Evaluation of phytochemical-incorporated porous polymeric sponges for bone tissue engineering: a novel perspective

Regulating Early Biological Events in Human Amniotic Epithelial Stem Cells Using Natural Bioactive Compounds: Extendable Multidirectional Research Avenues

Stem cells isolated from perinatal tissue sources possess tremendous potential for biomedical and clinical applications. On the other hand, emerging data have demonstrated that bioactive natural compounds regulate numerous cellular and biochemical functions in stem cells and promote cell migration, proliferation, and attachment, resulting in maintaining stem cell proliferation or inducing controlled differentiation. In our previous studies, we have reported for the first time that various natural compounds could induce targeted differentiation of hAESCs in a lineage-specific manner by modulating early biological and molecular events and enhance the therapeutic potential of hAESCs through modulating molecular signaling. In this perspective, we will discuss the advantages of using naturally occurring active compounds in hAESCs and their potential implications for biological research and clinical applications.

Dose-Dependent Effect of Cordycepin on Viability, Proliferation, Cell Cycle, and Migration in Dental Pulp Stem Cells

Simple Summary

Cordycepin is an adenosine analogue isolated from the fungus Cordyceps militaris. Cordycepin is a nucleoside antimetabolite that has shown a broad spectrum of biological activity including antineoplastic activity. limited research has been carried out on the effects of Cordycepin on the regenerative potential of stem cells, including dental pulp-derived mesenchymal stem cells. The present study was designed to assess if Cordycepin could enhance the vital properties of dental pulp-derived mesenchymal stem cells for regenerative purposes.

Abstract

Objective: To examine the effect of Cordycepin on the viability, proliferation, and migratory properties of dental pulp-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Materials and methods: The pulp was derived from human premolar teeth extracted for orthodontic purposes after obtaining informed consent. The samples were transferred to the laboratory for processing. DPSCs were expanded and characterized using flow cytometry and differentiation to the bone, adipose, and cartilage cells was examined. MTT Assay was performed using various concentrations of Cordycepin. The growth curve was plotted for 13 days. Cell cycle analysis was performed by flow cytometry. Migratory ability was assessed by wound healing assay. ROS generation was detected by flow cytometry. Gene expression was quantified by RT-qPCR. Statistical analysis was performed. p < 0.05 was considered as significant and p < 0.01 was considered as highly significant (* p < 0.05, and ** p < 0.01). Results: DPSCs expressed characteristic MSC-specific markers and trilineage differentiation. Cordycepin at lower concentrations did not affect the viability of DPSCs. The growth curve of cells showed a dose-dependent increase in cell numbers till the maximum dose. DPSCs treated with 2.5 µM Cordycepin was found to have a reduced G1 phase cell percentage. DPSCs treated with 2.5 µM and 5 µM Cordycepin showed a significant decrease in G2 phase cells. No significant difference was observed for S phase cells. Cordycepin treatment affected the migratory ability in DPSCs in a concentration-dependent manner. Conclusion: Cordycepin can be used at therapeutic doses to maintain stem cells.

Novel phytochemical Cissus quadrangularis extract–loaded chitosan/Na-carboxymethyl cellulose–based scaffolds for bone regeneration

Medicinal plants are attracting considerable interest as a potential therapeutic agent for bone tissue regeneration. Cissus quadrangularis L. is also a medicinal plant known with its osteogenic activity. In this study, a phytochemical scaffold was produced by incorporating Cissus quadrangularis with chitosan/Na-carboxymethyl cellulose blend by lyophilization technique. The effect of Cissus quadrangularis loading on the mechanical, morphological, chemical, and degradation properties as well as in vitro cytotoxicity, cell proliferation, and differentiation of the composites was investigated. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that porous Cissus quadrangularis–loaded scaffolds were obtained with an average pore size of 148–209 µm which is appropriate for bone regeneration. Cissus quadrangularis incorporation enhanced the compression modulus of scaffolds from 76 to 654 kPa. In vitro cell culture results indicated that Cissus quadrangularis/chitosan/Na-carboxymethyl cellulose scaffolds provided a favorable substrate for the osteoblast adhesion, proliferation, and mineralization. Results supported the osteoinductive property of the Cissus quadrangularis extract–incorporated scaffolds even without osteogenic media supplement. Cissus quadrangularis extract increased the alkaline phosphatase activity of the SaOS-2 cells on scaffolds on 7th and 14th days of incubation. The investigation of characterization and cell culture studies suggest that Cissus quadrangularis–loaded osteoinductive Cissus quadrangularis/chitosan/Na-carboxymethyl cellulose scaffold can serve as a potential biomaterial for bone tissue engineering applications.

Plants and Their Bioactive Constituents in Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Based Periodontal Regeneration: A Novel Prospective

Periodontitis is a common chronic inflammatory disease, which causes the destruction of both the soft and mineralized tissues. However, current treatments such as bone graft materials, barrier membranes, and protein products all have difficulties in regenerating the complete periodontal tissue structure. Stem cell-based tissue engineering has now emerged as one of the most effective treatments for the patients suffering from periodontal diseases. Plants not only can be substrates for life processes, but also contain hormones or functional molecules. Numbers of preclinical studies have revealed that products from plant can be successfully applied in modulating proliferation and differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells. Plant-derived substances can induce stem cells osteogenic differentiation, and they also possess angiogenic potency. Furthermore, in the field of tissue engineering, plant-derived compounds or plant extracts can be incorporated with biomaterials or utilized as biomaterials for cell transplantation. So it is speculated that botanical products may become a new perspective in stem cell-based periodontal regeneration. However, the lack of achieving predict clinical efficacy and quality control has been the major impediment to its extensive application. This review gives an overview of the prospect of applying different plant-derived substances in various human mesenchymal stem cells-based periodontal regeneration.