Serum from patients with asthma potentiates macrophage phagocytosis and human mesenchymal stromal cell therapy in experimental allergic asthma.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Although several studies have demonstrated that mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) exhibit beneficial immunomodulatory properties in preclinical models of allergic asthma, effects on airway remodeling have been controversial. Recent evidence has shown that MSCs modify their in vivo immunomodulatory actions depending on the specific inflammatory environment encountered. Accordingly, we assessed whether the therapeutic properties of human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) could be potentiated by conditioning these cells with serum (hMSC-serum) obtained from patients with asthma and then transplanted in an experimental model of house dust mite (HDM)-induced allergic asthma. METHODS: hMSC and hMSC-serum were administered intratracheally 24 h after the final HDM challenge. hMSC viability and inflammatory mediator production, lung mechanics and histology, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cellularity and biomarker levels, mitochondrial structure and function as well as macrophage polarization and phagocytic capacity were assessed. RESULTS: Serum preconditioning led to: (i) increased hMSC apoptosis and expression of transforming growth factor-ß, interleukin (IL)-10, tumor necrosis factor-α-stimulated gene 6 protein and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1; (ii) fission and reduction of the intrinsic respiratory capacity of mitochondria; and (iii) polarization of macrophages to M2 phenotype, which may be associated with a greater percentage of hMSCs phagocytosed by macrophages. Compared with mice receiving hMSCs, administration of hMSC-serum led to further reduction of collagen fiber content, eotaxin levels, total and differential cellularity and increased IL-10 levels in BALF, improving lung mechanics. hMSC-serum promoted greater M2 macrophage polarization as well as macrophage phagocytosis, mainly of apoptotic hMSCs. CONCLUSIONS: Serum from patients with asthma led to a greater percentage of hMSCs phagocytosed by macrophages and triggered immunomodulatory responses, resulting in further reductions in both inflammation and remodeling compared with non-preconditioned hMSCs.

Development of nintedanib nanosuspension for inhaled treatment of experimental silicosis.

Silicosis is an irreversible and progressive fibrotic lung disease caused by massive inhalation of crystalline silica dust at workplaces, affecting millions of industrial workers worldwide. A tyrosine kinase inhibitor, nintedanib (NTB), has emerged as a potential silicosis treatment due to its inhibitory effects on key signaling pathways that promote silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis. However, chronic and frequent use of the oral NTB formulation clinically approved for treating other fibrotic lung diseases often results in significant side effects. To this end, we engineered a nanocrystal-based suspension formulation of NTB (NTB-NS) possessing specific physicochemical properties to enhance drug retention in the lung for localized treatment of silicosis via inhalation. Our NTB-NS formulation was prepared using a wet-milling procedure in presence of Pluronic F127 to endow the formulation with nonadhesive surface coatings to minimize interactions with therapy-inactivating delivery barriers in the lung. We found that NTB-NS, following intratracheal administration, provided robust anti-fibrotic effects and mechanical lung function recovery in a mouse model of silicosis, whereas a 100-fold greater oral NTB dose given with a triple dosing frequency failed to do so. Importantly, several key pathological phenotypes were fully normalized by NTB-NS without displaying notable local or systemic adverse effects. Overall, NTB-NS may open a new avenue for localized treatment of silicosis and potentially other fibrotic lung diseases.

Chronic Kidney Disease: Challenges in Translational Medicine.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has long been recognized as a state of progressive decline in renal function. Morbidity and mortality are well correlated to the stage of renal function decline. Approximately one million deaths are estimated to be related to CKD worldwide. They are mostly associated with cardiovascular disease as a result of concurrent hypertension, accelerated atherosclerosis, and volume overload. Even with the best current treatment, disease progression is the general rule with a small fraction who reach CKD stage 5 requiring kidney transplantation or dialysis. Transplant patients show substantial reductions in mortality and cardiovascular events, as well as improvements in quality of life. However, the capacity of health systems to deliver kidney transplantation varies worldwide with worse indicators in low-income countries. Consequently, exploring novel and better therapeutic options for CKD is mandatory. Cell-based therapy is a promising strategy for treating CKD in preclinical models, and several clinical trials involving kidney disease exhibit a favorable safety profile. This chapter aims to provide an overview of CKD and the recent results of clinical trials of cell therapy in kidney diseases.

