Small Molecule-Mediated Stage-Specific Reprogramming of MSCs to Hepatocyte-Like Cells and Hepatic Tissue for Liver Injury Treatment.

Background: Derivation of hepatocytes from stem cells has been established through various protocols involving growth factor (GF) and small molecule (SM) agents, among others. However, mesenchymal stem cell-based derivation of hepatocytes still remains expensive due to the use of a cocktail of growth factors, and a long duration of differentiation is needed, thus limiting its potential clinical application.

Methods: In this study, we developed a chemically defined differentiation strategy that is exclusively based on SM and takes 14 days, while the GF-based protocol requires 23-28 days.

Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Activation Induces Differentiation in Human Limbal Epithelial Stem Cells Cultured Ex Vivo.

Human limbal epithelial stem cells (hLESCs) continuously replenish lost or damaged human corneal epithelial cells. The percentage of stem/progenitor cells in autologous ex vivo expanded tissue is essential for the long-term success of transplantation in patients with limbal epithelial stem cell deficiency. However, the molecular processes governing the stemness and differentiation state of hLESCs remain uncertain.

A Novel Technique of Amniotic Membrane Preparation Mimicking Limbal Epithelial Crypts Enhances the Number of Progenitor Cells upon Expansion.

We aimed to investigate whether a novel technique of human amniotic membrane (HAM) preparation that mimics the crypts in the limbus enhances the number of progenitor cells cultured ex vivo. The HAMs were sutured on polyester membrane (1) standardly, to obtain a flat HAM surface, or (2) loosely, achieving the radial folding to mimic crypts in the limbus. Immunohistochemistry was used to demonstrate a higher number of cells positive for progenitor markers p63α (37.

Long-term myofibroblast persistence in the capsular bag contributes to the late spontaneous in-the-bag intraocular lens dislocation.

Late spontaneous in-the-bag intraocular lens (IOL) dislocation is a complication presenting 6 months or later after cataract surgery. We aimed to characterize the cells in the lens capsules (LCs) of 18 patients with spontaneous late in-the-bag IOL dislocation. Patients' average age was 82.

A porous collagen-based hydrogel and implantation method for corneal stromal regeneration and sustained local drug delivery.

Biomaterials designed to replace the diseased cornea could be used to treat corneal blindness where human donor tissue is in short supply, but challenges are the integration of biomaterials with host tissue and cells, avoiding a rapid material degradation and maintaining corneal transparency. Additionally, implantation surgery often triggers an aggressive wound healing response that can lead to corneal thinning and opacity. Here, we report a collagen-based hydrogel with transparency and mechanical properties suitable for replacing a substantial portion of a damaged or diseased corneal stroma.

UV-B-Induced Inflammasome Activation Can Be Prevented by Cis-Urocanic Acid in Human Corneal Epithelial Cells.

Purpose: The cornea is continually exposed to highly energetic solar UV-B (280-320 nm). Our aim was to investigate whether UV-B triggers the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes and the production of IL-1β and/or IL-18 in human corneal epithelial (HCE) cells. Additionally, we studied the capability of cis-urocanic acid (cis-UCA) to prevent inflammasome activation or alleviate inflammation through other signaling pathways.

[Big intraocular foreign body: case report].

Introduction: Penetrated injuries are most difficult injuries of the eye. Intraocular foreign body (IOFB) may lodge in any of the structures it encounters, from anterior chamber to the retina and choroid. Notable effects caused by foreign body injury include traumatic cataract, vitreous liquefaction, retinal and subretinal hemorrhages, retinal detachment and development of endophtalmitis.