS and scaffold after 7 days in the neuroinductive differentiation medium. Conclusion: Taken together, these results delegated that PDMSCs differentiated on PLLA/PCL scaffolds are more likely to differentiate towards diversity lineages of neural cells. It proposed that PDMSCs have cell subpopulations that have the capability to be differentiated into neurogenic cells.

Human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells engineered to overexpress growth factors accelerate outcomes in hair growth

Human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs) are used in tissue repair and regeneration; however, the mechanisms involved are not well understood. We investigated the hair growth-promoting effects of hUCB-MSCs treatment to determine whether hUCB-MSCs enhance the promotion of hair growth. Furthermore, we attempted to identify the factors responsible for hair growth. The effects of hUCB-MSCs on hair growth were investigated in vivo, and hUCB-MSCs advanced anagen onset and hair follicle neogeneration. We found that hUCB-MSCs co-culture increased the viability and up-regulated hair induction-related proteins of human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) in vitro. A growth factor antibody array revealed that secretory factors from hUCB-MSCs are related to hair growth. Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were increased in co-culture medium. Finally, we found that IGFBP-1, through the co-localization of an IGF-1 and IGFBP-1, had positive effects on cell viability; VEGF secretion; expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), CD133, and β-catenin; and formation of hDPCs 3D spheroids. Taken together, these data suggest that hUCB-MSCs promote hair growth via a paracrine mechanism.

Umbilical cord blood-derived non-hematopoietic stem cells retrieved and expanded on bone marrow-derived extracellular matrix display pluripotent characteristics

BACKGROUND

Umbilical cord blood (UCB) not only contains hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), but also non-hematopoietic stem cells (NHSCs) that are able to differentiate into a number of distinct cell types. Based on studies published to date, the frequency of NHSCs in UCB is believed to be very low. However, the isolation of these cells is primarily based on their adhesion to tissue culture plastic surfaces.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In the current study, we demonstrate that this approach overlooks some of the extremely immature NHSCs because they lack the ability to adhere to plastic. Using a native extracellular matrix (ECM), produced by bone marrow (BM) stromal cells, the majority of the UCB-NHSCs attached within 4 h. The colony-forming unit fibroblast frequency of these cells was 1.5 × 10⁴/10⁸ mononuclear cells, which is at least 4000-fold greater than previously reported for UCB-NHSCs. The phenotype of these cells was fibroblast-like and different from those obtained by plastic adhesion; they formed embryonic body-like clusters that were OCT4-positive and expressed other human embryonic stem cell-related markers. Importantly, when implanted subcutaneously for 8 weeks into immunocompromised mice, these ECM-adherent and expanded NHSCs generated three germ layer-derived human tissues including muscle, fat, blood vessel, bone, gland, and nerve. Moreover, injection of these cells into muscle damaged by cryoinjury significantly accelerated muscle regeneration.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that UCB may be a virtually unlimited source of NHSCs when combined with isolation and expansion on ECM. NHSCs may be a practical alternative to embryonic stem cells for a number of therapeutic applications.

[Effects of umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells transplantation via lateral ventricle on the neural apoptosis and the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 proteins in neonatal rats with hypoxic-ischemic brain damage]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effects of umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (UCBMC) transplantation on the neuronal apoptosis and the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins in neonatal rats with hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD).

METHODS

Seven-day-old Sprague-Dawley neonatal rats were randomly divided into normal control (N)+normal saline (NS), HIBD+NS, N+UCBMC, and HIBD+UCBMC groups. HIBD model was prepared using the classical Rice-Vannucci method. Twenty-four hours after HIBD, UCBMC were transplanted in the N+UCBMC and HIBD+UCBMC groups. Seven days after transplantation, NeuN/Cleaved-Caspase-3 double immunofluorescence staining and TUNEL methods were used to observe neural apoptosis in the cortex. The expression levels of Bax and Bcl-2 proteins were examined by Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

There were more NeuN⁺ cleaved Caspase-3⁺DAPI⁺ and TUNEL⁺DAPI⁺ cells in the HIBD+NS group compared with the N+NS and N+UCBMC groups (P<0.01). There were less NeuN⁺ cleaved Caspase-3⁺DAPI⁺ and TUNEL⁺DAPI⁺ cells in the HIBD+UCBMC group compared with the HIBD+NS group (P<0.01). The concentration of Bax protein was higher and that of Bcl-2 proteins was lower in the HIBD+NS group compared with the N+NS and N+UCBMC groups (P<0.01). The concentration of Bax protein in HIBD+UCBMC group was lower than that in the HIBD+NS group (P<0.01). The concentration of Bcl-2 protein was higher compared with the HIBD+NS, N+NS and N+UCBMC groups (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

UCBMC transplantation via lateral ventricle can upregulate the expression of Bcl-2 protein and down-regulate the expression of Bax protein, thus alleviating brain neural apoptosis in neonatal rats with HIBD.

