Comparison between stem cell therapy and stem cell derived exosomes on induced multiple sclerosis in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic condition that primarily manifests as demyelination of neuronal axons in the central nervous system, due to the loss or attack of oligodendroglia cells that form myelin. Stem cell therapy has shown promising results for the treatment of MS due to its capability to halt the immune attack, stop apoptosis and axonal degeneration, and differentiate into oligodendrocytes. Stem cell-derived Exosomes (Exosomes) have shown great capabilities for neuronal diseases as they have growth factors, complex sets of miRNA, enzymes, proteins, major peptides, lipids, and macromolecules with anti-inflammatory, angiogenesis, and neurogenesis activities. METHODS: This study aimed to compare the healing properties of stem cells, against Exosomes for the treatment of an experimentally induced MS dog model. Dog models of MS received either a single treatment of stem cells or a single treatment of Exosomes intrathecally and the treatment process was evaluated clinically, radiologically, histopathologically, and electron microscopy and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. RESULTS: showed marked amelioration of the clinical signs in both treated groups compared to the control one, magnetic resonance scans showed the resolution of the hyperintense lesions at the end of the study period, the histopathology and electron microscopy showed marked healing properties and remyelination in treated groups with superiority of the stem cells compared to Exosomes. CONCLUSIONS: Although stem cell results were superior to Exosomes therapy; Exosomes have proven to be effective and safe important actors in myelin regeneration, and their use in diseases like MS helps to stimulate remyelination.

Effect of combined intrathecal/intravenous injection of bone marrow derived stromal cells in platelet-rich plasma on spinal cord injury in companion animals.

Background: Companion animals are prone to spinal cord injuries commonly associated with severe locomotor and sensory complications, which can escalate to a state of irreversible paralysis. Stem cell therapies propose a hope for treating spinal cord injuries via differentiation into neurons and associated glial cells, halting the immune attacks, inhibiting apoptosis and necrosis, and secretion of neurotrophic factors that stimulate the regeneration process. Aim: The study aims to evaluate the use of autologous bone marrow derived stromal cells in platelet-rich plasma carrier for selected clinical cases having chronic spinal cord injuries in dogs and cats via a one-time combined intrathecal/intravenous injection. Methods: Cells were injected in five dogs and three cats suffering from disc protrusion leading to spinal cord injury and in thosewho did not respond to conventional treatment during a clinical trial. Results: Results indicated that the transplanted cells led to the restoration of the weight bearing locomotor function and spinal reflexes in a period less than 90 days with physical rehabilitation. The treatment showed minor changes in the magnetic resonance images of extruded discs. Conclusion: This study concluded that the combined intrathecal/intravenous injection of bone marrow stromal cells is a safe and promising procedure for treating chronic spinal cord injuries in companion animals.

Proficiency of Carboxymethylcellulose as a Cryoprotectant. Clinical and Histological Evaluation of Cryopreserved Heterogenous Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Exosomal Hydrogel on Critical Size Skin Wounds in Dogs.

Background: Fresh stem cell exosomes are usually obtained and reused in the same individual. It cannot be kept viable for a long period of time regardless of the lengthy preparation time. Freezing is typically used to preserve the viability of perishable materials and increase their lifetime. Regrettably, normal freezing of biomaterials leads to cell damage. Therefore, a cryoprotectant can save the cells from the conventional cryodamage. Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NA-CMC) is a powdery substance that is used to manufacture bio-safe hydrofilm gels because of its high viscosity, cytocompatibility, and nonallergenic nature. Materials and Methods: Sterile CMC hydrogel was prepared, part of which was loaded with exosomal solution derived from MSCs. The gel was kept at -20°C for preservation. Two bilateral full-thickness circular skin wounds of 2-cm diameter were created on the back of experimental dogs. The wounds were at least 2.5 cm apart. Treatment started 24 hours after wound creation. Group I received CMC gel solely, whereas group II received frozen CMC exosomal gel. The gel was applied 4 times, a single application per day with 1- day interval. Results: Clinically, the frozen exosomal gel significantly promoted wound healing with no scaring. Histologically, enhanced dermal fibroblasts and organized collagen deposition were seen in the treated group. Conclusion: CMC proved to be an efficient cryoprotectant and a suitable vehicle for exosomes. Deep freezing was proven to conserve the viability, extended the preservation, and facilitated the usage of exosomal gel. This technique of preserved cell-free therapy is inexpensive, time-saving, and proficient and seems suitable for treating cutaneous wounds.

Preservation techniques of stem cells extracellular vesicles: a gate for manufacturing of clinical grade therapeutic extracellular vesicles and long-term clinical trials.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanosized vesicles released by different cells and have been separated from most of the body fluids. These vesicles play a central role in cell-to-cell communications as carry a distinct cargo including proteins, RNA species, DNAs, and lipids that are meant to be shipped and exchanged between cells at both systemic and paracrine levels. They serve in regulating normal physiological processes. EVs released from stem cells exert similar therapeutic effect to their originating cells. Clinical application of EVs requires the preparation of sufficient and viable active therapeutic EVs as well as implementing suitable methods for long-term preservation to expedite both their clinical and commercial uses. Cryopreservation is the most common method used to preserve decomposable biomaterials. However, cryopreservation causes cryoinjury to cells which therefore necessitate the use of cryoprotectants. Two types of cryoprotectants exist: penetrating and non-penetrating. In freeze drying, the watery content is sublimed from the product after it is frozen. This drying process is pertinent to thermo-liable substances and those unstable in aqueous solutions for prolonged storage periods. In spray drying technique, the solution containing EVs is firstly atomized, then droplets are rapidly converted into a dry powder using heated gas. Even with the exposure to high temperatures of the drying gas, spray drying is considered suitable for heat-sensitive materials. EVs are considered a promising cell-free therapy, but the lack of proper preservation limits its benefits. Preservation of EVs will initiate a vast amount of clinical trials on different species and different clinical problems.