Importance of the origin of mesenchymal (stem) stromal cells in cancer biology: "alliance" or "war" in intercellular signals

Therapeutic Potential of Stromal Vascular Fraction in Enhancing Wound Healing: A Preclinical Study

BACKGROUND

Adipose tissue provides an abundant source of stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells for immediate administration. It can also give rise to many multipotent adipose-derived stromal cells. SVF is the population of cells obtained from mechanical or enzymatic digestion of lipoaspirate with no necessity for cell culture or expansion. Recently, the heterogeneous cell population found in the SVF gained wide-ranging translational significance in regenerative medicine.

METHODS

Forty-eight male rats were randomly divided into two main groups, including the control and SVF groups. Each group was further divided into four groups as follows: 0th-, 3rd-, 7th-, and 10th-day groups. A skin excision of 1 × 1 cm covering the epidermis and dermis was performed on the back skin. Just after the wound was created, a subepidermal injection of SVF was applied. SVF was obtained from human adipose tissue using Lipocube SVFTM. On the 0th (1 h after the injections), 3rd, 7th, and 10th days, rats were killed, and skin excisions from the wound areas tissues were performed. Histopathological, biochemical, and western blotting analyses were performed on tissues.

RESULTS

Our data showed that SVF obtained from a healthy woman improved wound healing in healthy rats. SVF has promoted wound healing mainly because of its antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and fibroblast/myofibroblast stimulating effects. SVF stimulated collagen production and contraction of the wound lips, supporting the closure.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides additional data about the efficacy and pathophysiological and molecular mechanisms of the action of SVF on wound healing in healthy subjects. Our study is an experimental animal study.

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Tumor-Infiltration Mimicking Model of Contaminated Ovarian Tissue as an Innovative Platform for Advanced Cancer Research

The development of advanced preclinical models is crucial for the evaluation and validation of novel therapeutic strategies in oncology. Three-dimensional (3D) microtumor models, which incorporate both cancer and stromal cells within biomimetic hydrogels, have emerged as powerful tools that more accurately replicate the complex tumor microenvironment compared to traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture systems. In this context, our study aims to develop 3D microtumor models by integrating cancer and stromal cells within an extracellular-matrix-mimetic hydrogel, as a physiologically accurate microtumor model that can serve as an innovative platform for advanced cancer research and drug screening. Microtumors composed of varying ratios of leukemia cells (HL-60) to healthy ovarian stromal cells (SCs) (1:1, 1:10, 1:100, or 1:1000) were encapsulated in PEGylated fibrin hydrogel and cultured for 5 days. The proliferation and dynamics of cancerous and healthy cell populations were evaluated using CD43/Ki67 immunofluorescence double staining. Our findings indicate that tumor development and malignancy progression can be influenced by adjusting cell culture ratios and incubation time. Notably, the HL-60:SCs ratio of 1:100 closely replicated leukemia cell invasion in ovarian tissue, demonstrating detectable malignancy on the third and fifth days without significant changes in total cell density dynamics. This 3D leukemia microtumor model offers superior physiological relevance compared to traditional 2D in vitro assays and shows promising potential for applications in cellular analysis and drug screening.

Synergistic effect of human uterine cervical mesenchymal stem cell secretome and paclitaxel on triple negative breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most lethal subtype of breast cancer and, despite its adverse effects, chemotherapy is the standard systemic treatment option for TNBC. Since, it is of utmost importance to consider the combination of different agents to achieve greater efficacy and curability potential, MSC secretome is a possible innovative alternative.

METHODS

In the present study, we proposed to investigate the anti-tumor effect of the combination of a chemical agent (paclitaxel) with a complex biological product, secretome derived from human Uterine Cervical Stem cells (CM-hUCESC) in TNBC.

