Safety and Preliminary Efficacy of Mesenchymal Stromal Cell (ORBCEL-M) Therapy in Diabetic Kidney Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial (NEPHSTROM)

Mesenchymal stem cells biological and biotechnological advances: Implications for clinical applications

BACKGROUND

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells that are able to differentiate into multiple lineages including bone, cartilage, muscle and fat. They hold immunomodulatory properties and therapeutic ability to treat multiple diseases, including autoimmune and chronic degenerative diseases. In this article, we reviewed the different biological properties, applications and clinical trials of MSCs. Also, we discussed the basics of manufacturing conditions, quality control, and challenges facing MSCs in the clinical setting.

METHODS

Extensive review of the literature was conducted through the databases PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane. Papers published since 2015 and covering the clinical applications and research of MSC therapy were considered. Furthermore, older papers were considered when referring to pioneering studies in the field.

RESULTS

The most widely studied stem cells in cell therapy and tissue repair are bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Adipose tissue-derived stem cells became more common and to a lesser extent other stem cell sources e.g., foreskin derived MSCs. MSCs therapy were also studied in the setting of COVID-19 infections, ischemic strokes, autoimmune diseases, tumor development and graft rejection. Multiple obstacles, still face the standardization and optimization of MSC therapy such as the survival and the immunophenotype and the efficiency of transplanted cells. MSCs used in clinical settings displayed heterogeneity in their function despite their extraction from healthy donors and expression of similar surface markers.

CONCLUSION

Mesenchymal stem cells offer a rising therapeutic promise in various diseases. However, their potential use in clinical applications requires further investigation.

Causal association of monocytes with chronic kidney disease and the mediation role of frailty: A study integrating large-scale two-sample Mendelian randomization and single-cell analysis

BACKGROUND

Recent research reported that frailty was prevalent among adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in clinical trials, and monocytes illustrated a similar difference in these two diseases compared to the normal. However, the scientific evidence for a causal relationship between these two diseases was lacking, with further exploration into whether monocytes co-regulate them.

METHODS

We aimed to integrate large-scale Mendelian randomization (MR) and single-cell transcriptome analysis to determine whether there was a causal relationship between frailty and CKD (Bidirectional two-sample Mendelian determined the causal direction), whether monocytes impacted them, and whether the two diseases shared genetic variation sites. Based on 441 Genome-wide association study datasets, this study utilized five MR methods, multiple sensitivity analysis, and corresponding single-cell transcriptome datasets as proof.

RESULTS

The association between frailty and CKD was significantly causal, and frailty increased the risk of CKD in patients (OR (95 %CI): 3.5597 (1.8369-6.8982), p = 0.000168909). The exposure monocyte can increase the risk of frailty and CKD in patients, especially with high expression of HLA genes in these cells. The existing two-sample MR results cannot reject the hypothesis that monocytes increase the risk of CKD by inducing frailty. rs9275271' 1mb genetic location above and below had been proven to be an effective genetic space for both frailty and CKD.

CONCLUSION

We conducted the largest MR to date on frailty, monocyte, and CKD, and found a significant causal association between frailty and CKD, with the single-cell analysis confirmed. The exposure monocytes increased the risk of frailty and CKD, particularly with high expression of HLA genes in these cells. We identified a potential common genetic variant space, rs9275271, associated with frailty and CKD, providing insights into the genetic basis of these conditions.

Advancements in diabetic kidney disease management: integrating innovative therapies and targeted drug development

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease and affects approximately 40% of individuals with diabetes . Cases of DKD continue to rise globally as the prevalence of diabetes mellitus increases, with an estimated 415 million people living with diabetes in 2015 and a projected 642 million by 2040. DKD is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, representing 34% and 36% of all chronic kidney disease deaths in men and women, respectively. Common comorbidities including hypertension and ageing-related nephron loss further complicate disease diagnosis and progression. The progression of DKD involves several mechanisms including glomerular endothelial cell dysfunction, inflammation, and fibrosis. Targeting these mechanisms has formed the basis of several therapeutic agents. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blockers, specifically angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), demonstrate significant reductions in macroalbuminuria. Sodium-glucose transporter type 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors demonstrate kidney protection independent of diabetes control while also decreasing the incidence of cardiovascular events. Emerging agents including glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists, anti-inflammatory agents like bardoxolone, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists show promise in mitigating DKD progression. Many novel therapies including monoclonal antibodies CSL346, lixudebart, and tozorakimab; mesenchymal stem/stromal cell infusion; and cannabinoid-1 receptor inverse agonism via INV-202 are currently in clinical trials and present opportunities for further drug development.

