The Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived Microvesicles on the Treatment of Experimental CCL4 Induced Liver Fibrosis in Rats

The potential therapeutic effects of exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on ileum injury of a rat sepsis model (histological and immunohistochemical study)

Sepsis denotes a serious high mortality concern. The study was designed to evaluate the effect of mesenchymal stem cell exosomes (MSC-exosomes) on the evolution of the animal model of sepsis. In this study, 36 rats were distributed into three groups, (I) controls, (II) LPS-treated, and (III) LPS+MSC-EVs. Sepsis was simulated by administering E. coli-LPS to the laboratory animals. Group III was given MSC-exosomes four hours after the LPS injection. Forty-eight hours later rats were sacrificed. Ileum samples were excised, and processed for the histological assessment, immunohistochemical identification of CD44, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Ileum homogenate was used to estimate tumor necrosis factor α (TNF α) besides Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX 2). PCR was used for the detection of interleukin 1α (IL‑1α), and interleukin 17 (IL‑17). Statistical and morphometrical analysis was done. The LPS-treated group showed increased TNF-α, IL‑1α, IL‑17, and decreased COX 2. LPS administration led to cytoplasmic vacuolization of enterocytes, an increase in the vasculature, and cellular infiltrations invaded the lamina propria. There was a significant rise in goblet cells and the proportion of collagen fibers. Ultrastructurally, the enterocytes displayed nuclear irregularity, rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER) dilatation, and increased mitochondria number. Sepsis induces a significant increase in iNOS and a decrease in CD44 immune expressions. LPS+MSC-EVs group restored normal ileum structure and revealed a significant elevation in CD44 and a reduction in iNOS immunoreactions. LPS-sepsis induced an obvious ileum inflammatory deterioration ameliorated by MSC-exosomes, mostly through their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties.

Effect of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived microvesicles on the apoptosis of the multiple myeloma cell line U266

BACKGROUND

Microvesicles are membraned particles produced by different types of cells recently investigated for anticancer purposes. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived microvesicles (BMSC-MVs) on the multiple myeloma cell line U266. BMSC-MVs were isolated from BMSCs via ultracentrifugation and characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). U266 cells were treated with 15, 30, 60, and 120 µg/mL BMSC-MVs for three and seven days and the effects of treatment in terms of viability, cytotoxicity, and DNA damage were investigated via the MTT assay, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay, and 8‑hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8‑OHdG) measurement, respectively. Moreover, the apoptosis rate of the U266 cells treated with 60 µg/mL BMSC-MVs was also assessed seven days following treatment via flow cytometry. Ultimately, the expression level of BCL2, BAX, and CCND1 by the U266 cells was examined seven days following treatment with 60 µg/mL BMSC-MVs using qRT-PCR.

RESULTS

BMSC-MVs had an average size of ~ 410 nm. According to the MTT and LDH assays, BMSC-MV treatment reduced the U266 cell viability and mediated cytotoxic effects against them, respectively. Moreover, elevated 8‑OHdG levels following BMSC-MV treatment demonstrated a dose-dependent increase of DNA damage in the treated cells. BMSC-MV-treated U266 cells also exhibited an increased apoptosis rate after seven days of treatment. The expression level of BCL2 and CCND1 decreased in the treated cells whereas the BAX expression demonstrated an incremental pattern.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings accentuate the therapeutic benefit of BMSC-MVs against the multiple myeloma cell line U266 and demonstrate how microvesicles could be of therapeutic advantage. Future in vivo studies could further corroborate these findings.

Silymarin and MSC-exosomes ameliorate thioacetamide-evoked renal fibrosis by inhibiting TGF-β/SMAD pathway in rats

BACKGROUND

TGF-β1 and SMAD3 are particularly pathogenic in the progression of renal fibrosis.

AIM

This study aimed to evaluate the kidney protective potentials of silymarin (SM) and exosomes of mesenchymal stem cells against the nephrotoxin thioacetamide (TAA) in rats.

METHODS

32 female rats were randomly assigned into four groups: the control group, the TAA group, the TAA + SM group, and the TAA + Exosomes group. The kidney homogenates from all groups were examined for expression levels of TGF-β receptors I and II using real-time PCR, expression levels of collagen type I and CTGF proteins using ELISA, and the expression levels of nuclear SMAD2/3/4, cytoplasmic SMAD2/3, and cytoplasmic SMAD4 proteins using the western blot technique.

