Cultural Adaptation of the Iranian Version of the "Sniffin' Sticks" Olfactory Test.

Background :Psychophysical tests are typically used for clinical assessment of human smelling function. Given that olfactory identification is linked to the regional culture, the main aim of this study was to provide the comprehensive "sniffin' sticks" olfactory test, culturally adapted on the Iranian population as well as to examine the discriminatory power of this test between normal people and patients with olfactory disorder. Methods : This cross-sectional study consisted of 3 steps. A total of 200 healthy people were recruited to determine odor familiarity (using Likert- scale) for the first step. In the second step, based on the original sniffin' sticks test and odor familiarity, 16 odor items were selected. Odor modification was performed and the identification part of the sniffin' sticks test was created. Then, 99 patients with olfactory disorders and 214 healthy participants were tested using the Iranian sniffin' sticks test (Ir-SST). After 2 to 4 weeks, participants were reexamined and test reliability was evaluated by using a Pearson correlation coefficient test. Results : The Ir-SST showed that scores of patients with smell loss were significantly lower than normosmic participants (13.6 ± 5.24 vs 34.3 ± 3.41, P < 0.001). The sensitivity (95.2%) and specificity (93.5%) of the test were also found to be high. Test-retest reliability was as follows: composite score: r = 0.8; odor identification: r = 0.83; odor threshold: r = 0.77; and odor discrimination test: r = 0.56; P < 0.001. Conclusion : The results suggest that the Ir-SST can be effectively adapted to the Iranian population. The current study validates that the sniffin' sticks olfactory test is applicable as a useful screening tool for comprehensive assessment of olfactory function in an Iranian population.

Intranasal delivery of SDF-1α-preconditioned bone marrow mesenchymal cells improves remyelination in the cuprizone-induced mouse model of multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that leads to disability in middle-aged individuals. High rates of apoptosis and inappropriate homing are limitations for the application of stem cells in cell therapy. Preconditioning of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) with stromal cell-derived factor 1α (SDF-1α), also called C-X-C motif chemokine 12 (CXCL12), is an approach for improving the functional features of the cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of intranasal delivery of SDF-1α preconditioned BMSCs in the cuprizone-induced chronically demyelinated mice model. BMSCs were isolated, cultured, and preconditioned with SDF-1α. Then, intranasal delivery of the preconditioned cells was performed in the C57BL/6 mice receiving cuprizone for 12 weeks. Animals were killed at 30 days after cell delivery. SDF-1α preconditioning increased C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) expression on the surface of BMSCs, improved survival of the cells, and decreased their apoptosis in vitro. SDF-1α preconditioning also improved CXCL12 level within the brain, and enhanced spatial learning and memory (assessed by Morris water maze [MWM]), and myelination (assessed by Luxol fast blue [LFB] and transmission electron microscopy [TEM]). In addition, preconditioning of BMSCs with SDF-1α reduced the protein expressions of glial fibrillary acidic protein and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule (Iba-1) and increased the expressions of oligodendrocyte lineage transcription factor-2 (Olig-2) and adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), evaluated by immunofluorescence. The results showed the efficacy of intranasal delivery of SDF-1α-preconditioned BMSCs for improving remyelination in the cuprizone model of MS.

Role of GJB2 and GJB6 in Iranian Nonsyndromic Hearing Impairment: From Molecular Analysis to Literature Reviews.

Background: Hearing impairment (HI) is a heterogeneous disorder. GJB2 and GJB6 genes are typically the first line of genetic screening before proceeding to any massive parallel sequencing. We evaluated the clinical utility of GJB2 and GJB6 testing in the Iranian population. Methods: GJB2 and GJB6 were sequenced. PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for Iranian publications on deletions in the DFNB1 locus. Results: We detected mutations of GJB2 in 16.5%, and no mutations of GJB6. Literature review revealed no reports of mutations of GJB6 in the Iranian population. Conclusion: This data and literature reviews indicate that GJB6 is not commonly responsible for Iranian nonsyndromic HI. Hence, the clinical utility of GJB6 genetic analysis as a first line for HI evaluation does not have the same utility as GJB2. The study is consistent with recent studies emphasizing the role of ethnicity in the selection of HI genetic testing strategy.

