Conditioned medium derived from rat amniotic epithelial cells confers protection against inflammation, cancer, and senescence

Antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of conditioned medium released from human amniotic epithelial stem cells on breast and cervical cancer cells

INTRODUCTION

Human amniotic membrane (hAM) and its cells have been proposed for several clinical applications, including cancer therapy. However, reports on the anticancer effects of human amniotic epithelial stem cells-conditioned media (hAECs-CM) are limited. This work aims to evaluate the anticancer effects of hAECs-CM on cervical cancer and breast cancer cell lines in vitro.

METHODS

Human term placentas were gained from uncomplicated Cesarean sections from healthy donor women. After amnion peeling from the chorion, its epithelial stem cells were isolated and cultured, and its conditioned medium (CM) was collected for experiments. MTT assay was performed to assess cancer cells viability. Migration rate of cancer cells was examined via wound healing assay. Cell-cycle distribution and apoptosis were determined using flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Based on MTT assay hAECs-CM was cytotoxic against cancerous cell lines in a dose-time-dependent manner. After 48 h of treatment with hAECs-CM pure, the cell viability of breast cancer cells includes MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 reached to 73.2% and 65.5%, respectively. In the same situation, HeLa cervical cancer cell line revealed the lowest viability by 47.3%. The wound-healing assay displayed an incomplete wound closure of scratched MDA-MB-231 cells and significant inhibition of cell migration after hAECs-CM treatment. The results also revealed that hAECs-CM exerted anti-proliferation activity by prompting cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of cancer cells.Conclusions: hAECs-CM is a potent candidate for inducing apoptosis and simultaneously inhibition of the proliferation and migration of cancer cells via inhibiting cell cycle blockade.

Human amniotic epithelial cells exert anti-cancer effects through secretion of immunomodulatory small extracellular vesicles (sEV)

We identified here mechanism by which hAECs exert their anti-cancer effects. We showed that vaccination with live hAEC conferred effective protection against murine colon cancer and melanoma but not against breast cancer in an orthotopic cancer cell inoculation model. hAEC induced strong cross-reactive antibody response to CT26 cells, but not against B16F10 and 4T1 cells. Neither heterotopic injection of tumor cells in AEC-vaccinated mice nor vaccination with hAEC lysate conferred protection against melanoma or colon cancer. Nano-sized AEC-derived small-extracellular vesicles (sEV) (AD-sEV) induced apoptosis in CT26 cells and inhibited their proliferation. Co-administration of AD-sEV with tumor cells substantially inhibited tumor development and increased CTL responses in vaccinated mice. AD-sEV triggered the Warburg’s effect leading to Arginine consumption and cancer cell apoptosis. Our results clearly showed that it is AD-sEV but not the cross-reactive immune responses against tumor cells that mediate inhibitory effects of hAEC on cancer development. Our results highlight the potential anti-cancer effects of extracellular vesicles derived from hAEC.

Anti-cancer effects of hAEC depend on cancer type.

Cross-reactive humoral responses do not mediate anti-cancer effects of hAEC.

Anti-cancer effects of hAECs are mainly mediated by small-extracellular vesicles (sEV).

hAEC-derived sEV (AD-sEV) trigger the Warburg’s effect leading to Arginine consumption and cancer cell apoptosis.

AD-sEV substantially inhibits tumor development and increases survival and CTL responses.

Methods and criteria for validating the multimodal functions of perinatal derivatives when used in oncological and antimicrobial applications

Perinatal derivatives or PnDs refer to tissues, cells and secretomes from perinatal, or birth-associated tissues. In the past 2 decades PnDs have been highly investigated for their multimodal mechanisms of action that have been exploited in various disease settings, including in different cancers and infections. Indeed, there is growing evidence that PnDs possess anticancer and antimicrobial activities, but an urgent issue that needs to be addressed is the reproducible evaluation of efficacy, both in vitro and in vivo. Herein we present the most commonly used functional assays for the assessment of antitumor and antimicrobial properties of PnDs, and we discuss their advantages and disadvantages in assessing the functionality. This review is part of a quadrinomial series on functional assays for the validation of PnDs spanning biological functions such as immunomodulation, anticancer and antimicrobial, wound healing, and regeneration.

