Production Of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Research Articles

Inactivated Mesenchymal Stem Cells Maintain Immunomodulatory Capacity.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are studied as a cell therapeutic agent for treatment of various immune diseases. However, therapy with living culture-expanded cells comes with safety concerns. Furthermore, development of effective MSC immunotherapy is hampered by lack of knowledge of the mechanisms of action and the therapeutic components of MSC. Such knowledge allows better identification of diseases that are responsive to MSC treatment, optimization of the MSC product, and development of therapy based on functional components of MSC. To close in on the components that carry the therapeutic immunomodulatory activity of MSC, we generated MSC that were unable to respond to inflammatory signals or secrete immunomodulatory factors, but preserved their cellular integrity [heat-inactivated MSC (HI-MSC)]. Secretome-deficient HI-MSC and control MSC showed the same biodistribution and persistence after infusion in mice with ischemic kidney injury. Both control and HI-MSC induced mild inflammatory responses in healthy mice and dramatic increases in interleukin-10, and reductions in interferon gamma levels in sepsis mice. In vitro experiments showed that opposite to control MSC, HI-MSC lacked the capability to suppress T-cell proliferation or induce regulatory B-cell formation. However, both HI-MSC and control MSC modulated monocyte function in response to lipopolysaccharides. The results of this study demonstrate that, in particular disease models, the immunomodulatory effect of MSC does not depend on their secretome or active cross-talk with immune cells, but on recognition of MSC by monocytic cells. These findings provide a new view on MSC-induced immunomodulation and help identify key components of the therapeutic effects of MSC.

In vitro expansion of mesenchymal stem cells for clinical use

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) now are popular stem cells for clinical applications. To date, MSCs were accepted in various disease treatments with several FDA approved treatments in some countries. One important requirement for the clinical usage of stem cells is the production of stem cells. Actually, the treatment efficacy of MSC transplantation depends on the quality of transplanted MSCs. This review aimed to present some guidelines for MSC production according to good manufacturing practice that helps to maintain the quality of stem cells from batch to batch as well as the clinical satisfaction.

Umbilical cord-derived stem cells (ModulatistTM) show strong immunomodulation capacity compared to adipose tissue-derived or bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show great promise in regenerative medicine. Clinical applications of MSCs have recently increased significantly, especially for immune diseases. Autologous transplantation is considered a safe therapy. However, its main disadvantages are poor stability and quality of MSCs from patient to patient, and labor-intensive and time-consuming culture procedures. Therefore, allogeneic MSC transplantation has recently emerged as a potential replacement for autologous transplantation. “Off the shelf” MSC products, or socalled “stem cell drugs”, have rapidly developed; these products have already been approved in various countries, including Canada, Korea and Japan. This study aims to evaluate a new stem cell product or “drug”, termed ModulatistTM, derived from umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs), which have strong immunomodulatory properties, compared to bone marrow-derived MSCs (BMMSCs) or adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs). ModulatistTMwas produced from MSCs derived from whole umbilical cord (UC) tissue (which includes Wharton’s jelly and UC), according to GMP compliant procedures. Bone marrow- and adipose tissue-derived MSCs were isolated and proliferated in standard conditions, according to GMP compliant procedures. Immunomodulation mediated by MSCs was assessed by allogenic T cell suppression and cytokine release; role of prostaglandin E2 in the immunomodulation was also evaluated. The results showed that ModulatistTM exhibited stronger immunomodulation than BMMSC and ADSC in vitro. ModulatistTM strongly suppressed allogeneic T cells proliferation and decreased cytokine production, compared to BMMSCs and ADSCs. ModulatistTM is a strong immunomodulator and promising MSC product. It may be useful to modulate or treat autoimmune diseases.

Titanium surface properties indirectly regulate osteoclasts via osteoblast lineage cells

Titanium surface properties indirectly regulate osteoclasts via osteoblast lineage cells

Collagen Promotes Higher Adhesion, Survival and Proliferation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) can differentiate into several cell types and are desirable candidates for cell therapy and tissue engineering. However, due to poor cell survival, proliferation and differentiation in the patient, the therapy outcomes have not been satisfactory. Although several studies have been done to understand the conditions that promote proliferation, differentiation and migration of MSC in vitro and in vivo, still there is no clear understanding on the effect of non-cellular bio molecules. Of the many factors that influence the cell behavior, the immediate cell microenvironment plays a major role. In this context, we studied the effect of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in controlling cell survival, proliferation, migration and directed MSC differentiation. We found that collagen promoted cell proliferation, cell survival under stress and promoted high cell adhesion to the cell culture surface. Increased osteogenic differentiation accompanied by high active RHOA (Ras homology gene family member A) levels was exhibited by MSC cultured on collagen. In conclusion, our study shows that collagen will be a suitable matrix for large scale production of MSC with high survival rate and to obtain high osteogenic differentiation for therapy.

