Comparison of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Serum Biomarkers for Detection of Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Teratomas.

The use of cells derived from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) for regenerative therapies confers a considerable risk for neoplastic growth and teratoma formation. Preclinical and clinical assessment of such therapies will require suitable monitoring strategies to understand and mitigate these risks. Here we generated human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), selected clones that continued to express reprogramming factors after differentiation into cardiomyocytes, and transplanted these cardiomyocytes into immunocompromised rat hearts post-myocardial infarction. We compared magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cardiac ultrasound, and serum biomarkers for their ability to delineate teratoma formation and growth. MRI enabled the detection of teratomas with a volume >8 mm(3). A combination of three plasma biomarkers (CEA, AFP, and HCG) was able to detect teratomas with a volume >17 mm(3) and with a sensitivity of more than 87%. Based on our findings, a combination of serum biomarkers with MRI screening may offer the highest sensitivity for teratoma detection and tracking

Comparison of Non-human Primate versus Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes for Treatment of Myocardial Infarction.

Non-human primates (NHPs) can serve as a human-like model to study cell therapy using induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs). However, whether the efficacy of NHP and human iPSC-CMs is mechanistically similar remains unknown. To examine this, RNU rats received intramyocardial injection of 1 × 107 NHP or human iPSC-CMs or the same number of respective fibroblasts or PBS control (n = 9-14/group) at 4 days after 60-min coronary artery occlusion-reperfusion. Cardiac function and left ventricular remodeling were similarly improved in both iPSC-CM-treated groups. To mimic the ischemic environment in the infarcted heart, both cultured NHP and human iPSC-CMs underwent 24-hr hypoxia in vitro. Both cells and media were collected, and similarities in transcriptomic as well as metabolomic profiles were noted between both groups. In conclusion, both NHP and human iPSC-CMs confer similar cardioprotection in a rodent myocardial infarction model through relatively similar mechanisms via promotion of cell survival, angiogenesis, and inhibition of hypertrophy and fibrosis

Multipotency and cardiomyogenic potential of human adipose-derived stem cells from epicardium, pericardium, and omentum

BackgroundAcute myocardial infarction (MI) leads to an irreversible loss of proper cardiac function. Application of stem cell therapy is an attractive option for MI treatment. Adipose tissue has proven to serve as a rich source of stem cells (ADSCs). Taking into account the different morphogenesis, anatomy, and physiology of adipose tissue, we hypothesized that ADSCs from different adipose tissue depots may exert a diverse multipotency and cardiogenic potential.MethodsThe omental, pericardial, and epicardial adipose tissue samples were obtained from organ donors and patients undergoing heart transplantation at our institution. Human foreskin fibroblasts were used as the control group. Isolated ADSCs were analyzed for adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation capacity and proliferation potential. The immunophenotype and constitutive gene expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), GATA4, Nanog, and OCT4 were analyzed. DNA methylation inhibitor 5-azacytidine was exposed to the cells to stimulate the cardiogenesis. Finally, reprogramming towards cardiomyocytes was initiated with exogenous overexpression of seven transcription factors (ESRRG, GATA4, MEF2C, MESP1, MYOCD, TBX5, ZFPM2) previously applied successfully for fibroblast transdifferentiation toward cardiomyocytes. Expression of cardiac troponin T (cTNT) and alpha-actinin (Actn2) was analyzed 3 weeks after initiation of the cardiac differentiation.ResultsThe multipotent properties of isolated plastic adherent cells were confirmed with expression of CD29, CD44, CD90, and CD105, as well as successful differentiation toward adipocytes and osteocytes; with the highest osteogenic and adipogenic potential for the epicardial and omental ADSCs, respectively. Epicardial ADSCs demonstrated a lower doubling time as compared with the pericardium and omentum-derived cells. Furthermore, epicardial ADSCs revealed higher constitutive expression of ALP and GATA4. Increased Actn2 and cTNT expression was observed after the transduction of seven reprogramming factors, with the highest expression in the epicardial ADSCs, as compared with the other ADSC subtypes and fibroblasts.ConclusionsHuman epicardial ADSCs revealed a higher cardiomyogenic potential as compared with the pericardial and omental ADSC subtypes as well as the fibroblast counterparts. Epicardial ADSCs may thus serve as the valuable subject for further studies on more effective methods of adult stem cell differentiation toward cardiomyocytes

