Global Gene Expression Profiling Reveals Isorhamnetin Induces Hepatic-Lineage Specific Differentiation in Human Amniotic Epithelial Cells

A Descriptive Whole-Genome Transcriptomics Study in a Stem Cell-Based Tool Predicts Multiple Tissue-Specific Beneficial Potential and Molecular Targets of Carnosic Acid

Carnosic acid (CA) is a phenolic diterpene widely distributed in herbal plants, rosemary and sage. Although its medicinal properties, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective effects, have been well-documented, its relevant biochemical processes and molecular targets have not been fully explored yet. In the present study, we conducted an untargeted whole-genome transcriptomics analysis to investigate CA-induced early biological and molecular events in human amniotic epithelial stem cells (hAESCs) with the aim of exploring its multiple tissue-specific functionalities and potential molecular targets. We found that seven days of CA treatment in hAESCs could induce mesoderm-lineage-specific differentiation. Tissue enrichment analysis revealed that CA significantly enriched lateral plate mesoderm-originated cardiovascular and adipose tissues. Further tissue-specific PPI analysis and kinase and transcription factor enrichment analyses identified potential upstream regulators and molecular targets of CA in a tissue-specific manner. Gene ontology enrichment analyses revealed the metabolic, antioxidant, and antifibrotic activities of CA. Altogether, our comprehensive whole-genome transcriptomics analyses offer a thorough understanding of the possible underlying molecular mechanism of CA.

Human amniotic epithelial stem cells: Hepatic differentiation and regenerative properties in liver disease treatment

The placenta and the extraembryonic tissues represent a valuable source of cells for regenerative medicine. In particular, the amniotic membrane possesses cells with stem cells characteristics that have attracted research attention. Human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) have unique and desirable features that position them over other stem cells, not only because of the unlimited potential supplied of, the easy access to placental tissues, and the minimal ethical and legal barriers associated, but also due to the embryonic stem cells markers expression and their ability to differentiate into the three germ layers. In addition, they are non-tumorigenic and have immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Hepatic failure is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Organ transplantation is the best way to treat acute and chronic liver failure, but there are several associated obstacles. Stem cells have been highlighted as alternative hepatocytes source because of their potential for hepatogenic differentiation. HAECs, in particular, have some properties that make them suitable for hepatocyte differentiation. In this work, we review the general characteristics of the epithelial stem cells isolated from human amniotic membrane as well as their ability to differentiate to hepatic cells. We also revise their regenerative properties, with the focus on their potential application in the liver disease treatment.

The Efficiency of Stem Cells (SCs) Differentiation into Functional Hepatocytes for Treating Liver Disorders: A Systematic Review

Stem cells provided new opportunity to treat various diseases, including liver disorders. Stem cells are unspecialized cells, stimulating influential research interest be indebted to their multipotent self-renewal capacity and differentiation characteristics into several specialized cell types. Many factors contribute to their differentiation into different cell types such as insulin producing cells, osteoblast, and hepatocytes. Accordingly, wide range methods and materials have been used to transform stem cells into hepatocytes, but effectiveness of differentiation is different and depends on several factors such as cell-to-cell adhesion, cell-to-cell contact, and cell biological change. Search was done in PubMed, Scopus, and WOS to evaluate results of studies about stem cells differentiation for higher efficacy. Among more than 28000 papers, 51 studies were considered eligible for more evaluations. Results indicated that most studies were performed on mesenchymal stem cells compared with other types. Acute liver failure was the most investigated liver disorder, and tissue engineering was the most investigated differentiation methods. Also, functional parameters were the most evaluated parameters in assessing differentiation efficacy. We summarize recent advances in increasing efficiency of stem cells differentiation using varied materials, since promising results of this review, further studies are needed to assess efficiency and safety of these cells transplantation in some liver disease treatment.

