Enhanced spinal cord regeneration by gelatin/alginate hydrogel scaffolds containing human endometrial stem cells and curcumin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles in rat.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious problem with a high prevalence worldwide. The weak capability of the spinal cord for regeneration in association with upregulation of inflammatory factors is two key obstacles against a full SCI repair. Curcumin is a natural substance with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Here, we have used a combined strategy using stem cells and hybrid hydrogel scaffolds loaded with curcumin for SCI repair. Curcumin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles were prepared, characterized, and encapsulated into gelatin/alginate hydrogel scaffolds, which were then seeded by human endometrial stem cells (hEnSCs). The resulting construct was studied using in vitro and in vivo experiments on rat models. DLS, SEM, Zeta potential, and FTIR data confirmed the successful addition of curcumin to PLGA nanoparticles. SEM analyses indicated the successful addition of curcumin-loaded nanoparticles into the gelatin/alginate scaffold, as well as the adherence of the seeded EnSCs. Based on the results, the prepared constructs not only allowed the controlled release of curcumin but also could support the survival and growth of hEnSCs. Based on the results of BBB and histological experiments, the highest BBB score was related to the combined strategy, consistent with histological outcomes, in which our hEnSC-seeded gelatin/alginate scaffold containing curcumin-loaded nanoparticles led to improved structures of the white and gray matters in the SCI site, being indicative of the superior nerve fiber regeneration, compared to other studied groups. These results indicate the efficiency of the proposed method for SCI repair and broaden the scope for subsequent studies on spinal cord regeneration.

Role of Cultured Skin Fibroblasts in Regenerative Dermatology.

The skin, as the largest organ, covers the entire outer part of the body, and since this organ is directly exposed to microbial, thermal, mechanical and chemical damage, it may be destroyed by factors such as acute trauma, chronic wounds or even surgical interventions. Cell therapy is one of the most important procedures to treat skin lesions. Fibroblasts are cells that are responsible for the synthesis of collagen, elastin, and the organization of extracellular matrix (ECM) components and have many vital functions in wound healing processes. Today, cultured autologous fibroblasts are used to treat wrinkles, scars, wounds and subcutaneous atrophy. The results of many studies have shown that fibroblasts can be effective and beneficial in the treatment of skin lesions. On the other hand, skin substitutes are used as a regenerative model to improve and regenerate the skin. The use of these alternatives, restorative medicine and therapeutic cells such as fibroblasts has tremendous potential in the treatment of skin diseases and can be a new window for the treatment of diseases with no definitive treatment. NO LEVEL ASSIGNED: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description ofthese Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Topical spray of Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells derived from umbilical cord accelerates diabetic wound healing.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Cell-based therapy utilizing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is currently being investigated as a therapeutic agent for chronic wounds. There is no evidence regarding effectiveness of the spray and local transfer of this cellular product in diabetic wound healing. Accordingly, the present study, using clinical, pathological and biometric parameters, investigated the effectiveness of the spray of these cells in the healing of diabetic wounds in rats. METHODS: Three days after the induction of diabetes (50 mg/kg single dose of streptozotocin) a circular excision was created on the back of rats. Diabetic rats were divided into two groups (n = 21): Control and WJ-MSCs group. Sampling of the studied groups was performed on Days 7, 14, and 21 after wounding. Histological, ultrasound imaging of dermis and epidermis in the wound area for thickness and density measurement and skin elasticity were evaluated. RESULTS: Our results on Days 7, 14, and 21 after wounding showed that the wound closure, thickness, and density of new epidermis and dermis, as well as skin elasticity in healed wound were significantly higher in WJ-MSCs group compared with the Control group. CONCLUSION: Application of WJ-MSCs suspension spray on the wound area can accelerate healing in diabetic wounds. Our findings may potentially provide a helpful therapeutic strategy for patients with a diabetic wound.

Fabrication and evaluation of a nerve guidance conduit capable of Ca2+ ion release to accelerate axon extension in peripheral nerve regeneration.

In this study, biodegradable nanocomposites consisting of poly (glycerol sebacate) (PGS) elastomeric matrix and the reinforcing phase of calcium titanate (CaTiO3 ) nanoparticles were fabricated as a nerve guidance conduit (NGC) for peripheral nerve regeneration. CaTiO3 nanoparticles were synthesized via the sol-gel method and calcined at 800°C for 60 min. PGS elastomer was synthesized via the polycondensation reaction of glycerol and sebacate (1:1) and 2.5 and 5 wt. percentages of the synthesized CaTiO3 nanoparticles were added to the PGS prepolymer solution. The composites obtained were heated in order to make crosslinks in the pre-polymer. CaTiO3 nanoparticles, PGS elastomer, and the composites fabricated were characterized in terms of their structural, chemical, physical, mechanical, and cell response properties to evaluate the feasibility of using the nanocomposite for NGC applications. The results indicated that CaTiO3 nanoparticles were 50 nm in size. When the nanoparticles were added to the PGS, the elastic modulus and tensile strength of the nanocomposite reached values of about 1 and 0.5 MPa, respectively that are near those of natural nerves. The degradation behavior and swelling of the nanocomposites, as compared with those of the PGS elastomer, were controlled by introducing CaTiO3 into the PGS, which swelling limitation could prevent nerve compression. It was observed that Ca2+ ions established chemical bonds with PGS, which led to high crosslink densities that, in turn, contribute to improved mechanical properties of the composite. The Ca2+ ions released from the nanocomposite samples were in the nontoxic range. The PC12 cell line on the surface of the nanocomposite specimens showed good cell adhesion and proliferation with improved axon outgrowth and extension. Based on the results obtained the fabricated PGS/CaTiO3 nanocomposite may be recommended as a suitable NGC with desirable effects on peripheral nerve regeneration. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 2181-2189, 2018.

The prevalence of intestinal parasites in the province of Izmir, Turkey.

Stool samples of a total of 2,047 people in Izmir province were examined by wet mount, formalin ethyl acetate concentration, and trichrome staining methods with an aim to reveal the prevalence of intestinal parasites in Izmir together with related personal and environmental risk factors. Geographical mapping showing the density and variation of the species of intestinal parasites in Izmir was done after all maps were scaled, and the coordinates were determined with GeoMedia5.0. The prevalence of the intestinal parasites was found to be 25.6% in Izmir, with a variation between the districts. Blastocystis hominis was the leading parasite, and the prevalence of parasites was higher in children compared to adults; however, the difference was statistically insignificant. There was also no significant difference between the parasite prevalence and sex, marital status, education, income, frequent eating outside, and habitual raw meat eating. Significant differences were found between the parasite prevalence and crowded families, early immigrants, individuals with no social security, and people living in close contact with their livestock. The parasites were found to be less common among individuals who had been drinking bottled water and living in a house with a sewage system. The results demonstrated a correlation between the intestinal parasites and environmental conditions in our study group. We further plan to expand the study group to cover all regions of Turkey.