Migration Inhibitory Factor in Conditioned Medium from Human Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Stimulates Hair Growth.

Conventional therapeutic applications of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) focus on cell replacement and differentiation; however, increasing evidence suggests that most of their therapeutic effects are carried out by their various secretions. This study investigated the application of conditioned medium (CM) from human umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs (hUCB-MSCs) to improve hair growth and developed a method to reliably produce this optimized CM. Primed MSC-derived CM (P-CM) with combinations of TGF-β1 and LiCl was optimized by comparing its effects on the cell viability of dermal papilla cells (DPCs).

Epigenetically Upregulated T-Type Calcium Channels Contribute to Abnormal Proliferation of Embryonic Neural Progenitor Cells Exposed to Valproic Acid.

Valproic acid is a clinically used mood stabilizer and antiepileptic drug. Valproic acid has been suggested as a teratogen associated with the manifestation of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as fetal valproate syndrome and autism spectrum disorders, when taken during specific time window of pregnancy. Previous studies proposed that prenatal exposure to valproic acid induces abnormal proliferation and differentiation of neural progenitor cells, presumably by inhibiting histone deacetylase and releasing the condensed chromatin structure.

Gene-environment interaction counterbalances social impairment in mouse models of autism.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social communication deficits and repetitive/restricted behaviors. Although gene-environment interactions may explain the heterogeneous etiology of ASD, it is still largely unknown how the gene-environment interaction affects behavioral symptoms and pathophysiology in ASD. To address these questions, we used Cntnap2 knockout mice (genetic factor, G) exposed to valproic acid during embryonic development (environmental factor, E) as a gene-environment interaction (G × E) model.

Pharmacological modulation of AMPA receptor rescues social impairments in animal models of autism.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, featuring social communication deficit and repetitive/restricted behaviors as common symptoms. Its prevalence has continuously increased, but, till now, there are no therapeutic approaches to relieve the core symptoms, particularly social deficit. In previous studies, abnormal function of the glutamatergic neural system has been proposed as a critical mediator and therapeutic target of ASD-associated symptoms.

T-Type Calcium Channels Are Required to Maintain Viability of Neural Progenitor Cells.

T-type calcium channels are low voltage-activated calcium channels that evoke small and transient calcium currents. Recently, T-type calcium channels have been implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and neural tube defects. However, their function during embryonic development is largely unknown.

Agmatine rescues autistic behaviors in the valproic acid-induced animal model of autism.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an immensely challenging developmental disorder characterized primarily by two core behavioral symptoms of social communication deficits and restricted/repetitive behaviors. Investigating the etiological process and identifying an appropriate therapeutic target remain as formidable challenges to overcome ASD due to numerous risk factors and complex symptoms associated with the disorder. Among the various mechanisms that contribute to ASD, the maintenance of excitation and inhibition balance emerged as a key factor to regulate proper functioning of neuronal circuitry.

Subchronic treatment of donepezil rescues impaired social, hyperactive, and stereotypic behavior in valproic acid-induced animal model of autism.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of pervasive developmental disorders with core symptoms such as sociability deficit, language impairment, and repetitive/restricted behaviors. Although worldwide prevalence of ASD has been increased continuously, therapeutic agents to ameliorate the core symptoms especially social deficits, are very limited. In this study, we investigated therapeutic potential of donepezil for ASD using valproic acid-induced autistic animal model (VPA animal model).

The Effects of Cynomorium songaricum on the Reproductive Activity in Male Golden Hamsters.

Cynomorium songaricum (CS) has been used in traditional Korean medicine in treating male impotence and sexual dysfunction. We investigated the effects of aqueous CS extract on the reproductive activity of golden hamsters whose spermatogenetic capacity is active in summer and inactive in winter. The animals were divided into 5 groups: long photoperiod (LP) control, short photoperiod (SP) control, and SP animals treated with low, middle, or high concentrations of CS.

Uncovering a role for endocannabinoid signaling in autophagy in preimplantation mouse embryos.

Endocannabinoid signaling plays various roles in directing reproductive processes. Mouse embryos are shown to express high levels of CB1 receptor (CB1R). Low concentrations of anandamide stimulate embryo growth and implantation but at higher concentrations it adversely affects implantation.

Autophagy regulates embryonic survival during delayed implantation.

Delayed implantation, considered a state of suspended animation, is widespread in mammals. Blastocysts under this condition remain dormant for an extended period but resume implantation competence upon favorable conditions. The underlying mechanism by which extended longevity of dormant blastocysts is maintained is not clearly understood.