Cross-Species Insights into Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: Provide an Alternative View on Research Advancement

Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) is a prevalent hereditary disorder that affects the kidneys, characterized by the development of an excessive number of fluid-filled cysts of varying sizes in both kidneys. Along with the progression of ADPKD, these enlarged cysts displace normal kidney tissue, often accompanied by interstitial fibrosis and inflammation, and significantly impair renal function, leading to end-stage renal disease. Currently, the precise mechanisms underlying ADPKD remain elusive, and a definitive cure has yet to be discovered. This review delineates the epidemiology, pathological features, and clinical diagnostics of ADPKD or ADPKD-like disease across human populations, as well as companion animals and other domesticated species. A light has been shed on pivotal genes and biological pathways essential for preventing and managing ADPKD, which underscores the importance of cross-species research in addressing this complex condition. Treatment options are currently limited to Tolvaptan, dialysis, or surgical excision of large cysts. However, comparative studies of ADPKD across different species hold promise for unveiling novel insights and therapeutic strategies to combat this disease.

Mesenchymal stem cells and their derived exosomes for the treatment of COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute respiratory infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). SARS-CoV-2 infection typically presents with fever and respiratory symptoms, which can progress to severe respiratory distress syndrome and multiple organ failure. In severe cases, these complications may even lead to death. One of the causes of COVID-19 deaths is the cytokine storm caused by an overactive immune response. Therefore, suppressing the overactive immune response may be an effective strategy for treating COVID-19. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their derived exosomes (MSCs-Exo) have potent homing abilities, immunomodulatory functions, regenerative repair, and antifibrotic effects, promising an effective tool in treating COVID-19. In this paper, we review the main mechanisms and potential roles of MSCs and MSCs-Exo in treating COVID-19. We also summarize relevant recent clinical trials, including the source of cells, the dosage and the efficacy, and the clinical value and problems in this field, providing more theoretical references for the clinical use of MSCs and MSCs-Exo in the treatment of COVID-19.

Oxidative Stress: A Culprit in the Progression of Diabetic Kidney Disease

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the principal culprit behind chronic kidney disease (CKD), ultimately developing end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and necessitating costly dialysis or kidney transplantation. The limited therapeutic efficiency among individuals with DKD is a result of our finite understanding of its pathogenesis. DKD is the result of complex interactions between various factors. Oxidative stress is a fundamental factor that can establish a link between hyperglycemia and the vascular complications frequently encountered in diabetes, particularly DKD. It is crucial to recognize the essential and integral role of oxidative stress in the development of diabetic vascular complications, particularly DKD. Hyperglycemia is the primary culprit that can trigger an upsurge in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), ultimately sparking oxidative stress. The main endogenous sources of ROS include mitochondrial ROS production, NADPH oxidases (Nox), uncoupled endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), xanthine oxidase (XO), cytochrome P450 (CYP450), and lipoxygenase. Under persistent high glucose levels, immune cells, the complement system, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), protein kinase C (PKC), polyol pathway, and the hexosamine pathway are activated. Consequently, the oxidant-antioxidant balance within the body is disrupted, which triggers a series of reactions in various downstream pathways, including phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), transforming growth factor beta/p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase (TGF-β/p38-MAPK), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling. The disease might persist even if strict glucose control is achieved, which can be attributed to epigenetic modifications. The treatment of DKD remains an unresolved issue. Therefore, reducing ROS is an intriguing therapeutic target. The clinical trials have shown that bardoxolone methyl, a nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activator, blood glucose-lowering drugs, such as sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists can effectively slow down the progression of DKD by reducing oxidative stress. Other antioxidants, including vitamins, lipoic acid, Nox inhibitors, epigenetic regulators, and complement inhibitors, present a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of DKD. In this review, we conduct a thorough assessment of both preclinical studies and current findings from clinical studies that focus on targeted interventions aimed at manipulating these pathways. We aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research in this area and identify key areas for future exploration.

The therapeutic effect of mesenchymal stem cells in diabetic kidney disease

Diabetes mellitus (DM) often causes chronic kidney damage despite best medical practices. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) arises from a complex interaction of factors within the kidney and the whole body. Targeting specific disease-causing agents using drugs has not been effective in treating DKD. However, stem cell therapies offer a promising alternative by addressing multiple disease pathways and promoting kidney regeneration. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) offer great promise due to their superior accessibility ratio from adult tissues and remarkable modes of action, such as the production of paracrine anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective substances. This review critically evaluates the development of MSC treatment for DKD as it moves closer to clinical application. Results from animal models suggest that systemic MSC infusion may positively impact DKD progression. However, few registered and completed clinical trials exist, and whether the treatments are effective in humans is still being determined. Significant knowledge gaps and research opportunities exist, including establishing the ideal source, dose, and timing of MSC delivery, better understanding of in vivo mechanisms, and developing quantitative indicators to obtain a more significant therapeutic response. This paper reviews recent literature on using MSCs in preclinical and clinical trials in DKD. Potent biomarkers related to DKD are also highlighted, which may help better understand MSCs' action in this disease progression. KEY MESSAGES: Mesenchymal stem cells have anti-inflammatory and paracrine effects in diabetic kidney disease. Mesenchymal stem cells alleviate in animal models having diabetic kidney disease. Mesenchymal stem cells possess promise for the treatment of diabetic kidney disease.

