Therapeutic efficacy of human adipose mesenchymal stem cells in Crohn's colon fibrosis is improved by IFN-γ and kynurenic acid priming through indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1 signaling

Investigating MATN3 and ASPN as novel drivers of gastric cancer progression via EMT pathways

Gastric cancer (GC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, necessitating the identification of novel therapeutic targets. This study investigates the roles of MATN3 and ASPN in GC progression via the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway. Analysis of the Cancer Genome Atlas-Stomach Adenocarcinoma (TCGA-STAD) dataset revealed that both MATN3 and ASPN are significantly upregulated in GC tissues and correlate with poor patient survival. Protein-protein interaction and co-expression analyses confirmed a direct interaction between MATN3 and ASPN, suggesting their synergistic role in EMT activation. Functional assays demonstrated that MATN3 promotes GC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while its knockdown inhibits these malignant behaviors and induces apoptosis. ASPN overexpression further amplified these oncogenic effects. In vivo, studies in a mouse model corroborated that co-overexpression of MATN3 and ASPN enhances tumor growth and metastasis. These findings highlight the MATN3-ASPN axis as a potential therapeutic target in GC, offering new insights into the molecular mechanisms driving GC progression.

Regulation of Colonic Inflammation and Macrophage Homeostasis of IFN-γ-Primed Canine AMSCs in Experimental Colitis in Mice

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown potential in treating immune-mediated diseases due to their immunomodulatory properties, which can be enhanced by priming with inflammatory cytokines like interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). This study evaluates the therapeutic effects of IFN-γ-primed canine adipose tissue-derived MSCs (AMSCs) in a mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Canine AMSCs were primed with 50 ng/mL recombinant canine IFN-γ for 48 h, and the effects were compared to those seen in naïve (unprimed) AMSCs. IBD was induced in mice using dextran sodium sulfate (DSS), and AMSCs were injected intraperitoneally on days 1 and 3. The mice treated with IFN-γ-primed AMSCs showed improved clinical outcomes, including a reduced disease activity index (DAI), less body weight loss, and longer colon length compared to the mice treated with naïve AMSCs. A histological analysis revealed less damage to the intestinal structures and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. IFN-γ priming led to a shift in the immune cell balance in the gut, decreasing pro-inflammatory macrophages (Ly6Chi) and increasing anti-inflammatory macrophages (Ly6Clo/MHC-IIhi). This was associated with the reduced expression of inflammatory cytokine genes (Il-1β, Il-6, and Il-18) and increased expression of the intestinal stem cell marker Lgr5. These findings suggest that IFN-γ-primed AMSCs offer enhanced therapeutic potential for treating CE in veterinary medicine.

The Biology and Biochemistry of Kynurenic Acid, a Potential Nutraceutical with Multiple Biological Effects

Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is an antioxidant degradation product of tryptophan that has been shown to have a variety of cytoprotective, neuroprotective and neuronal signalling properties. However, mammalian transporters and receptors display micromolar binding constants; these are consistent with its typically micromolar tissue concentrations but far above its serum/plasma concentration (normally tens of nanomolar), suggesting large gaps in our knowledge of its transport and mechanisms of action, in that the main influx transporters characterized to date are equilibrative, not concentrative. In addition, it is a substrate of a known anion efflux pump (ABCC4), whose in vivo activity is largely unknown. Exogeneous addition of L-tryptophan or L-kynurenine leads to the production of KYNA but also to that of many other co-metabolites (including some such as 3-hydroxy-L-kynurenine and quinolinic acid that may be toxic). With the exception of chestnut honey, KYNA exists at relatively low levels in natural foodstuffs. However, its bioavailability is reasonable, and as the terminal element of an irreversible reaction of most tryptophan degradation pathways, it might be added exogenously without disturbing upstream metabolism significantly. Many examples, which we review, show that it has valuable bioactivity. Given the above, we review its potential utility as a nutraceutical, finding it significantly worthy of further study and development.

Endoscopic Management of Strictures in Crohn's Disease: An Unsolved Case

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with a significant burden in terms of quality of life and health care costs. It is frequently associated with several complications, including the development of intestinal strictures. Stricturing CD requires a careful multidisciplinary approach involving medical therapy and surgery, still posing a continuous management challenge; in this context, endoscopic treatment represents a valuable, in-between opportunity as a minimally invasive strategy endorsed by extensive yet heterogeneous evidence and evolving research and techniques. This review summarizes current knowledge on the role of therapeutic endoscopy in stricturing CD, focusing on evidence gaps, recent updates, and novel techniques intended for optimizing efficacy, safety, and tailoring of this approach in the view of precision endoscopy.

