Stem Cell Conditioned Medium Treatment for Canine Spinal Cord Injury: Pilot Feasibility Study

Safety and efficacy of canine gonadal tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells for early myxomatous mitral valve disease

Introduction

This study explored the potential efficacy and safety of therapy with mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) derived from gonadal tissue to address the early stage of myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD), the predominant cardiac condition in dogs.

Methods

Sixteen dogs diagnosed with MMVD B1 were enrolled in this trial and assigned to either a control group (control group, n = 10) or a group that received MSC derived from gonadal tissue (treatment group, n = 6). In the treatment group, allogeneic MSC derived from gonadal tissue (1 × 106 cells/kg) were intravenously administered at monthly intervals for five or more sessions. Data were compared at baseline and at the endpoint 1-year intervals. The efficacy was assessed using echocardiography, thoracic radiography, NT-proBNP, and the duration from B1 diagnosis to B2 transition to evaluate its effect on MMVD stage progression. Safety was evaluated through physical examinations, blood tests, imaging studies, and monitoring of adverse events.

Results

After 1 year of observation, the control group exhibited deteriorating echocardiographic parameters, whereas the treatment group displayed no substantial differences between baseline and endpoint measurements. Notably, a statistically significant disparity was noted in the left atrial diameter (p < 0.05) and E-wave velocity (p < 0.05) between the two groups, indicating a favorable impact of MSC derived from the gonadal tissue on left atrial pressure. Additionally, in contrast to the control group, the treatment group demonstrated delayed progression to MMVD stage B2, enabling them to prolong their disease duration without requiring cardiac medication (p = 0.038). In quality of life (QoL) metrics following MSC treatment, appetite showed a statistically significant improvement, increasing from 4 to 4.83 (p < 0.05).

Discussion

Treatment with gonadal tissue-derived MSCs significantly delayed MMVD stage progression, highlighting the broad potential of MSC derived from gonadal tissue for treating complex veterinary conditions.

Advancements and mechanisms of stem cell-based therapies for spinal cord injury in animals

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system that can lead to permanent loss of sensation and voluntary movement beyond the affected area. Extensive preclinical and clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of stem cells for the treatment of various central nervous system diseases or disorders, including SCI. However, several challenges hinder nerve cell regeneration in the injured spinal cord, such as extensive cell loss, limited neural cell regeneration capacity, axonal disruption, and the presence of growth-inhibiting molecules, particularly astroglial scarring or glial scars at the injury site in chronic cases. These obstacles pose significant challenges for physicians in restoring normal motor and sensory nerve function in both humans and animals following SCI. This review focuses on SCI pathogenesis, the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells in SCI, and the potential of stem cell-based therapies as promising avenues for treatment. This review article also included relevant preclinical and clinical data from animal studies.

Epidermal Neural Crest Stem Cell Conditioned Medium Enhances Spinal Cord Injury Recovery via PI3K/AKT-Mediated Neuronal Apoptosis Suppression

This study aimed to assess the impact of conditioned medium from epidermal neural crest stem cells (EPI-NCSCs-CM) on functional recovery following spinal cord injury (SCI), while also exploring the involvement of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway in regulating neuronal apoptosis. EPI-NCSCs were isolated from 10-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats and cultured for 48 h to obtain EPI-NCSC-CM. SHSY-5Y cells were subjected with H2O2 treatment to induce apoptosis. Cell viability and survival rates were evaluated using the CCK-8 assay and calcein-AM/PI staining. SCI contusion model was established in adult Sprague-Dawley rats to assess functional recovery, utilizing the Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) scoring system, inclined test, and footprint observation. Neurological restoration after SCI was analyzed through electrophysiological recordings. Histological analysis included hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and Nissl staining to evaluate tissue organization. Apoptosis and oxidative stress levels were assessed using TUNEL staining and ROS detection methods. Additionally, western blotting was performed to examine the expression of apoptotic markers and proteins related to the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. EPI-NCSC-CM significantly facilitated functional and histological recovery in SCI rats by inhibiting neuronal apoptosis through modulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Administration of EPI-NCSCs-CM alleviated H2O2-induced neurotoxicity in SHSY-5Y cells in vitro. The use of LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor, underscored the crucial role of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in regulating neuronal apoptosis. This study contributes to the ongoing exploration of molecular pathways involved in spinal cord injury (SCI) repair, focusing on the therapeutic potential of EPI-NCSC-CM. The research findings indicate that EPI-NCSC-CM exerts a neuroprotective effect by suppressing neuronal apoptosis through activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway in SCI rats. These results highlight the promising role of EPI-NCSC-CM as a potential treatment strategy for SCI, emphasizing the significance of the PI3K/AKT pathway in mediating its beneficial effects.

