Exosomes Derived from Mesenchymal Stem Cells

The functional mechanisms of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have become a research focus in recent years. Accumulating evidence supports the notion that MSCs act in a paracrine manner. Therefore, the biological factors in conditioned medium, including exosomes and soluble factors, derived from MSC cultures are being explored extensively. The results from most investigations show that MSC-conditioned medium or its components mediate some biological functions of MSCs. Several studies have reported that MSC-derived exosomes have functions similar to those of MSCs, such as repairing tissue damage, suppressing inflammatory responses, and modulating the immune system. However, the mechanisms are still not fully understood and the results remain controversial. Compared with cells, exosomes are more stable and reservable, have no risk of aneuploidy, a lower possibility of immune rejection following in vivo allogeneic administration, and may provide an alternative therapy for various diseases. In this review, we summarize the properties and biological functions of MSC-derived exosomes and discuss the related mechanisms.     

Therapeutic Effects of Insulin-Producing Human Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a Type 1 Diabetes Mouse Model

In patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D), compromised pancreatic β-cell functions are compensated through daily insulin injections or the transplantation of pancreatic tissue or islet cells. However, both approaches are associated with specific challenges. The transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represents a potential alternative, as MSCs have tissue-forming capacity and can be isolated from various tissues. The human umbilical cord (hUC) is a good source of freely available MSCs, which can be collected through pain-free, non-invasive methods subject to minimal ethical concerns. We sought to develop a method for the in vitro generation of insulin-producing cells (IPCs) using MSCs. We examined the potential therapeutic uses and efficacy of IPCs generated from hUC-derived MSCs (hUC-IPCs) and human adipose tissue (hAD)-derived MSCs (hAD-IPCs) through in vitro experiments and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced C57BL/6 T1D mouse models. We discovered that compared to hAD-IPCs, hUC-IPCs exhibited a superior insulin secretion capacity. Therefore, hUC-IPCs were selected as candidates for T1D cell therapy in mice. Fasting glucose and intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test levels were lower in hUC-IPC-transplanted mice than in T1D control mice and hAD-IPC-transplanted mice. Our findings support the potential use of MSCs for the treatment of T1D.     

骨髓间充质干细胞对大鼠胰腺损伤组织的修复作用

目的观察骨髓间充质干细胞(MSCs)对大鼠胰腺损伤组织的修复作用。方法应用贴壁法分离、纯化、扩增大鼠MSCs,经流式细胞仪检测其细胞周期及表面标志后,用DAPI标记,经尾静脉注入胰腺损伤模型大鼠体内,15d后,在激光共聚焦显微镜下观察MSCs在大鼠胰腺组织的定位,组织病理切片观察胰腺损伤组织的病理改变,PCR检测胰腺损伤区组织的Sry基因。结果体外纯化、扩增、富集的MSCs经流式细胞仪检测,86.67%的细胞处于G0/G1期,细胞表面CD34呈阴性表达,CD44呈阳性表达。DAPI标记的MSCs移植治疗15d后,激光共聚焦显微镜下可见,MSCs在损伤的胰腺组织中多见,在正常胰腺组织中偶见;组织病理切片可见损伤的胰腺组织结构开始恢复,胰岛再建;PCR结果显示,治疗组胰腺组织可扩增出Sry基因。结论MSCs对大鼠胰腺损伤组织可能具有修复作用。     

Potential Therapeutic Application of Regulatory T Cells in Diabetes Mellitus Type 1

The autoimmune reaction against the beta cells of the pancreatic islets in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients is active in prediabetes and during the development of the clinical manifestation of T1DM, but it decreases within a few years of the clinical manifestation of this disease. A key role in the pathogenesis of T1DM is played by regulatory T cell (Treg) deficiency or dysfunction. Immune interventions, such as potential therapeutic applications or the induction of the Treg-cell population in T1DM, will be important in the development of new types of treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate innovative immune interventions as treatments for T1DM. After an evaluation of full-length papers from the PubMed database from 2010 to 2021, 20 trials were included for the final analysis. The analysis led to the following conclusions: Treg cells play an important role in the limitation of the development of T1DM, the activation or application of Tregs may be more effective in the early stages of T1DM development, and the therapeutic use of Treg cells in T1DM is promising but requires long-term observation in a large group of patients.     