Amniotic stem cells as a source of regenerative medicine to treat female infertility

Impaired reproductive health is a worldwide problem that affects the psychological well-being of a society. Despite the technological developments to treat infertility, the global infertility rate is increasing significantly. Many infertility conditions are currently treated using various advanced clinical approaches such as intrauterine semination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and intracytoplasmic injection (ICSI). Nonetheless, clinical management of some conditions such as dysfunctional endometrium, premature ovarian failure, and ovarian physiological aging still pose significant challenges. Stem cells based therapeutic strategies have a long-standing history to treat many infertility conditions, but ethical restrictions do not allow the broad-scale utilization of adult mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs). Easily accessible, placental derived or amniotic stem cells present an invaluable alternative source of non-immunogenic and non-tumorigenic stem cells that possess multilineage potential. Given these characteristics, placental or amniotic stem cells (ASCs) have been investigated for therapeutic purposes to address infertility in the last decade. This study aims to summarize the current standing and progress of human amniotic epithelial stem cells (hAECs), amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs), and amniotic fluid stem cells (hAFSCs) in the field of reproductive medicine. The therapeutic potential of these cells to restore or enhance normal ovarian function and pregnancy outcomes are highlighted in this study.

In Vitro Differentiation of Human Amniotic Epithelial Cells into Hepatocyte-like Cells

Human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) represent an interesting clinical alternative to human embryonic (hESCs) and induced pluripotent (hiPSCs) stem cells in regenerative medicine. The potential of hAECs can be enhanced ex vivo by their partial pre-differentiation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of 18-day differentiation of hAECs into endodermal cells, hepatic precursor cells, and cells showing functional features of hepatocytes using culture media supplemented with high (100 ng/mL) concentrations of EGF or HGF. The cells obtained after differentiation showed changes in morphology and increased expression of AFP, ALB, CYP3A4, CYP3A7, and GSTP1 genes. HGF was more effective than EGF in increasing the expression of liver-specific genes in hAECs. However, EGF stimulated the differentiation process more efficiently and yielded more hepatocyte-like cells capable of synthesizing α-fetoprotein during differentiation. Additionally, after 18 days, GST transferases, albumin, and CYP P450s, which proved their partial functionality, were expressed. In summary, HGF and EGF at a dose of 100 ng/mL can be successfully used to obtain hepatocyte-like cells between days 7 and 18 of hAEC differentiation. However, the effectiveness of this process is lower compared with hiPSC differentiation; therefore, optimization of the composition of the medium requires further research.

Regulating Early Biological Events in Human Amniotic Epithelial Stem Cells Using Natural Bioactive Compounds: Extendable Multidirectional Research Avenues

Stem cells isolated from perinatal tissue sources possess tremendous potential for biomedical and clinical applications. On the other hand, emerging data have demonstrated that bioactive natural compounds regulate numerous cellular and biochemical functions in stem cells and promote cell migration, proliferation, and attachment, resulting in maintaining stem cell proliferation or inducing controlled differentiation. In our previous studies, we have reported for the first time that various natural compounds could induce targeted differentiation of hAESCs in a lineage-specific manner by modulating early biological and molecular events and enhance the therapeutic potential of hAESCs through modulating molecular signaling. In this perspective, we will discuss the advantages of using naturally occurring active compounds in hAESCs and their potential implications for biological research and clinical applications.

A Survey and Critical Evaluation of Isolation, Culture, and Cryopreservation Methods of Human Amniotic Epithelial Cells

