Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Mitigating Radiotherapy Side Effects

Different Biocompatibility and Radioprotective Activity of Squid Melanin Nanoparticles on Human Stromal Cells

Squid ink melanin nanoparticles (NPs) have recently been demonstrated to have a number of bioactivities; however, their biocompatibility has been poorly investigated. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of this NP on stromal cells, including human fibroblasts (hFBs), human umbilical vein endothelial cells (hUVECs), and human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs), and on the development of zebrafish embryos under normal X-ray irradiation conditions. The NPs showed high biocompatibility with low cytotoxicity, no cell senescence induction, and no effect on cell migration in hFBs or cell differentiation in UCMSCs. Nonetheless, this compound prevented cell movement in UCMSCs and significantly suppressed tube formation in hUVECs at a dose of 25 μg/mL. The NPs successfully penetrated the hUVECs but not the other two stromal cell types. The expression levels of functional genes involved in angiogenesis, apoptosis, antioxidant activity, and radiation sensitivity were altered in NPs subjected to hUVECs but were not affected in hFBs and UCMSCs. Melanin NPs significantly rescued cell viability and gene expression in irradiated hFBs and UCMSCs but not in hUVECs. In vivo treatments of zebrafish embryos showed that melanin NPs were nontoxic whether alone or under X-ray irradiation. These findings suggested that nanosized squid ink melanin had biocompatibility with selective stromal cells and was safe for early development.

Lipid-hybrid cell-derived biomimetic functional materials: A state-of-the-art multifunctional weapon against tumors

Tumors are among the leading causes of death worldwide. Cell-derived biomimetic functional materials have shown great promise in the treatment of tumors. These materials are derived from cell membranes, extracellular vesicles and bacterial outer membrane vesicles and may evade immune recognition, improve drug targeting and activate antitumor immunity. However, their use is limited owing to their low drug-loading capacity and complex preparation methods. Liposomes are artificial bionic membranes that have high drug-loading capacity and can be prepared and modified easily. Although they can overcome the disadvantages of cell-derived biomimetic functional materials, they lack natural active targeting ability. Lipids can be hybridized with cell membranes, extracellular vesicles or bacterial outer membrane vesicles to form lipid-hybrid cell-derived biomimetic functional materials. These materials negate the disadvantages of both liposomes and cell-derived components and represent a promising delivery platform in the treatment of tumors. This review focuses on the design strategies, applications and mechanisms of action of lipid-hybrid cell-derived biomimetic functional materials and summarizes the prospects of their further development and the challenges associated with it.

Sonic Hedgehog and WNT Signaling Regulate a Positive Feedback Loop Between Intestinal Epithelial and Stromal Cells to Promote Epithelial Regeneration

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Active intestinal stem cells are prone to injury by ionizing radiation. We previously showed that upon radiation-induced injury, normally quiescent reserve intestinal stem cells (rISCs) (marked by BMI1) are activated by Musashi-1 (MSI1) and exit from the quiescent state to regenerate the intestinal epithelium. This study aims to further establish the mechanism that regulates activation of Bmi1-CreER;Rosa26eYFP (Bmi1-CreER) rISCs following γ radiation-induced injury.

METHODS

Bmi1-CreER mice were treated with tamoxifen to initiate lineage tracing of BMI1 (eYFP+) cells and exposed to 12 Gy of total body γ irradiation or sham. Intestinal tissues were collected and analyzed by immunofluorescence, Western blot, reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and chromatin immunoprecipitation real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

After irradiation, increased expression of Msi1 in eYFP+ cells was accompanied by increased expression of Axin2, a WNT marker. Promoter studies of the Msi1 gene indicated that Msi1 is a WNT target gene. Coculture of stromal cells isolated from irradiated mice stimulated Bmi1-CreER-derived organoid regeneration more effectively than those from sham mice. Expression of WNT ligands, including Wnt2b, Wnt4, Wnt5a, and Rspo3, was increased in irradiated stromal cells compared with sham-treated stromal cells. Moreover, expression of the Sonic hedgehog (SHH) effector Gli1 was increased in stromal cells from irradiated mice. This was correlated with an increased expression of SHH in epithelial cells postirradiation, indicating epithelial-stromal interaction. Finally, preinjury treatment with SHH inhibitor cyclopamine significantly reduced intestinal epithelial regeneration and Msi1 expression postirradiation.