The Use of 99mTc-Labeled Stem Cells for Evaluation of Chronic Kidney Disease.

The labeling of stem cells with radionuclides allows in vivo monitoring of cell migration and homing. Here, we describe the labeling of mononuclear stem cells with 99mTc and show their biodistribution in preclinical models and patients with chronic kidney disease.

Mild hypothermia combined with dexmedetomidine reduced brain, lung, and kidney damage in experimental acute focal ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Sedatives and mild hypothermia alone may yield neuroprotective effects in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, the impact of this combination is still under investigation. We compared the effects of the combination of mild hypothermia or normothermia with propofol or dexmedetomidine on brain, lung, and kidney in experimental AIS. AIS-induced Wistar rats (n = 30) were randomly assigned, after 24 h, to normothermia or mild hypothermia (32-35 °C) with propofol or dexmedetomidine. Histologic injury score and molecular biomarkers were evaluated not only in brain, but also in lung and kidney. Hemodynamics, ventilatory parameters, and carotid Doppler ultrasonography were analyzed for 60 min. RESULTS: In brain: (1) hypothermia compared to normothermia, regardless of sedative, decreased tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α expression and histologic injury score; (2) normothermia + dexmedetomidine reduced TNF-α and histologic injury score compared to normothermia + propofol; (3) hypothermia + dexmedetomidine increased zonula occludens-1 expression compared to normothermia + dexmedetomidine. In lungs: (1) hypothermia + propofol compared to normothermia + propofol reduced TNF-α and histologic injury score; (2) hypothermia + dexmedetomidine compared to normothermia + dexmedetomidine reduced histologic injury score. In kidneys: (1) hypothermia + dexmedetomidine compared to normothermia + dexmedetomidine decreased syndecan expression and histologic injury score; (2) hypothermia + dexmedetomidine compared to hypothermia + propofol decreased histologic injury score. CONCLUSIONS: In experimental AIS, the combination of mild hypothermia with dexmedetomidine reduced brain, lung, and kidney damage.

Launching a CDMO in Brazil aiming to develop biopharmaceuticals for clinical trials.

The innovation timeline is expensive, risky, competitive, time-consuming, and labor-intensive. In order to overcome such challenges and optimize financial resources, pharmaceutical companies nowadays hire contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMO) to help them. Based on the experience acquired first from the development of two biopharmaceuticals, the Heterologous Fibrin Sealant and the Apilic Antivenom, and more recently, during their respective clinical trials; the Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP) proposed to the Ministry of Health the creation of the first Brazilian CDMO. This groundbreaking venture will assist in converting a candidate molecule - from its discovery, proof of concept, product development, up to pilot batch production - into a product. The CDMO impact and legacy will be immense, offering service provision to the public and private sector by producing validated samples for clinical trials and academic training on translational research for those seeking a position in pharmaceutical industries and manufacturing platforms.

Effects of time-controlled adaptive ventilation on cardiorespiratory parameters and inflammatory response in experimental emphysema.

The time-controlled adaptive ventilation (TCAV) method attenuates lung damage in acute respiratory distress syndrome. However, so far, no study has evaluated the impact of the TCAV method on ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) and cardiac function in emphysema. We hypothesized that the use of the TCAV method to achieve an expiratory flow termination/expiratory peak flow (EFT/EPF) of 25% could reduce VILI and improve right ventricular function in elastase-induced lung emphysema in rats. Five weeks after the last intratracheal instillation of elastase, animals were anesthetized and mechanically ventilated for 1 h using TCAV adjusted to either EFT/EPF 25% or EFT/EPF 75%, the latter often applied in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV) groups with positive end-expiratory pressure levels similar to positive end-release pressure in TCAV with EFT/EPF 25% and EFT/EPF 75% were also analyzed. Echocardiography and lung ultrasonography were monitored. Lung morphometry, alveolar heterogeneity, and biological markers related to inflammation [interleukin 6 (IL-6), CINC-1], alveolar pulmonary stretch (amphiregulin), lung matrix damage [metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9)] were assessed. EFT/EPF 25% reduced respiratory system peak pressure, mean linear intercept, B lines at lung ultrasonography, and increased pulmonary acceleration time/pulmonary ejection time ratio compared with EFT/EPF 75%. The volume fraction of mononuclear cells, neutrophils, and expression of IL-6, CINC-1, amphiregulin, and MMP-9 were lower with EFT/EPF 25% than with EFT/EPF 75%. In conclusion, TCAV with EFT/EPF 25%, compared with EFT/EPF 75%, led to less lung inflammation, hyperinflation, and pulmonary arterial hypertension, which may be a promising strategy for patients with emphysema.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The TCAV method reduces lung damage in ARDS. However, so far, no study has evaluated the impact of the TCAV method on ventilator-induced lung injury and cardiac function in experimental emphysema. The TCAV method at EFT/EPF ratio of 25%, compared with EFT/EPF of 75% (frequently used in ARDS), reduced lung inflammation, alveolar heterogeneity and hyperinflation, and pulmonary arterial hypertension in elastase-induced emphysema. TCAV may be a promising and personalized ventilation strategy for patients with emphysema.

