Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis-Associated Genes, Cytokines, and Human Leukocyte Antigens.

In recent years, research has intensified in exploring the genetic basis of psoriasis (PsO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Genome-wide association studies (GWASs), including tools like ImmunoChip, have significantly deepened our understanding of disease mechanisms by pinpointing risk-associated genetic loci. These efforts have elucidated biological pathways involved in PsO pathogenesis, particularly those related to the innate immune system, antigen presentation, and adaptive immune responses. Specific genetic loci, such as TRAF3IP2, REL, and FBXL19, have been identified as having a significant impact on disease development. Interestingly, different genetic variants at the same locus can predispose individuals to either PsO or PsA (e.g., IL23R and deletion of LCE3B and LCE3C), with some variants being uniquely linked to PsA (like HLA B27 on chromosome 6). This article aims to summarize known and new data on the genetics of PsO and PsA, their associated genes, and the involvement of the HLA system and cytokines.

Effects of Ibuprofen and Diclofenac Pre-Treatment on Viability and Apoptosis Processes in Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells.

Background and Objectives: Stem cell-based regeneration strategies have shown therapeutic efficacy in various fields of regenerative medicine. These include bone healing after bone augmentation, often complicated by pain, which is managed by using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, information is limited about how NSAIDs affect the therapeutic potential of stem cells. Materials and Methods: We investigated the effects of ibuprofen and diclofenac on the characteristics, morphology, and immunophenotype of human mesenchymal stromal cells isolated from the dental pulp (DPSCs) and cultured in vitro, as well as their effects on the expression of angiogenic growth factors (VEGFA and HGF) and selected genes in apoptosis signalling pathways (BAX, BAK, CASP3, CASP9, and BCL2). Results: Ibuprofen and diclofenac significantly reduced the viability of DPSCs, while the expression of mesenchymal stem cell surface markers was unaffected. Both ibuprofen and diclofenac treatment significantly upregulated the expression of HGF, while the expression of VEGFA remained unchanged. Ibuprofen significantly altered the expression of several apoptosis-related genes, including the upregulation of CASP9 and BCL2, with decreased CASP3 expression. BAK, CASP3, CASP9, and BCL2 expressions were significantly increased in the diclofenac-treated DPSCs, while no difference was demonstrated in BAX expression. Conclusions: Our results suggest that concomitant use of the NSAIDs ibuprofen or diclofenac with stem cell therapy may negatively impact cell viability and alter the expression of apoptosis-related genes, affecting the efficacy of stem cell therapy.

Expression of BCL2, TP53, FOXA1, and GATA3 in pTa bladder cancer recurrence.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we analyzed pTa bladder cancer (BC) for molecular markers BCL2, TP53, FOXA1, and GATA3 in relation to cancer recurrence. METHODS: We analyzed samples of 79 patients with the pTa stage of BC using a real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) between September 2018 and September 2020. The expression levels of BCL2, TP53, FOXA1, and GATA3 were compared with homologous non-tumor bladder tissue. RESULTS: Expression of FOXA1, GATA3, and TP53 was significantly higher (p<0.01) in NMIBC samples compared to homologous non-tumor tissue. The expression of TP53 and FOXA1 in pTa was significantly lower (p<0.01) in the high-grade (HG) tumor when compared to the low-grade (LG) tumor. In contrast, the relative quantification (RQ) of GATA3 was significantly higher (p<0.01) in HG pTa. Patients with recurrence (pTa=33) had significantly higher expression of TP53, and GATA3 (p<0.01), and the gene of FOXA1 (p<0.01) had a significantly lower expression when compared to pTa tumors without recurrence. The expression of Bcl-2 was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Our results, indicate, that comparing expression levels of these genes in cancer and cancer-free tissue could provide valuable data, as patients with pTa BC recurrence within up to 54 months of follow-up had a significantly higher RQ of TP53, GATA3, and FOXA1 when compared to pTa BC patients without recurrence (Tab. 2, Fig. 8, Ref. 54). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: bladder cancer, gene expression, recurrence, GATA3, FOXA1, TP53, BCL2.

Molecular classification of urothelial bladder carcinoma.

