Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yogendra Pratap Singh, Sudip Dasgupta, Rakesh Bhaskar, Ashish Kumar Agrawal
Summary: This study focused on fabricating a gelatin-based composite scaffold with monetite nanoparticles to enhance its chemical, mechanical, and osteogenic properties. The scaffolds showed an interconnected porous microstructure with improved mechanical strength and stability, along with >80% porosity and a distribution of 3D interconnected pore sizes. Increasing the monetite content up to 20 wt% resulted in higher compressive strength and bioactivity, making them efficient candidates for repairing and regenerating bone tissues in musculoskeletal defect sites.
BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shabnam Anjum, Ting Li, Mohammad Saeed, Qiang Ao
Summary: Tissue engineering has emerged as a primary research topic for treating diseased or damaged tendon/ligament tissue, and decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) scaffolds show promise for restoring tissue function.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2024)
Review
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Lvxing Huang, Le Chen, Hengyi Chen, Manju Wang, Letian Jin, Shenghai Zhou, Lexin Gao, Ruwei Li, Quan Li, Hanchang Wang, Can Zhang, Junjuan Wang
Summary: Tendon tissue is important for muscle-to-bone connection and stress transfer, but its complex structure and poor self-healing capacity make tendon injury a significant clinical challenge. Advances in technology have led to the development of treatments using biomaterials, growth factors, and stem cells, which mimic the extracellular matrix of tendon tissue for improved repair and regeneration. This review discusses the constituents and structural features of tendon tissue, biomimetic scaffolds for tendon tissue engineering, as well as novel strategies and challenges in tendon regeneration and repair.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Aleksandra Zielinska, Jacek Karczewski, Piotr Eder, Tomasz Kolanowski, Milena Szalata, Karolina Wielgus, Marlena Szalata, Dohun Kim, Su Ryon Shin, Ryszard Slomski, Eliana B. Souto
Summary: Scaffolds are commonly used implants for delivering cells, drugs, and genes, with their porous structure providing support for cell attachment, proliferation, differentiation, and migration. Various techniques are used to fabricate scaffolds, and they have applications in tissue engineering and multiple medical fields.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Farnoush Sadat Rezaei, Fariborz Sharifianjazi, Amirhossein Esmaeilkhanian, Ehsan Salehi
Summary: Chitosan has shown unparalleled characteristics for regenerative medicine applications, offering biocompatibility, biodegradability, and film-forming capabilities. Recent advances in chitosan films and scaffolds in tissue engineering, wound healing, and drug delivery fields have been surveyed and discussed.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Zhixiao Yao, Yun Qian, Yi Jin, Shikun Wang, Juehong Li, Wei-En Yuan, Cunyi Fan
Summary: The use of MLT-loaded PCL/ALG composite scaffold can effectively promote tendon injury repair by controlled release of MLT, possibly relying on an antioxidant stress pathway, both in vivo and in vitro.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Huijie L. Zhang, Sanjay Sinha, Ruth E. Cameron, Serena M. Best
Summary: This article investigates the reconstruction of the helical arrangement of cardiac muscle fibers using ice templating technology to develop functional artificial tissue. The study demonstrates the control of pore alignment direction through base topography, with an observed gradual shift of 106 ± 10 degrees, providing the flexibility to adjust pore size and spatial helical angle distribution for personalized medicine.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Jamie A. Cyr, Anke Husmann, Serena M. Best, Ruth E. Cameron
Summary: The study aims to demonstrate an innovative freeze-casting system for precise architectural control of collagen scaffolds and to develop a predictive simulation as a design tool. The embedded heat sources were used to manipulate the thermal environment and achieve complex lamellar orientations in the scaffolds. The finite element model accurately predicted the freezing process and lamellar orientation. This approach offers an exciting opportunity for tailored design of regenerative scaffolds.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Matthew D. Kerr, Wade T. Johnson, David A. McBride, Arun K. Chumber, Nisarg J. Shah
Summary: Sustained release of vaccine components using a biodegradable hyaluronic acid cryogel was shown to enhance immune response and provide long-lasting protection. A formulation called CpG-OVA-HAC2 was identified to minimize inflammation and improve immune response. These findings suggest the potential of CpG-OVA-HAC2 in enhancing vaccine delivery.
