Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Lucia Garcia-Caballero, Marina Gandara, Alfonso Cepeda-Emiliani, Rosalia Gallego, Francisco Gude, Juan Suarez-Quintanilla, Isabel Ramos-Barbosa, Juan Blanco-Carrion
Summary: This study aimed to determine the histological structure and histomorphometric characteristics of human hard palatal mucosa in order to identify the best donor site for connective tissue grafts. The results showed that the density and size of cells were higher in the superficial papillary layer, while the thickness of collagen bundles increased in the reticular layer. The tuberosity region was found to be the best donor site from a histological point of view as it consisted only of a thick lamina propria without a loose submucosal layer.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kai Liu, Lesan Yan, Ruotao Li, Zhiming Song, Jianxun Ding, Bin Liu, Xuesi Chen
Summary: Nerve autograft is currently the preferred treatment for peripheral nerve defects but has limitations. Emerging nerve guide conduits (NGCs), especially those made through 3D printing, offer effective platforms for repairing peripheral nerve defects.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Naim Kittana, Mohyeddin Assali, Wolfram-Hubertus Zimmermann, Norman Liaw, Gabriela Leao Santos, Abdul Rehman, Susanne Lutz
Summary: The study showed that reinforcement of ECT using C-MWCNT can enhance the biophysical properties of the tissue, including increased stiffness, reduced contraction, improved elasticity and extensibility, as well as higher resilience and toughness compared to control tissues.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Yingbo Peng, Wanhong He, Shuang Teng, Muneer Ahmed Jamali, Severiano R. Silva, Alfredo Jorge Costa Teixeira
Summary: In this study, we investigated the degradation of intramuscular connective tissue (IMCT) using cathepsin L. Our findings showed that cathepsin L mainly degrades the non-helical peptides of collagen in IMCT, rather than the triple helix region. We also observed that cathepsin L has a more pronounced degradation effect on the structural protein DCN at a pH of 5.0. Additionally, cathepsin L treatment resulted in a more significant decrease in the thermal denaturation temperatures (T-P and T-O) of IMCT, especially at a pH of 5.0.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Puneeta Arya, Sjirk J. Westra, Oscar J. Benavidez, Marc D. Natter, Mandakolathur R. Murali
Summary: This passage describes the case of a 17-year-old boy who was admitted to the ICU with chest pain. He had developed symptoms such as fever, nausea, diarrhea, muscle aches, and chest pain 5 days prior.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Katarzyna Nawrotek, Mariusz Makiewicz, Dawid Zawadzki
Summary: A new technology combining polymer extrusion and electrophoretic deposition has been developed to fabricate hybrid implants with a two-layer structure for customized nerve tissue engineering applications. The implants can be functionalized with mechanical or biological cues to enhance their performance.
Article
Cell Biology
Ya-Nan Zhao, Ping Wu, Zi-Yuan Zhao, Fei-Xiang Chen, Ao Xiao, Zhi-Yi Yue, Xin-Wei Han, Yong Zheng, Yun Chen
Summary: In this study, chitosan/graphene oxide (GO) films were prepared using an electrodeposition technique, and their effects on Schwann cell proliferation and adhesion abilities were evaluated. The results showed that the films promoted the expression of nerve regeneration-related factors and that a nerve guidance conduit with a GO content of 0.25% improved functional and histological outcomes in a rat sciatic nerve defect model.
NEURAL REGENERATION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Majid Rahmati, Arian Ehterami, Reza Saberani, Ghasem Abbaszadeh-Goudarzi, Nariman Rezaei Kolarijani, Hossein Khastar, Behzad Garmabi, Majid Salehi
Summary: Peripheral nerve injuries caused by trauma can lead to pain and disability in patients. Berberine, with its various properties, can be used to enhance peripheral nerve injuries. The study demonstrated the positive effect of berberine-containing alginate/chitosan hydrogel on the regeneration of the sciatic nerve, indicating its potential therapeutic value in treating peripheral nerve injuries.