Current Advances in Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapies Applied to Wounds and Skin, Eye, and Neuromuscular Diseases in Companion Animals

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are considered a very promising alternative tool in cell therapies and regenerative medicine due to their ease of obtaining from various tissues and their ability to differentiate into different cell types. This manuscript provides a review of current knowledge on the use of MSC-based therapies as an alternative for certain common pathologies in dogs and cats where conventional treatments are ineffective. The aim of this review is to assist clinical veterinarians in making decisions about the suitability of each protocol from a clinical perspective, rather than focusing solely on research. MSC-based therapies have shown promising results in certain pathologies, such as spinal cord injuries, wounds, and skin and eye diseases. However, the effectiveness of these cell therapies can be influenced by a wide array of factors, leading to varying outcomes. Future research will focus on designing protocols and methodologies that allow more precise and effective MSC treatments for each case.

The Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome (Extracellular Microvesicles and Exosomes) in Animals' Musculoskeletal and Neurologic-Related Disorders

The advances in regenerative medicine are very important for the development of medicine and the discovery of stem cells has shown a greater capacity to raise the level of therapeutic quality while their use becomes more accessible, especially in their mesenchymal form. In veterinary medicine, it is not different. The use of those cells, as well as recent advances related to the use of their extracellular vesicles, demonstrates a great opportunity to enhance therapeutic methods and ensure more life quality for patients, which can be in clinical or surgical treatments. Knowing the advances in these modalities and the growing clinical and surgery research and demands for innovations in orthopedic and neurology medicines, this paper aimed to review the literature about the methodologies of use and applications such as the pathways of action and the advances that were postulated for microvesicles and exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells in veterinary medicine, especially for musculoskeletal disorders and related injuries.

Calpain signaling: from biology to therapeutic opportunities in neurodegenerative disorders

Neurodegenerative disorders represent a major and growing healthcare challenge globally. Among the numerous molecular pathways implicated in their pathogenesis, calpain signaling has emerged as a crucial player in neuronal dysfunction and cell death. Calpain is a family of calcium-dependent cysteine proteases that is involved in many biological processes, such as signal transduction, cytoskeleton remodeling, and protein turnover. Dysregulation of calpain activation and activity has been associated with several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases. Understanding the intricate structure of calpains is crucial for unraveling their roles in cellular physiology and their implications in pathology. In addition, the identification of diverse abnormalities in both humans and other animal models with deficiencies in calpain highlights the significant progress made in understanding calpain biology. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the recent roles attributed to calpains and provide an overview of the mechanisms that govern their activity during the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. The possibility of utilizing calpain inhibition as a potential therapeutic approach for treating neuronal dysfunctions in neurodegenerative disorders would be an area of interest in future calpain research.

In vitro investigation of canine periodontal ligament-derived mesenchymal stem cells: A possibility of promising tool for periodontal regeneration

Objectives

Recent investigations indicate that canine periodontal ligament-derived stem cells (cPDLSCs) may reveal a reliable strategy for repair of periodontal tissues via cell-based tissue engineering approaches. Due to limited research, this study aimed to demonstrate the phenotypic characterization of cPDLSc in comparison with canine bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (cBMSCs) in vitro.

Methods

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were obtained from PDL and BM of five male adult Mongrel dogs. In vitro isolation and expansion as well as biologic characterization including colony unit formation (CFU), osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation, flow cytometric analysis of CD34 and CD44, and RT-PCR of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OCN), periostin (POSTN) and S100A4 were performed. Furthermore, electron microscopy analysis was done to complement the comparative research.

Results

CFU assay revealed that colonies of cPDLSCs presented 70% confluency with a more finite lifespan than BM-MSCs, showing a significant increase in cPDLSCs. Both types of MSCs showed osteogenic and adipogenic phenotypic characterized with clusters of mineralized depositions and lipid vacuoles, respectively. Both types of MSCs expressed CD44 with limited expression of CD34. RT-PCR of cPDLSCs revealed that expression of ALP, POSTN, OCN and S100A4 genes were significantly higher than those of BMSCs. In addition, comparison of SEM and revealed that cPDLSCs expressed more extracellular collagen fibers.

Conclusions

The current study indicated that cPDLSCs show potency as a novel cellular therapy for periodontal regeneration a large animal model.

Laser-activated autologous adipose tissue-derived stromal vascular fraction restores spinal cord architecture and function in multiple sclerosis cat model

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most frequent non-traumatic neurological debilitating disease among young adults with no cure. Over recent decades, efforts to treat neurodegenerative diseases have shifted to regenerative cell therapy. Adipose tissue-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) comprises a heterogeneous cell population, considered an easily accessible source of MSCs with therapeutic potential in autoimmune diseases. This study aimed to assess the regenerative capacity of low-level laser-activated SVF in an MS cat model.

