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Palladino A, Pizzoleo C, Mavaro I, Lucini C, D'Angelo L, de Girolamo P, Attanasio C. A combined morphometric approach to feature mouse kidney vasculature. Ann Anat 2021; 237:151727. [PMID: 33798690 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2021.151727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Physiological kidney function is closely related to the state of the vascular network. Disorders, such as capillary rarefaction, predispose to chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this context, deepening of the methodologies for studying the renal vascular network can be of basic importance. To meet this need, numerous animal models and, in parallel, several methods have been developed. In this work we propose a protocol to accurately feature kidney vasculature in mouse, however, the same protocol is suitable to be applied also to other animal models. The approach is multiparametric and mainly based on micro-computed tomography (μCT) technique. Micro-ct allows to study in detail the vascular network of any organ by exploiting the possibility to perfuse the sample with a contrast agent. The proposed protocol provides a fast and reliable method to extract quantitative information from the μCT scan by using only the basic functions of the software supplied by the scanner without any additional analysis. Through iterative cropping of the scanned ROI and calculation of a sample-specific threshold we calculated that the average volume of a female BALB/c kidney of eighth weeks is 147.8 mm3 (5.4%). We also pointed out that the average volume of the vascular network is 4.9% (0.3%). In parallel we performed traditional histological and immunofluorescence techniques to integrate the information gained via μCT and to frame them in the tissue context. Vessel count on histological sections showed a different density in the different regions of the organ parenchyma, in detail, vessel density in the cortex was 19.03 ± 2.51 vessels/ROI while in the medulla it was 10.6 ± 1.7 vessels/ROI and 5.4 ± 1.3 vessels/ROI in the outer and inner medulla, respectively. We then studied vessel distribution in the renal parenchyma which showed that the 55% of vascular component is included in the cortex, the 30% in the outer medulla and the 15% in the inner medulla. Collectively, we propose an integrated approach that can be particularly useful in the preclinical setting to characterize the vasculature of any organ accurately and rapidly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Palladino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Carmela Pizzoleo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Healthcare, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Isabella Mavaro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Healthcare, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Carla Lucini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Livia D'Angelo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo de Girolamo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Attanasio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Healthcare, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 80125 Naples, Italy.
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Mavaro I, De Felice E, Palladino A, D'Angelo L, de Girolamo P, Attanasio C. Anatomical templates for tissue (re)generation and beyond. Biotechnol Bioeng 2020; 117:3938-3951. [PMID: 32776516 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) represent a valuable alternative to stem cells in regenerative medicine overcoming their ethical limitations, like embryo disruption. Takahashi and Yamanaka in 2006 reprogrammed, for the first time, mouse fibroblasts into iPSCs through the retroviral delivery of four reprogramming factors: Oct3/4, Sox2, c-Myc, and Klf4. Since then, several studies started reporting the derivation of iPSC lines from animals other than rodents for translational and veterinary medicine. Here, we review the potential of using these cells for further intriguing applications, such as "cellular agriculture." iPSCs, indeed, can be a source of in vitro, skeletal muscle tissue, namely "cultured meat," a product that improves animal welfare and encourages the consumption of healthier meat along with environmental preservation. Also, we report the potential of using iPSCs, obtained from endangered species, for therapeutic treatments for captive animals and for assisted reproductive technologies as well. This review offers a unique opportunity to explore the whole spectrum of iPSC applications from regenerative translational and veterinary medicine to the production of artificial meat and the preservation of currently endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Mavaro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Interdepartmental Center for Research in Biomaterials (CRIB), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Elena De Felice
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Antonio Palladino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Livia D'Angelo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo de Girolamo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Attanasio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Interdepartmental Center for Research in Biomaterials (CRIB), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Healthcare, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Naples, Italy
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3
