The Effect of Normal Follicular Fluid on the Differentiation of PCOS Ovarian Stem Cells into Oocyte-Like Cells

Background

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the causes of infertility for which treatment methods do not have a high rate of pregnancy. In this study, the stem cells in the follicular fluid (FF) of patients were grown in the normal FF, and their differentiation into oocytes was evaluated.

Materials and Methods

The FF of PCOS patients was centrifuged, and their cells were cultured with and without 20% normal FF for 2 weeks. The cells were evaluated for their morphology by inverted microscope and for markers of stem cells (NANOG and OCT4) and oocytes (zona pellucida (ZP) 2 and ZP3) by RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry. The amount of steroids was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

The cells were all round on day 0. After that, they had a heterogeneous morphology (fibroblast-like cells, epithelial-like cells, and round oocyte-like cells). In the first week, NANOG and OCT4 genes in the study group were less expressed than those in the control group (P < 0.0001) (~0.5-fold), while ZP2 and Z3 genes were more expressed (P < 0.0001) (~2-fold). In the second week, stem cell genes were more expressed in the control group (~2 fold), and oocyte genes were more expressed in the study group (P < 0.0001) (~2.5-3.11 fold). These results were also confirmed by immunocytochemistry. The amount of steroids was much higher in the study group (three times and five times in two weeks) (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Stem cells can be obtained from the FF of PCOS, and normal FF has a positive effect on the growth and maturation of oocyte-like cells in vitro.

The Effect of Different Doses of Melatonin on in Vitro Maturation of Human Follicular Fluid-Derived Oocyte-Like Cells

Objective

Human follicular fluid (FF) contains different cell populations including mesenchymal stem cells. Studies tried to improve their differentiation to oocyte and use them in infertility treatments. Using an antioxidant may improve the quality of these cells. The present study investigated the effects of different doses of melatonin on FF-derived cells grown to oocyte-like cells (OLC).

Methods

Cell viability (MTT assay), flow cytometry, and ICC staining were utilized to evaluate CD105 and CD34 expression; colony forming unit assay (CFU-F) capability, qRT-PCR were used to investigate ZP1, ZP2, ZP3, GDF9, and SCP3 expression. AMH, Estradiol and Progesterone levels in the supernatant were measured. Morphological characteristics of fibroblast-like cells changing to a round shape were seen specifically in the group treated with melatonin 10^-7M after 2 weeks.

Results

There was no difference between control and treatment groups for MTT and CFU assays. ICC staining was positive for CD105 marker and negative for CD34 hematopoietic stem cell marker. qRT-PCR results indicated that ZP1, ZP2, GDF9, and SCP3 expression increased in the group treated with melatonin 10^-7M in Week 2, while ZP3 decreased in this group. Progesterone and AMH were detected in differentiation medium.

Conclusions

Melatonin may improve in vitro formation of OLCs.

Secretome of adipose derived stem cells induced apoptosis in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma C-643 cells

Introduction: Previous studies have proven that secretory materials of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) (secretome) have remedial properties. Objectives: The main goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of secretome of adipose-derived MSCs on growth and apoptosis in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) C-643 cells. Materials and Methods: Initially, thyroid carcinoma cells were exposed to the 25 and 50 μg/mL adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) secretome for 24 and 48 hours, to evaluate the proliferation and cytotoxicity of the C-643 cells, MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] test and colony assay was conducted. Acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining was conducted to evaluate the apoptosis. The expression level of apoptosis-associated genes was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Results: Cell viability and colony numbers in groups exposed to secretome were significantly lower than the control group. The amount of apoptosis-related genes (Bax/Bcl-2, P53, caspase-3 and caspase-8) expression in secretome-treated groups was more than the control group. Conclusion: The data revealed that ADSCs secretome caused the significant reduction of cell growth and induced apoptosis in C-643 cells.

Fabrication and Characterization of Glycerol/Chitosan/Polyvinyl Alcohol-Based Transparent Hydrogel Films Loaded with Silver Nanoparticles for Antibacterial Wound Dressing Applications

Background

Wounds have a bad prognostic nature and excessive discharges whose regular wound dressings are ineffective. Hydrogels are the best candidates for dressing such wounds due to their high water content and ability to exchange substances. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to make a novel hydrogel wound dressing following the integration of various findings on wound healing and the use of regenerative medicine.