Pre- to Postbiotics: The Beneficial Roles of Pediatric Dysbiosis Associated with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Probiotics are "live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amount, confer health benefits on the host". They can be found in certain foods like yogurt and kefir and in dietary supplements. The introduction of bacterial derivatives has not only contributed to disease control but has also exhibited promising outcomes, such as improved survival rates, immune enhancement, and growth promotion effects. It is interesting to note that the efficacy of probiotics goes beyond the viability of the bacteria, giving rise to concepts like paraprobiotics, non-viable forms of probiotics, and postbiotics. Paraprobiotics offer various health benefits in children with intestinal dysbiosis, contributing to improved digestive health, immune function, and overall well-being. In this review, the potential of these therapeutic applications as alternatives to pharmacological agents for treating pediatric intestinal dysbiosis will be thoroughly evaluated. This includes an analysis of their efficacy, safety, long-term benefits, and their ability to restore gut microbiota balance, improve digestive health, enhance immune function, and reduce inflammation. The aim is to determine if these non-pharmacological interventions can effectively and safely manage intestinal dysbiosis in children, reducing the need for conventional medications and their side effects.

Therapeutic Efficacy of Interferon-Gamma and Hypoxia-Primed Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Their Extracellular Vesicles: Underlying Mechanisms and Potentials in Clinical Translation

Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) hold promises for cell therapy and tissue engineering due to their self-renewal and differentiation abilities, along with immunomodulatory properties and trophic factor secretion. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) from MSCs offer similar therapeutic effects. However, MSCs are heterogeneous and lead to variable outcomes. In vitro priming enhances MSC performance, improving immunomodulation, angiogenesis, proliferation, and tissue regeneration. Various stimuli, such as cytokines, growth factors, and oxygen tension, can prime MSCs. Two classical priming methods, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and hypoxia, enhance MSC immunomodulation, although standardized protocols are lacking. This review discusses priming protocols, highlighting the most commonly used concentrations and durations, along with mechanisms and in vivo therapeutics effects of primed MSCs and their EVs. The feasibility of up-scaling their production was also discussed. The review concluded that priming with IFN-γ or hypoxia (alone or in combination with other factors) boosted the immunomodulation capability of MSCs and their EVs, primarily via the JAK/STAT and PI3K/AKT and Leptin/JAK/STAT and TGF-β/Smad signalling pathways, respectively. Incorporating priming in MSC and EV production enables translation into cell-based or cell-free therapies for various disorders.

Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Colonize and Promote Healing of Leprosy Ulcer by Inducing Neuro-Vascularization

Leprosy ulcer is a chronic and recurrent disease resulting from nerve injury. While existing treatments partially facilitate ulcer healing, they exhibit limited ability to address localized nerve repair, leading to a risk of recurrence. Moreover, there is a dearth of animal models to evaluate the preclinical efficacy and safety of novel therapeutic approaches. Over the years, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells have been extensively employed in regenerative medicine as an optimal cell therapy source for fostering skin ulcer healing. They have also demonstrated the capacity to enhance nerve regeneration in in vitro experiments and clinical trials. In this study, we established a NU/NU mouse foot pad leprosy ulcer model, transplanted human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) into leprosy ulcers via local injection, and conducted subsequent follow-up. Our findings revealed that hADSCs persisted in the leprosy ulcer and facilitated the healing process. In this respect, gross observation and histological analysis revealed increased granular formation, collagen synthesis, and re-epithelialization in the local ulcer area. RNA-Seq data revealed that the upregulated differential genes resulting from the transplantation intervention were not only enriched in pathways related to re-epithelialization and collagen synthesis but also contributed to local nerve regeneration. Furthermore, immunofluorescence assays revealed the increased expression of angiogenesis markers-CD31 and VEGFa, cell proliferation markers-Ki67 and TGF-β, and nerve regeneration markers-β3-tubulin, SOX10, NGF, and NT-3. These results underscore the potential of hADSCs in promoting the healing of leprosy ulcers and offer valuable preclinical data for their prospective clinical application.