Biodistribution of Infused Human Umbilical Cord Blood Cells in Alzheimer's Disease-Like Murine Model

Human umbilical cord blood cells (HUCBCs), a prolific source of non-embryonic or adult stem cells, have emerged as effective and relatively safe immunomodulators and neuroprotectors, reducing behavioral impairment in animal models of Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and stroke. In this report, we followed the bioavailability of HUCBCs in AD-like transgenic PSAPP mice and nontransgenic Sprague-Dawley rats. HUCBCs were injected into tail veins of mice or rats at a single dose of 1 × 10(6) or 2.2 × 10(6) cells, respectively, prior to harvesting of tissues at 24 h, 7 days, and 30 days after injection. For determination of HUCBC distribution, tissues from both species were subjected to total DNA isolation and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the gene for human glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. Our results show a relatively similar biodistribution and retention of HUCBCs in both mouse and rat organs. HUCBCs were broadly detected both in the brain and several peripheral organs, including the liver, kidney, and bone marrow, of both species, starting within 7 days and continuing up to 30 days posttransplantation. No HUCBCs were recovered in the peripheral circulation, even at 24 h posttransplantation. Therefore, HUCBCs reach several tissues including the brain following a single intravenous treatment, suggesting that this route can be a viable method of administration of these cells for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Comparative analysis of neural differentiation potential in human mesenchymal stem cells derived from chorion and adult bone marrow

The finding of a reliable and abundant source of stem cells for the replacement of missing neurons in nervous system diseases requires extensive characterization of neural-differentiation-associated markers in stem cells from various sources. Chorion-derived stem cells from the human placenta have recently been described as an abundant, ethically acceptable, and easily accessible source of cells that are not limited in the same way as bone marrow (BM) mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). We have isolated and cultured chorion MSCs (C-MSCs) and compared their proliferative capacity, multipotency, and neural differentiation ability with BM-MSCs. C-MSCs showed a higher proliferative capacity compared with BM-MSCs. The expression and histone modification of Nestin, as a marker for neural stem/progenitor cells, was evaluated quantitatively between the two groups. The Nestin expression level in C-MSCs was significantly higher than that in BM-MSCs. Notably, modifications of lys9, lys4, and lys27 of histone H3 agreed with the remarkable higher expression of Nestin in C-MSCs than in BM-MSCs. Furthermore, after neural differentiation of MSCs upon retinoic acid induction, both immunocytochemical and flow cytometry analyses demonstrated that the expression of neural marker genes was significantly higher in neural-induced C-MSCs compared with BM-MSCs. Mature neuron marker genes were also expressed at a significantly higher level in C-MSCs than in BM-MSCs. Thus, C-MSCs have a greater potential than BM-MSCs for differentiation to neural cell lineages and can be regarded as a promising source of stem cells for the cell therapy of neurological disorders.

Gene expression profiling of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs)

Transcriptomic analysis to decipher the molecular phenotype of hematopoietic stem cells, regulatory mechanisms directing their life cycle, and the molecular signals mediating proliferation, mobilization, migration, and differentiation is believed to unravel disease-specific disturbances in hematological diseases and assist in the development of novel cell-based clinical therapies in this era of genomic medicine. The recent advent in genomic tools and technologies is now enabling the study of such comprehensive transcriptional characterization of cell types in a robust and successful manner. This chapter describes detailed protocols for isolating RNA from purified population of hematopoietic cells and gene expression profiling of those purified cells using both microarrays (Affymetrix) and RNA-Seq technology (Illumina Platform).

Interaction between neural stem cells and bone marrow derived-mesenchymal stem cells during differentiation

Due to their capacity to self-replicate or produce specific differentiated cell types, neural stem cells (NSCs) and bone marrow derived-mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are potential sources for cell transplantation therapies, particularly for neural injury. However, the interaction between NSCs and BMSCs during differentiation has not yet been defined. The interaction is believed to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of cell therapy. In the present study, human NSCs and BMSCs were cultured and the Transwell co-culture system was used to observe the interplay between NSCs and BMSCs during differentiation. The results revealed that NSCs promoted BMSCs to differentiate into neurons and NSCs; whereas, BMSCs did not affect the differentiation of NSCs. Simultaneously, co-culture increased the concentration of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF), which are secreted by NSCs and BMSCs. The present findings suggest that co-culture of NSCs and BMSCs can promote the differentiation and this process may be modulated by BDNF and NGF.

Could cord blood cell therapy reduce preterm brain injury?

