Shobha Regmi

All Publications

• Enhanced viability and function of mesenchymal stromal cell spheroids is mediated via autophagy induction. Autophagy Regmi, S., Raut, P. K., Pathak, S., Shrestha, P., Park, P., Jeong, J. 2020

  Abstract

  Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have received attention as promising therapeutic agents for the treatment of various diseases. However, poor post-transplantation viability has been a major hurdle in MSC-based therapy, despite encouraging results in many inflammatory disorders and tissue repair. Recently, three dimensional (3D)-cultured MSCs (MSC3D) were shown to have higher cell survival and enhanced anti-inflammatory effects, although the underlying mechanisms have not yet been elucidated. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms by which MSC3D gain the potential for enhanced cell viability. Herein, we found that macroautophagy/autophagy was highly induced and ROS production was suppressed in MSC3D as compared to 2D-cultured MSCs (MSC2D). Interestingly, inhibition of autophagy induction caused decreased cell viability and increased apoptotic activity in MSC3D. Furthermore, modulation of ROS production was closely related to the survival and apoptosis of MSC3D. We also observed that HMOX1 (heme oxygenase 1) was significantly up-regulated in MSC3D. In addition, gene silencing of HMOX1 caused upregulation of ROS production and suppression of the genes related to autophagy. Moreover, inhibition of HIF1A (hypoxia inducible factor 1 subunit alpha) caused suppression of HMOX1 expression in MSC3D, indicating that the HIF1A-HMOX1 axis plays a crucial role in the modulation of ROS production and autophagy induction in MSC3D. Finally, the critical role of autophagy induction on improved therapeutic effects of MSC3D was further verified in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced murine colitis. Taken together, these results indicated that autophagy activation and modulation of ROS production mediated via the HIF1A-HMOX1 axis play pivotal roles in enhancing the viability of MSC3D.

  View details for DOI 10.1080/15548627.2020.1850608

  View details for PubMedID 33206581

• Intraportally delivered stem cell spheroids localize in the liver and protect hepatocytes against GalN/LPS-induced fulminant hepatic toxicity. Stem cell research & therapy Regmi, S., Pathak, S., Thanh, T. P., Nguyen, T. T., Sung, J., Yook, S., Kim, J. O., Yong, C. S., Choi, I., Doh, K., Park, P., Park, J., Seo, Y., Kim, B., Lee, D., Moon, I., Kim, H., Jeong, J. 2019; 10 (1): 230

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is common in severe fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) and has a high mortality rate (20-50%) due to irreversible cerebral edema or sepsis. Stem cell-based treatment has emerged as a promising alternative therapeutic strategy to prolong the survival of patients suffering from FHF via theinhibition of SIRS due to their immunomodulatory effects.METHODS: 3D spheroids of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (3D-ADSC) were prepared by the hanging drop method. The efficacy of the 3D-ADSC to rescue FHF was evaluated in a D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide (GalN/LPS)-induced mouse model of FHF via intraportal transplantation of the spheroids.RESULTS: Intraportally delivered 3D-ADSC better engrafted and localized into the damaged livers compared to 2D-cultured adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (2D-ADSC). Transplantation of 3D-ADSC rescued 50% of mice from FHF-induced lethality, whereas only 20% of mice survived when 2D-ADSC were transplanted. The improved transplantation outcomes correlated with the enhanced immunomodulatory effect of 3D-ADSC in the liver microenvironment.CONCLUSION: The study shows that the transplantation of optimized 3D-ADSC can efficiently ameliorate GalN/LPS-induced FHF due to improved viability, resistance to exogenous ROS, and enhanced immunomodulatory effects of 3D-ADSC.