DRUG DELIVERY AND TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wei Xiang, Hui Cao, Hai Tao, Lin Jin, Yue Luo, Fenghua Tao, Ting Jiang
Summary: Spinal cord injury (SCI)-related disabilities are a serious problem that needs urgent treatment. Chitosan-based biomaterials have proven to be effective in promoting SCI repair by promoting neural cell growth, guiding nerve tissue regeneration, delivering nerve growth factors, and serving as a vector for gene therapy. This review aims to introduce recent advances in chitosan-based biomaterials for SCI treatment and highlight their prospects for further application.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Berta H. Ganizada, Koen D. Reesink, Shaiv Parikh, Mitch J. F. G. Ramaekers, Asim C. Akbulut, Pepijn J. M. H. Saraber, Gijs P. Debeij, Ehsan MUMC TAA Student Team, Armand M. Jaminon, Ehsan Natour, Roberto Lorusso, Joachim E. Wildberger, Barend Mees, Geert Willem Schurink, Michael J. Jacobs, Jack Cleutjens, Ingrid Krapels, Alexander Gombert, Jos G. Maessen, Ryan Accord, Tammo Delhaas, Simon Schalla, Leon J. Schurgers, Elham Bidar
Summary: Current management guidelines for ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms (aTAA) suggest intervention once the diameter reaches 5-5.5 cm or shows a growth rate of >0.5 cm/year. However, aTAA dissections (aTAAD) often occur in vessels with diameters below the surgical intervention threshold. To improve understanding of aTAA pathophysiology, the MAPEX platform focuses on the interactions between vascular smooth muscle cells and extracellular matrix, aiming to narrow knowledge gaps and improve diagnostic and prognostic possibilities.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elena McBeath, Keigi Fujiwara, Marie-Claude Hofmann
Summary: Until recently, the methods for generating floxed mice have been challenging, expensive, error-prone, or time-consuming. To overcome these issues, some labs have successfully used a small artificial intron to conditionally knockout a gene of interest in mice. However, others have encountered difficulties with the technique, primarily due to incorrect splicing or insufficient knockout of the gene's protein. This article presents a guide on selecting the appropriate exon and placing the recombinase-regulated artificial intron to prevent splicing disruption and maximize mRNA degradation. Following these recommendations should increase the success rate of producing tissue-specific knockout mice using this alternative technique.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Yuki Shirosaki, Federica Fregnan, Luisa Muratori, Saki Yasutomi, Stefano Geuna, Stefania Raimondo
Summary: In this study, porous chitosan-GPTMS hybrids with different amounts of GPTMS were prepared. The structures of the degradation products with Si from the hybrids were analyzed using mass spectrometry, and their potential use in nerve repair devices was evaluated through biological assessments. The results showed that lower-molecular-weight degradation products with Si improved motor cell line differentiation and neurite outgrowth of dorsal root ganglion explants.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhaoming Deng, Jun Liang, Na Fang, Xiangwei Li
Summary: Dental implants are widely accepted due to their mechanical properties and aesthetic outcomes. Successful osseointegration and tight soft tissue integration, particularly collagen fibers in the transmucosal region, contribute to their restorative success. Surface modification methods can enhance soft tissue integration. This review focuses on the differences in the transmucosal zone around dental implants compared to natural teeth and explores the latest strategies for enhancing soft tissue integration.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Ophthalmology
Sohini Mandal, Rohit Saxena, Rebika Dhiman, Anant Mohan, Srikanta Kumar Padhy, Swati Phuljhele, Pradeep Sharma, Randeep Guleria
Summary: The study found that while the incidence of ethambutol-induced optic neuropathy was less than 2%, subclinical damage in the form of increased visual evoked response latency and decreased retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell inner plexiform layer thickness on optical coherence tomography was observed in 46% of eyes.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Surgery
Lisa Gfrerer, Marek A. Hansdorfer, Ricardo Ortiz, Christian Chartier Kassandra P. Nealon, William G. Austen
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the tissue changes in occipital neuralgia patients undergoing surgery. Most patients showed thickened and fibrotic trapezius fascia, while the greater occipital nerve appeared abnormal in a third of cases. The findings suggest a structural anomaly related to nerve compression syndromes.
PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Tiffany S. Pinho, Deolinda Silva, Jorge Cibrao Ribeiro, Ana Marote, Rui Lima, Salete J. Batista, Rita Melo, Clarisse Ribeiro, Cristiana B. Cunha, Irina S. Moreira, Senentxu Lanceros-Mendez, Antonio J. Salgado
Summary: This study focuses on the application of poled and coated PVDF films for neural differentiation and found that these films can induce neuronal differentiation under mechanical stimulation, which is further enhanced with a pre-coating step of poly-d-lysine and laminin.
JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH PART A
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Andreia G. Pinho, Susana Monteiro, Valentina Liberato, Diogo J. Santos, Jonas Campos, Jorge R. Cibra, Nuno A. Silva, Nidia de Sousa, Anton Barreiro-Iglesias, Antonio J. Salgado
Summary: This study aimed to understand the potential of baclofen as a treatment to promote recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). The results showed that baclofen can improve locomotor and bladder function control in mice after SCI, and it may modulate the immune response. Although further research is needed to explore the mechanisms behind the functional improvements produced by baclofen, this study opens up new avenues for designing pharmacological strategies to promote SCI recovery.
Review
Cell Biology
Joana Sofia Correia, Sara Duarte-Silva, Antonio Jose Salgado, Patricia Maciel
Summary: Spinocerebellar ataxias are heritable neurodegenerative diseases characterized by aggregation of mutant polyglutamine protein in neurons, causing dysfunction and death in the central nervous system. Stem cell transplantation has shown promise in pre-clinical trials for spinocerebellar ataxia types 1, 2, and 3, but the best route of administration and long-term effects are still uncertain. Further studies are needed to optimize cell type selection and delivery strategies, while considering the potential risks of repetitive transplantation. Despite challenges, cell-transplantation therapies have provided transient but beneficial outcomes in spinocerebellar ataxias.
NEURAL REGENERATION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Marwa El Soury, Oscar Dario Garcia-Garcia, Isabella Tarulli, Jesus Chato-Astrain, Isabelle Perroteau, Stefano Geuna, Stefania Raimondo, Giovanna Gambarotta, Victor Carriel
Summary: Hollow conduits have not been as successful as autografts in regenerating critical nerve gaps. Enriching conduits with extracellular materials and cells could improve their performance. In this study, the addition of fibrin-collagen hydrogels and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells showed promising results in early nerve regeneration.
NEURAL REGENERATION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Joana Martins-Macedo, Antonio Mateus-Pinheiro, Catia Alves, Fernando Veloso, Eduardo D. Gomes, Ines Ribeiro, Joana S. Correia, Tiago Silveira-Rosa, Nuno D. Alves, Ana J. Rodrigues, Joao M. Bessa, Nuno Sousa, Joao F. Oliveira, Patricia Patricio, Luisa Pinto
Summary: This study developed an automated system for exposing rodents to a standard unpredictable chronic mild stress (uCMS) protocol. Comparing manual (uCMS) and automated (auCMS) stress-exposure protocols, the data showed similar impacts on behavioral and physiological measurements. This automated method represents a step forward in preclinical research with advantages in time and standardization.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhong Huang, Rebecca Powell, Svenja Kankowski, James B. Phillips, Kirsten Haastert-Talini
Summary: Researchers have successfully generated Schwann cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells by modifying existing protocols, resulting in sufficient cell numbers. They also found that specific coating and glucose levels are crucial for improving the differentiation process and increasing the yield of viable cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sonia Calabro, Svenja Kankowski, Matilde Cescon, Giovanna Gambarotta, Stefania Raimondo, Kirsten Haastert-Talini, Giulia Ronchi
Summary: It is widely recognized that the gut microbiota plays a crucial role in human health, and its disruption is associated with various diseases. Recent studies have expanded our understanding of the relationship between the gut microbiota and the peripheral nervous system (PNS), highlighting that the PNS can be affected by GM perturbations. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the current knowledge on the impact of the gut microbiota on the PNS, considering both its somatic and autonomic divisions in physiological, regenerative, and pathological conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Deolinda Silva, Lucas Schirmer, Tiffany S. Pinho, Passant Atallah, Jorge R. Cibrao, Rui Lima, Joao Afonso, Sandra B-Antunes, Claudia R. Marques, Joao Dourado, Uwe Freudenberg, Rui A. Sousa, Carsten Werner, Antonio J. Salgado
Summary: Adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) secrete factors that promote regenerative mechanisms, such as axonal growth and inflammation reduction, leading to functional recovery in spinal cord injury (SCI) cases. However, systemic delivery may cause off-target effects, while local administration has low efficiency. This study presents a delivery system based on a hydrogel that continuously releases pro-regenerative cytokines and growth factors, inducing neural differentiation and improving motor function in SCI models.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Rita Silva-Pedrosa, Antonio Jose Salgado, Pedro Eduardo Ferreira
