Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Wanda Lattanzi, Cristian Ripoli, Viviana Greco, Marta Barba, Federica Iavarone, Angelo Minucci, Andrea Urbani, Claudio Grassi, Ornella Parolini
Summary: The rapid development in research areas has advanced personalized medicine by improving our understanding of genomic functions, patient phenotypes, and diseases, as well as enabling the design of innovative biological treatments tailored to individual patients. Meanwhile, diverse biotechnological advancements have uncovered disease mechanisms and prompted the development of personalized regenerative medicine strategies.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Lila Teixeira de Araujo, Carolina The Macedo, Patricia Kauanna Fonseca Damasceno, Italo Gabriel Costa das Neves, Carla Souza de Lima, Girlaine Cafe Santos, Thais Alves de Santana, Gabriela Louise de Almeida Sampaio, Daniela Nascimento Silva, Cristiane Flora Villarreal, Alessandra Casemiro de Campos Chaguri, Crislaine Gomes da Silva, Augusto Cesar de Andrade Mota, Roberto Badaro, Ricardo Ribeiro dos Santos, Milena Botelho Pereira Soares
Summary: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is an important public health problem with no effective treatments available. Stem cell therapy, particularly mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs), has been investigated as a potential approach for SCI treatment. However, there is heterogeneity in the design of clinical trials and a lack of standardized protocols and recommendations for the therapeutic use of stem cells in SCI.
Review
Cell Biology
Michal Szymoniuk, Jakub Litak, Leon Sakwa, Aleksandra Dryla, Wojciech Zezulinski, Wojciech Czyzewski, Piotr Kamieniak, Tomasz Blicharski
Summary: Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) is a common neurological disorder that causes permanent disability in most patients. Stem Cell Therapy (SCT) shows promise in regenerating the injured spinal cord through the use of various types of stem cells. Understanding the pathogenesis of SCI and the molecular mechanisms of stem cell action can improve the efficacy of SCT and lead to the development of new therapeutic approaches.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dayane Mayumi Miyasaki, Alexandra Cristina Senegaglia, Sergio Adriane Bezerra de Moura, Amanda Leitolis, Luiz Guilherme Achcar Capriglione, Leticia Fracaro, Lidiane Maria Boldrini Leite, Paulo Henrique Utumi, Felipe Yukio Ishikawa Fragoso, Fernando Meyer, Alejandro Correa, Paulo Roberto Slud Brofman
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of extracellular vesicles (EVs) from human umbilical cord tissue and human umbilical cord blood on rats with chronic kidney disease. The results demonstrated that EVs have the potential to improve renal function, suggesting their use as a cell-free treatment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lu Tang, Mengying Xie, Jing Li, Yijun Mei, Yuqi Cao, Qiaqia Xiao, Haijuan Dong, Yuhui Zhang, Wei Wang
Summary: Intramedullary spinal cord tumor (IMSCT) is a rare malignant tumor in the central nervous system that is difficult to treat with conventional chemotherapy. A targeted strategy using nano-engineered mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for IMSCT treatment is reported. Paclitaxel (PTX) and metformin (MET) are co-loaded into maleimide-modified poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA-MAL) nanoparticles and conjugated onto MSCs surface. The designed drug delivery platform shows promising research value for alternative IMSCT management.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jeong-Seob Won, Je Young Yeon, Hee-Jang Pyeon, Yu-Jeong Noh, Ji-Yoon Hwang, Chung Kwon Kim, Hyun Nam, Kyung-Hoon Lee, Sun-Ho Lee, Kyeung Min Joo
Summary: Stem cell-based therapeutics, particularly adult human multipotent neural cells (ahMNCs) from patients with hemorrhagic stroke, show potential in promoting significant locomotor recovery in spinal cord injury (SCI) through modulating glial scar formation, neuroprotection, and/or angiogenesis. The optimal transplantation dose of ahMNCs identified in this study could be beneficial in determining the appropriate injection dose for SCI patients in the future.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Yuanliang Xia, Jianshu Zhu, Ruohan Yang, Hengyi Wang, Yuehong Li, Changfeng Fu
Summary: Spinal cord injury (SCI) has a significant impact on patient health, and the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) shows promise in treating SCI. Preclinical studies have shown positive results, but the effectiveness of MSCs in clinical practice remains controversial. More research is needed to address the challenges and potential applications of MSCs in the treatment of SCI.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Sumin Cho, Hyemin Choi, Hyundoo Jeong, Su Yeon Kwon, Eun Ji Roh, Kwang-Hun Jeong, Inho Baek, Byoung Ju Kim, Soo-Hong Lee, Inbo Han, Jae Min Cha
Summary: This study successfully applied 3D-spheroids of human bone marrow-dewrived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to a mouse spinal fusion model, achieving more significant improvement compared to conventional 2D-cultured MSCs. The study proposes a GMP-applicable bioprocessing platform and quality control directions for MSC spheroids, aiming for their clinical application in spinal fusion surgery as a new bone graft substitute.
