Growth factors-based platelet lysate rejuvenates skin against ageing through NF-κB signalling pathway: In vitro and in vivo mechanistic and clinical studies

Identification of sanguinarine as a novel antagonist for perfluorooctanoate/perfluorooctane sulfonate-induced senescence of hepatocytes: An integrated computational and experimental analysis

Perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), two prominent per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), are potentially harmful to many human organs. However, there only exist limited methods to mitigate their health hazards. The aim of this study is to combine a bioinformatics analysis with in vitro experiments to discover small molecules that can alleviate liver damage caused by PFOA/PFOS. We identified 192 and 82 key genes related to hepatocytes exposed to PFOA and PFOS, respectively. The functional enrichment analysis of key genes suggested cellular senescence may be important in PFOA/PFOS-induced hepatotoxicity. The in vitro models revealed that PFOA/PFOS led to hepatocyte senescence by increasing the activity of SA-β-gal, inducing mitochondrial dysfunction, impacting cell cycle arrest, and elevating the expressions of p21, p53, IL-1β, and SASP-related cytokines. The drug-target gene set enrichment analysis method was employed to compare the transcriptome data from the Gene Expression Omnibus database (GEO), Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD), and the high-throughput experiment- and reference-guided database (HERB), and 21 traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) were identified that may alleviate PFOA/PFOS-induced liver aging. The experimental results of co-exposure to PFOA/PFOS and TCMs showed that sanguinarine has particular promise in alleviating cellular senescence caused by PFOA/PFOS. Further investigations revealed that the mTOR-p53 signaling pathway was involved in PFOA/PFOS-mediated hepatic senescence and can be blocked using sanguinarine.

GelMA loaded with platelet lysate promotes skin regeneration and angiogenesis in pressure ulcers by activating STAT3

Pressure ulcers (PU) are caused by persistent long-term pressure, which compromises the integrity of the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous adipose tissue layer by layer, making it difficult to heal. Platelet products such as platelet lysate (PL) can promote tissue regeneration by secreting numerous growth factors based on clinical studies on skin wound healing. However, the components of PL are difficult to retain in wounds. Gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) is a photopolymerizable hydrogel that has lately emerged as a promising material for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The PL liquid was extracted, flow cytometrically detected for CD41a markers, and evenly dispersed in the GelMA hydrogel to produce a surplus growth factor hydrogel system (PL@GM). The microstructure of the hydrogel system was observed under a scanning electron microscope, and its sustained release efficiency and biological safety were tested in vitro. Cell viability and migration of human dermal fibroblasts, and tube formation assays of human umbilical vein endothelial cells were applied to evaluate the ability of PL to promote wound healing and regeneration in vitro. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot analyses were performed to elucidate the skin regeneration mechanism of PL. We verified PL's therapeutic effectiveness and histological analysis on the PU model. PL promoted cell viability, migration, wound healing and angiogenesis in vitro. Real-time PCR and western blot indicated PL suppressed inflammation and promoted collagen I synthesis by activating STAT3. PL@GM hydrogel system demonstrated optimal biocompatibility and favorable effects on essential cells for wound healing. PL@GM also significantly stimulated PU healing, skin regeneration, and the formation of subcutaneous collagen and blood vessels. PL@GM could accelerate PU healing by promoting fibroblasts to migrate and secrete collagen and endothelial cells to vascularize. PL@GM promises to be an effective and convenient treatment modality for PU, like chronic wound treatment.

Effects of rice fermentation and its bioactive components on UVA-induced oxidative stress and senescence in dermal fibroblasts