RESULTS

The combination of paclitaxel and CM-hUCESC decreased cell proliferation and invasiveness of tumor cells and induced apoptosis in vitro (MDA-MB-231 and/or primary tumor cells). The anti-tumor effect was confirmed in a mouse tumor xenograft model showing that the combination of both products has a significant effect in reducing tumor growth. Also, pre-conditioning hUCESC with a sub-lethal dose of paclitaxel enhances the effect of its secretome and in combination with paclitaxel reduced significantly tumor growth and even allows to diminish the dose of paclitaxel in vivo. This effect is in part due to the action of extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from CM-hUCESC and soluble factors, such as TIMP-1 and - 2.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, our data demonstrate the synergistic effect of the combination of CM-hUCESC with paclitaxel on TNBC and opens an opportunity to reduce the dose of the chemotherapeutic agents, which may decrease chemotherapy-related toxicity.

New era of mesenchymal stem cell-based medicine: basis, challenges and prospects

Stem cells of mesenchymal origin (MSC) arouse special interest due to their regenerative, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-oxidative stress, antitumor or antimicrobial properties. However, its implementation in the clinic runs into drawbacks of cell therapy (immunological incompatibility, tumor formation, possible transmission of infections, entry into cellular senescence, difficult evaluation of safety, dose and potency; complex storage conditions, high economic cost or impractical clinical use). Considering that the positive effects of MSC are due, to a large extent, to the paracrine effects mediated by the set of substances they secrete (growth factors, cytokines, chemokines or microvesicles), the in vitro obtaining of these biological products makes possible a medicine cell-free regenerative therapy without the drawbacks of cell therapy. However, this new therapeutic innovation implies challenges, such as the recognition of the biological heterogeneity of MSC and the optimization and standardization of their secretome.

The Dual Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Cancer Pathophysiology: Pro-Tumorigenic Effects versus Therapeutic Potential

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells involved in numerous physiological events, including organogenesis, the maintenance of tissue homeostasis, regeneration, or tissue repair. MSCs are increasingly recognized as playing a major, dual, and complex role in cancer pathophysiology through their ability to limit or promote tumor progression. Indeed, these cells are known to interact with the tumor microenvironment, modulate the behavior of tumor cells, influence their functions, and promote distant metastasis formation through the secretion of mediators, the regulation of cell-cell interactions, and the modulation of the immune response. This dynamic network can lead to the establishment of immunoprivileged tissue niches or the formation of new tumors through the proliferation/differentiation of MSCs into cancer-associated fibroblasts as well as cancer stem cells. However, MSCs exhibit also therapeutic effects including anti-tumor, anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, or anti-oxidative effects. The therapeutic interest in MSCs is currently growing, mainly due to their ability to selectively migrate and penetrate tumor sites, which would make them relevant as vectors for advanced therapies. Therefore, this review aims to provide an overview of the double-edged sword implications of MSCs in tumor processes. The therapeutic potential of MSCs will be reviewed in melanoma and lung cancers.

Exosomes as a Nano-Carrier for Chemotherapeutics: A New Era of Oncology

Despite the considerable advancements in oncology, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Drug resistance mechanisms acquired by cancer cells and inefficient drug delivery limit the therapeutic efficacy of available chemotherapeutics drugs. However, studies have demonstrated that nano-drug carriers (NDCs) can overcome these limitations. In this sense, exosomes emerge as potential candidates for NDCs. This is because exosomes have better organotropism, homing capacity, cellular uptake, and cargo release ability than synthetic NDCs. In addition, exosomes can serve as NDCs for both hydrophilic and hydrophobic chemotherapeutic drugs. Thus, this review aimed to summarize the latest advances in cell-free therapy, describing how the exosomes can contribute to each step of the carcinogenesis process and discussing how these nanosized vesicles could be explored as nano-drug carriers for chemotherapeutics.

Statistical study of clinical trials with stem cells and their function in skin wound