METHODS

Fifteen adult Persian cats were used in this study: Group I (control negative group, normal cats), Group II (EB-treated group, induced for MS by ethidium bromide (EB) intrathecal injection), and Group III (SVF co-treated group, induced for MS then treated with SVF on day 14 post-induction). The SVF was obtained after digesting the adipose tissue with collagenase type I and injecting it intrathecal through the foramen magnum.

RESULTS

The results showed that the pelvic limb's weight-bearing locomotion activity was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) recovered in Group III, and the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scores of hindlimb locomotion were significantly higher in Group III (14 ± 0.44) than Group II (4 ± 0.31). The lesion's extent and intensity were reduced in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of Group III. Besides, the same group showed a significant increase in the expression of neurotrophic factors: BDNF, SDF and NGF (0.61 ± 0.01, 0.51 ± 0.01 and 0.67 ± 0.01, respectively) compared with Group II (0.33 ± 0.01, 0.36 ± 0.006 and 0.2 ± 0.01, respectively). Furthermore, SVF co-treated group revealed a significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in oligodendrocyte transcription factor (Olig2) and myelin basic protein (4 ± 0.35 and 6 ± 0.45, respectively) that was decreased in group II (1.8 ± 0.22 and 2.9 ± 0.20, respectively). Moreover, group III showed a significant (P ≤ 0.05) reduction in Bax and glial fibrillary acidic protein (4 ± 0.53 and 3.8 ± 0.52, respectively) as compared with group II (10.7 ± 0.49 and 8.7 ± 0.78, respectively). The transmission electron microscopy demonstrated regular more compact, and markedly (P ≤ 0.05) thicker myelin sheaths (mm) in Group III (0.3 ± 0.006) as compared with group II (0.1 ± 0.004). Based on our results, the SVF co-treated group revealed remyelination and regeneration capacity with a reduction in apoptosis and axonal degeneration.

CONCLUSION

SVF is considered an easy, valuable, and promising therapeutic approach for treating spinal cord injuries, particularly MS.

Stem cell treatment trials of spinal cord injuries in animals

BACKGROUND

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious neurological spinal cord damage that resulted in the loss of temporary or permanent function. However, there are even now no effective therapies for it. So, a new medical promising therapeutic hotspot over the previous decades appeared which was (Stem cell (SC) cure of SCI). Otherwise, animal models are considered in preclinical research as a model for humans to trial a potential new treatment.

METHODOLOGY

Following articles were saved from different databases (PubMed, Google scholar, Egyptian knowledge bank, Elsevier, Medline, Embase, ProQuest, BMC) on the last two decades, and data were obtained then analyzed.

RESULTS

This review discusses the type and grading of SCI. As well as different types of stem cells therapy for SCI, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), neural stem cells (NSCs), hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and embryonic stem cells (ESCs). The review focuses on the transplantation pathways, clinical evaluation, and clinical signs of different types of SC on different animal models which are summarized in tables to give an easy to reach.

CONCLUSION

Pharmacological and physiotherapy have limited regenerative power in comparison with stem cells medication in the treatment of SCI. Among several sources of cell therapies, mesenchymal stromal/stem cell (MSC) one is being progressively developed as a trusted important energetic way to repair and regenerate. Finally, a wide-ranged animal models have been condensed that helped in human clinical trial therapies.

The Long-Term Efficacy Study of Multiple Allogeneic Canine Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Transplantations Combined With Surgery in Four Dogs With Lumbosacral Spinal Cord Injury

Severe lumbosacral pain, paraparesis or paraplegia, and urinary incontinence are common but frustrating problems in dogs with lumbosacral spinal cord injury (SCI). The surgical interventions including stabilization and decompression may not restore satisfying neurological functions in severe SCI. Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (Ad-MSCs) show benefits in immunomodulation, anti-inflammation, and promotion of axonal growth and remyelination, and also display efficacy in several diseases in veterinary medicine. In this report, four dogs presented with fracture of sacrum vertebrae or fracture of seventh lumbar and lumbosacral displacement after road traffic accidents. The clinical signs include lumbosacral pain (4/4), paraparesis (3/4), paraplegia (1/4), and urinary incontinence (4/4). All dogs were treated by surgical decompression with or without stabilization 1 to 7 weeks after trauma. Allogeneic canine Ad-MSCs (cAd-MSCs) were injected locally on nerve roots through the surgical region in all dogs. One dose of intravenous transplantation and 4 doses of local transplantation were also performed within 8 weeks after the surgery separately. All dogs showed significant neurological improvements with normal ambulatory ability (4/4) and urinary control (3/4) 3 months after the surgery and the first cAd-MSCs transplantation. No side effect was related to multiple cAd-MSCs transplantations during 6 months monitoring in all dogs. In conclusion, multiple cAd-MSCs transplantations could be a recommended treatment combined with surgery in dogs with lumbosacral SCI.