Photoaging, caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, is characterized by the senescence of skin cells and reduction of collagens. Although rice fermentation is widely used in the cosmetics, its impact on skin photoaging is still not well understood. Herein, we investigated the possible effectiveness of Maifuyin, a fermented rice product, and its components, succinic acid (SA), and choline, for safeguarding UVA-exposed human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) against photoaging. In this study, the effects of Maifuyin, SA, and choline on UVA-induced cell death and senescence in fibroblasts were evaluated in cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), expression of β-galactosidase (β-GAL), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-1. To identify oxidative stress, the investigation focused on reactive oxygen species, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde. Additionally, a mRNA sequencing technology (RNA-seq) was applied to study the underlying mechanisms of these components on UVA-induced photoaging. Meanwhile, the level of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CXCL2) in the cell supernatant was confirmed to assess the autocrine chemokine level. To reassess the involvement of CXCL2, the expression of β-GAL was evaluated in fibroblasts treated with or without CXCL2. The results indicated that 1 mg/mL Maifuyin and SA inhibited UVA-induced senescence in fibroblasts, MMP-1 expression, and oxidative damage. The RNA-seq revealed 1 mg/mL Maifuyin and SA might be recruited chemokine CXCLs to inhibit MMPs production and fibroblast senescence via TNFα, MAPK, and NF-κB pathways. ELISA results showed a significant reduction of autocrine CXCL2 in UVA-irradiated HDFs by pretreating Maifuyin and SA. The β-GAL staining assay revealed that CXCL2 treatment increased β-GAL activity, while the administration of Maifuyin and SA counteracted this effect in HDFs. These results highlighted the potential use of Maifuyin and SA as promising candidates for anti-photoaging applications.

A new subtype of artificial cell-derived vesicles from dental pulp stem cells with the bioequivalence and higher acquisition efficiency compared to extracellular vesicles

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from dental pulp stem cells (DPSC) have been shown an excellent efficacy in a variety of disease models. However, current production methods fail to meet the needs of clinical treatment. In this study, we present an innovative approach to substantially enhance the production of 'Artificial Cell-Derived Vesicles (ACDVs)' by extracting and purifying the contents released by the DPSC lysate, namely intracellular vesicles. Comparative analysis was performed between ACDVs and those obtained through ultracentrifugation. The ACDVs extracted from the cell lysate meet the general standard of EVs and have similar protein secretion profile. The new ACDVs also significantly promoted wound healing, increased or decreased collagen regeneration, and reduced the production of inflammatory factors as the EVs. More importantly, the extraction efficiency is improved by 16 times compared with the EVs extracted using ultracentrifuge method. With its impressive attributes, this new subtype of ACDVs emerge as a prospective candidate for the future clinical applications in regenerative medicine.

Advanced Platelet Lysate Aerogels: Biomaterials for Regenerative Applications

Human platelet lysate (HPL), rich in growth factors, is increasingly recognized for its potential in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. However, its use in liquid or gel form is constrained by limited stability and handling difficulties. This study aimed to develop dry and porous aerogels from HPL hydrogel using an environmentally friendly supercritical CO2-based shaping process, specifically tailored for tissue engineering applications. The aerogels produced retained their three-dimensional structure and demonstrated significant mechanical robustness and enhanced manageability. Impressively, they exhibited high water absorption capacity, absorbing 87% of their weight in water within 120 min. Furthermore, the growth factors released by these aerogels showed a sustained and favourable biological response in vitro. They maintained the cellular metabolic activity of fibroblasts (BALB-3T3) at levels akin to conventional culture conditions, even after prolonged storage, and facilitated the migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Additionally, the aerogels themselves supported the adhesion and proliferation of murine fibroblasts (BALB-3T3). Beyond serving as excellent matrices for cell culture, these aerogels function as efficient systems for the delivery of growth factors. Their multifunctional capabilities position them as promising candidates for various tissue regeneration strategies. Importantly, the developed aerogels can be stored conveniently and are considered ready to use, enhancing their practicality and applicability in regenerative medicine.

Porcine platelet lysates exert the efficacy of chondroregeneration and SMAD2-mediated anti-chondrofibrosis on knee osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

The lack of self-repairability in cartilage and the formation of fibrocartilage pose significant challenges in treating knee osteoarthritis, and there is still no ideal solution. Autologous platelet lysates have been clinically applied to treat kOA and exert satisfactory cartilage-repair efficacy, but the preparation of human PL brings damage to patients and is hardly standardized.

METHODS

In this study, porcine PL was developed to replace hPL, and its chondroregenerative and anti-chondrofibrosis effects were explored. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay was applied to qualify the PL products. In vivo, partial-thickness cartilage defects were created on rats as a kOA model, and the von Frey test, histopathological observation, immunohistochemical analysis, and western blot analysis were conducted. In vitro, CCK-8 assay, real-time PCR analysis, immunofluorescence test, and WB analysis were conducted for the mechanism study of pPL.