Application of Perinatal Derivatives on Oncological Preclinical Models: A Review of Animal Studies

The increasing cancer incidence has certified oncological management as one of the most critical challenges for the coming decades. New anticancer strategies are still needed, despite the significant advances brought to the forefront in the last decades. The most recent, promising therapeutic approaches have benefitted from the application of human perinatal derivatives (PnD), biological mediators with proven benefits in several fields beyond oncology. To elucidate preclinical results and clinic outcomes achieved in the oncological field, we present a narrative review of the studies resorting to animal models to assess specific outcomes of PnD products. Recent preclinical evidence points to promising anticancer effects offered by PnD mediators isolated from the placenta, amniotic membrane, amniotic fluid, and umbilical cord. Described effects include tumorigenesis prevention, uncontrolled growth or regrowth inhibition, tumor homing ability, and adequate cell-based delivery capacity. Furthermore, PnD treatments have been described as supportive of chemotherapy and radiological therapies, particularly when resistance has been reported. However, opposite effects of PnD products have also been observed, offering support and trophic effect to malignant cells. Such paradoxical and dichotomous roles need to be intensively investigated. Current hypotheses identify as explanatory some critical factors, such as the type of the PnD biological products used or the manufacturing procedure to prepare the tissue/cellular treatment, the experimental design (including human-relevant animal models), and intrinsic pathophysiological characteristics. The effective and safe translation of PnD treatments to clinical practice relies on the collaborative efforts of all researchers working with human-relevant oncological preclinical models. However, it requires proper guidelines and consensus compiled by experts and health workers who accurately describe the methodology of tissue collection, PnD isolation, manufacturing, preservation, and delivery to the final user.

Human Amniotic Epithelial Cells Secretome: Components, Bioactivity, and Challenges

Human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) derived from placental tissue have received significant attention as a promising tool in regenerative medicine. Several studies demonstrated their anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and tissue repair potentials. These effects were further shown to be retained in the conditioned medium of hAECs, suggesting their paracrine nature. The concept of utilizing the hAEC-secretome has thus evolved as a therapeutic cell-free option. In this article, we review the different components and constituents of hAEC-secretome and their influence as demonstrated through experimental studies in the current literature. Studies examining the effects of conditioned medium, exosomes, and micro-RNA (miRNA) derived from hAECs are included in this review. The challenges facing the application of this cell-free approach will also be discussed based on the current evidence.

Tumor Targeting by Conditioned Medium Derived From Human Amniotic Membrane: New Insight in Breast Cancer Therapy

Objectives:

Traditional breast cancer treatments have challenges including inefficiency, multidrug resistance, severe side effects, and targeting non-specifically. The development of alternative treatment strategies has attracted a great deal of interest. Using the amniotic membrane has become a promising and convenient new approach for cancer therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-cancer ability of conditioned medium extracted from the human amniotic membrane (hAM-CM) on breast cancer cells.

Methods:

Conditioned medium was collected after 48 h incubation of hAM in epithelial up manner. MTT, cell cycle, apoptosis, colony formation, and sphere assays were used to determine the impact of hAM-CM on breast cancer cell lines. The effects of hAM-CM on the migration and invasion of breast cancer cells were determined using scratch wound healing and transwell assays, respectively.

Results:

Based on the results, cell viability was significantly decreased by hAM-CM in a dose-dependent manner. The hAM-CM remarkably induced apoptosis and necrosis of cancer cells. Moreover, cell migration and invasion potential of cancer cells decreased after the hAM-CM treatment. Further, both the number of colonies and their morphologies were affected by the treatment. In the treated group, a significant decrease in the number of colonies along with an obvious change in their morphologies from holoclone shape to a dominant paracolone structure was observed.

Conclusion:

Our results indicate that the conditioned medium derived from the human amniotic membrane able to inhibit proliferation and metastasis of tumor cells and can be considered a natural and valuable candidate for breast cancer therapy.

