Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells that can differentiate into various cell types such as cartilage, bone, and fat cells. Recent studies have shown that induction of MSCs in vitro by growth factors including epidermal growth factor (EGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF2) causes them to differentiate into neural like cells. These cultures also express ChAT, a cholinergic marker; and TH, a dopaminergic marker for neural cells. To establish a protocol with maximum differentiation potential, we examined MSCs under three experimental culture conditions using neural induction media containing FGF2, EGF, BMP-9, retinoic acid, and heparin. Adipose-derived MSCs were extracted and expanded in vitro for 3 passages after reaching >80% confluency, for a total duration of 9 days. Cells were then characterized by flow cytometry for CD markers as CD44 positive and CD45 negative. MSCs were then treated with neural induction media and were characterized by morphological changes and Q-PCR. Differentiated MSCs expressed markers for immature and mature neurons; β Tubulin III (TUBB3) and MAP2, respectively, showing the neural potential of these cells to differentiate into functional neurons. Improved protocols for MSCs induction will facilitate and ensure the reproducibility and standard production of MSCs for therapeutic applications in neurodegenerative diseases.
Developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) refers to the toxic effects induced by various chemicals on brain during the early childhood period. As human brains are vulnerable during this period, various chemicals would have significant effects on brains during early childhood. Some toxicants have been confirmed to induce developmental toxic effects on CNS; however, most of agents cannot be identified with certainty. This is because available animal models do not cover the whole spectrum of CNS developmental periods. A novel alternative method that can overcome most of the limitations of the conventional techniques is the use of 3D neurosphere system. This in-vitro system can recapitulate many of the changes during the period of brain development making it an ideal model for predicting developmental neurotoxic effects. In the present study we verified the possible DNT of Malathion, which is one of organophosphate pesticides with suggested possible neurotoxic effects on nursing children. Three doses of Malathion (0.25 μM, 1 μM and 10 μM) were used in cultured neurospheres for a period of 14 days. Malathion was found to affect proliferation, differentiation and viability of neurospheres, these effects were positively correlated to doses and time progress. This study confirms the DNT effects of Malathion on 3D neurosphere model. Further epidemiological studies will be needed to link these results to human exposure and effects data.
Acid ceramidase deficiency is an orphan lysosomal disorder caused by ASAH1 pathogenic variants and presenting with either Farber disease or spinal muscle atrophy with progressive myoclonic epilepsy (SMA-PME). Phenotypic and genotypic features are rarely explored beyond the scope of case reports. Furthermore, the new biomarker C26-Ceramide requires validation in a clinical setting. We evaluated the clini
Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic inflammatory hepatic disorder which may cause liver fibrosis. Appropriate treatment of autoimmune hepatitis is therefore important. Adult stem cells have been investigated as therapies for a variety of disorders in latest years. Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) were the first known adult stem cells (ASCs) and can give rise to all of the cell types in the blood and immune system. Originally, HSC transplantation was served as a therapy for hematological malignancies, but more recently researchers have found the treatment to have positive effects in autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are ASCs which can be extracted from different tissues, such as bone marrow, adipose tissue, umbilical cord, and dental pulp. MSCs interact with several immune response pathways either by direct cell-to-cell interactions or by the secretion of soluble factors. These characteristics make MSCs potentially valuable as a therapy for autoimmune diseases. Both ASC and ASC-derived exosomes have been investigated as a therapy for autoimmune hepatitis. This review aims to summarize studies focused on the effects of ASCs and their products on autoimmune hepatitis.
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