Potential Consequences of the Use of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks as the most prevalent of primary liver cancers and stands as the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Early-stage HCC can be effectively managed with available treatment modalities ranging from invasive techniques, such as liver resection and thermoablation, to systemic therapies primarily employing tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Unfortunately, these interventions take a significant toll on the body, either through physical trauma or the adverse effects of pharmacotherapy. Consequently, there is an understandable drive to develop novel HCC therapies. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are a promising therapeutic tool. Their facile extraction process, coupled with the distinctive immunomodulatory capabilities of their secretome, make them an intriguing subject for investigation in both oncology and regenerative medicine. The factors they produce are both enzymes affecting the extracellular matrix (specifically, metalloproteinases and their inhibitors) as well as cytokines and growth factors affecting cell proliferation and invasiveness. So far, the interactions observed with various cancer cell types have not led to clear conclusions. The evidence shows both inhibitory and stimulatory effects on tumor growth. Notably, these effects appear to be dependent on the tumor type, prompting speculation regarding their potential inhibitory impact on HCC. This review briefly synthesizes findings from preclinical and clinical studies examining the effects of ADSCs on cancers, with a specific focus on HCC, and emphasizes the need for further research.

Antidepressant Efficacy in Managing Nonspecific Chronic Lower Back Pain Among Older Adults: A Review.

This review evaluates the use of antidepressants in older patients for the treatment of nonspecific chronic lower back pain (LBP), emphasizing age-related physiological changes and common degenerative conditions in this age group. We conducted a comprehensive search targeting studies on antidepressant use in older patients with LBP. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, while effective for mood regulation, show limited benefits for LBP. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, particularly duloxetine, demonstrate potential in managing LBP, though further research is needed to confirm these findings. Tricyclic antidepressants have shown potential for pain relief, with limited evidence for LBP, but have a substantial side effect profile, including cardiotoxicity, weight gain, and severe anticholinergic effects. The evidence for trazodone in the treatment of LBP is limited. When prescribing new medications for older adults, it is crucial to carefully consider the patient's overall health, potential drug interactions, and sensitivity to side effects, ensuring that the benefits of treatment outweigh the risks. This review underscores the need for further research to understand the long-term effects and benefits of antidepressants in older patients with LBP, aiming to balance pain relief, mood stabilization, and minimized side effects.

Potential therapeutic application of mesenchymal stem cells in COVID-19 complications.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have remarkable immunomodulatory properties, low immunogenicity, and paracrine properties as well as the ability to differentiate into multiple cell lines. These properties make them potential candidates for clinical applications in the treatment of neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and lung diseases, which may be occupational diseases. Preclinical studies using experimental animal models have demonstrated regenerative properties of MSCs in diseases such as silicosis and occupational asthma. Currently, treatment of the novel disease COVID-19 could be enhanced by using MSC therapies. This disease affects many professional groups with great intensity and its consequences might be considered as an occupational disease. It is a significant public health problem and a therapeutic challenge. Despite the development of vaccines against COVID-19, there is growing concern about the emergence of new mutations of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in addition to the known alpha, beta, gamma, and delta variants. There is still no effective COVID-19 treatment and the existing ones only play a supporting role. MSCs offer treatment possibilities as an alternative or complementary therapy. The clinical trials to date using MSCs in patients with COVID-19 give hope for the safe and effective use of this stem cell population. Med Pr. 2021;72(6):693-700.