Comparison of different sources of mesenchymal stem cells: focus on inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) poses a significant challenge in modern medicine, with conventional treatments limited by efficacy and associated side effects, necessitating innovative therapeutic approaches. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have emerged as promising candidates for IBD treatment due to their immunomodulatory properties and regenerative potential. This thesis aims to explore and compare various sources of MSC and evaluate their efficacy in treating IBD. This study comprehensively analyses MSC derived from multiple sources, including bone marrow, adipose tissue, umbilical cord, and other potential reservoirs. Core elements of this investigation include assessing differences in cell acquisition, immunomodulatory effects, and differentiation capabilities among these MSC sources, as well as comparing their clinical trial outcomes in IBD patients to their therapeutic efficacy in animal models. Through meticulous evaluation and comparative analysis, this thesis aims to elucidate disparities in the efficacy of different MSC sources for IBD treatment, thereby identifying the most promising therapeutic applications. The findings of this study are intended to advance our understanding of MSC biology and offer valuable insights for selecting the most effective MSC sources for personalized IBD therapy. Ultimately, this research endeavor will optimise therapeutic strategies for managing inflammatory bowel disease through the utilization of MSC.

From orphan to oncogene: The role of GPR35 in cancer and immune modulation

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are well-studied and the most traceable cell surface receptors for drug discovery. One of the intriguing members of this family is G protein-coupled receptors 35 (GPR35), which belongs to the class A rhodopsin-like family of GPCRs identified over two decades ago. GPR35 presents interesting features such as ubiquitous expression and distinct isoforms. Moreover, functional and genome-wide association studies on its widespread expression have linked GPR35 with pathophysiological disease progression. Various pieces of evidence have been accumulated regarding the independent or endogenous ligand-dependent role of GPR35 in cancer progression and metastasis. In the current scenario, the relationship of this versatile receptor and its putative endogenous ligands for the activation of oncogenic signal transduction pathways at the cellular level is an active area of research. These intriguing features offered by GPR35 make it an oncological target, justifying its uniqueness at the physiological and pathophysiological levels concerning other GPCRs. For pharmacologically targeting receptor-induced signaling, few potential competitive antagonists have been discovered that offer high selectivity at a human level. In addition to its fascinating features, targeting GPR35 at rodent and human orthologue levels is distinct, thus contributing to the sub-species selectivity. Strategies to modulate these issues will help us understand and truly target GPR35 at the therapeutic level. In this article, we have provided prospects on each topic mentioned above and suggestions to overcome the challenges. This review discusses the molecular mechanism and signal transduction pathways activated by endogenous ligands or spontaneous auto-activation of GPR35 that contributes towards disease progression. Furthermore, we have highlighted the GPR35 structure, ubiquitous expression, its role in immunomodulation, and at the pathophysiological level, especially in cancer, indicating its status as a versatile receptor. Subsequently, we discussed the various proposed ligands and their mechanism of interaction with GPR35. Additionally, we have summarized the GPR35 antagonist that provides insights into the opportunities for therapeutically targeting this receptor.

Human umbilical cord/placenta mesenchymal stem cell conditioned medium attenuates intestinal fibrosis in vivo and in vitro

BACKGROUND

A significant unmet need in inflammatory bowel disease is the lack of anti-fibrotic agents targeting intestinal fibrosis. This study aimed to investigate the anti-fibrogenic properties and mechanisms of the conditioned medium (CM) from human umbilical cord/placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC/PL-MSC-CM) in a murine intestinal fibrosis model and human primary intestinal myofibroblasts (HIMFs).

METHODS

UC/PL-MSC-CM was concentrated 15-fold using a 3 kDa cut-off filter. C57BL/6 mice aged 7 weeks old were randomly assigned to one of four groups: (1) control, (2) dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), (3) DSS + CM (late-phase treatment), and (4) DSS + CM (early-phase treatment). Chronic DSS colitis and intestinal fibrosis was induced by three cycles of DSS administration. One DSS cycle consisted of 7 days of oral DSS administration (1.75%, 2%, and 2.5% DSS), followed by 14 days of drinking water. UC/PL-MSC-CM was intraperitoneally administered in the late phase (from day 50, 10 times) or early phase (from day 29, 10 times) of DSS cycles. HIMFs were treated with TGF-β1 and co-treated with UC/PL-MSC-CM (10% of culture media) in the cellular model.

RESULTS

In the animal study, UC/PL-MSC-CM reduced submucosa/muscularis propria thickness and collagen deposition, which improved intestinal fibrosis in chronic DSS colitis. The UC/PL-MSC-CM significantly reduced the expressions of procollagen1A1 and α-smooth muscle actin, which DSS significantly elevated. The anti-fibrogenic effect was more apparent in the UC-MSC-CM or early-phase treatment model. The UC/PL-MSC-CM reduced procollagen1A1, fibronectin, and α-smooth muscle actin expression in HIMFs in the cellular model. The UC/PL-MSC-CM downregulated fibrogenesis by suppressing RhoA, MRTF-A, and SRF expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Human UC/PL-MSC-CM inhibits TGF-β1-induced fibrogenic activation in HIMFs by blocking the Rho/MRTF/SRF pathway and chronic DSS colitis-induced intestinal fibrosis. Thus, it may be regarded as a novel candidate for stem cell-based therapy of intestinal fibrosis.

