Expression of miR-92a in Green Tea EGCG Preconditioned Adiposederived Stem Cells Ameliorates Inflammatory Response and Increases Cartilage Regeneration in RA Rats through KLF4/IL-17/MMP-2 Axis Modulation

Neurodegenerative diseases have become increasingly prevalent in the aged population. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes systemic inflammation, damaging the neurons. However, only a few treatment options can reduce RA-induced neurodegeneration. This study aimed to evaluate whether adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) pretreated with curcumin could ameliorate RA-induced neurodegenerative illness in an RA rat model. Wistar rats were randomly classified into the following four groups: control, RA, RA + ADSC (1 × 106 cells per rat), and RA + curcumin-pretreated ADSC (1 × 106 cells per rat). After treatment for two months, the effects were specifically evaluated in the brains collected from the rats. Our results demonstrated that the transplantation of curcumin-pretreated ADSCs substantially reduced inflammation and apoptosis in the cortices of RA rats compared to those of other groups. Thus, the combination of ADSCs and curcumin exerts a synergistic effect in enhancing neuronal protection in RA rats. In the future, this combination therapeutic strategy can potentially be used as a novel treatment method to reduce RA-induced neurodegenerative disorders.

BACKGROUND Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) from intra-articular adipose tissue of osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients similarly regulate the proliferation of activated CD4⁺ T lymphocytes and exhibit comparable differentiation potential. This study aimed to assess the impact of ASCs from RA patients on CD4⁺ T cell activation and differentiation into Th17 and T regulatory (Treg) cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS Intra-articular adipose tissue samples were obtained from patients with RA and OA, who underwent knee replacement surgery. ASCs were isolated and cultured either with isolated CD4⁺ cells or with peripheral blood mononuclear cells. After culture, CD4⁺ T cell phenotype was evaluated by flow cytometry, and cytokine concentrations in culture supernatants were analyzed via ELISA. Blocking experiments were conducted to identify the soluble agents responsible for the immunomodulatory effects of ASCs. RESULTS RA- and OA-derived ASCs effectively modulated CD25 and CD69 expression on CD4⁺ cells. RA-derived ASCs failed to induce Tregs, decreased HLA-DR expression, and increased IL-35 production. RA- and OA-derived ASCs reduced TNF and IFN-γ production but increased IL-17 production. The immunomodulatory activities of ASCs were linked to the kynurenine pathway and prostaglandin E2. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that ASCs modulate the phenotype of CD4⁺ T cells and influence the production of both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. However, ASCs from RA patients appear to have impaired immunomodulatory abilities, raising concerns about their therapeutic potential. Further research is needed to enhance our understanding of ASCs biology and their therapeutic utility.

Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of locally administered ADSCs in a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) mouse model. In an in vivo experiment, single-cell ADSCs and three dimensionally-cultured ADSC spheroids were injected intra-articularly into the knees of RA model mice and histologically assessed. Marked improvement of synovial inflammation and articular cartilage regeneration was found in ADSC-treated mice. Proliferation, migration, and apoptosis assays of synovial fibroblasts incubated with single-cell and spheroid ADSCs were performed. The expression levels of total cytokine RNA in ADSC single cells, spheroids, and ADSC-treated inflammatory synovial fibroblasts were also evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription PCR. ADSCs suppressed the proliferation and migration of activated inflammatory cells and downregulated inflammatory cytokines. TSG-6 and TGFβ1 were significantly upregulated in ADSCs compared to controls and TGFβ1 was significantly upregulated in ADSC spheroids compared to single cells. The apoptosis rate of ADSC spheroids was significantly lower than that of single-cell ADSCs. These results indicated that intra-articular administration of ADSC single cells and spheroids was effective in an RA mouse model, offering a novel approach for the development of effective localized treatments for patients with RA.

Cardiomyopathy is one of complications related to diabetes. Stem cell transplantation shows potential in diabetic cardiomyopathy treatment. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is one of the major components found in green tea. Although stem cell transplantation and green tea EGCG supplementation show therapeutic effects on cardiomyopathy, the detailed cellular mechanisms in stem cell transplantation coupled with EGCG treatment remain unclear. This study investigates whether adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) pretreated with EGCG show better protective effect on diabetic cardiomyopathy than ADSC without EGCG pretreatment. A cell model indicated that ADSC pretreated with EGCG increased cell functions including colony formation, migration and survival markers. All of these functions are blocked by small interfering C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (siCXCR4) administration. These findings suggest that ADSC pretreatment with EGCG increases cell functions through CXCR4 expression. A diabetic animal model was designed to verify the above findings, including Sham, DM (diabetes mellitus), DM+ADSC (DM rats receiving autologous transplantation of ADSC) and DM+E-ADSC (DM rats receiving EGCG pretreated ADSC). Compared to the Sham, we found that all of pathophysiological signalings were activated in the DM group, including functional changes (decrease in ejection fraction and fractional shortening), structural changes (disarray and fibrosis) and molecular changes (increases in apoptotic, fibrotic, hypertrophic markers and decreases in survival and longevity markers). E-ADSC (DM+E-ADSC) transplantation shows significant improvement in the above pathophysiological signalings greater than ADSC (DM+ADSC). Therefore, ADSC pretreated with EGCG may contribute to clinical applications for diabetic patients with cardiomyopathy.

