Evaluating the role of autologous mesenchymal stem cell seeded on decellularized pericardium in the treatment of myocardial infarction: an animal study

Inappropriate left ventricular remodeling following myocardial infarction (MI) can result in subsequent severe dysfunction. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that decellularized pericardium (DP) or seeded pericardial patch with autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) could be safely used in a MI scar and could improve heart function. Twelve rabbits were randomly divided into three equal groups. Four weeks after MI induction by ligation of the left anterior descending artery in 12 rabbits, animals of G1 (n = 4) received DP patch with labeled ADMSCs. DP patch was implanted in animals of G2 (n = 4). Rabbits of G3 (n = 4) remained without any intervention after MI induction (control group). Serial examinations including echocardiography, electrocardiography (ECG), scanning electron microscopy, histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were performed to evaluate the efficacy of the implanted scaffolds on recovery of the infracted myocardium. The results demonstrated that left ventricular contractile function and myocardial pathological changes were significantly improved in rabbits implanted with either DP or ADMSC-seeded pericardium. However, the seeded pericardium was more effective in scar repairing 2 months after the operation, IHC staining with Desmin and CD34 and positive immunofluorescence staining verified the differentiation of ADMSCs to functional cardiomyocytes. This approach may involve the application of autologous ADMSCs seeded on pericardial patch in an attempt to regenerate a contractible myocardium in an animal model of MI.     

Prevention of Renal Scarring in Acute Pyelonephritis by Probiotic Therapy: an Experimental Study

Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins - We evaluated the protective effects of probiotic administration as a prophylaxis treatment and immediately after fever onset in increasing the immune...     

Evaluating the bone regeneration in calvarial defect using osteoblasts differentiated from adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells on three different scaffolds: an animal study

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of three different scaffolds on the viability and differentiation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) to osteoblast for bone regeneration of calvarial defect in rabbit model. Adipose was harvested from the nape of 12 rabbits by direct surgery or hollow-tip cannula. Two standardized circular calvarial defects (case and control), 8 mm in diameter each, were created in all the animals. The animals were divided into 3 different groups. In group 1 (G1), the defect was filled with polyamide + ADMSC. In group 2, poly lactic-co-glycolic acid + ADMSC was used. In group 3, decellularized amniotic membrane + ADMSC was applied. In the control defect, the non-seeded scaffolds were applied for filling the defect. Decellularized pericardial scaffolds were used as a membrane on the scaffolds. The animals were euthanized 2, 4, and 8 weeks of operation and new bone formation was assessed by different analyses. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining with osteopontin and osteocalcin antibodies was also performed. After 2 weeks of wound healing, minimal bone regeneration was detected in all groups. Almost complete defect closure was observed in all experimental groups after 8 weeks of operation, with the greatest defect closure in the animals treated with polyamide scaffolds as compared to biopsies obtained from control defects and other experimental groups. The maximal tensile load was higher in G1, 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively, suggesting the usefulness of polyamide + ADMSC for bone regeneration in calvarial defects. Results of the IHC staining demonstrated a significant difference between seeded and non-seeded scaffold in both short- and long-term follow-ups (P < 0.05). In addition, a significant difference was observed in enhancement of IHC staining of both markers in polyamide group (seeded or non-seeded) 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively in comparison with other scaffolds. It was concluded that bone regeneration in critical calvarial defect was more successful in seeded polyamide.     

The role of nonautologous and autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell in acute pyelonephritis

We compared the therapeutic effects of autologous and nonautologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ADMSC), in ameliorating the renal function in a rabbit model of acute pyelonephritis. The difference of perirenal and neck subcutaneous ADMSCs were also evaluated. Twenty female rabbits were apportioned to 5 groups. In group I (n = 4), the rabbits were injected direct inoculation of Escherichia coli (E. coli) into the right kidney. In group II (n = 4), autologous ADMSCs obtained from nape adipose tissue were injected into the subcapsular space 1 week after E. coli injection, while nonautologous ADMSCs of the same origin (from male rabbits) were applied in group III (n = 4). In group IV (n = 4), autologous perirenal ADMSCs were applied with the same method, while perirenal nonautologous ADMSCs from male rabbits were used in group V (n = 4). Technetium-99m-DMSA renal scan was performed 1, 2 and 4 months post-injection in all groups. Kidneys were excised for the evaluation of histopathological changes in the same time points. PCR examination for detection of Y-chromosome (in group III and V) and fluorescent evaluation (in group II and IV) were also performed to determine the fate of injected cells. Injection of autologous ADMSCs resulted in more satisfactory outcomes in reduction of interstitial fibrosis, tubular, and glomerular atrophy as compared to nonautologous groups. However, histopathological ameliorations were significantly better in group IV in which autologous perirenal ADMSC was applied. Remarkably, two months after the injection, Technetium-99m-DMSA renal scan showed that right kidney reached to near normal cortical function (48 and 45%) in group IV and V, respectively as compared to groups II (41%) and III (37%). Autologous ADMSCs may have better results in cell therapy as compared to nonautologous cells. However, more satisfactory outcomes may be obtained when the cell source is selected from the surrounding adipose tissue.