The immunosuppressive capacity of human mesenchymal stromal cells derived from amnion and bone marrow

AbstractMesenchymal stromal cells derived from amnion (AM-MSCs) can be easily obtained in large quantity by less invasive method in comparison to bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs). However, the biological and immunosuppressive properties of AM-MSCs are still poorly characterized. Previous studies demonstrated that BM-MSCs expressed indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) to suppress T-cell responses. This study was designed to address whether IDO contributes to the immunosuppressive function of AM-MSCs. MSCs isolated from amnion were cultured in complete medium similar to BM-MSCs. After culture, AM-MSCs exhibited spindle shape morphology and expressed MSC markers similar to that of BM-MSCs. In addition, AM-MSCs were able to differentiate into adipocytes and osteoblasts. Fascinatingly, AM-MSCs and BM-MSCs exhibited comparable degree of immunosuppressive effect when they were co-cultured with activated T-cells. In addition, IDO secreted by AM-MSCs was responsible for induction of immunosuppressive activities in the same manner as BM-MSCs. Taken together; the results of the present study demonstrate that while AM-MSCs and BM-MSCs show similar immunosuppressive effect, AM-MSCs may have additional advantage over the BM-MSCs in terms of availability. Therefore, AM-MSCs might be considered a potential source for therapeutic applications especially for treatment of immune related diseases

Development of a PCR assay and pyrosequencing for identification of important human fish-borne trematodes and its potential use for detection in fecal specimens

BACKGROUND: Small liver and minute intestinal flukes are highly prevalent in Southeast Asia. Definitive diagnosis of parasite infection is usually achieved parasitologically by finding the fluke eggs in feces. However, their eggs are difficult to differentiate morphologically in fecal samples, even for experienced technicians. The present study developed a PCR assay coupled with DNA pyrosequencing for identification of the fish-borne trematodes (FBT), Opisthorchis viverrini, Clonorchis sinensis, Haplorchis taichui, H. pumilio and Stellantchasmus falcatus, and to evaluate potential detection in fecal specimens, and identification and differentiation of cercarial and metacercarial stages. METHODS: Primers targeting the partial 28S large subunit ribosomal RNA gene were designed and about 46–47 nucleotides were selected as the target region for species identification by a PCR assay coupled with a pyrosequencing technique. RESULTS: The nucleotide variations at 24 positions, which is sufficient for the identification of the five species of FBT were selected. The method could identify O. viverrini and C. sinensis eggs in feces, cercarial and metacercarial stages of O. viverrini, and metacercarial stage of H. pumilio and H. taichui. The detection limit was as little as a single O. viverrini or C. sinensis egg artificially inoculated in 100 mg of non-infected fecal sample (equivalent to 10 eggs per gram), indicating highly sensitivity. The method was found to be superior to the traditional microscopy method and was more rapid than Sanger DNA sequencing. CONCLUSIONS: DNA pyrosequencing-based identification is a valuable tool for differentiating O. viverrini and other Opisthorchis-like eggs, and can be applied to epidemiological studies and for molecular taxonomic investigation of FBT in endemic areas

Human chorion-derived mesenchymal stem cells suppress JAK2/STAT3 signaling and induce apoptosis of cholangiocarcinoma cell lines

