Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder defined by progressive deterioration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) have been proposed to replace the degenerated dopaminergic neurons due to its inherent neurogenic and regenerative potential. However, the effective delivery and homing of DPSCs within the lesioned brain has been one of the many obstacles faced in cell-based therapy of neurodegenerative disorders. We hypothesized that DPSCs, delivered intranasally, could circumvent these challenges. In the present study, we investigated the therapeutic efficacy of intranasally administered DPSCs in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced mouse model of PD. Human deciduous DPSCs were cultured, pre-labelled with PKH 26, and intranasally delivered into PD mice following MPTP treatment. Behavioural analyses were performed to measure olfactory function and sensorimotor coordination, while tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunofluorescence was used to evaluate MPTP neurotoxicity in SNpc neurons. Upon intranasal delivery, degenerated TH-positive neurons were ameliorated, while deterioration in behavioural performances was significantly enhanced. Thus, the intranasal approach enriched cell delivery to the brain, optimizing its therapeutic potential through its efficacious delivery and protection against dopaminergic neuron degeneration.

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the world’s leading causes of increased morbidity and mortality. Current interventions for CVD, including percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), carry certain risks and complications, which may also affect the patient’s quality of life. It is important to minimize those risks and complications while speeding up the recovery. Insulin Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) is a growth factor responsible for cellular migration, proliferation, differentiation, and angiogenesis, which supports cardiovascular regeneration. Methods: In light of the current trend of regenerative medicine, the present review aims to pool data relating to the incorporation of IGF-1 in regenerative medicine and provide input on the current research gaps and concerns arising on translating this approach from benchwork into clinical settings. Results: Using the keywords IGF-1 ‘OR’ Insulin Growth Factor 1 ‘AND’ Mesenchymal Stem Cells ‘AND’ Tissue Healing from 2009 to 2020, we identified 160 and 52 from Medline and PubMed, screening out 202 articles due to non-fulfilment of the inclusion criteria. Conclusion: Incorporating IGF-1 into regenerative and personalized medicine may be promising for treating CVD; however, the concerns include the role of IGF-1 in inducing cancer growth and its ability to migrate to the specific site of injury, especially for those who present with multiple pathologies should be addressed prior to its translation from bench work into clinical settings.

Background/Aims: It has been postulated that foot alignment affects postural stability. However, previous studies reported contradicting results regarding the association between foot alignment and postural stability. Methods: A total of 216 healthy participants aged 15 to 24 years were recruited. Their rearfoot alignment was measured in non-weight bearing and weight-bearing positions. Their static balance was assessed using Balance Error Scoring System and dynamic balance by Star Excursion Balance Test. The relationship between the data obtained were analysed using SPSS version 22 software. Findings: A Pearson correlation with a 95% confidence interval reported that there was: (i) no significant difference in the rearfoot alignment between both genders; (ii) no significant relationship between the rearfoot alignment measured in prone lying and unilateral stance position; (iii) a weak negative correlation between the rearfoot alignment measured in prone lying position to dynamic balance on medial, posterior, lateral, anterolateral and posteromedial direction; (iv) no significant relationship between the rearfoot alignment measured in unilateral stance position to both static and dynamic postural balance. Conclusions: Rearfoot alignment measured in non-weight bearing position plays some role in postural stability and therefore should be considered in sports rehabilitation. However, this can be overlooked in rehabilitation for individuals whose postural stability is not the primary concern.