Characteristics and Therapeutic Potential of Human Amnion-Derived Stem Cells

Stem cells including embryonic stem cells (ESCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and adult stem cells (ASCs) are able to repair/replace damaged or degenerative tissues and improve functional recovery in experimental model and clinical trials. However, there are still many limitations and unresolved problems regarding stem cell therapy in terms of ethical barriers, immune rejection, tumorigenicity, and cell sources. By reviewing recent literatures and our related works, human amnion-derived stem cells (hADSCs) including human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) and human amniotic epithelial stem cells (hAESCs) have shown considerable advantages over other stem cells. In this review, we first described the biological characteristics and advantages of hADSCs, especially for their high pluripotency and immunomodulatory effects. Then, we summarized the therapeutic applications and recent progresses of hADSCs in treating various diseases for preclinical research and clinical trials. In addition, the possible mechanisms and the challenges of hADSCs applications have been also discussed. Finally, we highlighted the properties of hADSCs as a promising source of stem cells for cell therapy and regenerative medicine and pointed out the perspectives for the directions of hADSCs applications clinically.

Recent Advances on Drug-Loaded Mesenchymal Stem Cells With Anti-neoplastic Agents for Targeted Treatment of Cancer

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), as an undifferentiated group of adult multipotent cells, have remarkable antitumor features that bring them up as a novel choice to treat cancers. MSCs are capable of altering the behavior of cells in the tumor microenvironment, inducing an anti-inflammatory effect in tumor cells, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, and preventing metastasis. Besides, MSCs can induce apoptosis and inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells. The ability of MSCs to be loaded with chemotherapeutic drugs and release them in the site of primary and metastatic neoplasms makes them a preferable choice as targeted drug delivery procedure. Targeted drug delivery minimizes unexpected side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs and improves clinical outcomes. This review focuses on recent advances on innate antineoplastic features of MSCs and the effect of chemotherapeutic drugs on viability, proliferation, and the regenerative capacity of various kinds of MSCs. It also discusses the efficacy and mechanisms of drug loading and releasing procedures along with in vivo and in vitro preclinical outcomes of antineoplastic effects of primed MSCs for clinical prospection.

The Mincle/Syk/NF-κB Signaling Circuit Is Essential for Maintaining the Protumoral Activities of Tumor-Associated Macrophages

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) have important roles in cancer progression, but the signaling behind the formation of protumoral TAM remains understudied. Here, by single-cell RNA sequencing, we revealed that the pattern recognition receptor Mincle was highly expressed in TAM and significantly associated with mortality in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Cancer cells markedly induced Mincle expression in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM), thus promoting cancer progression in invasive lung carcinoma LLC and melanoma B16F10 in vivo and in vitro Mincle was predominately expressed in the M2-like TAM in non-small cell lung carcinoma and LLC tumors, and silencing of Mincle unexpectedly promoted M1-like phenotypes in vitro Mechanistically, we discovered a novel Mincle/Syk/NF-κB signaling pathway in TAM needed for executing their TLR4-independent protumoral activities. Adoptive transfer of Mincle-silenced BMDM significantly suppressed TAM-driven cancer progression in the LLC-bearing NOD/SCID mice. By modifying our well-established ultrasound microbubble-mediated gene transfer protocol, we demonstrated that tumor-specific silencing of Mincle effectively blocked Mincle/Syk/NF-κB signaling, therefore inhibiting the TAM-driven cancer progression in the syngeneic mouse cancer models. Thus, our findings highlight the function of Mincle as a novel immunotherapeutic target for cancer via blocking the Mincle/Syk/NF-κB circuit in TAM.

Human amniotic membrane conditioned medium inhibits proliferation and modulates related microRNAs expression in hepatocarcinoma cells

