Connecting cellular mechanisms and extracellular vesicle cargo in traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury is followed by a cascade of dynamic and complex events occurring at the cellular level. These events include: diffuse axonal injury, neuronal cell death, blood-brain barrier break down, glial activation and neuroinflammation, edema, ischemia, vascular injury, energy failure, and peripheral immune cell infiltration. The timing of these events post injury has been linked to injury severity and functional outcome. Extracellular vesicles are membrane bound secretory vesicles that contain markers and cargo pertaining to their cell of origin and can cross the blood-brain barrier. These qualities make extracellular vesicles intriguing candidates for a liquid biopsy into the pathophysiologic changes occurring at the cellular level post traumatic brain injury. Herein, we review the most commonly reported cargo changes in extracellular vesicles from clinical traumatic brain injury samples. We then use knowledge from animal and in vitro models to help infer what these changes may indicate regrading cellular responses post traumatic brain injury. Future research should prioritize labeling extracellular vesicles with markers for distinct cell types across a range of timepoints post traumatic brain injury.

Probiotic microorganisms affect the reproductive and nervous systems of male rats treated with acrylamide

Objective:To evaluate the protective effects of probiotic microorganisms on the reproductive and nervous systems of male rats treated with acrylamide.Methods:Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into 4 groups and received normal saline through gavage(control),acrylamide 20 mg/kg body weight,acrylamide plus probiotic microorganisms(Lactobacillus acidophilus,Lactobacillus casei,Lactobacillus bulgaricus,Lactobacillus rhamnosus,Bifidobacterium breve,Bifidobacterium infantis,Streptococcus thermophilus and fructooligosaccharides,all mixed in sachets)20 or 200 mg/kg body weight,respectively.After 30 days,the testis,prostate,seminal vesicle and cerebellum were removed,fixed and stained with hematoxylin-eosin(H&E).The Johnsen score was used to classify spermatogenesis.Cavalieri's principle method was used to evaluate the total volume(in mm3)of the testes.The number of each intratubular cell type as well as intertubular Leydig cells in whole samples was measured using the physical dissector counting techniques.Stereological analysis and the grids were used to determine the volume of cerebellar layers as well as the Purkinje cell number.Results:The testis weight decreased significantly in the acrylamide-treated group compared to the other groups(P<0.001).The number of spermatogonia,spermatocytes,spermatids and Leydig cells in the acrylamide-treated group were significantly less compared to the control group(P<0.05),while they were increased significantly in the acrylamide+200 mg/kg probiotic group(P<0.05;P<0.01).The mean Johnsen score in the acrylamide-treated group was lower than in the control group(P<0.001).Acrylamide-induced changes including congestion,vacuolization in the secretory epithelial cells,and epithelial rupture were observed in the prostate and seminal vesicle.The volumes of cerebellar layers were decreased in the acrylamide group compared to the control group while recovered in both probiotic treated groups.Conclusions:Probiotic microorganisms alleviate acrylamide-induced toxicities against the reproductive and cerebellar tissues in rats.

Molecular biology of liver disorders:the hepatitis C virus and molecular targets for drug development

INTRODUCTIONMolecular biology has made a tremendous impact on thediagnosis and treatment of liver diseases.In particular,advances in molecular biology made possible the

Adult human neural stem cell therapeutics: Current developmental status and prospect

Over the past two decades, regenerative therapies using stem cell technologies have been developed for various neurological diseases. Although stem cell therapy is an attractive option to reverse neural tissue damage and to recover neurological deficits, it is still under development so as not to show significant treatment effects in clinical settings. In this review, we discuss the scientific and clinical basics of adult neural stem cells(a NSCs), and their current developmental status as cell therapeutics for neurological disease. Compared with other types of stem cells, a NSCs have clinical advantages, such as limited proliferation, inborn differentiation potential into functional neural cells, and no ethical issues. In spite of the merits of a NSCs, difficulties in the isolation from the normal brain, and in the in vitro expansion, have blocked preclinical and clinical study using a NSCs. However, several groups have recently developed novel techniques to isolate and expand a NSCs from normal adult brains, and showed successful applications of a NSCs to neurological diseases. With new technologies for a NSCs and their clinical strengths, previous hurdles in stem cell therapies for neurological diseases could be overcome, to realize clinically efficacious regenerative stem cell therapeutics.