Manufacture of Clinical-Grade Human Clonal Mesenchymal Stem Cell Products from Single Colony Forming Unit-Derived Colonies Based on the Subfractionation Culturing Method.

Stem cell products derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been widely used in clinical trials, and a few products have been already commercialized. However, the therapeutic effects of clinical-grade MSCs are still controversial owing to mixed results from recent clinical trials. A potential solution to overcome this hurdle may be to use clonal stem cells as the starting cell material to increase the homogeneity of the final stem cell products. We have previously developed an alternative isolation and culture protocol for establishing a population of clonal MSCs (cMSCs) from single colony forming unit (CFU)-derived colonies. In this study, we established a good manufacturing practice (GMP)-compatible procedure for the clinical-grade production of human bone marrow-derived cMSCs based on the subfractionation culturing method. We optimized the culture procedures to expand and obtain a clonal population of final MSC products from single CFU-derived colonies in a GMP facility. The characterization results of the final cMSC products met our preset criteria. Animal toxicity tests were performed in a good laboratory practice facility, and showed no toxicity or tumor formation in vivo. These tests include single injection toxicity, multiple injection toxicity, biodistribution analysis, and tumorigenicity tests in vivo. No chromosomal abnormalities were detected by in situ karyotyping using oligo-fluorescence in situ hydridization (oligo-FISH), providing evidence of genetic stability of the clinical-grade cMSC products. The manufacture and quality control results indicated that our GMP methodology could produce sufficient clonal population of MSC products from a small amount of bone marrow aspirate to treat a number of patients.

Pooled Umbilical Cord Blood Plasma for Culturing UCMSC and Ex Vivo Expanding Umbilical Cord Blood CD34⁺ Cells

To investigate the feasibility of umbilical cord blood plasma (UCP) as a replacement for fetal bovine serum (FBS) for culturing mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) derived from umbilical cord, and to observe the supporting effects of these cells (served as a feeder layer) on ex vivo expanding of human umbilical cord blood CD34(+) cells. Umbilical cord blood (UCB) units were suitable if the Guangzhou cord blood bank donor selection criteria strictly were fulfilled. UCP were ready to use after the collection from the plasma depletion/reduction during the processing and pooling of suitable UCB units (at least 30 units were screened for pathogens and microorganisms, and qualified). Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSC) were harvested from the umbilical cord tissue of health full-term newborns after delivery by enzyme digestion and divided into 3 groups: group 1 and 2 were cultured in the presence of DMEM/F12 containing either FBS or UCP; and group 3 was cultured in serum-free medium (StemPro® MSC SFM CTS™). Morphology, proliferation and surface marker expression were examined by flow cytometry, and the differentiation toward adipogenic and osteogenic lineages was used for investigating the effect of media on UCMSC after 3-5 passages. Next, the cells cultured in the three different media were cryopreserved and thawed, then prepared as feeder layers with the name of UCMSC(FBS), UCMSC(UCP), and UCMSC(SFM), respectively. The CD34⁺ cells were separated from UCB by magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS) and divided into 4 groups cultured in StemPro(-34) SFM medium added with hematopoietic cytokine combination (StemSpan® CC100). The control group included only CD34⁺ cells as group A (blank control) and experimental groups included UCMSC(FBS) + CD34⁺ cells as group B, UCMSC(UCP) + CD34⁺ cells as group C, UCMSC(SFM) + CD34⁺ cells as group D, and cells in all groups were cultured ex vivo for 7 days. The nucleated cell (NC) number was counted by cell counter, CD34⁺ cells were measured by flow cytometry, and clonogenic assay was conducted at day 0 and 7 of culture. The expansion efficiency was assessed. The morphology (spindle-shaped and plastic-adherent), the immunophenotype (high positive percentage of CD73, CD90, CD105 and CD166) and the differentiation potential (osteogenic and adipogenic) were almost indistinguishable among the cells cultured in any of these three media except for the expression of CD105 in group 3 (serum-free medium) was lower than that in other 2 groups (P < 0.05). UCMSC grown in UCP medium demonstrated significantly higher proliferation rates than that in media containing FBS or commercial serum-free supplement (P < 0.05). After co-culture for 7 days, the CD34⁺ cell percentage decreased in all the groups, while NC were amplified effectively and the CD34⁺ cell number increased with the same order as group C or D group B or A (control group) (P < 0.05). As compared with the colony-forming unit (CFU) number at day 0, there was no significant difference in the expansion multiple between group C and D, while the expansion of CFU in group C were higher than that in group B and A. The UCP can be used as a better animal-free serum supplement for growth, maintenance and differentiation of UCMSC, thus would be a safe choice for clinical-scale production of human MSC.