  View details for DOI 10.1186/s13287-019-1337-3

  View details for PubMedID 31615539

• Mesenchymal Stem Cell Capping on ECM-Anchored Caspase Inhibitor-Loaded PLGA Microspheres for Intraperitoneal Injection in DSS-Induced Murine Colitis SMALL Pathak, S., Regmi, S., Shrestha, P., Choi, I., Doh, K., Jeong, J. 2019; 15 (23): e1901269

  Abstract

  Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are considered as a promising alternative for the treatment of various inflammatory disorders. However, poor viability and engraftment of MSCs after transplantation are major hurdles in mesenchymal stem cell therapy. Extracellular matrix (ECM)-coated scaffolds provide better cell attachment and mechanical support for MSCs after transplantation. A single-step method for ECM functionalization on poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres using a novel compound, dopamine-conjugated poly(ethylene-alt-maleic acid), as a stabilizer during the preparation of microspheres is reported. The dopamine molecules on the surface of microspheres provide active sites for the conjugation of ECM in an aqueous solution. The results reveal that the viability of MSCs improves when they are coated over the ECM-functionalized PLGA microspheres (eMs). In addition, the incorporation of a broad-spectrum caspase inhibitor (IDN6556) into the eMs synergistically increases the viability of MSCs under in vitro conditions. Intraperitoneal injection of the MSC-microsphere hybrid alleviates experimental colitis in a murine model via inhibiting Th1 and Th17 differentiation of CD4+ T cells in colon-draining mesenteric lymph nodes. Therefore, drug-loaded ECM-coated surfaces may be considered as attractive tools for improving viability, proliferation, and functionality of MSCs following transplantation.

  View details for DOI 10.1002/smll.201901269

  View details for Web of Science ID 000485484800013

  View details for PubMedID 31018047

• Inflammation-triggered local drug release ameliorates colitis by inhibiting dendritic cell migration and Th1/Th17 differentiation. Journal of controlled release : official journal of the Controlled Release Society Regmi, S. n., Pathak, S. n., Nepal, M. R., Shrestha, P. n., Park, J. n., Kim, J. O., Yong, C. S., Choi, D. Y., Chang, J. H., Jeong, T. C., Orive, G. n., Yook, S. n., Jeong, J. H. 2019

  Abstract

  Enteric-coated formulations using Eudragit® polymers have been extensively used for delivering drugs to the lower gastrointestinal tract. However, these drug-delivery systems cannot accurately deliver the therapeutic cargoes to colon because of early degradation of the polymers at alkaline pH of the small intestine. Here, we describe a precise method of delivering drugs to inflammation sites in colon using an oral drug delivery system. Tacrolimus (FK506)-loaded microspheres were prepared using a thioketal-based polymer that releases drug in response to reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are abundantly produced at the sites of inflammation in acute colitis. Orally-administered FK506-loaded thioketal microspheres (FK506-TKM) led to substantial accumulation of FK506 in inflamed colon and effectively alleviated dextran-sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced murine colitis. At the molecular level, FK506-TKM significantly inhibited infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in colon and differentiation of CD4+ T cells to Th1 and Th17 cells in colon-draining mesenteric lymph nodes via restricting dendritic cell migration from colon. Our findings indicate orally-administered thioketal-based drug delivery system as a promising means of treating acute inflammatory bowel diseases.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jconrel.2019.11.001

  View details for PubMedID 31689461

• Engineered islet cell clusters transplanted into subcutaneous space are superior to pancreatic islets in diabetes FASEB JOURNAL Pathak, S., Regmi, S., Gupta, B., Tung Thanh Pham, Yong, C., Kim, J., Yook, S., Kim, J., Park, M., Bae, Y., Jeong, J. 2017; 31 (11): 5111–21

  Abstract

  An alternative route for pancreatic islet transplantation is the subcutaneous space; however, inadequate vascularization in the subcutaneous space limits the availability of oxygen and nutrients to the subcutaneously transplanted islets, which leads to the development of a necrotic core in the islets, thereby causing islet dysfunction. Thus, we aimed to prevent the early apoptosis of pancreatic islets after transplantation into subcutaneous space by preparing islet clusters of appropriate size. We prepared fully functional islet cell clusters (ICCs) by using the hanging-drop technique. We optimized the size of ICCs on the basis of viability and functionality after culture in an hypoxic environment. We transplanted ICCs into the subcutaneous space of diabetic mice and evaluated the viability of the islets at the transplantation site. In an hypoxic environment, ICCs exhibited improved viability and functionality compared with control islets. ICCs, upon transplantation into the hypoxic subcutaneous space of diabetic mice, showed better glycemic control compared with control islets. Live/dead imaging of the islets after retrieval from the transplanted area revealed significantly reduced apoptosis in ICCs. Transplantation of ICCs may be an attractive strategy to prevent islet cell apoptosis that results from nonimmune-mediated physiologic stress at the transplantation site.-Pathak, S., Regmi, S., Gupta, B., Pham, T. T., Yong, C. S., Kim, J. O., Yook, S., Kim, J.-R., Park, M. H., Bae, Y. K., Jeong, J.-H. Engineered islet cell clusters transplanted into subcutaneous space are superior to pancreatic islets in diabetes.