STEM CELLS TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Santino Blando, Ivan Anchesi, Emanuela Mazzon, Agnese Gugliandolo
Summary: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating disease that results in the loss of motor and sensory neurons. Tissue engineering techniques using stem cells, especially mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), have shown promise in promoting neuronal regeneration. Current methods of cell insertion have low rates of success, so researchers are focusing on using bioresorbable scaffolds to improve cell survival and engraftment. Various materials are being studied as scaffolds to decrease inflammation and increase cell engraftment and survival. Clinical trials and animal models have demonstrated positive results with the use of MSC-enriched biomaterial scaffolds.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gang-Un Kim, Soo-Eun Sung, Kyung-Ku Kang, Joo-Hee Choi, Sijoon Lee, Minkyoung Sung, Seung Yun Yang, Seul-Ki Kim, Young In Kim, Ju-Hyeon Lim, Min-Soo Seo, Gun Woo Lee
Summary: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious condition that leads to permanent disability. Research on SCI treatment focuses on reducing neuroinflammation, with Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) showing potential therapeutic effects but inconsistent results in animal models. Development of novel agents for regenerative medicine is necessary.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Christy Kwokdinata, Vaibavi Ramanujam, Jiahui Chen, Paula Nunes de Oliveira, Mui Hoon Nai, Wai Hon Chooi, Chwee Teck Lim, Shi Yan Ng, Laurent David, Sing Yian Chew
Summary: This study found that using injectable hyaluronan-gelatin hydrogel in transplantation therapy can promote cell survival and neural differentiation of human spinal cord progenitor cells.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Etienne Buscail, Guillaume Le Cosquer, Fabian Gross, Marine Lebrin, Laetitia Bugarel, Celine Deraison, Nathalie Vergnolle, Barbara Bournet, Cyrielle Gilletta, Louis Buscail
Summary: In situ injection of ADSCs is effective in treating perianal fistulas in CD patients. ADSCs exert their therapeutic effects through paracrine phenomena and display various beneficial properties such as anti-inflammatory, pro-angiogenic, and immunomodulatory effects. Numerous clinical trials have shown promising results with a high cure rate and safety profile, indicating the potential for future standardized treatment approaches.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Eva Sykova, Dasa Cizkova, Sarka Kubinova
Summary: MSCs, as candidates in regenerative medicine, have shown significant therapeutic potential in animal experiments and clinical studies due to their immunomodulatory, paracrine, and neural stimulation effects.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Joel Jihwan Hwang, Yeri Alice Rim, Yoojun Nam, Ji Hyeon Ju
Summary: Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapies have shown promising results in treating arthritis by improving joint function, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life. While some clinical trials have displayed optimistic outcomes, further research is needed to explore their applicability in clinical settings.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Francesca Sironi, Fabiola De Marchi, Letizia Mazzini, Caterina Bendotti
Summary: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by loss of motor neurons and neuromuscular impairment. Stem cell therapy shows promise in protecting motor units through various mechanisms. However, more coordinated effort and research is needed to address challenges in stem cell source selection, mechanism of action, and expected clinical outcomes. This review covers recent advances in stem cell therapies in ALS animal models and ongoing human clinical trials.
