Legionella bononiensis sp. nov., isolated from a hotel water distribution system in northern Italy.

Legionella-like isolates, strains 27fs60, 30fs61 and 30cs62T, were isolated from a hotel water distribution system in the Emilia-Romagna region, Italy. Isolates were Gram- and Ziehl Neelsen-stain-negative, rod-shaped, with transitory flagella presence and able to grow at 32-37 °C (with an optimum at 32 °C) on buffered charcoal-yeast extract agar with l-cysteine, glycine-vancomycin-polymyxin B-cycloheximide agar and Wadowsky-Yee medium agar. The strains showed positive reactions for oxidase, hippurate and gelatinase and a weakly positive reaction for catalase. Based on the EUCAST cut-off, strain 30cs62T was resistant to ciprofloxacin (5 mg l-1). The mip and rpoB gene sequences of the three strains showed close matches to those of Legionella quateirensis ATCC 49507T with similarity values of 98.2 and 94.5 %, respectively. Whole genome sequencing of the three strains was performed, resulting in G+C contents of 39.0, 39.1 and 39.0 mol%, respectively. The identity percentage measured by average nucleotide identity between the three strains and their respective closest strains were: 91.32 % L. quateirensis NCTC 12376T, 91.45 % L. quateirensis ATCC 49507T and 91.45 % L. quateirensis ATCC 49507T, respectively. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization analysis demonstrated how the isolates were separated from the most related phylogenetic Legionella species (L. quateirensis ATCC 49507T, ≤40.10 % DNA-DNA relatedness). The concatenated phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA, mip, rpoB and rnpB genes, shows a close relationship with L. quateirensis ATCC 49507T. The results obtained confirm the status of an independent species. The name proposed for this species is Legionella bononiensis sp. nov. with 30cs62T (=ATCC TSD-262T=DSM 112526T) as the type strain.

Validation of a Cleanroom Compliant Sonication-Based Decellularization Technique: A New Concept in Nerve Allograft Production.

Defects of the peripheral nervous system are extremely frequent in trauma and surgeries and have high socioeconomic costs. If the direct suture of a lesion is not possible, i.e., nerve gap > 2 cm, it is necessary to use grafts. While the gold standard is the autograft, it has disadvantages related to its harvesting, with an inevitable functional deficit and further morbidity. An alternative to autografting is represented by the acellular nerve allograft (ANA), which avoids disadvantages of autograft harvesting and fresh allograft rejection. In this research, the authors intend to transfer to human nerves a novel technique, previously implemented in animal models, to decellularize nerves. The new method is based on soaking the nerve tissues in decellularizing solutions while associating ultrasounds and freeze-thaw cycles. It is performed without interrupting the sterility chain, so that the new graft may not require post-production γ-ray irradiation, which is suspected to affect the structural and functional quality of tissues. The new method is rapid, safe, and inexpensive if compared with available commercial ANAs. Histology and immunohistochemistry have been adopted to evaluate the new decellularized nerves. The study shows that the new method can be applied to human nerve samples, obtaining similar, and, sometimes better, results compared with the chosen control method, the Hudson technique.

Genomic integrity and mitochondrial metabolism defects in Warsaw syndrome cells: a comparison with Fanconi anemia.

Warsaw breakage syndrome (WABS), is caused by biallelic mutations of DDX11, a gene coding a DNA helicase. We have recently reported two affected sisters, compound heterozygous for a missense (p.Leu836Pro) and a frameshift (p.Lys303Glufs*22) variant. By investigating the pathogenic mechanism, we demonstrate the inability of the DDX11 p.Leu836Pro mutant to unwind forked DNA substrates, while retaining DNA binding activity. We observed the accumulation of patient-derived cells at the G2/M phase and increased chromosomal fragmentation after mitomycin C treatment. The phenotype partially overlaps with features of the Fanconi anemia cells, which shows not only genomic instability but also defective mitochondria. This prompted us to examine mitochondrial functionality in WABS cells and revealed an altered aerobic metabolism. This opens the door to the further elucidation of the molecular and cellular basis of an impaired mitochondrial phenotype and sheds light on this fundamental process in cell physiology and the pathogenesis of these diseases.

Morphological study of TNPO3 and SRSF1 interaction during myogenesis by combining confocal, structured illumination and electron microscopy analysis.