Launching a CDMO in Brazil aiming to develop biopharmaceuticals for clinical trials

The innovation timeline is expensive, risky, competitive, time-consuming, and labor-intensive. In order to overcome such challenges and optimize financial resources, pharmaceutical companies nowadays hire contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMO) to help them. Based on the experience acquired first from the development of two biopharmaceuticals, the Heterologous Fibrin Sealant and the Apilic Antivenom, and more recently, during their respective clinical trials; the Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP) proposed to the Ministry of Health the creation of the first Brazilian CDMO. This groundbreaking venture will assist in converting a candidate molecule - from its discovery, proof of concept, product development, up to pilot batch production - into a product. The CDMO impact and legacy will be immense, offering service provision to the public and private sector by producing validated samples for clinical trials and academic training on translational research for those seeking a position in pharmaceutical industries and manufacturing platforms.(AU)

Pathogenesis of Multiple Organ Injury in COVID-19 and Potential Therapeutic Strategies.

Severe acute respiratory disease coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2, formerly 2019-nCoV) is a novel coronavirus that has rapidly disseminated worldwide, causing the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. As of January 6th, 2021, there were over 86 million global confirmed cases, and the disease has claimed over 1.87 million lives (a ∼2.2% case fatality rate). SARS-CoV-2 is able to infect human cells by binding its spike (S) protein to angiotensin-conversing enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is expressed abundantly in several cell types and tissues. ACE2 has extensive biological activities as a component of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and plays a pivotal role as counter-regulator of angiotensin II (Ang II) activity by converting the latter to Ang (1-7). Virion binding to ACE2 for host cell entry leads to internalization of both via endocytosis, as well as activation of ADAM17/TACE, resulting in downregulation of ACE2 and loss of its protective actions in the lungs and other organs. Although COVID-19 was initially described as a purely respiratory disease, it is now known that infected individuals can rapidly progress to a multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. In fact, all human structures that express ACE2 are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection and/or to the downstream effects of reduced ACE2 levels, namely systemic inflammation and injury. In this review, we aim to summarize the major features of SARS-CoV-2 biology and the current understanding of COVID-19 pathogenesis, as well as its clinical repercussions in the lung, heart, kidney, bowel, liver, and brain. We also highlight potential therapeutic targets and current global efforts to identify safe and effective therapies against this life-threatening condition.

Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Induce Podocyte Protection in the Puromycin Injury Model.

Podocytes are specialized cells with a limited capacity for cell division that do not regenerate in response to injury and loss. Insults that compromise the integrity of podocytes promote proteinuria and progressive renal disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential renoprotective and regenerative effects of mesenchymal stromal cells (mSC) in a severe form of the podocyte injury model induced by intraperitoneal administration of puromycin, aggravated by unilateral nephrectomy. Bone derived mSC were isolated and characterized according to flow cytometry analyses and to their capacity to differentiate into mesenchymal lineages. Wistar rats were divided into three groups: Control, PAN, and PAN+ mSC, consisting of PAN rats treated with 2 × 105 mSC. PAN rats developed heavy proteinuria, hypertension, glomerulosclerosis and significant effacement of the foot process. After 60 days, PAN rats treated with mSC presented a significant amelioration of all these abnormalities. In addition, mSC treatment recovered WT1 expression, improved nephrin, podocin, synaptopodin, podocalyxin, and VEGF expression, and downregulated proinflammatory Th1 cytokines in the kidney with a shift towards regulatory Th2 cytokines. In conclusion, mSC administration induced protection of podocytes in this experimental PAN model, providing new perspectives for the treatment of renal diseases associated with podocyte damage.