The placental stem cells have called the focus of attention for their therapeutic potential to treat different diseases, including cancer. There is plenty evidence about the antiproliferative, antiangiogenic and proapoptotic properties of the amniotic membrane. Liver cancer is the fifth cause of cancer in the world, with a poor prognosis and survival. Alternative treatments to radio- or chemotherapy have been searched. In this work we aimed to study the antiproliferative properties of the human amniotic membrane conditioned medium (AM-CM) in hepatocarcinoma cells. In addition, we have analyzed the regulation of pro and antiOncomiRs expression involved in hepatocarcinoma physiology. We have determined by ³H-thymidine incorporation assay that AM-CM inhibits DNA synthesis in HepG2 cells after 72 h of treatment. AM-CM pure or diluted at 50% and 25% also diminished HepG2 and HuH-7 cells viability and cell number. Furthermore, AM-CM induced cell cycle arrest in G2/M. When proliferation mechanisms were analyzed we found that AM-CM reduced the expression of both Cyclin D1 mRNA and protein. Nuclear expression of Ki-67 was also reduced. We observed that this CM was able to promote the expression of p53 and p21 mRNA and proteins, leading to cell growth arrest. Moreover, AM-CM induced an increase in nuclear p21 localization, observed by immunofluorescence. As p53 levels were increased, Mdm-2 expression was downregulated. Interestingly, HepG2 and HuH-7 cells treatment with AM-CM during 24 and 72 h produced an upregulation of antiOncomiRs 15a and 210, and a downregulation of proOncomiRs 206 and 145. We provide new evidence about the promising novel applications of human amniotic membrane in liver cancer.

The effect of human amniotic epithelial cells on urethral stricture fibroblasts

BACKGROUND

Urethral stricture disease (USD) is effectively managed by buccal mucosa (BM) urethroplasty. Lack of adequate healthy BM has led to the use of autologous tissue-engineered BM grafts. Such grafts are costly, not easily scalable and recurrence of the stricture is still a problem. Hence, there is a requirement for cost-effective, scalable cells with innate antifibrotic properties which seem to be fulfilled by human amniotic epithelial cells (HAMECs). The effect of HAMECs on USD is unknown.

AIM

To study the effect of HAMECs-CM on human urethral stricture fibroblast (USF) cells by using in-vitro migration assay and molecular techniques.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

USF cells were derived from six patients undergoing urethroplasty. HAMECs were derived from one placenta after delivery. The effect of HAMECs-CM on USF cell migration was observed using a standard in vitro scratch assay over a period of 3 days. The effect of HAMECs-CM on the expression levels of markers alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1) in USF cells was also examined.

RESULTS

The HAMECs-CM suppressed the migration of USF cells in in vitro scratch assay. The HAMECs-CM consistently downregulated α-SMA, but not TIMP-1.

CONCLUSIONS

HAMECs have shown antifibrotic activity on USF cells in this in vitro study.

RELEVANCE FOR PATIENTS

HAMECs could serve as an alternative cell source for tissue-engineered urethroplasty.

Human Menstrual Blood-Derived Stem Cells Inhibit the Proliferation of HeLa Cells via TGF-β1-Mediated JNK/P21 Signaling Pathways

Human menstrual blood-derived stem cells (hMBSCs) are a novel type of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that have a high proliferative rate, multilineage differentiation potential, low immunogenicity, and low oncogenicity, making them suitable candidates for regenerative medicine. The therapeutic efficacy of hMBSCs has been demonstrated in some diseases; however, their effects on cervical cancer remain unclear. In the present study, we investigated whether hMBSCs have anticancer properties on cervical cancer cells in vivo and in vitro, which has not yet been reported. In vitro, transwell coculturing experiments revealed that hMBSCs suppress the proliferation and invasion of HeLa cervical cancer cells by inducing G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. In vivo, we established a xenografted BALB/c nude mouse model by subcutaneously coinjecting HeLa cells with hMBSCs for 21 days. We found that hMBSCs significantly decrease the average volume and average weight of xenografted tumors. ELISA, TGF-β1 antibody, and recombinant human TGF-β1 (rhTGF-β1) were used to analyze whether TGF-β1 contributed to cell cycle arrest. We found that hMBSC-secreted TGF-β1 and rhTGF-β1 induced cell cycle arrest and increased the expression of phospho-JNK and phospho-P21 in HeLa cells, which was mostly reversed by TGF-β1 antibody. These results indicate that hMBSCs have antitumor properties on cervical cancer in vitro and in vivo, mediated by the TGF-β1/JNK/p21 signaling pathway. In conclusion, this study suggests that hMBSC-based therapy is promising for the treatment of cervical cancer.