RESULTS

Compared to the control group, the injection of TAA resulted in a significant increase in serum levels of urea and creatinine, gene expression levels of TβRI and TβRII, protein expression levels of both collagen I and CTGF proteins, cytoplasmic SMAD2/3 complex, and nuclear SMAD2/3/4 (p-value < 0.0001), with significantly decreased levels of the co-SMAD partner, SMAD4 (p-value < 0.0001). Those effects were reversed considerably in both treatment groups, with the superiority of the exosomal treatment regarding the SMAD proteins and the expression levels of the TβRI gene, collagen I, and CTGF proteins returning to near-control values (p-value > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Using in vitro and in vivo experimental approaches, the research discovered a reno-protective role of silymarin and exosomes of BM-MSCs after thioacetamide-induced renal fibrosis in rats, with the advantage of exosomes.

Comparative study between the effect of mesenchymal stem cells microvesicles versus ozone on induced liver injury in adult male albino rats (Histological & Immunohistochemical study)

Liver disease accounts for approximately 2 million deaths er year worldwide. Liver fibrisis results from chronic injury to the liver. If not effectively treated in time, liver fibrosis may transform into liver cirrhosis. MVs are recognized as potential biomarkers and important theraputic tools for a wide sectrum of diseases. Medical ozone has the ability to protect the body against pathological conditions caused by oxidative stress. The influence of ozone and MVs on CCL4 induced liver fibrosis was investigated in this study. Forty-eight adult male albino rats were divided into four equal groups. I control, II CCL4 group, III ozone and IV microvesicles groups. Liver fibrosis was induced in group II, III & IV using 12 SC injections (0.5 ml/kg body weight) of CCL4 dissolved in olive oil twice ber week for weeks. Blood samples were obtained to estimate serum ALT & AST. Liver tissues were processed for measurment of GSH & SOD, light and electron microscopic examination. H&E staine sections og group II showed dilated congested sinusoids and centralveins, mononuclear infiltrations, vacuolations and dark nuclei. Ultrastructurally, group II revealed irregular heterochromatic nuclei of hepatocytes, small scanty mitochondria & vacuolations. Morphometric & statistical analyses were performed. Group III showed some improvement, however, group IV showed more imrovement. The results indicates that MVs caused marked improvement than ozone against CCL4 induced liver damage via antioxidant & antiinflammatory properties.

The Effects of Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells -Derived Exosomes in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (In vitro Study)

OBJECTIVE

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived exosomes offers several advantages as a cell-free therapeutic agents. In this study, Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells exosomes (UC-MSCs-exos) effects on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell line was evaluated.

METHODS

UC-MSCs-exos were isolated and co-cultured with OSCC cells and their impact on OSCC was explored by various tests. Comet assay and western blot for cleaved caspase-3 and immunocytochemistry for caspase-8 were used for apoptosis assessment. HO-1 and Nrf2 were used to determine antioxidant levels. Tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 were assessed as inflammatory biomarkers. HOX transcript antisense intergenic long noncoding RNA (HOTAIR) expression was also evaluated.

RESULTS

In a dose-dependent manner, UC-MSCs-exos reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) and induced apoptosis of OSCC in vitro. Meanwhile, we found that UC-MSCs-exos downregulate HOTAIR.

CONCLUSION

UC-MSCs-exos conferred a suppressive role on OSCC in vitro, highlighting a promising therapeutic role. However, the exact potentially involved molecules and molecular mechanisms need to be investigated in further studies.

The effect of subacute co-exposure to carbon tetrachloride and diclofenac on the liver of male wistar rats

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) is a potent liver toxin. Diclofenac (Dic), leading adverse effects on the liver, is used among the employees of the industries that use CCl₄. The increased use of CCl₄ and Dic in industrial workers has prompted us to investigate their synergistic effect on the liver using male Wistar rats as a model. Male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups (n = 6), and the exposure was by intraperitoneal injection for 14 days as follows. Group 1: Control, 2: Olive oil, 3: CCl₄ (0.8 mL/kg/day (3 times per week)), 4: Normal saline, 5: Dic (1.5 mg/kg/day per day), 6: Olive oil with normal saline, 7: CCl₄ (0.8 mL/kg/day (3 times per week)) and Dic (1.5 mg/kg/day daily). At the end of day 14, the heart blood was collected to measure the liver enzymes, alanine-aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate-aminotransferase (AST), blood alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin (ALB), direct bilirubin, and total bilirubin. A pathologist examined the liver tissue. Prism software was used to analyze data using ANOVA and Tukey statistical tests. ALT, AST, ALP, and Total Bilirubin enzymes were increased significantly in the co-administered CCl₄ and Dic group, while the ALB levels decreased (p < 0.05). The histological findings reported liver necrosis, focal hemorrhage, adipose tissue change, and lymphocytic portal hepatitis. In conclusion, using Dic while exposed to CCl₄ may exacerbate hepatotoxicity in rats. Therefore, it is suggested that more severe restrictions and safety regulations be placed on using CCl₄ in the industry, and caution is advised to these industry workers to use Diclofenac.

