Mesenchymal stem cells and their use as cell replacement therapy and disease modelling tool.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from adult somatic tissues may differentiate in vitro and in vivo into multiple mesodermal tissues including bone, cartilage, adipose tissue, tendon, ligament or even muscle. MSCs preferentially home to damaged tissues where they exert their therapeutic potential. A striking feature of the MSCs is their low inherent immunogenicity as they induce little, if any, proliferation of allogeneic lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells. Instead, MSCs appear to be immunosuppressive in vitro. Their multilineage differentiation potential coupled to their immuno-privileged properties is being exploited worldwide for both autologous and allogeneic cell replacement strategies. Here, we introduce the readers to the biology of MSCs and the mechanisms underlying immune tolerance. We then outline potential cell replacement strategies and clinical applications based on the MSCs immunological properties. Ongoing clinical trials for graft-versus-host-disease, haematopoietic recovery after co-transplantation of MSCs along with haematopoietic stem cells and tissue repair are discussed. Finally, we review the emerging area based on the use of MSCs as a target cell subset for either spontaneous or induced neoplastic transformation and, for modelling non-haematological mesenchymal cancers such as sarcomas

Relationship between handgrip strength and endogenous hormones in postmenopausal women

Objectives :This study aimed to evaluate the endogenous hormonal factors related to dominant handgrip strength (HGS) in postmenopausal women. Methods : A cross-sectional study was performed on 402 postmenopausal women aged 47 to 83 years. The following variables were recorded: age, age at menopause, smoking status, adiposity, HGS, and physical activity. Hormonal parameters (follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol, testosterone, cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, ∆4 androstenedione, insulin-like growth factor-1 [IGF-1], vitamin D, and parathormone levels) were measured and results reported as odds ratios (ORs), β coefficients and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). A directed acyclic graph was used to identify potential confounding variables and was adjusted in the regression model to assess associations between endogenous hormones and HGS. Results :The mean dominant HGS was 22.8 ± 3.7 kg, and 25.6% of women had dynapenia. There were significant differences in plasma levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.98-1.00), cortisol (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.02-1.12), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.98-1.00) between women with normal HGS and those who presented with dynapenia. After adjusting for confounding variables, no significant association was found between endogenous hormones and HGS. Conclusions: Our results showed that studied ovarian steroids, adrenal hormones, IGF-1, parathormone, and vitamin D were not associated with HGS

Association of Endogenous Hormones and Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the association between endogenous hormones and bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 798 postmenopausal women aged 47-85 years. Data were collected on age, age at menopause, years since menopause, smoking status, body mass index, adiposity, BMD, physical activity, and Vitamin D supplementation. Measured hormonal parameters were: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, 4-androstenedione, cortisol, insulin-like growth factor-1, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and parathormone (PTH) levels. BMD was measured at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. A directed acyclic graph was used to select potential confounding variables. Results: Multivariable analysis showed significant associations between cortisol and femoral neck BMD (β: -0.02, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.03 - 0.00), and PTH with femoral neck BMD (β: -0.01, 95% CI: -0.02 - 0.01) and total hip BMD (β: -0.01, 95% CI: -0.01 - 0.00). Hormonal factors more likely associated with a higher risk of low BMD (osteopenia or osteoporosis) were FSH (odds ratio [OR]: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01-1.03) and PTH (OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01-1.04). Conclusions: Higher cortisol and PTH levels were inversely associated with BMD. Postmenopausal women with higher FSH or PTH levels were likely to have low BMD. © 2023 Journal of Mid-life Health

The anticancer effect related to disturbances in redox balance on Caco-2 cells caused by an alkynyl gold(I) complex

The alkynyl gold(I) derivative Au(C=CPh)(PTA)] (PTA = 1, 3, 5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane) induces apoptosis in colorectal carcinoma tumour cells (Caco-2) without affecting to normal enterocytes. Au(C=CPh)(PTA)] is a slight lipophilic drug, stable in PBS (Phosphate Buffered Saline) and able to bind BSA (Bovin Serum Albumin) by hydrophobic interactions. Once inside the cell, Au(C=CPh)(PTA)] targets seleno proteins such as Thioredoxin Reductase 1, increasing ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) levels, reducing cell viability and proliferation and inducing mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic protein imbalance, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, cytochrome c release and activation of caspases 9 and 3. Moreover, unlike other metal-based drugs such as cisplatin, Au(C=CPh)(PTA)] does not target nucleic acid, reducing the risk of side mutation in the DNA. In consequence, our results predict a promising future for Au(C=CPh)(PTA)] as a chemotherapeutic agent for colorectal carcinoma

In silico assessment of the bone regeneration potential of complex porous scaffolds.