Materials and Methods

Various compounds were fabricated by glycerol/chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and then characterized to obtain the optimal composition using several techniques, including a water vapor passage test, scanning electron microscopy, water absorption, tensile strength, biodegradability, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and antibacterial test.

Results

The findings revealed the optimal dressing ratio. Better antibacterial activity was found for the silver nanoparticle (AgNP) dressing.

Conclusion

Our new fabricated dressing, glycerol/chitosan/PVA hydrogel loaded with AgNPs, exhibited satisfactory wound healing properties.

Chemo/radiotherapy-Induced Bone Marrow Niche Alterations

Bone marrow (BM) niche is a specific microenvironment for hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) as well as non-hematopoietic cells. Evidence shows that chemo/radiotherapy can lead to the disruption of different properties of HSCs such as proliferation, differentiation, localization, self-renewa, and steady-state of cell populations. Investigations have shown that the deregulation of balance within the marrow cavity due to chemo/radiotherapy could lead to bone loss, abnormal hematopoiesis, and enhanced differentiation potential of mesenchymal stem cells towards the adipogenic lineage. Therefore, understanding the underlying mechanisms of chemo/radiotherapy induced BM niche changes may lead to the application of appropriate therapeutic agents to prevent BM niche defects. Highlights Chemo/radiotherapy disrupts the steady-state of bone marrow niche cells and result in deregulation of normal balance of stromal cell populations. Chemo/radiotherapy agents play a significant role in reducing of bone formation as well as fat accumulation in the bone marrow niche. Targeting molecular pathways may lead to recovery of bone marrow niches after chemo/radiotherapy.

High mannoronic acid containing alginate affects the differentiation of Wharton's jelly-derived stem cells to hepatocyte-like cell

For transplantation of cell into injured tissues, cells should be transferred to the damaged site through an adequate carrier. Nevertheless, the nutrient-limited and hypoxic condition in the carrier can bring about broad cell death. This study set to assess the impact of alginate concentrations on the differentiation and the proliferation of cells encapsulated in alginate hydrogels. Human Wharton's Jelly-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (HWJ-MSCs) were encapsulated in two concentrations of alginate hydrogel. Then, the proliferation and the hepatic differentiation were evaluated with an MTT assay and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay software and urea production. The results demonstrated that the proliferation of cell and urea production in 1.5% alginate concentration was higher than in 2.5% alginate concentration in the hydrogels of alginate. We deduce that the optimized alginate hydrogel concentration is necessary for achieving comparable cell activities in three-dimensional culture.

Ameliorating effect of encapsulated hepatocyte-like cells derived from umbilical cord in high mannuronic alginate scaffolds on acute liver failure in rats

OBJECTIVES

In this study, effects of encapsulated umbilical cord stem cells (UCSCs)-derived hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) in high mannuronic alginate scaffolds was investigated on CCl4-induced acute liver failure (ALF) in rats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

UCSCs were encapsulated in high mannuronic alginate scaffolds. Then the UCSCs differentiated into HLCs for treatment of CCl4-induced ALF in rats. Thirty rats randomly divided into 5 groups: Intoxicated group received only CCl4 to induce ALF. In other groups including cell-free, UCSCs and HLCs, alginate scaffolds were transplanted into the liver 4 days after CCl4 injection. Biochemical markers including albumin (ALB), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were evaluated. Histological changes and gene expression of ALB, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and cytokeratin 18 (CK-18) were also assessed.

RESULTS

Expression of CK-18 significantly increased in HLCs compared to the UCSCs in vitro. This indicates that UCSCs can effectively differentiate into the HLCs. In CCl4-intoxicated group, BUN, AST and ALT levels, and histological criteria, such as infiltration of inflammatory cells, accumulation of reticulocytes, nuclear pyknosis of hepatocyte and sinusoidal dilation, significantly increased. In this group, ALB secretion significantly decreased, while AFP expression significantly increased. Both UCSCs and HLCs encapsulated in alginate scaffolds effectively attenuated biochemical tests, improved liver cytoarchitecture, increased expression of ALB and reduced AFP expression.

CONCLUSION

Finding of the present study indicated that encapsulation of UCSCs or HLCs in alginate mannuronic scaffolds effectively improve CCl4-induced ALF.