Amelioration of diabetic nephropathy in mice by a single intravenous injection of human mesenchymal stromal cells at early and later disease stages is associated with restoration of autophagy

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) a potentially effective disease-modulating therapy for diabetic nephropathy (DN) but their clinical translation has been hampered by incomplete understanding of the optimal timing of administration and in vivo mechanisms of action. This study aimed to elucidate the reno-protective potency and associated mechanisms of single intravenous injections of human umbilical cord-derived MSCs (hUC-MSCs) following shorter and longer durations of diabetes.

METHODS

A streptozotocin (STZ)-induced model of diabetes and DN was established in C57BL/6 mice. In groups of diabetic animals, human (h)UC-MSCs or vehicle were injected intravenously at 8 or 16 weeks after STZ along with vehicle-injected non-diabetic animals. Diabetes-related kidney abnormalities was analyzed 2 weeks later by urine and serum biochemical assays, histology, transmission electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry. Serum concentrations of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines were quantified by ELISA. The expression of autophagy-related proteins within the renal cortices was investigated by immunoblotting. Bio-distribution of hUC-MSCs in kidney and other organs was evaluated in diabetic mice by injection of fluorescent-labelled cells.

RESULTS

Compared to non-diabetic controls, diabetic mice had increases in urine albumin creatinine ratio (uACR), mesangial matrix deposition, podocyte foot process effacement, glomerular basement membrane thickening and interstitial fibrosis as well as reduced podocyte numbers at both 10 and 18 weeks after STZ. Early (8 weeks) hUC-MSC injection was associated with reduced uACR and improvements in multiple glomerular and renal interstitial abnormalities as well as reduced serum IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β1 compared to vehicle-injected animals. Later (16 weeks) hUC-MSC injection also resulted in reduction of diabetes-associated renal abnormalities and serum TGF-β1 but not of serum IL-6 and TNF-α. At both time-points, the kidneys of vehicle-injected diabetic mice had higher ratio of p-mTOR to mTOR, increased abundance of p62, lower abundance of ULK1 and Atg12, and reduced ratio of LC3B to LC3A compared to non-diabetic animals, consistent with diabetes-associated suppression of autophagy. These changes were largely reversed in the kidneys of hUC-MSC-injected mice. In contrast, neither early nor later hUC-MSC injection had effects on blood glucose and body weight of diabetic animals. Small numbers of CM-Dil-labeled hUC-MSCs remained detectable in kidneys, lungs and liver of diabetic mice at 14 days after intravenous injection.

CONCLUSIONS

Single intravenous injections of hUC-MSCs ameliorated glomerular abnormalities and interstitial fibrosis in a mouse model of STZ-induced diabetes without affecting hyperglycemia, whether administered at relatively short or longer duration of diabetes. At both time-points, the reno-protective effects of hUC-MSCs were associated with reduced circulating TGF-β1 and restoration of intra-renal autophagy.

The therapeutic effect of mesenchymal stem cells in diabetic kidney disease

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) often causes chronic kidney damage despite best medical practices. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) arises from a complex interaction of factors within the kidney and the whole body. Targeting specific disease-causing agents using drugs has not been effective in treating DKD. However, stem cell therapies offer a promising alternative by addressing multiple disease pathways and promoting kidney regeneration. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) offer great promise due to their superior accessibility ratio from adult tissues and remarkable modes of action, such as the production of paracrine anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective substances. This review critically evaluates the development of MSC treatment for DKD as it moves closer to clinical application. Results from animal models suggest that systemic MSC infusion may positively impact DKD progression. However, few registered and completed clinical trials exist, and whether the treatments are effective in humans is still being determined. Significant knowledge gaps and research opportunities exist, including establishing the ideal source, dose, and timing of MSC delivery, better understanding of in vivo mechanisms, and developing quantitative indicators to obtain a more significant therapeutic response. This paper reviews recent literature on using MSCs in preclinical and clinical trials in DKD. Potent biomarkers related to DKD are also highlighted, which may help better understand MSCs’ action in this disease progression.

Key messages