Glutamine Therapy Reduces Inflammation and Extracellular Trap Release in Experimental Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome of Pulmonary Origin.

The innate immune response plays an important role in the pathophysiology of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Glutamine (Gln) decreases lung inflammation in experimental ARDS, but its impact on the formation of extracellular traps (ETs) in the lung is unknown. In a mouse model of endotoxin-induced pulmonary ARDS, the effects of Gln treatment on leukocyte counts and ET content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), inflammatory profile in lung tissue, and lung morphofunction were evaluated in vivo. Furthermore, ET formation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR) activities were tested in vitro. Our in vivo results demonstrated that Gln treatment reduced ET release (as indicated by cell-free-DNA content and myeloperoxidase activity), decreased lung inflammation (reductions in interferon-γ and increases in interleukin-10 levels), and improved lung morpho-function (decreased static lung elastance and alveolar collapse) in comparison with ARDS animals treated with saline. Moreover, Gln reduced ET and ROS formation in BALF cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide in vitro, but it did not alter GPx or GR activity. In this model of endotoxin-induced pulmonary ARDS, treatment with Gln reduced pulmonary functional and morphological impairment, inflammation, and ET release in the lung.

Eicosapentaenoic Acid Enhances the Effects of Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Therapy in Experimental Allergic Asthma.

Asthma is characterized by chronic lung inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness. Despite recent advances in the understanding of its pathophysiology, asthma remains a major public health problem and, at present, there are no effective interventions capable of reversing airway remodeling. Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-based therapy mitigates lung inflammation in experimental allergic asthma; however, its ability to reduce airway remodeling is limited. We aimed to investigate whether pre-treatment with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) potentiates the therapeutic properties of MSCs in experimental allergic asthma. Seventy-two C57BL/6 mice were used. House dust mite (HDM) extract was intranasally administered to induce severe allergic asthma in mice. Unstimulated or EPA-stimulated MSCs were administered intratracheally 24 h after final HDM challenge. Lung mechanics, histology, protein levels of biomarkers, and cellularity in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), thymus, lymph nodes, and bone marrow were analyzed. Furthermore, the effects of EPA on lipid body formation and secretion of resolvin-D1 (RvD1), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), interleukin (IL)-10, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 by MSCs were evaluated in vitro. EPA-stimulated MSCs, compared to unstimulated MSCs, yielded greater therapeutic effects by further reducing bronchoconstriction, alveolar collapse, total cell counts (in BALF, bone marrow, and lymph nodes), and collagen fiber content in airways, while increasing IL-10 levels in BALF and M2 macrophage counts in lungs. In conclusion, EPA potentiated MSC-based therapy in experimental allergic asthma, leading to increased secretion of pro-resolution and anti-inflammatory mediators (RvD1, PGE2, IL-10, and TGF-ß), modulation of macrophages toward an anti-inflammatory phenotype, and reduction in the remodeling process. Taken together, these modifications may explain the greater improvement in lung mechanics obtained. This may be a promising novel strategy to potentiate MSCs effects.

Therapeutic effects of bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells from healthy or silicotic donors on recipient silicosis mice.

BACKGROUND: Administration of bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMCs) modulates lung inflammation and fibrosis in experimental silicosis. However, no studies have evaluated whether silicosis affects the efficacy of autologous BMMCs treatment. We hypothesized that BMMCs obtained from healthy or silicotic mice may improve lung function, but they might affect the inflammatory and fibrotic processes differently in experimental silicosis. METHODS: C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control (C) and silicosis (SIL) groups. Mice in the SIL group were instilled with silica particles intratracheally; the C animals received saline using the same protocol. On day 15, the animals were treated with saline (Sal) or BMMCs (2 × 106 cells) from healthy (BMMC-healthy) and silicotic (BMMC-sil) donors. Lung mechanics were measured, and lungs were collected for histology and molecular biology analysis. RESULTS: BMMCs obtained from healthy and silicotic donors presented similar percentages of cell populations. 99mTc-BMMCs tracking revealed preferential migration of cells to the liver, and only a few GFP+ BMMCs were observed in lung tissue 24 h after treatment, regardless of donor type. Both the SIL-BMMC-healthy and SIL-BMMC-sil groups showed improvement in lung function, a reduction in the fractional area of granuloma, and a decrease in the number of mononuclear and apoptotic cells in lung parenchyma. In addition, the number of F4/80+ macrophages, the levels of interleukin-1 beta and transforming growth factor beta, and collagen fiber content in granuloma were reduced in SIL-BMMC-healthy mice, whereas mRNA expression of MMP-9 and procollagen I and III was reduced in the SIL-BMMC-sil group. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of BMMCs from healthy and silicotic donors reduced lung inflammation and fibrosis, thus improving lung function. In addition, BMMC-healthy exhibited a greater improvement in lung morpho-functional changes in murine model of silicosis.