Colon cancer stem cells:Controversies and perspectives

Tumors have long been viewed as a population in which all cells have the equal propensity to form new tumors,the so called conventional stochastic model.The cutting-edge theory on tumor origin and progression,tends to consider cancer as a stem cell disease.Stem cells are actively involved in the onset and maintenance of colon cancer.This review is intended to examine the state of the art on colon cancer stem cells(CSCs),with regard to the recent achievements of basic research and to the corresponding translational consequences.Specific prominence is given to the hypothesized origin of CSCs and to the methods for their identification.The growing understanding of CSC biology is driving the optimization of novel anti-cancer targeted drugs.

Attenuation of MET-mediated migration and invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma cells by SOCS1

AIM To investigate the role of suppressor of cytokine signaling 1(SOCS1)in regulating MET-mediated invasive potential of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)cells.METHODSStable derivatives of mouse(Hepa1-6)and human(hep3B,Hep G2)HCC cell lines expressing SOCS1or control vector were evaluated for their ability to migrate towards hepatocyte growth factor(HGF)in the transwell migration assay,invade extracellular matrix in response to HGF stimulation in a 3-D invasion assay by confocal microscopy,and to undergo anchorageindependent proliferation in semisolid agar.Following intravenous and intrasplenic inoculation into NOD.scid.gamma mice,the ability of Hepa cells to form othotopic tumors was evaluated.Following HGF stimulation of Hepa and Hep3B cells,expression of proteins implicated in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition was evaluated by western blot and qR T-PCR.RESULTS SOCS1 expression in mouse and human HCC cells inhibited HGF-induced migration through matrigel.In the 3-D invasion assay,HGF stimulation induced invasion of HCC cells across type-Ⅰcollagen matrix,and SOCS1expression significantly reduced the depth of invasion.SOCS1 expression also reduced the number and size of colonies formed by anchorage-independent growth in semisolid agar.Following intravenous inoculation,control Hepa cell formed large tumor nodules that obliterated the liver whereas the SOCS1-expressing Hepa cells formed significantly smaller nodules.Tumors formed by SOCS1-expressing cells showed reduced phosphorylation of STAT3 and ERK that was accompanied by reduced levels of MET protein expression.HGF stimulated Hepa cells expressing SOCS1 showed increased expression of E-cadherin and decreased expression of EGR1,SNAI1and ZEB1.Comparable results were obtained with Hep3B cells.SOCS1 expressing HCC cells also showed reduced levels of EGR1 and SNAI1 transcripts.CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that loss of SOCS1-dependent control over epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition may contribute to MET-mediated migration,invasion and metastatic growth of HCC.

Alpl prevents bone ageing sensitivity by specifically regulating senescence and differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells

Mutations in the liver/bone/kidney alkaline phosphatase(Alpl) gene cause hypophosphatasia(HPP) and early-onset bone dysplasia,suggesting that this gene is a key factor in human bone development. However, how and where Alpl acts in bone ageing is largely unknown. Here, we determined that ablation of Alpl induces prototypical premature bone ageing characteristics, including bone mass loss and marrow fat gain coupled with elevated expression of p16INK4A(p16) and p53 due to senescence and impaired differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs). Mechanistically, Alpl deficiency in MSCs enhances ATP release and reduces ATP hydrolysis. Then, the excessive extracellular ATP is, in turn, internalized by MSCs and causes an elevation in the intracellular ATP level, which consequently inactivates the AMPKα pathway and contributes to the cell fate switch of MSCs. Reactivating AMPKα by metformin treatment successfully prevents premature bone ageing in Alpl+/-mice by improving the function of endogenous MSCs.These results identify a previously unknown role of Alpl in the regulation of ATP-mediated AMPKα alterations that maintain MSC stemness and prevent bone ageing and show that metformin offers a potential therapeutic option.