Celecoxib Nanoparticles for Therapeutic Angiogenesis

Controllable induction of blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) presents an important therapeutic goal in ischemic diseases and is also beneficial in various normal physiological processes. In this study, we have shown that nanoparticles of celecoxib, a lipophilic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, effectively evoke therapeutic angiogenesis in animal models, in both normal and ischemic organs. Celecoxib is widely considered to inhibit angiogenesis, although a recent study suggests that it can instead promote blood vessel growth in cancer cell lines. The hydrophobic nature of this drug necessitates its administration in nanoparticulate form in order to elicit a perceivable pharmacological response. We developed a facile method for nanoparticle formation by solvent extraction from microemulsions in supercritical carbon dioxide. This method exploits a spontaneous formation of nanometric domains within the microemulsion system and their rapid conversion to nanoparticles by supercritical fluid. The resultant nanoparticles were administered subcutaneously to mice in a biocompatible hydrogel, and caused a 4-fold increase in blood vessel count in normally perfused skin compared with drug-free particles. They were at least as effective in inducing angiogenesis as nanoparticles of deferoxamine, a well-established neovascularization promoter. Next, we evaluated their effect on ischemic tissues in murine model of myocardial infarction. We found that celecoxib nanoparticles were able to induce a significant vascularization of ischemic myocardium and hamper the progression of heart failure, which points toward a new approach for treating ischemia

Using Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes as a Model to Study Trypanosoma cruzi Infection

Submitted by Nuzia Santos ([email protected]) on 2019-08-21T14:03:04Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Using Human Induced Pluripotent Stem .pdf: 1908077 bytes, checksum: 178f6efbded1fadb06946707daced99a (MD5)Approved for entry into archive by Nuzia Santos ([email protected]) on 2019-08-21T14:07:21Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Using Human Induced Pluripotent Stem .pdf: 1908077 bytes, checksum: 178f6efbded1fadb06946707daced99a (MD5)Made available in DSpace on 2019-08-21T14:07:21Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Using Human Induced Pluripotent Stem .pdf: 1908077 bytes, checksum: 178f6efbded1fadb06946707daced99a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2019Stanford Cardiovascular Institute. Stanford, CA, USA/Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto René Rachou. Belo Horizonte, MG, BrazilStanford Cardiovascular Institute. Stanford, CA, USA/Department of Medicine. Division of Cardiovascular Medicine. Stanford University. School of Medicine., Stanford, CA, USA/Department of Radiology. Stanford University. School of Medicine. Stanford, CA, USAStanford Cardiovascular Institute. Stanford, CA, USA/Department of Medicine. Division of Cardiovascular Medicine. Stanford University. School of Medicine., Stanford, CA, USA/Department of Radiology. Stanford University. School of Medicine. Stanford, CA, USADivision of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine. Stanford University. School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA/California Institute for Medical Research. San Jose, CA, USAStanford Cardiovascular Institute. Stanford, CA, USA/Department of Medicine. Division of Cardiovascular Medicine. Stanford University. School of Medicine., Stanford, CA, USA/Department of Radiology. Stanford University. School of Medicine. Stanford, CA, USADivision of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine. Stanford University. School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA/California Institute for Medical Research. San Jose, CA, USAFundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto René Rachou. Belo Horizonte, MG, BrazilDivision of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine. Stanford University. School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA/California Institute for Medical Research. San Jose, CA, USAStanford Cardiovascular Institute. Stanford, CA, USA/Department of Medicine. Division of Cardiovascular Medicine. Stanford University. School of Medicine., Stanford, CA, USA/Department of Radiology. Stanford University. School of Medicine. Stanford, CA, USAChagas disease (ChD) is one of the most neglected tropical diseases, with cardiomyopathy being the main cause of death in Trypanosoma cruzi-infected patients. As the parasite actively replicates in cardiomyocytes (CMs), the heart remains a key target organ in the pathogenesis of ChD. Here we modeled ChD using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived CMs (iPSC-CMs) to understand the complex interplay between the parasite and host cells. We showed that iPSC-CMs can get infected with the T. cruzi Y strain and that all parasite cycle stages can be identified in our model system. Importantly, characterization of T. cruzi-infected iPSC-CMs showed significant changes in their gene expression profile, cell contractility, and distribution of key cardiac markers. Moreover, these infected iPSC-CMs exhibited a pro-inflammatory profile as indicated by significantly elevated cytokine levels and cell-trafficking regulators. We believe our iPSC-CM model is a valuable platform to explore new treatment strategies for ChD

Immunobiology of fibrin-based engineered heart tissue.