Urothelial bladder carcinoma (UC) ranks among the top ten most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide on an annual basis. The standardized classification system for urothelial bladder tumors is the Tumor, Node, Metastasis classification, which reflects differences between non-muscle-invasive bladder carcinoma (NMIBC) and muscle-invasive bladder carcinoma (MIBC) and it depends on the extent to which tumor has infiltrated the bladder wall and other tissues and organs. NMIBC and MIBC exhibit great intrinsic heterogeneity regarding different prognoses, survival, progression, and treatment outcomes. In recent years, studies based on mRNA expression profiling revealed the existence of biologically relevant molecular subtypes of UC, which show variant molecular features that can provide more precise stratification of UC patients. Here, we present a complex classification of UC based on mRNA expression studies and molecular subtypes of NMIBC and MIBC in detail with regard to different mRNA expression profiles, mutational signatures, and infiltration by non-tumor cells. The possible impact of molecular subtyping on treatment decisions and patients' outcomes is outlined, too.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Organoids: Their Implication in COVID-19 Modeling.

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become a significant global health issue. This novel virus's high morbidity and mortality rates have prompted the scientific community to quickly find the best COVID-19 model to investigate all pathological processes underlining its activity and, more importantly, search for optimal drug therapy with minimal toxicity risk. The gold standard in disease modeling involves animal and monolayer culture models; however, these models do not fully reflect the response to human tissues affected by the virus. However, more physiological 3D in vitro culture models, such as spheroids and organoids derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), could serve as promising alternatives. Different iPSC-derived organoids, such as lung, cardiac, brain, intestinal, kidney, liver, nasal, retinal, skin, and pancreatic organoids, have already shown immense potential in COVID-19 modeling. In the present comprehensive review article, we summarize the current knowledge on COVID-19 modeling and drug screening using selected iPSC-derived 3D culture models, including lung, brain, intestinal, cardiac, blood vessels, liver, kidney, and inner ear organoids. Undoubtedly, according to reviewed studies, organoids are the state-of-the-art approach to COVID-19 modeling.

Mesenchymal-Stromal-Cell-Conditioned Media and Their Implication for Osteochondral Regeneration.

Despite significant advances in biomedical research, osteochondral defects resulting from injury, an autoimmune condition, cancer, or other pathological conditions still represent a significant medical problem. Even though there are several conservative and surgical treatment approaches, in many cases, they do not bring the expected results and further permanent damage to the cartilage and bones occurs. Recently, cell-based therapies and tissue engineering have gradually become promising alternatives. They combine the use of different types of cells and biomaterials to induce regeneration processes or replace damaged osteochondral tissue. One of the main challenges of this approach before clinical translation is the large-scale in vitro expansion of cells without changing their biological properties, while the use of conditioned media which contains various bioactive molecules appears to be very important. The presented manuscript provides a review of the experiments focused on osteochondral regeneration by using conditioned media. In particular, the effect on angiogenesis, tissue healing, paracrine signaling, and enhancing the properties of advanced materials are pointed out.

Rheumatoid Synovial Fluid and Acidic Extracellular pH Modulate the Immunomodulatory Activity of Urine-Derived Stem Cells.

Urine-derived stem cells (UdSCs) possess a remarkable anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating activity. However, the clinical significance of UdSCs in autoimmune inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is yet to be explored. Hence, we tested the UdSCs response to an articular RA microenvironment. To simulate the inflamed RA joint more authentically in vitro, we treated cells with rheumatoid synovial fluids (RASFs) collected from RA patients, serum deprivation, acidosis (pH 7.0 and 6.5), and their combinations. Firstly, the RASFs pro-inflammatory status was assessed by cytokine quantification. Then, UdSCs were exposed to the RA environmental factors for 48 h and cell proliferation, gene expression and secretion of immunomodulatory factors were evaluated. The immunosuppressive potential of pre-conditioned UdSCs was also assessed via co-cultivation with activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In all experimental conditions, UdSCs' proliferation was not affected. Conversely, extracellular acidosis considerably impaired the viability/proliferation of adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ATSCs). In the majority of cases, exposure to RA components led to the upregulated expression of IL-6, TSG6, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and PD-L1, all involved in immunomodulation. Upon RASFs and acidic stimulation, UdSCs secreted higher levels of immunomodulatory cytokines: IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, RANTES, GM-CSF, and IL-4. Furthermore, RASFs and combined pretreatment with RASFs and acidosis promoted the UdSCs-mediated immunosuppression and the proliferation of activated PBMCs was significantly inhibited. Altogether, our data indicate that the RA microenvironment certainly has the capacity to enhance UdSCs' immunomodulatory function. For potential preclinical/clinical applications, the intra-articular injection might be a reasonable approach to maximize UdSCs' therapeutic efficiency in the RA treatment.

Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Therapy in Neurogenic Bladder Dysfunction: Current and Future Perspectives.

Tissue engineering (TE) is a rapidly evolving biomedical discipline that can play an important role in treating neurogenic bladder dysfunction and compensating for current conventional options' shortcomings. This review aims to analyze the current status of preclinical and clinical trials and discuss what could be expected in the future based on the current state of the art. Although most preclinical studies provide promising results on the effectiveness of TE and stem cell therapies, the main limitations are mainly the very slow translation of preclinical trials to clinical trials, lack of quality research on neurogenic preconditions of neurogenic bladder dysfunction outside of the spinal cord injury and varying therapeutic methods of the existing research that lacks a standardized approach.

Rheumatoid arthritis: From synovium biology to cell-based therapy.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the synovial joints and, if not treated properly, can lead to multiple progressive articular and extra-articular damage. Its pathogenesis is primarily associated with an inadequate immune response and dysregulated cytokine production. However, RA is also linked to disruption in oxygen metabolism, impaired redox signaling, acidosis and aberrant intercellular communication. Even though treatment modalities have made RA a manageable disease, a significant number of patients still do not respond satisfactorily or suffer considerably from the adverse events of conventional therapy. In recent years, cell-based strategies, especially the administration of the mesenchymal/medicinal stem/signaling cells (MSCs), have been proposed as a novel and very promising therapeutic approach. RA patients may benefit from the potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties and tissue-repair potential of MSCs. Furthermore, the satisfactory safety profile of MSC therapy has been already demonstrated in several clinical studies. This review summarizes current understanding of the pathomechanism behind RA at the molecular and cellular level and focuses on MSC-based clinical research and applications of MSCs for RA treatment.

Selected Biomarkers of Depression: What Are the Effects of Cytokines and Inflammation?

Depression is one of the leading mental illnesses worldwide and lowers the quality of life of many. According to WHO, about 5% of the worldwide population suffers from depression. Newer studies report a staggering global prevalence of 27.6%, and it is rising. Professionally, depression belonging to affective disorders is a psychiatric illness, and the category of major depressive disorder (MDD) comprises various diagnoses related to persistent and disruptive mood disorders. Due to this fact, it is imperative to find a way to assess depression quantitatively using a specific biomarker or a panel of biomarkers that would be able to reflect the patients' state and the effects of therapy. Cytokines, hormones, oxidative stress markers, and neuropeptides are studied in association with depression. The latest research into inflammatory cytokines shows that their relationship with the etiology of depression is causative. There are stronger cytokine reactions to pathogens and stressors in depression. If combined with other predisposing factors, responses lead to prolonged inflammatory processes, prolonged dysregulation of various axes, stress, pain, mood changes, anxiety, and depression. This review focuses on the most recent data on cytokines as markers of depression concerning their roles in its pathogenesis, their possible use in diagnosis and management, their different levels in bodily fluids, and their similarities in animal studies. However, cytokines are not isolated from the pathophysiologic mechanisms of depression or other psychiatric disorders. Their effects are only a part of the whole pathway.

Implication of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Derivates for Osteochondral Regeneration.

Healing of articular cartilage defects presents a challenging issue, due to its regenerative shortcomings. Lacking vascularity and innervation of cartilage and low proliferative potential of chondrocytes are the main reasons for the limited healing potential of articular cartilage. Traditional reparative approaches are limited in their efficiency, hence there is a demand for novel reparative treatments. Mesenchymal stromal cells, preferred for clinical uses, can be readily derived from various sources and have been proven to have a therapeutic effect on cartilage and subchondral bone. Therefore, mesenchymal stromal cells, their derivates, and scaffolds have been utilized in research targeting osteochondral regeneration. The present review aims to comprehensively outline and discuss literature considering this topic published within last 5 years.

Biomarkers of Bladder Cancer: Cell-Free DNA, Epigenetic Modifications and Non-Coding RNAs.