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been known as a reliable and effective source to repair damaged tissues. The differentiation and self-renewal ability, easy access, immune system modulation capability, and important role in the process of repairing wounds have caused using these cells extensively in wound healing. In this review study, the role of MSCs is debated about different diseases especially in repairing skin wounds. This review article was obtained from 75 basic and trial articles on the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Clinical Trials databases between 2000 and 2022. MSCs are capable of migrating to the wound site and are effective in all stages of wound healing. These cells differentiate into skin cells and also inhibit inflammatory responses, proliferation, and differentiation cells through paracrine messages. They stimulate locally resident precursors, leading to angiogenesis, epithelial regeneration, and granular tissue formation. During maturation stages, these cells decrease fibrosis tissue formation and wound contraction and increase collagen expression and wound tensile strength. The molecular factors of the lesion site change function of these cells and cause MSCs to create a wound healing microenvironment instead of a fibrotic microenvironment. Currently, significant advances have been achieved in the delivery of MSCs to wound sites. These cells are injected intravenously or intradermally, with or without a scaffold. They are also used in the form of spray or hydrogels. Furthermore, the extracellular vesicles and the synergistic environment of these cells alone are effective. Forthcoming studies could lead to more effective treatment strategies for the use of MSCs in wound healing.

The interaction between osteosarcoma and other cells in the bone microenvironment: From mechanism to clinical applications

Osteosarcoma is a primary bone tumor with a high mortality rate. The event-free survival rate has not improved significantly in the past 30 years, which brings a heavy burden to patients and society. The high heterogeneity of osteosarcoma leads to the lack of specific targets and poor therapeutic effect. Tumor microenvironment is the focus of current research, and osteosarcoma is closely related to bone microenvironment. Many soluble factors and extracellular matrix secreted by many cells in the bone microenvironment have been shown to affect the occurrence, proliferation, invasion and metastasis of osteosarcoma through a variety of signaling pathways. Therefore, targeting other cells in the bone microenvironment may improve the prognosis of osteosarcoma. The mechanism by which osteosarcoma interacts with other cells in the bone microenvironment has been extensively investigated, but currently developed drugs targeting the bone microenvironment have poor efficacy. Therefore, we review the regulatory effects of major cells and physical and chemical properties in the bone microenvironment on osteosarcoma, focusing on their complex interactions, potential therapeutic strategies and clinical applications, to deepen our understanding of osteosarcoma and the bone microenvironment and provide reference for future treatment. Targeting other cells in the bone microenvironment may provide potential targets for the development of clinical drugs for osteosarcoma and may improve the prognosis of osteosarcoma.

Role of stem cells in regenerative treatment of dry eye disease caused by lacrimal gland dysfunction

An ageing population and increased screen use in younger people have contributed to a rise in incidence of dry eye disease (DED). Quality of life can be significantly affected by DED, with patients experiencing eye dryness, burning, pain and sensitivity to light. If left untreated, DED may progress to cause lasting damage to the delicate cell layers of the ocular surface. The aqueous-deficient form of DED is characterized by decreased tear volume. This can occur through underlying disease or damage to the lacrimal gland (LG), which results in increased inflammation at the ocular surface and decreased tear secretion. Regenerative therapy for treatment of aqueous-deficient DED would ideally restore LG function without causing adverse side effects and be feasible in terms of cost, production and practical application in the clinic. In this review, we evaluate research directed at the development of clinical procedures for regeneration of the LG using various stem cell types and their products. We also discuss work identifying potential therapeutic targets that may alter pathways to effect healing and ameliorate development of DED. Finally, we discuss shortcomings and recommend future avenues for research. These include determination of the best tissue of origin for mesenchymal cells and transference of knowledge gleaned from animal studies to clinical investigations.

Mesenchymal stem cells-based therapy in liver diseases

Multiple immune cells and their products in the liver together form a complex and unique immune microenvironment, and preclinical models have demonstrated the importance of imbalances in the hepatic immune microenvironment in liver inflammatory diseases and immunocompromised liver diseases. Various immunotherapies have been attempted to modulate the hepatic immune microenvironment for the purpose of treating liver diseases. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have a comprehensive and plastic immunomodulatory capacity. On the one hand, they have been tried for the treatment of inflammatory liver diseases because of their excellent immunosuppressive capacity; On the other hand, MSCs have immune-enhancing properties in immunocompromised settings and can be modified into cellular carriers for targeted transport of immune enhancers by genetic modification, physical and chemical loading, and thus they are also used in the treatment of immunocompromised liver diseases such as chronic viral infections and hepatocellular carcinoma. In this review, we discuss the immunological basis and recent strategies of MSCs for the treatment of the aforementioned liver diseases. Specifically, we update the immune microenvironment of the liver and summarize the distinct mechanisms of immune microenvironment imbalance in inflammatory diseases and immunocompromised liver diseases, and how MSCs can fully exploit their immunotherapeutic role in liver diseases with both immune imbalance patterns.