Coincidence of COVID-19 epidemic and olfactory dysfunction outbreak in Iran.

Background: The occurrence of anosmia/hyposmia during novel Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may indicate a relationship between coincidence of olfactory dysfunction and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aimed to assess the frequency of self-reported anosmia/hyposmia during COVID-19 epidemic in Iran. Methods: This population-based cross sectional study was performed through an online questionnaire from March 12 to 17, 2020. Cases from all provinces of Iran voluntarily participated in this study. Patients completed a 33-item patient-reported online questionnaire, including smell and taste dysfunction and their comorbidities, along with their basic characteristics and past medical histories. The inclusion criteria were self-reported anosmia/hyposmia during the past 4 weeks, from the start of COVID-19 epidemic in Iran. Results: A total of 10 069 participants aged 32.5±8.6 (7-78) years took part in this study, of them 71.13% women and 81.68% nonsmokers completed the online questionnaire. The correlation between the number of olfactory disorders and reported COVID-19 patients in all provinces up to March 17, 2020 was highly significant (Spearman correlation coefficient = 0.87, P< 0.001). A sudden onset of olfactory dysfunction was reported in 76.24% of the participations and persistent anosmia in 60.90% from the start of COVID19 epidemic. In addition, 80.38% of participants reported concomitant olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions. Conclusion: An outbreak of olfactory dysfunction occurred in Iran during the COVID-19 epidemic. The exact mechanisms by which anosmia/hyposmia occurred in patients with COVID-19 call for further investigations.

Alginate/chitosan hydrogel containing olfactory ectomesenchymal stem cells for sciatic nerve tissue engineering.

Regeneration and functional recovery after peripheral nerve damage still remain a significant clinical problem. In this study, alginate/chitosan (alg/chit) hydrogel was used for the transplantation of olfactory ectomesenchymal stem cells (OE-MSCs) to promote peripheral nerve regeneration. The OE-MSCs were isolated from olfactory mucosa biopsies and evaluated by different cell surface markers and differentiation capacity. After creating sciatic nerve injury in a rat model, OE-MSCs were transplanted to the injured area with alg/chit hydrogel which was prepared and well-characterized. The prepared hydrogel had the porosity of 91.3 ± 1.27%, the swelling ratio of 379% after 240 min, weight loss percentages of 80 ± 5.56% after 14 days, and good blood compatibility. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole, and LIVE/DEAD staining were done to assay the behavior of OE-MSCs on alg/chit hydrogel and the results confirmed that the hydrogel can provide a suitable substrate for cell survival. For functional analysis, alg/chit hydrogel with and without OE- MSCs was injected into a 3-mm sciatic nerve defect of Wistar rats. The results of the sciatic functional index, hot plate latency, electrophysiological assessment, weight-loss percentage of wet gastrocnemius muscle, and histopathological examination using hematoxylin-eosin and Luxol fast blue staining showed that utilizing alg/chit hydrogel with OE-MSCs to the sciatic nerve defect enhance regeneration compared to the control group and hydrogel without cells.

Olfactory mucosa stem cells: An available candidate for the treatment of the Parkinson's disease.

Olfactory ectomesenchymal stem cells (OE-MSCs) possess the immunosuppressive activity and regeneration capacity and hold a lot of promises for neurodegenerative disorders treatment. This study aimed to determine OE-MSCs which are able to augment and differentiate into functional neurons and regenerate the CNS and also examine whether the implantation of OE-MSCs in the pars compacta of the substantia nigra (SNpc) can improve Parkinson's symptoms in a rat model-induced with 6-hydroxydopamine. We isolated OE-MSCs from lamina propria in olfactory mucosa and characterized them using flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry. The therapeutic potential of OE-MSCs was evaluated by the transplantation of isolated cells using a rat model of acute SN injury as a Parkinson's disease. Significant behavioral improvement in Parkinsonian rats was elicited by the OE-MSCs. The results demonstrate that the expression of PAX2, PAX5, PITX3, dopamine transporter, and tyrosine hydroxylase was increased by OE-MSCs compared to the control group which is analyzed with real-time polymerase chain reaction technique and immunohistochemical staining. In the outcome, the transplantation of 1,1'-dioctadecyl-3,3,3'3'-tetramethyl indocarbocyanine perchlorate labeled OE-MSCs that were fully differentiated to dopaminergic neurons contribute to a substantial improvement in patients with Parkinson's. Together, our results provide that using OE-MSCs in neurodegenerative disorders might lead to better neural regeneration.