Correction to: New perspectives in nanotherapeutics for chronic respiratory diseases.

The original version of this article unfortunately contains an error. The third author's name "Patricia Rieken Macedo Rocco" was incorrectly spelled with "Roccco". The correct author name is now presented in the authorgroup.

New perspectives in nanotherapeutics for chronic respiratory diseases.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hundreds of millions of people of all ages and in all countries suffer from chronic respiratory diseases, with particular negative consequences such as poor health-related quality of life, impaired work productivity, and limitations in the activities of daily living. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, occupational lung diseases (such as silicosis), cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary arterial hypertension are the most common of these diseases, and none of them are curable with current therapies. The advent of nanotechnology holds great therapeutic promise for respiratory conditions, because non-viral vectors are able to overcome the mucus and lung remodeling barriers, increasing pharmacologic and therapeutic potency. It has been demonstrated that the extent of pulmonary nanoparticle uptake depends not only on the physical and chemical features of nanoparticles themselves, but also on the health status of the organism; thus, the huge diversity in nanotechnology could revolutionize medicine, but safety assessment is a challenging task. Within this context, the present review discusses some of the major new perspectives in nanotherapeutics for lung disease and highlights some of the most recent studies in the field.

Human adipose tissue mesenchymal stromal cells and their extracellular vesicles act differentially on lung mechanics and inflammation in experimental allergic asthma.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that can be difficult to treat due to its complex pathophysiology. Most current drugs focus on controlling the inflammatory process, but are unable to revert the changes of tissue remodeling. Human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are effective at reducing inflammation and tissue remodeling; nevertheless, no study has evaluated the therapeutic effects of extracellular vesicles (EVs) obtained from human adipose tissue-derived MSCs (AD-MSC) on established airway remodeling in experimental allergic asthma. METHODS: C57BL/6 female mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA). Control (CTRL) animals received saline solution using the same protocol. One day after the last challenge, each group received saline, 105 human AD-MSCs, or EVs (released by 105 AD-MSCs). Seven days after treatment, animals were anesthetized for lung function assessment and subsequently euthanized. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), lungs, thymus, and mediastinal lymph nodes were harvested for analysis of inflammation. Collagen fiber content of airways and lung parenchyma were also evaluated. RESULTS: In OVA animals, AD-MSCs and EVs acted differently on static lung elastance and on BALF regulatory T cells, CD3+CD4+ T cells, and pro-inflammatory mediators (interleukin [IL]-4, IL-5, IL-13, and eotaxin), but similarly reduced eosinophils in lung tissue, collagen fiber content in airways and lung parenchyma, levels of transforming growth factor-ß in lung tissue, and CD3+CD4+ T cell counts in the thymus. No significant changes were observed in total cell count or percentage of CD3+CD4+ T cells in the mediastinal lymph nodes. CONCLUSIONS: In this immunocompetent mouse model of allergic asthma, human AD-MSCs and EVs effectively reduced eosinophil counts in lung tissue and BALF and modulated airway remodeling, but their effects on T cells differed in lung and thymus. EVs may hold promise for asthma; however, further studies are required to elucidate the different mechanisms of action of AD-MSCs versus their EVs.