UnlabelledDifferent tissue-engineering approaches have been developed to induce and promote cardiac regeneration; however, the impact of the immune system and its responses to the various scaffold components of the engineered grafts remains unclear. Fibrin-based engineered heart tissue (EHT) was generated from neonatal Lewis (Lew) rat heart cells and transplanted onto the left ventricular surface of three different rat strains: syngeneic Lew, allogeneic Brown Norway, and immunodeficient Rowett Nude rats. Interferon spot frequency assay results showed similar degrees of systemic immune activation in the syngeneic and allogeneic groups, whereas no systemic immune response was detectable in the immunodeficient group (p < .001 vs. syngeneic and allogeneic). Histological analysis revealed much higher local infiltration of CD3- and CD68-positive cells in syngeneic and allogeneic rats than in immunodeficient animals. Enzyme-linked immunospot and immunofluorescence experiments revealed matrix-directed TH1-based rejection in syngeneic recipients without collateral impairment of heart cell survival. Bioluminescence imaging was used for in vivo longitudinal monitoring of transplanted luciferase-positive EHT constructs. Survival was documented in syngeneic and immunodeficient recipients for a period of up to 110 days after transplant, whereas in the allogeneic setting, graft survival was limited to only 14 ± 1 days. EHT strategies using autologous cells are promising approaches for cardiac repair applications. Although fibrin-based scaffold components elicited an immune response in our studies, syngeneic cells carried in the EHT were relatively unaffected.SignificanceAn initial insight into immunological consequences after transplantation of engineered heart tissue was gained through this study. Most important, this study was able to demonstrate cell survival despite rejection of matrix components. Generation of syngeneic human engineered heart tissue, possibly using human induced pluripotent stem cell technology with subsequent directed rejection of matrix components, may be a potential future approach to replace diseased myocardium

The selective jak1/3-inhibitor r507 mitigates obliterative airway disease both with systemic administration and aerosol inhalation

Background. The efficacy of selective Janus kinase 1/3 inhibitor R507 to prevent obliterative airway disease was analyzed in preclinical airway transplantationmodels. Methods. Orthotopic trachea transplantations were performed between Lewis donors and Brown Norway rat recipients. Oral everolimus (4mg/kg once per day) or oral respective inhaled R507 (60mg/kg twice per day, each) was used for immunosuppression. Grafts were retrieved after 6 or 60 days. Toxicity and anti-inflammatory effects of R507 were analyzed on human airway epithelial cells. Results. In 6-day animals, oral and inhaled R507 more potently diminished mononuclear graft infiltration than everolimus and preserved ciliated pseudostratified columnar respiratory epithelium. Everolimus and R507 similarly suppressed systemic cellular and humoral immune activation. In untreated rats, marked obliterative airway disease developed over 60 days. Oral and inhaled R507 was significantly more effective in reducing airway obliteration and preserved the morphology of the airway epithelium. Luciferase-positive donors revealed that a substantial amount of smooth muscle cells within the obliterative tissue was of donor origin. Only everolimus but not R507, adversely altered kidney function and lipid profiles. The R507 aerosol did not show airway toxicity in vitro but effectively suppressed activation of inflammatory signaling pathways induced by IL-1 beta. Conclusions. The Janus kinase 1/3 inhibitor R507 is a very well-tolerated immunosuppressant that similarly diminished obliterative airway disease with systemic or inhaled administration

The selective jak1/3-inhibitor r507 mitigates obliterative airway disease both with systemic administration and aerosol inhalation

Background. The efficacy of selective Janus kinase 1/3 inhibitor R507 to prevent obliterative airway disease was analyzed in preclinical airway transplantationmodels. Methods. Orthotopic trachea transplantations were performed between Lewis donors and Brown Norway rat recipients. Oral everolimus (4mg/kg once per day) or oral respective inhaled R507 (60mg/kg twice per day, each) was used for immunosuppression. Grafts were retrieved after 6 or 60 days. Toxicity and anti-inflammatory effects of R507 were analyzed on human airway epithelial cells. Results. In 6-day animals, oral and inhaled R507 more potently diminished mononuclear graft infiltration than everolimus and preserved ciliated pseudostratified columnar respiratory epithelium. Everolimus and R507 similarly suppressed systemic cellular and humoral immune activation. In untreated rats, marked obliterative airway disease developed over 60 days. Oral and inhaled R507 was significantly more effective in reducing airway obliteration and preserved the morphology of the airway epithelium. Luciferase-positive donors revealed that a substantial amount of smooth muscle cells within the obliterative tissue was of donor origin. Only everolimus but not R507, adversely altered kidney function and lipid profiles. The R507 aerosol did not show airway toxicity in vitro but effectively suppressed activation of inflammatory signaling pathways induced by IL-1 beta. Conclusions. The Janus kinase 1/3 inhibitor R507 is a very well-tolerated immunosuppressant that similarly diminished obliterative airway disease with systemic or inhaled administration