Transportin3 (TNPO3) shuttles the SR proteins from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. The SR family includes essential splicing factors, such as SRSF1, that influence alternative splicing, controlling protein diversity in muscle and satellite cell differentiation. Given the importance of alternative splicing in the myogenic process and in the maintenance of healthy muscle, alterations in the splicing mechanism might contribute to the development of muscle disorders. Combining confocal, structured illumination and electron microscopy, we investigated the expression of TNPO3 and SRSF1 during myogenesis, looking at nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments. We investigated TNPO3 and its interaction with SRSF1 and we observed that SRSF1 remained mainly localized in the nucleus, while TNPO3 decreased in the cytoplasm and was strongly clustered in the nuclei of differentiated myotubes. In conclusion, combining different imaging techniques led us to describe the behavior of TNPO3 and SRSF1 during myogenesis, showing that their dynamics follow the myogenic process and could influence the proteomic network necessary during myogenesis. The combination of different high-, super- and ultra-resolution imaging techniques led us to describe the behavior of TNPO3 and its interaction with SRSF1, looking at nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments. These observations represent a first step in understanding the role of TNPO3 and SRFSF1 in complex mechanisms, such as myogenesis.

The masks of Lorenzo Tenchini: their anatomy and surgical/bioengineering clues.

An academic, anatomist, and Lombrosian psychiatrist active at the University of Parma in Italy at the end of the 19th century, Lorenzo Tenchini produced ceroplastic-like masks that are unique in the anatomical Western context. These were prepared from 1885 to 1893 with the aim of 'cataloguing' the behaviour of prison inmates and psychiatric patients based on their facial surface anatomy. Due to the lack of any reference to the procedure used to prepare the masks, studies were undertaken by our group using X-ray scans, infrared spectroscopy, bioptic sampling, and microscopy analysis of the mask constituents. Results showed that the masks were stratified structures including plaster, cotton gauze/human epidermis, and wax, leading to a fabrication procedure reminiscent of 'additive layer manufacturing'. Differences in the depths of these layers were observed in relation to the facial contours, suggesting an attempt to reproduce, at least partially, the three-dimensional features of the facial soft tissues. We conclude the Tenchini masks are the first historical antecedent of the experimental method for face reconstruction used in the early 2000s to test the feasibility of transferring a complete strip of face and scalp from a deceased donor to a living recipient, in preparation for a complete face transplant. In addition, the layering procedure adopted conceptually mimics that developed only in the late 20th century for computer-aided rapid prototyping, and recently applied to bioengineering with biomaterials for a number of human structures including parts of the skull and face. Finally, the masks are a relevant example of mixed ceroplastic-cutaneous preparations in the history of anatomical research for clinical purposes.

Auto-Allo Graft Parallel Juxtaposition for Improved Neuroregeneration in Peripheral Nerve Reconstruction Based on Acellular Nerve Allografts.

INTRODUCTION: Nerve repair poses a significant surgical challenge, and much research on this topic for improvement in reconstruction of segmental defects is ongoing. The aims of the study were to reconfirm the accuracy and safety of a previously described nerve decellularization method on a larger experimental population of rabbits, as well as on human nerves, and to establish in vivo the efficacy of a new-concept mixed graft, comprising autologous and acellular nerve allograft components within the same graft. METHODS: Acellular nerve allografts were implanted into tibial nerve defects of 5 rabbits (group A), autografts were implanted, representing the criterion standard, in other 5 animals (group B), and the innovative technique was used in the remaining 5 (group C). Twelve weeks postoperatively, nerve conduction evaluations were performed; animals were euthanatized, and grafts were harvested and morphologically, histomorphometrically, and immunohistochemically analyzed. Eventually, a preliminary in vitro validation of the decellularization method was performed on human nerves from a cadaver. RESULTS: No clinical adverse effect was revealed during all the experimental times. No tissue reaction was observed, and in all groups, regenerated fascicles and bundles were shown by histology. However, both histology and histomorphometry demonstrated a better regenerative efficiency in group C. The morphological evaluation of the human nerve treated with the novel method showed complete decellularization. CONCLUSION: The microsurgical combined model demonstrated a better neuroregeneration than did pure autografts and acellular nerve allografts. The decellularization method seemed effective also on human nerves. Deeper investigations are necessary to further validate and transfer this new encouraging protocol to the clinical arena.

Immunoelectron microscopic localization of Collagen type XV during human mesenchymal stem cells mineralization.