Bladder cancer (BC) is the 10th most frequent cancer in the world. The initial diagnosis and surveillance of BC require a combination of invasive and non-invasive methods, which are costly and suffer from several limitations. Cystoscopy with urine cytology and histological examination presents the standard diagnostic approach. Various biomarkers (e.g., proteins, genes, and RNAs) have been extensively studied in relation to BC. However, the new trend of liquid biopsy slowly proves to be almost equally effective. Cell-free DNA, non-coding RNA, and other subcellular structures are now being tested for the best predictive and diagnostic value. In this review, we focused on published gene mutations, especially in DNA fragments, but also epigenetic modifications, and non-coding RNA (ncRNA) molecules acquired by liquid biopsy. We performed an online search in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using the terms "bladder cancer", in combination with "markers" or "biomarkers" published until August 2022. If applicable, we set the sensitivity and specificity threshold to 80%. In the era of precision medicine, the development of complex laboratory techniques fuels the search and development of more sensitive and specific biomarkers for diagnosis, follow-up, and screening of BC. Future efforts will be focused on the validation of their sensitivity, specificity, predictive value, and their utility in everyday clinical practice.

Cell-Based and Selected Cell-Free Therapies for Myocardial Infarction: How Do They Compare to the Current Treatment Options?

Because of cardiomyocyte death or dysfunction frequently caused by myocardial infarction (MI), heart failure is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in modern society. Paradoxically, only limited and non-curative therapies for heart failure or MI are currently available. As a result, over the past two decades research has focused on developing cell-based approaches promoting the regeneration of infarcted tissue. Cell-based therapies for myocardial regeneration include powerful candidates, such as multipotent stem cells (mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), bone-marrow-derived stem cells, endothelial progenitor cells, and hematopoietic stem cells) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). These possess unique properties, such as potency to differentiate into desired cell types, proliferation capacity, and patient specificity. Preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated modest improvement in the myocardial regeneration and reduced infarcted areas upon transplantation of pluripotent or multipotent stem cells. Another cell population that need to be considered as a potential source for cardiac regeneration are telocytes found in different organs, including the heart. Their therapeutic effect has been studied in various heart pathologies, such as MI, arrhythmias, or atrial amyloidosis. The most recent cell-free therapeutic tool relies on the cardioprotective effect of complex cargo carried by small membrane-bound vesicles-exosomes-released from stem cells via exocytosis. The MSC/iPSC-derived exosomes could be considered a novel exosome-based therapy for cardiovascular diseases thanks to their unique content. There are also other cell-free approaches, e.g., gene therapy, or acellular cardiac patches. Therefore, our review provides the most recent insights into the novel strategies for myocardial repair based on the regenerative potential of different cell types and cell-free approaches.

Fabrication and In Vitro Characterization of Novel Hydroxyapatite Scaffolds 3D Printed Using Polyvinyl Alcohol as a Thermoplastic Binder.

This paper presents a proof-of-concept study on the biocolonization of 3D-printed hydroxyapatite scaffolds with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Three-dimensional (3D) printed biomimetic bone structure made of calcium deficient hydroxyapatite (CDHA) intended as a future bone graft was made from newly developed composite material for FDM printing. The biopolymer polyvinyl alcohol serves in this material as a thermoplastic binder for 3D molding of the printed object with a passive function and is completely removed during sintering. The study presents the material, the process of fused deposition modeling (FDM) of CDHA scaffolds, and its post-processing at three temperatures (1200, 1300, and 1400 °C), as well it evaluates the cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of scaffolds with MTT and LDH release assays after 14 days. The study also includes a morphological evaluation of cellular colonization with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in two different filament orientations (rectilinear and gyroid). The results of the MTT assay showed that the tested material was not toxic, and cells were preserved in both orientations, with most cells present on the material fired at 1300 °C. Results of the LDH release assay showed a slight increase in LDH leakage from all samples. Visual evaluation of SEM confirmed the ideal post-processing temperature of the 3D-printed FDM framework for samples fired at 1300 °C and 1400 °C, with a porosity of 0.3 mm between filaments. In conclusion, the presented fabrication and colonization of CDHA scaffolds have great potential to be used in the tissue engineering of bones.

