Book Volume 11
An Introduction to the Use of Embryology in Clinical Practice
Page: 1-11 (11)
Author: Mandana Beigi Boroujeni*, Seyyed Amir Yasin Ahmadi, Ali Fouladi Nashta and Fataneh Ghafari
DOI: 10.2174/9789815238600124110003
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
Embryology is a part of anatomical sciences investigating formation,
differentiation, growth and development of embryos and fetuses. This science is not
only limited to the definition above, but it can also be used for human adults involved
in perinatology, infertility, congenital defects, cell therapy and personalized medicine.
This chapter aims to introduce embryology and its role in the clinical practice of
physicians. The linkage of embryology and medicine is an example of the linkage
between basic and clinical medical sciences. Entering to this interdisciplinary field
opens a novel door for making hypotheses for future studies.
Tissue Development: Molecular Regulation and Signaling Transduction (from Gene to Human)
Page: 12-23 (12)
Author: Seyyed Amir Yasin Ahmadi, Nasim Beigi Boroujeni, Ali Fouladi Nashta, Fataneh Ghafari and Mandana Beigi Boroujeni*
DOI: 10.2174/9789815238600124110004
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
Every human is a result of a cell formed from the fertilization of an oocyte
with a sperm. This cell is called a zygote. A miracle is how just one cell can make a lot
of tissues and organs. Regulation of gene expression is the first step of tissue
development. Regulation of gene expression has different levels, including the genome
(DNA content), transcriptome (RNA content, resulted from the transcription of DNA),
and proteome (protein content, resulted from the translation of RNA) levels. The final
consequence of gene expression regulation is cellular phenotype. The resulted proteins
act for inter-cellular signaling transduction and tissue development. We aimed to show
the details of gene expression regulation, cellular signaling transduction and
interaction, and tissue development. We have shown a scheme of the gene to fetus
formation.
Cell Differentiation on Hydrogels and its Application in Regenerative Medicine
Page: 24-60 (37)
Author: Maria I. León-Campos, Jesús A. Claudio-Rizo, Luis E. Cobos-Puc and Denis A. Cabrera-Munguia*
DOI: 10.2174/9789815238600124110005
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
Cellular differentiation is a biological process in which a cell permanently
alters its characteristics (phenotype), ensuring that its descendants also inherit these
traits or can modify them when subjected to other differentiating stimuli. During this
process, genetic changes occur within cells, leading to a commitment to a specific cell
fate. Totipotent cells (stem cells) undergo differentiation based on their ultimate cell
destiny, dictated by the tissue they will eventually become a part of it. A current
challenge in regenerative medicine involves employing biomaterials within hydrogel
matrices to induce changes in cell phenotype and functionality. Stem cells from various
sources can thrive within 3D biomatrices featuring defined chemical compositions, and
depending on the physical, chemical, and biological cues encountered, they can assume
diverse phenotypes. The utilization of hydrogels composed of natural and synthetic
polymers, as well as inorganic components, has been explored for such purposes,
revealing a direct correlation between the structure and physicochemical properties of
polymeric matrices and their impact on cell differentiation capacity. Consequently, the
encapsulation of stem cells within these biomaterials can be tailored to enhance the
effectiveness of regenerative medicine treatments, particularly in the regeneration of
cardiac, dermal, epithelial, cartilaginous, and nervous tissues. This chapter aims to
elucidate the fundamental principles of cellular differentiation in stem cells facilitated
by biomaterial compositions within hydrogel matrices and explore its potential
applications in regenerative medicine.
The Promising Treatment of Sepsis: Stem Cell Therapy
Page: 61-90 (30)
Author: Zeynep Ture, Gokcen Dinc and Emine Alp*
DOI: 10.2174/9789815238600124110006
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
Sepsis is a life-threatening syndrome that develops as a result of a
dysregulated immune response caused by an infectious agent. The pathogenesis of
sepsis has been better understood over the years, and new treatment protocols have
been developed. In sepsis, the host immune response is equally as important as the
infectious agent in the clinical presentation of sepsis and the development of shock. In
the early phase of sepsis, hyperinflammation and secondary hyperinflammation occur,
while in the late phase, immunosuppression is present. Sepsis treatment is based on
controlling the source of infection, antimicrobial treatment and supportive treatment
depending on the phase of sepsis.
Stem cells have shown great potential in recent years to become a new therapeutic
option for infectious diseases. The stem cell is an undifferentiated cell that can selfrenew to proliferate and differentiate into specialized cells under appropriate
conditions. The following section focuses on stem cell therapy, which is an adjuvant
treatment method in the treatment of sepsis. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have
immunomodulatory properties through direct or paracrine interactions with immune
cells involved in innate or adaptive immunity. In the treatment of sepsis, MSCs have
shown promise in reducing mortality and bacteremia in experimental mouse models of
sepsis. However, the number of completed clinical trials on sepsis is very limited.
These studies have shown the use of MSCs to be safe at appropriate doses.
Nevertheless, there may be a risk of thromboembolic events following high-dose
applications. There remains a need for clinical studies on timing, dose and duration of
use.
First, Do no Harm: Current Approaches to Assess Tumorigenicity in Stem Cell-derived Therapeutic Products
Page: 91-112 (22)
Author: Zongjie Wang*
DOI: 10.2174/9789815238600124110007
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
Stem cells hold a great promise for regenerative medicine given their ability
to proliferate and differentiate into various cell types. However, self-renewal and
multipotency also grant a high capacity to form tumor tissues in vivo post-therapeutic
administration. Indeed, multiple case reports have revealed the formation of stem cell derived tumors, such as teratoma, in animal models and even in clinical applications.
As a result, examination of tumorigenicity becomes one of the major considerations
when assessing the safety of stem cell-derived therapeutic products. Ideally, the
assessment needs to be performed in a rapid, sensitive, cost-effective, and scalable
manner. In this chapter, the current practices of assay development to fulfill this
demand are reviewed. Progress in animal models, soft agar culture, PCR, flow
cytometry, and microfluidics are introduced and compared comprehensively. Some
insights regarding the assay selection and future development are also provided as there
is no one-for-all assay at this moment.
Introduction
Stem cell and regenerative medicine research is an important area of clinical research which promises to change the face of medicine as it will be practiced in the years to come. Challenges in the 21st century to combat diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease and retinal disorders, among others, may well be addressed employing stem cell therapies and tissue regeneration techniques. Frontiers in Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research brings updates on multidisciplinary topics relevant to stem cell research and their application in regenerative medicine. The series is essential reading for researchers seeking updates in stem cell therapeutics and regenerative medicine. Volume 11 includes 5 chapters on these topics: - The use of embryology in clinical practice - Molecular regulation and signaling transduction in human tissue development - Cell differentiation on hydrogels and its application in regenerative medicine - Stem cell therapy for sepsis - Tumorigenicity assessments for stem cell-derived therapeutic products.