Transcriptomic and Functional Evidence Show Similarities between Human Amniotic Epithelial Stem Cells and Keratinocytes.

Amniotic epithelial stem cells (AESCs) are considered as potential alternatives to keratinocytes (KCs) in tissue-engineered skin substitutes used for treating skin damage. However, their clinical application is limited since similarities and distinctions between AESCs and KCs remain unclear. Herein, a transcriptomics analysis and functional evaluation were used to understand the commonalities and differences between AESCs and KCs. RNA-sequencing revealed that AESCs are involved in multiple epidermis-associated biological processes shared by KCs and show more similarity to early stage immature KCs than to adult KCs. However, AESCs were observed to be heterogeneous, and some possessed hybrid mesenchymal and epithelial features distinct from KCs. A functional evaluation revealed that AESCs can phagocytose melanosomes transported by melanocytes in both 2D and 3D co-culture systems similar to KCs, which may help reconstitute pigmented skin. The overexpression of TP63 and activation of NOTCH signaling could promote AESC stemness and improve their differentiation features, respectively, bridging the gap between AESCs and KCs. These changes induced the convergence of AESC cell fate with KCs. In future, modified reprogramming strategies, such as the use of small molecules, may facilitate the further modulation human AESCs for use in skin regeneration.

Alternations of maternal and cord plasma hemostasis in preeclampsia before and after delivery.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of hemostatic factors in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Maternal and cord plasma concentrations of tissue factor (TF), tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), von willebrand factor (vWF), soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin), fibrinopeptide A (FPA), D-dimer, and antithrombin III (AT-III) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 46 women with preeclampsia and 40 normotensive pregnant women before and after delivery. RESULTS: The maternal plasma concentrations of TF, vWF, and sP-selectin were higher, but lower concentrations of TFPI, AT-III, and D-dimer were observed in women with preeclampsia compared to normotensive pregnant women before and after delivery. Compared with maternal plasma, fetal plasma concentrations of TF concentrations were increased significantly in both groups, whereas vWF, FPA, TFPI, AT-III, and D-dimer were decreased. Compared with normotensive pregnancy, fetal plasma concentrations of TF were markedly increased in preeclampsia, accompanied with a higher vWF and a lower sP-selectin and D-dimer levels. Furthermore, fetal plasma TF concentrations were more significantly increased in women with high blood pressure and severe proteinuria. CONCLUSIONS: Imbalance in the coagulation/fibrinolysis equilibrium, especially alterations in the extrinsic pathway of coagulation and anticoagulation, may play an important role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. In addition, fetal alteration of TF may be involved in the pathogenesis of fetal complications of preeclampsia.