Pooled Analysis of Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicle Therapy for Liver Disease in Preclinical Models

Background: Although increasing preclinical studies have emphasized the benefits of exosome-related therapies, the efficacy of mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-derived extracellular vesicles (EV) for liver injury is unclear. In this work, a pooled analysis was conducted to explore the overall effect of MSC-EV in animal models. Methods: A systematic search of the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases was performed, from initiation to February 2022, for preclinical studies with liver disease models. The treatment outcomes were evaluated based on liver function, histological analysis, and inflammatory cytokines. Results: After screening, 39 studies were included. Pooled analyses demonstrated that MSC-EV therapy significantly improved liver functions (ALB, ALT, AST, ALP, and γ-GT), promoted the repair of injured liver tissue (damaged area, Ishak’s score), reduced inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IFN-γ), and increased an anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) compared to the placebo control group. Subgroup analyses indicated that MSC-EV had therapeutic effects on liver fibrosis (n = 16), acute liver injury (n = 11), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (n = 3), autoimmune hepatitis (n = 4), and hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (n = 6). Additionally, the therapeutic effect of EV was comparable to that of MSCs. Conclusion: MSC-EV have therapeutic potential for acute and chronic liver diseases.

Exosomes derived from human adipose mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and remodeling choline metabolism

Liver fibrosis is a chronic liver disease with the presence of progressive wound healing response caused by liver injury. Currently, there are no approved therapies for liver fibrosis. Exosomes derived from human adipose mesenchymal stem cells (hADMSCs-Exo) have displayed a prominent therapeutic effect on liver diseases. However, few studies have evaluated therapeutic effect of hADMSCs-Exo in liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, and its precise mechanisms of action remain unclear. Herein, we investigated anti-fibrotic efficacy of hADMSCs-Exo in vitro and in vivo, and identified important metabolic changes and the detailed mechanism through transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling. We found hADMSCs-Exo could inhibit the proliferation of activated hepatic stellate cells through aggravating apoptosis and arresting G1 phase, effectively inhibiting the expression of profibrogenic proteins and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro. Moreover, it could significantly block collagen deposition and EMT process, improve liver function and reduce liver inflammation in liver cirrhosis mice model. The omics analysis revealed that the key mechanism of hADMSCs-Exo anti-hepatic fibrosis was the inhibition of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and affecting the changes of metabolites in lipid metabolism, and mainly regulating choline metabolism. CHPT1 activated by hADMSCs-Exo facilitated formation and maintenance of vesicular membranes. Thus, our study indicates that hADMSCs-Exo can attenuate hepatic stellate cell activation and suppress the progression of liver fibrosis, which holds the significant potential of hADMSCs-Exo for use as extracellular nanovesicles-based therapeutics in the treatment of liver fibrosis and possibly other intractable chronic liver diseases.

Sodium Hydrosulfide Modification of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Exosomes Improves Liver Function in CCL4-Induced Hepatic Injury in Mice

Background

Liver diseases and injuries are important medical problems worldwide. Acute liver failure (ALF) is a clinical syndrome characterized by severe functional impairment and widespread death of hepatocytes. Liver transplantation is the only treatment available so far. Exosomes are nanovesicles originating from intracellular organelles. They regulate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of their recipient cells and have promising potential for clinical application in acute and chronic liver injuries. This study compares the effect of Sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) modified exosomes with non-modified exosomes in CCL4-induced acute liver injury to ascertain their role in ameliorating hepatic injury.

Methods

Human Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were treated with or without NaHS (1 μmol) and exosomes were isolated using an exosome isolation kit. Male mice (8-12 weeks old) were randomly divided into four groups (n=6): 1-control, 2-PBS, 3- MSC-Exo, and 4- H2S-Exo. Animals received 2.8 ml/kg body weight of CCL4 solution intraperitoneally, and 24 h later MSC-Exo (non-modified), H2S-Exo (NaHS-modified), or PBS, was injected in the tail vein. Moreover, 24 h after Exo administration, mice were sacrificed for tissue and blood collection.

Results

Administration of both MSC-Exo and H2S-Exo reduced inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α), total oxidant levels, liver aminotransferases, and cellular apoptosis.

Conclusion

MSC-Exo and H2S-Exo had hepato-protective effects against CCL4-induced liver injury in mice. Modification of cell culture medium with NaHS as an H2S donor enhances the therapeutic effects of MSC exosomes.

