Selected aspects of the biological activity of a series of six nitrate silver(I) complexes with pyridine and (benz)imidazole derivatives were investigated. The present study evaluated the antibacterial activities of the complexes against three Gram-negative strains: Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 15442, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Proteus hauseri ATCC 13315. The results were compared with those of silver nitrate, a silver sulfadiazine drug and appropriate ligands. The most significant antibacterial properties were exerted by silver(I) complexes containing benzimidazole derivatives. The cytotoxic activity of the complexes was examined against B16 (murine melanoma) and 10T1/2 (murine fibroblasts) cells. All of the tested silver(I) compounds were not toxic to fibroblast cells in concentration inhibited cancer cell (B16) viability by 50%, which ranged between 2.44–28.65 µM. The molecular and crystal structure of silver(I) complex of 2,6-di(hydroxymethyl)pyridine was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The most important features of the crystal packing and intermolecular non-covalent interactions in the Ag(I) complex were quantified via Hirshfeld surface analysis.

Although encouraging results of adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) use in wound healing are available, the mechanism of action has been studied mainly in vitro and in animals. This work aimed to examine the safety and efficacy of allogenic ADSCs in human diabetic foot ulcer treatment, in combination with the analyses of the wound. Equal groups of 23 participants each received fibrin gel with ADSCs or fibrin gel alone. The clinical effects were assessed at four time points: days 7, 14, 21 and 49. Material collected during debridement from a subset of each group was analyzed for the presence of ADSC donor DNA and proteomic changes. The reduction in wound size was greater at all subsequent visits, significantly on day 21 and 49, and the time to 50% reduction in the wound size was significantly shorter in patients who received ADSCs. Complete healing was achieved at the end of the study in seven patients treated with ADSCs vs. one treated without ADSCs. One week after ADSC application, 34 proteins significantly differentiated the material from both groups, seven of which, i.e., GAPDH, CAT, ACTN1, KRT1, KRT9, SCL4A1, and TPI, positively correlated with the healing rate. We detected ADSC donor DNA up to 21 days after administration. We confirmed ADSC-related improvement in wound healing that correlated with the molecular background, which provides insights into the role of ADSCs in wound healing—a step toward the development of cell-based therapies.

Obesity is strongly associated with an increased risk of heart failure. Recent studies indicate that epicardial adipose tissue plays a critical role in the development of obesity-related cardiomyopathy. This distinct visceral fat depot, located between the myocardium and the visceral pericardium, is involved in direct cross-talk with the adjacent myocardium, influencing both its structural integrity and electrophysiological function. This review aims to provide an up-to-date overview of the morphological, metabolic, immunological, and functional alterations of this adipose compartment in the context of obesity, and to explore its contribution to the pathogenesis of heart failure. Moreover, the article synthesizes current evidence on the potential cardioprotective effects of emerging anti-obesity pharmacotherapies—particularly GLP-1 and dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists—on metabolic pathways associated with epicardial fat that are implicated in obesity-induced cardiomyopathy. Further clinical trials are required to clarify the impact of these therapies on the course and prognosis of heart failure, as well as on the epidemiology and societal burden of the disease.

Resources from biobanks and biorepositories, such as human samples, are of increasing interest to specialists in various fields. However, whilst biobanks provide a crucial service, their efficient and effective management can prove challenging. When establishing a biobank many factors should be considered, such as the need for appropriate infrastructure, equipment, financial support, and highly specialised and suitably qualified personnel. The number and qualifications of the necessary personnel depend both on the biobank’s size and type — i.e. a biobank that is large and diversified in terms of the stored material should be organised differently to a small biorepository. The core of the biobank should be composed of highly trained personnel that closely co-operate with the general and quality control manager. Due to the large amount of data related to the samples, an IT specialist might be needed. In the case of large population biobanks, personnel responsible for patient recruitment, documentation handling, sample collection and distribution to the biobank would be necessary. Furthermore, staff responsible for the infrastructure are also highly important, as they are the first responders to failures that may be critical for the biobank functioning. Depending on the type and size of the biobank/biorepository, some responsibilities and tasks could potentially be combined. Nevertheless, highly trained personnel with clear and precisely defined duties are the key to the proper functioning of a biobank.

The treatment of diabetic wounds is impaired by the intricate nature of diabetes and its associated complications, necessitating novel strategies. The utilization of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) as a therapeutic modality for chronic and recalcitrant wounds in diabetic patients is an active area of investigation aimed at enhancing its therapeutic potential covering tissue regeneration. The threat posed to the patient and their environment by the presence of a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is so significant that any additional therapeutic approach that opens new pathways to halt the progression of local changes, which subsequently lead to a generalized inflammatory process, offers a chance to reduce the risk of amputation or even death. This article explores the potential of MSCs in diabetic foot ulcer treatment, examining their mechanisms of action, clinical application challenges, and future directions for research and therapy.

Subcutaneous adipose tissue is an excellent source of mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs), which can be used in cell therapies as an active substance in advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs). Because of the short shelf-life of ATMPs and the time needed to obtain the results of microbiological analysis, the final product is often administered to the patient before sterility is confirmed. Because the tissue used for cell isolation is not sterilized to maintain cell viability, controlling and ensuring microbiological purity at all stages of production is crucial. This study presents the results of monitoring the contamination incidence during ADSC-based ATMP manufacturing over two years. It was found that more than 40% of lipoaspirates were contaminated with thirteen different microorganisms, which were identified as being physiological flora from human skin. Such contamination was successfully eliminated from the final ATMPs through the implementation of additional microbiological monitoring and decontamination steps at various stages of production. Environmental monitoring revealed incidental bacterial or fungal growth, which did not result in any product contamination and was reduced thanks to an effective quality assurance system. To conclude, the tissue used for ADSC-based ATMP manufacturing should be considered contaminated; therefore, good manufacturing practices specific to this type of product must be elaborated and implemented by the manufacturer and the clinic in order to obtain a sterile product.