Major advances in neonatal care have led to significant improvements in survival rates for preterm infants, but this occurs at a cost, with a strong causal link between preterm birth and neurological deficits, including cerebral palsy (CP). Indeed, in high-income countries, up to 50% of children with CP were born preterm. The pathways that link preterm birth and brain injury are complex and multifactorial, but it is clear that preterm birth is strongly associated with damage to the white matter of the developing brain. Nearly 90% of preterm infants who later develop spastic CP have evidence of periventricular white matter injury. There are currently no treatments targeted at protecting the immature preterm brain. Umbilical cord blood (UCB) contains a diverse mix of stem and progenitor cells, and is a particularly promising source of cells for clinical applications, due to ethical and practical advantages over other potential therapeutic cell types. Recent studies have documented the potential benefits of UCB cells in reducing brain injury, particularly in rodent models of term neonatal hypoxia–ischemia. These studies indicate that UCB cells act via anti-inflammatory and immuno-modulatory effects, and release neurotrophic growth factors to support the damaged and surrounding brain tissue. The etiology of brain injury in preterm-born infants is less well understood than in term infants, but likely results from episodes of hypoperfusion, hypoxia–ischemia, and/or inflammation over a developmental period of white matter vulnerability. This review will explore current knowledge about the neuroprotective actions of UCB cells and their potential to ameliorate preterm brain injury through neonatal cell administration. We will also discuss the characteristics of UCB-derived from preterm and term infants for use in clinical applications.

Human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cell transplantation for the treatment of spinal cord injury

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cell (HUCB-MSC) transplantation on the functional restoration of spinal cord injury (SCI). A total of 46 adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: Injury (n=15), control (n=15) and transplantation (n=16). A SCI model was established using the modified Allen’s method (vulnerating energy, 25 g/cm). The rats in the control and transplantation groups were injected at the site of the injury with physiological saline and HUCB-MSC suspension, respectively. At week one, two and four following treatment, the behavior of the rats was evaluated using the Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan locomotor rating scale. In addition, immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed on samples from the rats that had been sacrificed four weeks subsequent to the treatment. Recovery of the spinal cord nerve function was identified to be significantly different at week two and four following treatment (P<0.05), and IHC identified that at week four following treatment novel nerve cells were being produced. Thus, transplantation of HUCB-MSCs promoted the recovery of the damaged function of spinal cord nerves in rats with SCI.

Stem-cell challenges in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease: a long way from bench to bedside

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent type of dementia, and its neuropathology is characterized by deposition of insoluble β-amyloid peptides, intracellular neurofibrillary tangles, and the loss of diverse neurons. Current pharmacological treatments for AD relieve symptoms without affecting the major pathological characteristics of the disease. Therefore, it is essential to develop new and effective therapies. Stem-cell types include tissue-specific stem cells, such as neural stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells, embryonic stem cells derived from blastocysts, and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) reprogrammed from somatic cells. Recent preclinical evidence suggests that stem cells can be used to treat or model AD. The mechanisms of stem cell based therapies for AD include stem cell mediated neuroprotection and trophic actions, antiamyloidogenesis, beneficial immune modulation, and the replacement of the lost neurons. iPSCs have been recently used to model AD, investigate sporadic and familial AD pathogenesis, and screen for anti-AD drugs. Although considerable progress has been achieved, a series of challenges must be overcome before stem cell based cell therapies are used clinically for AD patients. This review highlights the recent experimental and preclinical progress of stem-cell therapies for AD, and discusses the translational challenges of their clinical application.

Biological characterization of chicken mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells from umbilical cord Wharton's jelly

Mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells derived from Wharton's jelly of the umbilical cord (UCMSCs/UCMPCs) are multipotent, and can be differentiated in vitro into many cell types. Much work has been done on UCMSCs/UCMPCs from humans, mice, rabbits, and other mammals, but the relatively little literature has been published about these cells in chickens. In our work, we isolated USMSCs/USMPCs from chicken embryos. We characterized the isolated cells using immunofluorescence and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction techniques. Primary UCMSCs/UCMPCs were subcultured to passage 30 and growth curves for each passage determined. The growth curves at different passages were all typically sigmoidal. Isolated UCMSCs/UCMPCs were induced to differentiate into adipocytes, osteoblasts, myocardial cells, and neural cells, and we were able to detect characteristic CD44, CD29, CD73, and CD71 cell surface markers. Our results suggest that UCMSCs/UCMPCs isolated from chickens possess similar biological characteristics to those from other species. Their multi-lineage differentiation capabilities herald a probable application for cellular transplant therapy in tissue engineering.

Repairing neural injuries using human umbilical cord blood

Stem cells are promising sources for repairing damaged neurons and glial cells in neural injuries and for replacing dead cells in neurodegenerative diseases. An essential step for stem cell-based therapy is to generate large quantities of stem cells and develop reliable culture conditions to direct efficient differentiation of specific neuronal and glial subtypes. The human umbilical cord and umbilical cord blood (UCB) are rich sources of multiple stem cells, including hematopoietic stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, unrestricted somatic stem cells, and embryonic-like stem cells. Human UC/UCB-derived cells are able to give rise to multiple cell types of neural lineages. Studies have shown that UCB and UCB-derived cells can survive in injured sites in animal models of ischemic brain damage and spinal cord injuries, and promote survival and prevent cell death of local neurons and glia. Human UCB is easy to harvest and purify. Moreover, unlike embryonic stem cells, the use of human UCB is not limited by ethical quandaries. Therefore, human UCB is an attractive source of stem cells for repairing neural injuries.

Umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells consist of a unique population of progenitors co-expressing mesenchymal stem cell and neuronal markers capable of instantaneous neuronal differentiation

INTRODUCTION

Umbilical cord blood (UCB)-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are self-renewing multipotent progenitors with the potential to differentiate into multiple lineages of mesoderm, in addition to generating ectodermal and endodermal lineages by crossing the germline barrier. In the present study we have investigated the ability of UCB-MSCs to generate neurons, since we were able to observe varying degrees of neuronal differentiation from a few batches of UCB-MSCs with very simple neuronal induction protocols whereas other batches required extensive exposure to combination of growth factors in a stepwise protocol. Our hypothesis was therefore that the human UCB-MSCs would contain multiple types of progenitors with varying neurogenic potential and that the ratio of the progenitors with high and low neurogenic potentials varies in different batches of UCB.

METHODS

In total we collected 45 UCB samples, nine of which generated MSCs that were further expanded and characterized using immunofluorescence, fluorescence-activated cell sorting and RT-PCR analysis. The neuronal differentiation potential of the UCB-MSCs was analyzed with exposure to combination of growth factors.

RESULTS

We could identify two different populations of progenitors within the UCB-MSCs. One population represented progenitors with innate neurogenic potential that initially express pluripotent stem cell markers such as Oct4, Nanog, Sox2, ABCG2 and neuro-ectodermal marker nestin and are capable of expanding and differentiating into neurons with exposure to simple neuronal induction conditions. The remaining population of cells, typically expressing MSC markers, requires extensive exposure to a combination of growth factors to transdifferentiate into neurons. Interesting to note was that both of these cell populations were positive for CD29 and CD105, indicating their MSC lineage, but showed prominent difference in their neurogenic potential.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the expanded UCB-derived MSCs harbor a small unique population of cells that express pluripotent stem cell markers along with MSC markers and possess an inherent neurogenic potential. These pluripotent progenitors later generate cells expressing neural progenitor markers and are responsible for the instantaneous neuronal differentiation; the ratio of these pluripotent marker expressing cells in a batch determines the innate neurogenic potential.

MicroRNAs as markers for neurally committed CD133+/CD34+ stem cells derived from human umbilical cord blood

Neural differentiation of the CD133+/CD34+ subpopulation of human umbilical cord blood stem cells was investigated, and neuro-miR (mir-9 and mir-124) expression was examined. An efficient induction protocol for neural differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells together with the exclusion of retinoic acid in this process was also studied. Transcription of some neural markers such as microtubule-associated protein-2, beta-tubulin III, and neuron-specific enolase was evaluated by real-time PCR, immunocytochemistry, and western blotting. Increased expression of neural indicators in the treated cells confirmed the appropriate neural differentiation, which supported the high efficiency of our defined neuronal induction protocol. Verified high expression of neuro-miRNAs along with neuronal specific proteins not only strengthens the regulatory role of miRNAs in determining stem cell fate but also introduces these miRNAs as novel indicators of neural differentiation. These data highlight the prominent therapeutic potential of hematopoietic stem cells for use in cell therapy of neurodegenerative diseases.

Multiple low-dose infusions of human umbilical cord blood cells improve cognitive impairments and reduce amyloid-β-associated neuropathology in Alzheimer mice

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common progressive age-related dementia in the elderly and the fourth major cause of disability and mortality in that population. The disease is pathologically characterized by deposition of β-amyloid plaques neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. Current strategies for the treatment of AD are symptomatic only. As such, they are less than efficacious in terms of significantly slowing or halting the underlying pathophysiological progression of the disease. Modulation by cell therapy may be new promising disease-modifying therapy. Recently, we showed reduction in amyloid-β (Aβ) levels/β-amyloid plaques and associated astrocytosis following low-dose infusions of mononuclear human umbilical cord blood cells (HUCBCs). Our current study extended our previous findings by examining cognition via (1) the rotarod test, (2) a 2-day version of the radial-arm water maze test, and (3) a subsequent observation in an open pool platform test to characterize the effects of monthly peripheral HUCBC infusion (1×10(6) cells/μL) into the transgenic PSAPP mouse model of cerebral amyloidosis (bearing mutant human APP and presenilin-1 transgenes) from 6 to 12 months of age. We show that HUCBC therapy correlates with decreased (1) cognitive impairment, (2) Aβ levels/β-amyloid plaques, (3) amyloidogenic APP processing, and (4) reactive microgliosis after a treatment of 6 or 10 months. As such, this report lays the groundwork for an HUCBC therapy as potentially novel alternative to oppose AD at the disease-modifying level.