Differentiation of human olfactory system-derived stem cells into dopaminergic neuron-like cells: A comparison between olfactory bulb and mucosa as two sources of stem cells.

Cell transplantation has become a possible therapeutic approach in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases of the nervous system by replacing lost cells. The current study aimed to make a comparison between the differentiation capacity of the olfactory bulb neural stem cells (OB-NSCs) and olfactory ectomesenchymal stem cells (OE-MSCs) into dopaminergic-like neurons under the inductive effect of transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß). After culturing and treating with TGF-ß, the differentiation capacities of both types of stem cells into dopaminergic neuron-like cells were evaluated. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis 3 weeks after induction demonstrated that the mRNA expression of the dopaminergic activity markers tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine transporter (DAT), paired box gene 2 (PAX2), and PAX5 in the neuron-like cells derived from OB-NSCs was significantly higher than those derived from OE-MSCs. These findings were further supported by the immunocytochemistry staining showing that the expression of the tyrosine hydroxylase, DAT, PAX2, and paired like homeodomain 3 seemed to be slightly higher in OB-NSCs compared with OE-MSCs. Despite the lower differentiation capacity of OE-MSCs, other considerations such as a noninvasive and easier harvesting process, faster proliferation attributes, longer life span, autologous transplantability, and also the easier and inexpensive cultural process of the OE-MSCs, cumulatively make these cells the more appropriate alternative in the case of autologous transplantation during the treatment process of neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease.

In vitro differentiation of neural stem cells derived from human olfactory bulb into dopaminergic-like neurons.

This study describes a new accessible source of neuronal stem cells that can be used in Parkinson's disease cell transplant. The human olfactory bulb contains neural stem cells (NSCs) that are responsible for neurogenesis in the brain and the replacement of damaged cellular components throughout life. NSCs are capable of differentiating into neuronal and glial cells. We isolated NSCs from the olfactory bulb of brain-death donors and differentiated them into dopaminergic neurons. The olfactory bulb tissues obtained were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium/nutrient mixture F12, B27 supplemented with basic fibroblast growth factor, epidermal growth factor and leukemia inhibitory factor. The NSCs and proliferation markers were assessed. The multipotentiality of olfactory bulb NSCs was demonstrated by their capacity to differentiate into neurons, oligodendrocytes and astrocytes. To generate dopaminergic neurons, olfactory bulb NSCs were differentiated in neurobasal medium, supplemented with B27, and treated with sonic hedgehog, fibroblast growth factor 8 and glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor from the 7th to the 21st day, followed by detection of dopaminergic neuronal markers including tyrosine hydroxylase and aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase. The cells were expanded, established in continuous cell lines and differentiated into the two classical neuronal phenotypes. The percentage of co-positive cells (microtubule-associated protein 2 and tyrosine hydroxylase; aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase and tyrosine hydroxylase) in the treated cells was significantly higher than in the untreated cells. These results illustrate the existence of multipotent NSCs in the adult human olfactory bulb that are capable of differentiating toward putative dopaminergic neurons in the presence of trophic factors. Taken together, our data encourage further investigations of the possible use of olfactory bulb NSCs as a promising cell-based therapeutic strategy for Parkinson's disease.

Improvement of spatial learning and memory deficits by intranasal administration of human olfactory ecto-mesenchymal stem cells in an Alzheimer's disease rat model.