RESULTS

The in vivo data showed that pPL significantly repaired the cartilage defect by improving matrix synthesis and also ameliorated the pain response in the kOA model of rats. In addition, pPL exerted an anti-fibrosis effect on cartilage by suppressing the expressions of COL1, COL3, α-SMA, VIMENTIN, SMAD2, p-SMAD2, and CTGF in cartilage. The in vitro data verified these effects and indicated that the SMAD2 pathway mediated the anti-fibrosis mechanism of pPL. Moreover, the comparable effects between pPL and rat PL indicate that there is no immune rejection from pPL.

CONCLUSIONS

This study firstly demonstrated the anti-kOA effects of pPL on both cartilage-repair and anti-chondrofibrosis. It developed pPL as a promising alternative to autologous PL for clinical applications.

Supernatant of activated platelet-rich plasma rejuvenated aging-induced hyposalivation in mouse

Hyposalivation is a common complaint among the elderly, but no established treatment prevents age-induced hyposalivation. Platelet derivatives such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), and plasma rich in growth factor (PRGF), are used widely in different areas of regenerative medicine to enhance the wound healing processes. This study examined whether the local injection of the supernatant of activated PRP (saPRP) into the salivary gland (SG) could help prevent aging-induced SG dysfunction and explored the mechanisms responsible for the protective effects on the SG hypofunction. The platelets were separated from the blood of male SD rats (220 ± 20 g). saPRP was manufactured by removing the fibrin clot after activating platelet with calcium ionophore 10 μM (A23187). The total protein and TGF-β1 levels were significantly higher in saPRP than in PRP. Human salivary gland epithelial cell(hSGEC) was treated with saPRP or PRP after senescence through irradiation. The significant proliferation of hSGEC was observed in saPRP treated group compared to irradiation only group and irradiation + PRP group. Cellular senescence, apoptosis, and inflammation significantly reduced in saPRP group. The SG function and structural tissue remodeling by the saPRP were investigated with naturally aged mice. The mice were divided into three groups: 3 months old (3 M), 22 months old (22 M), and 22 months old treated with saPRP (22 M + saPRP). Salivary flow rate and lag time were significantly improved in 22 M + saPRP group compared to 22 M group. The histologic examinations showed the significant proliferation of acinar cell in 22 M + saPRP group. The decrease of senescence, apoptosis, and inflammation observed by western blot in 22 M + saPRP group. The saPRP induced the proliferation of hSGECs, leading to a significant decrease in cellular senescence via decrease inflammation and apoptosis, in vitro. Moreover, the acini cells of the salivary gland were regenerated, and the salivary function increased in aged mice. These results showed that saPRP could be a treatment agent against aging-induced SG dysfunction.

Adipose stem cells in tissue regeneration and repair: From bench to bedside

ADSCs are a large number of mesenchymal stem cells in Adipose tissue, which can be applied to tissue engineering. ADSCs have the potential of multi-directional differentiation, and can differentiate into bone tissue, cardiac tissue, urothelial cells, skin tissue, etc. Compared with other mesenchymal stem cells, ADSCs have a multitude of promising advantages, such as abundant number, accessibility in cell culture, stable function, and less immune rejection. There are two main methods to use ADSCs for tissue repair and regeneration. One is to implant the "ADSCs-scaffold composite" into the injured site to promote tissue regeneration. The other is cell-free therapy: using ADSC-exos or ADSC-CM alone to release a large number of miRNAs, cytokines and other bioactive substances to promote tissue regeneration. The tissue regeneration potential of ADSCs is regulated by a variety of cytokines, signaling molecules, and external environment. The differentiation of ADSCs into different tissues is also induced by growth factors, ions, hormones, scaffold materials, physical stimulation, and other factors. The specific mechanisms are complex, and most of the signaling pathways need to be further explored. This article reviews and summarizes the mechanism and clinical application of ADSCs in tissue injury repair so far, and puts forward further problems that need to be solved in this field, hoping to provide directions for further research in this field.

