Effect of anti-oxidants and oxidative stress parameters on ram semen after the freeze–thawing process

Oxidative damage to sperm resulting from reactive oxygen species generated by the cellular components of semen is one of the main causes for the decline in motility and fertility of sperm during the freeze–thawing process. The aim of this study was thus to determine the effects of anti-oxidants on standard semen parameters, lipid peroxidation (LPO) and anti-oxidant activities after the freeze–thawing of ram semen. Ejaculates collected from four Akkaraman rams, were pooled and evaluated at 33 °C. Semen samples were diluted in a Tris-based extender containing the anti-oxidants glutathione (GSH) (5 mM), oxidized glutathione (GSSG) (5 mM) or cysteine (5 mM) and an extender containing no anti-oxidants (control), cooled to 5 °C and frozen in 0.25 ml French straws. Frozen straws were thawed individually for 20 s in a water bath (37 °C) for microscopic evaluation. The use of an extender supplemented with cysteine led to the highest (P < 0.01) post-thaw motility (61.0 ± 1.9%), compared to the other treatment groups. No significant differences were observed in viability, acrosome damage and total abnormalities, and following the hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST), following supplementation with anti-oxidants after the thawing of the semen. Following the thawing process, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) did not change with the addition of anti-oxidants, compared to the control. The GSH level and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) activity remained significantly higher upon the addition of GSH (3.33 ± 0.14 nmol/ml and 22.02 ± 1.27 IU/g protein) and GSSG (3.24 ± 0.08 nmol/ml and 20.17 ± 3.38 IU/g protein) compared to the other treatment (P < 0.001) groups. Only cysteine significantly elevated the activity of catalase (CAT, 842.40 ± 90.42 kU/l) following the freeze–thawing process. The Vitamin E (VitE) level was significantly higher, when compared to GSSG, cysteine and the control, when GSH (4.21 ± 0.20 mg/dl) was added to the freezing extender (P < 0.001). It could be concluded that future efforts aimed on improving the efficiency of cryopreservation of ram sperm should concentrate on the use of anti-oxidant additives. The results obtained provide a new approach to the cryopreservation of ram semen, and could positively contribute to intensive sheep production.     

Influence of climatic factors upon tree rings of Larix decidua and L. decidua × L. kaempferi from Pulawy,Poland

Summary Dendroclimatological techniques are used to assess the impact of climatic factors on tree-ring width of Larix decidua and L. decidua × L. kaempferi (= L. x eurolepis) growing in two experimental plots established in 1914 in south-west Poland. One plot included F₁ progeny grown from seeds of an artificial crossing between European and Japanese larch. The other plot included progeny from maternal trees of European larch. Total ring width, earlywood width and latewood widths were dated, standardized and related to monthly climatic data using response function and stepwise multiple regression analyses. Wide rings in larch are associated with high precipitation in May–July, cool conditions in July–September of the preceding year, and cool dry conditions in August. Ring widths in L. x eurolepis are more dependent upon precipitation than ring widths in L. decidua. Latewood widths in L. x eurolepis are more dependent on high temperatures in June and July than latewood in L. decidua as well as total width and earlywood measurements. Variations in latewood were relatively independent of variations in earlywood and total wood. The variability of ring widths in these larches was greater than the variability reported for larches in many alpine sites and for other conifer species in some regions of North America.     

Effect of bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stromal cells on hepatoma

Background aimsThe aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) on tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo and to elucidate the apoptotic and anti-proliferative mechanisms of MSCs on a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) murine model.MethodsThe growth-inhibitory effect of MSCs on the Hepa 1–6 cell line was tested by means of methyl thiazolyl diphenyl-tetrazolium assay. Eighty female mice were randomized into four groups: group 1 consisted of 20 mice that received MSCs only by intrahepatic injection; group 2 consisted of 20 HCC mice induced by inoculation of Hepa 1–6 cells into livers without MSC treatment; group 3 consisted of 20 mice that received MSCs after induction of liver cancer; group 4 consisted of 20 mice that received MSCs after induction of liver cancer on top of induced biliary cirrhosis.ResultsMSCs exhibited a growth-inhibitory effect on Hepa 1–6 murine cell line in vitro. Concerning in vivo study, decreases of serum alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase and albumin levels after MSC transplantation in groups 2 and 3 were found. Gene expression of α-fetoprotein was significantly downregulated after MSC injection in the HCC groups. We found that gene expression of caspase 3, P21 and P53 was significantly upregulated, whereas gene expression of Bcl-2 and survivin was downregulated in the HCC groups after MSC injection. Liver specimens of the HCC groups confirmed the presence of dysplasia. The histopathological picture was improved after administration of MSCs to groups 2 and 3.ConclusionsMSCs upregulated genes that help apoptosis and downregulated genes that reduce apoptosis. Therefore, MSCs could inhibit cell division of HCC and potentiate their death.     