The Incomplete Superficial Palmar Arch

Introduction:

Superficial palmar arch (SPA) is dominant vascular structure in palm of hand. In present study we described a case of Ulnar / Radiopalmar pattern of incomplete SPA in an Iranian cadaver. When the SPA is complete, the superficial palmer branches of the radial artery contribute to the ulnar artery. In incomplete type of SPA, there was no anastomosis between the ulnar and radial arteries (UA, RA).

Case Report:

In the present case, the brachial artery divided into RA and UA at the cubital fossa. There was no anastomosis between radial and ulnar arteries (RA, UA) in the palm of the hand. UA gave three palmar digital arteries; proper palmar digital artery and two common palmar digital arteries. RA gave proper palmar digital artery and arteria princeps pollicis.

Conclusion:

Knowledge of anatomical variation of SPA is important for the hand surgical interventions and this is a very rare variation which can be easily tested clinically by Allen's test

Role of stem cell factor in the placental niche

Stem cell factor (SCF) is a cytokine found in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and causes proliferation and differentiation of cells by binding to its receptor (c-kit). It is produced in the yolk sac, fetal liver and bone marrow during the development of the fetus and, together with its signaling pathway, plays an important role in the development of these cells. The placenta, an important hematopoiesis site before the entry of cells into the liver, is rich in HSCs, with definitive hematopoiesis in a variety of HSC types and embryonic stem cells. Chorionic-plate-derived mesenchymal stem cells (CP-MSCs) isolated from the placenta show stem cell markers such as CD41 and cause the self-renewal of cells under hypoxic conditions. In contrast, hypoxia can result in apoptosis and autophagy via oxidative stress in stem cells. As a hypoxia-induced factor, SCF causes a balance between cell survival and death by autophagy in CP-MSCs. Stromal cells and MSCs have a crucial function in the development of HSCs in the placenta via SCF expression in the placental vascular niche. Defects in hematopoietic growth factors (such as SCF and its signaling pathways) lead to impaired hematopoiesis, resulting in fetal death and abortion. Therefore, an awareness of the role of the SCF/c-kit pathway in the survival, apoptosis and development of stem cells can significantly contribute to the exploration of stem cell production pathways during the embryonic period and in malignancies and in the further generation of these cells to facilitate therapeutic approaches. In this review, we discuss the role of SCF in the placental niche.

Persistent median artery in the carpal tunnel and anastomosis with superficial palmar arch

Persistent median artery (PMA) in present cadaver originated from the brachial artery and anastomosed with the superficial palmar arch (SPA). As the PMA may be the cause of carpal tunnel syndrome and SPA is the main source of arterial supply, knowledge of which are important for the hand surgical interventions.

Improvement of mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into the endoderm lineage by four step sequential method in biocompatible biomaterial

Introduction: The goal of the study described here, was to investigate the potential of umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cell (UC-MSCs) into hepatocyte like cells in a sequential 2D and 3D differentiation protocols as alternative therapy.

Methods: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were isolated from the umbilical cord (UC) and CD markers were analyzed by flow cytometry. For hepatic differentiation of UC-MSCs, cells were induced with a sequential 4-step protocol in 3D and 2D culture system. Urea concentration and albumin secretion into the culture medium was quantified by ELISA. Gene expression levels of AFP, ALB, and CK18 were determined by RT-PCR. Data were statistically analyzed by the SPSS software. The difference between the mean was considered significant when p < 0.05.

Results: Growth factor dependent morphological changes from elongated fibroblast-like cells to round epithelial cell morphology were observed in 2D culture. Cell proliferation analysis showed round-shaped morphology with clear cytoplasm and nucleus on the alginate scaffold in 3D culture. The mean valuses of albumin production and urea secretion were significantly higher in the 3D Culture system when compared with the 2D culture (p = 0.005 vs p = 0.001), respectively. Treatment of cells with TSA in the final step of differentiation induced an increased expression of CK18 and a decreased expression of αFP in both the 3D and 2D cultures (p = 0.026), but led to a decreased albumin gene expression, and an increased expression in the 2D culture (p = 0.001).

Conclusion: Findings of the present study indicated that sequential exposure of UC-MSCs with growth factors in 3D culture improves hepatic differentiation.