Mesenchymal stem cells therapy provides a new perspective of therapeutic approaches in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of intranasally transplanted human "olfactory ecto-mesenchymal stem cells" (OE-MSCs) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) rats. In this study, we isolated OE-MSCs from human olfactory lamina propria and phenotypically characterized them using immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry. The undifferentiated OE-MSCs were transplanted either by intranasal (IN) or intrahippocampal (IH) injection to rat models of AD, which were induced by injecting amyloid-beta (Aß) intrahippocampally. Behavioral, histological, and molecular assessments were performed after a three-month recovery period. Based on the results, intranasal administration of OE-MSCs significantly reduced Aß accumulation and neuronal loss, improved learning and memory impairments, and increased levels of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and NMDAR (N-methyl-D-Aspartate receptors) in the AD rat model. These changes were more significant in animals who received OE-MSCs by intranasal injection. The results of this study suggest that OE-MSCs have the potential to enhance cognitive function in AD, possibly mediated by BDNF and the NMDA receptors.

Possible roles of phytochemicals with bioactive properties in the prevention of and recovery from COVID-19.

Introduction: There have been large geographical differences in the infection and death rates of COVID-19. Foods and beverages containing high amounts of phytochemicals with bioactive properties were suggested to prevent contracting and to facilitate recovery from COVID-19. The goal of our study was to determine the correlation of the type of foods/beverages people consumed and the risk reduction of contracting COVID-19 and the recovery from COVID-19. Methods: We developed an online survey that asked the participants whether they contracted COVID-19, their symptoms, time to recover, and their frequency of eating various types of foods/beverages. The survey was developed in 10 different languages. Results: The participants who did not contract COVID-19 consumed vegetables, herbs/spices, and fermented foods/beverages significantly more than the participants who contracted COVID-19. Among the six countries (India/Iran/Italy/Japan/Russia/Spain) with over 100 participants and high correspondence between the location of the participants and the language of the survey, in India and Japan the people who contracted COVID-19 showed significantly shorter recovery time, and greater daily intake of vegetables, herbs/spices, and fermented foods/beverages was associated with faster recovery. Conclusions: Our results suggest that phytochemical compounds included in the vegetables may have contributed in not only preventing contraction of COVID-19, but also accelerating their recovery.

Intranasal delivery of stem cells labeled by nanoparticles in neurodegenerative disorders: Challenges and opportunities.

Neurodegenerative disorders occur through progressive loss of function or structure of neurons, with loss of sensation and cognition values. The lack of successful therapeutic approaches to solve neurologic disorders causes physical disability and paralysis and has a significant socioeconomic impact on patients. In recent years, nanocarriers and stem cells have attracted tremendous attention as a reliable approach to treating neurodegenerative disorders. In this regard, nanoparticle-based labeling combined with imaging technologies has enabled researchers to survey transplanted stem cells and fully understand their fate by monitoring their survival, migration, and differentiation. For the practical implementation of stem cell therapies in the clinical setting, it is necessary to accurately label and follow stem cells after administration. Several approaches to labeling and tracking stem cells using nanotechnology have been proposed as potential treatment strategies for neurological diseases. Considering the limitations of intravenous or direct stem cell administration, intranasal delivery of nanoparticle-labeled stem cells in neurological disorders is a new method of delivering stem cells to the central nervous system (CNS). This review describes the challenges and limitations of stem cell-based nanotechnology methods for labeling/tracking, intranasal delivery of cells, and cell fate regulation as theragnostic labeling. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Neurological Disease.

Alginate sulfate/ECM composite hydrogel containing electrospun nanofiber with encapsulated human adipose-derived stem cells for cartilage tissue engineering.

