Abstract
The use of nanomaterials for biomedical applications has become a promising field in regenerative medicine. Self-assembling peptides (SAPs) have been proposed as a good candidate because they are able to self-assemble into stable hydrogels and interact with cells or molecules when combined together. This in turn can lead to the improved survival or action of cells or molecules to obtain the desired effects. In this study, we investigated whether the combination of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with SAPs could improve angiogenesis in ischemic hindlimbs of rats compared to MSC or SAP treatment alone. The combination of MSCs and SAPs showed an overall higher expression of angiogenesis markers on fluorescent immunohistochemical analysis and a lower degree of fibrosis and cell apoptosis, which in turn led to an overall tendency for improved perfusion of the ischemic hindlimbs. Finally, SAPs also showed the ability to recruit endogenous host MSCs into the site of action, especially when modified to incorporate substance P as a functional motif, which when injected with exogenous MSCs, allowed for the dual presence of MSCs at the site of action. Overall, these results suggest that SAPs can be applied with stem cells to potentiate angiogenesis, with potential therapeutic application in vascular diseases.
Highlights
Stem cell therapy for treatment of vascular diseases is a promising field of research
We examined whether the combined administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with SAPs into ischemic hindlimbs of rats could increase angiogenesis and decrease cell apoptosis and fibrosis, probably by mechanisms related to an increase in MSC survival, which in turn could lead to improvements in perfusion
Live cell screening analysis demonstrated that MSCs continued to grow up to 160 hours but the combination of MSCs and RADA showed a decrease in growth after 100–120 hours (Figures 1(c) and 1(d))
Summary
Stem cell therapy for treatment of vascular diseases is a promising field of research. Peripheral vascular diseases such as Buerger’s disease or ischemic diabetic foot are related with poor wound healing outcomes and high amputation rates mainly due to the failed resolution of the underlying ischemia using currently available revascularization methods. In such cases, an increase in angiogenesis can overcome the situation by the formation and outgrowth of new vessels. New technologies are being studied to increase survival and prolong the effects of exogenously administered stem cells One of these include biological scaffolds, which can provide a 3-dimensional microenvironment in the form of extracellular matrices (ECMs) to protect the stem cells from apoptosis while prolonging their effects in vivo
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