Engineering a platelet-rich plasma-based multifunctional injectable hydrogel with photothermal, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties for skin regeneration

Wound healing remains a significant challenge worldwide, necessitating the development of new wound dressings to aid in the healing process. This study presents a novel photothermally active hydrogel that contains platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for infected wound healing. The hydrogel was formed in a one pot synthesis approach by mixing alginate (Alg), gelatin (GT), polydopamine (PDA), and PRP, followed by the addition of CaCl2 as a cross-linker to prepare a multifunctional hydrogel (AGC-PRP-PDA). The hydrogel exhibited improved strength and good swelling properties. PDA nanoparticles (NPs) within the hydrogel endowed them with high photothermal properties and excellent antibacterial and antioxidant activities. Moreover, the hydrogels sustained the release of growth factors due to their ability to protect PRP. The hydrogels also exhibited good hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility, as well as high hemostatic properties. In animal experiments, the injectable hydrogels effectively filled irregular wounds and promoted infected wound healing by accelerating re-epithelialization, facilitating collagen deposition, and enhancing angiogenesis. The study also indicated that near-infrared light improved the healing process. Overall, these hydrogels with antibacterial, antioxidant, and hemostatic properties, as well as sustained growth factor release, show significant potential for skin regeneration in full-thickness, bacteria-infected wounds.

Protective impact of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) on replicative and radiation-induced senescence of human osteoblasts

The aim of this study was to investigate the cellular changes induced by spontaneous/replicative senescence and radiation in human osteoblasts (OBs), and the impact of cultivation with nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) on apoptosis, senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining (SA β-gal), and senescence-related gene expression using RT2 Profiler PCR array. The results showed that replicative OB aging follows a different pattern from that of radiation-induced cellular senescence. SA β-gal intensity score showed a significant elevation after spontaneous replicative aging of OB (agiT1) 7 days following the start of the experiment, compared with their initial control condition (T0) (T0 = 2.1 ± 0.47; agiT1 = 9.60 ± 1.56; p = 0.001). Concurrent treatment by NMN and PRF showed a protective effect on OBs undergoing replicative senescence, and reduced SA β-gal staining significantly (agiT1 = 9.60 ± 1.56; agiT1+PRF = 3.19 ± 0.52; agiT1+NMN = 3.38 ± 0.36; p < 0.001). These results provide evidence for the potential clinical implications of systematic NMN administration and local PRF application to prevent age-related bone disturbances in elderly patients.

Platelet lysate promotes hair growth: In vitro and in vivo mechanism and randomized, controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Platelet lysate (PL), a novel platelet derivative, has been widely used in regenerative medicine and is a potential therapy for improving hair growth. It is necessary to fully clarify the potential mechanism and evaluate preliminary clinical effect of PL on hair growth.

METHODS

We used the C57BL/6 model, organ-cultured hair follicles, and RNA-seq analysis to explore the mechanisms of PL regulating hair growth. Then, we performed a randomized, controlled, double-blind study of 107 AGA patients to verify the therapeutic efficacy of PL.

RESULTS

The results confirmed that PL improved hair growth and accelerated hair cycling in mice. Organ-cultured hair follicle evaluation confirmed that PL prolonged anagen remarkably and down-regulated IL-6, C-FOS, and p-STAT5a. Clinically, diameter, hair counts, absolute anagen counts and changes from baseline in the PL group showed a significant improvement at 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

We elucidated the specific molecular mechanism of PL action on hair growth and proved equal changes in hair follicle performance after PL vs PRP in AGA patients. This study provided novel knowledge of PL, making it ideal for AGA.

Mechanism and inhibitory effects of cactus (Opuntia dillenii) extract on melanocytes and its potential application for whitening cosmetics

Penghu cactus (Opuntia dillenii [Ker.] Haw) is a cactus plant that commonly grows in Penghu Island, Taiwan, Republic of China (ROC). However, still lack of scientific study on the Opuntia dillenii [Ker.] Haw extract on skin-whitening-associated tyrosinase activity and melanin production. The activities of its extract in melanogenesis were investigated in this article. In this experiment, we used an extract from the Penghu cactus (Opuntia dillenii [Ker.] Haw) to study its tyrosinase inhibition, anti-melanin generation, UV-protection effects and wound healing capacity in B16-F10 melanocytes. Without reducing cell growth greatly or causing cell death, 20 g/L cactus extract effectively inhibited the melanin production of B16-F10 cells, and melanogenesis was induced by 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine. The cactus extract could also promote cell proliferation. Cactus extract treatment decreased the mRNA expression of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and increased that of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β). Thus, it could reduce cell melanin production and promote cell growth but by also reducing IGF-1 and VEGF mRNA expression, may reduce wound scarring and prevent tumor proliferation and swelling. Increasing TGF-β mRNA expression can help increase collagen to remove wrinkles and help in wound healing. Skin patch test results agreed with in vitro results with B16-F10 melanoma cells. The cactus extract significantly inhibited tyrosinase activity and reduced melanin production, showing a whitening effect on skin tests. Cactus may be a good natural candidate for inhibiting melanin production and promoting cell proliferation.