A tale of motor neurons and CD4＋ T cells： moving forward by looking back

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis （ALS） is a fatal progressive disorder characterized by the selective degeneration of motor neurons （MN）. The impact of peripheral immune status on disease progression and MN survival is becoming increasingly recognized in the ALS research field. In this review, we briefly discuss findings from mouse models of peripheral nerve injury and immunodeficiency to understand how the immune system regulates MN survival. We extend these observations to similar studies in the widely used superoxide dismutase 1 （SOD1） mouse model of ALS. Last, we present future hypotheses to identify potential causative factors that lead to immune dysregulation in ALS. The lessons from preceding work in this area offer new exciting directions to bridge the gap in our current understanding of immune mediated neuroprotection in ALS.

PRIMARY CELL CULTURE FOR EMBRYONIC CARDIAC MYOCYTES OF MEXICAN AXOLOTL AND DISTRIBUTION OF DESMIN AND VIMENTIN

Desmin and vimentin are major components of intermediate filament proteins in cardiac myocytes. We developed a primary cell culture method for cardiac myocytes of axolotl embryos. Cardiac myocytes of embryonic stage 39 were cultured for 1-14 days. Myocytes showed spontaneous contractions (15-30 beats/min) after 48-72 hours in culture, round shape and large irregular projections. Desmin and vimentin were observed in the cultured myocytes by means of immunofluorescent staining in combination with immunofluorescent microscopy. Immunofluorescent staining of the cultured cardiac myocytes after different lengths of time in culture(3,6,9 days) showed that vimentin staining was stronger than desmin staining during the early stages of culture (3 days). The myocytes exhibited various forms of staining, including parallel lines and interconnected networks. Some lines showed regular striation; most of the myofibrils were arranged in parallel arrays along the cell's long axis. Both desmin and vimentin in the cell appeared to encirele the Z lines and to link myofibrils laterally at the Z lines.

Comparison between the therapeutic effects of differentiated and undifferentiated Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cells in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes

BACKGROUND Despite the availability of current therapies,including oral antidiabetic drugs and insulin,for controlling the symptoms caused by high blood glucose,it is difficult to cure diabetes mellitus,especially type 1 diabetes mellitus.AIM Cell therapies using mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)may be a promising option.However,the therapeutic mechanisms by which MSCs exert their effects,such as whether they can differentiate into insulin-producing cells (IPCs) beforetransplantation, are uncertain.METHODSIn this study, we used three types of differentiation media over 10 d to generateIPCs from human Wharton’s jelly MSCs (hWJ-MSCs). We further transplantedthe undifferentiated hWJ-MSCs and differentiated IPCs derived from them intothe portal vein of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes, and recorded thephysiological and pathological changes.RESULTSUsing fluorescent staining and C-peptide enzyme-linked immunoassay, we wereable to successfully induce the differentiation of hWJ-MSCs into IPCs.Transplantation of both IPCs derived from hWJ-MSCs and undifferentiated hWJMSCshad the therapeutic effect of ameliorating blood glucose levels andimproving intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests. The transplanted IPCs homedto the pancreas and functionally survived for at least 8 wk after transplantation,whereas the undifferentiated hWJ-MSCs were able to improve the insulitis andameliorate the serum inflammatory cytokine in streptozotocin-induced diabeticrats.CONCLUSIONDifferentiated IPCs can significantly improve blood glucose levels in diabetic ratsdue to the continuous secretion of insulin by transplanted cells that survive in theislets of diabetic rats. Transplantation of undifferentiated hWJ-MSCs cansignificantly improve insulitis and re-balance the inflammatory condition indiabetic rats with only a slight improvement in blood glucose levels.