  View details for DOI 10.1096/fj.201700490R

  View details for Web of Science ID 000413398500038

  View details for PubMedID 28754712

• Particulate-Based Single-Dose Local Immunosuppressive Regimen for Inducing Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells in Xenogeneic Islet Transplantation. Advanced healthcare materials Pathak, S., Acharya, S., Regmi, S., Shrestha, P., You, Z., Bae, Y. K., Park, M. H., Yook, S., Kim, J., Park, S. Y., Jeong, D., Yong, C. S., Kim, J. O., Chang, J. H., Jeong, J. 2020: e2001157

  Abstract

  Recent studies emphasize on developing immune tolerance by an interim administration of various immunosuppressive drugs. In this study, a robust protocol is reported for local immunomodulation using a single-dose of FK506 microspheres and clodronate liposomes (mFK+CLO) in a xenogeneic model of islet transplantation. Surprisingly, the single-dose treatment with mFK+CLO induce tolerance to the islet xenograft. The recipient mice display tolerogenic dendritic cells (tDCs) with decreased antigen presenting ability and T cell activation capacity. Furthermore, a reduced percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and an impaired differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells into interferon-gamma producing Th1 and interleukin-17 producing Th17 cells are observed. In addition, the immunosuppressive protocol leads to the generation of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) which are required for the long-term graft survival. The enhanced generation of tDCs and Tregs by the single treatment of mFK+CLO cause xenograft tolerance, suggesting a possible clinical strategy which may pave the way towards improving therapeutic outcomes of clinical islet transplantation.

  View details for DOI 10.1002/adhm.202001157

  View details for PubMedID 33251762

• Single-dose intraperitoneal delivery of FK506-encapsulated polymeric microspheres for the alleviation of murine colitis JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY Pathak, S., Regmi, S., Nepal, M., Shrestha, P., Choi, J., Yook, S., Jeong, J. 2020; 91: 121–28

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jiec.2020.07.041

  View details for Web of Science ID 000573546300011

• Local release of NECA (5'-(N-ethylcarboxamido)adenosine) from implantable polymeric sheets for enhanced islet revascularization in extrahepatic transplantation site. Journal of controlled release : official journal of the Controlled Release Society Nguyen, T. T., Emami, F., Yook, S., Nguyen, H. T., Pham, T. T., Pathak, S., Regmi, S., Kim, J. O., Yong, C. S., Kim, J., Jeong, J. 2020

  Abstract

  Clinical intraportal pancreatic islet infusion is popular for treating type I diabetes. However, multiple doses of islets and anti-rejection protocols are needed to compensate for early large cell losses post-infusion due to the harsh hepatic environment. Thus, extrahepatic sites are utilized to enable efficient islet engraftment and reduce islet mass. Here, we reported an effective islet revascularization protocol that was based on the co-implantation of islet/fibrin gel construct with poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid sheet releasing NECA (5'-(N-ethylcarboxamido) adenosine; a potent agonist of adenosine) into mouse epididymal fat pad. Thin, flexible sheets (d = 4 mm) prepared by simple casting exhibited sustained NECA release for up to 21 days, which effectively improved early islet engraftment with a median diabetic reversal time of 18.5 days. Western blotting revealed the facilitative effect of NECA on VEGF expression from islets in vitro and from grafts in vivo. In addition, NECA directly promoted the angiogenic activities of islet-derived endothelial cells by enhancing their proliferation and vessel-like tube formation. As a result, neovasculatures were effectively formed in the engrafted islet vicinity, as evidenced by vasculature imaging and immunofluorescence. Taken together, we suggest NECA-releasing PLGA sheets offer a safe and effective drug delivery system that enhances islet engraftment while reducing islet mass at extrahepatic sites for clinical relevance.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.02.029

