Interaction of Neural Stem Cells (NSCs) and Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) as a Promising Approach in Brain Study and Nerve Regeneration

Co-culturing neural and bone mesenchymal stem cells in photosensitive hydrogel enhances spinal cord injury repair

In mammalian species, neural tissues cannot regenerate following severe spinal cord injury (SCI), for which stem cell transplantation is a promising treatment. Neural stem cells (NSCs) have the potential to repair SCI; however, in unfavourable microenvironments, transplanted NSCs mainly differentiate into astrocytes rather than neurons. In contrast, bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) promote the differentiation of NSCs into neurons and regulate inflammatory responses. Owing to their easily controllable mechanical properties and similarities to neural tissue, gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogels offer remarkable cell biocompatibility and regulate the differentiation of NSCs. Therefore, in this study, we propose co-culturing NSCs and BMSCs within low-modulus GelMA hydrogel scaffolds to promote regeneration following SCI. In vitro comparisons revealed that the viability, proliferation, migration, and neuron differentiation capacity of cells in these low-modulus scaffolds exhibit substantially superior performance compared to those in high-modulus hydrogel scaffolds. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to report that NSCs/BMSCs co-culture implants can remarkably enhance motor function recovery in SCI rats, reduce the area of spinal cord cavities, stimulate neuron regeneration, and suppress scar tissue formation. Thus, this hydrogel system loaded with co-cultured cells represents a promising therapeutic approach for SCI repair.

Limitations and potential strategies of immune checkpoint blockade in age-related neurodegenerative disorders

Neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Parkinson's disease (PD) have no disease-modifying treatments, resulting in a global dementia crisis that affects more than 50 million people. Amyloid-beta (Aβ), tau, and alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) are three crucial proteins that are involved in the pathogenesis of these age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Only a few approved AD medications have been used in the clinic up to this point, and their results are only partial symptomatic alleviation for AD patients and cannot stop the progression of AD. Immunotherapies have attracted considerable interest as they target certain protein strains and conformations as well as promote clearance. Immunotherapies also have the potential to be neuroprotective: as they limit synaptic damage and spread of neuroinflammation by neutralizing extracellular protein aggregates. Lately, disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) that can alter the pathophysiology that underlies AD with anti-Aβ monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) (e.g., aducanumab, lecanemab, gantenerumab, donanemab, solanezumab, crenezumab, tilavonemab). Similarly, in Parkinson's disease (PD), DMTs utilizing anti-αSyn (MAbs) (e.g., prasinezumab, cinpanemab,) are progressively being developed and evaluated in clinical trials. These therapies are based on the hypothesis that both AD and PD may involve systemic impairments in cell-dependent clearance mechanisms of amyloid-beta (Aβ) and alpha-synuclein (αSyn), respectively, meaning the body's overall inability to effectively remove Aβ and αSyn due to malfunctioning cellular mechanisms. In this review we will provide possible evidence behind the use of immunotherapy with MAbs in AD and PD and highlight the recent clinical development landscape of anti-Aβ (MAbs) and anti-αSyn (MAbs) from these clinical trials in order to better investigate the therapeutic possibilities and adverse effects of these anti-Aβ and anti-αSyn MAbs on AD and PD.

Single‑cell RNA sequencing analysis of human embryos from the late Carnegie to fetal development

BACKGROUND

The cell development atlas of transition stage from late Carnegie to fetal development (7-9 weeks) remain unclear. It can be seen that the early period of human embryos (7-9 weeks) is a critical research gap. Therefore, we employed single‑cell RNA sequencing to identify cell types and elucidate differentiation relationships.

RESULTS

The single‑cell RNA sequencing analysis determines eighteen cell clusters in human embryos during the 7-9 weeks period. We uncover two distinct pathways of cellular development and differentiation. Initially, mesenchymal progenitor cells differentiated into osteoblast progenitor cells and neural stem cells, respectively. Neural stem cells further differentiated into neurons. Alternatively, multipotential stem cells differentiated into adipocyte, hematopoietic stem cells and neutrophil, respectively. Additionally, COL1A2-(ITGA1 + ITGB1) mediated the cell communication between mesenchymal progenitor cells and osteoblast progenitor cells. NCAM1-FGFR1 facilitated the cell communication between mesenchymal progenitor cells and neural stem cells. Notably, NCAM1-NCAM1 as a major contributor mediated the cell communication between neural stem cells and neurons. Moreover, CGA-FSHR simultaneously mediated the communication between multipotential stem cells, adipocyte, hematopoietic stem cells and neutrophil. Distinct cell clusters activated specific transcription factors such as HIC1, LMX1B, TWIST1, and et al., which were responsible for their specific functions. These coregulators, such as HOXB13, VSX2, PAX5, and et al., may mediate cell development and differentiation in human embryos.

CONCLUSIONS

We provide the cell development atlas for human embryos (7-9 weeks). Two distinct cell development and differentiation pathways are revealed.