Clinical Efficacy and Mechanism of Vitamin D2 in Treating Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Objective

Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is one of the most common autoimmune diseases, with the highest incidence rate among autoimmune thyroid disorders. Vitamin D2 may have therapeutic effects on HT. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying vitamin D2 therapy for HT.

Methods

Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with vitamin D2-treated HT were identified, and the DEG-associated gene enrichment pathway was explored using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. The correlation between the hub genes and infiltrating immune cells was investigated, and the interactions among the hub genes and target drug and competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA; long non-coding RNA [lncRNA]-microRNA [miRNA]-messenger RNA [mRNA]) regulatory networks were determined.

Results

GO and KEGG enrichment analyses identified a total of 102 DEGs (6 upregulated and 96 downregulated) in the vitamin D2-treated group samples. The area under the curve values of the identified 10 hub genes was as follows: CCR1(0.920), CXCL1 (0.960), CXCL8 (0.960), EGR1 (0.960), FCGR3B (0.920), FOS (1.000), FPR1 (0.840), MMP9 (0.720), PTGS2 (0.960), and TREM1 (1.000). The immune enrichment scores of the mast cell (P = 0.008), neutrophil (P = 0.016), and plasmacytoid dendritic cell (P = 0.016) were significantly decreased in the vitamin D2-treated group (P < 0.05). The hub gene/drug regulatory network included 8 hub genes, 108 molecular drugs, and 114 interaction relationship pairs. The ceRNA regulatory network included 129 lncRNAs, 145 miRNAs, mRNAs (hub genes), and 324 interaction relationship pairs.

Conclusion

Vitamin D2 may play an immunomodulatory role by regulating the aforementioned immune-related molecules and immune cells, thereby improving its therapeutic effects on HT.

Adipose-derived stem cells in immune-related skin disease: a review of current research and underlying mechanisms

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are a critical adult stem cell subpopulation and are widely utilized in the fields of regenerative medicine and stem cell research due to their abundance, ease of harvest, and low immunogenicity. ASCs, which are homologous with skin by nature, can treat immune-related skin diseases by promoting skin regeneration and conferring immunosuppressive effects, with the latter being the most important therapeutic mechanism. ASCs regulate the immune response by direct cell-cell communication with immune cells, such as T cells, macrophages, and B cells. In addition to cell-cell interactions, ASCs modulate the immune response indirectly by secreting cytokines, interleukins, growth factors, and extracellular vesicles. The immunomodulatory effects of ASCs have been exploited to treat many immune-related skin diseases with good therapeutic outcomes. This article reviews the mechanisms underlying the immunomodulatory effects of ASCs, as well as progress in research on immune-related skin diseases.

Therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs)-based cell therapy for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) therapy

Recently, mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) therapy has become an emerging therapeutic modality for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), given their immunoregulatory and pro-survival attributes. MSCs alleviate dysregulated inflammatory responses through the secretion of a myriad of anti-inflammatory mediators, such as interleukin 10 (IL-10), transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor-stimulated gene-6 (TSG-6), etc. Indeed, MSC treatment of IBD is largely carried out through local microcirculation construction, colonization and repair, and immunomodulation, thus alleviating diseases severity. The clinical therapeutic efficacy relies on to the marked secretion of various secretory molecules from viable MSCs via paracrine mechanisms that are required for gut immuno-microbiota regulation and the proliferation and differentiation of surrounding cells like intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and intestinal stem cells (ISCs). For example, MSCs can induce IECs proliferation and upregulate the expression of tight junction (TJs)-associated protein, ensuring intestinal barrier integrity. Concerning the encouraging results derived from animal studies, various clinical trials are conducted or ongoing to address the safety and efficacy of MSCs administration in IBD patients. Although the safety and short-term efficacy of MSCs administration have been evinced, the long-term efficacy of MSCs transplantation has not yet been verified. Herein, we have emphasized the illumination of the therapeutic capacity of MSCs therapy, including naïve MSCs, preconditioned MSCs, and also MSCs-derived exosomes, to alleviate IBD severity in experimental models. Also, a brief overview of published clinical trials in IBD patients has been delivered.