Scalable efficient expansion of mesenchymal stem cells in xeno free media using commercially available reagents.

BackgroundThe rapid clinical translation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) has resulted in the development of cell-based strategies for multiple indications. Unfortunately one major barrier to widespread implementation of MSC-based therapies is the limited supply of fetal calf serum (FCS) used to expand cells to therapeutic numbers. Additionally, the xenogeneic element of fetal calf serum has been previously demonstrated to stimulate antibody mediated reactions and in some cases sensitization leading to anaphylaxis.MethodXcytePLUS™ media, a human platelet lysate based product, was used to supplement the culture medium at 5, 7.5 and 10% and compared to fetal calf serum at 10%, for human umbilical cord MSC expansion. Properties of the expanded cells were investigated.ResultsThis study demonstrated equivalent or superior effects of human platelet lysate compared to standard FCS supplemented media, based on doubling rate, without loss of identity or function, as demonstrated with flow cytometry characterization. Differentiation into osteocytes, adipocytes and chondrocytes was comparable from cells expanded in either media supplement.ConclusionsThese data support the implementation of human platelet lysate supplemented media as an alternative to xenogeneic containing preparations which may lead to safer MSC products with therapeutic uses.

A therapy-grade protocol for differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into mesenchymal stem cells using platelet lysate as supplement.

IntroductionMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising source of cells for regenerative therapies. Although they can be isolated easily from several tissues, cell expansion is limited since their properties are lost with successive passages. Hence, pluripotent derived MSCs (PD-MSCs) arise as a suitable alternative for MSC production. Nevertheless, at present, PD-MSC derivation protocols are either expensive or not suitable for clinical purposes.MethodsIn this work we present a therapy-grade, inexpensive and simple protocol to derive MSCs from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) based on the use of platelet lysate (PL) as medium supplement.ResultsWe showed that the PD-MSCPL expressed multiple MSC markers, including CD90, CD73, CD105, CD166, and CD271, among others. These cells also show multilineage differentiation ability and immunomodulatory effects on pre-stimulated lymphocytes. Thorough characterization of these cells showed that a PD-MSCPL resembles an umbilical cord (UC) MSC and differs from a PSC in surface marker and extracellular matrix proteins and integrin expression. Moreover, the OCT-4 promoter is re-methylated with mesenchymal differentiation comparable with the methylation levels of UC-MSCs and fibroblasts. Lastly, the use of PL-supplemented medium generates significantly more MSCs than the use of fetal bovine serum.ConclusionsThis protocol can be used to generate a large amount of PD-MSCs with low cost and is compatible with clinical therapies.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/scrt540) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Necrotic cell-derived high mobility group box 1 attracts antigen-presenting cells but inhibits hepatocyte growth factor-mediated tropism of mesenchymal stem cells for apoptotic cell death.

Tissue damage due to apoptotic or necrotic cell death typically initiates distinct cellular responses, leading either directly to tissue repair and regeneration or to immunological processes first, to clear the site, for example, of potentially damage-inducing agents. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) as well as immature dendritic cells (iDC) and monocytes migrate to injured tissues. MSC have regenerative capacity, whereas monocytes and iDC have a critical role in inflammation and induction of immune responses, including autoimmunity after tissue damage. Here, we investigated the influence of apoptotic and necrotic cell death on recruitment of MSC, monocytes and iDC, and identified hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and the alarmin high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) as key factors differentially regulating these migratory responses. MSC, but not monocytes or iDC, were attracted by apoptotic cardiomyocytic and neuronal cells, whereas necrosis induced migration of monocytes and iDC, but not of MSC. Only apoptotic cell death resulted in HGF production and HGF-mediated migration of MSC towards the apoptotic targets. In contrast, HMGB1 was predominantly released by the necrotic cells and mediated recruitment of monocytes and iDC via the receptor of advanced glycation end products. Moreover, necrotic cardiomyocytic and neuronal cells caused an HMGB1/toll-like receptor-4-dependent inhibition of MSC migration towards apoptosis or HGF, while recruitment of monocytes and iDC by necrosis or HMGB1 was not affected by apoptotic cells or HGF. Thus, the type of cell death differentially regulates recruitment of either MSC or monocytes and iDC through HGF and HMGB1, respectively, with a dominant, HMGB1-mediated role of necrosis in determining tropism after tissue injury.