Type 1 diabetes stem-cell-based therapy is one of the best therapeutic approaches for pancreatic damage treatment due to stem cell tissue regeneration. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is one of the active components found in green tea. Experimental results suggest that EGCG shows beneficial effects on cell protection. This study explores whether a better pancreatic regeneration therapeutic effect could be found in mesenchymal stem cells pretreated with EGCG compared to stem cells without EGCG pretreatment. A cell model confirmed that adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) incubated with EGCG increase cell viability under high-glucose (HG) stress. This is due to survival marker p-Akt expression. In an animal model, type 1 diabetes induced the activation of several pathological signals, including islet size reduction, extracellular fibrotic collagen deposition, oxidative stress elevation, survival pathway suppression, apoptosis signaling induction, and Sirt1 antioxidant pathway downregulation. Ordinary ADSC transplantation slightly improved the above pathological signals. Further, EGCG-pretreated ADSC transplantation significantly improved the above pathological conditions. Taken together, EGCG-pretreated ADSCs show clinical potential in the treatment of patients with type 1 diabetes through the regeneration of damaged pancreatic tissues.

Objective To investigate the effect of dose and timing of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) transplantation on pulmonary arterial pressure in monocrotaline (MCT) -induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in rats. Methods (1) MCT-induced PAH in rats: 48 male SD rats were injected intraperitoneally with normal saline, 20 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg MCT respectively. Mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) was determined by right heart catheterization and right ventricular hypertrophy index (RVHI) was detected by weighting method at 4 and 8 weeks after MCT injection. (2) Dose of ADSC: male SD rats were administrated with 40 mg/kg MCT (n = 30) and normal saline (n = 30). Normal saline or different numbers of ADSC (0.5×106, 1.0×106, 3.0×106, 5.0×106) were injected through jugular vein at 1 week after intraperitoneal injection of MCT. mPAP and RVHI were detected at 3 weeks after ADSC transplantation. (3) Timing of ADSC transplantation: 30 male SD rats were administrated with 40 mg/kg MCT (n = 30) and normal saline (n = 6). One day, 1 or 2 weeks after intraperitoneal injection of 40 mg/kg MCT, 1.0×106 ADSC were transplanted into the rats. mPAP and RVHI were detected at 4 weeks after MCT injection. Differences among groups were compared using one-way or two-way analysis of variance, and pairwise comparison was performed using LSD test. Results (1) 4 weeks after intraperitoneal injection of 30 or 40 mg/kg MCT, both mPAP and RVHI increased [mPAP (mm Hg): 24.89±3.31, 27.19±2.11 vs 15.80±0.42, P < 0.05; RVHI: 0.42±0.06, 0.47±0.04 vs 0.25±0.02, P < 0.05)]. 8 weeks after MCT injection, mPAP and RVHI returned to normal in the 20 and 30 mg/kg MCT groups. All rats died in the 40 mg/kg MCT group. (2) Both mPAP and RVHI in the 40 mg/kg MCT group elevated. 3 weeks after transplantation of 1.0×106 ADSC, mPAP declined (27.19±1.73) mmHg vs (17.24±0.66) mmHg (P < 0.05). However, mPAP did not decrease in rats given 0.5×106, 3.0×106 or 5.0×106 ADSC. (3) 1 or 2 weeks after intraperitoneal injection of 40 mg/ kg MCT, mPAP reduced in PAH rats given 1.0×106 ADSC. Conclusions 4 weeks after a single intraperitoneal injection of 40 mg/kg MCT, a stable PAH rat model could be established. 1 or 2 weeks after intraperitoneal injection of 40 mg/kg MCT, transplantation of 1.0×106 ADSC could effectively reduce mPAP in PAH rats. Key words: Adipose tissue-derived stem cell; Pulmonary arterial hypertension; Monocrotaline; Mean pulmonary arterial hypertension