Mechanotransduction in Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) Differentiation: A Review

Mechanotransduction is the process by which physical force is converted into a biochemical signal that is used in development and physiology; meanwhile, it is intended for the ability of cells to sense and respond to mechanical forces by activating intracellular signals transduction pathways and the relative phenotypic adaptation. It encompasses the role of mechanical stimuli for developmental, morphological characteristics, and biological processes in different organs; the response of cells to mechanically induced force is now also emerging as a major determinant of disease. Due to fluid shear stress caused by blood flowing tangentially across the lumen surface, cells of the cardiovascular system are typically exposed to a variety of mechanotransduction. In the body, tissues are continuously exposed to physical forces ranging from compression to strain, which is caused by fluid pressure and compressive forces. Only lately, though, has the importance of how forces shape stem cell differentiation into lineage-committed cells and how mechanical forces can cause or exacerbate disease besides organizing cells into tissues been acknowledged. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are potent mediators of cardiac repair which can secret a large array of soluble factors that have been shown to play a huge role in tissue repair. Differentiation of MSCs is required to regulate mechanical factors such as fluid shear stress, mechanical strain, and the rigidity of the extracellular matrix through various signaling pathways for their use in regenerative medicine. In the present review, we highlighted mechanical influences on the differentiation of MSCs and the general factors involved in MSCs differentiation. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the progress that has been achieved in understanding how MSCs perceive and react to their mechanical environment, as well as to highlight areas where more research has been performed in previous studies to fill in the gaps.     

Immunomodulatory Mechanisms of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Potential Clinical Applications

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells with the capacity of self-renewal, homing, and low immunogenicity. These distinct biological characteristics have already shown immense potential in regenerative medicine. MSCs also possess immunomodulatory properties that can maintain immune homeostasis when the immune response is over-activated or under-activated. The secretome of MSCs consists of cytokines, chemokines, signaling molecules, and growth factors, which effectively contribute to the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses. The immunomodulatory effects of MSCs can also be achieved through direct cell contact with microenvironmental factors and immune cells. Furthermore, preconditioned and engineered MSCs can specifically improve the immunomodulation effects in diverse clinical applications. These multifunctional properties of MSCs enable them to be used as a prospective therapeutic strategy to treat immune disorders, including autoimmune diseases and incurable inflammatory diseases. Here we review the recent exploration of immunomodulatory mechanisms of MSCs and briefly discuss the promotion of the genetically engineered MSCs. Additionally, we review the potential clinical applications of MSC-mediated immunomodulation in four types of immune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, Crohn’s disease, graft-versus-host disease, and COVID-19.     

Harnessing Normal and Engineered Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived Exosomes for Cancer Therapy: Opportunity and Challenges

There remains a vital necessity for new therapeutic approaches to combat metastatic cancers, which cause globally over 8 million deaths per year. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) display aptitude as new therapeutic choices for cancer treatment. Exosomes, the most important mediator of MSCs, regulate tumor progression. The potential of harnessing exosomes from MSCs (MSCs-Exo) in cancer therapy is now being documented. MSCs-Exo can promote tumor progression by affecting tumor growth, metastasis, immunity, angiogenesis, and drug resistance. However, contradictory evidence has suggested that MSCs-Exo suppress tumors through several mechanisms. Therefore, the exact association between MSCs-Exo and tumors remains controversial. Accordingly, the applications of MSCs-Exo as novel drug delivery systems and standalone therapeutics are being extensively explored. In addition, engineering MSCs-Exo for targeting tumor cells has opened a new avenue for improving the efficiency of antitumor therapy. However, effective implementation in the clinical trials will need the establishment of standards for MSCs-Exo isolation and characterization as well as loading and engineering methods. The studies outlined in this review highlight the pivotal roles of MSCs-Exo in tumor progression and the promising potential of MSCs-Exo as therapeutic drug delivery vehicles for cancer treatment.     

