1.
Histological validation of adipogenic differentiation potential of ASC on collagen-based 2D scaffolds.
Gomarasca, M, Savadori, P, Mariano, S, Cipolla, L, Lombardi, G
Histochemistry and cell biology. 2020;(4):449-455
Abstract
Determination of the adipogenic potential and behavior of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (ASCs) is particularly relevant for their potential clinical application in regenerative medicine, especially when regeneration is supported by biomaterials or scaffolds. Scaffolds need to be able to induce tissue repair and limit undesired adipogenic differentiation. Depending on the scaffold employed, determination of cell behavior may be hindered by material interference with staining, which will limit either cells identification or dye quantification. Collagen is a promising biomaterial in regenerative medicine, however, histological analysis of cells cultured on collagen-based scaffolds is challenging. Here we describe a new histological method based on iron hematoxylin combined with Oil red O (ORO) staining, for the determination of the adipogenic differentiation of ASCs cultivated on a collagen-based 2D scaffold. ASCs were seeded on collagen films or plastic, differentiated into adipocytes for 14 days, and then stained with either ORO or iron hematoxylin and ORO combined. The collagen films avidly absorbed the ORO dye; conventional staining and quantification by dye extraction failed to discriminate between differentiated and undifferentiated cells on the films. On the contrary, the iron hematoxylin-ORO combination provided a quantitative and more reliable determination of adipocytes based on single cell count. This method is particularly recommended for determining the adipogenic differentiation potential of ASCs and other cell types grown on highly absorptive materials that need to be validated for their potential use in bioengineering and regenerative medicine.
2.
Novel Therapeutic Delivery of Nanocurcumin in Central Nervous System Related Disorders.
Panzarini, E, Mariano, S, Tacconi, S, Carata, E, Tata, AM, Dini, L
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland). 2020;(1)
Abstract
Nutraceuticals represent complementary or alternative beneficial products to the expensive and high-tech therapeutic tools in modern medicine. Nowadays, their medical or health benefits in preventing or treating different types of diseases is widely accepted, due to fewer side effects than synthetic drugs, improved bioavailability and long half-life. Among herbal and natural compounds, curcumin is a very attractive herbal supplement considering its multipurpose properties. The potential effects of curcumin on glia cells and its therapeutic and protective properties in central nervous system (CNS)-related disorders is relevant. However, curcumin is unstable and easily degraded or metabolized into other forms posing limits to its clinical development. This is particularly important in brain pathologies determined blood brain barrier (BBB) obstacle. To enhance the stability and bioavailability of curcumin, many studies focused on the design and development of curcumin nanodelivery systems (nanoparticles, micelles, dendrimers, and diverse nanocarriers). These nanoconstructs can increase curcumin stability, solubility, in vivo uptake, bioactivity and safety. Recently, several studies have reported on a curcumin exosome-based delivery system, showing great therapeutical potential. The present work aims to review the current available data in improving bioactivity of curcumin in treatment or prevention of neurological disorders.
3.
Effects of aquatic exercise on mental health, functional autonomy and oxidative stress in depressed elderly individuals: A randomized clinical trial.
Silva, LAD, Tortelli, L, Motta, J, Menguer, L, Mariano, S, Tasca, G, Silveira, GB, Pinho, RA, Silveira, PCL
Clinics (Sao Paulo, Brazil). 2019;74:e322
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Decreased physical activity can contribute significantly to increased levels of depression. Whereas, regular physical activity positively alters the symptoms of depression thereby promoting mental health. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aquatic exercise on mental health, functional autonomy and oxidative stress parameters in depressed elderly individuals. The study is a longitudinal clinical study, conducted over a period of 12 weeks. Forty participants were recruited: 20 elderly individuals (men n = 9 men) with depression formed the depression group and another 20 (n = 13 men) individuals without depression formed the non-depression group. Both groups were subjected to the same aquatic physical training program. Results showed that a low-intensity aerobic training program in the aquatic environment can contribute to the treatment of depression by reducing anxiety and depression scores, improving functional autonomy and decreasing oxidative stress. Authors conclude that an intermittent aquatic physical exercise program improves the functional capacity of depressed elderly individuals.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aquatic exercise on mental health, functional autonomy and oxidative stress parameters in depressed elderly individuals. METHODS Initially, ninety-two elderly individuals were included in the study and were allocated into the depression group (n=16) and nondepression group (n=14). Both groups engaged in the aquatic exercise program for 12 weeks, including two weekly sessions (45 min/session) at a low intensity (between 50% and 60% of maximal heart rate or Borg scale scores of 13 to 14) throughout the intervention. All outcomes were evaluated at baseline and 12 weeks later. RESULTS The patients were 63.5±8.8 years old. The following scores were decreased after training in the depressed group: depression (53%), anxiety (48%), and Timed Up & Go (33%). The following scores increased: Berg Balance Scale (9%) and flexibility (44%). Regarding the blood-based parameters, there were decreases in protein carbonylation (46%) and nitric oxide (60%) and increases in glutathione (170%) and superoxide dismutase (160%) in the depression group (p<0.005). CONCLUSIONS The aquatic exercise program reduces depression and anxiety, improves functional autonomy and decreases oxidative stress in depressed elderly individuals.