Anti-tumorigenic effects of naive and TLR4-primed adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells.

Background: One of the main reasons for the unsuccessful treatment of pancreatic cancer is the intense desmoplastic pancreatic microenvironment. In the literature, the effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their inflammatory phenotypes on cancer cells have been a subject of controversy. Therefore, it is crucial to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of this interaction, especially in the context of pancreatic cancer.

Enhancing the Regenerative Potential of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Through TLR4-Mediated Signaling.

Introduction: Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is a receptor that traditionally plays an important role in immunomodulation (regulation of the immune system) and the initiation of proinflammatory responses. TLR4 is used in the body to recognize molecular patterns of pathogens or damaged cells from outside. However, in recent years, it has also become clear that TLR4 can affect the immune system and the function of stem cells, especially mesenchymal stem cells.

Regulation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Mechanism and Targeted Therapeutic Approaches.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver malignancy that accounts for the majority of liver cancer cases, with multiple risk factors including chronic hepatitis B and C infections, alcohol abuse, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Despite advancements in diagnosis and treatment, the survival rate of patients with advanced HCC remains low, creating an urgent need for new therapeutic targets and strategies.One biological process crucial to HCC progression is the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).

An enzyme-free technique enables the isolation of a large number of adipose-derived stem cells at the bedside.

Adipose tissue derived stromal cells (ADSCs) play a crucial role in research and applications of regenerative medicine because they can be rapidly isolated in high quantities. Nonetheless, their purity, pluripotency, differentiation capacity, and stem cell marker expression might vary greatly depending on technique and tools used for extraction and harvesting. There are two methods described in the literature for isolating regenerative cells from adipose tissue.

Peptide Nanofiber System for Sustained Delivery of Anti-VEGF Proteins to the Eye Vitreous.

Ranibizumab is a recombinant VEGF-A antibody used to treat the wet form of age-related macular degeneration. It is intravitreally administered to ocular compartments, and the treatment requires frequent injections, which may cause complications and patient discomfort. To reduce the number of injections, alternative treatment strategies based on relatively non-invasive ranibizumab delivery are desired for more effective and sustained release in the eye vitreous than the current clinical practice.

Sulfated GAG mimetic peptide nanofibers enhance chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells in 3D models.

Articular cartilage, which is exposed to continuous repetitive compressive stress, has limited self-healing capacity in the case of trauma. Thus, it is crucial to develop new treatment options for the effective regeneration of the cartilage tissue. Current cellular therapy treatment options are microfracture and autologous chondrocyte implantation; however, these treatments induce the formation of fibrous cartilage, which degenerates over time, rather than functional hyaline cartilage tissue.

Chondrogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Glycosaminoglycan-Mimetic Peptide Nanofibers.

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are important extracellular matrix components of cartilage tissue and provide biological signals to stem cells and chondrocytes for development and functional regeneration of cartilage. Among their many functions, particularly sulfated glycosaminoglycans bind to growth factors and enhance their functionality through enabling growth factor-receptor interactions. Growth factor binding ability of the native sulfated glycosaminoglycans can be incorporated into the synthetic scaffold matrix through functionalization with specific chemical moieties.