Collagen protein-chitosan nerve conduits with neuroepithelial stem cells promote peripheral nerve regeneration

The peripheral nervous system consists of ganglia, nerve trunks, plexuses, and nerve endings, that transmit afferent and efferent information. Regeneration after a peripheral nerve damage is sluggish and imperfect. Peripheral nerve injury frequently causes partial or complete loss of motor and sensory function, physical impairment, and neuropathic pain, all of which have a negative impact on patients' quality of life. Because the mechanism of peripheral nerve injury and healing is still unclear, the therapeutic efficacy is limited. As peripheral nerve injury research has processed, an increasing number of studies have revealed that biological scaffolds work in tandem with progenitor cells to repair peripheral nerve injury. Here, we fabricated collagen chitosan nerve conduit bioscaffolds together with collagen and then filled neuroepithelial stem cells (NESCs). Scanning electron microscopy showed that the NESCs grew well on the scaffold surface. Compared to the control group, the NESCs group contained more cells with bigger diameters and myelinated structures around the axons. Our findings indicated that a combination of chitosan-collagen bioscaffold and neural stem cell transplantation can facilitate the functional restoration of peripheral nerve tissue, with promising future applications and research implications.

hUMSCs restore ovarian function in POI mice by regulating GSK3β-mediated mitochondrial dynamic imbalances in theca cells

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), a major cause of female infertility, is defined as follicular atresia and a rapid loss of germ cells in women of reproductive age due to ovarian failure. Recently, findings from several studies have indicated that human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUMSCs) can alleviate ovarian dysfunction resulting from POI. However, the mechanisms underlying this effect require further clarification. In this study, a mouse model of POI was established as achieved with an intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide (CTX) into female C57BL/6J mice in vivo. These POI mice received a 1-week intervention of hUMACs. In addition, an in vitro POI model was also included. The cultured supernatants of hUMSCs and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) inhibitor (SB216763) were used to treat theca cells (TCs) exposed to CTX. Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to assess ovarian structure and morphology, as well as endocrine function in these POI mice. Based on results from the ELISA and JC-1 labeling, CTX exerted significant detrimental effects on testosterone levels and the mitochondrial membrane potential in TCs. Subsequently, Western Blot, Immunofluorescence staining (IF), and Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were used to evaluate various indicators of testosterone synthesis function and mitochondrial dynamics in ovaries and TCs of POI mice. In vivo, dysfunctions in ovarian structure and function in the POI mouse model were effectively restored following hUMSCs treatment, and abnormalities in hormone synthesis were significantly reduced. Furthermore, when the stem cell supernatants of hUMSCs were applied to TCs in vitro we found that GSK3β expression was reduced, the imbalance of mitochondrial dynamics was alleviated, and the ability of mitochondrial testosterone synthesis was increased. Taken together, our results indicate that hUMSCs treatment can restore the imbalance of mitochondrial dynamics and restart testosterone synthesis of TCs by suppressing GSK3β expression, ultimately alleviating POI damage.

Dental pulp stem cells regenerate neural tissue in degenerative disorders and stroke rehabilitation: A scope systematic review

Background

Dental Pulp Stem Cells (DPSCs) possess a remarkable ability for tissue differentiation, making them highly efficient in tissue regeneration and inflammation regulation. This systematic study proposes to find an answer to the question, "Do DPSCs have the ability to regenerate and rehabilitate nerve tissue?"

Methods

This systematic review was conducted based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria, and the principle of non-bias was respected. All the articles from 2014 to 2024 were extracted from the Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases. This study extracted the antigens and pro-inflammatory factors associated with DPSCs' involvement and how they affect the CNS's neural tissue regeneration.

Results

Two persons of researchers searched the database. After screening the full texts, they included 11 articles in their study. DPSCs control the following antigens: CD73, CD34, CD90, CD105, CD14, CD45, CD19Oct-4, CD73, CD31, CD34CD29CD44. Even though hematopoietic markers did not change much, OCT-4 and CD-73 were increased by DPSCs. DPSC-derived exosomes suppressed the expression of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and TGF, key mediators of nerve tissue inflammation. Additionally, DPSCs show high Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) expression in mice brain tissue cultures. DPSCs reduce Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH), a condition in which blood collects in the subarachnoid space and causes ischemia.

Discussion

DPSCs showed the ability to regenerate nerve tissue and brain ganglia, stimulating angiogenesis by expressing cell markers and controlling growth factors in mice, and high therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative disorders. The present study invites further research in neurological disorders, specifically strokes, to prescribe these stem cells to the human population.