Mesenchymal stem cell therapy in nonhematopoietic diseases.

The extensive clinical experiments with stem cells, particularly in the treatment of oncohematological diseases, opened up the possibility of trying out stem cells with nonhematopoietic diseases. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) subsequently emerged as a promising source for the regeneration and repair of various tissues in the treatment of a range of diseases due to their presence in all derived mesenchymal tissues in the adult solid organs as well as in mesoderm from embryonic tissue. This, plus their pluripotentiality and the fact that they were easily obtainable, meant that MSCs represented an important source for studies in regenerative medicine. MSCs have been shown to be capable of differentiating in various types of mesoderm derived cells as well as ectoderm cells, such as skeletal muscle cells, neurons, cardiomyocytes, osteocytes, chondrocytes, and others. MSCs in specific cultivation conditions in vitro and in host transplanted tissue, being niche dependent, arouse clinical interest in stem-cell therapy for regeneration in nonhematopoietic tissue diseases and the prospect of creating a mesenchymal stem-cell bank for research and subsequent clinical use. In the development of clinical models, always preceded by preclinical studies, there are various requirements to guarantee the safety of therapy with stem cells and their products, including the GMP procedures, cytogenetic control, identification and characterization of cells by immune cytometric analysis, and demonstration of their pluripotentiality for the prospective use of MSC for tissue regeneration in nonhematopoietic diseases [1]. In the study of MSCs, the intrinsic properties—molecular, immunocytochemistry, isolation, expansion, differentiation, and cryopreservation—have made great advances and need further discussion. The fact that MSCs do not express the antigens of histocompatibility means that they can be used in allogeneic transplantation. The development of methods for isolating the subpopulations of MSC fractions together with the perspective with this subpopulation could obtain better results than the total population in replacement therapy for correction of determined specific function [2]. Researchers and physicians are looking into the physiopathology of some diseases in light of the intrinsic cell conditions on the development of each disease and are proposing therapies based on the cells themselves or on cell-based products. Some diseases are triggered in their physiopathology by autoimmune mechanisms that could be stabilized with the paracrine effects of MSCs, such as the anti-inflammatory effect [3]; other diseases are triggered by the senescence of the cells, as in conditions of cellular apoptosis, and the MSC cells could act with the paracrine effects such as antiapoptosis and by cell replacement; there are some diseases which result from the loss of the production of certain molecules and MSCs could differentiate in cells capable of producing the molecule [4]; in other diseases, there is an interruption in signals between the tissue cells, and the MSC paracrine effects could promote the connections through the production of growth factors [5]. On the other hand, in ischemic diseases, MSCs could be differentiated in specific types of specialized cells, such as vessels and contractile cells, cardiomyocytes [6]; in genetic diseases, MSCs could ensure the delivery of genes for gene therapy [7] and could act in immunomodulation with vaccines [8]. This issue provides discussions of the points described above and takes a look into the future of cell therapy in nonhematopoetic diseases, showing that it is nearer than we expect! It is reality! Katherine Athayde Teixeira de Carvalho Gustav Steinhoff Juan Carlos Chachques

Large-Scale Expansion and Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Microcarrier-Based Stirred Bioreactors.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as an important tool for tissue engineering, thanks to their differentiation potential and their broad trophic activities. However, for clinical purposes or for relevant in vitro applications, large quantities of MSCs are required, which could hardly be reached using conventional cultivation in plastic dishes. Microcarriers have high surface to volume ratio, which enables the easy scale-up of the expansion and differentiation of MSCs. In addition, the agitation in stirred tank bioreactors limits the diffusion gradient of nutrients or morphogens, thus providing a physiologically relevant environment to favor MSC production at large scale. This work describes a simple method for the mass expansion and differentiation of MSCs, including the procedures to monitor the proliferation, metabolic status and phenotype of MSCs during suspension culture. Moreover, this work proposes suitable materials for cGMP compliant culture conditions enabling the clinical grade production of MSCs.