Placental Stem Cells from Domestic Animals: Translational Potential and Clinical Relevance

The field of regenerative medicine is moving toward clinical practice in veterinary science. In this context, placenta-derived stem cells isolated from domestic animals have covered a dual role, acting both as therapies for patients and as a valuable cell source for translational models. The biological properties of placenta-derived cells, comparable among mammals, make them attractive candidates for therapeutic approaches. In particular, stemness features, low immunogenicity, immunomodulatory activity, multilineage plasticity, and their successful capacity for long-term engraftment in different host tissues after autotransplantation, allo-transplantation, or xenotransplantation have been demonstrated. Their beneficial regenerative effects in domestic animals have been proven using preclinical studies as well as clinical trials starting to define the mechanisms involved. This is, in particular, for amniotic-derived cells that have been thoroughly studied to date. The regenerative role arises from a mutual tissue-specific cell differentiation and from the paracrine secretion of bioactive molecules that ultimately drive crucial repair processes in host tissues (e.g., anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, angiogenic, and neurogenic factors). The knowledge acquired so far on the mechanisms of placenta-derived stem cells in animal models represent the proof of concept of their successful use in some therapeutic treatments such as for musculoskeletal disorders. In the next future, legislation in veterinary regenerative medicine will be a key element in order to certify those placenta-derived cell-based protocols that have already demonstrated their safety and efficacy using rigorous approaches and to improve the degree of standardization of cell-based treatments among veterinary clinicians.

Human amniotic epithelial cells inhibit growth of epithelial ovarian cancer cells via TGF‑β1-mediated cell cycle arrest

It is reported that human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) endow intrinsic antitumor effects on certain kinds of cancer. This research was designed to evaluate whether hAECs endowed potential anticancer properties on epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells in vivo and in vitro, which has not been reported before. In this study, we established a xenografted BALB/c nude mouse model by subcutaneously co-injecting ovarian cancer cell line, SK-OV-3, and hAECs for 28 days. In ex vivo experiments, CCK‑8 cell viability assay, real-time PCR, cell counting assay, cell cycle analysis and immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay were used to detect the effects of hAEC‑secreted factors on the proliferation and cell cycle progression of EOC cells. A cytokine array was conducted to detect anticancer-related cytokines released from hAECs. Human recombinant TGF‑β1 and TGF‑β1 antibody were used to treat EOC cells and analyzed whether TGF‑β1 contributed to the cell cycle arrest. Results from in vivo and ex vivo experiments showed that hAEC-secreted factors and rhTGF‑β1 decreased proliferation of EOC cells and induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in cancer cells, which could be partially reversed by excess TGF‑β1 antibody. These data indicate that hAECs endow potential anticancer properties on epithelial ovarian cancer in vivo and in vitro which is partially mediated by hAEC‑secreted TGF‑β1-induced cell cycle arrest. This study suggests a potential application of hAEC‑based therapy against epithelial ovarian cancer.

Amniotic Epithelial Cells: A New Tool to Combat Aging and Age-Related Diseases?

The number of elderly people is growing at an unprecedented rate and this increase of the aging population is expected to have a direct impact on the incidence of age-related diseases and healthcare-associated costs. Thus, it is imperative that new tools are developed to fight and slow age-related diseases. Regenerative medicine is a promising strategy for the maintenance of health and function late in life; however, stem cell-based therapies face several challenges including rejection and tumor transformation. As an alternative, the placenta offers an extraordinary source of fetal stem cells, including the amniotic epithelial cells (AECs), which retain some of the characteristics of embryonic stem cells, but show low immunogenicity, together with immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities. Because of these characteristics, AECs have been widely utilized in regenerative medicine. This perspective highlights different mechanisms triggered by transplanted AECs that could be potentially useful for anti-aging therapies, which include: Graft and differentiation for tissue regeneration in age-related settings, anti-inflammatory behavior to combat “inflammaging,” anti-tumor activity, direct lifespan and healthspan extension properties, and possibly rejuvenation in a manner reminiscent of heterochronic parabiosis. Here, we critically discuss benefits and limitation of AECs-based therapies in age-related diseases.