  View details for PubMedID 32087300

• Targeted delivery of doxorubicin for the treatment of bone metastasis from breast cancer using alendronate-functionalized graphene oxide nanosheets JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY Tung Thanh Pham, Hanh Thuy Nguyen, Cao Dai Phung, Pathak, S., Regmi, S., Ha, D., Kim, J., Yong, C., Kim, S., Choi, J., Yook, S., Park, J., Jeong, J. 2019; 76: 310–17

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jiec.2019.03.055

  View details for Web of Science ID 000470939700027

• Mesenchymal stem cell therapy for the treatment of inflammatory diseases: Challenges, opportunities, and future perspectives. European journal of cell biology Regmi, S. n., Pathak, S. n., Kim, J. O., Yong, C. S., Jeong, J. H. 2019

  Abstract

  Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising alternative agents for the treatment of inflammatory disorders due to their immunomodulatory functions, and several clinical trials on mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based products are currently being conducted. In this review, we discuss recent progress made on the use of MSCs as immunomodulatory agents, developmental challenges posed by MSC-based therapy, and the strategies being used to overcome these challenges. In this context, current understanding of the mechanisms responsible for MSC interactions with the immune system and the molecular responses of MSCs to inflammatory signals are discussed. The immunosuppressive activities of MSCs are initiated by cell-to-cell contact and the release of immuno-regulatory molecules. By doing so, MSCs can inhibit the proliferation and function of T cells, natural killer cells, B cells, and dendritic cells, and can also increase the proliferation of regulatory T cells. However, various problems, such as low transplanted cell viability, poor homing and engraftment into injured tissues, MSC heterogeneity, and lack of adequate information on optimum MSC doses impede clinical applications. On the other hand, it has been shown that the immunomodulatory activities and viabilities of MSCs might be enhanced by 3D-cultured systems, genetic modifications, preconditioning, and targeted-delivery.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ejcb.2019.04.002

  View details for PubMedID 31023504

• Hyaluronic acid-capped compact silica-supported mesoporous titania nanoparticles for ligand-directed delivery of doxorubicin ACTA BIOMATERIALIA Gupta, B., Poudel, B., Ruttala, H., Regmi, S., Pathak, S., Gautam, M., Jin, S., Jeong, J., Choi, H., Ku, S., Yong, C., Kim, J. 2018; 80: 364–77

  Abstract

  Mesoporous titania nanoparticles (MTN), owing to their high surface area to volume ratio and tunable pore sizes, appear capable of delivering sizable amounts of drug payloads, and hence, show considerable promise as drug delivery candidates in cancer therapy. We designed silica-supported MTN (MTNst) coated with hyaluronic acid (HA) to effectively deliver doxorubicin (DOX) for breast cancer therapy. The HA coating served a dual purpose of stabilizing the payload in the carriers as well as actively targeting the nanodevices to CD44 receptors. The so-formed HA-coated MTNst carrying DOX (HA/DOX-MTNst) had spheroid particles with a considerable drug-loading capacity and showed significantly superior in vitro cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 cells as compared to free DOX. HA/DOX-MTNst markedly improved the cellular uptake of DOX in an apparently CD44 receptor-dependent manner, and increased the number of apoptotic cells as compared to free DOX. These nanoplatforms accumulated in large quantities in the tumors of MDA-MB-231 xenograft tumor-bearing mice, where they significantly enhanced the inhibition of tumor growth compared to that observed with free DOX with no signs of acute toxicity. Based on these excellent results, we deduced that HA/DOX-MTNst could be successfully used for targeted breast cancer therapy. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This is the first study to use silica-supported mesoporous titania nanoparticles (MTNst) for doxorubicin (DOX) delivery to treat breast cancer, which exhibited effective and enhanced in vitro and in vivo apoptosis and tumor growth inhibition. Solid silica was used to support the mesoporous TiO2 resulting in MTNst, which efficiently incorporated a high DOX payload. The hyaluronic acid (HA) coating over the MTNst surface served a dual purpose of first, stabilizing DOX inside the MTNst (capping agent), and second, directing the nanoplatform device to CD44 receptors that are highly expressed in MDA-MB-231 cells (targeting ligand). The NPs exhibited highly efficacious in vitro tumor-cell killing and excellent in vivo tumor regression, highlighting the enormous promise of this system for breast cancer therapy.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.09.006