Remyelinating Drugs at a Crossroad: How to Improve Clinical Efficacy and Drug Screenings

Axons wrapped around the myelin sheath enable fast transmission of neuronal signals in the Central Nervous System (CNS). Unfortunately, myelin can be damaged by injury, viral infection, and inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. Remyelination is a spontaneous process that can restore nerve conductivity and thus movement and cognition after a demyelination event. Cumulative evidence indicates that remyelination can be pharmacologically stimulated, either by targeting natural inhibitors of Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells (OPCs) differentiation or by reactivating quiescent Neural Stem Cells (qNSCs) proliferation and differentiation in myelinating Oligodendrocytes (OLs). Although promising results were obtained in animal models for demyelination diseases, none of the compounds identified have passed all the clinical stages. The significant number of patients who could benefit from remyelination therapies reinforces the urgent need to reassess drug selection approaches and develop strategies that effectively promote remyelination. Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven technologies with patient-derived cell-based assays and organoid models is expected to lead to novel strategies and drug screening pipelines to achieve this goal. In this review, we explore the current literature on these technologies and their potential to enhance the identification of more effective drugs for clinical use in CNS remyelination therapies.

The Placenta as a Source of Human Material for Neuronal Repair

Stem cell therapy has the potential to meet unsolved problems in tissue repair and regeneration, particularly in the neural tissues. However, an optimal source has not yet been found. Growing evidence indicates that positive effects produced in vivo by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be due not only to their plasticity but also to secreted molecules including extracellular vesicles (EVs) and the extracellular matrix (ECM). Trophic effects produced by MSCs may reveal the key to developing effective tissue-repair strategies, including approaches based on brain implants or other implantable neural electrodes. In this sense, MSCs will become increasingly valuable and needed in the future. The placenta is a temporary organ devoted to protecting and supporting the fetus. At the same time, the placenta represents an abundant and extremely convenient source of MSCs. Nonetheless, placenta-derived MSCs (P-MSCs) remain understudied as compared to MSCs isolated from other sources. This review outlines the limited literature describing the neuroregenerative effects of P-MSC-derived biomaterials and advocates for exploiting the potential of this untapped source for human regenerative therapies.

Research progress and challenges of stem cell therapy for ischemic stroke

Ischemic stroke is a significant global cause of death and disability. Currently, treatment options for acute ischemic stroke are limited to intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical recanalization. Therefore, novel neuroprotective strategies are imperative. Stem cell transplantation possesses the capabilities of differentiation, proliferation, neuronal replacement, nerve pathway reconstruction, secretion of nerve growth factors, and enhancement of the microenvironment; thus, it is a potential therapeutic approach for ischemic stroke. In addition, the immunomodulatory function of stem cells and the combined treatment of stem cells and exosomes exhibit a favorable protective effect on brain injury and neurological dysfunction following stroke. Meanwhile, the theory of microbiota-gut-brain axis provides us with a novel perspective for comprehending and managing neurological diseases. Lastly, stem cell transplantation has demonstrated promising outcomes not only in treating ischemic stroke but also in dealing with other neurological disorders, such as brain tumors. Furthermore, challenges related to the tissue source, delivery method, immune response, and timing of transplantation still need to be addressed to optimize the treatment.

The Role of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Neuroregeneration and Neuroprotection: A Review

Neurogenesis is a high energy-demanding process, which is why blood vessels are an active part of the neurogenic niche since they allow the much-needed oxygenation of progenitor cells. In this regard, although neglected for a long time, the "oxygen niche" should be considered an important intervenient in adult neurogenesis. One possible hypothesis for the failure of numerous neuroprotective trials is that they relied on compounds that target a highly specific neuroprotective pathway. This approach may be too limited, given the complexity of the processes that lead to cell death. Therefore, research should adopt a more multifactorial approach. Among the limited range of agents with multimodal neuromodulatory capabilities, hyperbaric oxygen therapy has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing secondary brain damage in various brain injury models. This therapy functions not only as a neuroprotective mechanism but also as a powerful neuroregenerative mechanism.

[Repair effect of different doses of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells on white matter injury in neonatal rats]

OBJECTIVES

To compare the repair effects of different doses of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) on white matter injury (WMI) in neonatal rats.

METHODS

Two-day-old Sprague-Dawley neonatal rats were randomly divided into five groups: sham operation group, WMI group, and hUC-MSCs groups (low dose, medium dose, and high dose), with 24 rats in each group. Twenty-four hours after successful establishment of the neonatal rat white matter injury model, the WMI group was injected with sterile PBS via the lateral ventricle, while the hUC-MSCs groups received injections of hUC-MSCs at different doses. At 14 and 21 days post-modeling, hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to observe pathological changes in the tissues around the lateral ventricles. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the quantitative expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) mRNA in the brain tissue. Immunohistochemistry was employed to observe the expression levels of GFAP and neuron-specific nuclear protein (NeuN) in the tissues around the lateral ventricles. TUNEL staining was used to observe cell apoptosis in the tissues around the lateral ventricles. At 21 days post-modeling, the Morris water maze test was used to observe the spatial learning and memory capabilities of the neonatal rats.