CONCLUSIONS

Upon ionizing radiation-induced injury, intestinal epithelial cells increase SHH secretion, stimulating stromal cells to secrete WNT ligands. WNT activators induce Msi1 expression in the Bmi1-CreER cells. This stromal-epithelial interaction leads to Bmi1-CreER rISCs induction and epithelial regeneration.

Injectable nano-composite hydrogels based on hyaluronic acid-chitosan derivatives for simultaneous photothermal-chemo therapy of cancer with anti-inflammatory capacity

Nowadays, the photothermal therapy (PTT) has received widespread attention and research by rapidly killing tumors with local high temperature. However, due to the irregular edges of tumor and the blurred boundary between normal and necrotic tissues, the desirable treatment cannot be achieved by the single PTT, and excessive heat will cause serious inflammation in local tissues. Herein, an injectable composite hydrogel is prepared by the oxidized hyaluronic acid (OHA) and hydroxypropyl chitosan (HPCS) via the imine bonds, which is employed as the delivery substrate for functional substances. In the gel medium, the mesoporous polydopamine (MPDA) nanoparticles are incorporated as the high efficiency photothermal agent and a reservoir of DOX, which can achieve the good photothermal conversion performance and pulsed drug release. Besides, the addition of the curcumin-cyclodextrin host-guest inclusion complex (CUR@NH₂-CD) in the composite hydrogel could reduce the inflammation caused by PTT. The composite hydrogel shows favorable the Hepa1-6 tumor inhibition in vivo by virtue of the comprehensive effect of the admired photothermal efficacy of MPDA, chemotherapy of DOX and anti-inflammatory of CUR. It can be predicted that the composite hydrogel has a broad prospect in the field of comprehensive therapy for tumor.

Revolutionizing Radiotoxicity Management with Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Derivatives: A Focus on Radiation-Induced Cystitis

Although radiation therapy plays a crucial role in cancer treatment, and techniques have improved continuously, irradiation induces side effects in healthy tissue. Radiation cystitis is a potential complication following the therapeutic irradiation of pelvic cancers and negatively impacts patients' quality of life (QoL). To date, no effective treatment is available, and this toxicity remains a therapeutic challenge. In recent times, stem cell-based therapy, particularly the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), has gained attention in tissue repair and regeneration due to their easy accessibility and their ability to differentiate into several tissue types, modulate the immune system and secrete substances that help nearby cells grow and heal. In this review, we will summarize the pathophysiological mechanisms of radiation-induced injury to normal tissues, including radiation cystitis (RC). We will then discuss the therapeutic potential and limitations of MSCs and their derivatives, including packaged conditioned media and extracellular vesicles, in the management of radiotoxicity and RC.

Phenotyping senescent mesenchymal stromal cells using AI image translation

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) offer promising potential in biomedical research, clinical therapeutics, and immunomodulatory therapies due to their ease of isolation and multipotent, immunoprivileged, and immunosuppersive properties. Extensive efforts have focused on optimizing the cell isolation and culture methods to generate scalable, therapeutically-relevant MSCs for clinical applications. However, MSC-based therapies are often hindered by cell heterogeneity and inconsistency of therapeutic function caused, in part, by MSC senescence. As such, noninvasive and molecular-based MSC characterizations play an essential role in assuring the consistency of MSC functions. Here, we demonstrated that AI image translation algorithms can effectively predict immunofluorescence images of MSC senescence markers from phase contrast images. We showed that the expression level of senescence markers including senescence-associated beta-galactosidase (SABG), p16, p21, and p38 are accurately predicted by deep-learning models for Doxorubicin-induced MSC senescence, irradiation-induced MSC senescence, and replicative MSC senescence. Our AI model distinguished the non-senescent and senescent MSC populations and simultaneously captured the cell-to-cell variability within a population. Our microscopy-based phenotyping platform can be integrated with cell culture routines making it an easily accessible tool for MSC engineering and manufacturing.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Radiation-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis: Future Prospects

Radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis (RIPF) is a general and fatal side effect of radiotherapy, while the pathogenesis has not been entirely understood yet. By now, there is still no effective clinical intervention available for treatment of RIPF. Recent studies revealed mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) as a promising therapy treatment due to their homing and differentiation ability, paracrine effects, immunomodulatory effects, and MSCs-derived exosomes. Nevertheless, problems and challenges in applying MSCs still need to be taken seriously. Herein, we reviewed the mechanisms and challenges in the applications of MSCs in treating RIPF.

Differential Cytotoxicity of Curcumin-Loaded Micelles on Human Tumor and Stromal Cells

Although curcumin in the form of nanoparticles has been demonstrated as a potential anti-tumor compound, the impact of curcumin and nanocurcumin in vitro on normal cells and in vivo in animal models is largely unknown. This study evaluated the toxicity of curcumin-loaded micelles in vitro and in vivo on several tumor cell lines, primary stromal cells, and zebrafish embryos. Breast tumor cell line (MCF7) and stromal cells (human umbilical cord vein endothelial cells, human fibroblasts, and human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells) were used in this study. A zebrafish embryotoxicity (FET) assay was conducted following the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Test 236. Compared to free curcumin, curcumin PM showed higher cytotoxicity to MCF7 cells in both monolayer culture and multicellular tumor spheroids. The curcumin-loaded micelles efficiently penetrated the MCF7 spheroids and induced apoptosis. The nanocurcumin reduced the viability and disturbed the function of stromal cells by suppressing cell migration and tube formation. The micelles demonstrated toxicity to the development of zebrafish embryos. Curcumin-loaded micelles demonstrated toxicity to both tumor and normal primary stromal cells and zebrafish embryos, indicating that the use of nanocurcumin in cancer treatment should be carefully investigated and controlled.

The therapeutic effect of adipose-derived stem cells on soft tissue injury after radiotherapy and their value for breast reconstruction

Background

Postmastectomy radiotherapy is considered to be a necessary treatment in the therapy of breast cancer, while it will cause soft tissue damage and complications, which are closely related to the success rate and effectiveness of breast reconstruction. After radiotherapy, cutaneous tissue becomes thin and brittle, and its compliance decreases. Component fat grafting and adipose-derived stem cell therapy are considered to have great potential in treating radiation damage and improving skin compliance after radiotherapy.

Main body

In this paper, the basic types and pathological mechanisms of skin and soft tissue damage to breast skin caused by radiation therapy are described. The 2015–2021 studies related to stem cell therapy in PubMed were also reviewed. Studies suggest that adipose-derived stem cells exert their biological effects mainly through cargoes carried in extracellular vesicles and soluble secreted factors. Compared to traditional fat graft breast reconstruction, ADSC therapy amplifies the effects of stem cells in it. In order to obtain a more purposeful therapeutic effect, proper stem cell pretreatment may achieve more ideal and safe results.

Conclusion

Recent research works about ADSCs and other MSCs mainly focus on curative effects in the acute phase of radiation injury, and there is little research about treatment of chronic phase complications. The efficacy of stem cell therapy on alleviating skin fibrosis and its underlying mechanism require further research.

Aloe vera for prevention of radiation-induced dermatitis: A systematic review and cumulative analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background: Aloe vera were frequently reported to reduce the risk of radiation-induced dermatitis (RID), but the quantitative results from all the relevant studies were not presently available. This study sought to conduct a cumulative analysis to better clarify the preventive effects of aloe vera in RID.