Ensheathing cell-conditioned medium directs the differentiation of human umbilical cord blood cells into aldynoglial phenotype cells

Despite their similarities to bone marrow precursor cells (PC), human umbilical cord blood (HUCB) PCs are more immature and, thus, they exhibit greater plasticity. This plasticity is evident by their ability to proliferate and spontaneously differentiate into almost any cell type, depending on their environment. Moreover, HUCB-PCs yield an accessible cell population that can be grown in culture and differentiated into glial, neuronal and other cell phenotypes. HUCB-PCs offer many potential therapeutic benefits, particularly in the area of neural replacement. We sought to induce the differentiation of HUCB-PCs into glial cells, known as aldynoglia. These cells can promote neuronal regeneration after lesion and they can be transplanted into areas affected by several pathologies, which represents an important therapeutic strategy to treat central nervous system damage. To induce differentiation to the aldynoglia phenotype, HUCB-PCs were exposed to different culture media. Mononuclear cells from HUCB were isolated and purified by identification of CD34 and CD133 antigens, and after 12 days in culture, differentiation of CD34+ HUCB-PCs to an aldynoglia phenotypic, but not that of CD133+ cells, was induced in ensheathing cell (EC)-conditioned medium. Thus, we demonstrate that the differentiation of HUCB-PCs into aldynoglia cells in EC-conditioned medium can provide a new source of aldynoglial cells for use in transplants to treat injuries or neurodegenerative diseases.

Mesenchymal stromal cells derived from umbilical cord blood migrate in response to complement C1q

BACKGROUND AIMS

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) have great potential for tissue regeneration and cellular therapy. They migrate preferentially to sites of inflammation and tissue injury, but the molecular signals that guide them to their target tissue remain to be elucidated. We have shown that complement component 1 subcomponent q (C1q) enhances the homing-related response of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells.

METHODS

In this study, we investigated whether C1q elicits directional signals that could influence the migration of MSC to injured tissues/organs.

RESULTS

We found that C1q chemoattracted human umbilical cord blood-derived MSC in a dose-dependent manner and that the receptor for the global domains of Clq (gC1qR) is present on the surface of MSC. Specific gC1qR antibody blocked the chemotactic response of MSC to C1q, indicating that the C1q/gC1qR interaction may be responsible for the C1q-mediated migration of MSC. Further, we found that C1q enhanced/primed the migration of MSC across reconstituted basement membrane Matrigel towards a low gradient of the chemokine stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), which is also present at sites of injury, partly as a result of an increase in surface expression of the SDF-1 receptor CXCR4. Moreover, C1q increased the secretion by MSC of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and induced the phosphorylation of ERK1/2.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that C1q mediates the migration of MSC in two ways: first, by acting as a chemoattractant, and second, by priming chemotactic responses to SDF-1. Our findings suggest new molecular mechanisms of MSC migration that may contribute to their clinical application in tissue repair.

Small Molecule Induction of Human Umbilical Stem Cells into MBP-positive Oligodendrocytes in a Defined Three-Dimensional Environment

Stem cells from umbilical cord would be a favorable alternative to embryonic stem cells for therapeutic applications. In this study, human multipotent progenitor cells (MLPCs) from umbilical cord were differentiated into oligodendrocytes by exposure to a range of microenvironmental chemical and physical cues. Chemical cues were represented by a novel defined differentiation medium containing the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (NE). In traditional 2 dimensional (2D) conditions, the MLPCs differentiated into oligodendrocyte precursors, but did not progress further. However, in a 3 dimensional (3D) environment, the MLPCs differentiated into committed oligodendrocytes that expressed MBP. The apparent method of interaction of NE in stimulating the differentiation process was identified to occur through the adenergic pathway while all prior differentiation methods have used other routes. This novel method of obtaining functional human oligodendrocytes from MLPCs would eliminate many of the difficulties associated with their differentiation from embryonic stem cells.

Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and chemokine ligand-2 (CCL2) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients

Background

Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and chemokne ligand-2 (CCL2) levels have been examined in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients in Western countries. We measured these values in North Indian ALS patients, since these patients display considerably enhanced survival duration.

Methods

Sporadic ALS patients were included on the basis of El Escorial criteria. VEGF-A and CCL2 levels were analyzed in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 50 ALS patients using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and compared with normal controls. Their levels were adjusted for possible confounders like cigarette smoking, alcohol and meat consumption.

Results

Contrary to previous studies, VEGF-A was found to be elevated significantly in serum and CSF in ALS patient population studied. We also found an increase in CCL2 levels in CSF of these ALS patients. Serum and CSF from definite ALS revealed higher VEGF-A as compared to probable and possible ALS. CCL2 was unaltered between definite, probable and possible ALS. Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed a lack of association of smoking, alcohol and meat consumption with VEGF-A and CCL2 levels.

Conclusions

VEGF-A upregulation may indicate an activation of compensatory responses in ALS which may reflect or in fact account for increased survival of North Indian ALS patients after disease onset. The intrathecal synthesis of CCL2 suggests the involvement of adult neural stem cells and microglial activation in ALS pathogenesis which needs further investigation.

