1
|
Wang AYL, Chen KH, Lin HC, Loh CYY, Chang YC, Aviña AE, Lee CM, Chu IM, Wei FC. Sustained Release of Tacrolimus Embedded in a Mixed Thermosensitive Hydrogel for Improving Functional Recovery of Injured Peripheral Nerves in Extremities. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020508. [PMID: 36839830 PMCID: PMC9960741 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascularized composite allotransplantation is an emerging strategy for the reconstruction of unique defects such as amputated limbs that cannot be repaired with autologous tissues. In order to ensure the function of transplanted limbs, the functional recovery of the anastomosed peripheral nerves must be confirmed. The immunosuppressive drug, tacrolimus, has been reported to promote nerve recovery in animal models. However, its repeated dosing comes with risks of systemic malignancies and opportunistic infections. Therefore, drug delivery approaches for locally sustained release can be designed to overcome this issue and reduce systemic complications. We developed a mixed thermosensitive hydrogel (poloxamer (PLX)-poly(l-alanine-lysine with Pluronic F-127) for the time-dependent sustained release of tacrolimus in our previous study. In this study, we demonstrated that the hydrogel drug degraded in a sustained manner and locally released tacrolimus in mice over one month without affecting the systemic immunity. The hydrogel drug significantly improved the functional recovery of injured sciatic nerves as assessed using five-toe spread and video gait analysis. Neuroregeneration was validated in hydrogel-drug-treated mice using axonal analysis. The hydrogel drug did not cause adverse effects in the mouse model during long-term follow-up. The local injection of encapsulated-tacrolimus mixed thermosensitive hydrogel accelerated peripheral nerve recovery without systemic adverse effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aline Yen Ling Wang
- Center for Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (A.Y.L.W.); (F.-C.W.)
| | - Kuan-Hung Chen
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Chao Lin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
| | - Charles Yuen Yung Loh
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0SP, UK
| | - Yun-Ching Chang
- Department of Health Industry Technology Management, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
| | - Ana Elena Aviña
- Center for Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
- International Ph.D. Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Ming Lee
- Center for Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
| | - I-Ming Chu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Chan Wei
- Center for Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (A.Y.L.W.); (F.-C.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang AYL. Application of Modified mRNA in Somatic Reprogramming to Pluripotency and Directed Conversion of Cell Fate. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158148. [PMID: 34360910 PMCID: PMC8348611 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Modified mRNA (modRNA)-based somatic reprogramming is an effective and safe approach that overcomes the genomic mutation risk caused by viral integrative methods. It has improved the disadvantages of conventional mRNA and has better stability and immunogenicity. The modRNA molecules encoding multiple pluripotent factors have been applied successfully in reprogramming somatic cells such as fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, and amniotic fluid stem cells to generate pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Moreover, it also can be directly used in the terminal differentiation of stem cells and fibroblasts into functional therapeutic cells, which exhibit great promise in disease modeling, drug screening, cell transplantation therapy, and regenerative medicine. In this review, we summarized the reprogramming applications of modified mRNA in iPSC generation and therapeutic applications of functionally differentiated cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aline Yen Ling Wang
- Center for Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes as a New Therapeutic Strategy for Various Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041769. [PMID: 33578948 PMCID: PMC7916646 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, an increasing number of studies have demonstrated that induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and iPSC-derived cells display therapeutic effects, mainly via the paracrine mechanism in addition to their transdifferentiation ability. Exosomes have emerged as an important paracrine factor for iPSCs to repair injured cells through the delivery of bioactive components. Animal reports of iPSC-derived exosomes on various disease models are increasing, such as in heart, limb, liver, skin, bone, eye and neurological disease and so forth. This review aims to summarize the therapeutic effects of iPSC-derived exosomes on various disease models and their properties, such as angiogenesis, cell proliferation and anti-apoptosis, with the hopes of improving their potential role in clinical applications and functional restoration.
Collapse
|
4
|
Human Wharton's Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Mediated Sciatic Nerve Recovery Is Associated with the Upregulation of Regulatory T Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176310. [PMID: 32878186 PMCID: PMC7504196 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The acceleration of peripheral nerve regeneration is crucial for functional nerve recovery. Our previous study demonstrated that human Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hWJ-MSC) promote sciatic nerve recovery and regeneration via the direct upregulation and release of neurotrophic factors. However, the immunomodulatory role of hWJ-MSC in sciatic nerve recovery remains unclear. The effects of hWJ-MSC on innate immunity, represented by macrophages, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells, as well as on adaptive immunity, represented by CD4+ T, CD8+ T, B, and regulatory T cells (Tregs), were examined using flow cytometry. Interestingly, a significantly increased level of Tregs was detected in blood, lymph nodes (LNs), and nerve-infiltrating cells on POD7, 15, 21, and 35. Anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-4 and IL-10, were significantly upregulated in the LNs and nerves of hWJ-MSC-treated mice. Treg depletion neutralized the improved effects of hWJ-MSC on sciatic nerve recovery. In contrast, Treg administration promoted the functional recovery of five-toe spread and gait stance. hWJ-MSC also expressed high levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokines TGF-β and IL-35. This study indicated that hWJ-MSC induce Treg development to modulate the balance between pro- and anti-inflammation at the injured sciatic nerve by secreting higher levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines.