Purpose/Aim of the study. Collagen type XV (ColXV) was identified, in our previews studies, as a novel component of bone extracellular matrix. The present study aims to investigate ColXV localization during mineralization of osteodifferentiated human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). MATERIAL AND METHODS: hMSCs cultured in osteogenic medium have been analyzed at day 14 and 28 for mineral matrix deposition by alizarin red S staining, ultrastructural analysis and ColXV localization by immunogold electron microscopy. RESULTS: Our data show an intimate association between ColXV and fibrillar components in areas localized far from mineralized nodules. CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated the efficacy of ultrastructural analysis, combined with immunocytochemistry, to establish a temporal and spatial localization of ColXV. This data, added to previous evidences, contribute to validate the negative effects of calcium deposits on ColXV expression.

Novel nano-composite biomimetic biomaterial allows chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow concentrate derived cells.

In clinical orthopedics suitable materials that induce and restore biological functions together with the right mechanical properties are particularly needed for the regeneration of osteochondral lesions. For this purpose, the ideal scaffold should possess the right properties with respect to degradation, cell binding, cellular uptake, non-immunogenicity, mechanical strength, and flexibility. In addition, it should be easy to handle and serve as a template for chondrocyte and bone cells guiding both cartilage and bone formation. The aim of the present study was to estimate the chondrogenic and osteogenic capability of bone marrow concentrated derived cells seeded onto a novel nano-composite biomimetic material. These properties have been evaluated by means of histological, immunohistochemical and electron microscopy analyses. The data obtained demonstrated that freshly harvested cells obtained from bone marrow were able, once seeded onto the biomaterial, to differentiate either down the chondrogenic and osteogenic pathways as evaluated by the expression and production of specific matrix molecules. These findings support the use, for the repair of osteochondral lesions, of this new nano-composite biomimetic material together with bone marrow derived cells in a "one step" transplantation procedure.

V-ATPase is a candidate therapeutic target for Ewing sarcoma.

Suppression of oxidative phosphorylation combined with enhanced aerobic glycolysis and the resulting increased generation of protons are common features of several types of cancer. An efficient mechanism to escape cell death resulting from intracellular acidification is proton pump activation. In Ewing sarcoma (ES), although the tumor-associated chimeric gene EWS-FLI1 is known to induce the accumulation of hypoxia-induced transcription factor HIF-1α, derangements in metabolic pathways have been neglected so far as candidate pathogenetic mechanisms. In this paper, we observed that ES cells simultaneously activate mitochondrial respiration and high levels of glycolysis. Moreover, although the most effective detoxification mechanism of proton intracellular storage is lysosomal compartmentalization, ES cells show a poorly represented lysosomal compartment, but a high sensitivity to the anti-lysosomal agent bafilomycin A1, targeting the V-ATPase proton pump. We therefore investigated the role of V-ATPase in the acidification activity of ES cells. ES cells with the highest GAPDH and V-ATPase expression also showed the highest acidification rate. Moreover, the localization of V-ATPase was both on the vacuolar and the plasma membrane of all ES cell lines. The acidic extracellular pH that we reproduced in vitro promoted high invasion ability and clonogenic efficiency. Finally, targeting V-ATPase with siRNA and omeprazole treatments, we obtained a significant selective reduction of tumor cell number. In summary, glycolytic activity and activation of V-ATPase are crucial mechanisms of survival of ES cells and can be considered as promising selective targets for the treatment of this tumor.

Sustained autocrine induction and impaired negative feedback of osteoclastogenesis in CD14(+) cells of giant cell tumor of bone.

Giant cell tumor (GCT) of bone is a histologically benign osteolytic tumor featuring prominent osteoclast-like giant cells, mononuclear osteoclast precursors, and spindle-shaped stromal cells (SCs). Thus far, most studies have identified SCs as truly transformed elements that are responsible for sustained giant cell formation via receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) paracrine induction. However, we have previously shown that SCs are hyperplastic, rather than neoplastic, and able to induce giant cell formation similar to that of normal mesenchymal SCs; we hypothesized that other cell subsets of GCTs might be primarily relevant for the pathogenesis. In this study, we show that the nonproliferating CD14(+) cells of GCTs, exhibiting typical monoblast lineage features, secrete high amounts of RANKL, thereby activating a RANKL/RANK autocrine loop that determines sustained giant cell formation. Moreover, these cells also lack adequate negative feedback control of the RANKL signaling pathway, as determined by endogenous interferon ß. These data demonstrate that CD14(+) cells of GCTs are abnormally stimulated to limitless differentiation into multinucleated giant cells and provide useful suggestions for the development of novel therapies.

Growth on poly(L-lactic acid) porous scaffold preserves CD73 and CD90 immunophenotype markers of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells.