Mechanism of action and therapeutic effects of oxidative stress and stem cell-based materials in skin aging: Current evidence and future perspectives

Aging is associated with multiple degenerative diseases, including atherosclerosis, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer's disease. As the most intuitive manifestation of aging, skin aging has received the most significant attention. Skin aging results from various intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Aged skin is characterized by wrinkles, laxity, elastosis, telangiectasia, and aberrant pigmentation. The underlying mechanism is complex and may involve cellular senescence, DNA damage, oxidative stress (OS), inflammation, and genetic mutations, among other factors. Among them, OS plays an important role in skin aging, and multiple antioxidants (e.g., vitamin C, glutathione, and melatonin) are considered to promote skin rejuvenation. In addition, stem cells that exhibit self-replication, multi-directional differentiation, and a strong paracrine function can exert anti-aging effects by inhibiting OS. With the further development of stem cell technology, treatments related to OS mitigation and involving stem cell use may have a promising future in anti-skin aging therapy.

7-Hydroxyflavone Alleviates Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Rats by Regulating Inflammation

Inflammation is the primary pathological process of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MI/RI). 7-Hydroxyflavone (HF), a natural flavonoid with a variety of bioactivities, plays a crucial role in various biological processes. However, its cardioprotective effects and the underlying mechanisms of MI/RI have not been investigated. This study aimed to explore whether pretreatment with HF could attenuate MI/RI-induced inflammation in rats and investigate its potential mechanisms. The results showed that pretreatment with HF could significantly improve the anatomic data and electrocardiograph parameters, reduce the myocardial infarct size, decrease markers of myocardial injury (aspartate transaminase, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and cardiac troponin I), inhibit inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), suppress oxidative stress, and recover the architecture of the cardiomyocytes. The cardioprotective effect of HF was connected with the regulation of the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway. What is more, molecular docking was carried out to prove that HF could be stably combined with p38, ERK1/2, JNK, and NF-κB. In summary, this is a novel study demonstrating the cardioprotective effects of HF against MI/RI in vivo. Consequently, these results demonstrate that HF can be considered a promising potential therapy for MI/RI.

Human Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Ameliorate Skin Aging of Nude Mice Through Autophagy-Mediated Anti-Senescent Mechanism

Skin aging is a currently irreversible process, affected by increased oxidative stress, activated cellular senescence, and lacked regeneration of the dermal layer. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), such as human umbilical cord-derived MSCs (hucMSCs), have pro-regeneration and anti-aging potencies. To explore whether hucMSCs can be used to treat skin aging, this study employed skin-aging model of nude mice to conduct in vivo assays, including biochemical analysis of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA), gross observation, histopathological observation, and immunohistochemical analysis. To clarify how hucMSCs work on skin aging, this study employed skin-aging model of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) to conduct in vitro assays by applying conditional medium of hucMSCs (CMM), including wound healing assay, senescence staining, flow cytometric oxidative detection, real time PCR, and western blot analysis. The in vivo data demonstrated that hucMSCs dose-dependently removed wrinkles, smoothed skin texture, and increased dermal thickness and collagen production of aged skin by reversing SOD and MDA levels and up-regulating Col-1 and VEGF expressions, indicating anti-oxidative and pro-regenerative effects against skin aging. The in vitro data revealed that hucMSCs significantly reversed the senescence of HDFs by promoting cell migration, inhibiting ROS production, and restoring the overexpressions of oxidative and senescent markers through paracrine mode of action, and the paracrine mechanism was mediated by the inhibition of autophagy. This study provided novel knowledge regarding the anti-aging efficacy and paracrine mechanism of hucMSCs on skin, making hucMSCs-based therapy a promising regime for skin aging treatment.