Safety of Human Embryonic Stem Cell-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Treating Interstitial Cystitis: A Phase I Study.

There are still no definite treatment modalities for interstitial cystitis (IC). Meanwhile, stem cell therapy is rising as potential alternative for various chronic diseases. This study aimed to investigate the safety of the clinical-grade mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), code name MR-MC-01 (SNU42-MMSCs), in IC patients.

Mesenchymal stem cell-driven activatable photosensitizers for precision photodynamic oncotherapy.

Precise targeting with minimal side effects is of particular interest for personalized medicine, although it remains a challenge. Herein, we demonstrate precision photodynamic therapy (PDT) utilizing human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as cellular vehicles to deliver a new activatable photosensitizer (PcS). In vivo real-time optical imaging tests indicated that PcS-loaded MSCs possess excellent tumor-homing properties.

Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist-mediated neuroprotection by umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cells following transplantation into a rodent stroke model.

The human umbilical cord is a promising source of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). Intravenous administration of human umbilical cord-derived MSCs (IV-hUMSCs) showed a favorable effect in a rodent stroke model by a paracrine mechanism. However, its underlying therapeutic mechanisms must be determined for clinical application.

Comparative proteomic analysis of endothelial cells progenitor cells derived from cord blood- and peripheral blood for cell therapy.

Vasculopathy due to ischemia in damaged tissues is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. To treat these conditions, endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) from various sources, such as umbilical cord or peripheral blood, have been the focus of the regenerative medicine field due to their proliferative and vasculogenic activities. However, the fundamental, molecular-level differences between EPCs obtained from different cellular sources have rarely been studied.

Proteomic validation of multifunctional molecules in mesenchymal stem cells derived from human bone marrow, umbilical cord blood and peripheral blood.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are one of the most attractive therapeutic resources in clinical application owing to their multipotent capability, which means that cells can differentiate into various mesenchymal tissues such as bone, cartilage, fat, tendon, muscle and marrow stroma. Depending on the cellular source, MSCs exhibit different application potentials according to their different in vivo functions, despite similar phenotypic and cytological characteristics. To understand the different molecular conditions that govern the different application or differentiation potential of each MSC according to cellular source, we generated a proteome reference map of MSCs obtained from bone marrow (BM), umbilical cord blood (CB) and peripheral blood (PB).

Enhancement of differentiation efficiency of hESCs into vascular lineage cells in hypoxia via a paracrine mechanism.

Hypoxia is one way of inducing differentiation due to the activation of the key regulatory factor, Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α). However, the action of HIF-1α on the differentiation of hESCs was unclear until now. To investigate the effect of hypoxia on the differentiation of hESCs, we compared the differentiation efficacy into vascular lineage cells under normoxic and hypoxic conditions.

Differentiation of hESCs into Mesodermal Subtypes: Vascular-, Hematopoietic- and Mesenchymal-lineage Cells.

To date, studies on the application of mesodermally derived mesenchymal-, hematopoietic- and vascular-lineage cells for cell therapy have provided either poor or insufficient data. The results are equivocal with regard to therapeutic efficiency and yield. Since the establishment of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) in 1998, the capacity of hESCs to differentiate into various mesodermal lineages has sparked considerable interest in the regenerative medicine community, a group interested in generating specialized cells to treat patients suffering from degenerative diseases.

Enhancement of wound healing by secretory factors of endothelial precursor cells derived from human embryonic stem cells.

Background Aims: Stem cells have been shown to have a therapeutic effect in several ischemic animal models, including hindlimb ischemia and chronic wound. We examined the wound-healing effect of secretory factors released by human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived endothelial precursor cells (EPC) in cutaneous excisional wound models.

Methods: hESC-EPC were sorted by CD133/KDR, and endothelial characteristics were confirmed by reverse transcription (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Matrigel assay and ac-LDL uptake.

miR-372 regulates cell cycle and apoptosis of ags human gastric cancer cell line through direct regulation of LATS2.

Previously, we have reported tissue- and stage-specific expression of miR-372 in human embryonic stem cells and so far, not many reports speculate the function of this microRNA (miRNA). In this study, we screened various human cancer cell lines including gastric cancer cell lines and found first time that miR-372 is expressed only in AGS human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line. Inhibition of miR-372 using antisense miR-372 oligonucleotide (AS-miR-372) suppressed proliferation, arrested the cell cycle at G2/M phase, and increased apoptosis of AGS cells.

Impacts of sensory attributes and emotional responses on the hedonic ratings of odors in dairy products.

Consumers often decide to purchase certain items as a result of prompt emotional responses evoked by the products; therefore, it is important to investigate the emotional responses stimulated by food samples, as well as the sensory attributes of the products. The aim of this study was to examine influences of sensory attribute and emotional response on olfactory hedonic ratings of dairy products. Additionally, we compared this effect between women and men subjects.