MicroRNA-155-5p regulates survival of human decidua stromal cells through NF-κB in recurrent miscarriage

Recurrent miscarriage (RM) occurs in approximately 1% of all couples trying to conceive. Most of the research about recurrent miscarriage mainly focuses on immunology. However, the roles of microRNAs plays (miRNAs) in RM remain elusive. Here, the function of miR-155-5p in regulating survival of human decidua stromal cells through NF-κB signaling was explored in RM. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) results showed that miR-155-5p was downregulated in both decidua tissues and serum from RM patients. While, the ELISA assay revealed that the overexpression of miR-155-5p reduced the inflammatory cytokines secretion including IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-10 in decidua stromal cells. The results of cell counting Kit8 (CCK-8) and immunofluorescence experiments suggested that transfection of miR-155-5p into decidua stromal cells can promote the growth and proliferation of cells. In addition, overexpression of miR-155-5p can also inhibit the apoptosis of decidua stromal cells. The western blot assay results demonstrated that the miR-155-5p exerted effect mainly through activating NF-κB signaling pathway in RM. In conclusion, the miRNA-155-5p can not only promote the growth and proliferation but also inhibit the apoptosis of decidua stromal cells depending on inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathway in recurrent miscarriage.     

Differentiation of human adipose tissue–derived mesenchymal stromal cells into steroidogenic cells by adenovirus-mediated overexpression of NR5A1 and implantation into adrenal insufficient mice

Background aimsCell therapy for adrenal insufficiency is a potential method for physiological glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement. We have previously shown that mouse mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) differentiated into steroidogenic cells by the viral vector–mediated overexpression of nuclear receptor subfamily 5 group A member 1 (NR5A1), an essential regulator of steroidogenesis, and their implantation extended the survival of bilateral adrenalectomized (bADX) mice.MethodsIn this study, we examined the capability of NR5A1-induced steroidogenic cells prepared from human adipose tissue-derived MSCs (MSC [AT]) and the therapeutic effect of the implantation of human NR5A1-induced steroidogenic cells into immunodeficient bADX mice.ResultsHuman NR5A1-induced steroidogenic cells secreted adrenal and gonadal steroids and exhibited responsiveness to adrenocorticotropic hormone and angiotensin II in vitro. In vivo, the survival time of bADX mice implanted with NR5A1-induced steroidogenic cells was significantly prolonged compared with that of bADX mice implanted with control MSC (AT). Serum cortisol levels, which indicate hormone secretion from the graft, were detected in bADX mice implanted with steroidogenic cells.ConclusionsThis is the first report to demonstrate steroid replacement by the implantation of steroid-producing cells derived from human MSC (AT). These results indicate the potential of human MSC (AT) to be a source of steroid hormone-producing cells.     

Modulation of glucose and lipid metabolism by porcine adiponectin receptor 1–transgenic mesenchymal stromal cells in diet-induced obese mice

