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Biomedical Applications of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pharmacology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2024 | Viewed by 2804

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Enna “Kore”, 94100 Enna, Italy
Interests: adipose-derived stem cells; neural differentiation; conditioned media; schwann cells; olfactory ensheathing cells
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 97, 95123 Catania, Italy
Interests: mesenchymal stem cells; cell differentiation; intercellular communication
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are characterized by their multipotent differentiation ability. In fact, they can give rise to endodermal and ectodermal cells other than those of the mesodermal variety. Moreover, they have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. For these reasons, MSCs can be suitable for cell-based therapeutic strategies, especially in molecular pathologies where pharmacological treatments produce poor results.

The molecular mechanisms of MSC-induced beneficial effects include neurogenesis, osteogenesis, chondrogenesis, and angiogenesis stimulation, as well as immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic actions. Moreover, the paracrine release of growth factors and cytokines, mainly delivered at damaged regions, may help to restore tissue homeostasis.

This Special Issue entitled “Biomedical Applications of Mesenchymal Stem Cells” focuses on the role of MSCs in damaged tissue repair and its molecular regulatory mechanism. We welcome submissions of original papers and reviews based on results from molecular viewpoints.

Dr. Giuliana Mannino
Dr. Debora Lo Furno
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • mesenchymal stem cells
  • cell differentiation
  • cell therapy
  • regenerative medicine
  • tissue homeostasis
  • cartilage

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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18 pages, 5871 KiB  
Article
The Therapeutic Potential of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome in Osteoarthritis: A Comprehensive Study
by Elsa González-Cubero, Maria Luisa González-Fernández, Marta Esteban-Blanco, Saúl Pérez-Castrillo, Esther Pérez-Fernández, Nicolás Navasa, Ana M. Aransay, Juan Anguita and Vega Villar-Suárez
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(20), 11287; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252011287 - 20 Oct 2024
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Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage degradation and inflammation. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of secretome derived from adipose tissue mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) in mitigating inflammation and promoting cartilage repair in an in vitro model of OA. [...] Read more.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage degradation and inflammation. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of secretome derived from adipose tissue mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) in mitigating inflammation and promoting cartilage repair in an in vitro model of OA. Our in vitro model comprised chondrocytes inflamed with TNF. To assess the therapeutic potential of secretome, inflamed chondrocytes were treated with it and concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines, metalloproteinases (MMPs) and extracellular matrix markers were measured. In addition, secretome-treated chondrocytes were subject to a microarray analysis to determine which genes were upregulated and which were downregulated. Treating TNF-inflamed chondrocytes with secretome in vitro inhibits the NF-κB pathway, thereby mediating anti-inflammatory and anti-catabolic effects. Additional protective effects of secretome on cartilage are revealed in the inhibition of hypertrophy markers such as RUNX2 and COL10A1, increased production of COL2A1 and ACAN and upregulation of SOX9. These findings suggest that ASC-derived secretome can effectively reduce inflammation, promote cartilage repair, and maintain chondrocyte phenotype. This study highlights the potential of ASC-derived secretome as a novel, non-cell-based therapeutic approach for OA, offering a promising alternative to current treatments by targeting inflammation and cartilage repair mechanisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Mesenchymal Stem Cells)
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20 pages, 3440 KiB  
Article
The Comparison of Immunomodulatory Properties of Canine and Human Wharton Jelly-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
by Anna Burdzinska, Iwona Monika Szopa, Kinga Majchrzak-Kuligowska, Aleksander Roszczyk, Katarzyna Zielniok, Paweł Zep, Filip Andrzej Dąbrowski, Tanushree Bhale, Marek Galanty and Leszek Paczek
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(16), 8926; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25168926 - 16 Aug 2024
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Abstract
Although therapies based on mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are being implemented in clinical settings, many aspects regarding these procedures require further optimization. Domestic dogs suffer from numerous immune-mediated diseases similar to those found in humans. This study aimed to assess the immunomodulatory activity [...] Read more.
Although therapies based on mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are being implemented in clinical settings, many aspects regarding these procedures require further optimization. Domestic dogs suffer from numerous immune-mediated diseases similar to those found in humans. This study aimed to assess the immunomodulatory activity of canine (c) Wharton jelly (WJ)-derived MSCs and refer them to human (h) MSCs isolated from the same tissue. Canine MSC(WJ)s appeared to be more prone to in vitro aging than their human counterparts. Both canine and human MSC(WJ)s significantly inhibited the activation as well as proliferation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. The treatment with IFNγ significantly upregulated indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) synthesis in human and canine MSC(WJ)s, and the addition of poly(I:C), TLR3 ligand, synergized this effect in cells from both species. Unstimulated human and canine MSC(WJ)s released TGFβ at the same level (p > 0.05). IFNγ significantly increased the secretion of TGFβ in cells from both species (p < 0.05); however, this response was significantly stronger in human cells than in canine cells. Although the properties of canine and human MSC(WJ)s differ in detail, cells from both species inhibit the proliferation of activated T cells to a very similar degree and respond to pro-inflammatory stimulation by enhancing their anti-inflammatory activity. These results suggest that testing MSC transplantation in naturally occurring immune-mediated diseases in dogs may have high translational value for human clinical trials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Mesenchymal Stem Cells)
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16 pages, 20407 KiB  
Case Report
Vascular Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Cellular Senescence: A Two-Case Study Investigating the Correlation Between an Inflammatory Microenvironment and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Development
by Gabriella Teti, Riccardo Camiletti, Valentina Gatta, Aurora Longhin and Mirella Falconi
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(23), 12495; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252312495 - 21 Nov 2024
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Abstract
An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is described as a gradual and localized permanent expansion of the aorta resulting from the weakening of the vascular wall. The key aspects of AAA’s progression are high proteolysis of the structural elements of the vascular wall, the [...] Read more.
An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is described as a gradual and localized permanent expansion of the aorta resulting from the weakening of the vascular wall. The key aspects of AAA’s progression are high proteolysis of the structural elements of the vascular wall, the depletion of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and a chronic immunoinflammatory response. The pathological mechanisms underpinning the development of an AAA are complex and still unknown. At present, there are no successful drug treatments available that can slow the progression of an AAA or prevent the rupture of the aneurysmal vascular wall. Recently, it has been suggested that endothelial cellular senescence may be involved in vascular aging and vascular aging diseases, but there is no clear correlation between cellular senescence and AAAs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the presence of senescent cells on the vascular wall of aneurysmatic abdominal aortas and to correlate their distribution with the morphological markers of AAAs. Pathological and healthy segments of abdominal aortas were collected during repair surgery and immediately processed for histological and immunohistochemical analyses. Hematoxylin/eosin, Verhoeff–van Gieson, and Goldner’s Masson trichrome staining procedures were carried out to investigate the morphological features related to the pathology. Immunohistochemical investigations for the p21cip1/waf1, p53, and NFkB markers were carried out to selectively identify positive cells in the vascular wall of the AAA samples related to cellular senescence and an inflammatory microenvironment. The results revealed the presence of a few senescent vascular cells on the aneurysmatic wall of the abdominal aortas, surrounded by a highly inflamed microenvironment that was highly expressed in the tunica media and adventitia of both pathological and healthy segments. Our data demonstrate the presence of senescent vascular cells in AAA samples, which could enhance the promotion of a high inflammatory vascular microenvironment, supporting the evolution of the pathology. Although this study was based on only two cases, the results highlight the importance of targeting cellular senescence to reduce an inflammatory microenvironment, which can support the progression of age-related diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Mesenchymal Stem Cells)
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