In the NEWS: A ROUNDUP OF NEWS AND INFORMATION FROM OUR COMMUNITY

In <i>the</i> NEWS: A ROUNDUP OF NEWS AND INFORMATION FROM OUR COMMUNITY

Patient-tailored application for Duchene muscular dystrophy on mdx mice based induced mesenchymal stem cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may be used as powerful tools for the repair and regeneration of damaged tissues. However, isolating tissue specific-derived MSCs may cause pain and increased infection rates in patients, and repetitive isolations may be required. To overcome these difficulties, we have examined alternative methods for MSC production. Here, we show that induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) may be differentiated into mesenchymal stem cells (iMSCs) following exposure to SB431542. Purified iMSCs were administered to mdx mice to study skeletal muscle regeneration in a murine model of muscular dystrophy. Purified iMSCs displayed fibroblast-like morphology, formed three-dimensional spheroid structures, and expressed characteristic mesenchymal stem cell surface markers such as CD29, CD33, CD73, CD90, and CD105. Moreover, iMSCs were capable of differentiating into adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic lineages. Transplanting iMSC cells to tibialis anterior skeletal muscle tissue in mdx mice lowered oxidative damage as evidenced by a reduction in nitrotyrosine levels, and normal dystrophin expression levels were restored. This study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of purified iMSCs in skeletal muscle regeneration in mdx mice, and suggests that iPSCs are a viable alternate source for deriving MSCs as needed.

Serum‐free spheroid suspension culture maintains mesenchymal stem cell proliferation and differentiation potential

There have been many clinical trials recently using ex vivo-expanded human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to treat several disease states such as graft-versus-host disease, acute myocardial infarction, Crohn's disease, and multiple sclerosis. The use of MSCs for therapy is expected to become more prevalent as clinical progress is demonstrated. However, the conventional 2-dimensional (2D) culture of MSCs is laborious and limited in scale potential. The large dosage requirement for many of the MSC-based indications further exacerbates this manufacturing challenge. In contrast, expanding MSCs as spheroids does not require a cell attachment surface and is amenable to large-scale suspension cell culture techniques, such as stirred-tank bioreactors. In the present study, we developed and optimized serum-free media for culturing MSC spheroids. We used Design of Experiment (DoE)-based strategies to systematically evaluate media mixtures and a panel of different components for effects on cell proliferation. The optimization yielded two prototype serum-free media that enabled MSCs to form aggregates and proliferate in both static and dynamic cultures. MSCs from spheroid cultures exhibited the expected immunophenotype (CD73, CD90, and CD105) and demonstrated similar or enhanced differentiation potential toward all three lineages (osteogenic, chondrogenic, adipogenic) as compared with serum-containing adherent MSC cultures. Our results suggest that serum-free media for MSC spheroids may pave the way for scale-up production of MSCs in clinically relevant manufacturing platforms such as stirred tank bioreactors.

One-Step Repair for Cartilage Defects in a Rabbit Model

Background: Cartilage repair still presents a challenge to clinicians and researchers alike. A more effective, simpler procedure that can produce hyaline-like cartilage is needed for articular cartilage repair. Hypothesis: A technique combining microfracture with a biomaterial scaffold of perforated decalcified cortical-cancellous bone matrix (DCCBM; composed of cortical and cancellous parts) would create a 1-step procedure for hyaline-like cartilage repair. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: For the in vitro portion of this study, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were isolated from bone marrow aspirates of New Zealand White rabbits. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confocal microscopy, and 1,9-dimethylmethylene blue assay were used to assess the attachment, proliferation, and cartilage matrix production of MSCs grown on a DCCBM scaffold. For the in vivo experiment, full-thickness defects were produced in the articular cartilage of the trochlear groove of 45 New Zealand White rabbits, and the rabbits were then assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: perforated DCCBM combined with microfracture (DCCBM+M group), perforated DCCBM alone (DCCBM group), and microfracture alone (M group). Five rabbits in each group were sacrificed at 6, 12, or 24 weeks after the operation, and the repair tissues were analyzed by histological examination, assessment of matrix staining, SEM, and nanoindentation of biomechanical properties. Results: The DCCBM+M group showed hyaline-like articular cartilage repair, and the repair tissues appeared to have better matrix staining and revealed biomechanical properties close to those of the normal cartilage. Compared with the DCCBM+M group, there was unsatisfactory repair tissues with less matrix staining in the DCCBM group and no matrix staining in the M group, as well as poor integration with normal cartilage and poor biomechanical properties. Conclusion: The DCCBM scaffold is suitable for MSC growth and hyaline-like cartilage repair induction when combined with microfracture. Clinical Relevance: Microfracture combined with a DCCBM scaffold is a promising method that can be performed and adopted into clinical treatment for articular cartilage injuries.

