Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Santina Acuto, Melania Lo Iacono, Elena Baiamonte, Rosa Lo Re, Aurelio Maggio, Vincenzo Cavalieri
Summary: This study optimized a method for isolating, propagating, and characterizing MSCs from human umbilical cords, resulting in the production of conditioned media with predictable composition and biological effects. This method has the potential for large-scale production of toxic-free conditioned media.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kuo-An Chu, Chang-Ching Yeh, Chun-Hsiang Hsu, Chien-Wei Hsu, Fu-Hsien Kuo, Pei-Jiun Tsai, Yu-Show Fu
Summary: This study compared the effectiveness of human umbilical cord Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (HUMSCs) versus adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) for reversing pulmonary fibrosis in rats. The results showed that HUMSCs had better effects on lung function improvement and collagen degradation, as well as alveolar regeneration.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Aliai Lanci, Barbara Merlo, Annamaria Grandis, Jole Mariella, Carolina Castagnetti, Eleonora Iacono
Summary: This study describes the microscopic and immunohistochemical characteristics of the equine umbilical cord (UC) in normal pregnancies, with a focus on Wharton's jelly (WJ). The findings show that WJ is only found in the amniotic portion of the UC closest to the foal's abdomen, and the thickness of the arteries and veins in this portion is thinner than in other parts of the UC. Further research is needed to better understand the changes in UC throughout pregnancy and in the presence of mare's or fetal disease.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zhiguo Yuan, Hao Li, Songlin He, Cangjian Gao, Zhen Yang, Weiwei Xin, Ruixin Lin, Quanyi Guo, You Wang
Summary: This study fabricated a decellularized umbilical cord Wharton's jelly (DUCWJ) scaffold and synthesized a kartogenin-conjugated DUCWJ-KGN scaffold. The DUCWJ-KGN scaffold exhibited excellent biocompatibility and biofunctionality, inducing higher chondrogenic markers expression and promoting fibrocartilaginous regeneration at the rotator cuff tendon-to-bone interface.
MATERIALS & DESIGN
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Benjamin J. Main, Nicola Maffulli, Josiah A. Valk, Hugo C. Rodriguez, Manu Gupta, Saadiq F. El-Amin, Ashim Gupta
Summary: Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJSCs) have shown potential therapeutic benefits in orthopedic surgery, but further randomized controlled clinical studies are needed to assess their safety and efficacy.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Noelia Munoz-Dominguez, Santiago Roura, Cristina Prat-Vidal, Joaquim Vives
Summary: Significant progress has been made in developing therapeutic options for myocardial infarction patients, but current treatments only partially address the functional recovery of post-infarcted myocardium. Novel cell and tissue engineering therapeutic approaches, particularly using MSC and natural extracellular matrices, as well as MSC-derived EV, show promise in cardiac repair for post-MI management.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Marta Dymowska, Aleksandra Aksamit, Katarzyna Zielniok, Monika Kniotek, Beata Kaleta, Aleksander Roszczyk, Michal Zych, Filip Dabrowski, Leszek Paczek, Anna Burdzinska
Summary: Although both BM-MSCs and WJ-MSCs have the ability to interact reciprocally with macrophages, the source of MSCs could slightly but significantly modify the response under clinical settings. WJ-MSCs secreted significantly more IL-6 than BM-MSCs and showed higher responsiveness to M1-derived chemotactic signals.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Monika Sypecka, Aleksandra Bzinkowska, Dorota Sulejczak, Filip Dabrowski, Anna Sarnowska
Summary: Wharton's jelly (WJ) from the umbilical cord (UC) is a good source of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) for therapy. Protocols for UC transportation, cell isolation, cultivation, and banking should be unified and optimized. WJ-MSCs showed higher levels of cytokines and chemokines secretion compared to WJ bioptats, and exhibited neural markers when exposed to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). A protocol for manufacturing an advanced-therapy medicinal product was developed based on the findings.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Erwin Pavel Lamparelli, Maria Camilla Ciardulli, Valentina Giudice, Pasqualina Scala, Rosa Vitolo, Tina Patricia Dale, Carmine Selleri, Nicholas Robert Forsyth, Nicola Maffulli, Giovanna Della Porta
Summary: This study investigated the chondrogenic potentials of 3D high-density cultures of bone marrow and Wharton's Jelly-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) supplemented with hTGF-beta 1. The study found that high-density cultures promoted chondrogenesis and that Wharton's Jelly-derived MSCs showed potential for chondrogenic commitment. These findings have important implications for cartilage regeneration and tissue engineering.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Raquel Cabrera-Perez, Alexis Rafols-Mitjans, Angela Roig-Molina, Silvia Beltramone, Joaquim Vives, Laura Batlle-Morera
Summary: Our study investigated the osteogenic commitment of hard-to-handle MSC,WJ in different bone microenvironments. Co-culture experiments showed that MSC,WJ could efficiently differentiate into bone cells in the presence of osteogenic stimuli from MSC,BM. In vivo experiments demonstrated successful bone formation in the medullar cavity of tibias in mice treated with MSC,WJ. The presence of human cells in various organs indicated the potential systemic effects of engineered MSC,WJ. Overall, our findings support the use of off-the-shelf allogeneic MSC,WJ products in bone repair and regeneration.
JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Eleonora Iacono, Aliai Lanci, Penelope Gugole, Barbara Merlo
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of different storage conditions on the characteristics of equine adipose tissue and Wharton's jelly-derived MSCs. The results showed that viability, colony-forming units, and adhesion potential were influenced by storage conditions in a different way, depending on the source of MSCs. The study also found that equine adipose tissue MSCs remain usable after 24 hours of storage, while cells derived from Wharton's jelly should be used within 6 hours. Additionally, the cell viability of Wharton's jelly MSCs declined in both saline and plasma solution, indicating their reduced resistance to conservation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cinzia Maria Chinnici, Gioacchin Iannolo, Ettore Cittadini, Anna Paola Carreca, David Nascari, Francesca Timoneri, Mariangela Di Bella, Nicola Cuscino, Giandomenico Amico, Claudia Carcione, Pier Giulio Conaldi
Summary: The study revealed that extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from human umbilical cord Wharton's Jelly (WJ) mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) play a key regulatory role in promoting proangiogenic responses through the delivery of microRNAs. These EVs contain highly expressed microRNAs that target multiple genes associated with angiogenesis and tissue repair, enhancing tube formation, migration, and proliferation of human umbilical-vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Ashim Gupta, Hugo C. Rodriguez, Anish G. Potty, Howard J. Levy, Saadiq F. El-Amin
Summary: This study presented a case of knee OA patient treated with UC-derived WJ, showing no adverse effects during follow-up and no significant difference or progression on X-rays at the 3-month follow-up. The patient experienced a 50% reduction in pain, increased satisfaction level, and improvement in function and quality of life scores.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiao Han, Haoqing Yang, Huina Liu, Chen Zhang, Yangyang Cao, Zhipeng Fan, Ruitang Shi
Summary: The overexpression of miR-196b-5p suppresses proliferation of WJCMSCs, while knockdown promotes proliferation by affecting the expression levels of cell cycle-related proteins. This suggests that miR-196b-5p plays a role in inhibiting WJCMSC proliferation by enhancing G0/G1-phase arrest.
Review
Cell Biology
Cecile Pochon, Anne-Beatrice Notarantonio, Caroline Laroye, Loic Reppel, Daniele Bensoussan, Allan Bertrand, Marie-Therese Rubio, Maud D'Aveni
Summary: Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have great potential in regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and immunomodulation. Wharton's jelly MSCs (WJ-MSCs) derived from the umbilical cord are a promising candidate for cellular therapy in hematology, with the ability to sustain hematopoietic stem cell engraftment and modulate transplant immune reactions.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Benedetta Armocida, Giulia Zamagni, Elena Magni, Lorenzo Monasta, Manola Comar, Nunzia Zanotta, Carolina Cason, Giorgia Argentini, Marianela Urriza, Andrea Cassone, Fulvia Vascotto, Roberto Buzzetti, Egidio Barbi, Massimo Del Pin, Paola Pani, Alessandra Knowles, Claudia Carletti, Federica Concina, Mariarosa Milinco, Luca Ronfani
Summary: This study aimed to identify the clinical, anamnestic, and sociodemographic characteristics associated with a positive SARS-CoV-2 swab in children aged 2-14 years. Using collected data, a predictive score was generated to identify at-risk children. The study found that factors such as contact with symptomatic cases, female sex, age, and symptoms like fever were associated with positive test results. The predictive score showed high sensitivity and negative predictive value.