Aging and Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Basic Concepts, Challenges and Strategies

Aging and frailty are complex processes implicating multifactorial mechanisms, such as replicative senescence, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, or autophagy disorder. All of these mechanisms drive dramatic changes in the tissue environment, such as senescence-associated secretory phenotype factors and inflamm-aging. Thus, there is a demand for new therapeutic strategies against the devastating effects of the aging and associated diseases. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) participate in a "galaxy" of tissue signals (proliferative, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative stress, and proangiogenic, antitumor, antifibrotic, and antimicrobial effects) contributing to tissue homeostasis. However, MSC are also not immune to aging. Three strategies based on MSC have been proposed: remove, rejuvenate, or replace the senescent MSC. These strategies include the use of senolytic drugs, antioxidant agents and genetic engineering, or transplantation of younger MSC. Nevertheless, these strategies may have the drawback of the adverse effects of prolonged use of the different drugs used or, where appropriate, those of cell therapy. In this review, we propose the new strategy of "Exogenous Restitution of Intercellular Signalling of Stem Cells" (ERISSC). This concept is based on the potential use of secretome from MSC, which are composed of molecules such as growth factors, cytokines, and extracellular vesicles and have the same biological effects as their parent cells. To face this cell-free regenerative therapy challenge, we have to clarify key strategy aspects, such as establishing tools that allow us a more precise diagnosis of aging frailty in order to identify the therapeutic requirements adapted to each case, identify the ideal type of MSC in the context of the functional heterogeneity of these cellular populations, to optimize the mass production and standardization of the primary materials (cells) and their secretome-derived products, to establish the appropriate methods to validate the anti-aging effects and to determine the most appropriate route of administration for each case.

Prostate Cancer Tumor Stroma: Responsibility in Tumor Biology, Diagnosis and Treatment

Simple Summary

The crosstalk between prostate stroma and its epithelium is essential to tissue homeostasis. Likewise, reciprocal signaling between tumor cells and the stromal compartment is required in tumor progression to facilitate or stimulate key processes such as cell proliferation and invasion. The aim of the present work was to review the current state of knowledge on the significance of tumor stroma in the genesis, progression and therapeutic response of prostate carcinoma. Additionally, we addressed the future therapeutic opportunities.

Abstract

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a common cancer among males globally, and its occurrence is growing worldwide. Clinical decisions about the combination of therapies are becoming highly relevant. However, this is a heterogeneous disease, ranging widely in prognosis. Therefore, new approaches are needed based on tumor biology, from which further prognostic assessments can be established and complementary strategies can be identified. The knowledge of both the morphological structure and functional biology of the PCa stroma compartment can provide new diagnostic, prognostic or therapeutic possibilities. In the present review, we analyzed the aspects related to the tumor stromal component (both acellular and cellular) in PCa, their influence on tumor behavior and the therapeutic response and their consideration as a new therapeutic target.

The Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Oral Cancer and Possible Therapy Regime

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are characterized by self-renewal, rapid proliferation, multipotent differentiation, and low immunogenicity. In addition, the tropism of MSCs towards injured tissues and tumor lesions makes them attractive candidates as cell carriers for therapeutic agent delivery and genetic material transfer. The interaction between tumor cells and MSCs in the tumor microenvironment plays an important role in tumor progression. Oral cancer is one of the most common malignant diseases in the head and neck. Although considerable improvements in the treatment of oral cancer were achieved, more effective and safer novel agents and treatments are still needed, and deeper studies on the etiology, pathology, and treatment of the oral cancer are desirable. In the past decades, many studies have reported the beneficial effects of MSCs-based therapies in the treatment of various diseases, including oral cancers. Meanwhile, other studies demonstrated that MSCs may enhance the growth and metastasis of oral cancer. In this paper, we reviewed the research progress of the effects of MSCs on oral cancers, the underlying mechanisms, and their potential applications in the treatment of oral cancers.