Stem cell therapy is a promising strategy for cartilage tissue engineering, and cell transplantation using polymeric scaffolds has recently gained attention. Herein, we encapsulated human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) within the alginate sulfate hydrogel and then added them to polycaprolactone/gelatin electrospun nanofibers and extracellular matrix (ECM) powders to mimic the cartilage structure and characteristic. The composite hydrogel scaffolds were developed to evaluate the relevant factors and conditions in mechanical properties, cell proliferation, and differentiation to enhance cartilage regeneration. For this purpose, different concentrations (1-5 % w/v) of ECM powder were initially loaded within an alginate sulfate solution to optimize the best composition for encapsulated hASCs viability. Adding 4 % w/v of ECM resulted in optimal mechanical and rheological properties and better cell viability. In the next step, electrospun nanofibrous layers were added to the alginate sulfate/ECM composite to prepare different layered hydrogel-nanofiber (2, 3, and 5-layer) structures with the ability to mimic the cartilage structure and function. The 3-layer structure was selected as the optimum layered composite scaffold, considering cell viability, mechanical properties, swelling, and biodegradation behavior; moreover, the chondrogenesis potential was assessed, and the results showed promising features for cartilage tissue engineering application.

The brain functional connectivity alterations in traumatic patients with olfactory disorder after low-level laser therapy demonstrated by fMRI.

BACKGROUND: Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been clinically accepted to accelerate the nerve regeneration process after a nerve injury or transection. We aimed to investigate the neuronal basis and the influence of LLLT on brain functional networks in traumatic patients with olfactory dysfunction. METHODS: Twenty-four Patients with traumatic anosmia/hyposmia were exposed to pleasant olfactory stimuli during a block-designed fMRI session. After a 10-week period, patients as control group and patients who had completed the sessions of LLLT were invited for follow-up testing using the same fMRI protocol. Two-sample t-tests were conducted to explore group differences in activation responding to odorants (p-FDR-corrected <0.05). Differences of functional connectivity were compared between the two groups and the topological features of the olfactory network were calculated. Correlation analysis was performed between graph parameters and TDI score. RESULTS: Compared to controls, laser-treated patients showed increased activation in the cingulate, rectus gyrus, and some parts of the frontal gyrus. Shorter pathlength (p = 0.047) and increased local efficiency (p = 0.043) within the olfactory network, as well as decreased inter-network connectivity within the whole brain were observed in patients after laser surgery. Moreover, higher clustering and local efficiency were related to higher TDI score, as manifested in increased sensitivity to identify odors. CONCLUSIONS: The results support that low-level laser induces neural reorganization process and make new connections in the olfactory structures. Furthermore, the connectivity parameters may serve as potential biomarkers for traumatic anosmia or hyposmia by revealing the underlying neural mechanisms of LLLT.

A TGF-α and TGF-ß1 Poloxamer-based micelle/hydrogel composite: A promising novel candidate for the treatment of anosmia.

Anosmia is the inability to smell or loss of the sense of smell. It can reduce your ability to detect the smell of smoke, gas leaks, or spoiled food, as well as hinder the quality of life related to social interactions and feelings of well-being. In the current study, a drug delivery composite was designed to cure anosmia and its efficiency in delivering transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-α) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-ß1) to the nasal cavity was evaluated. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was used as a model protein for encapsulation into Poloxamers 407 micelles. For the optimization of the BSA-micelle formulation, a two-parameter five-level central composite design (CCD) was applied. The BSA-micelle was optimized with a particle size of 41 nm, drug loading of 8%, and encapsulation efficiency of 74%. Further, the BSA-micelle was characterized by FESEM, TEM, and FTIR. The analysis of release profile suggested high-paced free BSA release compared to the gradual and prolonged release of BSA-micelle/hydrogel and BSA-micelles. The cytotoxicity assay demonstrated the safety of TGF-α and TGF-ß1-micelles/hydrogel. Moreover, it was observed that TGF-α and TGF-ß1 within the hydrogels promote cellular viability and human olfactory ectomesenchymal stem cell OE-MSCs proliferation. In conclusion, According to the results of our study, the TGF-α and TGF-ß1-micelle/hydrogel-based delivery system provides a suitable alternative for anosmia treatment.

The Effect of Prosopis farcta and Its Bioactive Luteolin on the Hippocampus of Mice after Induced Ischemia Reperfusion.