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an aggressive malignancy arising from the damaged epithelial cells of the biliary tract. Previous studies have reported that the multi-potent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) activate a series of tumor signaling pathways by releasing several cytokines to influence tumor cell development. However, the roles and mechanisms of human chorion-derived MSCs (CH-MSCs) in cholangiocarcinoma progression have not been fully addressed. This present study aims to examine the effects of conditioned media derived from CH-MSCs (CH-CM) on CCA cell lines and investigate the respective underlying mechanism of action. For this purpose, MSCs were isolated from chorion tissue, and three cholangiocarcinoma cell lines, namely KKU100, KKU213A, and KKU213B, were used. MTT assay, annexin V/PI analysis, and JC-1 staining were used to assess the effects of CH-CM on proliferation and apoptosis of CCA cells, respectively. Moreover, the effect of CH-CM on caspase-dependent apoptotic pathways was also evaluated. The western blotting assay was also used for measuring the expression of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway-associated proteins. The results showed that CH-CM suppressed proliferation and promoted apoptosis of CCA cell lines. CH-CM treatment-induced loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (∆Ψm) in CCA cell lines. The factors presented in the CH-CM also inhibited JAK2/STAT3 signaling, reduced the expression of BCL-2, and increased BAX expression in CCA cells. In conclusion, our study suggests that the CH-CM has a potent anti-cancer effect on cholangiocarcinoma cells and thus provides opportunities for use in alternative cell therapy or in combination with a conventional chemotherapeutic drug to increase the efficiency of CCA treatment

Genetic diversity of the red-spotted tokay gecko (Gekko gecko Linnaeus, 1758) (Squamata: Gekkonidae) in Southeast Asia determined with multilocus enzyme electrophoresis

Red-spotted tokay geckos, Gekko gecko, are distributed mainly in Southeast Asia. They are a traditional Chinese medicine, with the massive hunting for exports dramatically decreasing their numbers. Information on the genetic diversity of these geckos in Southeast Asia is very limited. This study aims to explore intrapopulation and interpopulation genetic variation and the genetic structure of 16 populations collected from different localities in Thailand, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and Cambodia using multilocus enzyme electrophoresis. Relatively high genetic diversity occurred at both the intrapopulation and interpopulation levels. Genetic differentiation with F$_{ST}$ values ranging between 0.006 - 0.892 was found. Five distinct genetic groups of the red-spotted tokay populations could be classified. A group of populations from northern Thailand showed the highest genetic differentiation from the other groups. Moreover, there was a substantial genetic subdivision depending on the genetic groups with F$_{CT}$ = 0.664 and F$_{SC}$ = 0.185. This genetic structure is related to geographical distribution and distance between populations, R$^{2}$ = 0.5614, p < 0.001. Our findings of pronounced genetic structuring and the concomitant conservation genetic consequences if further population loss occurs mean that management actions should therefore focus on the conservation of all of the main sites where tokay geckos still occur

Comparison of endothelial progenitor cell function in type 2 diabetes with good and poor glycemic control

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play an important role in vascular repair and a decrease in the number of EPCs is observed in type 2 diabetes. However, there is no report on the change of EPCs after glycemic control. This study therefore aimed to investigate the EPC number and function in patients with good and poor glycemic control.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The number of EPCs was studied using flow cytometry by co-expression of CD34 and VEGFR2. The EPCs were cultured and characterized by the expression of UEA-I, CD34, VEGFR2, vWF and Dil-Ac-LDL engulfment, as well as the ability to form capillary-like structures. An <it>in vitro </it>study on the effect of hyperglycemia on the proliferation and viability of the cultured EPCs was also performed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The number of EPCs in type 2 diabetes was significantly decreased compared with healthy controls and there was an inverse correlation between the EPC numbers and plasma glucose, as well as HbA1_C. The number and function of EPCs in patients with good glycemic control were recovered compared with those with poor glycemic control. When glucose was supplemented in the culture <it>in vitro</it>, there was a negative effect on the proliferation and viability of EPCs, in a dose-dependent manner, whereas the enhancement of apoptosis was observed.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>There was EPC dysfunction in type 2 diabetes which might be improved by strict glycemic control. However, the circulating EPC number and proliferative function in patients with good glycemic control did not reach the level in healthy controls.</p

Fucoxanthin diminishes oxidative stress damage in human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells through the PI3K/Akt/Nrf-2 pathway

Placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PL-MSCs) have therapeutic potential in various clinical contexts due to their regenerative and immunomodulatory properties. However, with increasing age or extensive in vitro culture, their viability and function are gradually lost, thus restricting their therapeutic application. The primary cause of this deterioration is oxidative injury from free radicals. Therefore, enhancing cell viability and restoring cellular repair mechanisms of PL-MSCs in an oxidative stress environment are crucial in this context. Fucoxanthin, a carotenoid derived from brown seaweed, demonstrates antioxidant activity by increasing the production of antioxidant enzymes and lowering the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study aimed to determine whether fucoxanthin protects PL-MSCs from hydrogen peroxide (H 2O 2)-induced oxidative stress. After characterization, PL-MSCs were co-treated with fucoxanthin and H 2O 2 for 24 h (co-treatment) or pre-treated with fucoxanthin for 24 h followed by H 2O 2 for 24 h (pre-treatment). The effects of fucoxanthin on cell viability and proliferation were examined using an MTT assay. The expression of antioxidant enzymes, PI3K/Akt/Nrf-2 and intracellular ROS production were investigated in fucoxanthin-treated PL-MSCs compared to the untreated group. The gene expression and involvement of specific pathways in the cytoprotective effect of fucoxanthin were investigated by high-throughput NanoString nCounter analysis. The results demonstrated that co-treatment and pre-treatment with fucoxanthin restored the viability and proliferative capacity of PL-MSCs. Fucoxanthin treatment increased the expression of antioxidant enzymes in PL-MSCs cultured under oxidative stress conditions and decreased intracellular ROS accumulation. Markedly, fucoxanthin treatment could restore PI3K/Akt/Nrf-2 expression in H 2O 2-treated PL-MSCs. High-throughput analysis revealed up-regulation of genes involved in cell survival pathways, including cell cycle and proliferation, DNA damage repair pathways, and down-regulation of genes in apoptosis and autophagy pathways. This study demonstrated that fucoxanthin protects and rescues PL-MSCs from oxidative stress damage through the PI3K/Akt/Nrf-2 pathway. Our data provide the supporting evidence for the use of fucoxanthin as an antioxidant cytoprotective agent to improve the viability and proliferation capacity of PL-MSCs both in vitro and in vivo required to increase the effectiveness of MSC expansion for therapeutic applications. </p

Fucoxanthin diminishes oxidative stress damage in human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells through the PI3K/Akt/Nrf-2 pathway

Abstract Placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PL-MSCs) have therapeutic potential in various clinical contexts due to their regenerative and immunomodulatory properties. However, with increasing age or extensive in vitro culture, their viability and function are gradually lost, thus restricting their therapeutic application. The primary cause of this deterioration is oxidative injury from free radicals. Therefore, enhancing cell viability and restoring cellular repair mechanisms of PL-MSCs in an oxidative stress environment are crucial in this context. Fucoxanthin, a carotenoid derived from brown seaweed, demonstrates antioxidant activity by increasing the production of antioxidant enzymes and lowering the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study aimed to determine whether fucoxanthin protects PL-MSCs from hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress. After characterization, PL-MSCs were co-treated with fucoxanthin and H2O2 for 24 h (co-treatment) or pre-treated with fucoxanthin for 24 h followed by H2O2 for 24 h (pre-treatment). The effects of fucoxanthin on cell viability and proliferation were examined using an MTT assay. The expression of antioxidant enzymes, PI3K/Akt/Nrf-2 and intracellular ROS production were investigated in fucoxanthin-treated PL-MSCs compared to the untreated group. The gene expression and involvement of specific pathways in the cytoprotective effect of fucoxanthin were investigated by high-throughput NanoString nCounter analysis. The results demonstrated that co-treatment and pre-treatment with fucoxanthin restored the viability and proliferative capacity of PL-MSCs. Fucoxanthin treatment increased the expression of antioxidant enzymes in PL-MSCs cultured under oxidative stress conditions and decreased intracellular ROS accumulation. Markedly, fucoxanthin treatment could restore PI3K/Akt/Nrf-2 expression in H2O2-treated PL-MSCs. High-throughput analysis revealed up-regulation of genes involved in cell survival pathways, including cell cycle and proliferation, DNA damage repair pathways, and down-regulation of genes in apoptosis and autophagy pathways. This study demonstrated that fucoxanthin protects and rescues PL-MSCs from oxidative stress damage through the PI3K/Akt/Nrf-2 pathway. Our data provide the supporting evidence for the use of fucoxanthin as an antioxidant cytoprotective agent to improve the viability and proliferation capacity of PL-MSCs both in vitro and in vivo required to increase the effectiveness of MSC expansion for therapeutic applications