BRAIN RESEARCH BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Giovanni Barbanti Brodano, Eleonora Pesce, Cristiana Griffoni, Elisa Carretta, Luigi Emanuele Noli, Costantino Errani, Federica Trentin, Martina Piccinni Leopardi, Loredana Mavilla, Alessandro Gasbarrini
Summary: This study aimed to translate and validate the Italian version of the Spine Oncology Study Group Outcome Questionnaire (SOSGOQ), a specific tool for measuring health-related quality of life in Italian-speaking patients with spinal metastases. The results of the study showed that the Italian version of the SOSGOQ had high reliability and validity among Italian-speaking patients affected by spinal metastases.
GLOBAL SPINE JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Orthopedics
Deyanira Contartese, Francesca Salamanna, Silvia Brogini, Konstantinos Martikos, Cristiana Griffoni, Alessandro Ricci, Andrea Visani, Milena Fini, Alessandro Gasbarrini
Summary: Fast-track is an evidence-based strategy for managing patients before, during, and after major surgery. This review aims to assess the specific interventions, measurement methods, and outcomes associated with enhanced recovery pathways in spine surgery.
BMC MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Deyanira Contartese, Maria Sartori, Giuseppe Tedesco, Alessandro Gasbarrini, Gianluca Giavaresi, Francesca Salamanna
Summary: Researchers provide a scientific opinion on the use of a vertebral bone marrow clot as a local delivery system for stem cells, biomolecules, and antimicrobial factors. The clot contains mesenchymal stem cells and platelets, which can release antimicrobial proteins and molecules. Further studies are needed to explore the potential of the vertebral bone marrow clot as a multifunctional bioscaffold for spinal fusion surgery.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Melania Maglio, Maria Sartori, Alessandro Gambardella, Tatiana Shelyakova, Valentin Alek Dediu, Matteo Santin, Yolanda Pineiro, Manuel Banobre Lopez, Jose Rivas, Anna Tampieri, Simone Sprio, Lucia Martini, Alessandro Gatti, Alessandro Russo, Gianluca Giavaresi, Milena Fini
Summary: The use of functionalized scaffolds incorporated with superparamagnetic nanoparticles and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injection into a magnetic scaffold resulted in increased bone regeneration in a large bone defect in sheep metatarsus. The magnetic field generated by implanted magnets allowed the capture of the injected nanoparticles, forming a VEGF gradient in the scaffold's porosity. Histomorphometric measurements showed improved bone growth and bone-to-implant contact, while atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis revealed similar nanomechanical behavior of the regenerated tissue to the magnetic field distribution. This study demonstrates the potential of magnetic technologies combined with functionalized scaffolds to enhance bone formation and improve bone/scaffold interaction.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Deyanira Contartese, Stefano Bandiera, Gianluca Giavaresi, Veronica Borsari, Cristiana Griffoni, Alessandro Gasbarrini, Milena Fini, Francesca Salamanna
Summary: This study retrospectively reviewed nine cases of spinal surgery for metastatic uterine leiomyosarcoma, finding that the average time from primary tumors to bone metastases diagnosis was 5.2 years, with the thoracic vertebrae being the most affected segment. The median survival after diagnosis of metastatic spine lesions was 46 months. The study suggests that surgical treatment can alleviate symptoms and further research is needed to identify prognostic markers and therapeutic targets for improved survival.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Alberto Ruffilli, Marco Manzetti, Francesca Barile, Marco Ialuna, Tosca Cerasoli, Giovanni Viroli, Francesca Salamanna, Deyanira Contartese, Gianluca Giavaresi, Cesare Faldini
Summary: Proximal junctional disease (PJD) and surgical site infection (SSI) are common complications after spine surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of sarcopenia and osteopenia on these complications. Preoperative MRI was used to measure central sarcopenia and osteopenia. The analysis showed that comorbidity index and dural tear were independent risk factors for SSI, while age and diabetes were risk factors for PJD. However, there was no correlation between low M-score and PLVI and a higher complications rate.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Silvia Terzi, Federica Trentin, Cristiana Griffoni, Elisa Carretta, Stefano Bandiera, Cristina Ferrari, Fabio Vita, Alberto Righi, Margherita Maioli, Dario De Biase, Annalisa Monetta, Giovanni Barbanti Brodano, Gisberto Evangelisti, Marco Girolami, Valerio Pipola, Marco Gambarotti, Alessandro Gasbarrini
Summary: This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the overall survival of surgically treated patients with lung cancer spinal metastases and identify factors associated with better survival. The results showed that surgical treatment can improve the quality of life and control pain, thereby enhancing autonomy.
