Erythropoietin Modification Enhances the Protection of Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Diabetic Rat-Derived Schwann Cells: Implications for Diabetic Neuropathy

Phytopharmacology and Clinical Updates of Berberis Species Against Diabetes and Other Metabolic Diseases

The incidences of diabetic mellitus and other metabolic diseases such as hypertension and hyperlipidemia are increasing worldwide; however, the current treatment is not able to control the rapidly increasing trend in diabetes mortality and morbidity. Studies related to the effectiveness of extracts and pure compounds obtained from plants have shown promising responses in preclinical and clinical studies related to these metabolic diseases. Plants belonging to the genus Berberis (Family: Berberidaceae) are widely distributed with nearly 550 species worldwide. Extracts and compounds obtained from Berberis species, especially Berberine alkaloid, showed effectiveness in the management of diabetes and other metabolic diseases. Various pharmacological experiments have been performed to evaluate the effects of Berberis extracts, berberine, and its natural and chemically synthesized derivatives against various cell and animal disease models with promising results. Various clinical trials conducted so far also showed preventive effects of Berberis extracts and berberine against metabolic diseases. The present review focuses on i) research updates on traditional uses, ii) phytopharmacology and clinical studies on Berberis species, and iii) active metabolites in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and other metabolic diseases with a detailed mechanism of action. Furthermore, the review critically analyzes current research gaps in the therapeutic use of Berberis species and berberine and provides future recommendations.

Pharmacological modulation of cell functional activity with valproic acid and erythropoietin

Introduction: Valproic acid (VA) is carboxylic acid with a branched chain, which is used as an antiepileptic drug.

Valproic acid influence on cells in vivo: VA, which is an antiepileptic drug, is also a teratogen, which causes defects of a neural tube and an axial skeleton, although the mechanisms are not yet fully clear.

Valproic acid influence on mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in vitro: It is shown that valproic acid reduces the intracellular level of oxygen active forms.

Valproic acid effect on tumor cells: VA inhibits tumor growth through several mechanisms, including the cell cycle stop, differentiation induction and inhibition of growth of tumor vessels.

Valproic acid influence on enzymes: It affects mainly GSK-3.

Valproic acid influence on animals’ cells: It is shown that VA can significantly improve an ability to develop in vitro and improve nuclear reprogramming of embryos.

Erythropoietin (EPO): Is an hypoxia-induced hormone and a cytokine, which is necessary for normal erythropoiesis. EPO is widely used in in vitro experiments.

Conclusion: Thus, the influence of VA and EPO on cells can be used in cell technologies.

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles promote apoptosis in RSC96 Schwann cells through the activation of the ERK pathway

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are known for their capacity to produce extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are key mediators of information transfer between different cells for tissue repair and regeneration. Schwann cells are the major glial cells of the peripheral nervous system and play a key role in the survival, function, and regeneration of neurons. However, the action of MSC-derived EVs (MSC-EVs) on Schwann cells remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the effect of rat bone marrow MSC-EVs on RSC96 Schwann cells. EVs derived from Rat bone marrow MSCs were isolated by ultracentrifugation and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effects of MSC-EVs on RSC96 cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and the protein levels were analyzed using the MTT and Colony-forming assays, the Transwell and wound healing assays, flow cytometry, and western blot, respectively. We found that rat MSCs secreted 80-400 nm heterogeneous small vesicles, which were defined as EVs. Incubation of RSC96 cells with rat MSC-EVs resulted in the uptake of EVs by the cells. MSC-EV treatment significantly inhibited RSC96 cell proliferation and migration, promoted their apoptosis, and activated the ERK pathway, while ERK signal repression using U0126 exhibited the opposite effects. Our data showed that MSC-EVs inhibited proliferation and migration and promoted apoptosis through the activation of the ERK pathway in RSC96 cells. Thus, the effect of BMSC-EVs on RSC96 cells may affect peripheral nerve injury and repair, as mediated by Schwann cells.