Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy - Volume 20, Issue 10, 2025

Neural stem cells (NSCs) are vulnerable to oxidative stress, which triggers aging and subsequently leads to a reduced regenerative capacity of the central nervous system (CNS). Due to the challenges in acquiring aged human NSCs and the lack of an oxidative stress-induced aging model specifically designed for human NSCs, research related to the aging mechanisms and the screening of anti-aging drugs has been limited. Here, we aimed to establish an oxidative stress-induced senescence model of NSCs by using D-galactose (D-gal).

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) were differentiated into hESC-NSCs using a type I collagen method. hESC-NSCs were characterized by flow cytometry combined with immunofluorescence. A senescence model of hESC-NSCs was established using D-gal and characterized by CCK-8 assay, neurosphere formation, crystal violet staining, DNA damage assay, SA-β-gal staining, and ROS levels measurement. To further explore the profile of gene expression in the D-gal-induced hESC-NSCs senescence model, transcriptome sequencing was performed and analysed by bioinformatics method, followed by verification using qPCR.

The hESC-derived NSCs senescence model demonstrated reduced proliferation and elevated β-galactosidase activity, accompanied by DNA damage, and increased levels of reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis unveiled the potential central role of the MAPK signaling pathway in D-gal-induced senescence, involving key genes, including DDIT3, ATF3, CEBPB, JUN, and CCND1.

We presented an oxidative stress-induced senescence model of hESC-NSCs and identified key pathways and genes related to D-gal-induced senescence. Our study might offer an alternative approach to investigating human NSCs aging and provide valuable data for understanding the underlying mechanisms of oxidative stress-induced aging.

This study aimed to assess the knowledge, perception, and willingness of the Saudi population towards stem cell treatment and banking, the associated factors, and their predictive abilities.

A cross-sectional study was conducted from September to December 2022 in Saudi Arabia using a structured bilingual, self-administered online survey to collect sociodemographic information and determine the knowledge and understanding, perception, and willingness of the general population. Bloom’s cut-off points were used to distribute the scores into three categories, namely strong (80-100%), moderate (60-79%), and weak (<59%). Descriptive statistics were used to assess each domain, while t-tests, ANOVA, and binary logistic regression were used to assess factors influencing each domain and their predictive abilities.

The study conscripted 440 respondents, mainly females (70%) aged 18-24 years (56.1%), mostly single (44.3%), Saudi nationals (89%), and college graduates (56.6%). Social media (53.4%) was the primary source of information. 77.95% of respondents exhibited a low level of knowledge. Females, Saudi nationals, respondents with Islamic beliefs, college graduates, and those who received information from family physicians and social media had significantly better knowledge. 50.68% of respondents showed a strong perception. Non-Saudi participants, those who received information from family and friends, and respondents with a high prevalence of hypertension and diabetes in their families had a better perception. However, only 21.59% showed strong willingness toward stem cell treatment and banking, including Saudi nationals and college graduates. Gender was found to be a significant predictor for better knowledge and perception, while no socio-demographic variables significantly predicted willingness.

This study emphasizes the need for increased awareness, educational campaigns, and targeted strategies considering various socio-demographic factors to improve the knowledge, perception, and willingness of the general population toward stem cell treatments and banking in Saudi Arabia.

Human menstrual blood stem cells (huMenSCs) appear to be pre-clinically safe but a controlled phase I clinical trial is required to determine safety for clinical applications.

HuMenSCs established from healthy donors were free of bacteria, mycoplasma, chlamydia, and endotoxin. P3 (passage 3) huMenSCs expressed the mesenchymal stem cell markers. P6 huMenSCs were developmental multipotential and could translocated into the uterine subepithelial stroma after intrauterine transplantation. After 10 and 15 passages, the huMenSCs kept normal karyotypes.

Gene expression showed that compared with the human umbilical cords mesenchymal stem cells (huMSCs), the huMenSCs affected the stromal cells more effectively. The huMenSCs possibly enhanced the stromal cell multiplication and “decidualization” process initiated by Igfbp1.