Miro1 regulates intercellular mitochondrial transport &amp; enhances mesenchymal stem cell rescue efficacy

There is emerging evidence that stem cells can rejuvenate damaged cells by mitochondrial transfer. Earlier studies show that epithelial mitochondrial dysfunction is critical in asthma pathogenesis. Here we show for the first time that Miro1, a mitochondrial Rho-GTPase, regulates intercellular mitochondrial movement from mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) to epithelial cells (EC). We demonstrate that overexpression of Miro1 in MSC (MSCmiro(Hi)) leads to enhanced mitochondrial transfer and rescue of epithelial injury, while Miro1 knockdown (MSCmiro(Lo)) leads to loss of efficacy. Treatment with MSCmiro(Hi) was associated with greater therapeutic efficacy, when compared to control MSC, in mouse models of rotenone (Rot) induced airway injury and allergic airway inflammation (AAI). Notably, airway hyperresponsiveness and remodeling were reversed by MSCmiro(Hi) in three separate allergen-induced asthma models. In a human in vitro system, MSCmiro(Hi) reversed mitochondrial dysfunction in bronchial epithelial cells treated with pro-inflammatory supernatant of IL-13-induced macrophages. Anti-inflammatory MSC products like NO, TGF-β, IL-10 and PGE2, were unchanged by Miro1 overexpression, excluding non-specific paracrine effects. In summary, Miro1 overexpression leads to increased stem cell repair.

The efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in caustic esophagus injury: an experimental study.

Introduction. Ingestion of corrosive substances may lead to stricture formation in esophagus as a late complication. Full thickness injury seems to exterminate tissue stem cells of esophagus. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into specific cell lineages and have the capacity of homing in sites of injury. Aim and Methods. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of MSC transplantation, on prevention of esophageal damage and stricture formation after caustic esophagus injury in rats. 54 rats were allocated into four groups; 4 rats were sacrificed for MSC production. Group 1, untreated controls (n: 10). Group 2, membrane labeled MSCs-treated rats (n: 20). Group 3, biodistribution of fluorodeoxyglucose labeled MSCs via positron emission tomography (PET) imaging (n: 10). Group 4, sham operated (n: 10). Standard caustic esophageal burns were created and MSCs were transplanted 24 hours after. All rats were sacrificed at the 21st days. Results. PET scan images revealed the homing behavior of MSCs to the injury site. The histopathology damage score was not significantly different from controls. However, we demonstrated Dil labeled epithelial and muscle cells which were originating from transplanted MSCs. Conclusion. MSC transplantation after caustic esophageal injury may be a helpful treatment modality; however, probably repeated infusions are needed.

Bringing back the help: autologous bone marrow infusion restores CD4+ T cells in AIDS patients with chronic liver disease

Bringing back the help: autologous bone marrow infusion restores CD4+ T cells in AIDS patients with chronic liver disease

Treatment Efficacy with Bone Marrow Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Minocycline in Rats After Cerebral Ischemic Injury

We aimed to investigate the effects of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), minocycline, and these two therapies combined on functional and histological improvement in cerebral ischemic injury created rats. Twenty-eight Sprague Dawley female rats, weighing 250-300g, were included in the study. Two male rats with similar properties were sacrificed for bone marrow derived MSC production. Group 1 was established as the control group. Group 2 was the group of only minocycline administered rats. Group 3 was the one of only MSCs administered rats. Group 4 was composed of the rats given the combination of MSCs and minocycline. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was done to assess the degeneration of the cells. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to evaluate the regeneration. Motor functions were examined by using Bederson's score. Cell degeneration was the least in group 4. The cells stained with GFAP were observed mostly in group 4. The cells stained with Neu N in group 1 were statistically lower than in other groups. When the groups were ordered in terms of functional improvement at the end of the second week, group 4 had the most and group 1 had the least. Bone marrow derived MSCs can lead to more histological and functional improvement when administered with minocycline, which is a neuroprotective agent as early as 24h following the ischemic injury in a rat model. Minocycline therapy alone can be as effective as bone marrow derived MSCs therapy alone in ischemic cerebral rat model.