Time- and cell-type specific changes in iron, ferritin, and transferrin in the gerbil hippocampal CA1 region after transient forebrain ischemia

In the present study, we used immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis to examine changes in the levels and cellular localization of iron, heavy chain ferritin（ferritin-H）, and transferrin in the gerbil hippocampal CA1 region from 30 minutes to 7 days following transient forebrain ischemia. Relative to sham controls, iron reactivity increased significantly in the stratum pyramidale and stratum oriens at 12 hours following ischemic insult, transiently decreased at 1–2 days and then increased once again within the CA1 region at 4–7 days after ischemia. One day after ischemia, ferritin-H immunoreactivity increased significantly in the stratum pyramidale and decreased at 2 days. At 4–7 days after ischemia, ferritin-H immunoreactivity in the glial components in the CA1 region was significantly increased. Transferrin immunoreactivity was increased significantly in the stratum pyramidale at 12 hours, peaked at 1 day, and then decreased significantly at 2 days after ischemia. Seven days after ischemia, Transferrin immunoreactivity in the glial cells of the stratum oriens and radiatum was significantly increased. Western blot analyses supported these results, demonstrating that compared to sham controls, ferritin H and transferrin protein levels in hippocampal homogenates significantly increased at 1 day after ischemia, peaked at 4 days and then decreased. These results suggest that iron overload-induced oxidative stress is most prominent at 12 hours after ischemia in the stratum pyramidale, suggesting that this time window may be the optimal period for therapeutic intervention to protect neurons from ischemia-induced death.

Pointing fingers at blood contact:mechanisms of subventricular zone neural stem cell differentiation

The limited ability of the central nervous system(CNS)to regenerate in adult mammals after injury or disease is a significant problem.Intriguingly,neural stem/progenitor cells(NSPCs)offer great promise for regenerating the CNS.Endogenous or transplanted NSPCs contribute to repair processes,but their differentiation and function are abnormal in CNS injury and disease.The main reasons for these abnormalities are changes in the extracellular environment in the injured CNS that affect signaling pathways and transcriptional regulation in NSPCs.

Long-term administration of scopolamine interferes with nerve cell proliferation, differentiation and migration in adult mouse hippocampal dentate gyrus, but it does not induce cell death

Long-term administration of scopolamine, a muscarinic receptor antagonist, can inhibit the survival of newly generated cells, but its effect on the proliferation, differentiation and migration of nerve cells in the adult mouse hippocampal dentate gyrus remain poorly understood. In this study, we used immunohistochemistry and western blot methods to weekly detect the biological behaviors of nerve cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of adult mice that received intraperito- neal administration of scopolamine for 4 weeks. Expression of neuronal nuclear antigen （NeuN; a neuronal marker） and Fluoro-]ade B （a marker for the localization of neuronal degeneration） was also detected. After scopolamine treatment, mouse hippocampal neurons did not die, and Ki-67 （a marker for proliferating cells）-immunoreactive cells were reduced in number and reac hed the lowest level at 4 weeks. Doublecortin （DCX; a marker for newly generated neurons）-im- munoreactive cells were gradually shortened in length and reduced in number with time. After scopolamine treatment for 4 weeks, nearly all of the 5-bromo-2＇-deoxyuridine （BrdU）-labeled newly generated cells were located in the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus, but they did not migrate into the granule cell layer. Few mature BrdU/NeuN double-labeled cells were seen in the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus. These findings suggest that long-term administration of scopolamine interferes with the proliferation, differentiation and migration of nerve cells in the adult mouse hippocampal dentate gyrus, but it does not induce cell death.

Dual regulatory role for phosphatase and tensin homolog in specification of intestinal endocrine cell subtypes

AIM:To investigate the impact of phosphatase and tensin homolog(Pten) in the specification of intestinal enteroendocrine subpopulations.METHODS:Using the Cre/loxP system,a mouse with conditional intestinal epithelial Pten deficiency was generated.Pten mutant mice and controls were sacrificed and small intestines collected for immunofluorescence and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.Blood was collected on 16 h fasted mice by cardiac puncture.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure blood circulating ghrelin,somatostatin(SST) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide(GIP) levels.RESULTS:Results show an unexpected dual regulatory role for epithelial Pten signalling in the specification/differentiation of enteroendocrine cell subpopulations in the small intestine.Our data indicate that Pten positively regulates chromogranin A(CgA) expressing subpopulations,including cells expressing secretin,ghrelin,gastrin and cholecystokinin(CCK).In contrast,Pten negatively regulates the enteroendocrine subtype specification of non-expressing CgA cells such as GIP and SST expressing cells.CONCLUSION:The present results demonstrate that Pten signalling favours the enteroendocrine progenitor to specify into cells expressing CgA including those producing CCK,gastrin and ghrelin.