The Effects of High Glucose on Adipogenic and Osteogenic Differentiation of Gestational Tissue-Derived MSCs

Most type 2 diabetic patients are obese who have increased number of visceral adipocytes. Those visceral adipocytes release several factors that enhance insulin resistance making diabetic treatment ineffective. It is known that significant percentages of visceral adipocytes are derived from mesenchymal stem cells and high glucose enhances adipogenic differentiation of mouse bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs). However, the effect of high glucose on adipogenic differentiation of human bone marrow and gestational tissue-derived MSCs is still poorly characterized. This study aims to investigate the effects of high glucose on proliferation as well as adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation of human MSCs derived from bone marrow and several gestational tissues including chorion, placenta, and umbilical cord. We found that high glucose reduced proliferation but enhanced adipogenic differentiation of all MSCs examined. The expression levels of some adipogenic genes were also upregulated when MSCs were cultured in high glucose. Although high glucose transiently downregulated the expression levels of some osteogenic genes examined, its effect on the osteogenic differentiation levels of the MSCs is not clearly demonstrated. The knowledge gained from this study will increase our understanding about the effect of high glucose on adipogenic differentiation of MSCs and might lead to an improvement in the diabetic treatment in the future

Human serum enhances the proliferative capacity and immunomodulatory property of MSCs derived from human placenta and umbilical cord

Abstract Background Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are considered potential candidates that hold great promise in the treatment of immune-related diseases. For therapeutic applications, it is necessary to isolate and expand MSCs with procedures complying with good manufacturing practice (GMP). Recent studies reported the use of human serum (HS) instead of fetal bovine serum (FBS) for the expansion of bone marrow-derived MSCs. Nevertheless, there are only limited data on HS as an alternative to FBS for the isolation and expansion of umbilical (UC-MSCs) and placenta-derived MSCs (PL-MSCs). In this study, we evaluate the effect of HS compared to FBS on the proliferative and immunosuppressive capacities of these MSCs. Methods PL-MSCs and UC-MSCs were isolated and cultured in HS- or FBS-supplemented media. The MSC characteristics, including morphology, immunophenotype, and differentiation ability, were verified. The proliferative and immunosuppressive capacities were also examined. In addition, the proliferative-enhancing factors in both sera were explored using proteomic analysis. Results PL-MSCs and UC-MSCs proliferated faster in HS-supplemented medium than in equivalent levels of FBS-supplemented medium. Adipogenic and osteogenic differentiations occurred at nearly identical levels in HS- and FBS-supplemented media. Interestingly, MSCs cultured in HS-supplemented medium had a similar immunosuppressive effect as MSCs cultured in FBS-supplemented medium. Proteomic analysis revealed that Con-A binding glycoproteins with a molecular weight > 100 kDa in FBS could significantly enhance MSC proliferation. In contrast, the proliferative enhancing factors in HS were found in the Con-A non-binding fraction and WGA binding fraction with a molecular weight > 100 kDa. Conclusions Taken together, our results suggest applications for the use of HS instead of FBS for the isolation and expansion of PL-MSCs and UC-MSCs for cell therapy in the future. Furthermore, this study identifies factors in HS that are responsible for its proliferative and immunosuppressive effects and might thus lead to the establishment of GMPs for the therapeutic use of MSCs