Autologous mesenchymal stem cells application in post-burn scars treatment: a preliminary study.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multi-potent cells characterized by long term self-renewal and by potential for differentiation into cells of different mesenchymal tissue types such as fibroblasts, osteocytes, chondrocytes, and adipocytes. Their unique properties offer broad therapeutic potentials. Bone marrow has been used as the most common MSCs source, but it is gradually going to be replaced by adipose tissue which showed to contain more MSCs per unit than the bone marrow and clinical application of MSCs procured from the adipose tissue have been demonstrating at least similar results. Post-burn scars result frequently in severe both functional and aesthetic impairments in restitution and rehabilitation periods of the burn disease. Despite extensive research in the last decades, the exact mechanisms of scar formation remains unclear. The development of post-burn scars is influenced by multiple factors such as initial depth of the burn, methods of burn wound therapy, duration of the open wound until final wound closure, burn wound infection, genetic predisposition, and many others in both acute and rehabilitation periods. The aim of this study was to point out versatility of the implementation of this method with respect to different types of scars (atrophic scars, hypertrophic scars, keloids). Autologous adipose tissue derived MSCs were applied to post-burn scars in all 8 patients undergoing surgical scar reconstructions at the Department of Burns and Reconstructive Surgery of the University Hospital in Bratislava. The study was approved by Ethical Committee of Ruzinov Hospital. The procedures used for scar reconstructions included dermabrasion, scar excisions, contractures corrections and local plasties combined by lipografting of lipoaspirate containing parenchymal adipocytes and stromal vascular fraction including MSCs, or application of separated autologous MSCs isolated from lipoaspirates. Based on desired result one of these MSCs application methods was selected depending on characteristics of reconstructed scar and required volume of transferred fat. Isolation of MSCs following procurement was provided by the Central Tissue Bank cell culture laboratory which is one of the parts of the burn department. The average time of scars duration was 79 months, ranging from 6 to 216 months. The postburns scars were assessed clinically according to Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) prior to surgery, including photo documentation, and re-evaluated after 6 months following MSCs application. As the results have shown, the average VSS score before treatment was 7.88 points ranging from 4 to 11 points. The average VSS 6 months after surgical procedure and MSCs application was 2.34 points ranging from 1 to 4 points. According to the results obtained, the favourable effect of adipose tissue derived autologous MSCs application on scar remodelling following surgical reconstruction of post-burn scars could be promising.

Cardiac Telocytes 16 Years on-What Have We Learned So Far, and How Close Are We to Routine Application of the Knowledge in Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine?

The regeneration of a diseased heart is one of the principal challenges of modern cardiovascular medicine. There has been ongoing research on stem-cell-based therapeutic approaches. A cell population called telocytes (TCs) described only 16 years ago largely contributed to the research area of cardiovascular regeneration. TCs are cells with small bodies and extremely long cytoplasmic projections called telopodes, described in all layers of the heart wall. Their functions include cell-to-cell signaling, stem-cell nursing, mechanical support, and immunoregulation, to name but a few. The functional derangement or quantitative loss of TCs has been implicated in the pathogenesis of myocardial infarction, heart failure, arrhythmias, and many other conditions. The exact pathomechanisms are still unknown, but the loss of regulative, integrative, and nursing functions of TCs may provide important clues. Therefore, a viable avenue in the future modern management of these conditions is TC-based cell therapy. TCs have been previously transplanted into a mouse model of myocardial infarction with promising results. Tandem transplantation with stem cells may provide additional benefit; however, many underresearched areas need to be addressed in future research before routine application of TC-based cell therapy in human subjects. These include the standardization of protocols for isolation, cultivation, and transplantation, quantitative optimization of TC transplants, cost-effectivity analysis, and many others.

Stem Cells and Their Derivatives-Implications for Alveolar Bone Regeneration: A Comprehensive Review.

Oral and craniofacial bone defects caused by congenital disease or trauma are widespread. In the case of severe alveolar bone defect, autologous bone grafting has been considered a "gold standard"; however, the procedure has several disadvantages, including limited supply, resorption, donor site morbidity, deformity, infection, and bone graft rejection. In the last few decades, bone tissue engineering combined with stem cell-based therapy may represent a possible alternative to current bone augmentation techniques. The number of studies investigating different cell-based bone tissue engineering methods to reconstruct alveolar bone damage is rapidly rising. As an interdisciplinary field, bone tissue engineering combines the use of osteogenic cells (stem cells/progenitor cells), bioactive molecules, and biocompatible scaffolds, whereas stem cells play a pivotal role. Therefore, our work highlights the osteogenic potential of various dental tissue-derived stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), the progress in differentiation techniques of iPSCs into osteoprogenitor cells, and the efforts that have been made to fabricate the most suitable and biocompatible scaffold material with osteoinductive properties for successful bone graft generation. Moreover, we discuss the application of stem cell-derived exosomes as a compelling new form of "stem-cell free" therapy.

