Although human amniotic epithelial cells (AMEs) are an attractive source of stem cells, their therapeutic potential in wound healing has not been fully investigated. We evaluated the therapeutic potential of AMEs for wound healing. Real-time PCR showed that the epithelialization growth factors epidermal growth factor (EGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-B and chemotactic factors interleukin-8 (IL-8 or CXCL8) and neutrophil-activating protein-2 (NAP-2 or CXCL7) were upregulated in AMEs compared with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMs). In vitro scratch wound assays revealed that AME-derived conditioned medium substantially accelerated wound closure. Wounds in NOD/SCID mice were created by skin excision, followed by AME transplantation. AMEs implantation significantly accelerated wound healing and increased cellularity and re-epithelialization. Transplanted AMEs exhibited high engraftment rates and expressed keratinocyte-specific proteins and cytokeratin in the wound area, suggesting direct benefits for cutaneous closure. Taken together, these data indicate that AMEs possess therapeutic capability for wound healing through the secretion of epithelialization growth factors and enhanced engraftment properties. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The fruit of Schisandra chinensis (SC) is a well-known traditional herb used for pharmacological purposes in Asian countries (e.g., Korea, China, and Japan). In animal studies, SC extract supplementation had beneficial effects on muscle strength and lactate level. However, the effect of SC extract supplementation on skeletal muscle strength and lactate at rest in humans remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of SC extract supplementation on quadriceps muscle strength (QMS) and lactate at rest in adult women. Forty five healthy post-menopausal middle-aged women (61.9 ± 8.4 years) were randomly divided into the SC (n = 24) or the placebo group (n = 21). The SC group consumed 1000 mg of SC extract per day, whereas the placebo group consumed 1000 mg of starch per day for 12 weeks. The difference in muscle mass, physical function, and biomarkers and the relative changes between baseline and 12 weeks were evaluated. We used two-factor repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) to determine interaction (group × time) effects for variables. Statistical significance was accepted at p < 0.05. In ANOVA results, QMS (p = 0.001) and lactate level (p = 0.038) showed significant interactions. With paired t-tests, QMS was significantly increased (p < 0.001) and lactate level at rest was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) after 12 weeks in the SC group. However, no interactions were found between the other variables. Supplementation of SC extract may help to improve QMS as well as decrease lactate level at rest in adult women. We believe that SC extract is a health supplement that can support healthy life in this population.

Background: Chronic periodontitis (CP) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) have emerged as interconnected conditions with shared mechanisms, such as systemic inflammation and metabolic dysregulation. However, the risk of CP in the newly classified subgroups of steatotic liver disease (SLD), including MASLD and metabolic alcohol-associated liver disease (MetALD), has not been extensively studied. This study investigated the association between SLD subtypes and the incidence of CP in a nationwide cohort. Methods: This retrospective cohort study used data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. The study included 115,619 participants aged 40 and older who underwent health screenings between 2009 and 2010. The participants were classified into four groups: normal without risk factors, normal with risk factors, MASLD, and MetALD. The primary outcome was the incidence of CP as defined by ICD-10 codes and dental treatment records. Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated using the Cox proportional hazards model and adjusted for demographic, clinical, and lifestyle factors. Results: Over a mean follow-up of 7.4 years, individuals with MASLD and MetALD had significantly higher risks of developing CP compared with the normal group without risk factors (MASLD: adjusted HR 1.14, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11–1.17; MetALD: adjusted HR 1.21, 95% CI: 1.15–1.27). The risk was more pronounced for severe CP, particularly for those with MetALD (adjusted HR 1.29, 95% CI: 1.22–1.36). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses confirmed these findings across the various definitions of hepatic steatosis and metabolic risk factors. Conclusions: This study reveals that individuals with MASLD and MetALD are at an elevated risk of developing CP, highlighting the need for integrated care strategies that address both periodontal health and metabolic liver conditions. These findings underscore the importance of periodontal health management in reducing the risk of CP among SLD populations.

Although stem cells have attracted attention as a novel therapeutic solution for tissue regeneration, their minimal efficacy remains controversial. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the enhanced therapeutic property of CXCR4/IL-10 dual angiogenic/anti-inflammatory gene knock-in amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (AMM) in a wound-healing model. Dual CXCR4 and IL-10 genes were inserted into the AMM genome using transcription-activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN). Matrigel tube formation and anti-inflammatory effects were assessed in vitro, and efficacy was tested in vivo in a diabetic wound-healing model. CXCR4/IL-10-expressing amniotic MSCs (AMM/CI) strongly expressed CXCR4 and IL-10 genes and robustly promoted tube formation and anti-inflammatory potential. AMM/CI transplantation resulted in accelerated wound healing, as well as high engraftment and re-epithelialization potential. Transplanted AMM/CI also exhibited high angiogenic and decreased pro-inflammatory gene expression in the wound tissue, indicating direct therapeutic effects on wound healing. Taken together, these data indicate that dual angiogenic/anti-inflammatory gene knock-in may be a novel approach to enhance the therapeutic effects of stem cells, and transplantation of AMM/CI can be an alternative therapeutic option in chronic wound healing.

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease among middle-aged and older adults, leading to chronic pain, functional limitations, and decreased quality of life. While probiotics have shown anti-inflammatory potential in preclinical studies, their therapeutic role in OA has not been well established in human research. This exploratory randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Latilactobacillus sakei LB-P12 in improving knee OA symptoms. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 100 participants aged 40-75 years with chronic knee pain were assigned to receive either LB-P12 (350 mg/day, 10 billion CFU) or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores. Secondary outcomes included visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain, inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), cartilage degradation biomarkers (COMP), joint space width, and health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L). Safety was evaluated using laboratory tests and vital signs. After 12 weeks, the LB-P12 group showed significantly greater improvements in WOMAC total scores and VAS pain scores compared to the placebo group. All three WOMAC subdomains-pain, stiffness, and physical function-showed consistent reductions. Inflammatory cytokines, particularly IL-1β, were significantly reduced in the LB-P12 group. Quality of life also improved significantly. No adverse events or clinically meaningful abnormalities in laboratory values were observed. This exploratory RCT suggests that daily supplementation with LB-P12 is safe and may offer potential benefits in reducing knee pain and improving physical function and quality of life in individuals with knee OA. Further large-scale and long-term RCTs are needed to confirm these findings and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Although stem cells have extensively been studied as a novel vehicle for tissue repair, their sustained efficacy remains controversial. In this study, we aimed to investigate the angiogenic potency over time of stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) gene-edited amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (AMM/S) in a hindlimb ischaemia model. An SDF-1 transgene was inserted into the AMM cell genome via transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) mediated knock-in, and cell migration, Matrigel tube formation, and in vivo Matrigel plug assays were performed. AMM/S were also transplanted into hindlimb ischaemia model mice. Blood perfusion, therapeutic potential, histology, capillary density and in vivo angiogenic assays were performed. AMM/S exhibited high expression of the SDF-1 gene, and robustly promoted migration, proliferation and microvascular formation. AMM/S transplantation significantly increased blood perfusion and limb loss prevention compared with AMM. AMM/S also significantly inhibited increased capillary density and expression of angiogenic factors in the ischaemic hindlimb. Our study demonstrated that AMM/S provides a significant therapeutic effect in ischaemic hindlimbs by enhancing angiogenesis.