Effects of mesenchymal stem cells on matrix metalloproteinase synthesis in cardiac fibroblasts

Extracellular Vesicles Are More Potent Than Adipose Mesenchymal Stromal Cells to Exert an Anti-Fibrotic Effect in an In Vitro Model of Systemic Sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex disorder resulting from dysregulated interactions between the three main pathophysiological axes: fibrosis, immune dysfunction, and vasculopathy, with no specific treatment available to date. Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (ASCs) and their extracellular vesicles (EVs) have proved efficacy in pre-clinical murine models of SSc. However, their precise action mechanism is still not fully understood. Because of the lack of availability of fibroblasts isolated from SSc patients (SSc-Fb), our aim was to determine whether a TGFβ1-induced model of human myofibroblasts (Tβ-Fb) could reproduce the characteristics of SSc-Fb and be used to evaluate the anti-fibrotic function of ASCs and their EVs. We found out that Tβ-Fb displayed the main morphological and molecular features of SSc-Fb, including the enlarged hypertrophic morphology and expression of several markers associated with the myofibroblastic phenotype. Using this model, we showed that ASCs were able to regulate the expression of most myofibroblastic markers on Tβ-Fb and SSc-Fb, but only when pre-stimulated with TGFβ1. Of interest, ASC-derived EVs were more effective than parental cells for improving the myofibroblastic phenotype. In conclusion, we provided evidence that Tβ-Fb are a relevant model to mimic the main characteristics of SSc fibroblasts and investigate the mechanism of action of ASCs. We further reported that ASC-EVs are more effective than parental cells suggesting that the TGFβ1-induced pro-fibrotic environment may alter the function of ASCs.

Anti-fibrotic Effects of Cardiac Progenitor Cells in a 3D-Model of Human Cardiac Fibrosis

Cardiac fibroblasts play a key role in chronic heart failure. The conversion from cardiac fibroblast to myofibroblast as a result of cardiac injury, will lead to excessive matrix deposition and a perpetuation of pro-fibrotic signaling. Cardiac cell therapy for chronic heart failure may be able to target fibroblast behavior in a paracrine fashion. However, no reliable human fibrotic tissue model exists to evaluate this potential effect of cardiac cell therapy. Using a gelatin methacryloyl hydrogel and human fetal cardiac fibroblasts (hfCF), we created a 3D in vitro model of human cardiac fibrosis. This model was used to study the possibility to modulate cellular fibrotic responses. Our approach demonstrated paracrine inhibitory effects of cardiac progenitor cells (CPC) on both cardiac fibroblast activation and collagen synthesis in vitro and revealed that continuous cross-talk between hfCF and CPC seems to be indispensable for the observed anti-fibrotic effect.

Fibroblast growth factor-2, but not the adipose tissue-derived stromal cells secretome, inhibits TGF-β1-induced differentiation of human cardiac fibroblasts into myofibroblasts

Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is a potent inducer of fibroblast to myofibroblast differentiation and contributes to the pro-fibrotic microenvironment during cardiac remodeling. Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) is a growth factor secreted by adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (ASC) which can antagonize TGF-β1 signaling. We hypothesized that TGF-β1-induced cardiac fibroblast to myofibroblast differentiation is abrogated by FGF-2 and ASC conditioned medium (ASC-CMed). Our experiments demonstrated that TGF-β1 treatment-induced cardiac fibroblast differentiation into myofibroblasts, as evidenced by the formation of contractile stress fibers rich in αSMA. FGF-2 blocked the differentiation, as evidenced by the reduction in gene (TAGLN, p < 0.0001; ACTA2, p = 0.0056) and protein (αSMA, p = 0.0338) expression of mesenchymal markers and extracellular matrix components gene expression (COL1A1, p < 0.0001; COL3A1, p = 0.0029). ASC-CMed did not block myofibroblast differentiation. The treatment with FGF-2 increased matrix metalloproteinases gene expression (MMP1, p < 0.0001; MMP14, p = 0.0027) and decreased the expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase gene TIMP2 (p = 0.0023). ASC-CMed did not influence these genes. The proliferation of TGF-β1-induced human cardiac fibroblasts was restored by both FGF-2 (p = 0.0002) and ASC-CMed (p = 0.0121). The present study supports the anti-fibrotic effects of FGF-2 through the blockage of cardiac fibroblast differentiation into myofibroblasts. ASC-CMed, however, did not replicate the anti-fibrotic effects of FGF-2 in vitro.