Carcinoma Associated Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells - Architects of the Pro-tumorigenic tumor microenvironment

The interaction between tumor cells and non-malignant hosts cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) is critical to the pathophysiology of cancer. These non-malignant host cells, consisting of a variety of stromal, immune and endothelial cells, engage in a complex bidirectional crosstalk with the malignant tumor cells. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are one of these host cells, and they play a critical role in directing the formation and function of the entire TME. These MSCs are epigenetically reprogrammed by cancer cells to assume a strongly pro-tumorigenic phenotype and are referred to as carcinoma-associated mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (CA-MSCs). Studies over the last decade demonstrate that CA-MSCs not only directly interact with cancer cells to promote tumor growth and metastasis, but also orchestrate the formation of the TME. CA-MSCs can differentiate into virtually all stromal sub-lineages present in the TME, including pro-tumorigenic cancer associated fibroblasts (CAF), myofibroblasts, and adipocytes. CA-MSCs and the CAFs they produce, secrete much of the extracellular matrix in the TME. Furthermore, CA-MSC secreted factors promote angiogenesis, and recruit immunosuppressive myeloid cells effectively driving tumor immune exclusion. Thus CA-MSCs impact nearly every aspect of the TME. Despite their influence on cancer biology, as CA-MSCs represent a heterogenous population without a single definitive marker, significant confusion remains regarding the origin and proper identification CA-MSCs. This review will focus on the impact of CA-MSCs on cancer progression and metastasis and the ongoing work on CA-MSC identification, nomenclature and mechanism of action.

Exosomes Derived From Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Novel Effects in the Treatment of Ischemic Stroke

Ischemic stroke is defined as an infarction in the brain, caused by impaired cerebral blood supply, leading to local brain tissue ischemia, hypoxic necrosis, and corresponding neurological deficits. At present, revascularization strategies in patients with acute ischemic stroke include intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical endovascular treatment. However, due to the short treatment time window (<4.5 h) and method restrictions, clinical research is focused on new methods to treat ischemic stroke. Exosomes are nano-sized biovesicles produced in the endosomal compartment of most eukaryotic cells, containing DNA, complex RNA, and protein (30-150 nm). They are released into surrounding extracellular fluid upon fusion between multivesicular bodies and the plasma membrane. Exosomes have the characteristics of low immunogenicity, good innate stability, high transmission efficiency, and the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, making them potential therapeutic modalities for the treatment of ischemic stroke. The seed sequence of miRNA secreted by exosomes is base-paired with complementary mRNA to improve the microenvironment of ischemic tissue, thereby regulating downstream signal transduction activities. With exosome research still in the theoretical and experimental stages, this review aims to shed light on the potential of exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of ischemic stroke.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Extracellular Vesicles in Osteosarcoma Pathogenesis and Therapy

Osteosarcoma (OS) is an aggressive bone tumor that mainly affects children and adolescents. OS has a strong tendency to relapse and metastasize, resulting in poor prognosis and survival. The high heterogeneity and genetic complexity of OS make it challenging to identify new therapeutic targets. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells that can differentiate into adipocytes, osteoblasts, or chondroblasts. OS is thought to originate at some stage in the differentiation process of MSC to pre-osteoblast or from osteoblast precursors. MSCs contribute to OS progression by interacting with tumor cells via paracrine signaling and affect tumor cell proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, immune response, and metastasis. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), secreted by OS cells and MSCs in the tumor microenvironment, are crucial mediators of intercellular communication, driving OS progression by transferring miRNAs/RNA and proteins to other cells. MSC-derived EVs have both pro-tumor and anti-tumor effects on OS progression. MSC-EVs can be also engineered to deliver anti-tumor cargo to the tumor site, which offers potential applications in MSC-EV-based OS treatment. In this review, we highlight the role of MSCs in OS, with a focus on EV-mediated communication between OS cells and MSCs and their role in OS pathogenesis and therapy.

Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells and Their Derivates in Acute Diseases: Emergency in the Post-COVID-19 Times

The current coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has strongly revived the pressing need to incorporate new therapeutic alternatives to deal with medical situations that result in a dramatic breakdown in the body's normal homeostasis [...].