Isolation, Culture and Comprehensive Characterization of Biological Properties of Human Urine-Derived Stem Cells.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent an attractive source within the field of tissue engineering. However, their harvesting often requires invasive medical procedures. Urine-derived stem cells (UDSCs) display similar properties to MSCs, and their obtention and further processing is non-invasive for the donors as well as low cost. Here, we offer a comprehensive analysis of their biological properties. The goal of this study was to analyze their morphology, stemness, differentiation potential and cytokine profile. We have successfully isolated UDSCs from 25 urine samples. First colonies emerged up to 9 days after the initial seeding. Cell doubling time was 45 ± 0.24 SD, and when seeded at the density of 100 cells/cm2, they formed 42 ± 6.5 SD colonies within 10 days. Morphological analyzes revealed that two different types of the cell populations have been present. The first type had a rice-grain shape and the second one was characterized by a polyhedral shape. In several cell cultures, dome-shaped cells were observed as well. All examined UDSCs expressed typical MSC-like surface markers, CD73, CD90 and CD105. Moreover, conditioned media from UDSCs were harvested, and cytokine profile has been evaluated showing a significantly higher secretory rate of IL-8, IL-6 and chemokines MCP-1 and GM-CSF. We have also successfully induced human UDSCs into chondrogenic, osteogenic and myogenic cell lineages. Our findings indicate that UDSCs might have immense potential in the regeneration of the damaged tissues.

Surgical Techniques for Knee Cartilage Repair: An Updated Large-Scale Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the most appropriate surgical interventions for patients with knee articular cartilage defects from the level I randomized clinical trials. METHODS: We searched five databases for level I randomized clinical trials. Treatments were compared if reported in more than one study using network meta-analysis to boost the number of included studies per comparison. RESULTS: We studied 21 articles that included 891 patients. Traumatic lesion was the most common cause in the included patients. There were significantly higher failure rates in the microfracture (MF) group compared to autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) group at 10-year follow-up. Moreover, osteochondral autograft transplantation (OAT) showed significantly more excellent or good results at > 3-year follow-up compared to MF, whereas MF showed significantly more poor results versus ACI and matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI). Furthermore, OAT showed significantly more poor results than MACI at 1-year follow-up. Similarly, patients who underwent OAT had higher return-to-activity rates than those with MF. It is noteworthy that the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score was higher in patients who underwent characterized chondrocyte implantation or MACI compared to MF. Finally, there were no significant differences among the various interventions regarding reintervention, biopsy types or adverse events. According to the P scores for interventions ranking, there was a disagreement concerning the best intervention; however, MF was always ranked as the last. CONCLUSIONS: Cartilage repair techniques, rather than MF, provide higher quality repair of tissue and have lower failure and higher return-to-activity rates. Moreover, OAT had significantly more excellent or good results compared to MF, whereas MF had significantly more poor results than ACI and MACI. Future studies need to have longer follow-up periods and more representative populations to investigate the efficacy and safety of these interventions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I: meta-analysis of Level I studies.

Recent Overview of the Use of iPSCs Huntington's Disease Modeling and Therapy.

Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited, autosomal dominant, degenerative disease characterized by involuntary movements, cognitive decline, and behavioral impairment ending in death. HD is caused by an expansion in the number of CAG repeats in the huntingtin gene on chromosome 4. To date, no effective therapy for preventing the onset or progression of the disease has been found, and many symptoms do not respond to pharmacologic treatment. However, recent results of pre-clinical trials suggest a beneficial effect of stem-cell-based therapy. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) represent an unlimited cell source and are the most suitable among the various types of autologous stem cells due to their patient specificity and ability to differentiate into a variety of cell types both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the cultivation of iPSC-derived neural cells offers the possibility of studying the etiopathology of neurodegenerative diseases, such as HD. Moreover, differentiated neural cells can organize into three-dimensional (3D) organoids, mimicking the complex architecture of the brain. In this article, we present a comprehensive review of recent HD models, the methods for differentiating HD-iPSCs into the desired neural cell types, and the progress in gene editing techniques leading toward stem-cell-based therapy.