Few data are available on the effect of biomaterials on surface antigens of mammalian bone marrow-derived, adult mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). Since poly(L-lactic acid) or PLLA is largely used in tissue engineering of human bones, and we are developing a reverse engineering program to prototype with biomaterials the vascular architecture of bones for their bioartificial reconstruction, both in humans and animal models, we have studied the effect of porous, flat and smooth PLLA scaffolds on the immunophenotype of in vitro grown, rat MSCs in the absence of any coating, co-polymeric enrichment, and differentiation stimuli. Similar to controls on plastic, we show that our PLLA scaffold does not modify the distribution of some surface markers in rat MSCs. In particular, the maintained expression of CD73 and CD90 on two different subpopulations (small and large cells) is consistent with their adhesion to the PLLA scaffold through specialized appendages, and to their prominent content in actin. In addition, our PLLA scaffold favours retention of the intermediate filament desmin, believed a putative marker of undifferentiated state. Finally, it preserves all rat MSCs morphotypes, and allows for their survival, adhesion to the substrate, and replication. Remarkably, a subpopulation of rat MSCs grown on our PLLA scaffold exhibited formation of membrane protrusions of uncertain significance, although in a size range and morphology compatible with either motility blebs or shedding vesicles. In summary, our PLLA scaffold has no detrimental effect on a number of features of rat MSCs, primarily the expression of CD73 and CD90.

A bioartificial and vasculomorphic bone matrix-based organoid mimicking microanatomy of flat and short bones.

We engineered an in vitro model of bioartificial 3D bone organoid consistent with an anatomical and vascular microenvironment common to mammalian flat and short bones. To achieve this, we chose the decellularized-decalcified matrix of the adult male rat scapula, implemented with the reconstruction of its intrinsic vessels, obtained through an original intravascular perfusion with polylevolactic (PLLA), followed by coating of the PLLA-fabricated vascularization with rat tail collagen. As a result, the 3D bone and vascular geometry of the native bone cortical and cancellous compartments was reproduced, and the rat tail collagen-PLLA biomaterial could in vitro act as a surrogate of the perivascular extracellular matrix (ECM) around the wall of the biomaterial-reconstituted cancellous vessels. As a proof-of-concept of cell compatibility and site-dependent osteoinductive properties of this bioartificial 3D construct, we show that it in vitro leads to a time-dependent microtopographic positioning of rat mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), initiating an osteogenic fate in relation to the bone compartment. In addition, coating of PLLA-reconstructed vessels with rat tail collagen favored perivascular attachment and survival of MSC-like cells (mouse embryonic fibroblasts), confirming its potentiality as a perivascular stroma for triggering competence of seeded MSCs. Finally, in vivo radiographic topography of bone lesions in the human jaw and foot tarsus of subjects with primary osteoporosis revealed selective bone cortical versus cancellous involvement, suggesting usefulness of a human 3D bone organoid engineered with the same principles of our rat organoid, to in vitro investigate compartment-dependent activities of human MSC in flat and short bones under experimental osteoporotic challenge. We conclude that our 3D bioartificial construct offers a reliable replica of flat and short bones microanatomy, and promises to help in building a compartment-dependent mechanistic perspective of bone remodeling, including the microtopographic dysregulation of osteoporosis.

Woven bone formation and mineralization by rat mesenchymal stromal cells imply increased expression of the intermediate filament desmin.

Background: Disordered and hypomineralized woven bone formation by dysfunctional mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) characterize delayed fracture healing and endocrine -metabolic bone disorders like fibrous dysplasia and Paget disease of bone. To shed light on molecular players in osteoblast differentiation, woven bone formation, and mineralization by MSCs we looked at the intermediate filament desmin (DES) during the skeletogenic commitment of rat bone marrow MSCs (rBMSCs), where its bone-related action remains elusive. Results: Monolayer cultures of immunophenotypically- and morphologically - characterized, adult male rBMSCs showed co-localization of desmin (DES) with vimentin, F-actin, and runx2 in all cell morphotypes, each contributing to sparse and dense colonies. Proteomic analysis of these cells revealed a topologically-relevant interactome, focused on cytoskeletal and related enzymes//chaperone/signalling molecules linking DES to runx2 and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Osteogenic differentiation led to mineralized woven bone nodules confined to dense colonies, significantly smaller and more circular with respect to controls. It significantly increased also colony-forming efficiency and the number of DES-immunoreactive dense colonies, and immunostaining of co-localized DES/runx-2 and DES/ALP. These data confirmed pre-osteoblastic and osteoblastic differentiation, woven bone formation, and mineralization, supporting DES as a player in the molecular pathway leading to the osteogenic fate of rBMSCs. Conclusion: Immunocytochemical and morphometric studies coupled with proteomic and bioinformatic analysis support the concept that DES may act as an upstream signal for the skeletogenic commitment of rBMSCs. Thus, we suggest that altered metabolism of osteoblasts, woven bone, and mineralization by dysfunctional BMSCs might early be revealed by changes in DES expression//levels. Non-union fractures and endocrine - metabolic bone disorders like fibrous dysplasia and Paget disease of bone might take advantage of this molecular evidence for their early diagnosis and follow-up.