  View details for Web of Science ID 000449133400030

  View details for PubMedID 30201431

• Polyamino Acid Layer-by-Layer (LbL) Constructed Silica-Supported Mesoporous Titania Nanocarriers for Stimuli-Responsive Delivery of microRNA 708 and Paclitaxel for Combined Chemotherapy ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES Gupta, B., Ruttala, H., Poudel, B., Pathak, S., Regmi, S., Gautam, M., Poudel, K., Sung, M., Ou, W., Jin, S., Jeong, J., Ku, S., Choi, H., Yong, C., Kim, J. 2018; 10 (29): 24392–405

  Abstract

  Cellular Fas-associated protein with death domain-like interleukin-1β-converting enzyme-inhibitory protein (c-FLIP), often strongly expressed in numerous cancers, plays a pivotal role in thwarting apoptosis and inducing chemotherapy resistance in cancer. An integrated approach combining chemotherapy with suppression of c-FLIP levels could prove paramount in the treatment of cancers with c-FLIP overexpression. In this study, we utilized a polymeric layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly of silica-supported mesoporous titania nanoparticles (MTNst) to co-deliver paclitaxel (PTX) and microRNA 708 (miR708) for simultaneous chemotherapy and c-FLIP suppression in colorectal carcinoma. The resulting LbL miR708/PTX-MTNst showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity in HCT-116 and DLD-1 colorectal carcinoma cell lines, which was remarkably superior to that of free PTX or LbL PTX-MTNst. LbL miR708/PTX-MTNst strongly inhibited c-FLIP expression and resulted in increased expression of proapoptotic proteins. In DLD-1 xenograft tumor-bearing mice, the nanoparticles accumulated in the tumor, resulting in remarkable tumor regression, with the PTX and miR708-loaded nanoparticles showing significantly greater inhibitory effects than the free PTX or PTX-loaded nanoparticles. Immunohistochemical analyses of the tumors further confirmed the remarkable apoptotic and antiproliferative effects of the nanoparticles, whereas organ histology reinforced the biocompatibility of the system. Therefore, the LbL miR708/PTX-MTNst system, owing to its ability to deliver both chemotherapeutic drug and inhibitory miRNA to the tumor site, shows great potential to treat colorectal carcinoma in clinical settings.

  View details for DOI 10.1021/acsami.8b06642

  View details for Web of Science ID 000440511900009

  View details for PubMedID 29978708

• Polymeric microsphere-facilitated site-specific delivery of quercetin prevents senescence of pancreatic islets in vivo and improves transplantation outcomes in mouse model of diabetes ACTA BIOMATERIALIA Pathak, S., Regmi, S., Nguyen, T., Gupta, B., Gautam, M., Yong, C., Kim, J., Son, Y., Kim, J., Park, M., Bae, Y., Park, S., Jeong, D., Yook, S., Jeong, J. 2018; 75: 287–99

  Abstract

  Attenuation of senescence progression may be attractive way to preserve the functionality of pancreatic islets (PI) after transplantation. In this study, we developed a model for in vitro induction of premature senescence in rat PI and showed the effectiveness of quercetin (QU) to prevent the senescence. To provide targeted-delivery of QU to the PI after transplantation, we prepared the hybrid clusters (HC) of islet single cells (ISC) and QU-loaded polymeric microspheres (QU; ∼7.55 ng HC-1). Long-term culture of the HC revealed reduced levels of reactive oxygen species and decreased expression of senescence-associated beta galactosidase, Rb, p53, p16, and p21 compared to that of the control islets. Transplantation of HC into subcutaneous space of the immune-deficient mice produced better glycemic control compared to the control islets or the ICC-transplanted mice. SA-β-Gal staining of the in vivo transplanted HC sample showed lower intensity compared to that of the control islets or the islet cell clusters. Thus, in situ delivery of therapeutic agent may be a promising approach to improve therapeutic outcomes in cell therapy.In this study, we aimed to improve outcomes in islet transplantation using in situ delivery of quercetin to pancreatic islets, using polymeric microspheres. We prepared prolonged release-type microspheres and constructed hybrid clusters of pancreatic islets and the microspheres using hanging drop method. The presence of quercetin in the cellular microenvironment attenuated the progression of senescence in the pancreatic islets in a long-term in vitro culture. Moreover, transplantation of the hybrid clusters in the diabetic mice produced better glycemic control compared to that of the control islets. In addition, quercetin delayed the progression of senescence in the pancreatic islets after in vivo transplantation. Thus, local delivery of antioxidants like quercetin may be an attractive way to improve outcomes in cell therapy.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.06.006

