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Tissue engineering for spinal cord injury (SCI) remains a complex and challenging task. Biomaterial scaffolds have been suggested as a potential solution for supporting cell survival and differentiation at the injury site. However, different biomaterials display multiple properties that significantly impact neural tissue at a cellular level. Here, we evaluated the behavior of different cell lines seeded on chitosan (CHI), poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL), and poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA) scaffolds. We demonstrated that the surface properties of a material play a crucial role in cell morphology and differentiation. While the direct contact of a polymer with the cells did not cause cytotoxicity or inhibit the spread of neural progenitor cells derived from neurospheres (NPCdn), neonatal rat spinal cord cells (SCC) and NPCdn only attached and matured on PCL and PLLA surfaces. Scanning electron microscopy and computational analysis suggested that cells attached to the material's surface emerged into distinct morphological populations. Flow cytometry revealed a higher differentiation of neural progenitor cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC-NPC) into glial cells on all biomaterials. Immunofluorescence assays demonstrated that PCL and PLLA guided neuronal differentiation and network development in SCC. Our data emphasize the importance of selecting appropriate biomaterials for tissue engineering in SCI treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Arthroskopie is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The abdominal type of cryptorchism was modeled on random-bred albino rats by replacing both testes from the scrotum into the abdominal cavity for 3 weeks; thereupon they were manipulated into the scrotum. In control rats, no additional surgery was performed. In experimental rats, the testicular tissue obtained from 1-2-day rat pups was transplanted under testicular tunica albuginea. Prior to orchiopexy, the weight of testes decreased by 62.5-64.1%. In 6 month after the surgery, it increased by 36.1% in the control group, whereas in experimental rats the weight of testes elevated by 123.2% and approximated the normal value. Histologically, the control group demonstrated persistent disturbance in spermatogenesis with emptiness of numerous seminiferous tubules where only Sertoli cells could be revealed and with pronounced dystrophic alterations in the spermatogenous epithelium of the partially preserved tubules where spermatogenesis was blocked at the spermatogonial level. In contrast, the transplantation region of the experimental testes exhibited formation of novel mature testicular tissue enclosed by a connective tissue capsule incorporating the seminiferous tubules with differentiated epithelium and with the clusters of Leydig cells in the stroma. In 6 month, spermatogenesis was observed in most seminiferous tubules of the host testicular tissue, which had spermatozoa in the lumens. To the moment of orchiopexy, the blood testosterone decreased by about 2.5-fold. In control group it remained diminished during entire observation period (up to 6 month), while in the experiment group its level normalized completely as early as in 2 month and remained even elevated to the end of observation period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The abdominal type of cryptorchism was modeled on random-bred albino rats by replacing both testes from the scrotum into the abdominal cavity for 3 weeks; thereupon they were manipulated into the scrotum. In control rats, no additional surgery was performed. In experimental rats, the testicular tissue obtained from 1-2-day rat pups was transplanted under testicular tunica albuginea. Prior to orchiopexy, the weight of testes decreased by 62.5-64.1%. In 6 month after the surgery, it increased by 36.1% in the control group, whereas in experimental rats the weight of testes elevated by 123.2% and approximated the normal value. Histologically, the control group demonstrated persistent disturbance in spermatogenesis with emptiness of numerous seminiferous tubules where only Sertoli cells could be revealed and with pronounced dystrophic alterations in the spermatogenous epithelium of the partially preserved tubules where spermatogenesis was blocked at the spermatogonial level. In contrast, the transplantation region of the experimental testes exhibited formation of novel mature testicular tissue enclosed by a connective tissue capsule incorporating the seminiferous tubules with differentiated epithelium and with the clusters of Leydig cells in the stroma. In 6 month, spermatogenesis was observed in most seminiferous tubules of the host testicular tissue, which had spermatozoa in the lumens. To the moment of orchiopexy, the blood testosterone decreased by about 2.5-fold. In control group it remained diminished during entire observation