Article
Pediatrics
Marzia Lazzerini, Simone Benvenuto, Ilaria Mariani, Giorgio Fedele, Pasqualina Leone, Paola Stefanelli, Giada Vittori, Silvana Schreiber, Alberto Tommasini, Giovanni Rezza, Egidio Barbi, Manola Comar
Summary: Data on the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in children were assessed in this study, and the findings suggest that seroprevalence studies are limited in estimating the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic in children. Further research is needed to identify other markers of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection in children.
Article
Oncology
Federica Monaco, Laura De Conti, Simone Vodret, Nunzia Zanotta, Manola Comar, Sandra Manzotti, Corrado Rubini, Laura Graciotti, Gianluca Fulgenzi, Massimo Bovenzi, Marco Baralle, Marco Tomasetti, Lory Santarelli
Summary: This study proposes a novel miRNA-based therapy approach to target malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) by increasing stemness and inhibiting cell proliferation. It is found that by inhibiting the release of exosomes, miR-126 can accumulate intracellularly and induce cell death and tumor growth arrest. Autophagy and necroptosis are involved in these processes, suggesting the potential of this therapy against cancer stem cells (CSCs).
TRANSLATIONAL ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pediatrics
Sara Della Paolera, Serena Pastore, Alen Zabotti, Alberto Tommasini, Andrea Taddio
Summary: The role of musculoskeletal ultrasound in diagnosing tenosynovitis in JIA patients is proven to be practical. More than half of the patients with ankle swelling were found to have tenosynovitis, with about 50% of them not showing sonographic signs of active joint synovitis. Biological therapy alone or in combination with DMARDs has shown effectiveness in inducing remission in tenosynovitis patients.
Article
Pediatrics
Pietro Basile, Giulia Gortani, Andrea Taddio, Serena Pastore, Federica Corona, Alessandra Tesser, Egidio Barbi, Alberto Tommasini
Summary: COPA syndrome is a rare inflammatory disease characterized by joint and lung involvement. In this case, a 2-year-old girl presented with intermittent limping and joint pain. After comprehensive examination and genetic testing, a diagnosis of COPA gene mutation was confirmed, and treatment resulted in significant symptom improvement.
Article
Pediatrics
Francesca Burlo, Veronica Grigoletto, Serena Pastore, Anna Vaivoda, Andrea Trombetta, Gianluca Tamaro, Andrea Magnolato, Alberto Tommasini, Andrea Taddio
Article
Pediatrics
Erica Valencic, Samuele Naviglio, Luca Ronfani, Giuseppe Abbracciavento, Alberto Tommasini
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giuseppina Campisciano, Nunzia Zanotta, Mariachiara Quadrifoglio, Annalisa Careri, Alessandra Torresani, Carolina Cason, Francesco De Seta, Giuseppe Ricci, Manola Comar, Tamara Stampalija
Summary: In this study, the presence of bacterial DNA in the chorionic villi and amniotic fluids of pregnant women was investigated. The findings suggest a potential connection between the uterine microbiome and oral and vaginal dysbiosis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Serena Delbue, Elena Pariani, Silvia Parapini, Cristina Galli, Nicoletta Basilico, Sarah D'Alessandro, Sara Pellegrino, Elena Pini, Samuele Ciceri, Patrizia Ferraboschi, Paride Grisenti
Summary: Lysozyme, a protein widely found in nature, is a part of the innate defense mechanisms in humans, with antimicrobial activity against certain bacteria. It has also shown potential antiviral activity, leading to research on its application in treating SARS-CoV-2 infections.
Editorial Material
Microbiology
Roberto Cacciola, Serena Delbue
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valentina Boz, Alessandra Tesser, Martina Girardelli, Francesca Burlo, Alessia Pin, Giovanni Maria Severini, Ginevra De Marchi, Federico Verzegnassi, Samuele Naviglio, Alberto Tommasini, Erica Valencic
Summary: Inborn errors of immunity associated with immune dysregulation are not adequately addressed in shared recommendation. Precision medicine is urgently needed to diagnose and treat these defects before severe complications occur. Our study confirms that a significant number of children with IEIs may display immune dysregulation symptoms and share similarities with common immune conditions.
Article
Virology
Laura Pellegrinelli, Ester Luconi, Giuseppe Marano, Cristina Galli, Serena Delbue, Laura Bubba, Sandro Binda, Silvana Castaldi, Elia Biganzoli, Elena Pariani, Patrizia Boracchi
Summary: Analyzing data collected during the 2020 and 2021 winter epidemic waves revealed that the median viral load in respiratory samples of patients in the 2021 winter wave dropped significantly within a few days post-infection compared to patients in the 2020 winter wave.
