Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising candidate for cell-based transplantation and regenerative medicine therapies. Thus in the present study Wharton’s Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells (WJ-MSCs) have been derived from extra embryonic umbilical cord matrix following removal of both arteries and vein. Also, to overcome the clinical limitations posed by fetal bovine serum (FBS) supplementation because of xenogeneic origin of FBS, usual FBS cell culture supplement has been replaced with human platelet lysate (HPL). Apart from general characteristic features of bone marrow-derived MSCs, wharton jelly-derived MSCs have the ability to maintain phenotypic attributes, cell growth kinetics, cell cycle pattern, in vitro multilineage differentiation plasticity, apoptotic pattern, normal karyotype-like intrinsic mesenchymal stem cell properties in long-term in vitro cultures. Moreover, the WJ-MSCs exhibited the in vitro multilineage differentiation capacity by giving rise to differentiated cells of not only mesodermal lineage but also to the cells of ectodermal and endodermal lineage. Also, WJ-MSC did not present any aberrant cell state upon in vivo transplantation in SCID mice and in vitro soft agar assays. The immunomodulatory potential assessed by gene expression levels of immunomodulatory factors upon exposure to inflammatory cytokines in the fetal WJ-MSCs was relatively higher compared to adult bone marrow-derived MSCs. WJ-MSCs seeded on decellularized amniotic membrane scaffold transplantation on the skin injury of SCID mice model demonstrates that combination of WJ-MSCs and decellularized amniotic membrane scaffold exhibited significantly better wound-healing capabilities, having reduced scar formation with hair growth and improved biomechanical properties of regenerated skin compared to WJ-MSCs alone. Further, our experimental data indicate that indocyanin green (ICG) at optimal concentration can be resourcefully used for labeling of stem cells and in vivo tracking by near infrared fluorescence non-invasive live cell imaging of labelled transplanted cells, thus proving its utility for therapeutic applications.

Background: The consistent, self-renewal capability and wide-ranging differentiation potential during specific physiologic conditions mark stem cells as a novel candidate not only for biomedical research and regenerative therapy but also as an alternative source in research related to life sciences. This vital and distinct characteristic of stem cells, enable them to offer unprecedented hope in treating many diseases and disorders, which are otherwise difficult to treat. Several efforts are still being undertaken to enhance the efficiency of MSCs for better therapeutic applications. Objective: In recent past several studies have been conducted regarding isolation of stem cells from diverse sources and are being used clinically in veterinary regenerative therapy. But till date only a few systemic studies are available. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the findings from basic and applied research conducted in stem cell therapeutics with particular emphasis on animals. Result: On the basis of their sources, stem cells can be classified as adult or embryonic stem (ES) cells. Physiologically, the ES cells have capability to differentiate into all body cells and develop into normal adult organism; whereas, adult stem cells serve as repair system by restoring damaged tissues of the body. The adult stem cells referred as Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be derived from various adult body organs whereas embryos give rise to embryonic stem cells. MSCs, passes unique property of proliferation, trans-differentiation and secretion of important biomolecules to create microenvironment; which is immunosuppressive and stimulate native MSCs of damaged tissue. MSCs being immunocompromised cells can be used in autologous as well as in allogenic mode. Conclusion: In Veterinary therapeutics, MSCs equipped with engineering and pharmaceutical modifications offer a potentially candidate in the treatment of wound healing, nerve injury, bone/ligament injury etc. and also bear a great hope in improvement of udder health and milk production in animals.

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The COVID-19 outbreak, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), was first identified in China, and it has quickly become a global threat to public health due to its rapid rate of transmission and fatalities. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been identified as a receptor that mediates the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into human cells, as in the case of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV). Several studies have reported that ACE2 expression is higher in Leydig, Sertoli and seminiferous ductal cells of males, as well as in ovarian follicle cells of females, suggesting possible potential pathogenicity of the coronavirus in the reproductive system. Higher ACE2 expression in the human placenta and reports of vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 among clinical cases have increased the relevance of further studies in this area. This review focuses on the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and the ACE2 receptor and speculates on the mechanistic interplay in association with male and female reproductive physiology. In addition, based on the available literature, we discuss the alleged sex differences in terms of the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2, which is claimed greater among males, and further explore the physiological role of ACE2 and 17b-oestradiol for the same.