Three-dimensional hydrogel with human Wharton jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells towards nucleus pulposus niche.

A regenerative strategy employing extracellular matrix (ECM)-based biomaterials and stem cells provide a better approach to mimicking the three-dimensional (3D) microenvironment of intervertebral disc for endogenous tissue regeneration. However, there is currently limited understanding regarding the human Wharton Jelly derived-mesenchymal stem cells (hWJ-MSCs) towards nucleus pulposus (NP)-like cells. Our study focused on the development of 3D bioengineered hydrogel based on the predominant ECM of native NP, including type II collagen (COLII) and hyaluronic acid (HA), which aims to tailor the needs of the microenvironment in NP.

The establishment of metabolic syndrome model by induction of fructose drinking water in male Wistar rats.

Background: Metabolic syndrome can be caused by modification of diet by means of consumption of high carbohydrate and high fat diet such as fructose.

Aims: To develop a metabolic syndrome rat model by induction of fructose drinking water (FDW) in male Wistar rats.

Methods: Eighteen male Wistar rats were fed with FDW 20% and FDW 25% for a duration of eight weeks.