Human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs), derived from an epithelial cell layer of the human amniotic membrane, possess embryonic stem-like properties and are known to maintain multilineage differentiation potential. Unfortunately, an inability to expand hAECs without significantly compromising their stem cell potency has precluded their widespread use for regenerative therapies. This article critically evaluates the methods used for isolation, expansion, and cryopreservation of hAECs. We assessed the impact of these methods on ex-vivo expansion and stem cell phenotype of hAECs. Moreover, the progress and challenges to optimize clinically suitable culture conditions for an efficient ex-vivo expansion and storage of these cells are highlighted. Additionally, we also reviewed the currently used hAECs isolation and characterization methods employed in clinical trials. Despite the developments made in the last decade, significant challenges still exist to overcome limitations of ex-vivo expansion and retention of stemness of hAECs in both xenogeneic and xenofree culture conditions. Therefore, optimization and standardization of culture conditions for robust ex-vivo maintenance of hAECs without affecting tissue regenerative properties is an absolute requirement for their successful therapeutic manipulation. This review may help the researchers to optimize the methods that support ex-vivo survival, proliferation, and self-renewal properties of the hAECs.Abbreviations: AM: Human amniotic membrane; CM-HBSS: Ca⁺⁺ and Mg⁺⁺ free HBSS; DMEM: Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium; DMEM-HG: DMEM-high glucose; EMEM: Eagle's Modified Essential Medium; EMT: Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition; EpM: Epi-life complete media; ESC: Embryonic stem cells; ESCM: Epithelial cell surface markers; hAECs: Human amniotic epithelial cells; HLA: Human leukocyte antigen; IM: Immunogenicity markers; iPSC: Induced pluripotent stem cells; KOSR; KSR: Knockout serum replacement; KSI: Key success indicators; CHM: Cell heterogeneity markers; Nanog: NANOG homeobox; Oct-4: Octamer binding transcription factor 4; OR: Operation room; P: Passage; PM: Pluripotency markers; SCM: Stem cell markers for non-differentiated cells; Sox-2: Sry-related HMG box gene 2; SSEA-4: Stage-specific embryonic antigen; TRA: Tumor rejection antigen; UC: Ultra-culture; XF: Xenogeneic free.

Effects of Isorhamnetin on Diabetes and Its Associated Complications: A Review of In Vitro and In Vivo Studies and a Post Hoc Transcriptome Analysis of Involved Molecular Pathways

Diabetes mellitus, especially type 2 (T2DM), is a major public health problem globally. DM is characterized by high levels of glycemia and insulinemia due to impaired insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity of the cells, known as insulin resistance. T2DM causes multiple and severe complications such as nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy causing cell oxidative damages in different internal tissues, particularly the pancreas, heart, adipose tissue, liver, and kidneys. Plant extracts and their bioactive phytochemicals are gaining interest as new therapeutic and preventive alternatives for T2DM and its associated complications. In this regard, isorhamnetin, a plant flavonoid, has long been studied for its potential anti-diabetic effects. This review describes its impact on reducing diabetes-related disorders by decreasing glucose levels, ameliorating the oxidative status, alleviating inflammation, and modulating lipid metabolism and adipocyte differentiation by regulating involved signaling pathways reported in the in vitro and in vivo studies. Additionally, we include a post hoc whole-genome transcriptome analysis of biological activities of isorhamnetin using a stem cell-based tool.

DNA Microarray-Based Global Gene Expression Profiling in Human Amniotic Epithelial Cells Predicts the Potential of Microalgae-Derived Squalene for the Nervous System and Metabolic Health

In recent years, perinatal stem cells, such as human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs), have attracted increasing interest as a novel tool of stem cell-based high-throughput drug screening. In the present study, we investigated the bioactivities of squalene (SQ) derived from ethanol extract (99.5%) of a microalgae Aurantiochytrium Sp. (EEA-SQ) in hAECs using whole-genome DNA microarray analysis. Tissue enrichment analysis showed that the brain was the most significantly enriched tissue by the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between EEA-SQ-treated and control hAECs. Further gene set enrichment analysis and tissue-specific functional analysis revealed biological functions related to nervous system development, neurogenesis, and neurotransmitter modulation. Several adipose tissue-specific genes and functions were also enriched. Gene-disease association analysis showed nervous system-, metabolic-, and immune-related diseases were enriched. Altogether, our study suggests the potential health benefits of microalgae-derived SQ and we would further encourage investigation in EEA-SQ and its derivatives as potential therapeutics for nervous system- and metabolism-related diseases.