RESULTS

At 14 and 21 days post-modeling, numerous cells with nuclear shrinkage and rupture, as well as disordered arrangement of nerve fibers, were observed in the tissues around the lateral ventricles of the WMI group and the low dose group. Compared with the WMI group, the medium and high dose groups showed alleviated pathological changes; the arrangement of nerve fibers in the medium dose group was relatively more orderly compared with the high dose group. Compared with the WMI group, there was no significant difference in the expression levels of MBP and GFAP mRNA in the low dose group (P>0.05), while the expression levels of MBP mRNA increased and GFAP mRNA decreased in the medium and high dose groups. The expression level of MBP mRNA in the medium dose group was higher than that in the high dose group, and the expression level of GFAP mRNA in the medium dose group was lower than that in the high dose group (P<0.05). Compared with the WMI group, there was no significant difference in the protein expression of GFAP and NeuN in the low dose group (P>0.05), while the expression of NeuN protein increased and GFAP protein decreased in the medium and high dose groups. The expression of NeuN protein in the medium dose group was higher than that in the high dose group, and the expression of GFAP protein in the medium dose group was lower than that in the high dose group (P<0.05). Compared with the WMI group, there was no significant difference in the number of apoptotic cells in the low dose group (P>0.05), while the number of apoptotic cells in the medium and high dose groups was less than that in the WMI group, and the number of apoptotic cells in the medium dose group was less than that in the high dose group (P<0.05). Compared with the WMI group, there was no significant difference in the escape latency time in the low dose group (P>0.05); starting from the third day of the latency period, the escape latency time in the medium dose group was less than that in the WMI group (P<0.05). The medium and high dose groups crossed the platform more times than the WMI group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Low dose hUC-MSCs may yield unsatisfactory repair effects on WMI in neonatal rats, while medium and high doses of hUC-MSCs have significant repair effects, with the medium dose demonstrating superior efficacy.

Exosome-mediated delivery and regulation in neurological disease progression

Exosomes (EXOs), membranous structures originating from diverse biological sources, have recently seized the attention of researchers due to their theranostic potential for neurological diseases. Released actively by various cells, including stem cells, adipose tissue, and immune cells, EXOs wield substantial regulatory influence over the intricate landscape of neurological complications, exhibiting both positive and negative modulatory effects. In AD, EXOs play a pivotal role in disseminating and breaking down amyloid-β protein. Moreover, EXOs derived from mesenchymal stem cells showcase a remarkable capacity to mitigate pro-inflammatory phenotypes by regulating miRNAs in neurodegenerative diseases. These vesicles possess the unique ability to traverse the blood-brain barrier, governing the aggregation of mutant huntingtin protein. Understanding the exosomal functions within the CNS holds significant promise for enhancing treatment efficacy in neurological diseases. This review intricately examines the regulatory mechanisms involving EXOs in neurological disease development, highlighting therapeutic prospects and exploring their utility in exosome-based nanomedicine for various neurological complications. Additionally, the review highlights the challenges associated with drug delivery to the brain, emphasizing the complexities inherent in this critical aspect of neurotherapeutics.

Huntington's Disease: Complex Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Strategies

Huntington's disease (HD) arises from the abnormal expansion of CAG repeats in the huntingtin gene (HTT), resulting in the production of the mutant huntingtin protein (mHTT) with a polyglutamine stretch in its N-terminus. The pathogenic mechanisms underlying HD are complex and not yet fully elucidated. However, mHTT forms aggregates and accumulates abnormally in neuronal nuclei and processes, leading to disruptions in multiple cellular functions. Although there is currently no effective curative treatment for HD, significant progress has been made in developing various therapeutic strategies to treat HD. In addition to drugs targeting the neuronal toxicity of mHTT, gene therapy approaches that aim to reduce the expression of the mutant HTT gene hold great promise for effective HD therapy. This review provides an overview of current HD treatments, discusses different therapeutic strategies, and aims to facilitate future therapeutic advancements in the field.

Cell Type-Specific Extracellular Vesicles and Their Impact on Health and Disease

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), a diverse group of cell-derived exocytosed particles, are pivotal in mediating intercellular communication due to their ability to selectively transfer biomolecules to specific cell types. EVs, composed of proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, are taken up by cells to affect a variety of signaling cascades. Research in the field has primarily focused on stem cell-derived EVs, with a particular focus on mesenchymal stem cells, for their potential therapeutic benefits. Recently, tissue-specific EVs or cell type-specific extracellular vesicles (CTS-EVs), have garnered attention for their unique biogenesis and molecular composition because they enable highly targeted cell-specific communication. Various studies have outlined the roles that CTS-EVs play in the signaling for physiological function and the maintenance of homeostasis, including immune modulation, tissue regeneration, and organ development. These properties are also exploited for disease propagation, such as in cancer, neurological disorders, infectious diseases, autoimmune conditions, and more. The insights gained from analyzing CTS-EVs in different biological roles not only enhance our understanding of intercellular signaling and disease pathogenesis but also open new avenues for innovative diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for a wide spectrum of medical conditions. This review comprehensively outlines the current understanding of CTS-EV origins, function within normal physiology, and implications in diseased states.