Umbilical cord blood cell transplantation after brain ischemia--from recovery of function to cellular mechanisms

Cell transplantation has been proposed as a potential approach to the treatment of neurological disorders. One cell population of interest consists of human umbilical cord blood (hUCB) cells, which have previously been shown to be useful for reparative medicine in haematological diseases. However, hUCB cells are also capable of differentiating into various non-haematopoietic cells, including those of the neural lineage. Moreover, hUCB cells can secrete numerous neurotrophic factors and modulate immune function and inflammatory reaction. Several studies on animal models of ischemic brain injury have demonstrated the potential of hUCB cells to minimize damage and promote recovery after ischemic brain injury.This review focuses on the treatment of both stroke and perinatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury using hUCB cells. We discuss the therapeutic effects demonstrated after hUCB cell transplantation and emphasize possible mechanisms counteracting pathophysiological events of ischemia, thus leading to the generation of a regenerative environment that allows neural plasticity and functional recovery. The therapeutic functional effects of hUCB cells observed in animal models make the transplantation of hUCB cells a promising experimental approach in the treatment of ischemic brain injury. Together with its availability, low risk of transplantation, immaturity of cells, and simple route of application, hUCB transplantation may stand a good chance of being translated into a clinical setting for the therapy of ischemic brain injury.

Mesenchymal stromal cells from human perinatal tissues: From biology to cell therapy

Cell-based regenerative medicine is of growing interest in biomedical research. The role of stem cells in this context is under intense scrutiny and may help to define principles of organ regeneration and develop innovative therapeutics for organ failure. Utilizing stem and progenitor cells for organ replacement has been conducted for many years when performing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Since the first successful transplantation of umbilical cord blood to treat hematological malignancies, non-hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell populations have recently been identified within umbilical cord blood and other perinatal and fetal tissues. A cell population entitled mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) emerged as one of the most intensely studied as it subsumes a variety of capacities: MSCs can differentiate into various subtypes of the mesodermal lineage, they secrete a large array of trophic factors suitable of recruiting endogenous repair processes and they are immunomodulatory.Focusing on perinatal tissues to isolate MSCs, we will discuss some of the challenges associated with these cell types concentrating on concepts of isolation and expansion, the comparison with cells derived from other tissue sources, regarding phenotype and differentiation capacity and finally their therapeutic potential.

Turning placenta into brain: placental mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into neurons and oligodendrocytes

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to induce neural stem (NSC) and progenitor cells (NPC) from human placental tissues.

STUDY DESIGN

Placental stem cells from first-trimester placental chorionic villi and term chorion were isolated. Neural differentiation was initiated with plating on collagen, retinoic acid, and/or human brain-derived neurotrophic factor and epidermal and fibroblast growth factor. Differentiation into neurons, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes was monitored by immunohistochemistry. Two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, high-performance liquid chromatography, and tandem mass spectrometry were used to identify proteins involved in the differentiation.

RESULTS

Differentiated cells were mostly immediately postmitotic with some more but not fully mature postmitotic neurons. Neurons had dopaminergic or serotonergic character. Some cells differentiated into predominantly immature oligodendrocytes. Upon differentiation, neuron-specific proteins were up-regulated, whereas placental proteins were reduced.

CONCLUSION

Stem cells derived from human placenta can be differentiated into neural progenitors.

Intracerebral transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells derived from human umbilical cord blood alleviates hypoxic ischemic brain injury in rat neonates

AIMS

Fetal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HIBI) is a severe condition for which no effective therapy exists. In this study mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from human umbilical cord blood (UCB) of full-term newborns were isolated and intracerebrally transplanted into rat neonates after HIBI induction. Nerve function was assessed by the modified neurological severity scores (mNSS) to establish if MSCs could alleviate nerve injury.

RESULTS

Immunostaining showed the transplanted MSCs migrated to the hippocampus. Rats receiving MSCs treatment showed significant improvement in the mNSS when compared with controls. Also, histochemical study showed alleviation of brain tissue injury after MSCs treatment. Differentiation of MSCs to astrocytes, but not neurons, was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate a beneficial effect of intracerebral transplantation of MSCs on the functional recovery of rat neonates with HIBI.

Mankind's first natural stem cell transplant

The timing of the umbilical cord clamping at birth is still controversial. In the modern era of medicine, the cord has been clamped early to facilitate resuscitation and stabilization of infants. However, recently delayed cord clamping has been supported by physicians because it allows for the physiological transfer of blood from the placenta to the infant. Many clinical studies have revealed that the delayed cord clamping elevates blood volume and haemoglobin and prevents anaemia in infants. Moreover, since it was known that umbilical cord blood contains various valuable stem cells such as haematopoietic stem cells, endothelial cell precursors, mesenchymal progenitors and multipotent/pluripotent lineage stem cells, the merit of delayed cord clamping has been magnified. In this review, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of delayed cord clamping at birth. We highlight the importance of delayed cord clamping in realizing mankind's first stem cell transfer and propose that it should be encouraged in normal births.

