A Review of Herbal Therapy in Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a complex autoimmune disorder which characterized by demyelination and axonal loss in the central nervous system (CNS). Several evidences indicate that some new drugs and stem cell therapy have opened a new horizon for multiple sclerosis treatment, but current therapies are partially effective or not safe in the long term. Recently, herbal therapies represent a promising therapeutic approach for multiple sclerosis disease. Here, we consider the potential benefits of some herbal compounds on different aspects of multiple sclerosis disease. The medicinal plants and their derivatives; Ginkgo biloba, Zingiber officinale, Curcuma longa, Hypericum perforatum, Valeriana officinalis, Vaccinium macrocarpon, Nigella sativa,Piper methysticum, Crocus sativus, Panax ginseng, Boswellia papyrifera, Vitis vinifera, Gastrodia elata, Camellia sinensis, Oenothera biennis, MS14 and Cannabis sativa have been informed to have several therapeutic effects in MS patients

3D-printed placental-derived bioinks for skin tissue regeneration with improved angiogenesis and wound healing properties

Extracellular matrix (ECM)-based bioinks has attracted much attention in recent years for 3D printing of nativelike tissue constructs. Due to organ unavailability, human placental ECM can be an alternative source for the construction of 3D print composite scaffolds for the treatment of deep wounds. In this study, we use different concentrations (1.5%, 3% and 5%w/v) of ECM derived from the placenta, sodium-alginate and gelatin to prepare a printable bioink biomimicking natural skin. The printed hydrogels' morphology, physical structure, mechanical behavior, biocompatibility, and angiogenic property are investigated. The optimized ECM (5%w/v) 3D printed scaffold is applied on full-thickness wounds created in a mouse model. Due to their unique native-like structure, the ECM-based scaffolds provide a non-cytotoxic microenvironment for cell adhesion, infiltration, angiogenesis, and proliferation. In contrast, they do not show any sign of immune response to the host. Notably, the biodegradation, swelling rate, mechanical property, cell adhesion and angiogenesis properties increase with the increase of ECM concentrations in the construct. The ECM 3D printed scaffold implanted into deep wounds increases granulation tissue formation, angiogenesis, and re-epithelialization due to the presence of ECM components in the construct, when compared with printed scaffold with no ECM and no treatment wound

Spermatogonia stem cells: A new pluripotent source for repairment in regenerative medicine

Recently new reports have proved the pluripotency of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) derived from male gonad. This pluripotent stem cells resembled Embryonic stem cells recognized as Embryonic Stem like cells (ES like cells). ES like cells forms sharp edge colonies that are immunopositive to pluripotency markers and have differentiation capacity to Ectodermal, Mesodermal and Endodermal layers. ES like cells may have therapeutique application in tissue engineering and treatment for disease because of their ability to differentiation into various cell types. Embryonic stem like cells derived culturing of spermatogonial cells which has self-renewal and differentiation capacity to all three germ layers make them as a new and unlimited source for cell therapy strategies. The perspective of pluripotency and differantiaion ability of ES like cells obtained in mice has clinical application in other species particularly in humans that solves many problems of cell therapy in regenerative medicine. These characteristics propose the therapeutic use of spermatogonial stem cells as a possible alternative source for generation of various cell types that are usful in treatment of degenerative diseases

Co-culture of mouse spermatogonial stem cells with sertoli cell as a feeder layer, stimulates the proliferation and spermatogonial stemness profile

Objectives: Sertoli cells effect the fate map of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) to self-renew via providing the special microenvironments. Maintenance of proliferation and self-renewal activity of SSCs may be usable as a therapeutic strategy, leads to increase the recovery of male fertility. This research was aimed to evaluate the effect of mouse sertoli cells on spermatogonia stem cells proliferation and the expression pattern of stemness markers. Methods: Spermatogonia stem cells were collected from neonatal mouse testis using a two-step mechanical and enzymatic digestion. SSCs were cultured in three groups: The first group or co-culture group consists of spermatogonia and sertoli cells that were cultured together. The control group, only spermatogonial cells and the group no. 3 included spermatogonial cells in the presence of GDNF. The colony formation of mentioned groups, was monitored during one month in culture. Identification of the colonies, was confirmed using PLZF and Oct4 immunostaining. Spermatogonial stemness genes includes; Stra8, mvh and piwill2 were analyzed by RT-PCR. Results: In the co-culture group, cells proliferated rapidly and many colonies were appeared whereas they were rarely formed in the control groups. Colonies were exhibited alkaline phosphatesase activity and were immunopositive to Oct4 and PLZF, strongly. The gene expression of srta8, mvh and piwill2, in SSCs that were cultivated with sertoli cells, were greater significantly than other control groups. Conclusion: It is concluded that co-culture of SSCs with sertoli cells prepares conditions which leads to efficient proliferation and maintenance of stemness condition of SSCs, that is usable as a therapeutic approach for treatment of male fertility. Keywords: Sertoli, Spermatogonial stem cells, Proliferation, Co-cultur

Expression of Spermatogonial and Pluripotency Markers in Spermatogonial Stem Cells after Treatment with Different Culture Factors

