Membrane-Free Stem Cell Extract Enhances Blood-Brain Barrier Integrity by Suppressing NF-κB-Mediated Activation of NLRP3 Inflammasome in Mice with Ischemic Stroke.

Membrane-free stem cell extract (MFSCE) of human adipose tissues possesses various biological activities. However, the effects of MFSCE on blood-brain barrier dysfunction and brain damage are unknown. In this study, we determined the role of MFSCE in an ischemic stroke mouse model. Mice were treated with MFSCE once daily for 4 days and 1 h before ischemic damage. Experimental ischemia was induced by photothrombosis. Pretreatment with MFSCE reduced infarct volume and edema and improved neurological, as well as motor functions. Evans blue leakage and water content in the brain tissue were reduced by MFSCE pretreatment relative to those in the vehicle group. MFSCE increased the expression of the tight junction proteins zonula occludens 1 and claudin-5, as well as vascular endothelial-cadherin, but decreased that of matrix metalloproteinase 9. Notably, MFSCE treatment decreased cell death and the level of NOD-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome, consistent with the downregulated expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1ß and IL-18 in the ischemic brain. These effects might have occurred via the suppression of the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 and activation of nuclear factor-κB. The results highlighted the potential of MFSCE treatment as a novel and preventive strategy for patients at a high risk of ischemic stroke.

Clinical efficacy of membrane-free stem cell extracts for the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis.

Despite various treatment options for canine atopic dermatitis (cAD), therapeutic limitations still exist, including adverse effects and low absorption ratios. This study evaluated the effects of a membrane-free stem cell extract (MFSCE) on the clinical signs of atopic dogs. Thirty client-owned dogs previously diagnosed with cAD were separated into placebo (n = 10) and MFSCE-treated groups (n = 20). The dogs were treated with a cream (MFSCE and placebo) via dermal administration twice daily for 14 days, and the clinical response was recorded on days 0, 7, and 14. The MFSCE-treated group showed significantly decreased severity of pruritus on day 14 compared to that on day 0. In addition, the erythema, pigmentation, skin dryness, and thickness were remarkably decreased in the MFSCE-treated group on day 14 compared to those on day 0 whereas no significant changes were observed in the placebo-treated group. No general clinical signs or adverse effects were observed in this study. These results suggest that MFSCE could be a surrogate treatment option for cAD.