Investigation of 2DOF PID Controller for Physio-Therapeutic Application for Elbow Rehabilitation

The aim of this work is to evaluate the output of a two-degree of freedom (DOF) proportional integral derivative (PID) controller for controlling elbow flexion and extension on an upper limb rehabilitation robot of an existing model. Since the usage of upper limb rehabilitation is increasing dramatically because of human impairment, 2DOF has been proposed in this work as a suitable controller. The 2DOF PID controller offers set-point-weight features and, hence, is fast in removing disturbance from the system and ensuring system stability. Importantly, as the system parameters are unknown in this work, the black-box model approach has been taken into consideration, using the MATLAB System identification toolbox to estimate a model. The best-fitted estimated model is then coupled with the proposed controller in the MATLAB/Simulink environment that, upon successful simulation works, leads, finally, to the hardware implementation. Three different amplitudes of sinusoidal current signals, such as 0.3 amps, 0.2 amps, and 0.1 amps, are applied for hardware measurements. Considering patients’ physical conditions. In this work, the 2DOF controller offers a fast transient response, settling time, negligible tracking error and 0% overshoot and undershoot.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Preclinical and clinical studies with various stem cells, their secretomes, and extracellular vesicles (EVs) indicate their use as a promising strategy for the treatment of various diseases and tissue defects, including neurodegenerative diseases such as spinal cord injury (SCI) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Autologous and allogenic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are so far the best candidates for use in regenerative medicine. Here we review the effects of the implantation of MSCs (progenitors of mesodermal origin) in animal models of SCI and ALS and in clinical studies. MSCs possess multilineage differentiation potential and are easily expandable in vitro. These cells, obtained from bone marrow (BM), adipose tissue, Wharton jelly, or even other tissues, have immunomodulatory and paracrine potential, releasing a number of cytokines and factors which inhibit the proliferation of T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells and modify dendritic cell activity. They are hypoimmunogenic, migrate toward lesion sites, induce better regeneration, preserve perineuronal nets, and stimulate neural plasticity. There is a wide use of MSC systemic application or MSCs seeded on scaffolds and tissue bridges made from various synthetic and natural biomaterials, including human decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) or nanofibers. The positive effects of MSC implantation have been recorded in animals with SCI lesions and ALS. Moreover, promising effects of autologous as well as allogenic MSCs for the treatment of SCI and ALS were demonstrated in recent clinical studies.

Micro- and Nanosized Substances Cause Different Autophagy-Related Responses

With rapid industrialization, humans produce an increasing number of products. The composition of these products is usually decomposed. However, some substances are not easily broken down and gradually become environmental pollutants. In addition, these substances may cause bioaccumulation, since the substances can be fragmented into micro- and nanoparticles. These particles or their interactions with other toxic matter circulate in humans via the food chain or air. Whether these micro- and nanoparticles interfere with extracellular vesicles (EVs) due to their similar sizes is unclear. Micro- and nanoparticles (MSs and NSs) induce several cell responses and are engulfed by cells depending on their size, for example, particulate matter with a diameter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5). Autophagy is a mechanism by which pathogens are destroyed in cells. Some artificial materials are not easily decomposed in organisms. How do these cells or tissues respond? In addition, autophagy operates through two pathways (increasing cell death or cell survival) in tumorigenesis. Many MSs and NSs have been found that induce autophagy in various cells and tissues. As a result, this review focuses on how these particles interfere with cells and tissues. Here, we review MSs, NSs, and PM2.5, which result in different autophagy-related responses in various tissues or cells.

An In Vitro Comparison of the Neurotrophic and Angiogenic Activity of Human and Canine Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs): Translating MSC-Based Therapies for Spinal Cord Injury

The majority of research into the effects of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplants on spinal cord injury (SCI) is performed in rodent models, which may help inform on mechanisms of action, but does not represent the scale and wound heterogeneity seen in human SCI. In contrast, SCI in dogs occurs naturally, is more akin to human SCI, and can be used to help address important aspects of the development of human MSC-based therapies. To enable translation to the clinic and comparison across species, we have examined the paracrine, regenerative capacity of human and canine adipose-derived MSCs in vitro. MSCs were initially phenotyped according to tissue culture plastic adherence, cluster of differentiation (CD) immunoprofiling and tri-lineage differentiation potential. Conditioned medium (CM) from MSC cultures was then assessed for its neurotrophic and angiogenic activity using established cell-based assays. MSC CM significantly increased neuronal cell proliferation, neurite outgrowth, and βIII tubulin immunopositivity. In addition, MSC CM significantly increased endothelial cell migration, cell proliferation and the formation of tubule-like structures in Matrigel assays. There were no marked or significant differences in the capacity of human or canine MSC CM to stimulate neuronal cell or endothelial cell activity. Hence, this study supports the use of MSC transplants for canine SCI; furthermore, it increases understanding of how this may subsequently provide useful information and translate to MSC transplants for human SCI.