Background aimsObesity and its associated diseases demand better therapeutic strategies. Regenerative medicine combined with gene therapy has emerged as a promising approach in various clinical applications. Adiponectin (ApN) and its receptors have been demonstrated to play beneficial roles in modulating glucose and lipid homeostasis. In the current study, we tested such an approach by transplanting mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) from porcine ApN receptor (pAdipoR) 1-transgenic mice into high-fat/sucrose diet (HFSD)-fed mice.MethodsTwenty 6-week-old Friend virus B/NJNarl male mice were randomly assigned into four groups with the control fed a chow diet (chow) and others HFSD for 10 months. The HFSD groups were then intraperitoneally injected once per week for 8 weeks with placebo (200 μL phosphate-buffered saline), wild-type MSC (WT-MSC, 2 × 10⁶ cells/200 μL phosphate-buffered saline) or pAdipoR1-transgenic MSC (pR1-tMSC, 2 × 10⁶ cells/200 μL phosphate-buffered saline), respectively. Body weights, blood samples, tissue histology, and gene expression and protein levels of metabolism-associated genes were analyzed.ResultsBoth WT-MSC and pR1-tMSC transplantations restored the messenger RNA expression of AdipoR1, with those of glucose transporter 4 and 5′-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase catalytic subunit α-1 and protein levels of pyruvate kinase induced by pR1-tMSC in the muscles of HFSD-fed mice. In the liver, both WT-MSC and pR1-tMSC ameliorated HFSD-induced hepatosteatosis, with the gene expression of lipoprotein lipase and hormone-sensitive lipase upregulated by the latter. Lastly, pR1-tMSC transplantation reduced fatty acid synthase mRNA levels in the adipose tissues of HFSD-fed mice.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the modulatory actions of MSC and pR1-tMSC on genes associated with glucose and lipid metabolism and provides insights into its therapeutic application for obesity-associated metabolic complication.     

Human menstrual blood–derived stem cells promote the repair of impaired endometrial stromal cells by activating the p38 MAPK and AKT signaling pathways

Multiple studies have confirmed that human menstrual blood–derived stem cells (MenSCs) have potential applications in regenerative medicine or cell therapy. However, the contribution of MenSCs to endometrial repair is currently unknown. We evaluated the protective effects of MenSCs on impaired endometrial stromal cells (ESCs), as well as the signaling pathways involved in this process. Mifepristone was used to damage human ESCs, which were subsequently cocultured with MenSCs. The proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of ESCs were assessed, together with the expression of related signaling proteins including total p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, P-p38, total protein kinase B (AKT), P-AKT, β-catenin, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). MenSCs significantly recovered the proliferation and migration ability of impaired ESCs, inhibited ESC apoptosis, and upregulated protein expression of P-AKT, P-p38, VEGF, and β-catenin. Our findings suggest that MenSC-based therapies could be promising strategies for the treatment of endometrial injury, and that AKT and p38 signaling pathways may be involved in this process.     

Control of magnesium–protoporphyrin chelatase activity in Rhodopseudomonas spheroides. Role of light, oxygen, and electron and energy transfer

1. Magnesium-protoporphyrin chelatase activity, previously shown in whole cells of Rhodopseudomonas spheroides, could not be demonstrated in cell-free extracts prepared in different ways, although spheroplasts retained moderate activity. Slight activity was detected also in whole cells of Rhodospirillum rubrum. 2. The effects on the activity of the enzyme of inhibitors of electron and energy transfer were studied in whole cells of Rps. spheroides. Amytal, rotenone, azide and cyanide inhibited at low pO(2) in the dark but not under anaerobic conditions in the light. Antimycin A and 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline N-oxide, as well as uncouplers and oligomycin, inhibited under all environmental conditions. 3. The effects on magnesium chelatase activity of intermediates of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, of thenoyltrifluoroacetone, of a number of artificial electron donors or acceptors, of various quinones and of the oxidation-reduction indicator dyes Benzyl Viologen and Methyl Viologen are described. 4. It was concluded that electron transport between a b-type and a c-type cytochrome as well as associated energy conservation and transformation reactions were essential for activity. There was also a specific requirement for ATP. 5. Exogenous protoporphyrin and magnesium protoporphyrin monomethyl ester were incorporated into bacteriochlorophyll or late precursors by whole cells. 6. Evidence is presented that the insertion of magnesium was the only step inhibited by oxygen in the biosynthetic pathway between protoporphyrin and bacteriochlorophyll.     