Bone Marrow-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Reverse Hepatic Fibrosis, Improved Vascularity, and Attenuate the Apoptosis in Carbon Tetrachloride-induced Hepatic Fibrosis Experimental Rats

Background: Liver fibrosis is a sequel of different chronic inflammatory diseases. The most effective treatment for end-stage liver fibrosis is liver transplantation; but the shortage of donor organs, immunological rejection, surgical complications, and high medical costs limit the transplantation. That’s why we are in argent need to develop new strategies in treatment.  Objectives: to evaluate the role of MSCs in regenerating liver cells and reverse hepatic fibrosis. Materials and Methods: 30 Animals were randomly divided into three groups (10 animals each): group 1: a negative control; group 2: induced liver fibrosis (pathological control).; group 3: induced liver fibrosis that received undifferentiated BM MSCs (3×106 cells/ml intraperitoneally/single dose); The extent of fibrosis, vascularization, and inflammation and hepatic cell apoptosis were evaluated together with assessment of liver functions. Results: The MSCs treated group showed significant improvement of liver functions, and attenuation of fibrosis histopathologicaly and down regulate the expression of TGF ß versus the induced fibrosis group. inflammatory marker(TNF,IL-6) were down regulated and vascularity was restored in MSCs treated group  compared to CCL4 induced fibrosis rats.  Conclusion: MSCs provide promising therapeutic agents in treatment of liver fibrosis.

Recellularization of Native Tissue Derived Acellular Scaffolds with Mesenchymal Stem Cells

The functionalization of decellularized scaffolds is still challenging because of the recellularization-related limitations, including the finding of the most optimal kind of cell(s) and the best way to control their distribution within the scaffolds to generate native mimicking tissues. That is why researchers have been encouraged to study stem cells, in particular, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), as alternative cells to repopulate and functionalize the scaffolds properly. MSCs could be obtained from various sources and have therapeutic effects on a wide range of inflammatory/degenerative diseases. Therefore, in this mini-review, we will discuss the benefits using of MSCs for recellularization, the factors affecting their efficiency, and the drawbacks that may need to be overcome to generate bioengineered transplantable organs.

Application of Modified Mesenchymal Stem Cells Transplantation in the Treatment of Liver Injury

Acute and chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and other liver diseases pose a serious threat to human health; however, liver transplantation is the only reliable treatment for the terminal stage of liver diseases. Previous researchers have shown that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are characterized by differentiation and paracrine effects, as well as anti-oxidative stress and immune regulation functions. When MSCs are transplanted into animals, they migrate to the injured liver tissue along with the circulation, to protect the liver and alleviate the injury through the paracrine, immune regulation and other characteristics, making mesenchymal stem cell transplantation a promising alternative therapy for liver diseases. Although the efficacy of MSCs transplantation has been confirmed in various animal models of liver injury, many researchers have also proposed various pretreatment methods to improve the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell transplantation, but there is still lack a set of scientific methods system aimed at improving the efficacy of transplantation therapy in scientific research and clinical practice. In this review, we summarize the possible mechanisms of MSCs therapy and compare the existing methods of MSCs modification corresponding to the treatment mechanism, hoping to provide as a reference to help future researchers explore a safe and simple transplantation strategy.

Cell Therapy and Bioengineering in Experimental Liver Regenerative Medicine: In Vivo Injury Models and Grafting Strategies

Purpose of Review

To describe experimental liver injury models used in regenerative medicine, cell therapy strategies to repopulate damaged livers and the efficacy of liver bioengineering.

Recent Findings

Several animal models have been developed to study different liver conditions. Multiple strategies and modified protocols of cell delivery have been also reported. Furthermore, using bioengineered liver scaffolds has shown promising results that could help in generating a highly functional cell delivery system and/or a whole transplantable liver.

Summary

To optimize the most effective strategies for liver cell therapy, further studies are required to compare among the performed strategies in the literature and/or innovate a novel modifying technique to overcome the potential limitations. Coating of cells with polymers, decellularized scaffolds, or microbeads could be the most appropriate solution to improve cellular efficacy. Besides, overcoming the problems of liver bioengineering may offer a radical treatment for end-stage liver diseases.