Smell of cells: Volatile profiling of stem- and non-stem cell proliferation

Bacterial and cell cultures are known to emit a large number of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Conventional biochemical methods are often destructive, time-consuming and expensive. In contrast, VOC analysis of headspace over cultures may offer a non-destructive alternative for the monitoring of cell proliferation and metabolism. VOC profiles from cultures of murine pluripotent stem cells and fibroblasts were assessed every 24 h for 3 days. Pure cell media were measured as parallel controls. VOC analysis was highly standardized with respect to time of measurement and phases of cell growth. Cultures were grown in custom-made inert boxes. In order to determine the effects of fresh media supply on VOC emissions, both cell types were cultured with and without daily media exchange. VOCs from headspace were preconcentrated by means of needle trap micro-extraction and analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Murine pluripotent stem cells emitted increasing concentrations of thiirane and methyl-methoxy-hydroxy-methyl-amine (MMHA). Substance concentration correlated with cell numbers. Murine fibroblasts did not emit thiirane or MMHA. Concentrations of aldehydes, especially benzaldehyde, were lower in both cell cultures than in pure media samples. Daily media exchange resulted in higher cell numbers, but had no major effects on VOC concentrations emitted from the cells. Investigation and monitoring of volatile substances such as thiirane and MMHA may enhance the understanding of stem cell properties and lead to a destruction-free characterization of pluripotent stem cells.

Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell spheroids improve recovery in a mouse model of elastase-induced emphysema

Emphysema, a pathologic component of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, causes irreversible destruction of lung. Many researchers have reported that mesenchymal stem cells can regenerate lung tissue after emphysema. We evaluated if spheroid human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) showed greater regenerative effects than dissociated ASCs in mice with elastase-induced emphysema. ASCs were administered via an intrapleural route. Mice injected with spheroid ASCs showed improved regeneration of lung tissues, increased expression of growth factors such as fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and a reduction in proteases with an induction of protease inhibitors when compared with mice injected with dissociated ASCs. Our findings indicate that spheroid ASCs show better regeneration of lung tissues than dissociated ACSs in mice with elastase-induced emphysema.

MMP-2 and MMP-14 Silencing Inhibits VEGFR2 Cleavage and Induces the Differentiation of Porcine Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Endothelial Cells

The molecular mechanisms that control the ability of adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) to remodel three‐dimensional extracellular matrix barriers during differentiation are not clearly understood. Herein, we studied the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) during the differentiation of AMSCs to endothelial cells (ECs) in vitro. MSCs were isolated from porcine abdominal adipose tissue, and characterized by immunopositivity to CD44, CD90, CD105, and immunonegativity to CD14 and CD45. Plasticity of AMSCs was confirmed by multilineage differentiation. The mRNA transcripts for MMPs and Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases (TIMPs), and protein expression of EC markers were analyzed. The enzyme activity and protein expression were analyzed by gelatin zymography, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Western blot. The differentiation of AMSCs to ECs was confirmed by mRNA and protein expressions of the endothelial markers. The mRNA transcripts for MMP‐2 and MMP‐14 were significantly increased during the differentiation of MSCs into ECs. Findings revealed an elevated MMP‐14 and MMP‐2 expression, and MMP2 enzyme activity. Silencing of MMP‐2 and MMP‐14 significantly increased the expression of EC markers, formation of capillary tubes, and acetylated‐low‐density lipoprotein uptake, and decreased the cleavage of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor type 2 (VEGFR2). Inhibition of VEGFR2 significantly decreased the expression of EC markers. These novel findings demonstrate that the upregulation of MMP2 and MMP14 has an inhibitory effect on the differentiation of AMSCs to ECs, and silencing these MMPs inhibit the cleavage of VEGFR2 and stimulate the differentiation of AMSCs to ECs. These findings provide a potential mechanism for the regulatory role of MMP‐2 and MMP‐14 in the re‐endothelialization of coronary arteries following intervention. Stem Cells Translational Medicine2017;6:1385–1398