Freeze-Dried Secretome (Lyosecretome) from Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells Promotes the Osteoinductive and Osteoconductive Properties of Titanium Cages

Titanium is one of the most frequently used materials in bone regeneration due to its good biocompatibility, excellent mechanical properties, and great osteogenic performance. However, osseointegration with host tissue is often not definite, which may cause implant failure at times. The present study investigates the capacity of the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-secretome, formulated as a ready-to-use and freeze-dried medicinal product (the Lyosecretome), to promote the osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties of titanium cages. In vitro tests were conducted using adipose tissue-derived MSCs seeded on titanium cages with or without Lyosecretome. After 14 days, in the presence of Lyosecretome, significant cell proliferation improvement was observed. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the cytocompatibility of titanium cages: the seeded MSCs showed a spread morphology and an initial formation of filopodia. After 7 days, in the presence of Lyosecretome, more frequent and complex cellular processes forming bridges across the porous surface of the scaffold were revealed. Also, after 14 and 28 days of culturing in osteogenic medium, the amount of mineralized matrix detected by alizarin red was significantly higher when Lyosecretome was used. Finally, improved osteogenesis with Lyosecretome was confirmed by confocal analysis after 28 and 56 days of treatment, and demonstrating the production by osteoblast-differentiated MSCs of osteocalcin, a specific bone matrix protein.     

骨髓间充质干细胞对胰腺损伤模型大鼠血清生化指标的影响

目的观察大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞(MSCs)对胰腺损伤模型大鼠血清生化指标的影响。方法胰腺结扎建立大鼠胰腺损伤模型;体外分离纯化及培养大鼠的MSCs,流式细胞术检测细胞周期及细胞表面标志,经尾静脉回输治疗胰腺损伤,逐日观察,并于回输后24h、48h、7d和15d,分别采血,分离血清,检测血淀粉酶与脂肪酶含量。结果分离纯化的MSCs细胞周期中,86.67%处于G0/G1期,表达MSCs表面标志CD44,不表达造血干细胞表面标志CD34。治疗组在回输MSCs15d后,肉眼可见坏死的胰腺组织外观基本恢复正常,24h、48h和7d,血清淀粉酶含量均低于模型组,且差异有统计学意义,在15d时接近于模型组,差异无统计学意义;在24h、48h、7d和15d时,治疗组血清中脂肪酶含量均低于模型组,且差异有统计学意义;24h、48h、7d和15d,治疗组血清中血淀粉酶和脂肪酶含量仍高于正常对照组,且差异有统计学意义。结论骨髓间充质干细胞对胰腺组织损伤的模型大鼠具有治疗作用。     

Enhanced Nerve Regeneration by Exosomes Secreted by Adipose-Derived Stem Cells with or without FK506 Stimulation

Exosomes secreted by adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC-exo) reportedly improve nerve regeneration after peripheral nerve injury. Herein, we investigated whether pretreatment of ADSCs with FK506, an immunosuppressive drug that enhances nerve regeneration, could secret exosomes (ADSC-F-exo) that further augment nerve regeneration. Designed exosomes were topically applied to injured nerve in a mouse model of sciatic nerve crush injury to assess the nerve regeneration efficacy. Outcomes were determined by histomorphometric analysis of semi-thin nerve sections stained with toluidine blue, mouse neurogenesis PCR array, and neurotrophin expression in distal nerve segments. Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) were used to profile potential exosomal proteins facilitating nerve regeneration. We observed that locally applied ADSC-exo and ADSC-F-exo significantly enhanced nerve regeneration after nerve crush injury. Pretreatment of ADSCs with FK506 failed to produce exosomes possessing more potent molecules for enhanced nerve regeneration. Proteomic analysis revealed that of 192 exosomal proteins detected in both ADSC-exo and ADSC-F-exo, histone deacetylases (HDACs), amyloid-beta A4 protein (APP), and integrin beta-1 (ITGB1) might be involved in enhancing nerve regeneration.     

Porcine Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Retain Their Stem Cell Characteristics and Cell Activities While Enhancing the Expression of Liver-Specific Genes after Acute Liver Failure

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a kind of complicated syndrome. Furthermore, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) can serve as a useful cell resource for autotransplantation due to their abundance and micro-invasive accessability. However, it is unknown how ALF will influence the characteristics of ADMSCs and whether ADMSCs from patients suffering from end-stage liver diseases are potential candidates for autotransplantation. This study was designed to compare various properties of ALF-derived ADMSCs with normal ADMSCs in pig models, with regard to their cellular morphology, cell proliferative ability, cell apoptosis, expression of surface antigens, mitochondrial and lysosomal activities, multilineage potency, and expression of liver-specific genes. Our results showed that ALF does not influence the stem cell characteristics and cell activities of ADMSCs. Intriguingly, the expression levels of several liver-specific genes in ALF-derived ADMSCs are higher than in normal ADMSCs. In conclusion, our findings indicate that the stem cell characteristics and cell activities of ADMSCs were not altered by ALF and these cells can serve as a new source for regenerative medicine.     