Green Tea Extract and (−)-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Inhibit Mast Cell-Stimulated Type I Collagen Expression in Keloid Fibroblasts via Blocking PI-3K/Akt Signaling Pathways

Objective To This project aimed to discover potential mechanism of treating myocardial infarction by transplantation of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) with basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF).Methods ADSC were isolated from the fat tissue.These cells were cultured and induced to differentiate to the adipogenic cells,which were identified by rows stem cell adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation.Myocardial infarction (MI) model were conducted in 50 SD rats,and rats were randomized into 4 groups with the inclusion criterion of EF (ejection fraction) ＜40％ by echocardiography 1 week after MI (PBS group,bFGF group,PBS+ADSC group,ADSC+bFGF group).bFGF was co-injected with ADSC into the left ventricular wall of MI rats.After 4 weeks,MI size,left ventricular wall thickness,MI parts micro-vessel density,ADSC differentiation at the MI site were detected and cardiac function measured by echocardiography.Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to evaluate possible mechanism.Results ADSC were successfully isolated and most ADSC showed positive and CD90 and CD29 and negative,CD45 and CD34 by flow cytometry.ADSC could be differentiated into adipogenic,and osteogenic cells.PBS + ADSC group and ADSC + bFGF group showed statistically significant differences of angiogenesis,ventricular wall thickness MI size,MI regional capacity compared to PBS groups,especially ADSC+bFGF group (P＜0.01).After 4 weeks of ADSC transplantation into rats,the cells could differentiate into positive cTnT,SMA positive cells and vWAg positive cells.Cardiac function test results showed that PBS+ADSC group had the same ability of repairment as ADSC+bFGF group.Conclusion Treatment of cotransplanting ADSC with bFGF can promote the regeneration of infarcted myocardium and blood vessels,and improve the cardiac function. Key words: Myocardial infarction; Adipose derived stem cell; Basic fibroblast growth factor

Adipose-derived stem cell transplantation improves learning and memory via releasing neurotrophins in rat model of temporal lobe epilepsy

The present study tests a hypothesis that cardioprotective effects mediated by autologous adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) in rats afflicted with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) may be synergistically enhanced by oral treatment with green tea epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Wistar rats were divided into sham, DM, DM+ADSC (autologous transplanted 1 × 106 cells per rat), and DM+ADSC+E (E, green tea oral administration EGCG). Heart tissues were isolated from all rats, and investigations were performed after 2-mo treatment. In the sham, DM, and DM+ADSC groups, we found that DM induced cardiac dysfunction (sham and DM) and autologous ADSC transplantation could partially recover cardiac functions (DM and DM+ADSC) in DM rats. Compared with DM+ADSC, significant improvement in cardiac functions can be observed in DM+ADSC+E in echocardiographic data, histological observations, and even cellular protein expression. Oral green tea EGCG administration and autologous ADSC transplantation show synergistically beneficial effects on diabetic cardiac myopathy in DM rats.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Cardiomyopathy can be induced in rats with diabetes mellitus (DM). Heart function can be restored in DM rats with adipose-derived stem cell treatment. Oral epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) administration synergistically enhances cardiac function in DM rats with stem cell treatment. The EGCG and stem cell treatment cross-effect occurs via survival protein expression.

Synovial hyperplasia is the main cause of chronic rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the mechanism of synovial hyperplasia is still unclear. Etodolac (ETD) is a selective COX-2 inhibitor for relieving pain and stiffness in RA, but the disease modifying effect is still lack of evidence. Proteomics method was used to study the differential proteome of synovial tissue in collagen induced arthritis (CIA) in rats. With the help of STRING analysis, the upregulated proteins enriched in the cluster of complement and coagulation cascades and platelet degranulation were highlighted, these proteins with fibrogenic factors Lum, CIV, CXI and Tgfbi participated in the synovial inflammation, fibrosis and hyperplasia in CIA. Based on KOG function class analysis, the proteins involved in the events of the central dogma was explored. They might be hyperplasia related proteins for most of them are related to the proliferation of cancer. ETD significantly attenuated synovial inflammation, fibrosis and hyperplasia in CIA rats by downregulating these proteins. Several proteins have not been observed in RA so far, such as Tmsb4x, Pura, Nfic, Ruvbl1, Snrpd3, U2af2, Srrm2, Srsf7, Elavl1, Hnrnph1, Wars, Yars, Bzw2, Mcts1, Eif4b, Ctsh, Lamp1, Dpp7, Ptges3, Cdc37 and Septin9, they might be potentials targets for RA. Blood biochemistry tests showed the safety of 7 months use of ETD on rats. In conclusion, present study displayed a comprehensive mechanism of synovial hyperplasia in CIA rats, on this basis, the clinical value of ETD in the treatment of RA was well confirmed.