period (up to 6 month), while in the experiment group its level normalized completely as early as in 2 month and remained even elevated to the end of observation period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research / Zhongguo Zuzhi Gongcheng Yanjiu is the property of Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aims: Pre-clinical and few clinical studies suggest that transplantation of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMNC) improves heart function in dilated cardiomyopathies. Our objective was to determine if intracoronary injection of autologous BMNC improves the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of patients with non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM). Methods This study was a multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial with afollow-up of 12 months. Patients and results with NIDCM and LVEF <35% were recruited at heart failure ambulatories in specialized hospitals around Brazil. One hundred and sixty subjects were randomized to intracoronary injection of BMNC or placebo (1:1). The primary endpoint was the difference in change of LVEF between BMNC and placebo groups as determined by echocardiography. One hundred and fifteen patients completed the study. Left ventricular ejection fraction decreased from 24.0% (21.6-26.3) to 19.9% (15.4-24.4) in the BMNC group and from 24.3% (22.1-26.5) to 22.1% (17.4-26.8) in the placebo group. There were no significant differences in changes between cell and placebo groups for left ventricular systolic and diastolic volumes and ejection fraction. Mortality rate was 20.37% in placebo and 21.31% in BMNC. Conclusion Intracoronary injection of autologous BMNC does not improve left ventricular function in patients with NIDCM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) or Rendu-Osler-Weber disease is a rare genetic vascular disorder known for its endothelial dysplasia causing arteriovenous malformations and severe bleedings. HHT-1 and HHT-2 are the most prevalent variants and are caused by heterozygous mutations in endoglin and activin receptor-like kinase 1, respectively. An undervalued aspect of the disease is that HHT patients experience persistent inflammation. Although endothelial and mural cells have been the main research focus trying to unravel the mechanism behind the disease, wound healing is a process with a delicate balance between inflammatory and vascular cells. Inflammatory cells are part of the mononuclear cells (MNCs) fraction, and can, next to eliciting an immune response, also have angiogenic potential. This biphasic effect of MNC can hold a promising mechanism to further elucidate treatment strategies for HHT patients. Before MNC are able to contribute to repair, they need to home to and retain in ischemic and damaged tissue. Directed migration (homing) of MNCs following tissue damage is regulated by the stromal cell derived factor 1 (SDF1). MNCs that express the C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) migrate toward the tightly regulated gradient of SDF1. This directed migration of monocytes and lymphocytes can be inhibited by dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4). Interestingly, MNC of HHT patients express elevated levels of DPP4 and show impaired homing toward damaged tissue. Impaired homing capacity of the MNCs might therefore contribute to the impaired angiogenesis and tissue repair observed in HHT patients. This review summarizes recent studies regarding the role of MNCs in the etiology of HHT and vascular repair, and evaluates the efficacy of DPP4 inhibition in tissue integrity and repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the cytotoxicity, cellular intake and magnetic field interaction of three superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) and one ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) nanoparticles on ARPE-19 cells. Methods: Two FDA-approved SPIO nanoparticles (Endorem and Lumirem), one commercial SPIO(FluidMag-L) and one FDA-approved USPIO (Feraheme) were tested. Nanoparticle suspensions were diluted and prepared in high- (1000 Fe-ug/ml) and low- (100 Fe-ug/ml) dose suspensions. ARPE-19 cells were incubated in four 24-well plates and the medium changed every other day until cells attained 80% confluence. Nanoparticle cytotoxicity was evaluated using the XTT cytotoxicity assay. Cellular attraction was tested after digestion of the cells in collagenase A (1 mg/ml) overnight. A 3500 Gauss neodymium magnet was used to attract cells to the well walls. ARPE-19 cell ultrastructure was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to determine the specific locations of nanoparticles within the cell membranes. Results: Cytotoxicity assessment by the XTT assay revealed that ARPE-19 cells that were exposed to either concentration of Endorem, FLuidMag-L, Feraheme non-conjugated with protamine and heparin or Lumirem demonstrated no statistically significant toxicity. Cells