Paracrine Effects of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells on Matrix Stiffness-Induced Cardiac Myofibroblast Differentiation via Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor and Smad7

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) hold great promise in cardiac fibrosis therapy, due to their potential ability of inhibiting cardiac myofibroblast differentiation (a hallmark of cardiac fibrosis). However, the mechanism involved in their effects remains elusive. To explore this, it is necessary to develop an in vitro cardiac fibrosis model that incorporates pore size and native tissue-mimicking matrix stiffness, which may regulate cardiac myofibroblast differentiation. In the present study, collagen coated polyacrylamide hydrogel substrates were fabricated, in which the pore size was adjusted without altering the matrix stiffness. Stiffness is shown to regulate cardiac myofibroblast differentiation independently of pore size. Substrate at a stiffness of 30 kPa, which mimics the stiffness of native fibrotic cardiac tissue, was found to induce cardiac myofibroblast differentiation to create in vitro cardiac fibrosis model. Conditioned medium of hMSCs was applied to the model to determine its role and inhibitory mechanism on cardiac myofibroblast differentiation. It was found that hMSCs secrete hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) to inhibit cardiac myofibroblast differentiation via downregulation of angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT₁R) and upregulation of Smad7. These findings would aid in establishment of the therapeutic use of hMSCs in cardiac fibrosis therapy in future.

Mesenchymal stem cells in cardiac regeneration: a detailed progress report of the last 6 years (2010-2015)

Mesenchymal stem cells have been used for cardiovascular regenerative therapy for decades. These cells have been established as one of the potential therapeutic agents, following several tests in animal models and clinical trials. In the process, various sources of mesenchymal stem cells have been identified which help in cardiac regeneration by either revitalizing the cardiac stem cells or revascularizing the arteries and veins of the heart. Although mesenchymal cell therapy has achieved considerable admiration, some challenges still remain that need to be overcome in order to establish it as a successful technique. This in-depth review is an attempt to summarize the major sources of mesenchymal stem cells involved in myocardial regeneration, the significant mechanisms involved in the process with a focus on studies (human and animal) conducted in the last 6 years and the challenges that remain to be addressed.

Direct intercellular communications dominate the interaction between adipose-derived MSCs and myofibroblasts against cardiac fibrosis

The onset of cardiac fibrosis post myocardial infarction greatly impairs the function of heart. Recent advances of cell transplantation showed great benefits to restore myocardial function, among which the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has gained much attention. However, the underlying cellular mechanisms of MSC therapy are still not fully understood. Although paracrine effects of MSCs on residual cardiomyocytes have been discussed, the amelioration of fibrosis was rarely studied as the hostile environment cannot support the survival of most cell populations and impairs the diffusion of soluble factors. Here in order to decipher the potential mechanism of MSC therapy for cardiac fibrosis, we investigated the interplay between MSCs and cardiac myofibroblasts (mFBs) using interactive co-culture method, with comparison to paracrine approaches, namely treatment by MSC conditioned medium and gap co-culture method. Various fibrotic features of mFBs were analyzed and the most prominent anti-fibrosis effects were always obtained using direct co-culture that allowed cell-to-cell contacts. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), a well-known anti-fibrosis factor, was demonstrated to be a major contributor for MSCs' anti-fibrosis function. Moreover, physical contacts and tube-like structures between MSCs and mFBs were observed by live cell imaging and TEM which demonstrate the direct cellular interactions.

Delayed administration of allogeneic cardiac stem cell therapy for acute myocardial infarction could ameliorate adverse remodeling: experimental study in swine

Background

The optimal timing of cardiac stem cells administration is still unclear. We assessed the safety of same-day and delayed (one week) delivery and the possible influence of the timing on the therapeutic outcomes of allogeneic porcine cardiac stem cells administration after acute myocardial infarction in a closed-chest ischemia-reperfusion model.