Human Umbilical Cord Blood Cell Grafts for Brain Ischemia

Irreversible and permanent damage develop immediately adjacent to the region of reduced cerebral blood perfusion in stroke patients. Currently, the proven thrombolytic treatment for stroke, tissue plasminogen activator, is only effective when administered within 3 h after stroke. These disease characteristics should be taken under consideration in developing any therapeutic intervention designed to widen the narrow therapeutic range, especially cell-based therapy. Over the past several years, our group and others have characterized the therapeutic potential of human umbilical cord blood cells for stroke and other neurological disorders using in vitro and vivo models focusing on the cells' ability to differentiate into nonhematopoietic cells including neural lineage, as well as their ability to produce several neurotrophic factors and modulate immune and inflammatory reaction. Rather than the conventional cell replacement mechanism, we advance alternative pathways of graft-mediated brain repair involving neurotrophic effects resulting from release of various growth factors that afford cell survival, angiogenesis, and anti-inflammation. Eventually, these multiple protective and restorative effects from umbilical cord blood cell grafts may be interdependent and act in harmony in promoting therapeutic benefits for stroke.

Clinical grade mesenchymal stem cells transdifferentiated under xenofree conditions alleviates motor deficiencies in a rat model of Parkinson's disease

Bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) is a valid, definitive candidate for repair of damaged tissues in degenerative disorders in general and neurological diseases in particular. We have standardized the processing conditions for proliferation of BMMSCs using xenofree medium and checked their in vitro and in vivo neurogenic potential.

METHOD

The proliferative potential of BMMSCs was analyzed using xenofree media and functionality checked by transplantation into Parkinson's disease (PD) animal models. In vitro neuronal differentiation was investigated by neuronal induction media supplemented with growth factors. Differentiated cells were characterized at cellular and molecular levels. In vitro functionality estimated by dopamine secretion.

RESULTS

A pure population of BMMSCs showing an 8-10 fold expansion was obtained using xenofree media. On differentiation to neuronal lineage, they exhibited neuronal morphology. Detectable levels of dopamine (1.93 ng/ml) were secreted into the culture media of differentiated cells. There was a significant behavioural improvement in PD models 3 months post transplantation.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates that BMMSCs can be transdifferentiated efficiently into functional dopaminergic neurons both in vitro and in vivo. This holds immense clinical potential as a replacement therapy for PD and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Interferon-gamma-induced neuronal differentiation of human umbilical cord blood-derived progenitors

Human umbilical cord blood (HUCB) provides a source of progenitors for cell therapy. We isolated and characterized an HUCB-derived population of progenitors (HUCBNP), differentiated toward neuronal phenotype by human neuroblastoma-conditioning medium (CM) and nerve growth factor (NGF), which have been found to confer neuroprotection toward hypoxia-mediated neuronal injury. This study investigated whether interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) contributes to HUCBNP differentiation. IFN-gamma was detected in the CM used for the induction of differentiation of HUCBNP and a neutralizing antibody of IFN-gamma significantly inhibited either IFN-gamma or CM-induced differentiation. Transcriptome analysis of CM-differentiated HUCBNP, identified 86 genes as highly upregulated, among them 25 were IFN-induced (such as 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase 1 and 2, IFN-induced protein and transmembrane proteins, STAT1 (IFN-gamma-receptor signal transducer and activator of transcription) and chemokine C-X-C motif ligand 5). Treatment of HUCBNP with human recombinant IFN-gamma, inhibited cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. IFN-gamma (1-100 ng/ml) enhanced neuronal differentiation, expressed by neurite outgrowths and increased expression of the neuronal markers beta-tubulin III, microtubule-associated protein 2, neuronal nuclei, neurofilament M and neuronal-specific enolase. IFN-gamma additively cooperated with NGF to induce the differentiation of HUCBNP. These data indicate that IFN-gamma promotes neuronal differentiation of HUCB-derived progenitors, proposing its use in future protocols towards cell therapy.

Stem cell sources for regenerative medicine

Tissue-resident stem cells or primitive progenitors play an integral role in homeostasis of most organ systems. Recent developments in methodologies to isolate and culture embryonic and somatic stem cells have many new applications poised for clinical and preclinical trials, which will enable the potential of regenerative medicine to be realized. Here, we overview the current progress in therapeutic applications of various stem cells and discuss technical and social hurdles that must be overcome for their potential to be realized.

Inflammaging as a prodrome to Alzheimer's disease

Recently, the term "inflammaging" was coined by Franceshci and colleagues to characterize a widely accepted paradigm that ageing is accompanied by a low-grade chronic up-regulation of certain pro-inflammatory responses. Inflammaging differs significantly from the traditional five cardinal features of acute inflammation in that it is characterized by a relative decline in adaptive immunity and T-helper 2 responses and is associated with increased innate immunity by cells of the mononuclear phagocyte lineage. While the over-active innate immunity characteristic of inflammaging may remain subclinical in many elderly individuals, a portion of individuals (postulated to have a "high responder inflammatory genotype") may shift from a state of "normal" or "subclinical" inflammaging to one or more of a number of age-associated diseases. We and others have found that IFN-γ and other pro-inflammatory cytokines interact with processing and production of Aβ peptide, the pathological hallmark feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD), suggesting that inflammaging may be a "prodrome" to AD. Although conditions of enhanced innate immune response with overproduction of pro-inflammatory proteins are associated with both healthy aging and AD, it is suggested that those who age "well" demonstrate anti-inflammaging mechanisms and biomarkers that likely counteract the adverse immune response of inflammaging. Thus, opposing the features of inflammaging may prevent or treat the symptoms of AD. In this review, we fully characterize the aging immune system. In addition, we explain how three novel treatments, (1) human umbilical cord blood cells (HUCBC), (2) flavanoids, and (3) Aβ vaccination oppose the forces of inflammaging and AD-like pathology in various mouse models.

