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Abstract: Mesenchymal stem cells or multipotent stromal cells (MSCs) have initially captured attention in the scientific world because of their differentiation potential into osteoblasts, chondroblasts and adipocytes and possible transdifferentiation into neurons, glial cells and endothelial cells. This broad plasticity was originally hypothesized as the key mechanism of their demonstrated efficacy in numerous animal models of disease as well as in clinical settings. However, there is accumulating evidence suggesting that the beneficial effects of MSCs are predominantly caused by the multitude of bioactive molecules secreted by these remarkable cells. Numerous angiogenic factors, growth factors and cytokines have been discovered in the MSC secretome, all have been demonstrated to alter endothelial cell behavior in vitro and induce angiogenesis in vivo. As a consequence, MSCs have been widely explored as a promising treatment strategy in disorders caused by insufficient angiogenesis such as chronic wounds, stroke and myocardial infarction. In this review, we will summarize into detail the angiogenic factors found in the MSC secretome and their therapeutic mode of action in pathologies caused by limited blood vessel formation. Also the application of MSC as a vehicle to deliver drugs and/or genes in (anti-)angiogenesis will be discussed. Furthermore, the literature describing MSC transdifferentiation into endothelial cells will be evaluated critically. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Physical exercise decreased neuron damages in ischemic stroke. [•] Physical exercise ameliorated astrocyte dysfunction in ischemic stroke. [•] Physical exercise improved the function of pericytes in ischemic stroke. [•] Physical exercise alleviated extracellular matrix dysfunction in ischemic stroke. [•] Physical exercise strengthened cerebral blood vessels in ischemic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Cell therapy is emerging as a viable neurorestorative therapy for stroke. [•] Various cell sources have displayed the feasibility and therapeutic efficacy in stroke. [•] Cell-instructed bystander effects presumably underlie the improvement in functional outcome. [•] Several genetic or pharmaceutical pretreatment may enhance the efficacy of cell therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Src and angiogenic factor expression alters in focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. [•] Src inhibition with PP1 decreases Src, VEGF, and Ang-2; increases Ang-1 and ZO-1. [•] PP1 reduces cerebral edema, infarct size, and neurologic dysfunction. [•] Src regulates vascular permeability after ischemic reperfusion. [•] Src may provide a new therapeutic target for increased vascular permeability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Apelin is an adipokine that has been identified as an endogenous ligand for the orphan receptor APJ. Apelin and APJ are expressed in a diverse range of tissues with particular preponderance for the heart and vasculature. Apelin has powerful positive inotropic actions and causes endothelium- and nitric oxide-dependent vasodilatation. Growing evidence shows that apelin/APJ system functions as a critical mediator of cardiovascular homeostasis and is involved in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases. Targeting apelin/APJ axis produces protection against cardiovascular diseases. In the current review we have summarized recent data concerning the role and therapeutic potential of apelin/APJ in several major cardiovascular diseases. An increased understanding of the cardiovascular actions of apelin/APJ system will help to develop novel therapeutic interventions for cardiovascular diseases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Obesity and adipose tissue contribute to local and systemic inflammation. However the role of the inflammatory mediator bradykinin (BK) in this context is not known. We therefore evaluated the effect of BK on adipokines secretion in human preadipocytes during the course of differentiation and characterized the receptors involved. Results obtained from antibody array and ELISA experiments showed that several adipokines are released by human preadipocytes under basal conditions while BK specifically stimulated the production of interleukin(IL)-6 and IL-8. The effect of BK diminished with the progression of differentiation, being almost inactive on adipocytes. In preadipocytes, BK also induced a rapid and transient [Ca2+]i mobilization, a rapid and sustained increase in ERK1/2 activation and enhanced forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation. BK was without effect on cell proliferation and viability as assessed by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation, WST-1 conversion, or lactate dehydrogenase leakage and was without effect on adipogenesis as measured by triglyceride accumulation, GPDH activity and leptin release. The B1 receptor agonist, Lys-[des-Arg9]-BK, displayed poor activity or was without effect while overall BK effects were prevented by the selective B2 receptor antagonist, fasitibant chloride, but not by the B1 selective antagonist, Lys-[Leu8][des-Arg9]-BK. Immunoblot analysis and immunofluorescence studies showed that the kinin B2 receptor was essentially expressed at the beginning of the differentiation program. In conclusion, human preadipocytes expressed kinin B2 receptors linked to multiple signaling pathways, IL-6 and IL-8 production, and BK proinflammatory response in adipose tissue could be prevented by fasitibant chloride. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]