BIOENGINEERING & TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
R. Bharathi, S. Shree Ganesh, G. Harini, Kumari Vatsala, R. Anushikaa, S. Aravind, S. Abinaya, N. Selvamurugan
Summary: The bone tissue engineering approach becomes necessary for treating large bone defects when the tissue damage exceeds the body's inherent regenerative ability. Chitosan is a promising bone scaffold material that supports cell attachment, proliferation, and mineralization of the bone matrix. Smart drug delivery scaffolds based on chitosan have been developed to respond to environmental stimuli and provide localized sustained drug delivery in the area of large bone defects.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xiping Jiang, Yunfan Kong, Mitchell Kuss, Joel Weisenburger, Hani Haider, Robert Harms, Wen Shi, Bo Liu, Wen Xue, Jianghu Dong, Jingwei Xie, Philipp Streubel, Bin Duan
Summary: This study presents a novel therapeutic method that combines three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting and melt electrospinning writing techniques to regenerate the tendon-to-bone interface. The use of 3D-bioprinted pre-differentiated autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSC) generated biomimetic multilayered scaffolds that recapitulated the compositional and cellular structures of the interface. In vivo studies demonstrated the superior histological score and improved collagen organization of the scaffold with spatially differentiated autologous ADMSCs.
APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sandra Ruiz-Alonso, Markel Lafuente-Merchan, Jesus Ciriza, Laura Saenz-del-Burgo, Jose Luis Pedraz
Summary: Tendon injuries are a global health issue that requires complex and long-lasting rehabilitation processes. Tissue engineering, an emerging discipline, offers new approaches to tackle tendon injuries. By analyzing the nature of tendons, traditional treatments, and various tissue engineering methods, personalized regeneration with better outcomes can be achieved.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Amir Mohammad Maadani, Erfan Salahinejad
Summary: Bioceramics, particularly calcium phosphates, bioactive glasses, and crystalline silicates, are widely used biomaterials for tissue regeneration and therapeutic delivery. Polymeric coatings, such as polylactic acid (PLA) and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), have been extensively researched for enhancing the properties of ceramic tissue engineering scaffolds. Both PLA and PLGA can improve the mechanical behaviors of the scaffolds, but PLA has a greater influence on their biodegradability, bioactivity, and delivery kinetics. However, the biocompatibility response to this surface treatment is dependent on the specific conditions and needs further experimentation for accurate determination.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Amol D. Gholap, Satish Rojekar, Harshad S. Kapare, Nikhar Vishwakarma, Sarjana Raikwar, Atul Garkal, Tejal A. Mehta, Harsh Jadhav, Mahendra Kumar Prajapati, Uday Annapure
Summary: Chitosan, a natural polysaccharide derived from chitin, holds great potential as a biomaterial in various biomedical applications due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, antibacterial activity, and ease of modification. This review provides an overview of the use of chitosan scaffolds in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and drug delivery systems. It highlights the structural and biological properties of chitosan and explores different fabrication methods, such as gelation, electrospinning, and 3D printing. The review emphasizes the role of chitosan scaffolds in promoting cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation for tissue regeneration, as well as their potential in wound healing and infection management. Additionally, it discusses the challenges and future objectives in scaffold design, mechanical properties, and understanding interactions with host tissues.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Hongshi Ma, Chen Yang, Zhenjiang Ma, Xiaoyue Wei, Muhammad Rizwan Younis, Hanbo Wang, Wentao Li, Zhiyong Wang, Wenhao Wang, Yongxiang Luo, Peng Huang, Jinwu Wang
Summary: This study utilizes bioinspired calcium silicate nanowires and alginate composite hydrogels as building blocks to construct multiscale hierarchical bioactive scaffolds, and successfully promotes tissue regeneration from tendon to bone.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Andrology
Taymour Mostafa, Abd El-Aziz I. El-Taweel, Laila Ahmed Rashed, Nayera A. M. Mohammed, Essam Mohamed Akl
Summary: Varicocele has been linked to male infertility, and improvements in sperm parameters post-varicocelectomy support this association. Cystatin C has been associated with cellular changes common in male infertility cases related to varicocele. This preliminary study found that seminal Cys C levels were significantly higher in infertile OAT men with varicocele compared to fertile men, and decreased post-operatively, suggesting a potential role of Cys C in varicocele-induced infertility.