Methods

Female swine surviving 90 min occlusion of the mid left anterior descending coronary artery received an intracoronary injection of 25x10⁶ porcine cardiac stem cells either two hours (n = 5, D0) or 7 days (n = 6, D7) after reperfusion. Controls received intracoronary injection of vehicle on day 7 (n = 6, CON). Safety was defined in terms of absence of major cardiac events, changes to the ECG during injection, post-administration coronary flow assessed using the TIMI scale and cardiac troponin I determination after the intervention. Cardiac Magnetic Resonance was performed for morphological and functional assessment prior to infarction, before injection (D7 and CON groups only), at one and 10 weeks. Samples were taken from the infarct and transition areas for pathological examination.

Results

No major adverse cardiac events were seen during injection in any group. Animals receiving the therapy on the same day of infarction (D0 group) showed mild transient ST changes during injection (n = 4) and, in one case, slightly compromised coronary flow (TIMI 2). Cardiac function parameters and infarct sizes were not significantly different between groups, with a trend towards higher ejection fraction in the treated groups. Ventricular volumes indexed to body surface area increased over time in control animals, and decreased by the end of the study in animals receiving the therapy, significantly so when comparing End Diastolic Volume between CON and D7 groups (CON: 121.70 ml/m² ± 26.09 ml/m², D7: 98.71 ml/m² ± 8.30 ml/m², p = 0.037). The treated groups showed less organization of the collagenous scar, and a significantly (p = 0.019) higher amount of larger, more mature vessels at the infarct border.

Conclusions

The intracoronary injection of 25x10⁶ allogeneic cardiac stem cells is generally safe, both early and 7 days after experimental infarction, and alleviates myocardial dysfunction, with a greater limitation of left ventricular remodeling when performed at one week.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12967-015-0512-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The influence of autologous bone marrow stem cell transplantation on matrix metalloproteinases in patients treated for acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Background. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), regulated by tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-9 (TIMP-1) and the extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN), contributes to plaque instability. Autologous stem cells from bone marrow (mBMC) treatment are suggested to reduce myocardial damage; however, limited data exists on the influence of mBMC on MMPs. Aim. We investigated the influence of mBMC on circulating levels of MMP-9, TIMP-1, and EMMPRIN at different time points in patients included in the randomized Autologous Stem-Cell Transplantation in Acute Myocardial Infarction (ASTAMI) trial (n = 100). Gene expression analyses were additionally performed. Results. After 2-3 weeks we observed a more pronounced increase in MMP-9 levels in the mBMC group, compared to controls (P = 0.030), whereas EMMPRIN levels were reduced from baseline to 2-3 weeks and 3 months in both groups (P < 0.0001). Gene expression of both MMP-9 and EMMPRIN was reduced from baseline to 3 months. MMP-9 and EMMPRIN were significantly correlated to myocardial injury (CK: P = 0.005 and P < 0.001, resp.) and infarct size (SPECT: P = 0.018 and P = 0.008, resp.). Conclusion. The results indicate that the regulation of metalloproteinases is important during AMI, however, limited influenced by mBMC.

Substrate stiffness-regulated matrix metalloproteinase output in myocardial cells and cardiac fibroblasts: implications for myocardial fibrosis

Cardiac fibrosis, an important pathological feature of structural remodeling, contributes to ventricular stiffness, diastolic dysfunction, arrhythmia and may even lead to sudden death. Matrix stiffness, one of the many mechanical factors acting on cells, is increasingly appreciated as an important mediator of myocardial cell behavior. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates were fabricated with different stiffnesses to mimic physiological and pathological heart tissues, and the way in which the elastic modulus of the substrate regulated matrix-degrading gelatinases in myocardial cells and cardiac fibroblasts was explored. Initially, an increase in cell spreading area was observed, concomitant with the increase in PDMS stiffness in both cells. Later, it was demonstrated that the MMP-2 gene expression and protein activity in myocardial cells and cardiac fibroblasts can be enhanced with an increase in PDMS substrate stiffness and, moreover, such gene- and protein-related increases had a significant linear correlation with the elastic modulus. In comparison, the MMP-9 gene and protein expressions were up-regulated in cardiac fibroblasts only, not in myocardial cells. These results implied that myocardial cells and cardiac fibroblasts in the myocardium could sense the stiffness in pathological fibrosis and showed a differential but positive response in the expression of matrix-degrading gelatinases when exposed to an increased stiffening of the matrix in the microenvironment. The phenomenon of cells sensing pathological matrix stiffness can help to increase understanding of the mechanism underlying myocardial fibrosis and may ultimately lead to planning cure strategies.