Deciphering the impact of cerebrospinal fluid on stem cell fate as a new mechanism to enhance clinical therapy development

Neural stem cells (NSCs) hold a very significant promise as candidates for cell therapy due to their robust neuroprotective and regenerative properties. Preclinical studies using NSCs have shown enough encouraging results to perform deeper investigations into more potential clinical applications. Nevertheless, our knowledge regarding neurogenesis and its underlying mechanisms remains incomplete. To understand them better, it seems necessary to characterize all components of neural stem cell niche and discover their role in physiology and pathology. Using NSCs in vivo brings challenges including limited cell survival and still inadequate integration within host tissue. Identifying overlooked factors that might influence these outcomes becomes pivotal. In this review, we take a deeper examination of the influence of a fundamental element that is present in the brain, the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which still remains relatively unexplored. Its role in neurogenesis could be instrumental to help find novel therapeutic solutions for neurological disorders, eventually advancing our knowledge on central nervous system (CNS) regeneration and repair.

Providing holistic care to children with cerebral palsy treated with transnasal neural stem cell transplantation

Objective

Holistic care is a key element in nursing care. Aiming at the heterogeneous disease of cerebral palsy, researchers focused on children with cerebral palsy who received transnasal transplantation of neural stem cells as a specific group. Based on establishing a multidisciplinary team, comprehensive care is carried out for this type of patient during the perioperative period to improve the effectiveness and safety of clinical research and increase the comfort of children.

Methods

Between January 2018 and June 2023, 22 children with cerebral palsy underwent three transnasal transplants of neural stem cells.

Results

No adverse reactions related to immune rejection were observed in the 22 children during hospitalization and follow-up. All children tolerated the treatment well, and the treatment was superior. One child developed nausea and vomiting after sedation; three had a small amount of bleeding of nasal mucosa after transplantation. Two children had a low fever (≤38.5°C), and one had a change in the type and frequency of complex partial seizures. Moreover, 3 children experienced patch shedding within 4 h of patch implantation into the nasal cavity.

Conclusion

The project team adopted nasal stem cell transplantation technology. Based on the characteristics of transnasal transplantation of neural stem cells in the treatment of neurological diseases in children, a comprehensive and novel holistic care plan is proposed. It is of great significance to guide caregivers of children to complete proper care, further improve the safety and effectiveness of treatment, and reduce the occurrence of complications.

Stem Cell Scaffolds for the Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury-A Review

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a profoundly debilitating yet common central nervous system condition resulting in significant morbidity and mortality rates. Major causes of SCI encompass traumatic incidences such as motor vehicle accidents, falls, and sports injuries. Present treatment strategies for SCI aim to improve and enhance neurologic functionality. The ability for neural stem cells (NSCs) to differentiate into diverse neural and glial cell precursors has stimulated the investigation of stem cell scaffolds as potential therapeutics for SCI. Various scaffolding modalities including composite materials, natural polymers, synthetic polymers, and hydrogels have been explored. However, most trials remain largely in the preclinical stage, emphasizing the need to further develop and refine these treatment strategies before clinical implementation. In this review, we delve into the physiological processes that underpin NSC differentiation, including substrates and signaling pathways required for axonal regrowth post-injury, and provide an overview of current and emerging stem cell scaffolding platforms for SCI.

Corneal regeneration strategies: From stem cell therapy to tissue engineered stem cell scaffolds

Corneal epithelial defects and excessive wound healing might lead to severe complications. As stem cells can self-renew infinitely, they are a promising solution for regenerating the corneal epithelium and treating severe corneal epithelial injury. The chemical and biophysical properties of biological scaffolds, such as the amniotic membrane, fibrin, and hydrogels, can provide the necessary signals for stem cell proliferation and differentiation. Multiple researchers have conducted investigations on these scaffolds and evaluated them as potential therapeutic interventions for corneal disorders. These studies have identified various inherent benefits and drawbacks associated with these scaffolds. In this study, we provided a comprehensive overview of the history and use of various stem cells in corneal repair. We mainly discussed biological scaffolds that are used in stem cell transplantation and innovative materials that are under investigation.