Mechanical environment plays a crucial role in regulating bone regeneration in bone defects. Assessing the mechanobiological behavior of patient-specific orthopedic scaffolds in-silico could help guide optimal scaffold designs, as well as intra- and post-operative strategies to enhance bone regeneration and improve implant longevity. Additively manufactured porous scaffolds, and specifically triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS), have shown promising structural properties to act as bone substitutes, yet their ability to induce mechanobiologially-driven bone regeneration has not been elucidated. The aim of this study is to i) explore the bone regeneration potential of TPMS scaffolds made of different stiffness biocompatible materials, to ii) analyze the influence of pre-seeding the scaffolds and increasing the post-operative resting period, and to iii) assess the influence of patient-specific parameters, such as age and mechanosensitivity, on outcomes. To perform this study, an in silico model of a goat tibia is used. The bone ingrowth within the scaffold pores was simulated with a mechano-driven model of bone regeneration. Results showed that the scaffold's architectural properties affect cellular diffusion and strain distribution, resulting in variations in the regenerated bone volume and distribution. The softer material improved the bone ingrowth. An initial resting period improved the bone ingrowth but not enough to reach the scaffold's core. However, this was achieved with the implantation of a pre-seeded scaffold. Physiological parameters like age and health of the patient also influence the bone regeneration outcome, though to a lesser extent than the scaffold design. This analysis demonstrates the importance of the scaffold's geometry and its material, and highlights the potential of using mechanobiological patient-specific models in the design process for bone substitutes

In vitro inhibition of Phytophthora capsici, Fusarium oxisporum and Verticillium dalhiae by native plant growth promotion rhizobacteria strains from Mendoza

The rapid growth of the human population and their need of food has impulse to extensive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to increase yield crop. These practices are costs and increase environmental pollution. In the last years, appear needs for novel agricultural practices that do not harm natural ecosystems. Different plant growth promotion Rhizobacteria (PGPR) have been studied and incorporated into agricultural practices and biocontrol has emerged in recent years as an alternative to pesticides. PGPR antagonize orprevent the effects of phytopathogens or deleterious microorganisms. PGPR produce substances that protect them against variousdiseases. Metabolites include hydrogen cyanide and antibiotics. Some strain PGPRs produce lytic enzymes as β-1,3-glucanase,chitinase, protease and cellulase that degrade the cell wall of fungi and produce a direct inhibitory effect on the growth of hyphae.Another important mechanism of biocontrol of PGPRs is related to the production of siderophores that chelate iron, making itunavailable to pathogens. In this study four native PGPR strains of Mendoza against pathogenic fungi of pepper crops were evaluated.The test was carried out by fourfold and repeated two times using independent Petri dishes for the growth of each bacterial strain andeach pathogens. On Luria Broth (LB) and potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates, one disc of a 5 mm plug carrying mycelia fungi (P.capsici, F. oxisporum or V. dalhiae) previously grown for 3 days in PDA was placed and each individual bacterium (60I1, 53F, 64S1,42P4) was plated as line. Bacterial strains were cultivated in LB medium for 24 h at 30 °C with orbital shaking (120 rpm). The bacterialcultures were adjusted to a final concentration of 108cells mL−1. The assay was performed incubated at 30 °C for 7 days. The myceliumgrowth was digitally determined every day. A control plate was included growing with the fungi. The percentage of inhibition was calculated comparing to the control. The strains 53F, 64S1 y 42P4 inhibited F. oxisporum and V. dalhiae in vitro mycelium growth.The 42P4 strain inhibited the P. capsici growth in APG plates. Also, we observed the production pyoverdine by 42P4 strain under UV in APG medium.Fil: Lobato Ureche, Miguel Andres. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Biología Agrícola de Mendoza. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias. Instituto de Biología Agrícola de Mendoza; ArgentinaFil: Pérez Rodriguez, María Micaela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Biología Agrícola de Mendoza. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias. Instituto de Biología Agrícola de Mendoza; ArgentinaFil: Ortiz, R.. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; ArgentinaFil: Lucero, Gabriela Susana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Biología Agrícola de Mendoza. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias. Instituto de Biología Agrícola de Mendoza; ArgentinaFil: Cohen, Ana Carmen. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Biología Agrícola de Mendoza. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias. Instituto de Biología Agrícola de Mendoza; ArgentinaXXXVII Reunión Científica Anual de la Sociedad de Biología de CuyoSan LuisArgentinaSociedad de Biología de Cuy

A comprehensive asteroseismic modelling of the high-amplitude delta Scuti star RV Arietis

We present a comprehensive asteroseismic study of the double-mode high-amplitude delta Scuti star HD 187642 (RV Arietis). The modelling includes some of the most recent techniques: 1) effects of rotation on both equilibrium models and adiabatic oscillation spectrum, 2) non-adiabatic study of radial and non-radial modes, 3) relationship between the fundamental radial mode and the first overtone in the framework of Petersen diagrams. The analysis reveals that two of the observed frequencies are very probably identified as the fundamental and first overtone radial modes. Analysis of the colour index variations, together with theoretical non-adiabatic calculations, points to models in the range of [7065,7245] K in effective temperature and of [1190, 1270] Myr in stellar age. These values were found to be compatible with those obtained using the three other asteroseismic techniques.Comment: accepted for publication in A&