Use of cucurbitacins for lung cancer research and therapy

As the main substance in some traditional Chinese medicines, cucurbitacins have been used to treat hepatitis for decades in China. Currently, the use of cucurbitacins against cancer and other diseases has achieved towering popularity among researchers worldwide, as detailed in this review with summarized tables. Numerous studies have reported the potential tumor-killing activities of cucurbitacins in multiple aspects of human malignancies. Continuous research on its anticancer activity mechanisms also brings a glimmer of light to the treatment of patients with lung cancer. In line with the promising roles of cucurbitacins against cancer, through various molecular signaling pathways, it is justifiable to propose the use of cucurbitacins as a potential mainline chemotherapy before the onset and after the diagnosis of lung cancers. Here, this article mainly summarized the findings about the biological functions and underlying mechanisms of cucurbitacins on lung cancer pathogenesis and treatment. In addition, we also discussed the safety and efficacy of their application for further research and even clinical practice.

Human Amniotic Epithelial Cells as a Tool to Investigate the Effects of Cyanidin 3-O-Glucoside on Cell Differentiation

Cyanidin, a kind of anthocyanin, has been reported to have chemotherapeutic activities in humans. Human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) are considered a potential source of pluripotent stem cells. hAECs have been used as a novel tool in regenerative cellular therapy and cell differentiation studies. In this study, to explore the effects of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (Cy3G) on hAECs and their mechanisms, we investigated the transcriptomic changes in the Cy3G-treated cells using microarray analysis. Among the differentially expressed genes (Fold change > 1.1; p-value < 0.05), 109 genes were upregulated and 232 were downregulated. Ratios of upregulated and downregulated genes were 0.22% and 0.47% of the total expressed genes, respectively. Next, we explored the enriched gene ontology, i.e., the biological process, molecular function, and cellular component of the 37 upregulated (>1.3-fold change) and 124 downregulated (<1.3-fold change) genes. Significantly enriched biological processes by the upregulated genes included “response to muscle activity,” and the genes involved in this gene ontology (GO) were Metrnl and SRD5A1, which function in the adipocyte. On the other hand, the cell cycle biological process was significantly enriched by the downregulated genes, including some from the SMC gene family. An adipogenesis-associated gene DDX6 was also included in the cell cycle biological process. Thus, our findings suggest the prospects of Cy3G in modulating adipocyte differentiation in hAECs.

Regulating cell fate of human amnion epithelial cells using natural compounds: an example of enhanced neural and pigment differentiation by 3,4,5-tri-O-caffeoylquinic acid

Over the past years, Human Amnion Epithelial Cells (hAECs), a placental stem cell, are gaining higher attention from the scientific community as they showed several advantages over other types of stem cells, including availability, easy accessibility, reduced rejection rate, non-tumorigenicity, and minimal legal constraint. Recently, natural compounds are used to stimulate stem cell differentiation and proliferation and to enhance their disease-treating potential. A polyphenolic compound 3,4,5-Tri-O-Caffeoylquinic Acid (TCQA) has been previously reported to induce human neural stem cell differentiation and may affect melanocyte stem cell differentiation as well. In this study, TCQA was tested on 3D cultured hAECs after seven days of treatment, and then, microarray gene expression profiling was conducted of TCQA-treated and untreated control cells on day 0 and day 7. Analyses revealed that TCQA treatment significantly enriched pigment and neural cells sets; besides, genes linked with neurogenesis, oxidation-reduction process, epidermal development, and metabolism were positively regulated. Interestingly, TCQA stimulated cell cycle arrest-related pathways and differentiation signaling. On the other hand, TCQA decreased interleukins and cytokines expression and this due to its anti-inflammatory properties as a polyphenolic compound. Results were validated to highlight the main activities of TCQA on hAECs, including differentiation, cell cycle arrest, and anti-inflammatory. This study highlights the important role of hAECs in regenerative medicine and the use of natural compounds to regulate their fate. Video abstract.