BACKGROUND: Ischemia plays an important role in increasing damage to the nervous system. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Prosopis farcta (PFE) and its bioactive luteolin (Lu) and forced swimming exercise on the hippocampus of mice after induced ischemia reperfusion. METHODS: The bioactive component of PFE (Lu) was identified by HPLC. Fifty-six male mice were divided into different groups. Ischemia was induced by ligation of the common carotid artery. After mice training (swimming exercise, 8 weeks) and consuming PFE and Lu, the mice's memory ability was evaluated in the shuttle box. Histological examination was performed by Nissel staining and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Results showed that the ischemic mice exercised and treated with PFE and Lu had higher step-through latency (STL) compared with the nonexercised mice, and this was confirmed with time spent in the dark compartment (TDC). The number of dark cells in the ischemic group exercising and receiving PFE and Lu decreased compared to that of the other groups in the hippocampus. DCX protein expression was increased in nonexercised groups compared to that of the exercised groups and those treated with PFE and Lu, while NeuN decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Forced swimming exercise following ischemia, as well as consumption of PFE and Lu, has reduced cell death and increased neurogenesis in the hippocampus and thus may help improve memory in ischemia.

Transdifferentiation of Human Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Dopaminergic Neurons in a Three-Dimensional Culture.

Introduction: The induction of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (HUC-MSCs) toward dopaminergic neurons is a major challenge in tissue engineering and experimental and clinical treatments of various neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson disease. This study aims to differentiate HUC-MSCs into dopaminergic neuron-like cells. Methods: Following the isolation and characterization of HUC-MSCs, they were transferred to Matrigel-coated plates and incubated with a cocktail of dopaminergic neuronal differentiation factors. The capacity of differentiation into dopaminergic neuron-like cells in 2-dimensional culture and on Matrigel was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunocytochemistry, and high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: Our results showed that dopaminergic neuronal markers' transcript and protein levels were significantly increased on the Matrigel differentiated cells compared to 2D culture plates. Conclusion: Overall, the results of this study suggest that HUC-MSCs can successfully differentiate toward dopaminergic neuron-like cells on Matrigel, having great potential for the treatment of dopaminergic neuron-related diseases.

Novel phenotype and genotype spectrum of NARS2 and literature review of previous mutations.

BACKGROUND: Mutations in NARS2 (MIM: 612803) are associated with combined oxidative phosphorylation deficiency 24 (COXPD24; MIM: 616239) that is a rare mitochondrial and a multisystem autosomal recessive disorder. AIMS: We aimed to detect the underlying genetic factors in two siblings with progressive ataxia, epilepsy, and severe-to-profound hearing impairment. METHODS: After doing medical assessments and pertinent tests (i.e., auditory brainstem responses, pure tone otoacoustic emission test, cardiac examinations, computed tomography, and electroencephalogram), because of the clinical and probable genetic heterogeneity, whole-exome sequencing was performed, and co-segregation analysis was confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Biological impacts of the novel variant were evaluated using sequence-to-function bioinformatics tools. RESULTS: A novel homozygous missense variant, NM_024678.6:c.545 T > A; p.(Ile182Lys), in exon 5 of NARS2 was identified in both patients and verified by Sanger sequencing. In silico analyses introduced this variant as pathogenic. Mitral valve prolapses with mild regurgitation, brachymetatarsia, severe hallux valgus, and clubbed fingers were reported as novel manifestations in association with NARS2 gene. By doing a literature review, we also underscored the high heterogeneity of disease phenotype. CONCLUSIONS: Herein, we report some novel phenotype and genotype features of two female patients in an Iranian consanguineous family with COXPD24, caused by a variant in NARS2-NM_024678.6: c.545 T > A; p.(Ile182Lys). Moreover, our data expanded the phenotype and genotype spectrum of NARS2-related disorder and confirmed an unpredictable nature of genotype-phenotype correlation in COXPD24.

An additive manufacturing-based 3D printed poly ɛ-caprolactone/alginate sulfate/extracellular matrix construct for nasal cartilage regeneration.