This study aims to investigate the effect of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) transplantation on progranulin (PGRN) expression and functional recovery in rats with spinal cord injury (SCI). ADSCs were isolated from the inguinal adipose tissue of rats. A SCI model was created, and ADSCs were injected into the injured area. Various techniques were used to assess the effects of ADSCs transplantation, including hematoxylin-eosin staining, Masson staining, immunofluorescence staining, electron microscopy, MRI, and motor function assessment. The potential mechanisms of ADSC transplantation were investigated using gene expression analysis and protein analysis. Finally, the safety of this therapy was evaluated through hematoxylin-eosin staining and indicators of liver and kidney damage in serum. PGRN expression increased in the injured spinal cord, and ADSCs transplantation further enhanced PGRN levels. The group that received ADSCs transplantation showed reduced inflammation, decreased scar formation, increased nerve regeneration, and faster recovery of bladder function. Importantly, motor function significantly improved in the ADSC transplantation group. ADSCs transplantation enhances functional regeneration in SCI by upregulating PGRN expression, reducing inflammation and scar formation, and promoting nerve regeneration and myelin repair. These findings suggest that ADSC transplantation is a potential therapy for SCI.

Does the transplantation of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) on soluble collagen scaffolds (collagen/ADSCs) have better therapeutic effect than transplantation of ADSCs alone, to treat premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) in a rat model induced by Tripterygium Glycosides (TG)? The transplantation of collagen/ADSCs increased the short-term retention of ADSCs in ovaries and contributed to long-term restoration of ovarian function, as well as the fertility of rats with TG-induced ovarian damage. About 50% of young women in China, who have been treated with TG, have subsequently developed ovarian insufficiency. Rats exhibit similar symptoms to these patients when given an equivalent dose of TG. Transplantation of ADSCs improves ovarian function impaired by chemotherapy in rodent models. After the administration of TG, 54 POI model rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups: phosphate buffered saline (PBS) ( ITALIC! n = 14), collagen ( ITALIC! n = 11), ADSCs ( ITALIC! n = 16) and collagen/ADSCs ( ITALIC! n = 13). Seventeen normal rats were assigned as control group. The retention of ADSCs in ovaries was confirmed immediately or at 3, 7, 14 and 28 days after transplantation ( ITALIC! n = 9). Four weeks after transplantation, ovarian function was evaluated from estrous cycle, estradiol level, the follicle number, granulosa cell proliferation and a fertility test. To establish the POI model, rats were administered 60 mg TG/kg/day intragastrically for 50 days. The estrous cycles were assessed by vaginal smear. The concentration of plasma estradiol in diestrus stage was measured using a radioimmunoassay kit. Disordered estrous cycles and low serum estradiol levels indicated the successful establishment of the POI model. Four types of suspensions (PBS, collagen, ADSCs and collagen/ADSCs) were transplanted directly into the core of the ovaries. The short-term retention of ADSCs in ovaries was evaluated by small-animal positron emission tomography images immediately after transplantation of (18)F-Fluorodeoxyglucose ((18)F-FDG) labeled ADSCs. The long-term retention of ADSCs in ovaries was observed by immunohistochemistry after transplantation of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled ADSCs. Serial sections of ovaries were prepared for histological analysis, follicle counting, and immunohistochemistry for Ki67 and Cleaved-Caspase-3. For the assessment of fertility, rats were mated with proven fertile male rats for 10 days. The (18)F-FDG signal decreased more slowly in ovaries injected with collagen/ADSCs than in ovaries with injected with ADSCs alone. Significantly more GFP-positive cells were observed in ovaries injected with collagen/GFP-ADSCs than in ovaries injected with GFP-ADSCs alone up to 14 days after the injection. However, in both groups very few GFP-positive cells were present at 4 weeks after transplantation. The collagen/ADSCs and ADSCs groups both showed better estrous cycle recovery than the PBS and collagen groups. The estradiol (E2) level in the collagen/ADSCs group was significantly increased compared with that of the PBS group ( ITALIC! P < 0.05). The number of antral follicles in the collagen/ADSCs group and the ADSCs group significantly increased compared with the PBS group ( ITALIC! P < 0.05). The granulosa cell proliferation in the collagen/ADSCs group was better than in the PBS group ( ITALIC! P < 0.01). The mating rates of the collagen/ADSCs group (88.9%) and the ADSCs group (90.9%) were higher than that of PBS group (60%, ITALIC! P < 0.05). The pregnancy rates of the collagen/ADSCs group (77.8%) and the ADSCs group (72.7%) were higher than the PBS group (50%, ITALIC! P < 0.05). We chose ADSCs for their accessibility, convenience and safety. We did not use other cells or materials for POI treatments to show that the collagen/ADSCs are the most promising materials. Soluble collagen scaffolds may be useful in stem cells transplantation therapy for POI. This work is supported by grants from the 'Strategic Priority Research Program' of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (XDA01030000); Maternal-Fetal Medicine from Jiangsu Province Health Department of China (XK2011027); Clinical Center of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Genetic Diseases, Nanjing Health Department of Jiangsu Province, China; Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (20620140652). The authors declare no competing financial interests. Not applicable.

Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are capable of differentiating into cardiomyogenic and endothelial cells in vitro. We tested the hypothesis that transplantation of ADSCs into myocardial scar may regenerate infracted myocardium and restore cardiac function. ADSCs were isolated from the fatty tissue of New Zealand white rabbits and cultured in Iscoves modified dulbeccos medium. Three weeks after ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery of rabbits, either a graft of untreated ADSCs (UASCs, n = 14), 5-azacytidine-pretreated ADSCs (AASCs, n = 13), or phosphate buffer saline (n = 13) were injected into the infarct region. Transmural scar size, cardiac function, and immunohistochemistry were performed 5 weeks after cell transplantation. ADSCs in culture demonstrated a fibroblast-like appearance and expressed CD29, CD44 and CD105. Five weeks after cell transplantation, transmural scar size in AASC-implanted hearts was smaller than that of the other hearts. Many ADSCs were differentiated into cardiomyocytes. The AASCs in the prescar appeared more myotube-like. AASCs in the middle of the scar and UASCs, in contrast, were poorly differentiated. Some ADSCs were differentiated into endothelial cells and participate in vessel-like structures formation. All the ADSC-implanted hearts had a greater capillary density in the infarct region than did the control hearts. Statistical analyses revealed significant improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction, myocardial performance index, end-diastolic pressure, and peak +dP/dt, in two groups of ADSC-implanted hearts relative to the control hearts. AASC-implanted hearts had higher peak -dP/dt values than did control, higher ejection fraction and peak +dP/dt values than did UASC-implanted hearts. ADSCs transplanted into the myocardial scar tissue formed cardiac islands and vessel-like structures, induced angiogenesis and improved cardiac function. 5-Azacytidine pretreatment before implantation is desirable for augmenting myogenesis. Transplantation of 5-azacytidine-treated ADSCs into the myocardial scar was more efficient than that of untreated ADSCs in preservation of cardiac function.

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) transplantation presents a promising therapeutic approach for AMI; however, the harsh microenvironment of the infarcted myocardium, characterized by hypoxia and oxidative stress, limits the survival and efficacy of ADSCs. Nanozymes (NZs), which have robust anti-oxidative enzyme-mimicking activities, have demonstrated potential in combating oxidative stress and improving cell viability. Mn3O4 NZs (Mn-Nzs), which have nanoflower-like structures were synthesized and their structure and multi-enzyme mimetic activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) were characterized. Blood biochemical parameters were measured in the heart, liver, spleen, lungs and kidneys of the rats, followed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The impact of Mn3O4 NZs on reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and viability of ADSCs under oxidative stress was assessed in vitro. In vivo studies were conducted using a rat AMI model to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of ADSC transplantation, in conjunction with Mn3O4 treatment. In addition, proteomic analysis was performed to elucidate the mechanisms of action underlying the therapeutic effects. Mn3O4 NZs exhibited multi-enzyme mimetic activities, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, reducing reactive oxygen species levels and apoptosis in ADSCs under oxidative stress. In the AMI rat model, Mn-NZs had good biocompatibility and ADSC transplantation or Mn3O4 NZs treatment alone significantly reduced infarct size, fibrosis levels, and improved microvascular density and heart function. Notably, the combination of Mn3O4 NZs with ADSC transplantation enhanced ADSC survival and differentiation, amplifying therapeutic efficacy. Proteomic analysis revealed that Mn3O44 NZs upregulated proteins associated with anti-oxidative damage, anti-inflammation, and anti-fibrosis pathways. In addition, Mn-NZs upregulated MMP8 via AKT pathway phosphorylation. The findings highlight a novel strategy integrating NZ anti-oxidant properties with stem cell transplantation to improve AMI treatment outcomes.