C16 peptide and angiopoietin-1 protect against LPS-induced BV-2 microglial cell inflammation

Pathological alterations in the brain can cause microglial activation(MA).Thus,inhibiting MA could provide a new approach for treating neurodegenerative disorders.To investigate the effect of C16 peptide and angiopoietin-1(Ang1)on inflammation following MA,we stimulated microglial BV-2 cells with lipopolysaccharide(LPS)and used dexmedetomidine(DEX)as a positive control.Specific inhibitors of Tie2,avβ3 and a5β1 integrins,and PI3K/Akt were applied to investigate the neuron-protective and anti-inflammatory effects and signaling pathway of C16+Angl treatment in the LPS-induced BV-2 cells.Our results showed that C16+Ang1 treatment reduced the microglia M1 phenotype but promoted the microglia M2 phenotype.

Study of the Expression of ALDH1 and CD44 Stem Cell Markers in Male Breast Cancers

Aims: Male breast cancer represents - mor aggressiveness and drug resistance. CSCs are characterized by CD44 and/or ALDH1 expression. In this study, we investigated their expression in male breast cancer. Method: Two in situ ductal carcinoma (DCIS) and 18 invasive duc- tal carcinoma (IDC) male breast cancer cases were studied with Jefferson IRB approval. Membrane staining of CD44 was scored by the percentage of positivity. Cytoplasmic expression of ALDH1 was considered positive. Results: Ten cases had high CD44 expression, which were all IDC. Both DCIS and in situ component of IDC were CD44 low. ALDH1 was only positive in 15 IDCs. ALDH1+ cells were mostly in the invasive component. Both DCIS cases were negative for ALDH1. Among the 15 ALDH1+ IDCs, five with only invasive component had a higher percentage (aver- age 4.4%) of positive cells compared to the other eight with in situ components (average 2.0%). Metastatic cells in sen- tinel lymph nodes had a similar expression pattern of CD44 and ALDH1 as their primary tumor. Conclusion: CD44 and ALDH1 are expressed in male breast cancers and they are overexpressed in invasive cancer compared to carcinoma in situ. These findings suggest that CSCs play an important role in the progression to invasive carcinoma.

Microglia:a promising therapeutic target in spinal cord injury

Microglia are present throughout the central nervous system and are vital in neural repair,nutrition,phagocytosis,immunological regulation,and maintaining neuronal function.In a healthy spinal cord,microglia are accountable for immune surveillance,however,when a spinal cord injury occurs,the microenvironment drastically changes,leading to glial scars and failed axonal regeneration.In this context,microglia vary their gene and protein expression during activation,and proliferation in reaction to the injury,influencing injury responses both favorably and unfavorably.A dynamic and multifaceted injury response is mediated by microglia,which interact directly with neurons,astrocytes,oligodendrocytes,and neural stem/progenitor cells.Despite a clear understanding of their essential nature and origin,the mechanisms of action and new functions of microglia in spinal cord injury require extensive research.This review summarizes current studies on microglial genesis,physiological function,and pathological state,highlights their crucial roles in spinal cord injury,and proposes microglia as a therapeutic target.

The dual role of microglia in ischemic stroke and its modulation via extracellular vesicles and stem cells