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Preclinical Models: Boosting Synergies for Improved Translation. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9041011. [PMID: 32260102 PMCID: PMC7230432 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9041011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Dang BV, Taylor RA, Charlton AJ, Le-Clech P, Barber TJ. Toward Portable Artificial Kidneys: The Role of Advanced Microfluidics and Membrane Technologies in Implantable Systems. IEEE Rev Biomed Eng 2020; 13:261-279. [DOI: 10.1109/rbme.2019.2933339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Melica ME, La Regina G, Parri M, Peired AJ, Romagnani P, Lasagni L. Substrate Stiffness Modulates Renal Progenitor Cell Properties via a ROCK-Mediated Mechanotransduction Mechanism. Cells 2019; 8:cells8121561. [PMID: 31816967 PMCID: PMC6953094 DOI: 10.3390/cells8121561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cell (SC)-based tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (RM) approaches may provide alternative therapeutic strategies for the rising number of patients suffering from chronic kidney disease. Embryonic SCs and inducible pluripotent SCs are the most frequently used cell types, but autologous patient-derived renal SCs, such as human CD133+CD24+ renal progenitor cells (RPCs), represent a preferable option. RPCs are of interest also for the RM approaches based on the pharmacological encouragement of in situ regeneration by endogenous SCs. An understanding of the biochemical and biophysical factors that influence RPC behavior is essential for improving their applicability. We investigated how the mechanical properties of the substrate modulate RPC behavior in vitro. We employed collagen I-coated hydrogels with variable stiffness to modulate the mechanical environment of RPCs and found that their morphology, proliferation, migration, and differentiation toward the podocyte lineage were highly dependent on mechanical stiffness. Indeed, a stiff matrix induced cell spreading and focal adhesion assembly trough a Rho kinase (ROCK)-mediated mechanism. Similarly, the proliferative and migratory capacity of RPCs increased as stiffness increased and ROCK inhibition, by either Y27632 or antisense LNA-GapmeRs, abolished these effects. The acquisition of podocyte markers was also modulated, in a narrow range, by the elastic modulus and involved ROCK activity. Our findings may aid in 1) the optimization of RPC culture conditions to favor cell expansion or to induce efficient differentiation with important implication for RPC bioprocessing, and in 2) understanding how alterations of the physical properties of the renal tissue associated with diseases could influenced the regenerative response of RPCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elena Melica
- Centre for Research, Transfer and High Education for the development of DE NOVO Therapies (DENOTHE), Viale Morgagni 50, 50136 Florence, Italy; (M.E.M.); (A.J.P.); (P.R.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy; (G.L.R.); (M.P.)
| | - Gilda La Regina
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy; (G.L.R.); (M.P.)
| | - Matteo Parri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy; (G.L.R.); (M.P.)
| | - Anna Julie Peired
- Centre for Research, Transfer and High Education for the development of DE NOVO Therapies (DENOTHE), Viale Morgagni 50, 50136 Florence, Italy; (M.E.M.); (A.J.P.); (P.R.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy; (G.L.R.); (M.P.)
| | - Paola Romagnani
- Centre for Research, Transfer and High Education for the development of DE NOVO Therapies (DENOTHE), Viale Morgagni 50, 50136 Florence, Italy; (M.E.M.); (A.J.P.); (P.R.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy; (G.L.R.); (M.P.)
- Nephrology Unit and Meyer Children’s University Hospital, Viale Pieraccini 24, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Laura Lasagni
- Centre for Research, Transfer and High Education for the development of DE NOVO Therapies (DENOTHE), Viale Morgagni 50, 50136 Florence, Italy; (M.E.M.); (A.J.P.); (P.R.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy; (G.L.R.); (M.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-055-2758165
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Palladino A, Mavaro I, Pizzoleo C, De Felice E, Lucini C, de Girolamo P, Netti PA, Attanasio C. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells as Vasculature Forming Entities. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8111782. [PMID: 31731464 PMCID: PMC6912734 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8111782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue engineering (TE) pursues the ambitious goal to heal damaged tissues. One of the most successful TE approaches relies on the use of scaffolds specifically designed and fabricated to promote tissue growth. During regeneration the guidance of biological events may be essential to sustain vasculature neoformation inside the engineered scaffold. In this context, one of the most effective strategies includes the incorporation of vasculature forming cells, namely endothelial cells (EC), into engineered constructs. However, the most common EC sources currently available, intended as primary cells, are affected by several limitations that make them inappropriate to personalized medicine. Human induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (hiPSC), since the time of their discovery, represent an unprecedented opportunity for regenerative medicine applications. Unfortunately, human induced Pluripotent Stem Cells-Endothelial Cells (hiPSC-ECs) still display significant safety issues. In this work, we reviewed the most effective protocols to induce pluripotency, to generate cells displaying the endothelial phenotype and to perform an efficient and safe cell selection. We also provide noteworthy examples of both in vitro and in vivo applications of hiPSC-ECs in order to highlight their ability to form functional blood vessels. In conclusion, we propose hiPSC-ECs as the preferred source of endothelial cells currently available in the field of personalized regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Palladino
- CESMA—Centro Servizi Metrologici e Tecnologici Avanzati, University of Naples Federico II, 80146 Naples, Italy
| | - Isabella Mavaro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, I-80137 Naples, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center for Research in Biomaterials (CRIB) University of Naples Federico II, I-80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Carmela Pizzoleo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, I-80137 Naples, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center for Research in Biomaterials (CRIB) University of Naples Federico II, I-80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Elena De Felice