The effect of bone marrow- and adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cell transplantation on myocardial remodelling in the rat model of ischaemic heart failure

This study aimed to investigate the effect of bone marrow- and adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cell (BM-MSC and AD-MSC respectively) transplantation on left ventricular function and infarct area (IA) in the rat model of ischaemic heart failure. In anaesthetized Wistar rats, the left coronary artery (LCA) was occluded for 40 min with subsequent reperfusion for 7 days. Seven days following surgery, the animals with LCA occlusion/reperfusion were randomized into three groups: (i) Controls received intramyocardial injection of vehicle at three different locations within the peri-infarct zone, (ii) BM-MSC: cells were injected in the same way as in previous group (10(6) ), (iii) AD-MSC: using the same protocol as used in the BM-MSC group. In addition there was also a sham-treated group that had no injection. Two weeks following MSC transplantation, the hearts were isolated and perfused according to the Langendorff method followed by 30-min global ischaemia and 90-min reperfusion. After this IA was determined histologically. During Langendorff perfusion initial and postischaemic LV functions were the same in all groups although LV pressure at the 10th minute of reperfusion was higher in the AD-MSC group compared to controls. However, LV pressure during 30-min global ischaemia was significantly higher in BM-MSC as compared to controls and AD-MSC. The sham treated animals showed the same results as those seen with BM-MSC. Thus, BM-MSC transplantation, in contrast to transplantation of AD-MSC, resulted in better preservation of the LV ability to contract during ischaemia. Furthermore, IA was significantly smaller in BM-MSC group as compared to the controls and the AD-MSC groups. Thus this study has demonstrated that treatment with BM-MSC both ameliorates LV function and reduces histological scar size.

Adult stem cells in small animal wound healing models

This chapter broadly reviews the use of stem cells as a means to accelerate wound healing, focusing first on the properties of stem cells that make them attractive agents to influence repair, both alone and as vehicles for growth factor delivery. Major stem cell reservoirs are described, including adult, embryonic, and induced pluripotent cell sources, outlining the advantages and limitations of each source as wound healing agents, as well as the possible mechanisms responsible for wound healing acceleration. Finally, the chapter includes a materials and methods section that provides an in-depth description of adult tissue harvest techniques.

PRAS40 is an integral regulatory component of erythropoietin mTOR signaling and cytoprotection

Emerging strategies that center upon the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling for neurodegenerative disorders may bring effective treatment for a number of difficult disease entities. Here we show that erythropoietin (EPO), a novel agent for nervous system disorders, prevents apoptotic SH-SY5Y cell injury in an oxidative stress model of oxygen-glucose deprivation through phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI 3-K)/protein kinase B (Akt) dependent activation of mTOR signaling and phosphorylation of the downstream pathways of p70 ribosomal S6 kinase (p70S6K), eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4EBP1), and proline rich Akt substrate 40 kDa (PRAS40). PRAS40 is an important regulatory component either alone or in conjunction with EPO signal transduction that can determine cell survival through apoptotic caspase 3 activation. EPO and the PI 3-K/Akt pathways control cell survival and mTOR activity through the inhibitory post-translational phosphorylation of PRAS40 that leads to subcellular binding of PRAS40 to the cytoplasmic docking protein 14-3-3. However, modulation and phosphorylation of PRAS40 is independent of other protective pathways of EPO that involve extracellular signal related kinase (ERK 1/2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT5). Our studies highlight EPO and PRAS40 signaling in the mTOR pathway as potential therapeutic strategies for development against degenerative disorders that lead to cell demise.