Platelet lysate reduces the chondrocyte dedifferentiation during in vitro expansion: Implications for cartilage tissue engineering.

In vitro studies have demonstrated that platelet lysate (PL) can serve as an alternative to platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to sustain chondrocyte proliferation and production of extracellular matrix components in chondrocytes. The present study aimed to evaluate the direct effects of PL on equine articular chondrocytes in vitro in order to provide a rationale for in vivo use of PL. An in vitro cell proliferation and de-differentiation model was used: primary articular chondrocytes isolated from horse articular cartilage were cultured at low density under adherent conditions to promote cell proliferation. Chondrocytes were cultured in serum-free medium, 10% foetal bovine serum (FBS) supplemented medium, or in the presence of alginate beads containing 5%, 10% and 20% PL. Cell proliferation and gene expression of relevant chondrocyte differentiation markers were investigated. The proliferative capacity of cultured chondrocytes, was sustained more effectively at certain concentrations of PL as compared to that with FBS. In addition, as opposed to FBS, PL, particularly at percentages of 5% and 10%, could maintain the gene expression pattern of relevant chondrocyte differentiation markers. In particular, 5% PL supplementation showed the best compromise between chondrocyte proliferation capacity and maintenance of differentiation. The results of the present study provide a rationale for using PL as an alternative to FBS for in vitro expansion of chondrocytes for matrix-assisted chondrocyte implantation, construction of 3D scaffolds for tissue engineering, and treatment of damaged articular cartilage.

Effects of Hoodia Parviflora on satiety, abdominal obesity and weight in a group of overweight subjects: a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the effects of supplementation with Hoodia Parviflora (H. Parviflora) at 9 mg+200 mg of fructo-oligosaccharides on weight loss, body composition, hydration and satiety parameters. METHODS: A randomized blinded controlled trial was conducted in a sample of 30 overweight and obese patients (5 males and 25 females). Patients were randomly assigned in 2 groups: the intervention group, which received H. Parviflora twice a day for 4 weeks and the control group, which received a placebo. RESULTS: After a 4-week follow-up period, the study results showed an improvement of Δ=-1.632 kg (Confidence Interval [CI]95% -2.545; -0.719) and a statistically significant decrease in waist circumference (WC) compared with the placebo group -2.080 cm ([CI]95% -4.082; -0.078). The visual analogue scale reported an improvement of satiety sensation after day 5 (P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows for the first time the simultaneous effect of H. Parviflora on weight loss, decreasing satiety, and improving fat mass, in particular Visceral Adipose Tissue (VAT).

Effect of a mixture of botanicals extracts plus mannitol on hydration and bloating sensation. An open label study in women with high extra cellular water.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of of 4 and 8 week supplementation with highly standardized formula with Fraxinus ornus L., plus Ananas comosus L., concentrated juice, Betula pendula R., Equisetum arvense L., Urtica dioica L. and Pilosella officinarum L. Vail dry extract, on the state of hydration and bloating sensation in subjects with high and moderate extra cellular water (ECW). 19 women (mean age 35 yr and Body Mass Index 22.82 kg\m2) with Extra Cellular Water over 45%completed the study and their data were analysed at baseline, at 30 and 60 days. Bio-impedance, SF36 and anthropometric parameters were assessed. The ECW decreased of -1.97% (at 30 days) and -2.30% (60 days) (p < 0.01). Also fat mass decreased of -1.58% (at 30 days) and -2.21% (60 days) (p = 0.057). An improvement of free fat mass was assessed (p < 0.05) but not on bloating sensation questionnaire at 60 days (p = 0.422).

Increased sensitivity to chemotherapy induced by CpG-ODN treatment is mediated by microRNA modulation.

We recently reported that peritumoral CpG-ODN treatment, activating TLR-9 expressing cells in tumor microenvironment, induces modulation of genes involved in DNA repair and sensitizes cancer cells to DNA-damaging cisplatin treatment. Here, we investigated whether this treatment induces modulation of miRNAs in tumor cells and their relevance to chemotherapy response. Array analysis identified 20 differentially expressed miRNAs in human IGROV-1 ovarian tumor cells from CpG-ODN-treated mice versus controls (16 down- and 4 up-regulated). Evaluation of the role of the 3 most differentially expressed miRNAs on sensitivity to cisplatin of IGROV-1 cells revealed significantly increased cisplatin cytotoxicity upon ectopic expression of hsa-miR-302b (up-modulated in our array), but no increased effect upon reduced expression of hsa-miR-424 or hsa-miR-340 (down-modulated in our array). Accordingly, hsa-miR-302b expression was significantly associated with time to relapse or overall survival in two data sets of platinum-treated ovarian cancer patients. Use of bio-informatics tools identified 19 mRNAs potentially targeted by hsa-miR-302b, including HDAC4 gene, which has been reported to mediate cisplatin sensitivity in ovarian cancer. Both HDAC4 mRNA and protein levels were significantly reduced in IGROV-1 cells overexpressing hsa-miR-302b. Altogether, these findings indicate that hsa-miR-302b acts as a "chemosensitizer" in human ovarian carcinoma cells and may represent a biomarker able to predict response to cisplatin treatment. Moreover, the identification of miRNAs that improve sensitivity to chemotherapy provides the experimental underpinning for their possible future clinical use.