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Carla Lucini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, I-80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo de Girolamo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, I-80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo A. Netti
- Interdepartmental Center for Research in Biomaterials (CRIB) University of Naples Federico II, I-80125 Naples, Italy
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Healthcare, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Attanasio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, I-80137 Naples, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center for Research in Biomaterials (CRIB) University of Naples Federico II, I-80125 Naples, Italy
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Healthcare, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 80125 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-08-1253-6099
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Ince C. Physiology and technology for the ICU in vivo. CRITICAL CARE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE CRITICAL CARE FORUM 2019; 23:126. [PMID: 31200744 PMCID: PMC6570625 DOI: 10.1186/s13054-019-2416-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
This paper discusses the physiological and technological concepts that might form the future of critical care medicine. Initially, we discuss the need for a personalized approach and introduce the concept of personalized physiological medicine (PPM), including (1) assessment of frailty and physiological reserve, (2) continuous assessment of organ function, (3) assessment of the microcirculation and parenchymal cells, and (4) integration of organ and cell function for continuous therapeutic feedback control. To understand the cellular basis of organ failure, we discuss the processes that lead to cell death, including necrosis, necroptosis, autophagy, mitophagy, and cellular senescence. In vivo technology is used to monitor these processes. To this end, we discuss new materials for developing in vivo biosensors and drug delivery systems. Such in vivo biosensors will define the diagnostic platform of the future ICU in vivo interacting with theragnostic drugs. In addition to pharmacological therapeutic options, placement and control of artificial organs to support or replace failing organs will be central in the ICU in vivo of the future. Remote monitoring and control of these biosensors and artificial organs will be made using adaptive physiological mathematical modeling of the critically ill patient. The current state of these developments is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Ince
- Department of Intensive Care, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, 's-Gravendijkwal 230, 3015 CE, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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Abstract
Current donor pool utilization is unable to meet the high demand for kidney transplants. Donor pool expansion using expanded-criteria donors and dual kidney transplantation are viable options. Advances in diagnosing antibody-mediated rejection and targeting immunosuppression increase long-term transplantation success. Further exploration of minimally invasive surgical techniques, kidney bioengineering, and artificial-implantable renal devices hold promise for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garrett Salmon
- Nursing, Middle Tennessee State University, 1301 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37132, USA.
| | - Eric Salmon
- Natural Sciences, Motlow State Community College, 6015 Ledford Mill Road, Lynchburg, TN 37352, USA
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Long-Term Outcomes in Patients with Incident Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease after Acute Kidney Injury: A Competing-Risk Analysis of a Nationwide Cohort. J Clin Med 2018; 7:jcm7090237. [PMID: 30149499 PMCID: PMC6162866 DOI: 10.3390/jcm7090237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Both acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. However, the incidence of de novo COPD in patients with AKI, and the impact of concurrent COPD on the outcome during post-AKI care is unclear. Patients who recovered from dialysis-requiring AKI (AKI-D) during index hospitalizations between 1998 and 2010 were identified from nationwide administrative registries. A competing risk analysis was conducted to predict the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events and mortality. Among the 14,871 patients who recovered from temporary dialysis, 1535 (10.7%) were identified as having COPD (COPD group) one year after index discharge and matched with 1473 patients without COPD (non-COPD group) using propensity scores. Patients with acute kidney disease superimposed withs COPD were associated with a higher risk of incident ischemic stroke (subdistribution hazard ratio (sHR), 1.52; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.17 to 1.97; p = 0.002) and congestive heart failure (CHF; sHR, 1.61; (95% CI), 1.39 to 1.86; p < 0.001). The risks of incident hemorrhagic stroke, myocardial infarction, end-stage renal disease, and mortality were not statistically different between the COPD and non-COPD groups. This observation adds another dimension to accumulating evidence regarding pulmo-renal consequences after AKI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Ince