骨髓间充质干细胞对电离辐射诱发的小鼠胸腺瘤的抑制作用

目的观察骨髓间充质干细胞(MSCs)对电离辐射诱发的小鼠胸腺瘤的抑制作用。方法采用经典Kaplan法复制电离辐射诱发的小鼠胸腺瘤模型。应用全骨髓贴壁法分离培养C57BL/6小鼠MSCs,DAPI标记,经尾静脉注入荷瘤小鼠后,分别于1、5、10d处死小鼠,取胸腺组织,激光共聚焦显微镜下观察MSCs在胸腺瘤组织中的定位;第1次全身大剂量照射后6个月取胸腺组织,HE染色观察胸腺组织的病理变化,并判断成瘤情况。结果激光共聚焦显微镜下观察可见,MSCs经尾静脉输注后可迁徙至小鼠胸腺组织内;病理观察显示,胸腺组织皮髓质结构清楚,淋巴样肿瘤细胞较少,细胞形态、大小不一,偶见核分裂象;MSCs输注使辐射诱导的胸腺瘤成瘤率由57.00%±9.78%降低至37.50%±7.55%。结论已成功建立辐射诱发的小鼠胸腺瘤模型;输注的MSCs可迁徙至胸腺组织中,并降低胸腺瘤的成瘤率。     

骨髓间充质干细胞在脑缺血模型大鼠脑组织中的迁徙、定居及组织修复作用

目的观察骨髓间充质干细胞(MSCs)移植后,在缺血性脑损伤大鼠脑组织中的迁徙、定居及组织修复作用。方法体外分离、纯化及培养MSCs。线栓法制备Wester大鼠脑缺血模型,经颈动脉移植DAPI标记的MSCs,通过激光共聚焦显微镜,分别在24h、5d及10d观察MSCs在脑组织内的迁徙及定居。采用三苯四氮唑活组织脑片染色方法,观察MSCs治疗对脑组织损伤的修复作用。结果MSCs经颈动脉移植后,在24h即出现在脑损伤区域血管内,第5天在血管周围组织内开始弥散,第10天在损伤区域可见广泛弥散。MSCs治疗20d后,脑片染色显示坏死区域减少。结论动脉移植MSCs后,MSCs首先出现在大鼠缺血性脑损伤区域血管内,然后在周围组织弥散,并可能参与损伤区血管及组织的修复。     

Comparison of Biological Features of Wild European Rabbit Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Different Tissues

Although the European rabbit is an “endangered” species and a notorious biological model, the analysis and comparative characterization of new tissue sources of rabbit mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs) have not been well addressed. Here, we report for the first time the isolation and characterization of rMSCs derived from an animal belonging to a natural rabbit population within the native region of the species. New rMSC lines were isolated from different tissues: oral mucosa (rOM-MSC), dermal skin (rDS-MSC), subcutaneous adipose tissue (rSCA-MSC), ovarian adipose tissue (rOA-MSC), oviduct (rO-MSC), and mammary gland (rMG-MSC). The six rMSC lines showed plastic adhesion with fibroblast-like morphology and were all shown to be positive for CD44 and CD29 expression (characteristic markers of MSCs), and negative for CD34 or CD45 expression. In terms of pluripotency features, all rMSC lines expressed NANOG, OCT4, and SOX2. Furthermore, all rMSC lines cultured under osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic conditions showed differentiation capacity. In conclusion, this study describes the isolation and characterization of new rabbit cell lines from different tissue origins, with a clear mesenchymal pattern. We show that rMSC do not exhibit differences in terms of morphological features, expression of the cell surface, and intracellular markers of pluripotency and in vitro differentiation capacities, attributable to their tissue of origin.     