Assembling Spheroids of Rat Primary Neurons Using a Stress-Free 3D Culture System

Neural injuries disrupt the normal functions of the nervous system, whose complexities limit current treatment options. Because of their enhanced therapeutic effects, neurospheres have the potential to advance the field of regenerative medicine and neural tissue engineering. Methodological steps can pose challenges for implementing neurosphere assemblies; for example, conventional static cultures hinder yield and throughput, while the presence of the necrotic core, time-consuming methodology, and high variability can slow their progression to clinical application. Here we demonstrate the optimization of primary neural cell-derived neurospheres, developed using a high-throughput, stress-free, 3D bioreactor. This process provides a necessary baseline for future studies that could develop co-cultured assemblies of stem cells combined with endothelial cells, and/or biomaterials and nanomaterials for clinical therapeutic use. Neurosphere size and neurite spreading were evaluated under various conditions using Image J software. Primary neural cells obtained from the hippocampi of three-day-old rat pups, when incubated for 24 h in a reactor coated with 2% Pluronic and seeded on Poly-D-Lysine-coated plates establish neurospheres suitable for therapeutic use within five days. Most notably, neurospheres maintained high cell viability of ≥84% and expressed the neural marker MAP2, neural marker β-Tubulin III, and glial marker GFAP at all time points when evaluated over seven days. Establishing these factors reduces the variability in developing neurospheres, while increasing the ease and output of the culture process and maintaining viable cellular constructs.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Soft Tissue Regenerative Medicine: A Comprehensive Review

Soft tissue regeneration holds significant promise for addressing various clinical challenges, ranging from craniofacial and oral tissue defects to blood vessels, muscle, and fibrous tissue regeneration. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a promising tool in regenerative medicine due to their unique characteristics and potential to differentiate into multiple cell lineages. This comprehensive review explores the role of MSCs in different aspects of soft tissue regeneration, including their application in craniofacial and oral soft tissue regeneration, nerve regeneration, blood vessel regeneration, muscle regeneration, and fibrous tissue regeneration. By examining the latest research findings and clinical advancements, this article aims to provide insights into the current state of MSC-based therapies in soft tissue regenerative medicine.

Neural stem cells for Parkinson’s disease management: Challenges, nanobased support, and prospects

Parkinson’s disease (PD), characterized by loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons, is one of the most predominant neurodegenerative diseases affecting the elderly population worldwide. The concept of stem cell therapy in managing neurodegenerative diseases has evolved over the years and has recently rapidly progressed. Neural stem cells (NSCs) have a few key features, including self-renewal, proliferation, and multipotency, which make them a promising agent targeting neurodegeneration. It is generally agreed that challenges for NSC-based therapy are present at every stage of the transplantation process, including preoperative cell preparation and quality control, perioperative procedures, and postoperative graft preservation, adherence, and overall therapy success. In this review, we provided a comprehensive, careful, and critical discussion of experimental and clinical data alongside the pros and cons of NSC-based therapy in PD. Given the state-of-the-art accomplishments of stem cell therapy, gene therapy, and nanotechnology, we shed light on the perspective of complementing the advantages of each process by developing nano-stem cell therapy, which is currently a research hotspot. Although various obstacles and challenges remain, nano-stem cell therapy holds promise to cure PD, however, continuous improvement and development from the stage of laboratory experiments to the clinical application are necessary.

Partially brain effects of injection of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells at injury sites in a mouse model of thoracic spinal cord contusion

Purpose

The pain caused by spinal cord injury (SCI) poses a major burden on patients, and pain management is becoming a focus of treatment. Few reports have described changes in the brain after SCI. Particularly, the exact mechanism through which brain regions affect post-injury pain remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to determine the potential therapeutic mechanisms of pain. A mouse model of spinal cord contusion was established, and molecular expression in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and periaqueductal gray (PAG) in the brain and animal behavior was observed after local injection of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HU-MSCs) at the site of SCI.

Method

Sixty-three female C57BL/6J mice were divided into four groups: a sham operation group (n = 15); a spinal injury group (SCI, n = 16); an SCI + HU-MSCs group (n = 16) and an SCI + PBS group (n = 16), in which the SCI site was injected with HU-MSCs/phosphate buffer. The BMS score was determined, and the von Frey test and Hargreaves test were used to assess behavior every week after surgery. Mice were sacrificed in the fourth week after operation, and samples were collected. The expression of CGRP, Substance P, C-Fos and KCC2 in the ACC and PAG were observed with immunohistochemistry. Chromic cyanine staining was used to observe transverse sections of the injured spinal cord.

Result

In the ACC and PAG after SCI, the expression of CGRP, SP and C-Fos increased, and the expression of KCC2 decreased, whereas after HU-MSC injection, the expression of CGRP, SP and C-Fos decreased, and the expression of KCC2 increased. The SCI + HU-MSC group showed better exercise ability from 2 to 4 weeks after surgery than the SCI/SCI + PBS groups (P < 0.001). Local injection of HU-MSCs significantly improved the mechanical hyperalgesia caused by SCI in the fourth week after surgery (P < 0.0001), and sensation was significantly recovered 2 weeks after surgery (P < 0.0001); no improvement in thermal hypersensitivity was observed (P > 0.05). The HU-MSC group retained more white matter than the SCI/SCI + PBS groups (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Local transplantation of HU-MSCs at the site of SCI partially relieves the neuropathic pain and promotes recovery of motor function. These findings suggest a feasible direction for the future treatment of SCI.

