Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Extracellular Vesicle Therapy for Stroke: Scalable Production and Imaging Biomarker Studies.

A major clinical hurdle to translate MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) is the lack of a method to scale-up the production of EVs with customized therapeutic properties. In this study, we tested whether EV production by a scalable 3D-bioprocessing method is feasible and improves neuroplasticity in animal models of stroke using MRI study. MSCs were cultured in a 3D-spheroid using a micro-patterned well.

Metformin acts as a dual glucose regulator in mouse brain.

Metformin improves glucose regulation through various mechanisms in the periphery. Our previous study revealed that oral intake of metformin activates several brain regions, including the hypothalamus, and directly activates hypothalamic S6 kinase in mice. In this study, we aimed to identify the direct effects of metformin on glucose regulation in the brain.

Circulating Extracellular-Vesicle-Incorporated MicroRNAs as Potential Biomarkers for Ischemic Stroke in Patients With Cancer.

Background And Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate whether extracellular-vesicle-incorporated microRNAs (miRNAs) are potential biomarkers for cancer-related stroke.

Methods: This cohort study compared patients with active cancer who had embolic stroke of unknown sources (cancer-stroke group) with patients with only cancer, patients with only stroke, and healthy individuals (control groups). The expression profiles of miRNAs encapsulated in plasma exosomes and microvesicles were evaluated using microarray and validated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Circulating Extracellular Vesicles in Stroke Patients Treated With Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A Biomarker Analysis of a Randomized Trial.

Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) secrete trophic factors and extracellular vesicles (EVs). However, the level and role of EVs after MSC therapy in patients with stroke are unknown. We investigated whether circulating EVs and trophic factors are increased after MSCs and are related to the therapeutic benefits in the STARTING-2 trial (Stem Cell Application Researches and Trials in Neurology-2) participants.

Circulating DNAs, a Marker of Neutrophil Extracellular Traposis and Cancer-Related Stroke: The OASIS-Cancer Study.

Background and Purpose- The role of circulating neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in cancer-related stroke is unknown. Methods- We conducted a prospective cohort study to test whether NETs are increased in cancer-related stroke and whether elevated NETs levels are associated with coagulopathy, assessed using D-dimer levels (≥2 μg/mL). Plasma DNA and nucleosome were assessed as NET-specific biomarkers.

Cav-1 (Caveolin-1) and Arterial Remodeling in Adult Moyamoya Disease.

Background and Purpose- Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a unique cerebrovascular occlusive disease characterized by progressive stenosis and negative remodeling of the distal internal carotid artery (ICA). We hypothesized that cav-1 (caveolin-1)-a protein that controls the regulation of endothelial vesicular trafficking and signal transduction-is associated with negative remodeling in MMD. Methods- We prospectively recruited 77 consecutive patients with MMD diagnosed via conventional angiography.

Distinct Roles of Endothelial Dysfunction and Inflammation in Intracranial Atherosclerotic Stroke.

Background/aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate the differential roles of endothelial dysfunction and inflammation in intracranial atherosclerotic stroke (ICAS).

Methods: We prospectively recruited 262 patients with acute cerebral infarcts caused by ICAS and 75 individuals with no history of stroke as controls. Markers of endothelial dysfunction (asymmetric dimethylarginine, ADMA) and inflammation (lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2, Lp-PLA2) were measured.

The effect of Korean Red Ginseng extract on rosiglitazone-induced improvement of glucose regulation in diet-induced obese mice.

Background: Korean Red Ginseng extract (KRG, Meyer) and its constituents have been used for treating diabetes. However, in diet-induced obese mice, it is unclear whether KRG can enhance the glucose-lowering action of rosiglitazone (ROSI), a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma synthetic activator.

Methods: Oral glucose tolerance tests (oGTTs) were performed after 4 days of treatment with a vehicle (CON), KRG [500 mg/kg body weight (b.

Caveolin-1, Ring finger protein 213, and endothelial function in Moyamoya disease.

Background: Moyamoya disease is a unique cerebrovascular occlusive disease of unknown etiology. Ring finger protein 213 (RNF213) was identified as a susceptibility gene for Moyamoya disease in East Asian countries. However, the pathogenesis of Moyamoya disease remains unclear.

Nitric oxide overcomes Cd and Cu toxicity in grown tobacco plants through increasing contents and activities of rubisco and rubisco activase.

Toxic heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu) are global problems that are a growing threat to the environment. Despite some heavy metals are required for plant growth and development, others are considered toxic elements and do not play any known physiological role in plant cells. Elevated doses of Cd or Cu cause toxicity in plants and generate damages due to the stress condition and eventually cause a significant reduction in quantity and quality of crop plants.

The effect of metformin on neuronal activity in the appetite-regulating brain regions of mice fed a high-fat diet during an anorectic period.

Metformin reduces body weight by decreasing food intake in humans and animals. However, the brain regions involved in metformin-induced anorexia remain unclear. Therefore, we investigated c-Fos expression (FOS), a marker of neuronal activity, in the appetite-regulating brain regions after oral administration of metformin (PO, 300mg/kg daily for 1 or 3days) or vehicle.

Central administration of metformin into the third ventricle of C57BL/6 mice decreases meal size and number and activates hypothalamic S6 kinase.

Administration of metformin is known to reduce both body weight and food intake. Although the hypothalamus is recognized as a critical regulator of energy balance and body weight, there is currently no evidence for an effect of metformin in the hypothalamus. Therefore, we sought to determine the central action of metformin on energy balance and body weight, as well as its potential involvement with key hypothalamic energy sensors, including adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and S6 kinase (S6K).

Assessment of pharmacoeconomic evaluations submitted for reimbursement in Korea.

Objective: To assess the quality of pharmacoeconomic evaluations (PEs) submitted with new drug applications for reimbursement and to investigate the role of PEs for coverage decisions in Korea.

Methods: Forty-seven PEs that were submitted by pharmaceutical companies for coverage decisions between June 2005 and December 2009 were included in this study. To assess their appropriateness with regard to the PE guidelines, we used the Health Insurance Review and Assessment services (HIRA) checklist consisting of 20 items based on the PE guidelines.