Membrane Microvesicles as Potential Vaccine Candidates

The prevention and control of infectious diseases is crucial to the maintenance and protection of social and public healthcare. The global impact of SARS-CoV-2 has demonstrated how outbreaks of emerging and re-emerging infections can lead to pandemics of significant public health and socio-economic burden. Vaccination is one of the most effective approaches to protect against infectious diseases, and to date, multiple vaccines have been successfully used to protect against and eradicate both viral and bacterial pathogens. The main criterion of vaccine efficacy is the induction of specific humoral and cellular immune responses, and it is well established that immunogenicity depends on the type of vaccine as well as the route of delivery. In addition, antigen delivery to immune organs and the site of injection can potentiate efficacy of the vaccine. In light of this, microvesicles have been suggested as potential vehicles for antigen delivery as they can carry various immunogenic molecules including proteins, nucleic acids and polysaccharides directly to target cells. In this review, we focus on the mechanisms of microvesicle biogenesis and the role of microvesicles in infectious diseases. Further, we discuss the application of microvesicles as a novel and effective vaccine delivery system.

Applications of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Liver Fibrosis: Novel Strategies, Mechanisms, and Clinical Practice

Liver fibrosis is a common result of most chronic liver diseases, and advanced fibrosis often leads to cirrhosis. Currently, there is no effective treatment for liver cirrhosis except liver transplantation. Therefore, it is important to carry out antifibrosis treatment to reverse liver damage in the early stage of liver fibrosis. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are the most widely used stem cells in the field of regenerative medicine. The preclinical and clinical research results of MSCs in the treatment of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis show that MSC administration is a promising treatment for liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. MSCs reverse liver fibrosis and increase liver function mainly through differentiation into hepatocytes, immune regulation, secretion of cytokines and other nutritional factors, reduction of hepatocyte apoptosis, and promotion of hepatocyte regeneration. Recently, many studies provided a variety of new methods and strategies to improve the effect of MSCs in the treatment of liver fibrosis. In this review, we summarized the current effective methods and strategies and their potential mechanisms of MSCs in the treatment of liver fibrosis, as well as the current research progress in clinical practice. We expect to achieve complete reversal of liver injury with MSC-based therapy in the future.

Therapeutic efficiency of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells for liver fibrosis: A systematic review of in vivo studies

Although multiple drugs are accessible for recovering liver function in patients, none are considered efficient. Liver transplantation is the mainstay therapy for end-stage liver fibrosis. However, the worldwide shortage of healthy liver donors, organ rejection, complex surgery, and high costs are prompting researchers to develop novel approaches to deal with the overwhelming liver fibrosis cases. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy is an emerging alternative method for treating patients with liver fibrosis. However, many aspects of this therapy remain unclear, such as the efficiency compared to conventional treatment, the ideal MSC sources, and the most effective way to use it. Because bone marrow (BM) is the largest source for MSCs, this paper used a systematic review approach to study the therapeutic efficiency of MSCs against liver fibrosis and related factors. We systematically searched multiple published articles to identify studies involving liver fibrosis and BM-MSC-based therapy. Analyzing the selected studies showed that compared with conventional treatment BM-MSC therapy may be more efficient for liver fibrosis in some cases. In contrast, the cotreatment presented a more efficient way. Nevertheless, BM-MSCs are lacking as a therapy for liver fibrosis; thus, this paper also reviews factors that affect BM-MSC efficiency, such as the implementation routes and strategies employed to enhance the potential in alleviating liver fibrosis. Ultimately, our review summarizes the recent advances in the BM-MSC therapy for liver fibrosis. It is grounded in recent developments underlying the efficiency of BM-MSCs as therapy, focusing on the preclinical in vivo experiments, and comparing to other treatments or sources and the strategies used to enhance its potential while mentioning the research gaps.

Regulation of JAM2 Expression in the Lungs of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice and Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Alveolar Organoids

Hyperglycemia is a causative factor in the pathogenesis of respiratory diseases, known to induce fibrosis and inflammation in the lung. However, little attention has been paid to genes related to hyperglycemic-induced lung alterations and stem cell applications for therapeutic use. In this study, our microarray data revealed significantly increased levels of junctional adhesion molecule 2 (JAM2) in the high glucose (HG)-induced transcriptional profile in human perivascular cells (hPVCs). The elevated level of JAM2 in HG-treated hPVCs was transcriptionally and epigenetically reversible when HG treatment was removed. We further investigated the expression of JAM2 using in vivo and in vitro hyperglycemic models. Our results showed significant upregulation of JAM2 in the lungs of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice, which was greatly suppressed by the administration of conditioned medium obtained from human mesenchymal stem cell cultures. Furthermore, JAM2 was found to be significantly upregulated in human pluripotent stem cell-derived multicellular alveolar organoids by exposure to HG. Our results suggest that JAM2 may play an important role in STZ-induced lung alterations and could be a potential indicator for predicting the therapeutic effects of stem cells and drugs in diabetic lung complications.