Expression of Igfbp1, Atf3, Ptgs2, Hoxa10, Nr4a1, and Fox A2 were significantly increased in the stromal cells of the huMenSCs transplanted uterine.

Diabetic foot (DF) poses a great challenge to us due to its poor therapeutic effect. To seek a new cure, the human dental pulp mesenchymal stem cells (hDP-MSCs) were modified by vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) (hEDP-MSCs) to investigate their curative effect on DF wound in animal models.

Forty-eight rats with DF constructed with streptozotocin and ligation of femoral arteries, were randomly divided into six equal groups, which respectively received an intramuscular injection of normal saline (Control group), hDP-MSCs, VEGFA-modified hDP-MSCs, bFGF- modified hDP-MSCs, hEDP-MSCs, and Ad.VEGF.FGF (Ad.FV). The tissues around DF wound were collected to investigate the level of CD31, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and cytokines. The expression of Notch1, Hes1, and CD105 were assessed via Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) after administration.

The hEDP-MSCs increased capillaries and decreased wound area (%). QRT-PCR showed that hEDP-MSCs over-expressed the mRNA of Notch1, hairy and enhancer of split 1 and CD105 in peri-wound tissue post-treatment. Meanwhile, the hEDP-MSCs expressed more CD31 and α-SMA than other groups. The hEDP-MSCs expressed more VEGFA and bFGF than hDP-MSCs, and yet less than Ad.FV. Compared with hDP-MSCs, the hEDP-MSCs down-regulated the expressions of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin (IL-6), and tissue necrosis factor α (TNF-a) post-treatment.

This study highlights the curative effect of hEDP-MSCs in the wound healing process, and demonstrates the decisive function of hEDP-MSCs in promoting angiogenesis and reducing inflammation.

Mesenchymal stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood (UCB-MSCs) have a well-known role in fastening the wound healing process due to their less immune rejection, anti-inflammatory effects, and their role in cellular growth. Campesterol is a nutritional phytosterol with extensive health values and a competitor of cholesterol in the blood. Campesterol shares some anti-inflammatory effects via its regulation of inflammatory markers by inhibiting the pro-inflammatory cytokines (including TNF-α, TGF-β1, and IL-6) levels.

The purpose of this study was to assess the ameliorative role of combined therapy (campesterol and UCB-MSCs) in wound healing without immune rejection. The study comprised both in-vitro and in-vivo experiments. In-vitro analysis included assessments of the cell viability of campesterol on UCBMSCs using MTT, crystal blue, trypan blue, and cell scratch assays. For in-vivo trials, superficial burn wounds were created on Sprague Dawley rats to evaluate the effects of campesterol, UCB-MSCs, and their combination on healing outcomes. Tissue regeneration progress in the wound vicinity was assessed using H&E staining and ELISA (inflammatory and growth markers) analysis.

Results of in-vitro experiments indicated that campesterol at concentrations of 10µg, 20µg, and 30µg demonstrated the most efficient cell viability. Moreover, a 30ug dose of campesterol along with UCBMSCs was further applied, leading to smooth and uncomplicated healing in the animal models. H&E staining showed nearly normal skin tissue while hematological and biochemical markers were near to control. Serum levels of tissue growth promoter factors, including VEGF and collagen-3, were higher, and pro-inflammatory markers (such as TGF-β1, TNF-α, and IL-6) were lower at the same time.

The results of the combined (MSCs and campesterol) therapy showed enhanced wound healing abilities. However, further studies are recommended to explore new aspects of this promising therapeutic approach of UCB-MSCs along with steroid derivative campesterol.

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (hucMSC-Exs) have been found to exhibit therapeutic effects on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, due to the harsh environment of the gastrointestinal tract, exosomes, as a type of biological drug or carrier of bio-active substances, are still delivered by tail vein injection.

In this study, hucMSC-Ex were coated with poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) polymer to form microparticles, PLGA-hucMSC-Ex, by double emulsion method.

The oral administration of PLGA-hucMSC-Ex particles alleviated inflammation in the mice model of IBD by reversing IBD-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).

This provides an alternative to exploring IBD treatments, with potential clinical application to relieve IBD in patients.