- Department of Intensive Care, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 's-Gravendijkwal 230, 3015 CE, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department of Translational Physiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Jansen K, Schuurmans CCL, Jansen J, Masereeuw R, Vermonden T. Hydrogel-Based Cell Therapies for Kidney Regeneration: Current Trends in Biofabrication and In Vivo Repair. Curr Pharm Des 2017; 23:3845-3857. [PMID: 28699526 PMCID: PMC6302346 DOI: 10.2174/1381612823666170710155726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Revised: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Facing the problems of limited renal regeneration capacity and the persistent shortage of donor kidneys, dialysis remains the only treatment option for many end-stage renal disease patients. Unfortunately, dialysis is only a medium-term solution because large and protein-bound uremic solutes are not efficiently cleared from the body and lead to disease progression over time. Current strategies for improved renal replacement therapies (RRTs) range from whole organ engineering to biofabrication of renal assist devices and biological injectables for in vivo regeneration. Notably, all approaches coincide with the incorporation of cellular components and biomimetic micro-environments. Concerning the latter, hydrogels form promising materials as scaffolds and cell carrier systems due to the demonstrated biocompatibility of most natural hydrogels, tunable biochemical and mechanical properties, and various application possibilities. In this review, the potential of hydrogel-based cell therapies for kidney regeneration is discussed. First, we provide an overview of current trends in the development of RRTs and in vivo regeneration options, before examining the possible roles of hydrogels within these fields. We discuss major application-specific hydrogel design criteria and, subsequently, assess the potential of emergent biofabrication technologies, such as micromolding, microfluidics and electrodeposition for the development of new RRTs and injectable stem cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Jansen
- Utrecht University Div. Pharmacology Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht. Netherlands
| | - Carl C L Schuurmans
- Utrecht University Div. Pharmacology Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht. Netherlands
| | - Jitske Jansen
- Utrecht University Div. Pharmacology Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht. Netherlands
| | - Rosalinde Masereeuw
- Utrecht University Div. Pharmacology Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht. Netherlands
| | - Tina Vermonden
- Utrecht University Div. Pharmacology Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht. Netherlands
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Pitkin Z. New Phase of Growth for Xenogeneic-Based Bioartificial Organs. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:E1593. [PMID: 27657057 PMCID: PMC5037858 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17091593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Revised: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In this article, we examine the advanced clinical development of bioartificial organs and describe the challenges to implementing such systems into patient care. The case for bioartificial organs is evident: they are meant to reduce patient morbidity and mortality caused by the persistent shortage of organs available for allotransplantation. The widespread introduction and adoption of bioengineered organs, incorporating cells and tissues derived from either human or animal sources, would help address this shortage. Despite the decades of development, the variety of organs studied and bioengineered, and continuous progress in the field, only two bioengineered systems are currently commercially available: Apligraf® and Dermagraft® are both approved by the FDA to treat diabetic foot ulcers, and Apligraf® is approved to treat venous leg ulcers. Currently, no products based on xenotransplantation have been approved by the FDA. Risk factors include immunological barriers and the potential infectivity of porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV), which is unique to xenotransplantation. Recent breakthroughs in gene editing may, however, mitigate risks related to PERV. Because of its primary role in interrupting progress in xenotransplantation, we present a risk assessment for PERV infection, and conclude that the formerly high risk has been reduced to a moderate level. Advances in gene editing, and more broadly in the field, may make it more likely than ever before that bioartificial organs will alleviate the suffering of patients with organ failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zorina Pitkin
- Organogenesis Inc., 150 Dan Road, Canton, MA 02021, USA.
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Paoli R, Samitier J. Mimicking the Kidney: A Key Role in Organ-on-Chip Development. MICROMACHINES 2016; 7:E126. [PMID: 30404298 PMCID: PMC6190229 DOI: 10.3390/mi7070126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Revised: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Pharmaceutical drug screening and research into diseases call for significant improvement in the effectiveness of current in vitro models. Better models would reduce the likelihood of costly failures at later drug development stages, while limiting or possibly even avoiding the use of animal models. In this regard, promising advances have recently been made by the so-called "organ-on-chip" (OOC) technology. By combining cell culture with microfluidics, biomedical researchers have started to develop microengineered models of the functional units of human organs. With the capacity to mimic physiological microenvironments and vascular perfusion, OOC devices allow the reproduction of tissue- and organ-level functions. When considering drug testing, nephrotoxicity is a major cause of attrition during pre-clinical, clinical, and post-approval stages. Renal toxicity accounts for 19% of total dropouts during phase III drug evaluation-more than half the drugs abandoned because of safety concerns. Mimicking the functional unit of the kidney, namely the nephron, is therefore a crucial objective. Here we provide an extensive review of the studies focused on the development of a nephron-on-chip device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Paoli
- Nanobioengineering Laboratory, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona 08028, Spain.
| | - Josep Samitier
- Nanobioengineering Laboratory, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona 08028, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Madrid 28029, Spain.
- Department of Electronics, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain.
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