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Taymour Mostafa, Ibrahim Abdel-Hamid, Mai Taymour, Omar Ali
Summary: This systematic review examined the association between genetic factors and varicocele-related male infertility (VRMI). The findings suggest that there is no clear evidence of a strong association between specific genetic polymorphisms and VRMI. However, several studies identified a higher frequency of the polymorphic genotype for the rs1799983 polymorphism of the NOS3 gene in varicocele patients. Further efforts are needed to standardize reporting, explore complementary study designs, and utilize GWAS technology to replicate these early findings.
Article
Orthopedics
Daniel Sok, Sarvgna Raval, Jay McKinney, Hicham Drissi, Amadeus Mason, Ken Mautner, Jarred M. Kaiser, Nick J. Willett
Summary: This study investigated the effects of pre- and post-treatment use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on the therapeutic efficacy of human mesenchymal stromal cell (hMSC) therapy for posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). The study found that pre-treatment with NSAIDs had minimal effects on therapeutic benefits, while post-treatment use of NSAIDs substantially reduced the efficacy of cellular treatment.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biology
Rubens Sautchuk, Brianna H. Kalicharan, Katherine Escalera-Rivera, Jennifer H. Jonason, George A. Porter, Hani A. Awad, Roman A. Eliseev
Summary: This study identifies BMP/Smad signaling as a transcriptional regulator of CypD expression and reveals the transcriptional repression of CypD during cell differentiation. The downregulation of CypD has a negative effect on osteogenesis.
Article
Immunology
Kyle Jones, Sergio Ramirez-Perez, Sean Niu, Umesh Gangishetti, Hicham Drissi, Pallavi Bhattaram
Summary: The study demonstrates the role of SOX4 and RELA in the regulation of gene expression downstream of TNF signaling, particularly in the transformation of FLS in arthritis and inflammatory pathology.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Nazir M. Khan, Martha Elena Diaz-Hernandez, Samir Chihab, Priyanka Priyadarshani, Pallavi Bhattaram, Luke J. Mortensen, Rosa M. Guzzo, Hicham Drissi
Summary: Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have the potential to be used in regenerative medicine. iPSCs derived from healthy chondrocytes showed enhanced chondrogenic potential compared to iPSCs derived from osteoarthritis cartilage. The molecular tracing data revealed that epigenetic and metabolic factors dysregulation observed in osteoarthritis chondrocytes persisted in iPSCs, leading to their reduced chondrogenic differentiation.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Rubens Sautchuk Jr, Chen Yu, Matthew McArthur, Christine Massie, Paul S. S. Brookes, George A. A. Porter Jr, Hani Awad, Roman A. A. Eliseev
Summary: CypD/MPTP overactivation plays an important role in bone aging, and overexpression of CypD impairs bone cell energy metabolism and function. Spatial-dependent and sex-dependent studies found that CypD GOF leads to a decrease in oxidative phosphorylation levels, increased oxidative stress, and decreased bone organic matrix content, ultimately resulting in bone aging. This study confirms the important pathological mechanism of CypD/MPTP overactivation in bone aging and osteoporosis.
JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Orthopedics
Spencer P. Lake, Jess G. Snedeker, Vincent M. Wang, Hani Awad, Hazel R. C. Screen, Stavros Thomopoulos
Summary: Characterizing the mechanical properties of tendons is crucial for assessing their health and the effectiveness of injury treatments. This paper provides guidelines for nonexperts on methodological considerations, testing protocols, and outcome measures for tendon mechanical testing.
JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Andrology
Mohamed Wael Ragab, Mina Saad, Zeinab Nour, Hamed Abdallah Hamed, Taymour Mostafa, Ahmed M. El-Guindi
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the predictive role of seminal testis expressed protein (TEX101) in sperm recovery in infertile men with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) after microsurgical varicocelectomy. The results showed that NOA patients with higher preoperative TEX101 levels had successful sperm recovery in their semen. Additionally, NOA patients without seminal sperm recovery had higher levels of serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Therefore, preoperative seminal TEX101 may serve as a biomarker for predicting sperm recovery in NOA patients with varicocele.