Multipotent Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Based Therapies for Spinal Cord Injury: Current Progress and Future Prospects

Spinal cord injury (SCI) represents a significant medical challenge, often resulting in permanent disability and severely impacting the quality of life for affected individuals. Traditional treatment options remain limited, underscoring the need for novel therapeutic approaches. In recent years, multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a promising candidate for SCI treatment due to their multifaceted regenerative capabilities. This comprehensive review synthesizes the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying MSC-mediated tissue repair in SCI. Key mechanisms discussed include neuroprotection through the secretion of growth factors and cytokines, promotion of neuronal regeneration via MSC differentiation into neural cell types, angiogenesis through the release of pro-angiogenic factors, immunomodulation by modulating immune cell activity, axonal regeneration driven by neurotrophic factors, and glial scar reduction via modulation of extracellular matrix components. Additionally, the review examines the various clinical applications of MSCs in SCI treatment, such as direct cell transplantation into the injured spinal cord, tissue engineering using biomaterial scaffolds that support MSC survival and integration, and innovative cell-based therapies like MSC-derived exosomes, which possess regenerative and neuroprotective properties. As the field progresses, it is crucial to address the challenges associated with MSC-based therapies, including determining optimal sources, intervention timing, and delivery methods, as well as developing standardized protocols for MSC isolation, expansion, and characterization. Overcoming these challenges will facilitate the translation of preclinical findings into clinical practice, providing new hope and improved treatment options for individuals living with the devastating consequences of SCI.

Cellular Therapies: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

Cellular therapy (CT) can be defined as the transference into a person of healthy cells to correct defective functions. Yesterday (1950-2010), CT consisted mostly of hematopoietic transplants for the treatment of a variety of hematological disorders. Interestingly, during that period of time other cell types with therapeutic potential-including certain lymphoid populations and other nonhematopoietic cells-were discovered and characterized; thus, CT became a promising discipline for the treatment of a broader diversity of diseases. Today (2011-2023), CT has significantly grownup through preclinical studies and clinical trials, and it is currently progressing toward its consolidation as one of the pillars of medicine in the 21st century. Indeed, different types of stem cells (e.g., hematopoietic, mesenchymal, neural, and pluripotent), as well as different lymphoid and myeloid cell populations (e.g., TILs, CAR-Ts, CAR-NKs, and DUOC-01) are being used in clinical settings or are being tested in clinical trials. For the past decade, several CT modalities have been developed, and today, many of them are being used in the clinic. Tomorrow (2024-2040), already established CT modalities will surely be improved and applied more frequently, and novel therapies (that will include cell types such as iPSCs) will enter and expand within the clinical ground. It is noteworthy, however, that despite significant advancements and achievements, problems still need to be solved and obstacles need to be overcome. Technical, ethical, and economic issues persist and they need to be addressed. Undoubtedly, exciting times of challenges and opportunities are coming ahead in the CT arena.

Whole body-electromyostimulation effects on serum biomarkers, physical performances and fatigue in Parkinson's patients: A randomized controlled trial

Background

Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) was never previously applied to Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. This randomized controlled study aimed to find the most effective and safe WB-EMS training protocol for this population.

Methods

Twenty-four subjects (age: 72.13 ± 6.20 years), were randomly assigned to three groups: a high-frequency WB-EMS strength training group (HFG) (rectangular stimulation at 85 Hz, 350 μs, 4 s stimulation/4 s rest), a low-frequency WB-EMS aerobic training group (LFG) (rectangular stimulation 7 Hz, 350 μs, with a continuous pulse duration), and an inactive control group (CG). Participants of the two experimental groups underwent 24 controlled WB-EMS training sessions, with a duration of 20 min each, during 12-week intervention. Serum growth factors (BDNF, FGF-21, NGF and proNGF), α-synuclein, physical performance and Parkinson's Disease Fatigue Scale (PFS-16) responses were analyzed to evaluate the pre-post variation and differences among groups.

Results

Significant interactions of Time*Groups were detected for BDNF (Time*Groups p = 0.024; Time*CG, b = -628, IC95% = -1,082/-174, p = 0.008), FGF-21 (Time*Groups p = 0.009; Time*LFG b = 1,346, IC95% = 423/2268, p = 0.005), and α-synuclein (Time*Groups p = 0.019; Time*LFG b = -1,572, IC95% = -2,952/-192, p = 0.026). Post hoc analyses and comparisons of ΔS (post-pre), performed independently for each group, showed that LFG increased serum BDNF levels (+ 203 pg/ml) and decreased α-synuclein levels (-1,703 pg/ml), while HFG showed the opposite effects (BDNF: -500 pg/ml; α-synuclein: + 1,413 pg/ml). CG showed a significant BDNF reduction over time. Both LFG and HFG showed significant improvements in several physical performance outcomes and the LFG showed better results than HFG. Concerning PFS-16, significant differences over time (b = -0.4, IC95% = -0.8/-0.0, p = 0.046) and among groups (among all groups p < 0.001) were found, and the LFG exhibited better results than the HFG (b = -1.0, IC95% = -1.3/-0.7, p < 0.001), and CG (b = -1.7, IC95% = -2.0/-1.4, p < 0.001) with this last one that worsened over time.