Peripherally administered human umbilical cord blood cells reduce parenchymal and vascular beta-amyloid deposits in Alzheimer mice

Modulation of immune/inflammatory responses by diverse strategies including amyloid-beta (Abeta) immunization, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and manipulation of microglial activation states has been shown to reduce Alzheimer's disease (AD)-like pathology and cognitive deficits in AD transgenic mouse models. Human umbilical cord blood cells (HUCBCs) have unique immunomodulatory potential. We wished to test whether these cells might alter AD-like pathology after infusion into the PSAPP mouse model of AD. Here, we report a marked reduction in Abeta levels/beta-amyloid plaques and associated astrocytosis following multiple low-dose infusions of HUCBCs. HUCBC infusions also reduced cerebral vascular Abeta deposits in the Tg2576 AD mouse model. Interestingly, these effects were associated with suppression of the CD40-CD40L interaction, as evidenced by decreased circulating and brain soluble CD40L (sCD40L), elevated systemic immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels, attenuated CD40L-induced inflammatory responses, and reduced surface expression of CD40 on microglia. Importantly, deficiency in CD40 abolishes the effect of HUCBCs on elevated plasma Abeta levels. Moreover, microglia isolated from HUCBC-infused PSAPP mice demonstrated increased phagocytosis of Abeta. Furthermore, sera from HUCBC-infused PSAPP mice significantly increased microglial phagocytosis of the Abeta1-42 peptide while inhibiting interferon-gammainduced microglial CD40 expression. Increased microglial phagocytic activity in this scenario was inhibited by addition of recombinant CD40L protein. These data suggest that HUCBC infusion mitigates AD-like pathology by disrupting CD40L activity.

Surface modification of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) induced proliferation and neural-like cells differentiation of umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells

Stem cell-based therapy has recently emerged for use in novel therapeutics for incurable diseases. For successful recovery from neurologic diseases, the most pivotal factor is differentiation and directed neuronal cell growth. In this study, we fabricated three different widths of a micro-pattern on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS; 1, 2, and 4 microm). Surface modification of the PDMS was investigated for its capacity to manage proliferation and differentiation of neural-like cells from umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCB-MSCs). Among the micro-patterned PDMS fabrications, the 1 microm-patterned PDMS significantly increased cell proliferation and most of the cells differentiated into neuronal cells. In addition, the 1 microm-patterned PDMS induced an increase in cytosolic calcium, while the differentiated cells on the flat and 4 microm-patterned PDMS had no response. PDMS with a 1 microm pattern was also aligned to direct orientation within 10 degrees angles. Taken together, micro-patterned PDMS supported UCB-MSC proliferation and induced neural like-cell differentiation. Our data suggest that micro-patterned PDMS might be a guiding method for stem cell therapy that would improve its therapeutic action in neurological diseases.

The Effect of Pregnancy on Production of Maternal Endogenous Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Fetal microchimerism refers to the presence of fetal cells in maternal blood and tissues during pregnancy. This microchimerism may result from trafficking of fetal and maternal blood across the placenta during pregnancy. Physiological changes in the maternal blood cellular milieu are also recognized during pregnancy and in the early post partum period. Earlier studies showed that maternal blood contains CD34(+) hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) that bear paternal genetic markers or male phenotype, suggesting that these cells circulated to the mother from male fetuses during pregnancy. Other studies showed that these maternal HSCs have significantly lower expansion potential than their fetal counterparts. We have recently shown increased percentages of CD34(+) HSCs in peripheral blood of pregnant and parous women. Herein, we hypothesize that pregnancy stimulates the production of endogenous CD34(+) HSCs of maternal origin, a phenomenon which potentially could favor post partum regenerative capacity.

Umbilical cord blood transfusions for prevention of progressive brain injury and induction of neural recovery: an immunological perspective

One of the most promising treatments for neurodegenerative diseases appears to be human umbilical cord blood cell transplantation. A variety of studies demonstrate some benefit of this method of treatment in a number of different animal models and case studies. However, before the methodologies and results of these animal studies and case studies can be translated into successful widespread treatments, aspects relating to the immunological properties of the transplanted cells must be considered. In this perspective, we discuss the benefit of the cellular immaturity of these cells with respect to the immune response, and compare cord blood transplantation to blood transfusions, as well as discussing what future studies should entail.