Regenerative medicine最新文献

Latest developments in the field of stem cell research and regenerative medicine compiled from publicly available information and press releases from non-academic institutions in March 2025.

Background: The eggshell membrane (ESM) is a natural resource with a distinct design and composition, offering structural features consistent with barrier membranes used in guided bone regeneration (GBR), making it a promising candidate for this application. This study aims to assess the feasibility of chicken and duck ESMs as GBR alternatives by comparing them with resorbable porcine-derived collagen (Porcine CM, Bio-Gide®) and non-resorbable dense polytetrafluoroethylene (d-PTFE, Cytoplast^TM).

Methods: ESMs were extracted using a standardized protocol. Membranes were then analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), contact angle measurements (CAM), and cell culture-based assays.

Results: FTIR revealed similar collagen spectra among membranes. SEM showed structural similarities between ESMs and Bio-Gide. DSC indicated integrity maintenance at 37°C and varied storage conditions. CAM testing demonstrated collagen-based membranes' higher hydrophilicity compared to d-PTFE. DMA analysis showed duck ESM's superior tensile strength and Young's modulus compared to chicken ESM and porcine CM. Biological evaluation revealed high compatibility with human gingival fibroblasts for all materials.

Conclusion: Findings illustrate a novel sustainable biomaterial that could be utilized for GBR and other periodontal therapies, particularly in its capacity to function as a physical barrier consistent with the traditional role of GBR membranes.

Aims: Human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) have emerged as a promising cell source for regenerative medicine, with intraportal transplantation as a potential delivery route. However, the extent to which hAECs induce an immediate inflammatory response remains unclear. This study investigated tissue factor (TF) expression in isolated hAECs and assessed coagulation activation following intraportal transplantation in a rat model.

Materials and methods: TF expression was analyzed before and after cryopreservation, while thrombin - antithrombin (TAT) complex levels were measured to evaluate coagulation activation. To assess engraftment and hepatocyte-like function, hAECs were transplanted into non-albuminemic rats, followed by serial measurements of serum human albumin levels and histological liver analysis.

Results: The findings indicate that hAECs express TF pre- and post-cryopreservation. Intraportal transplantation resulted in a significant increase in plasma TAT levels, which was mitigated by heparin administration. Furthermore, human albumin levels increased post-transplantation, and albumin-positive cells were detected in the liver on day 21.

Conclusion: These results suggest that intraportal hAEC transplantation is a feasible approach for hepatic engraftment; however, TF expression may trigger coagulation activation, potentially leading to an instant blood-mediated inflammatory reaction. Further research is warranted to optimize anticoagulation strategies and evaluate long-term engraftment efficacy for clinical applications.

Stem cell-based regenerative therapies have revolutionized ocular medicine, offering unprecedented potential to restore vision and repair damaged corneal tissues. Recent advancements have been driven by the growing demand to overcome corneal donor shortages and the complications associated with corneal transplantation. This paper provides a comprehensive review of clinical trials and regulatory approvals over the past seven years, categorized by target disease. Despite remarkable progress, significant challenges remain in ensuring safety, efficacy, and economic viability, necessitating rigorous characterization, global standardization, and ethical considerations. Future directions include leveraging gene-editing technologies, personalized medicine, and integrated regenerative approaches to optimize therapeutic outcomes.

Regenerative medicine continues to advance rapidly, yet research examining health disparities within this field remains notably limited. The distinctive characteristics of regenerative therapies - complex manufacturing, specialized delivery, and personalized approaches - present unique challenges for equitable health care access beyond traditional disparities. This gap is concerning as many conditions targeted by regenerative treatments disproportionately affect underserved populations. Our analysis of the literature identifies knowledge gaps and demonstrates the critical need for a multi-level approach to health equity research in regenerative medicine. We propose a research framework involving three key steps. First: systematic investigation of field-specific access barriers through established health disparity frameworks, focusing on factors uniquely relevant to regenerative therapies across individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and societal levels. Second: development and rigorous evaluation of targeted, multi-level interventions addressing these barriers. Third: implementation of evidence-based strategies using equity-focused frameworks to translate findings into practice, ensuring equity considerations are embedded throughout development and delivery processes. By prioritizing health equity research while many regenerative treatments are still developing, the field has an unprecedented opportunity to create inclusive access pathways and ensure its potentially revolutionary therapies benefits all populations.