Background: As condition and component of culture determine fate map of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), the aim of this study was to evaluate of growth factors GDNF, LIF and RA on proliferation and differentiation of SSC. Materials and Methods: SSCs were cultured in two groups: The first group GDNF and LIF and the second group RA. The number of clumps and colony formation was monitored during 1 month in culture. To identification of the colony, stained with PLZF using immunostaining. Pluripotency gene Oct 4 and neural markers MAP2, NeuroD and Nestin were analyzed by RT-PCR.  Results: In the presence of GDNF and LIF, cells proliferated rapidly and many compact clumps were appeared whereas after exposure to RA cells formed small clumps. The results of immunocytochemistry shows PLZF was detected in the group GDNF & LIF. RT-PCR showed high level expression Oct 4 in the group GDNF and LIF whereas neural markers MAP2, NeuroD and Nestin were expressed in the group RA. Conclusions: GDNF and LIF are essential for self-renewal and colony formation of SSCs that confirm the stem cells activity of these cells but RA inhibits stem cell activity of SSCs and induces neural differentiation of these

Antimicrobial peptides-loaded smart chitosan hydrogel: Release behavior and antibacterial potential against antibiotic resistant clinical isolates

In this study, we synthesized thermo -responsive chitosan (TCTS) hydrogels, and loaded with different concentrations of antimicrobial peptide (AMP) (0, 4, 8 and 16 µg.ml - 1 ) to fabricate an antibacterial wound dressing against resistant clinical isolates. Physico -chemical properties, release behavior, cytobiocompatibility and antibacterial activity of the AMP -TCTS hydrogels against standard strain and resistant Acinetobacter baumannii were fully determined in vitro. The TCTS -40% β -glycerolphosphate hydrogels showed a gelation time of 15 min at 37 °C. 80% weight loss at day 35 with no changes in pH value was observed. AMP -TCTS hydrogels showed a burst release of AMP (around 40%) at day 1, and a controlled release up to day 7. A dramatic water uptake was observed at first 4 h, and then continued for 10 h in a steady manner. All the AMP -TCTS hydrogels showed excellent cytobiocompatibility for human fibroblasts. The TCTS showed no antibacterial activity against both standard strain and clinical isolates. All the AMP - TCTS hydrogels had strong antibacterial activity against standard strains, but only 16 µg.ml - 1 showed antibacterial behavior against resistant A. baumannii . Our results strongly suggest the 16 µg.ml - 1 AMP -TCTS hydrogel as a n excellent antibacterial wound dressing against resistant A. baumannii , and now promises to proceed with pre -clinical investigations

Effect of Sambucus ebulus extract on neural stem cell prolifration under oxidative stress condition

Background and Aim: Recently, several studies have indicated that the central nervous system has the capacity for endogenous repair. But, the proliferation capacity of endogenous neural stem cells (NSCs) isn’t sufficient for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. So, it sounds that stimulation of endogenous NSC proliferation is essential for neuroregeneration. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of Sambucus ebulus extract on the proliferation of neonatal rat hippocampus-derived neural stem cells (NSCs) under oxidative stress condition induced by H2O2.  Material and Methods: The NSCs were isolated from neonatal rat hippocampus. To confirm neural characteristics of neural stem cells, the expression of neural-specific marker, Nestin was investigated by immunocytochemistry technique. 5×104 cells were cultured in every well of a 96 well plate and H2O2 was added to induce oxidative stress condition. Then NSCs were exposed to 50 µg Sambucus ebulus extract for 24 hours, at various concentrations (25, 50, 100, 200, 400 and 500 μg/ml). The cell proliferation rate was assessed by MTT colorimetry assay before and after treatment with the extract. Results: Immunofluorescent studies showed that neural stem cells expressed specific neural marker; Nestin. The proliferation rate of NSCs increased in the treated groups in comparison to that in the control group. The highest rate of survival was observed when Sambucus ebulus was used at the concentration of 500 μg/ml. (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that the methanolic extract of Sambucus ebulus can promote proliferation and survival of NCSs in vitro and also after exposure to oxidative stress condition, suggesting its potential beneficial effect on neuroregeneration. Key Words: Neural stem cells, Sambucus ebulus, Proliferation, Survival.   Received: Jan 13, 2018     Accepted: Apr 11, 201

The Effect of bisphenol A and Photobiomodulation Therapy on Autophagy-Related Genes Induction in Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells: Effects of Bisphenol A and Photobiomodulation Treatments on Autophagy

Introduction: As adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) can divide rapidly and be prepared noninvasively, they have extensively been used in regenerative medicine. On the other hand, a new method of therapy, known as photobiomodulation (PHT), has been used to treat many diseases, such as inflammatory conditions, wound healing and pain. Besides, exposure to chemical substances such as bisphenol A (BPA), at low levels, can lead to autophagy. This study investigated the effects of BPA and PHT on the expression of autophagy-related genes, including LC3, NRF2, and P62, in rat ADSCs as a model.Methods: ADSCs isolation and purification were confirmed by immunocytochemistry (ICC). The cells were then treated with different concentrations of BPA and also subjected to PHT. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used for the evaluation of LC3, NRF2 and P62 gene expressions. Oil red O staining was used for adipogenic vacuole formation.Result: ICC showed that the isolated cells were CD 49-positive but CD 31 and CD 34-negative. The viability test indicated that the number of live cells after 24 hours in the BPA groups at concentrations of 0, 1, 50, 100 and 200 μM was 100%, 93%, 81%, 72%, and 43% respectively. The difference in cell viability between groups 50, 100 and 200 μM was significant as compared with the control groups (P&lt;0.05). Moreover, in the group with 1 μM concentration of BPA, the expressions of LC3, NRF2 and P62 genes were upregulated. However, in the treatment group at the concentration of 200 μM of BPA, the LC3 gene was expressed, but NRF2 and P62 genes were downregulated.Conclusion: BPA and PHT induce autophagy and adiposeness in ADSCs in a dose-dependent manner. Doi:10.34172/jlms.2022.15