Enhanced Hepatogenic Differentiation of Human Wharton's Jelly-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Using Three-Step Protocol.

Currently, human Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hWJ-MSCs) are an attractive source of stem cells for cell-based therapy, owing to their ability to undergo self-renewal and differentiate into all mesodermal, some neuroectodermal, and endodermal progenies, including hepatocytes. Herein, this study aimed to investigate the effects of sodium butyrate (NaBu), an epigenetic regulator that directly inhibits histone deacetylase, on hepatic endodermal lineage differentiation of hWJ-MSCs. NaBu, at 1 mM, optimally promoted endodermal differentiation of hWJ-MSCs, along with epidermal growth factor (EGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) supplementation (EGF + bFGF + 1 mM NaBu).

Internalization of silver nanoparticles into mouse spermatozoa results in poor fertilization and compromised embryo development.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have many features that make them attractive as medical devices, especially in therapeutic agents and drug delivery systems. Here we have introduced AgNPs into mouse spermatozoa and then determined the cytotoxic effects of AgNPs on sperm function and subsequent embryo development. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analyses showed that AgNPs could be internalized into sperm cells.

Effect of hexavalent chromium-treated sperm on in vitro fertilization and embryo development.

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is an environmental contaminant that is associated with reproductive abnormalities in both humans and animals. In the present study, we evaluated the cytotoxic effect of Cr(VI) on sperm function and subsequent embryo development after in vitro fertilization (IVF). Sperm obtained from BDF1 male mice were treated with potassium dichromate (0, 3.