Extracellular calcium chronically induced human osteoblasts effects: specific modulation of osteocalcin and collagen type XV.

Fluctuation in extracellular calcium (Ca(2+)) concentration occurs during bone remodeling. Free ionized Ca(2+) plays a critical role in regulating osteoblast functions. We analyzed the effects of different concentrations of free ionized Ca(2+) (0.5, 1.3, and 2.6 mM) on human osteoblasts and we evaluated osteoblastic phenotype (marker expression and cell morphology) and functions (osteogenic differentiation, cell proliferation, and cell signaling). Our data show human osteoblasts that chronically stimulated with 0.5, 1.3, or 2.6 mM Ca(2+) significantly increase intracellular content of alkaline phosphatase, collagen type I, osteocalcin, and bone sialoprotein, whereas collagen type XV was down-modulated and RUNX2 expression was not affected. We also found a Ca(2+) concentration-dependent increase in osteogenic differentiation and cell proliferation, associated to an increase of signaling protein PLCß1 and p-ERK. Human osteoblast morphology was affected by Ca(2+) as seen by the presence of numerous nucleoli, cells in mitosis, cell junctions, and an increased number of vacuoles. In conclusion, our data show a clear phenotypical and functional effect of extracellular Ca(2+) on human osteoblasts and support the hypothesis of a direct role of this cation in the bone remodeling processes.

FT-IR Spectral Signature of Sensitive and Multidrug-Resistant Osteosarcoma Cell-Derived Extracellular Nanovesicles.

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary bone cancer in children and adolescents. Despite aggressive treatment regimens, the outcome is unsatisfactory, and multidrug resistance (MDR) is a pivotal process in OS treatment failure. OS-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) promote drug resistance to chemotherapy and target therapy through different mechanisms. The aim of this study was to identify subpopulations of osteosarcoma-EVs by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) to define a specific spectral signature for sensitive and multidrug-resistant OS-derived EVs. EVs were isolated from sensitive and MDR OS cells as well as from mesenchymal stem cells by differential centrifugation and ultracentrifugation. EVs size, morphology and protein expression were characterized. FT-IR/ATR of EVs spectra were acquired in the region of 400-4000 cm-1 (resolution 4 cm-1, 128 scans). The FT-IR spectra obtained were consistently different in the EVs compared to cells from which they originate. A specific spectral signature, characterized by a shift and a new band (1601 cm-1), permitted to clearly distinguish EVs isolated by sensitive and multidrug-resistant OS cells. Our data suggest that FT-IR spectroscopy allows to characterize and define a specific spectral signature for sensitive and MDR OS-derived EVs.

Small Extracellular Vesicles from Inflamed Adipose Derived Stromal Cells Enhance the NF-κB-Dependent Inflammatory/Catabolic Environment of Osteoarthritis.

The last decade has seen exponentially growing efforts to exploit the effects of adipose derived stromal cells (ADSC) in the treatment of a wide range of chronic degenerative diseases, including osteoarthritis (OA), the most prevalent joint disorder. In the perspective of developing a cell-free advanced therapy medicinal product, a focus has been recently addressed to the ADSC secretome that lends itself to an allogeneic use and can be further dissected for the selective purification of small extracellular vesicles (sEVs). sEVs can act as "biological drug carriers" to transfer information that mirror the pathophysiology of the providing cells. This is important in the clinical perspective where many OA patients are also affected by the metabolic syndrome (MetS). ADSC from MetS OA patients are dysfunctional and "inflammatory" primed within the adipose tissue. To mimic this condition, we exposed ADSC to IL-1ß, and then we investigated the effects of the isolated sEVs on chondrocytes and synoviocytes, either cultured separately or in co-culture, to tease out the effects of these "IL-1ß primed sEVs" on gene and protein expression of major inflammatory and catabolic OA markers. In comparison with sEVs isolated from unstimulated ADSC, the IL-1ß primed sEVs were able to propagate NF-κB activation in bystander joint cells. The effects were more prominent on synoviocytes, possibly because of a higher expression of binding molecules such as CD44. These findings call upon a careful characterization of the "inflammatory fingerprint" of ADSC to avoid the transfer of an unwanted message as well as the development of in vitro "preconditioning" strategies able to rescue the antiinflammatory/anticatabolic potential of ADSC-derived sEVs.