Methods: MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane, EMBASE, PsychINFO, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wan Fang Database were utilized for identifying the eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) without language restrictions, up to March 2022. The pooled incidence of RID was conducted by the Relative risk (RR) with its 95% confidence interval (CI) through the STATA software under a random-effects model. This systematic review and cumulative analysis were registered on PROSPERO (ID: CRD42022335188).

Results: Fourteen RCTs met our predefined inclusion criteria, enrolling 1,572 participants (mean age: 46.5–56 years). The cumulative results revealed that patients pretreated with aloe vera were associated with a significantly lower risk of RID compared to those without aloe vera usage (RR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.67–0.88, p < 0.001; heterogeneity: I² = 79.8%, p < 0.001). In the subgroup analysis, the pooled incidence of Grade 2–4, Grade 2, and Grade 3 RID was also dramatically lower in the group of aloe vera as compared to the placebo group [RR = 0.44 (0.27, 0.74), 0.58 (0.36, 0.94), and 0.27 (0.12, 0.59) in Grade 2–4, Grade 2, and Grade 3, respectively]. However, in regard to Grade 4 RID, the combined RR indicated that the incidence of RID was comparable between aloe vera and the control group (RR = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.02–1.01, p = 0.051; heterogeneity: I² = 0.0%, p = 0.741). The sensitivity analyses showed that there was no substantial change in the new pooled RR after eliminating anyone of the included study.

Conclusion: The current cumulative analysis revealed that patients pretreated with aloe vera were less likely to suffer from RID than the controls without using aloe vera. Based on this finding, the prophylactic application of aloe vera might significantly reduce the incidence of RID, especially in Grade 2 and Grade 3 RID. Further large-sample multicenter RCTs are still warranted to confirm these findings and for better clinical application.

Targeting JWA for Cancer Therapy: Functions, Mechanisms and Drug Discovery

Simple Summary

JWA has been identified as a potential therapeutic target for several cancers. In this review, we summarize the tumor suppressive functions of the JWA gene and its role in anti-cancer drug development. The focus is on elucidating the key regulatory proteins up and downstream of JWA and their signaling networks. We also discuss current strategies for targeting JWA (JWA peptides, small molecule agonists, and JWA-targeted Pt (IV) prodrugs).

Abstract

Tumor heterogeneity limits the precision treatment of targeted drugs. It is important to find new tumor targets. JWA, also known as ADP ribosylation factor-like GTPase 6 interacting protein 5 (ARL6IP5, GenBank: AF070523, 1998), is a microtubule-associated protein and an environmental response gene. Substantial evidence shows that JWA is low expressed in a variety of malignancies and is correlated with overall survival. As a tumor suppressor, JWA inhibits tumor progression by suppressing multiple oncogenes or activating tumor suppressor genes. Low levels of JWA expression in tumors have been reported to be associated with multiple aspects of cancer progression, including angiogenesis, proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, and chemotherapy resistance. In this review, we will discuss the structure and biological functions of JWA in tumors, examine the potential therapeutic strategies for targeting JWA and explore the directions for future investigation.

Nuclear and Radiological Emergencies: Biological Effects, Countermeasures and Biodosimetry

Atomic and radiological crises can be caused by accidents, military activities, terrorist assaults involving atomic installations, the explosion of nuclear devices, or the utilization of concealed radiation exposure devices. Direct damage is caused when radiation interacts directly with cellular components. Indirect effects are mainly caused by the generation of reactive oxygen species due to radiolysis of water molecules. Acute and persistent oxidative stress associates to radiation-induced biological damages. Biological impacts of atomic radiation exposure can be deterministic (in a period range a posteriori of the event and because of destructive tissue/organ harm) or stochastic (irregular, for example cell mutation related pathologies and heritable infections). Potential countermeasures according to a specific scenario require considering basic issues, e.g., the type of radiation, people directly affected and first responders, range of doses received and whether the exposure or contamination has affected the total body or is partial. This review focuses on available medical countermeasures (radioprotectors, radiomitigators, radionuclide scavengers), biodosimetry (biological and biophysical techniques that can be quantitatively correlated with the magnitude of the radiation dose received), and strategies to implement the response to an accidental radiation exposure. In the case of large-scale atomic or radiological events, the most ideal choice for triage, dose assessment and victim classification, is the utilization of global biodosimetry networks, in combination with the automation of strategies based on modular platforms.

