Search

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease with limited therapeutic options, where inflammation plays a critical role in disease progression. Extracellular vesicles (EV) derived from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) have shown potential as a therapeutic approach for OA by modulating inflammation and alleviating degenerative processes in the joint. This study evaluated the therapeutic effects for the treatment of OA of two types of EV—exosomes and matrix-bound nanovesicles (MBV)—both derived from the human umbilical cord MSC (UC-MSC) via differential ultracentrifugation. Different phenotypes of human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) were used to study the anti-inflammatory properties of EV in vitro, and the medial meniscectomy-induced rat model of knee osteoarthritis (MMx) was used in vivo. The study found that both EV reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α in MDM. However, exosomes showed superior results, preserving the extracellular matrix (ECM) of hyaline cartilage, and reducing synovitis more effectively than MBVs. Additionally, exosomes downregulated inflammatory markers (TNF-α, iNOS) and increased Arg-1 expression in macrophages and synovial fibroblasts, indicating a stronger anti-inflammatory effect. These results suggest UC-MSC exosomes as a promising therapeutic option for OA, with the potential for modulating inflammation and promoting joint tissue regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, an increasing number of patients are undergoing extensive surgeries to restore the mucosa of the gums in the area of recessions. The use of a connective tissue graft from the palate is the gold standard of such surgical treatment, but complications, especially in cases of extensive defects, have led to the development of approaches using xenogeneic collagen matrices and methods to stimulate their regenerative and vasculogenic potential. This study investigated the potential of a xenogeneic scaffold derived from porcine skin Mucoderm and injections of the pCMV-VEGF165 plasmid ('Neovasculgen') to enhance soft gingival tissue volume and vascularization in an experimental model in rabbits. In vitro studies demonstrated the biocompatibility of the matrix and plasmid with gingival mesenchymal stem cells, showing no toxic effects and supporting cell viability and metabolic activity. In the in vivo experiment, the combination of Mucoderm and the pCMV-VEGF165 plasmid (0.12 mg) synergistically promoted tissue proliferation and vascularization. The thickness of soft tissues at the implantation site significantly increased with the combined application (3257.8 ± 1093.5 µm). Meanwhile, in the control group, the thickness of the submucosa was 341.8 ± 65.6 µm, and after the implantation of only Mucoderm, the thickness of the submucosa was 2041.6 ± 496.8 µm. Furthermore, when using a combination of Mucoderm and the pCMV-VEGF165 plasmid, the density and diameter of blood vessels were notably augmented, with a mean value of 226.7 ± 45.9 per 1 mm2 of tissue, while in the control group, it was only 68.3 ± 17.2 per 1 mm2 of tissue. With the application of only Mucoderm, it was 131.7 ± 37.1 per 1 mm2 of tissue, and with only the pCMV-VEGF165 plasmid, it was 145 ± 37.82 per 1 mm2 of the sample. Thus, the use of the pCMV-VEGF165 plasmid ('Neovasculgen') in combination with the xenogeneic collagen matrix Mucoderm potentiated the pro-proliferative effect of the membrane and the pro-vascularization effect of the plasmid. These results indicate the promising potential of this innovative approach for clinical applications in regenerative medicine and dentistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]