Journal of Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine最新文献

Sarcoma refers to a broad type of cancer characterised by the abnormal growth of cells in connective tissues, bone, muscle, and cartilage. Although relatively rare, the survival rate of sarcoma patients is low primarily due to delayed diagnosis or metastasis at first presentation. Highly metastatic sarcoma has been suggested to be attributable to the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Although a minor cell population, the stemness property renders CSCs stem cell-like characteristics. Nevertheless, CSCs presented a promising target towards advances in sarcoma therapy, particularly through stem cell reprogramming. Thus, this systematic review aims to gather existing studies on the methods of stem cell reprogramming that best produce sarcoma cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are crucial for understanding disease progression. An extensive literature search was conducted across four databases: PubMed, Wiley Online Library, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. The data obtained were synthesized and reported according to the following variables: types of cancer cells used for cancer stem cell generation, vector used for delivery of pluripotent genes, and CSCs maintenance medium. This systematic review demonstrated that cell dedifferentiation was independent of the cell sources. Furthermore, the addition of growth factors such as bFGF, EGF, or FGF significantly enhanced the formation of CSCs' spheroids. Most of the studies included in the review utilized a non-viral vector for the delivery of pluripotent gene markers into the cells.

Articular cartilage has limited self-repair ability, making osteoarthritis a major challenge due to aging and mechanical stress. While current therapies provide partial functional improvement, their outcomes remain suboptimal, highlighting the need for regenerative strategies. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show promises due to their chondrogenic potential, and kartogenin (KGN) enhances this process. This study examines KGN-loaded gelatin microspheres (KMs) for cartilage regeneration. KMs were synthesized via gelatin-KGN dispersion in ice-cooled hexane, followed by glutaraldehyde cross-linking. Scanning electron microscopy showed porous KMs (200-800 μm) with interconnected pores (2-10 μm), while Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed gelatin and KGN presence. hMSCs were cultured with KMs, showing no cytotoxicity. Gene expression analysis revealed upregulated chondrogenic markers (SOX9, ACAN, COMP, COL2A1). Western blotting and immunofluorescence confirmed increased chondrogenic protein production. Sulfated glycosaminoglycan content increased over four weeks, indicating extracellular matrix maturation. This study demonstrates that KMs effectively deliver KGN, enhancing MSC chondrogenesis. Small molecule-based biomaterials may offer an alternative to growth factors in osteochondral tissue engineering, warranting further in vivo validation.

Background: Duodenal perforation represents a critical gastrointestinal surgical emergency, often associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the potential to enhance wound healing by releasing various growth factors and antiinflammatory cytokines. This study aims to evaluate and analyze the impact of MSCs on the healing process of duodenal perforation wounds.

Method: MSCs were extracted from the umbilical cords of rats and injected into the site of duodenal perforation at two different doses: 1.5 × 10⁶ for Treatment Group 1 and 3 × 10⁶ for Treatment Group 2. The control group consisted of rats with duodenal perforation that received local injections on normal saline. The levels of Transforming Growth Factor β (TGF-β) and Alpha Smooth Muscle Actin (α-SMA) were assessed via Western Blot analysis, while collagen and fibroblast presence were evaluated through histopathological examination. These examinations were conducted on days 3 and 7 post-treatment. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 25.0, with significance defined at p<0.05.

Results: Significant increases in the expression of TGF-β, fibroblasts, collagen, and α-SMA were observed in the treatment groups compared to the control group on both day 3 and day 7.

Conclusion: The administration of MSCs significantly enhances the proliferation phase of duodenal wound healing through the increased expression of fibroblasts, collagen, TGF-β, and α-SMA.

Introduction: Ureteral injuries can lead to renal dysfunction, and conventional treatments such as ureteral stents and autologous tissue grafts have limitations. This study aimed to evaluate the biocompatibility of a "biotube" created using in-body tissue architecture (iBTA) technology for ureteral reconstruction in a canine model.

Methods: Biotubes were implanted in dogs to replace a segment of the ureter. Ureteral stents were used to prevent obstruction. Autopsies were performed 2-3 months after implantation, and the implantation sites were examined histologically to assess tissue regeneration, vascularization, and potential inflammatory reactions.

Results: Ureteral stenting effectively prevented obstruction and ensured adequate urinary flow during the observation period. All biotubes were significantly shortened after implantation. No signs of inflammation or foreign body reactions were recorded, indicating good biocompatibility. Although epithelial cell invasion was observed, muscle tissue migration and angiogenesis were limited.

Conclusions: Biotubes demonstrate potential as temporary ureteral substitutes; however, improvements in epithelialization and muscle tissue migration are necessary for successful long-term ureteral regeneration. Further experimental studies are required to evaluate their clinical utility as scaffold materials for ureteral reconstruction.

Objective: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) suppress inflammation and promote tissue repair via paracrine factors. MSC-conditioned medium (MSC-CM), rich in these factors, shows promise as a cell-free therapy. This study explored the protein profiles of MSC-CMs from different human tissues (dental pulp, adipose tissue, umbilical cord, and placenta) to assess variations and therapeutic potential.

Methods: MSCs were cultured from dental pulp, adipose tissue, umbilical cord, and placenta, and MSC-CMs were collected. Proteomic analysis using LC-MS/MS identified and quantified proteins, followed by bioinformatic analysis.

Results: A total of 924 secreted proteins were identified in MSC-CMs from the four tissue sources. Extracellular matrix (ECM) signatures were prominent across all MSC-CMs. MSC-CM from adipose tissue had the highest levels of skin care-related proteins. Neuronal growth-related proteins were most abundant in umbilical cord and placental MSC-CMs, while wound healing proteins were prominent in dental pulp MSC-CM.

Conclusions: MSC-CMs from different tissues exhibit distinct protein profiles, while sharing common ECM signatures. These findings suggest that MSC-CM could be used for specific applications such as neurodegenerative diseases and wound healing, depending on the tissue source. Further in vivo research is needed to explore their clinical relevance.