exposed to Feraheme when conjugated with protamine and heparin presented severe toxicity in both concentrations. When a magnetic field was applied, all nanoparticle-containing samples, except Feraheme non-conjugated form, were promptly attracted. TEM and prussian blue staining examination revealed that Feraheme alone was not initially capable of cellular uptake. This issue was solved by conjugating Feraheme with protamine and heparin (although cytotoxicity was found on those samples). Endorem, FLuidMag-L, Feraheme conjugated form were found within the cytoplasm of ARPE-19 cells. Conclusions: Ferahame when conjugated with protamine and heparin was cytotoxic at the higher and lower doses, as revealed by the XTT assay. Endorem and FluidMag-L were not toxic at the studied concentrations. Feraheme non-conjugated solutions and Lumirem solutions provided were harmless but were not internalized by ARPE-19 cells. All the studied nanoparticles were attracted to the magnetic field except Feraheme in the non-conjugated form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is the most common and disabling complication of diabetes that may lead to foot ulcers and limb amputations. Despite widespread awareness of DN, the only effective treatments are glucose control and pain management. A growing body of evidence suggests that DN is characterized by reduction of vascularity in peripheral nerves and deficiency in neurotrophic and angiogenic factors. Previous studies have tried to introduce neurotrophic or angiogenic factors in the form of protein or gene for therapy, but the effect was not significant. Recent studies have shown that bone marrow (BM)-derived stem or progenitor cells have favorable effects on the repair of cardiovascular diseases. Since these BM-derived stem or progenitor cells contairi various angiogenic and neurotrophic factors, these cells have been attempted for treating experimental DN, and turned out to be effective for reversing various manifestations of experimental DN. These evidences suggest that cell therapy, affecting both vascular and neural components, can represent a novel therapeutic option for treatment of clinical DN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of CorSalud is the property of Cardiocentro Ernesto Che Guevara and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Iatreia is the property of Universidad de Antioquia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Marmara Medical Journal is the property of Marmara Medical Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Bundesgesundheitsblatt - Gesundheitsforschung - Gesundheitsschutz is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from somatic cells demonstrated that adult mammalian cells can be reprogrammed into a pluripotent state by introducing defined transcription factors. iPSCs show almost identical properties in self-renewal and pluripotency, and can circumvent ethical concerns because they do not use embryonic materials. Therefore, iPSCs from a patient's somatic cells have great potential in studying drug development and regenerative medicine. Several human disease models have already been established using patient-specific iPSCs from Parkinson's disease and familial dysautonomia. Moreover, the correction of genetic defects by homologous recombination has already been accomplished with Fanconi anemia patient-specific iPSCs. However, the generation of patient-specific iPSCs for clinical application requires alternative strategies, because genome-integrating viral vectors may raise tumorigenic risk after transplantation. Moreover, the use of iPSCs for eventual clinical application is limited by the low efficiency of current methods for reprogramming. Studies on the mechanism underlying the reprogramming and on establishment of non-integration methods contribute evidence toward resolving the safety concerns associated with iPSCs. Small molecules involved in the epigenetic modification and signaling pathway not only improve reprogramming efficiencies, but also bypass the addition of certain reprogramming factors. However, reprogramming somatic cells purely by small molecule treatment still remains a challenge. Here, we review recent progress made by the use of transcription factors and small molecules that can either replace reprogramming factors or enhance reprogramming efficiency. We also discuss the progress that has been made in the rapidly moving iPSC field, with an emphasis on understanding the mechanisms of cellular reprogramming and its potential application to cell therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of cellular therapy in the treatment of dermal wounds is currently an active area of investigation. Multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPC) are an attractive choice for cytotherapy because they have a large proliferative potential, the ability to differentiate into different cell types and produce a variety of cytokines and growth factors important to wound healing. Whole bone marrow (BM) was one of the initial attempts to treat impaired wounds. While it has shown some promise, the low frequency of progenitor cell populations in BM and the large number of inflammatory cells make it less attractive. Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) and endothelial progenitor cells are populations of BM-derived progenitor cells that have been isolated and used to treat chronic wounds with some success. Skin-derived MAPC are another heterogeneous population of progenitor cells present in the skin with the potential to differentiate into skin elements and participate in wound healing. All of these progenitor cell populations are potential sources for cytotherapy of wounds. This review focused on the contribution of adult progenitor cell populations to dermal wound healing and their potential for use in cytotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intensity of regeneration of crossed gastrocnemius muscle was evaluated in two groups of mdx mice of different age 2 weeks after implantation of crushed muscle tissue from newborn rats into the wound defect area. The effect of xenoplasty manifested in increased weight of the damaged muscle. The effect was observed in mice aging 12–16 weeks but not in those aged 40–48-weeks. Structural changes in the skeletal muscle tissue intrinsic of mdx mice and augmenting with age were detected in intact mice before the experiment. Activity of muscle fiber regeneration in intact and injured muscle of 40–48-week-old mice was significantly lower than in 12–16-week-old ones. Myoblasts of the xenogenic transplant retained viability in recipient muscles for at least 2 weeks. Post-traumatic regeneration was stimulated in only 12–16-week animals. Xenoplasty was ineffective in older animals and even somewhat enhanced the destructive processes in the muscle. It seems that age-specific regeneration activity of the recipient skeletal muscle tissue should be taken into consideration in the development of effective strategy of cell therapy for progressive muscular dystrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypoparathyroidism is an endocrine disorder characterized by low serum calcium levels, high serum phosphorus levels, and by inappropriate or absent secretion of the parathyroid hormone (PTH). The most common therapeutic strategy to treat this condition is hormone replacement therapy with calcium and vitamin D but, unfortunately, in the long term this treatment may not be sufficient to compensate for the loss of endocrine function. Glandular autotransplantation is considered the most effective technique in place of replacement therapy. Although it leads to excellent results in most cases, autotransplantation is not always possible. Allograft is a good way to treat patients who have not been able to undergo autograft, but this technique has limited success due to side effects related to tissue rejection. This therapy is supported by systemic immunosuppression, which leads to the onset of serious side effects in patients, with a risk of endocrine toxicity. Today, research on endocrine disorders is focused on discovering alternative graft therapies that can allow optimal results with the fewest possible side effects. In this review, we will make an update on the current state of the art about the cell and tissue therapy as treatment for hypoparathyroidism, to identify which type of therapeutic strategy could be valid for a future clinical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser-generated focused ultrasound (LGFU) is an emerging modality for cavitation-based therapy. However, focal pressure amplitudes by LGFU alone to achieve pulsed cavitation are often lacking as a treatment depth increases. This requires a higher pressure from a transmitter surface and more laser energies that even approach to a damage threshold of transmitter. To mitigate the requirement for LGFU-induced cavitation, we propose LGFU configurations with a locally heated focal zone using an additional high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) transmitter. After confirming heat-induced cavitation enhancement using two separate transmitters, we then developed a stacked hybrid optoacoustic-piezoelectric transmitter, which is a unique configuration made by coating an optoacoustic layer directly onto a piezoelectric substrate. This shared curvature design has great practical advantage without requiring the complex alignment of two focal zones. Moreover, this enabled the amplification of cavitation bubble density by 18.5-fold compared to the LGFU operation alone. Finally, the feasibility of tissue fragmentation was confirmed through a tissue-mimicking gel, using the combination of LGFU and HIFU (not via a stacked structure). We expect that the stacked transmitter can be effectively used for stronger and faster tissue fragmentation than the LGFU transmitter alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]