Evidence of specific characteristics and osteogenic potentiality in bone cells from tibia.

Human bone cells used for in vitro studies are mainly derived from bone marrow (BM) or trabecular bone (TB). There are no specific markers or procedures for isolation and growth of these cells. To validate the potentiality of these cells, we isolated human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and osteoblasts (OBs) from the tibial plateau of the same subject, grown in two different media (α-MEM and DMEM/F12) and analyzed for cell growth, proliferation, phenotype and osteogenic potential. We found that OBs grew well in both media tested, but MSCs were able to grow only in α-MEM medium. OBs in DMEM/F12 showed reduced proliferation capability and expressed a low level of alkaline phosphatase (AP), RUNX-2, osteocalcin (OC), bone sialoprotein (BSP), collagen type I (Col.I) compared with OBs in α-MEM but high level of collagen type XV (Col.XV). Compared with MSCs in α-MEM, OBs have an increased ability to proliferate and express more OC and BSP at molecular level but less AP, RUNX-2 and Col.I than MSCs. Time-course experiments to analyze the osteogenic potential of these cells showed that OBs were more efficient than MSCs. However, these cells obtained from tibial plateau showed a different trend of AP, OC and Col.I osteogenic markers compared to control MSCs from the iliac crest. This study shows that bone-adherent OBs grown in α-MEM medium are more efficient for osteogenic differentiation than BM MSCs and contribute to defining their phenotypic and functional characteristics, so providing a rationale for their use in bone tissue engineering or therapeutic purposes.

Strawberry-Derived Exosome-Like Nanoparticles Prevent Oxidative Stress in Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells.

Plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (EPDENs) have recently been isolated and evaluated as potential bioactive nutraceutical biomolecules. It has been hypothesized that EPDENs may exert their activity on mammalian cells through their specific cargo. In this study, we isolated and purified EPDENs from the strawberry juice of Fragaria x ananassa (cv. Romina), a new cultivar characterized by a high content of anthocyanins, folic acid, flavonols, and vitamin C and an elevated antioxidant capacity. Fragaria-derived EPDENs were purified by a series of centrifugation and filtration steps. EPDENs showed size and morphology similar to mammalian extracellular nanovesicles. The internalization of Fragaria-derived EPDENs by human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) did not negatively affect their viability, and the pretreatment of MSCs with Fragaria-derived EPDENs prevented oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner. This is possibly due to the presence of vitamin C inside the nanovesicle membrane. The analysis of EPDEN cargo also revealed the presence of small RNAs and miRNAs. These findings suggest that Fragaria-derived EPDENs may be considered nanoshuttles contained in food, with potential health-promoting activity.

Small Extracellular Vesicles from adipose derived stromal cells significantly attenuate in vitro the NF-κB dependent inflammatory/catabolic environment of osteoarthritis.

The therapeutic ability of Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells to address osteoarthritis (OA) is mainly related to the secretion of biologically active factors, which can be found within their secreted Extracellular Vesicles including small Extracellular Vesicles (sEV). Aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sEV from adipose derived stromal cells (ADSC) on both chondrocytes and synoviocytes, in order to gain insights into the mechanisms modulating the inflammatory/catabolic OA environment. sEV, obtained by a combined precipitation and size exclusion chromatography method, were quantified and characterized, and administered to chondrocytes and synoviocytes stimulated with IL-1ß. Cellular uptake of sEV was evaluated from 1 to 12 h. Gene expression and protein release of cytokines/chemokines, catabolic and inflammatory molecules were analyzed at 4 and 15 h, when p65 nuclear translocation was investigated to study NF-κB pathway. This study underlined the potential of ADSC derived sEV to affect gene expression and protein release of both chondrocytes and synoviocytes, counteracting IL-1ß induced inflammatory effects, and provided insights into their mechanisms of action. sEV uptake was faster in synoviocytes, where it also elicited stronger effects, especially in terms of cytokine and chemokine modulation. The inflammatory/catabolic environment mediated by NF-κB pathway was significantly attenuated by sEV, which hold promise as new therapeutic strategy to address OA.