Review
Biology
Francesca Salamanna, Deyanira Contartese, Alberto Ruffilli, Francesca Barile, Daniele Bellavia, Laura Marchese, Marco Manzetti, Giovanni Viroli, Cesare Faldini, Gianluca Giavaresi
Summary: Osteosarcopenia, the combination of osteoporosis/osteopenia and sarcopenia, is a common condition among older adults. This study conducted a systematic review to explore the potential clinical utility of circulating microRNAs (miRs) shared between osteoporosis/osteopenia and sarcopenia. A total of 69 miRs were identified for osteoporosis and 14 for sarcopenia, with only nine miRs showing dysregulation in both conditions.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesca Salamanna, Deyanira Contartese, Veronica Borsari, Stefania Pagani, Maria Sartori, Matilde Tschon, Cristiana Griffoni, Gianluca Giavaresi, Giuseppe Tedesco, Giovanni Barbanti Brodano, Alessandro Gasbarrini, Milena Fini
Summary: Recently, our group studied the use of vertebral bone marrow (vBMA) clot as a cell therapy for spinal fusion. We compared the properties of vBMA clots and derived vertebral mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from female and male patients who underwent spinal fusion procedures and received vBMA clot treatment. The results showed that vBMA clots and MSCs from males had higher expression of growth factors (GFs) and greater osteogenic and chondrogenic potential compared to females. The findings also revealed differences in the gene expression profiles of MSCs derived from vBMA clots between female and male donors.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Francesca Salamanna, Silvio Caravelli, Laura Marchese, Melania Carniato, Emanuele Vocale, Giammarco Gardini, Giulia Puccetti, Massimiliano Mosca, Gianluca Giavaresi
Summary: This review systematically analyzes the changes in proprioception and related mechanoreceptors in osteoarthritis (OA) patients. The studies found that OA patients may have impaired proprioceptive accuracy in the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), possibly due to changes in mechanoreceptors. Significant proprioceptive deficits were also identified in patients with knee articular cartilage lesions. Further research is needed to clarify the role of proprioception and related mechanoreceptors in OA.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Riccardo Ghermandi, Giovanni Tosini, Alberto Lorenzi, Cristiana Griffoni, Luigi La Barbera, Marco Girolami, Valerio Pipola, Giovanni Barbanti Brodano, Stefano Bandiera, Silvia Terzi, Giuseppe Tedesco, Gisberto Evangelisti, Annalisa Monetta, Luigi Emanuele Noli, Luigi Falzetti, Alessandro Gasbarrini
Summary: CFR-PEEK is increasingly popular in spinal oncological applications due to its advantages over titanium. In this study, CFR-PEEK instrumentation was used to treat lumbar degenerative diseases (DDs). The results showed high fusion rates and significant improvement in clinical outcomes. Carbon fiber implants were well-tolerated and had no mechanical complications. This pilot study supports the efficacy and safety of CFR-PEEK implants in spinal degenerative diseases.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Otorhinolaryngology
Alberto Ruffilli, Francesca Barile, Tosca Cerasoli, Marco Manzetti, Giovanni Viroli, Marco Ialuna, Matteo Traversari, Francesca Salamanna, Antonio Mazzotti, Milena Fini, Cesare Faldini
Summary: The aim of this retrospective study is to determine whether sarcopenia and osteopenia are independent risk factors for proximal junctional disease (PJD) in patients undergoing lumbar fusion. The study found that sarcopenia and osteopenia are indeed independent risk factors for PJD.
JOURNAL OF CRANIOVERTEBRAL JUNCTION AND SPINE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Deyanira Contartese, Laura Di Sarno, Francesca Salamanna, Lucia Martini, Milena Fini, Gianluca Giavaresi, Francesca Veronesi
Summary: This systematic review examines the current body of research on in vivo models of musculoskeletal frailty, delving into various animal models simulating specific features of the condition. The review also explores the translational prospects of these models in enhancing our understanding and streamlining the production of therapeutic approaches. It provides valuable insights and guidance for researchers and practitioners in combating musculoskeletal frailty.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)