Aims: Tendon injuries are common, and healing often fails due to an over-exuberant inflammatory response and a lack of regeneration. Inflammatory cells play key roles in these processes, with a balance between classically activated pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages and alternatively activated inflammatory resolving M2 macrophages. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) can dampen the pro-inflammatory effectsof macrophages, promote a regenerative environment, and enhance healing. Therefore, the goal of the study was to understand how ASCs are activated by macrophages in vitro.

Methods: In vitro co-culture experiments were carried out with ASCs, macrophages, and tendon fibroblasts. RNA-seq and qRT-PCR were performed to determine expression patterns of activated ASCs.

Results: M1 macrophages prompted ASCs to upregulate pro-inflammatory signaling, matrix remodeling, and cytokine production pathways, while downregulating those related to cell adhesion and cell cycle. Conversely, TFs prompted ASCs to upregulate pathways involved in cell cycle and cytoskeleton remodeling, and to downregulate pathways associated with immune cell adhesion, inflammatory mediator production, and protein metabolism.

Conclusions: The cell-specific activation profiles indicate a possible switch in ASC paracrine signaling depending on the context, from a pro-inflammatory pattern in response to M1 macrophages to a proliferative pattern in response to TFs. Understanding crosstalk between ASCs, TFs, and macrophages is essential for developing stem cell-based therapeutic strategies.

Aims: To investigate whether direct electric current stimulation, when combined with chemical induction, can enhance the cardiomyogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), offering a potential strategy for cardiac regeneration.

Materials & methods: Bone marrow-derived MSCs were subjected to short-term microcurrent stimulation (90 seconds) using an electroporation cuvette with voltages of 1-10 V and pulse parameters of 2 ms at 0.5-2 hz. 5-azacytidine (5-aza) was added as a chemical inducer. In vitro analyses included morphological observation, immunofluorescence staining, qPCR, and flow cytometry. In vivo, pretreated MSCs were injected into a rat myocardial infarction model.

Results: Electrical stimulation enhanced MSC alignment and upregulated cardiomyocyte-specific markers. Gene and protein expression analyses confirmed enhanced differentiation, especially in the combined treatment group. In vivo transplantation resulted in partial restoration of myocardial architecture, though no significant ventricular wall thickening was observed within four weeks.

Conclusions: This study introduces a dual approach combining electrical and chemical cues to promote cardiomyogenic differentiation in MSCs. The use of a simple electroporation cuvette offers a practical and accessible method, with potential translational relevance for future cardiac repair strategies.

Organoids, which replicate the three-dimensional architecture and physiological functions of native organs, have emerged as a groundbreaking tool with significant therapeutic potential for tissue regeneration and functional reconstruction. Despite their broad applications in various fields, research on dental pulp organoids and their use in regenerative therapies remains in its early stages, presenting both opportunities and challenges. To advance the understanding of organoid technology and facilitate its translation into pulp regenerative medicine, this review provided a comprehensive overview of organoids, encompassing their developmental history, self-organization mechanisms, fundamental definitions, and current applications. Building on this foundation, we highlighted recent progress in oral and maxillofacial organoid research, with a particular focus on the construction of dental pulp organoids. Additionally, we systematically summarized the commonly employed construction methods and explored innovative bioengineering strategies that hold promise for future applications. Finally, we critically evaluated the existing challenges in applying organoid technology to pulp tissue regeneration and functional reconstruction, while proposing potential solutions to overcome these barriers. This review aimed to provide valuable insights and inspire further research in this rapidly evolving field.