Manufacturing and characterization of extracellular vesicles from umbilical cord–derived mesenchymal stromal cells for clinical testing

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) may deliver therapeutic effects that are comparable to their parental cells. MSC-EVs are promising agents for the treatment of a variety of diseases. To reach the intermediate goal of clinically testing safety and efficacy of EVs, strategies should strive for efficient translation of current EV research. On the basis of our in vitro an in vivo findings regarding the biological actions of EVs and our experience in manufacturing biological stem cell therapeutics for routine use and clinical testing, we discuss strategies of manufacturing and quality control of umbilical cord–derived MSC-EVs. We introduce guidelines of good manufacturing practice and their practicability along the path from the laboratory to the patient. We present aspects of manufacturing and final product quality testing and highlight the principle of “The process is the product.” The approach presented in this perspective article may facilitate translational research during the development of complex biological EV-based therapeutics in a very early stage of manufacturing as well as during early clinical safety and proof-of-concept testing.     

Human adipose tissue–derived mesenchymal stromal cells promote B-cell motility and chemoattraction

Background aimsMesenchymal stromal cells hold special interest for cell-based therapy because of their tissue-regenerative and immunosuppressive abilities. B-cell involvement in chronic inflammatory and autoimmune pathologies makes them a desirable target for cell-based therapy. Mesenchymal stromal cells are able to regulate B-cell function; although the mechanisms are little known, they imply cell-to-cell contact.MethodsWe studied the ability of human adipose tissue–derived mesenchymal stromal cells (ASCs) to attract B cells.ResultsWe show that ASCs promote B-cell migration through the secretion of chemotactic factors. Inflammatory/innate signals do not modify ASC capacity to mediate B-cell motility and chemotaxis. Analysis of a panel of B cell–related chemokines showed that none of them appeared to be responsible for B-cell motility. Other ASC-secreted factors able to promote cell motility and chemotaxis, such as the cytokine interleukin-8 and prostaglandin E₂, did not appear to be implicated.ConclusionsWe propose that ASC promotion of B-cell migration by undefined secreted factors is crucial for ASC regulation of B-cell responses.     

Mesenchymal stromal cells and fibroblasts: a case of mistaken identity?

The plastic-adherent fibroblast-looking cells that can be isolated and culture-expanded from bone marrow and many other tissues are widely known as mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC). In addition to their fibroblast-like morphology, they are characterized by a panel of cell-surface markers and their potential to differentiate into bone, fat and cartilage. Based on their intriguing immunomodulatory and regenerative properties, MSC are being investigated as cellular therapeutics for a variety of clinical indications. However, many questions regarding the true identity and functionality of these cells in vivo remain unanswered. Fibroblasts, known for a much longer time but still poorly characterized, are also considered to be a ubiquitous stromal element of almost all tissues and are believed to play a role in tissue homeostasis. Despite the presence of MSC and fibroblasts in almost all tissues, similar morphology and other shared characteristics, the exact relationship between MSC and fibroblasts has remained undetermined. In this review, based on recent and old, but often neglected, literature it is suggested that ex vivo culture-expanded MSC and fibroblasts are indistinguishable by morphology, cell-surface markers, differentiation potential and immunologic properties.     

Production of human platelet lysate by use of ultrasound for ex vivo expansion of human bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stromal cells

Background aimsA medium supplemented with fetal bovine serum (FBS) is of common use for the expansion of human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). However, its use is discouraged by regulatory authorities because of the risk of zoonoses and immune reactions. Human platelet lysate (PL) obtained by freezing/thawing disruption of platelets has been proposed as a possible substitute of FBS. The process is time-consuming and not well standardized. A new method for obtaining PL that is based on the use of ultrasound is proposed.MethodsPlatelet sonication was performed by submerging platelet-containing plastic bags in an ultrasonic bath. To evaluate platelet lysis we measured platelet-derived growth factor-AB release. PL efficiency was tested by expanding bone marrow (BM)-MSCs, measuring population doubling time, differentiation capacity and immunogenic properties. Safety was evaluated by karyotyping expanded cells.ResultsAfter 30 minutes of sonication, 74% of platelet derived growth factor-AB was released. PL enhanced BM-MSC proliferation rate compared with FBS. The mean cumulative population doubling (cPD) of cells growth in PL at 10%, 7.5% and 5% was better compared with cPD obtained with 10% FBS. PD time (hours) of MSCs with PL obtained by sonication was shorter than for cPD with PL obtained by freezing/thawing (18.9 versus 17.4, P < 0.01). BM mononucleated cells expressed MSC markers and were able to differentiate into adipogenic, osteogenic and chondrogenic lineages. When BM-MSCs and T cells were co-cultured in close contact, immunosuppressive activity of BM-MSCs was maintained. Cell karyotype showed no genetic alterations.ConclusionsThe proposed method for the production of PL by sonication could be a safe, efficient and fast substitute of FBS, without the potential risks of FBS.     