Summary: Cellular models offer opportunities to study human diseases, avoiding ethical restrictions and costs associated with animal models. iPSCs technology overcomes the complexities of hESCs and contributes to diagnosis, therapeutics, and regenerative medicine. 3D cell culture systems, like organoids, provide closer replication of cellular morphology and polarity, enabling the study of organ development, disease modeling, and drug discovery. Although organoids have limitations, they have become a powerful tool for understanding human physiology and the pathogenesis of various diseases.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
David Munoz-Rodriguez, Marwane Bourqqia-Ramzi, Maria Teresa Garcia-Esteban, Antonio Murciano-Cespedosa, Alejandro Vian, Juan Lombardo-Hernandez, Pablo Garcia-Perez, Francisco Conejero, Alvaro Mateos Gonzalez, Stefano Geuna, Celia Herrera-Rincon
Summary: Inter-cellular communication involve biochemical, biophysical, and bioelectrical signals, which can occur between cells from the same tissue or animal species, as well as between cells that are evolutionarily distant. This paper presents a method for assessing the bioelectrical state of two bacterial strains and monitoring their bioelectrical profile during growth, revealing functional links between membrane potential and population growth. The study also demonstrates that bacteria respond to neural signals by changing their membrane potential, highlighting the potential for studying the relationship between bacteria and the brain in the context of the gut microbiota-brain axis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Bruna Lopes, Andre Coelho, Rui Alvites, Ana Catarina Sousa, Patricia Sousa, Alicia Moreira, Luis Atayde, Antonio Salgado, Stefano Geuna, Ana Colette Mauricio
Summary: Animal models play a crucial role in peripheral nerve injury regeneration studies, but there is a lack of usage of large animal models. The application of large animal models needs to be expanded to improve translational medicine for clinical practice.
REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Yuki Shirosaki, Federica Fregnan, Luisa Muratori, Saki Yasutomi, Stefano Geuna, Stefania Raimondo
Summary: In this study, porous chitosan-GPTMS hybrids with different amounts of GPTMS were prepared. The structures of the degradation products with Si from the hybrids were analyzed using mass spectrometry, and their potential use in nerve repair devices was evaluated through biological assessments. The results showed that lower-molecular-weight degradation products with Si improved motor cell line differentiation and neurite outgrowth of dorsal root ganglion explants.
Article
Cell Biology
Sofia Pereira das Neves, Joao Carlos Sousa, Ricardo Magalhaes, Fuying Gao, Giovanni Coppola, Sebatien Meriaux, Fawzi Boumezbeur, Nuno Sousa, Joao Jose Cerqueira, Fernanda Marques
Summary: Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. Recent research has shown that reactive astrocytes in MS lesions undergo metabolic alterations and exhibit increased reactivity, potentially contributing to the progression of the disease.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Patricia Sousa, Bruna Lopes, Ana Catarina Sousa, Alicia Moreira, Andre Coelho, Rui Alvites, Nuno Alves, Stefano Geuna, Ana Colette Mauricio
Summary: This article presents a systematic review of studies on the use of exosomes for wound healing over the past five years. The review shows that exosome-based treatments can improve wound healing by promoting angiogenesis, reepithelization, collagen deposition, and reducing scar formation. However, further research is needed due to the variability in cell sources, biomaterials, and administration routes.
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Ana Marote, Diogo Santos, Barbara Mendes-Pinheiro, Claudia Serre-Miranda, Sandra Anjo, Joana Vieira, Filipa Ferreira-Antunes, Joana Sofia Correia, Caroline Borges-Pereira, Andreia G. Pinho, Jonas Campos, Bruno Manadas, Manuel R. Teixeira, Margarida Correia-Neves, Luisa Pinto, Pedro M. Costa, Laurent Roybon, Antonio J. Salgado
Summary: This study compared the secretomes of long-term cultured BM-MSCs and iMSCs, and conducted a comprehensive characterization of both sources. The results showed that although there were significant differences in proliferation between the two sources, the secretome composition of both sources was similar in pre-senescent and senescent states. These findings suggest that shifting from BM-MSCs to a more advantageous source like iMSCs may yield similar therapeutic effects as the gold-standard MSC source.
STEM CELL REVIEWS AND REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Lin-Lin Luo, Jie Xu, Bing-Qiao Wang, Chen Chen, Xi Chen, Qiu-Mei Hu, Yu-Qiu Wang, Wan-Yun Zhang, Wan-Xiang Jiang, Xin-Ting Li, Hu Zhou, Xiao Xiao, Kai Zhao, Sen Lin
Summary: A novel AAV serotype, AAVYC5, introduced in this study, showed more efficient transduction into multiple retinal layers compared to AAV2, and enabled successful delivery of anti-angiogenic molecules in mice and non-human primates.