Bone Marrow-Derived Mononuclear Cell Therapy Accelerates Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Recovery by Modulating Inflammatory, Antioxidant and Apoptotic Related Molecules.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We investigated the regenerative capacity of intravenous administration of bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (BMMCs) in a rat model of bilateral renal ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury and the involvement of inflammatory anti-inflammatory and other biological markers in this process. METHODS: Rats were subjected to 1h bilateral renal pedicle clamping. BMMCs were injected i.v 1h after reperfusion and tracked by 99mTc and GFP+ BMMCs. Twenty-four hours after reperfusion, renal function and histological changes were evaluated. The mRNA (real time PCR) and protein (ELISA and immuno-staining) expression of biological markers were analyzed. RESULTS: Renal function and structure improved after infusion of BMMCs in the IR group (IR-C). Labeled BMMCs were found in the kidneys after therapy. The expression of inflammatory and biological markers (TLR-2, TRL-4, RAGE, IL-17, HMGB-1, KIM-1) were reduced and the expression of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant markers (IL-10, Nrf2, and HO-1) were increased in IR-C animals compared with IR untreated animals (IR-S). The apoptotic index diminished and the proliferation index increased in IR-C compared with IR-S. CONCLUSION: The results contribute to our understanding of the role of different biological players in morphofunctional renal improvement and cytoprotection in a post-ischemic reperfusion kidney injury model subjected to cellular therapy.

Combined Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Therapy and One-Way Endobronchial Valve Placement in Patients with Pulmonary Emphysema: A Phase I Clinical Trial.

One-way endobronchial valves (EBV) insertion to reduce pulmonary air trapping has been used as therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. However, local inflammation may result and can contribute to worsening of clinical status in these patients. We hypothesized that combined EBV insertion and intrabronchial administration of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) would decrease the inflammatory process, thus mitigating EBV complications in severe COPD patients. This initial study sought to investigate the safety of this approach. For this purpose, a phase I, prospective, patient-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled design was used. Heterogeneous advanced emphysema (Global Initiative for Chronic Lung Disease [GOLD] III or IV) patients randomly received either allogeneic bone marrow-derived MSCs (108 cells, EBV+MSC) or 0.9% saline solution (EBV) (n = 5 per group), bronchoscopically, just before insertion of one-way EBVs. Patients were evaluated 1, 7, 30, and 90 days after therapy. All patients completed the study protocol and 90-day follow-up. MSC delivery did not result in acute administration-related toxicity, serious adverse events, or death. No significant between-group differences were observed in overall number of adverse events, frequency of COPD exacerbations, or worsening of disease. Additionally, there were no significant differences in blood tests, lung function, or radiological outcomes. However, quality-of-life indicators were higher in EBV + MSC compared with EBV. EBV + MSC patients presented decreased levels of circulating C-reactive protein at 30 and 90 days, as well as BODE (Body mass index, airway Obstruction, Dyspnea, and Exercise index) and MMRC (Modified Medical Research Council) scores. Thus, combined use of EBV and MSCs appears to be safe in patients with severe COPD, providing a basis for subsequent investigations using MSCs as concomitant therapy. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2017;6:962-969.

Direct electric current treatment modifies mitochondrial function and lipid body content in the A549 cancer cell line.

Electrochemical therapy (EChT) entails treatment of solid tumors with direct electric current (DC). This work evaluated the specific effects of anodic flow generated by DC on biochemical and metabolic features of the A549 human lung cancer cell line. Apoptosis was evaluated on the basis of caspase-3 activity and mitochondrial transmembrane potential dissipation. Cell morphology was analyzed using transmission electron microscopy, and lipid droplets were studied through morphometric analysis and X-ray qualitative elemental microanalysis. High-resolution respirometry was used to assess mitochondrial respiratory parameters. Results indicated A549 viability decreased in a dose-dependent manner with a prominent drop between 18 and 24h after treatment (p<0.001), together with a two-fold increase in caspase-3 activity. AF-treatment induced a significantly increase (p<0.01) in the cell number with disrupted mitochondrial transmembrane potential. Furthermore, treated cells demonstrated important ultrastructural mitochondria damage and a three-fold increase in the cytoplasmic lipid bodies' number, quantified by morphometrical analyses. Conversely, 24h after treatment, the cells presented a two-fold increase of residual oxygen consumption, accounting for 45.3% of basal oxygen consumption. These results show remarkable alterations promoted by anodic flow on human lung cancer cells which are possibly involved with the antitumoral effects of EChT.