Umbilical cord–derived mesenchymal stromal cells in cardiovascular disease: review of preclinical and clinical data

The human umbilical cord has recently emerged as an attractive potential source of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) to be adopted for use in regenerative medicine. Umbilical cord MSCs (UC-MSCs) not only share the same features of all MSCs such as multi-lineage differentiation, paracrine functions and immunomodulatory properties, they also have additional advantages, such as no need for bone marrow aspiration and higher self-renewal capacities. They can be isolated from various compartments of the umbilical cord (UC) and can be used for autologous or allogeneic purposes. In the past decade, they have been adopted in cardiovascular disease and have shown promising results mainly due to their pro-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. This review offers an overview of the biological properties of UC-MSCs describing available pre-clinical and clinical data with respect to their potential therapeutic use in cardiovascular regeneration, with current challenges and future directions discussed.     

Biomarkers of bone healing induced by a regenerative approach based on expanded bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stromal cells

BackgroundSafety and feasibility of a regenerative strategy based on the use of culture-expanded mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been investigated in phase 2 trials for the treatment of nonunion and osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). As part of the clinical study, we aimed to evaluate if bone turnover markers (BTMs) could be useful for predicting the regenerative ability of the cell therapy product.Materials and MethodsThe bone defects of 39 patients (nonunion: n = 26; ONFH: n = 13) were treated with bone marrow–derived MSCs, expanded using a clinical-grade protocol and combined with biphasic calcium phosphate before implantation. Bone formation markers, bone-resorption markers and osteoclast regulatory proteins were measured before treatment (baseline) and after 12 and 24 weeks from surgery. At the same time-points, clinical and radiological controls were performed to evaluate the bone-healing progression.ResultsWe found that C-Propeptide of Type I Procollagen (CICP) and C-terminal telopeptide of type-I collagen (CTX) varied significantly, not only over time, but also according to clinical results. In patients with a good outcome, CICP increased and CTX decreased, and this trend was observed in both nonunion and ONFH. Moreover, collagen biomarkers were able to discriminate healed patients from non-responsive patients with a good diagnostic accuracy.DiscussionCICP and CTX could be valuable biomarkers for monitoring and predicting the regenerative ability of cell products used to stimulate the repair of refractory bone diseases. To be translated in a clinical setting, these results are under validation in a currently ongoing phase 3 clinical trial.     

Human chorionic-plate-derived mesenchymal stem cells and Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells: a comparative analysis of their potential as placenta-derived stem cells

Placenta-derived stem cells (PDSCs) have gained interest as an alternative source of stem cells for regenerative medicine because of their potential for self-renewal and differentiation and their immunomodulatory properties. Although many studies have characterized various PDSCs biologically, the properties of the self-renewal and differentiation potential among PDSCs have not yet been directly compared. We consider the characterization of chorionic-plate-derived mesenchymal stem cells (CP-MSCs) and Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) among various PDSCs and the assessment of their differentiation potential to be important for future studies into the applicability and effectiveness of PDSCs in cell therapy. In the present study, the capacities for self-renewal and multipotent differentiation of CP-MSCs and WJ-MSC isolated from normal term placentas were compared. CP-MSCs and WJ-MSCs expressed mRNAs for the pluripotent stem cell markers Oct-4, Nanog, and Sox-2. Additionally, HLA-G for immunomodulatory effects was found to be expressed at both the mRNA and protein levels in both cell types. The CP-MSCs and WJ-MSCs also had the capacities to differentiate into cells of mesodermal (adipogenic and osteogenic) and endodermal (hepatogenic) lineages. Expression of adipogenesis-related genes was higher in CP-MSCs than in WJ-MSCs, whereas WJ-MSCs accumulated more mineralized matrix than CP-MSCs. The WJ-MSCs expressed more of CYP3A4 mRNA, a marker for mature hepatocytes, than CP-MSCs. Thus, we propose that CP-MSCs and WJ-MSCs are useful sources of cells for appropriate clinical applications in the treatment of various degenerative diseases.