Heparanase Released from Mesenchymal Stem Cells Activates Integrin Beta1/HIF-2alpha/Flk-1 Signaling and Promotes Endothelial Cell Migration and Angiogenesis Scientists elucidated the role of heparanase in the improved therapeutic properties of hypoxic preconditioning-mesenchymal stem cells and explored underlying mechanisms using an ischemic rat hindlimb model. [Stem Cells] Abstract | Full Article OGP Functionalized Phenylalanine-Based Poly(Ester Urea) for Enhancing Osteoinductive Potential of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Phenylalanine poly(ester urea)s (PEU) were modified by tethering osteogenic growth peptide (OGP) to tyrosine-based monomer subunits. These OGP-tethered PEUs were fabricated into porous scaffolds and cultured in vitro to examine their effect on differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells toward the osteogenic lineage. [Biomacromolecules] Abstract The Synergistic Effect of Micro-Topography and Biochemical Culture Environment to Promote Angiogenesis and Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Researchers investigated the combined effects of surface microtextures and biochemical supplements to achieve osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells and revascularization of the implants in vivo. [Acta Biomater] Abstract Mesenchymal Stem Cells Alleviate Airway Inflammation and Emphysema in COPD through Down-Regulation of Cyclooxygenase-2 via p38 and ERK MAPK Pathways Scientists showed that mesenchymal stem cell administration alleviated airway inflammation and emphysema through the down-regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and COX-2-mediated prostaglandin E2 production, possibly through the effect on alveolar macrophages. [Sci Rep] Full Article The Anti-Fibrotic Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Irradiated Lungs via Stimulating Endogenous Secretion of HGF and PGE2 Researchers attempted to use human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells to prevent disease in Sprague-Dawley rats that received semi-thoracic irradiation. To investigate the specific roles of mesenchymal stem cells in ameliorating radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis, they treated control groups of irradiated rats with human skin fibroblasts or phosphate-buffered saline. [Sci Rep] Full Article Human Placenta-Derived CD146-Positive Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Display a Distinct Osteogenic Differentiation Potential Scientists investigated if expression of CD146 on mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) from placenta correlates with a similar osteogenic differentiation potential. The MSC were isolated specifically from the endometrial and fetal parts of human term placenta and expanded in separate cultures, and compared to MSC from bone marrow as controls. [Stem Cells Dev] Abstract Peripheral Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Candidate Cells Responsible for Healing Critical-Sized Calvarial Bone Defects Scientists present a coculture system that routinely produces a group of cells from adult peripheral blood. Treatment with these cells enhanced healing of critical-size bone defects in the mouse calvarium, a proof of principle that peripheral blood-derived cells can be used to heal bone defects. [Stem Cells Transl Med] Abstract Effects of the 1,4-Dihydropyridine L-Type Calcium Channel Blocker Benidipine on Bone Marrow Stromal Cells Researchers investigated the effect of the antihypertensive drug benidipine on bone marrow stromal cell differentiation into osteoblasts and bone formation under osteoporotic conditions. [Cell Tissue Res] Abstract Clumps of a Mesenchymal Stromal Cell/Extracellular Matrix Complex Can Be a Novel Tissue Engineering Therapy for Bone Regeneration The biological properties of mesenchymal stromal cell/extracellular matrix complex were assessed in vitro and their bone regenerative activity was tested by use of a rat calvarial defect model. [Cytotherapy] Abstract |