骨髓间充质干细胞向视网膜神经节样细胞的分化

目的探讨乳鼠视网膜细胞条件分化液诱导骨髓间充质干细胞(BMSCs)的神经分化情况,以期为视网膜退行性疾病提供治疗方案。方法体外分离培养Wistar大鼠乳鼠BMSCs,观察BMSCs的增殖情况并进行鉴定;制备乳鼠视网膜细胞条件分化液,以其诱导BMSCs,观察BMSCs的神经分化情况,并行免疫组化鉴定。结果体外培养获得了较纯的BMSCs;在乳鼠视网膜细胞条件分化液的环境中,诱导后72h,BMSCs胞体收缩成锥形或球形,细胞突起变细、变长,呈神经细胞的典型形态;免疫组化结果显示,部分细胞呈神经元特异性烯醇化酶(NSE)、巢蛋白(nestin)和Thy1.1阳性反应。结论乳鼠视网膜细胞条件分化液可诱导BMSCs分化成视网膜神经节样细胞。     

Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells and Their Contribution to Angiogenic Processes in Tissue Regeneration

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are widely described in the context of their regenerative and immunomodulatory activity. MSCs are isolated from various tissues and organs. The most frequently described sources are bone marrow and adipose tissue. As stem cells, MSCs are able to differentiate into other cell lineages, but they are usually reported with respect to their paracrine potential. In this review, we focus on MSCs derived from adipose tissue (AT-MSCs) and their secretome in regeneration processes. Special attention is given to the contribution of AT-MSCs and their derivatives to angiogenic processes described mainly in the context of angiogenic dysfunction. Finally, we present clinical trials registered to date that concern the application of AT-MSCs and their secretome in various medical conditions.     

bFGF促增殖后骨髓间充质干细胞向多巴胺能神经元样细胞的分化

目的探讨碱性成纤维细胞生长因子(Basic fibroblast growth factor,bFGF)体外作用于骨髓间充质干细胞(Mesen-chymal stem cells,MSCs)后,诱导其向神经元样细胞和多巴胺能神经元样细胞定向分化的情况。方法从鼠骨髓中获得MSCs,培养传代,用MTT法检测bFGF对骨髓MSCs生长的影响。10 ng/ml bFGF作用2 d后,通过IBMX、细胞因子bFGF、GDNFI、L-1β、中脑神经胶质细胞条件培养基和中脑神经细胞膜碎片等分组联合诱导骨髓MSCs向神经元样细胞、多巴胺能神经元样细胞分化,免疫细胞化学方法鉴定特异标志NSE、MAP-2a,b和TH的表达。结果在一定范围内,bFGF对骨髓MSCs具有明显的促增殖作用。分化的神经元样细胞表达NSE、MAP-2a,b和TH,联合应用GDNFI、L-1β、中脑条件培养基和中脑神经细胞膜碎片诱导7 d后,NSE阳性率为(27.774±2.747)%,MAP-2a,b为(28.006±3.080)%,TH为(3.098±0.352)%。结论体外骨髓MSCs被诱导分化成神经元样细胞和多巴胺能神经元样细胞,为帕金森等中枢神经系统疾病的细胞移植治疗奠定了基础。     

大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞的体外分离培养与鉴定

目的建立大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞(Mesenchymal stem cells,MSCs)体外分离培养及鉴定的方法 ,为MSCs的系列研究奠定基础。方法采用全骨髓直接贴壁筛选法分离培养MSCs并传代,倒置相差显微镜下观察细胞形态,以MTT法检测细胞增殖水平并绘制生长曲线。取第3代MSCs,流式细胞术检测细胞周期和细胞表型,应用成骨细胞诱导液和脂肪样细胞诱导液诱导MSCs定向分化,鉴定其分化能力。结果全骨髓细胞培养5d,镜下可见贴壁细胞增殖明显,细胞形态较均一,大部分呈梭形,7d左右可传代,经2～3次传代后细胞呈单一梭形的成纤维样细胞,即MSCs;细胞生长曲线呈S形;经流式细胞仪检测,MSCs细胞76.01%处于G0/G1期,7.13%处于G2/M期,16.86%处于S期;MSCs表面不表达CD34;在特定诱导液作用下,MSCs可分别向成骨样细胞及脂肪样细胞分化。结论已成功建立了分离培养及鉴定MSCs的方法 ,可用来评价体外培养的MSCs。