Article
Biology
Sreedhara Sangadala, Chi Heon Kim, Lorenzo M. Fernandes, Pooja Makkar, George R. Beck, Scott D. Boden, Hicham Drissi, Steven M. Presciutti
Summary: This study identified three drugs that can disrupt the interaction between sclerostin and its receptor, LRP5/6, and promote bone fusion. These drugs enhance Wnt signaling and BMP signaling, induce mineralization, and generate new bone in vivo. They have the potential to be used as bone graft substitutes for spinal fusion and fracture healing.
Review
Andrology
Ramy Abou Ghayda, Rossella Cannarella, Aldo E. Calogero, Rupin Shah, Amarnath Rambhatla, Wael Zohdy, Parviz Kavoussi, Tomer Avidor-Reiss, Florence Boitrelle, Taymour Mostafa, Ramadan Saleh, Tuncay Toprak, Ponco Birowo, Gianmaria Salvio, Gokhan Calik, Shinnosuke Kuroda, Raneen Sawaid Kaiyal, Imad Ziouziou, Andrea Crafa, Nguyen Ho Vinh Phuoc, Giorgio I. Russo, Damayanthi Durairajanayagam, Manaf Al-Hashimi, Taha Abo-Almagd Abdel-Meguid Hamoda, Germar-Michael Pinggera, Ricky Adriansjah, Israel Maldonado Rosas, Mohamed Arafa, Eric Chung, Widi Atmoko, Lucia Rocco, Haocheng Lin, Eric Huyghe, Priyank Kothari, Jesus Fernando Solorzano Vazquez, Fotios Dimitriadis, Nicolas Garrido, Sheryl Homa, Marco Falcone, Marjan Sabbaghian, Hussein Kandil, Edmund Ko, Marlon Martinez, Quang Nguyen, Ahmed M. Harraz, Ege Can Serefoglu, Vilvapathy Senguttuvan Karthikeyan, Dung Mai BaTien, Sunil Jindal, Sava Micic, Marina Bellavia, Hamed Alali, Nazim Gherabi, Sheena Lewis, Hyun Jun Park, Mara Simopoulou, Hassan Sallam, Liliana Ramirez, Giovanni Colpi, Ashok Agarwal
Summary: Artificial intelligence (AI) has made significant progress in the field of medicine and has been applied to various areas. Advances in computer science, medical informatics, robotics, and personalized medicine have facilitated AI's role in modern healthcare. In andrology and reproductive medicine, AI applications such as machine learning, artificial neural networks, and deep learning have shown great potential in diagnosing and treating male infertility, as well as improving patient care.
WORLD JOURNAL OF MENS HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Joseph L. Roberts, Brandon Chiedo, Hicham Drissi
Summary: Age is a crucial factor affecting fracture healing, as aging exacerbates the inflammatory response and disrupts the intestinal microbiota.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Daisy M. Ramos, Sama Abdulmalik, Michael R. Arul, Naseem Sardashti, Yeshavanth Kumar Banasavadi-Siddegowda, Syam P. Nukavarapu, Hicham Drissi, Sangamesh G. Kumbar
Summary: Approximately half of musculoskeletal injuries in the US involve tendon tears. Tendon injuries are common and slow to heal due to the nature of tendon tissue. Insulin-functionalized nanofiber matrices have been found to enhance tendon repair when combined with mesenchymal stem cells. The matrices promote collagen synthesis and alignment, contributing to functional recovery of the tendon.
ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chi Heon Kim, Colleen Oliver, Hamid Dar, Hicham Drissi, Steven M. Presciutti
Summary: Intervertebral disc degeneration is a major cause of low back pain worldwide. In this study, the researchers investigated the use of adenoassociated virus (AAV) as a tool for gene transfer in the intervertebral disc. They compared different AAV serotypes and parameters, and found that AAV6 with a CAG promoter at a titer of 1011 GC/mL achieved high transduction efficiency and low toxicity in murine nucleus pulposus cells. They also demonstrated the use of small cell permeabilization peptides to boost transduction efficiency, and utilized optical tissue clearing and three-dimensional lightsheet microscopy to visualize tissue and cell architecture after AAV6 delivery.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Joseph L. Roberts, Giovanni Mella-Velazquez, Hamid Y. Dar, Guanglu Liu, Hicham Drissi
Summary: This study suggests that IL-17ra signaling in preosteoclasts can contribute to osteoclast formation and subsequent bone loss. The deletion of IL-17ra in osteoclast precursors may lead to increased trabecular bone microarchitecture and decreased osteoclast number.