MSCs in Space: Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Therapeutics as Enabling Technology for Long-Distance Manned Space Travel

Purpose of Review

Advancements in space travel, such as space tourism into Earth’s orbit, but also the prospect of long-distance manned space travel to other celestial bodies such as Mars, has generated a clinical need for new enabling technologies to support the long-term well-being of humans during their passage. Here, we will give an outline on the clinical need and practical considerations to MSC therapy as enabling technology for long-distance manned space travel.

Recent Findings

Long-distance space travel entails a threat to the health of astronaut crews due to the low gravity environment and exposure to toxic radiation in space. Multi-organ-system degenerative changes, such as decline in musculoskeletal, hematopoietic, immune system function, and in particular risk of genetic mutations and cancer, are major health concerns. Physical training, pharmacological agents, and protective shielding are among the currently available methods to counteract harmful effects. However, a potential lack of adequate shielding, side effects of pharmacological compounds, and limitations to physical training suggest a need for new countermeasures, to protect space travellers to the best extent. Here, the prospect of cell-based therapy, e.g. mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs), has been subject to intense research, due to their potent regenerative and immunomodulatory properties. Off-the-shelf MSC therapeutics can be easily maintained in space due to the ambient extremely low-temperature environment, and cryorecovery and even culturing of MSCs under microgravity were shown to be feasible.

Summary

Designing new therapy against harmful radiation is urgent need in space travel. Here we will discuss aspects related to clinical MSC administration to optimize their therapeutic benefit. MSC-based therapy may aid in evolving protective countermeasures for space travellers.

Multifunctional MnO2-based nanoplatform-induced ferroptosis and apoptosis for synergetic chemoradiotherapy

Background: Radiosensitizers that can effectively consume glutathione provide broad prospects for enhancing the efficacy and reducing the side effects of radiotherapy. Aim: To explore the potential role of CuS@mSiO₂@MnO₂ nanocomposites in synergetic chemoradiotherapy. Methods: Nanocomposites were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, UV-Vis spectrometry and dynamic light scattering and were loaded with doxorubicin (DOX). The uptake and biodistribution of nanocomposites were observed by CCK8 assay, MRI and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The radiosensitization effect of nanocomposites and nanocomposites/DOX was assessed both in vitro and in vivo. Results: In vitro application of nanocomposites, with an average diameter of 30 nm and ζ-potential of 13.2 ± 0.4 mV, in combination with radiotherapy, depleted glutathione and induced ferroptosis and apoptosis. Nanocomposites/DOX exhibited tumor cell damage in vivo. Conclusion: We propose that this glutathione-depleting nanosystem could be a radiosensitizer as well as a drug transporter.

Revisiting Platinum-Based Anticancer Drugs to Overcome Gliomas

Although there are many patients with brain tumors worldwide, there are numerous difficulties in overcoming brain tumors. Among brain tumors, glioblastoma, with a 5-year survival rate of 5.1%, is the most malignant. In addition to surgical operations, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are generally performed, but the patients have very limited options. Temozolomide is the most commonly prescribed drug for patients with glioblastoma. However, it is difficult to completely remove the tumor with this drug alone. Therefore, it is necessary to discuss the potential of anticancer drugs, other than temozolomide, against glioblastomas. Since the discovery of cisplatin, platinum-based drugs have become one of the leading chemotherapeutic drugs. Although many studies have reported the efficacy of platinum-based anticancer drugs against various carcinomas, studies on their effectiveness against brain tumors are insufficient. In this review, we elucidated the anticancer effects and advantages of platinum-based drugs used in brain tumors. In addition, the cases and limitations of the clinical application of platinum-based drugs are summarized. As a solution to overcome these obstacles, we emphasized the potential of a novel approach to increase the effectiveness of platinum-based drugs.