Effects mediated by the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor on cell proliferation and migration in rat adipose-derived stem cells

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are an attractive source for regenerative medicine as they can be easily iso-lated, rapidly expandable in culture and show excellent in vitro differentiation potential. Acetylcholine (ACh), one of the main neurotransmitters in central and peripheral nervous systems, plays key roles in the control of several physiological processes also in non-neural tissues. As demonstrated in our previous studies, ACh can contribute to the rat ASCs physiology, negatively modulating ASCs proliferation and migration via M2 mus-carinic receptor (mAChR) activation. In the present work we show that rat ASCs also express α7 nicotinic receptors (nAChRs). In particular, we have investigated the effects mediated by the selective activation of α7 nAChRs, which causes a reduction of ASC proliferation without affecting cell survival and morphology, and significantly promotes cell migration via upregulation of the CXCR4 expression. Interestingly, the activation of the α7 nAChR also upregulates the expression of M2 mAChR protein, indicating a cooperation between muscarinic and nicotinic receptors in the inhibition of ASC proliferation

Physical and mechanical characteristics of poor-quality wood after heat treatment

Poor-quality Corsican pine (Pinus nigra subsp. laricio (Poir.) Maire) and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) wood samples were heat treated with the aim of testing the improvement of wood quality that could increase their economic value. Wood properties were measured to assess quality in treated and non-treated materials, including density, hardness, anti-swelling efficiency (ASE), modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), and compression strength. The results showed higher dimensional stability in heat-treated wood, yet mechanical performance in compression and bending strength were only marginally affected by loss of density. Despite having a re­latively low density after heat treatment, Corsican pine sapwood has potential in manufacturing higher-value products. In contrast, heat treatment applied to Douglas fir wood did not appear economically viable; insufficient differences were detected between the naturally desirable characteristics of this species and heat-treated samples

Effects mediated by alpha-7 nicotinic receptor in rat adipose mesenchymal stem cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), are multipotent cells present in several tissues and organs as bone marrow and adipose tissue. MSCs derived from Adipose tissue (ASCs) are an attractive source for regenerative medicine because they can be easily isolated, rapidly expandable in culture and show excellent differentiation potential. Acetylcholine (ACh), the most important neurotransmitter in central (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS), plays a key role in the control of physiological processes also in non-neural tissues. Previously demonstrated that M2 muscarinic receptors negatively modulate ASC proliferation and migration. In the present work we demonstrate that rat ASCs also express \u3b17 nAChR receptors. By using the selective \u3b17 nicotinic receptor agonist ICH-3, we demonstrated that \u3b17 receptor activation causes a reduction of cell proliferation without affecting cell survival and morphology. Moreover, by wound healing assay, we have also demonstrated that \u3b17 promotes cell migration and a significant upregulation of CXCR4 receptor. Interestingly the activation of \u3b17 nAChR appears also up-regulate the expression of M2 acetylcholine receptor, suggesting a feedback positive loop between muscarinic and nicotinic receptors. Our data suggest that ACh, via cholinergic receptors might contribute to modulate ASC physiology. Moreover, in particular via nicotinic receptors, ACh might control ASCs migration

Cholinergic receptors contribute to maintain the quiescent status of adipose mesenchymal stem cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), also known as stromal mesenchymal stem cells, are multipotent cells, which can be found in many tissues and organs as bone marrow and adipose tissue. In particular MSCs derived from Adipose tissue (ASCs) are an attractive cell source for regenerative medicine. Acetylcholine (ACh), the most important neurotransmitter in Central (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS), plays a key roles also in non-neural tissue. Although MSCs express cholinergic receptors, their role has been poorly investigated. Analysis by RT-PCR have demonstrated that ASCs express several muscarinic and nicotinic receptor subtypes. In particular M2 mAChR and alpha7 nAChR expression was also confirmed by western blot analysis. In present work cholinergic effects were studied on rat ASCs. By MTT and FACS analysis we have demonstrated that M2 receptor activation caused a reversible reduction of cell proliferation. Moreover, by wound healing and transwell assays, we have also demonstrated that M2 receptors caused an inhibition of cell migration, indicating the ACh as possible modulator of ASCs proliferation and migration. Similarly to that observed for M2 receptor, preliminary data on α-7 nAChR demonstrate that this receptor is able to modulate cell proliferation and migration. Interestingly the activation of α-7 nAChR appears also up-regulate the expression of M2 receptor, suggesting a feedback positive loop between the muscarinic and nicotinic receptors. Our results indicate that ACh via M2 mAChR and α-7 nAChR, may contribute to the maintaining of the ASCs quiescent status. These data are the first evidence that ACh, might contribute to control ASCs physiology

The treatment of black stain associated with of iron metabolism disorders with lactoferrin: a litterature search and two case studies

Among the various pathologies of the oral cavity, the formation of "unsightly black spots" on the surface of the tooth, universally known as Black Stain (BS) has recently been acquiring more interest. Usually BS is typically found in individuals in prepubertal age, even though it has been identified in adults associated with microbial exchange and / or with iron metabolism disorders. Microbial exchange concerns the possible exchange of bacteria between family members which can take place directly, through effusions, or indirectly, through brushes, cutlery or glasses. For this reason, it is recommended that toothbrushes of family members not be left damp and in contact with each other. The bathroom, being a warm-humid environment, is in fact an optimal habitat for microbial proliferation. Of specific importance in BS is the accumulation of iron in tissues and secretions which, together with chromogenic bacteria, are the primary cause of this pathology. In fact, among the metabolic products synthesized by bacteria in the oral cavity, hydrogen sulfide is of considerable interest, since upon reacting with iron available in saliva, in pathological conditions (iron metabolism disorders), it forms black precipitates consisting of ferric sulfide. These precipitates bind to the surface of the teeth, tending to form a stria that usually follows the contour of the gingiva, with an unsightly and variable chromatic intensity. In physiological situations, iron homeostasis is defined as the state of equilibrium between iron present in tissues and in secretions and that which is present in the circulation. Instead, in pathological conditions, defined as iron metabolism disorders, there is an accumulation of iron in tissues and secretions and a lack of it in the circulation. It is also important to remember that subjects affected by BS are more protected from carious processes than healthy subjects, probably due to a significant predominance of chromogenic bacteria compared to those responsible for caries. It should also be remembered that in young subjects BS tends to regress with pubertal development and the transition to adult life. In any case, using common professional hygiene procedures, it is possible to remove BS as well as plaque and tartar deposits. In particular, with ultrasonic scalers, polishing pastes and powders carried by air and water jets, the surfaces of the teeth can be restored to their natural healthy state. All the techniques for removing the precipitates, are not enough however, to fix and permanently eradicate their appearance, as these precipitates last only for short periods and recur very frequently. Due to the frequent recurrences, new oral microbiota control therapies are emerging; among these the use of lactoferrin (Lf) in the dental field and particularly in the treatment of BS appears to be very promising. Taken togheter, here the effect of Lf in subjects affected by BS has been investigated