Various composite scaffolds with different fabrication techniques have been applied in cartilage tissue engineering. In this study, poly ɛ-caprolactone (PCL) was printed by fused deposition modeling method, and the prepared scaffold was filled with Alginate (Alg): Alginate-Sulfate (Alg-Sul) hydrogel to provide a better biomimetic environment and emulate the structure of glycosaminoglycans properly. Furthermore, to enhance chondrogenesis, different concentrations of decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) were added to the hydrogel. For cellular analyses, the adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells were seeded on the hydrogel and the results of MTT assay, live/dead staining, and SEM images revealed that the scaffold with 1% dECM had better viscosity, cell viability, and proliferation. The study was conducted on the optimized scaffold (1% dECM) to determine mechanical characteristics, chondrogenic differentiation, and results demonstrated that the scaffold showed mechanical similarity to the native nasal cartilage tissue along with possessing appropriate biochemical features, which makes this new formulation based on PCL/dECM/Alg:Alg-Sul a promising candidate for further in-vivo studies.

Magnetic Targeting of Human Olfactory Mucosa Stem Cells Following Intranasal Administration: a Novel Approach to Parkinson's Disease Treatment.

Among the various therapeutic procedures used for improving PD, stem cell-based therapy has been shown to be a promising method. Olfactory ectomesenchymal stem cells (OE-MSCs) are a great source of stem cells for PD. Also, the intranasal administration (INA) of stem cells to the neural lesion has several advantages over the other approaches to cellular injections. However, improving the efficacy of INA to produce the highest number of cells at the lesion site has always been a controversial issue. For this purpose, this study was designed to apply the magnetically targeted cell delivery (MTCD) approach to OE-MSCs in the injured striatum area through the IN route in order to explore their outcomes in rat models of PD. Animals were randomly classified into four groups including control, PD model, treatment-NTC (treated with INA of non-target cells), and treatment-TC (treated with INA of target cells). The Alg-SPIONs-labeled OE-MSCs were stained successfully using the Prussian blue method with an intracellular iron concentration of 2.73 pg/cell. It was able to reduce signal intensity in the striatum region by increasing the number of these cells, as shown by the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Behavioral evaluation revealed that the administration of OE-MSCs with this novel advanced stem cell therapy alleviated Parkinson's motor dysfunction. Further, histological evaluations confirmed the functional enhancement of dopaminergic neuron cells by the expression of Nurr1, Dopamine transporter (DAT), and paired-like homeodomain transcription factor 3 (TH). Overall, this study showed that INA of OE-MSCs in the MTCD approach enhanced stem cells' therapeutic effects in PD models.

Differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells into functional motor neuron: In vitro and ex vivo study.

There are several therapeutic options for spinal cord injury (SCI), among these strategies stem cell therapy is a potential treatment. The stem cells based therapies have been investigating in acute phase of clinical trials for promoting spinal repair in humans through replacement of functional neuronal and glial cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the differentiation of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells (hDPSCs) into functional motor neuron like cells (MNLCs) and promote neuroregeneration by stimulating local neurogenesis in the adult spinal cord slice culture. The immunocytochemistry analysis demonstrated that hDPSCs were positive for mesenchymal stem cell markers (CD73, CD90 and CD105) and negative for the hematopoietic markers (CD34 and CD45). hDPSCs were induced to neurospheres (via implementing B27, EGF, and bFGF) and then neural stem cells (NSC). The NSC differentiated into MNLCs in two steps: first by Shh and RA and ; then with GDNF and BDNF administration. The NS and the NSC were assessed for Oct4, nestin, Nanog, Sox2 expression while the MNLCs were evaluated by ISLET1, Olig2, and HB9 genes. Our results showed that hDPSC can be differentiated into motor neuron phenotype with expression of the motor neuron genes. The functionality of MNLCs was demonstrated by FM1-43, intracellular calcium ion shift and co- culture with C2C12. We co-cultivated hDPSCs with adult rat spinal slices in vitro. Immunostaining and hoechst assay showed that hDPSCs were able to migrate, proliferate and integrate in both the anterolateral zone and the edges of the spinal slices.