Publications by authors named "Derek Barthels"
Activated microglial cells in the central nervous system (CNS) are the main contributors to neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Inhibiting their activation will help in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress during pathogenesis, potentially limiting the progression of the diseases. The immunomodulation properties of dental pulp-derived stem cells (DPSC) make it a promising therapy for neurodegenerative disorders.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Transplantation of stem cells for treating neurodegenerative disorders is a promising future therapeutic approach. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the neuronal differentiation of dental pulp-derived stem cells (DPSC) remains inadequately explored. The current study aims to define the regulatory role of KLF2 (Kruppel-like factor 2) during the neural differentiation (ND) of DPSC.
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- - The study investigated the natural compound epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and its ability to inhibit the differentiation of osteoclasts (cells that break down bone) both in lab settings and in primary bone marrow cells, showing a dose-dependent effect.
- - EGCG was found to lower the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and disrupt mitochondrial function, along with reducing the expression of markers associated with osteoclast differentiation and several mitophagy-related molecules.
- - The results indicated that EGCG inhibits osteoclastogenesis through the modulation of mitophagy via the AKT and p38MAPK pathways, and it also interferes with the binding of RANK and RANKL,
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- Astrocytes play a crucial role in both promoting recovery and causing impairments following central nervous system (CNS) injuries, with uncontrolled gliosis leading to significant dysfunction.
- Co-culturing astrocytes with dental pulp-derived stem cells (DPSCs) demonstrated protective effects, reducing harmful processes like ROS production and mitochondrial dysfunction during gliosis.
- The beneficial impact of DPSCs was linked to increased neurogenesis and secretion of neurotropic factors, suggesting potential new therapeutic strategies to maintain astrocyte health after CNS trauma.
Polyphenolic compounds are a diverse group of natural compounds that interact with various cellular proteins responsible for cell survival, differentiation, and apoptosis. However, it is yet to be established how these compounds interact in myeloid cells during their differentiation and the molecular and intracellular mechanisms involved. Osteoclasts are multinucleated cells that originate from myeloid cells.
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- Advances in diabetic wound care are still insufficient, leading to many amputations each year, highlighting the need for better therapies.
- Research reveals that dental pulp-derived stem cell (DPSC) products can significantly improve wound healing in diabetic mice by promoting closure and reducing inflammation.
- The study identifies key mechanisms, including the modulation of inflammatory factors and promotion of anti-inflammatory responses, suggesting DPSC products as a potential treatment for diabetic wounds in the future.
Article Synopsis
- Osteoblast differentiation is significantly impaired in conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis; the study explores how ferutinin, a phytoestrogen, can help induce differentiation from dental pulp-derived stem cells (DPSC).
- The research highlights that ferutinin increases the expression of the transcription factor KLF2 and related autophagy molecules in DPSCs, showing KLF2's role in promoting both autophagy and osteoblast differentiation.
- Additionally, ferutinin treatment leads to improved mitochondrial function and reduced oxidative stress in DPSCs, supported by chromatin immunoprecipitation findings that indicate epigenetic modifications at the ATG7 gene promoter, enhancing autophagy processes.
The dopaminergic system is involved in the regulation of immune responses in various homeostatic and disease conditions. For conditions such as Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis (MS), pharmacological modulation of dopamine (DA) system activity is thought to have therapeutic relevance, providing the basis for using dopaminergic agents as a treatment of relevant states. In particular, it was proposed that restoration of DA levels may inhibit neuroinflammation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCritical limb ischemia (CLI) is primarily associated with a high risk of major amputation, cardiovascular events, and death. The current therapy involves direct endovascular intervention and is associated with long-term recurrence. However, patients with significant comorbidities are not eligible for this therapy.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCurrent advances in ischemic stroke research and therapies.
Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis
April 2020
With more than 795,000 cases occurring every year, stroke has become a major problem in the United States across all demographics. Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability and is the fifth leading cause of death in the US. Ischemic stroke represents 87% of total strokes in the US, and is currently the main focus of stroke research.
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