Conclusion

LFG training was the best choice for improving or maintaining physical performance, fatigue perception and variation in serum biomarkers.

Clinical trial registration

https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04878679, identifier NCT04878679.

Use of Brain-Derived Stem/Progenitor Cells and Derived Extracellular Vesicles to Repair Damaged Neural Tissues: Lessons Learned from Connective Tissue Repair Regarding Variables Limiting Progress and Approaches to Overcome Limitations

Pluripotent neural stem or progenitor cells (NSC/NPC) have been reported in the brains of adult preclinical models for decades, as have mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) been reported in a variety of tissues from adults. Based on their in vitro capabilities, these cell types have been used extensively in attempts to repair/regenerate brain and connective tissues, respectively. In addition, MSC have also been used in attempts to repair compromised brain centres. However, success in treating chronic neural degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and others with NSC/NPC has been limited, as have the use of MSC in the treatment of chronic osteoarthritis, a condition affecting millions of individuals. However, connective tissues are likely less complex than neural tissues regarding cell organization and regulatory integration, but some insights have been gleaned from the studies regarding connective tissue healing with MSC that may inform studies attempting to initiate repair and regeneration of neural tissues compromised acutely or chronically by trauma or disease. This review will discuss the similarities and differences in the applications of NSC/NPC and MSC, where some lessons have been learned, and potential approaches that could be used going forward to enhance progress in the application of cellular therapy to facilitate repair and regeneration of complex structures in the brain. In particular, variables that may need to be controlled to enhance success are discussed, as are different approaches such as the use of extracellular vesicles from stem/progenitor cells that could be used to stimulate endogenous cells to repair the tissues rather than consider cell replacement as the primary option. Caveats to all these efforts relate to whether cellular repair initiatives will have long-term success if the initiators for neural diseases are not controlled, and whether such cellular initiatives will have long-term success in a subset of patients if the neural diseases are heterogeneous and have multiple etiologies.

Understanding Intra- and Inter-Species Variability in Neural Stem Cells' Biology Is Key to Their Successful Cryopreservation, Culture, and Propagation

Although clinical trials on human neural stem cells (hNSCs) have already been implemented in the treatment of neurological diseases and they have demonstrated their therapeutic effects, many questions remain in the field of preclinical research regarding the biology of these cells, their therapeutic properties, and their neurorestorative potential. Unfortunately, scientific reports are inconsistent and much of the NSCs research has been conducted on rodents rather than human cells for ethical reasons or due to insufficient cell material. Therefore, a question arises as to whether or which conclusions drawn on the isolation, cell survival, proliferation, or cell fate observed in vitro in rodent NSCs can be introduced into clinical applications. This paper presents the effects of different spatial, nutritional, and dissociation conditions on NSCs' functional properties, which are highly species-dependent. Our study confirmed that the discrepancies in the available literature on NSCs survival, proliferation, and fate did not only depend on intra-species factors and applied environmental conditions, but they were also affected by significant inter-species variability. Human and rodent NSCs share one feature, i.e., the necessity to be cultured immediately after isolation, which significantly maintains their survival. Additionally, in the absence of experiments on human cells, rat NSCs biology (neurosphere formation potential and neural differentiation stage) seems closer to that of humans rather than mice in response to environmental factors.

Co-administration of Nanowired DL-3-n-Butylphthalide (DL-NBP) Together with Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Monoclonal Antibodies to Alpha Synuclein and TDP-43 (TAR DNA-Binding Protein 43) Enhance Superior Neuroprotection in Parkinson's Disease Following Concussive Head Injury

dl-3-n-butylphthalide (dl-NBP) is one of the potent antioxidant compounds that induces profound neuroprotection in stroke and traumatic brain injury. Our previous studies show that dl-NBP reduces brain pathology in Parkinson's disease (PD) following its nanowired delivery together with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exacerbated by concussive head injury (CHI). CHI alone elevates alpha synuclein (ASNC) in brain or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) associated with elevated TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43). TDP-43 protein is also responsible for the pathologies of PD. Thus, it is likely that exacerbation of brain pathology in PD following brain injury may be thwarted using nanowired delivery of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to ASNC and/or TDP-43. In this review, the co-administration of dl-NBP with MSCs and mAb to ASNC and/or TDP-43 using nanowired delivery in PD and CHI-induced brain pathology is discussed based on our own investigations. Our observations show that co-administration of TiO2 nanowired dl-NBP with MSCs and mAb to ASNC with TDP-43 induced superior neuroprotection in CHI induced exacerbation of brain pathology in PD, not reported earlier.