Stem cell-based therapies and extracellular vesicle(EV)treatment have demonstrated significant potential for neuroprotection against ischemic stroke.Although the neuroprotective mechanisms are not yet fully under-stood,targeting microglia is central to promoting neuroprotection.Microglia are the resident immune cells of the central nervous system.These cells are crucial in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke.They respond rapidly to the site of injury by releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines,phagocytizing dead cells and debris,and recruiting peripheral immune cells to the ischemic area.Although these responses are essential for clearing damage and initiating tissue repair,excessive or prolonged microglial activation can exacerbate brain injury,leading to secondary neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.Moreover,microglia exhibit a dynamic range of activation states with the so-called M1 pro-inflammatory and M2 anti-inflammatory phenotypes,representing the two ends of the spectrum.The delivery of both EVs and stem cells modulates microglial activation,suppressing pro-inflammatory genes,influencing the expression of transcription factors,and altering receptor expression,ultimately contributing to neuroprotection.These findings underscore the importance of understanding the complex and dynamic role of microglia in the development of effective neuroprotective strategies to reduce the effects of ischemic stroke.In this review,we examine the current state of knowledge regarding the role of microglia in ischemic stroke,including their molecular and cellular mechanisms,activation states,and interactions with other cells.We also discuss the multifaceted contributions of microglia to stem cell-and EV-based neuroprotection during an ischemic stroke to provide a comprehensive understanding of microglial functions and their potential implications in stroke therapies.

Mitophagy links oxidative stress conditions and neurodegenerative diseases

Mitophagy is activated by a number of stimuli, including hypoxia, energy stress, and increased oxidative phosphorylation activity. Mitophagy is associated with oxidative stress conditions and central neurodegenerative diseases. Proper regulation of mitophagy is crucial for maintaining homeostasis; conversely, inadequate removal of mitochondria through mitophagy leads to the generation of oxidative species, including reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species, resulting in various neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. These diseases are most prevalent in older adults whose bodies fail to maintain proper mitophagic functions to combat oxidative species. As mitophagy is essential for normal body function, by targeting mitophagic pathways we can improve these disease conditions. The search for effective remedies to treat these disease conditions is an ongoing process, which is why more studies are needed. Additionally, more relevant studies could help establish therapeutic conditions, which are currently in high demand. In this review, we discuss how mitophagy plays a significant role in homeostasis and how its dysregulation causes neurodegeneration. We also discuss how combating oxidative species and targeting mitophagy can help treat these neurodegenerative diseases.

Moxibustion treatment modulates the gut microbiota and immune function in a dextran sulphate sodium-induced colitis rat model

AIM To investigate the effect and mechanism of moxibustion in rats with ulcerative colitis.METHODS A rat colitis model was established by administering 4% dextran sulphate sodium solution. Seventy male rats were randomly divided into seven groups: Healthy controls(HC), ulcerative colitis model group(UC), UC with 7 d of moxibustion(UC-7), UC with 14 d of moxibustion(UC-14), UC with mesalazine gavage(UC-W), HC with 7 d of moxibustion(HC-7), HC with 14 d of moxibustion(HC-14). Moxibustion was applied to the bilateral Tianshu(ST25). Gut microbiome profiling was conducted by 16 S r RNA amplicon sequencing, and PCR and ELISA determined the expression of inflammatory cytokines in colon mucosa and serum, respectively. RESULTS Moxibustion treatment restored the colonic mucosa and decreased submucosal inflammatory cell infiltration in colitis rats. Rats treated with moxibustion and mesalazine had significantly lower levels of the dominant phyla Proteobacteria and the genera Saccharibacteria, Sphingomonas and Barnesiella than colitis rats, and they could restore the microbiome to levels similar to those observed in healthy rats. UC rats had reduced alpha diversity, which could be alleviated by moxibustion therapy, and UC-7 had a higher alpha diversity than UC-14. This finding suggests that short-term(7 d) but no longer term(14 d) moxibustion treatment may significantly affect the gut microbiome. The potential bacterial functions affected by moxibustion may be ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, and amino acid metabolism. Compared with HC group, the levels of the cytokines interleukin-12(IL-12)(P < 0.05) and IL-6, IL-17, IL-23, interferon-γ, lipopolysaccharide, Ig A, tumour necrosis factor-α and its receptors 1(TNFR1) and TNFR2(P < 0.01) were all increased, whereas anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-2 and IL-10(P < 0.01) and transforming growth factor-β(P < 0.05) were decreased in UC rats. These changes were reversed by moxibustion.CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that moxibustion exerts its therapeutic effect by repairing mucosal tissue damage and modulating the gut microbiome and intestinal mucosal immunity.