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang AYL, Loh CYY. Episomal Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: Functional and Potential Therapeutic Applications. Cell Transplant 2019; 28:112S-131S. [PMID: 31722555 PMCID: PMC7016470 DOI: 10.1177/0963689719886534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The term episomal induced pluripotent stem cells (EiPSCs) refers to somatic cells that are reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) using non-integrative episomal vector methods. This reprogramming process has a better safety profile compared with integrative methods using viruses. There is a current trend toward using episomal plasmid reprogramming to generate iPSCs because of the improved safety profile. Clinical reports of potential human cell sources that have been successfully reprogrammed into EiPSCs are increasing, but no review or summary has been published. The functional applications of EiPSCs and their potential uses in various conditions have been described, and these may be applicable to clinical scenarios. This review summarizes the current direction of EiPSC research and the properties of these cells with the aim of explaining their potential role in clinical applications and functional restoration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aline Yen Ling Wang
- Center for Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,*Both the authors contributed equally to this article
| | - Charles Yuen Yung Loh
- St Andrew's Center for Burns and Plastic Surgery, Chelmsford, United Kingdom.,*Both the authors contributed equally to this article
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang AYL, Loh CYY, Shen HH, Hsieh SY, Wang IK, Chuang SH, Wei FC. Topical Application of Human Wharton's Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells Accelerates Mouse Sciatic Nerve Recovery and is Associated with Upregulated Neurotrophic Factor Expression. Cell Transplant 2019; 28:1560-1572. [PMID: 31565957 PMCID: PMC6923547 DOI: 10.1177/0963689719880543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerve regeneration following injury is often slow and impaired, which results in weakened and denervated muscle with subsequent atrophy. Human Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells (hWJ-MSC) have potential regenerative properties which, however, remain unknown in mouse nerve recovery. This study investigated the effect of the topical application of hWJ-MSC onto repairing transected sciatic nerves in a mouse model. Human adipocyte-derived stem cells (hADSC) were used as a positive control. The sciatic nerve of BALB/c mice was transected at a fixed point and repaired under the microscope using 10-0 sutures. hWJ-MSC and hADSC were applied to the site of repair and mice were followed up for 1 year. The hWJ-MSC group had significantly better functional recovery of five-toe spread and gait angles compared with the negative control and hADSC groups. hWJ-MSC improved sciatic nerve regeneration in a dose-dependent fashion. The hWJ-MSC group had a better quality of regenerated nerve with an increased number of myelinated axons throughout. hWJ-MSC appear to be safe in mice after 1 year of follow-up. hWJ-MSC also expressed higher levels of neurotrophic factor-3, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and glial-derived neurotrophic factor than hADSC. hWJ-MSC may promote better nerve recovery than hADSC because of this upregulation of neurotrophic factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aline Yen Ling Wang
- Center for Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | | | - Hsin-Hsin Shen
- Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Sing-Ying Hsieh
- Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Ing-Kae Wang
- Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Hao Chuang
- Center for Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Chan Wei
- Center for Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department of Plastic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Stem cell-based approaches to enhance nerve regeneration and improve functional outcomes in vascularized composite allotransplantation. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2018; 23:577-581. [PMID: 30138147 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000000569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The current review will discuss the current understanding of nerve regeneration in vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA). The success of proximal arm and leg transplants has been hampered by the limitations of nerve regrowth across long distances resulting in poor regeneration and functional recovery. Relevant research in stem-cell therapies to overcome these issues will be reviewed. RECENT FINDINGS The effect of rejection on nerve regeneration in the VCA may be unpredictable and may be quite different for the nerve allograft. The issues that limit functional outcome are likely common to both VCA and proximal nerve injuries or replantation. Stem-cell therapies have focused on augmenting Schwann cell function and appear promising. SUMMARY A better understanding of the effects of transplant rejection on nerve regeneration and function, as well as the factors that affect regeneration over long distances may inform further therapeutic approaches for improvement.
Collapse
|
8
|
Characterization data for T cell-specific Blimp-1 transgenic C57BL/6 mice. Data Brief 2018; 19:117-127. [PMID: 29892625 PMCID: PMC5992980 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2018.04.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This article is the first to provide characterization data regarding naive C57BL/6 transgenic mice with overexpression of B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein 1 (Blimp-1) under a T cell-specific pLCK promoter. The data presented are related to phenotype, Blimp-1 overexpression levels, T cell development and T cell proliferation for Blimp-1 transgenic mice. For further Blimp-1 overexpressed T cell findings regarding skin allotransplantation, please refer to the research article “Blimp-1 prolongs allograft survival without regimen via influencing T cell development in favor of regulatory T cells while suppressing Th1” (Wang et al., 2018) [1].
Collapse
|