  View details for Web of Science ID 000440125600024

  View details for PubMedID 29883808

• Paclitaxel and Erlotinib-co-loaded Solid Lipid Core Nanocapsules: Assessment of Physicochemical Characteristics and Cytotoxicity in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH Gupta, B., Poudel, B., Regmi, S., Pathak, S., Ruttala, H., Gautam, M., An, G., Jeong, J., Choi, H., Yong, C., Kim, J. 2018; 35 (5): 96

  Abstract

  Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The aim of this study was to design solid lipid core nanocapsules (SLCN) comprising a solid lipid core and a PEGylated polymeric corona for paclitaxel (PTX) and erlotinib (ERL) co-delivery to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and evaluate their physicochemical characteristics and in vitro activity in NCI-H23 cells.PTX/ERL-SLCN were prepared by nanoprecipitation and sonication and physicochemically characterized by dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. In vitro release profiles at pH 7.4 and pH 5.0 were studied and analyzed. In vitro cytotoxicity and cellular uptake and apoptosis assays were performed in NCI-H23 cells.PTX/ERL-SLCN exhibited appropriately-sized spherical particles with a high payload. Both PTX and ERL showed pH-dependent and sustained release in vitro profiles. PTX/ERL-SLCN demonstrated concentration- and time-dependent uptake by NCI-H23 cells and caused dose-dependent cytotoxicity in the cells, which was remarkably greater than that of not only the free individual drugs but also the free drug cocktail. Moreover, well-defined early and late apoptosis were observed with clearly visible signs of apoptotic nuclei.PTX/ERL-SLCN could be employed as an optimal approach for combination chemotherapy of NSCLC.

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s11095-017-2337-6

  View details for Web of Science ID 000428687800002

  View details for PubMedID 29536182

• Tissue adhesive FK506-loaded polymeric nanoparticles for multi-layered nano-shielding of pancreatic islets to enhance xenograft survival in a diabetic mouse model BIOMATERIALS Tung Thanh Pham, Tiep Tien Nguyen, Pathak, S., Regmi, S., Hanh Thuy Nguyen, Tuan Hiep Tran, Yong, C., Kim, J., Park, P., Park, M., Bae, Y., Choi, J., Byun, Y., Ahn, C., Yook, S., Jeong, J. 2018; 154: 182–96

  Abstract

  This study aims to develop a novel surface modification technology to prolong the survival time of pancreatic islets in a xenogenic transplantation model, using 3,4-dihydroxyphenethylamine (DOPA) conjugated poly(lactide-co-glycolide)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLGA-PEG) nanoparticles (DOPA-NPs) carrying immunosuppressant FK506 (FK506/DOPA-NPs). The functionalized DOPA-NPs formed a versatile coating layer for antigen camouflage without interfering the viability and functionality of islets. The coating layer effectively preserved the morphology and viability of islets in a co-culture condition with xenogenic lymphocytes for 7 days. Interestingly, the mean survival time of islets coated with FK506/DOPA-NPs was significantly higher as compared with that of islets coated with DOPA-NPs (without FK506) and control. This study demonstrated that the combination of surface camouflage and localized low dose of immunosuppressant could be an effective approach in prolonging the survival of transplanted islets. This newly developed platform might be useful for immobilizing various types of small molecules on therapeutic cells and biomaterial surface to improve the therapeutic efficacy in cell therapy and regenerative medicine.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2017.10.049

  View details for Web of Science ID 000419538900015

  View details for PubMedID 29128846

• Single synchronous delivery of FK506-loaded polymeric microspheres with pancreatic islets for the successful treatment of streptozocin-induced diabetes in mice DRUG DELIVERY Pathak, S., Regmi, S., Gupta, B., Poudel, B. K., Tung Thanh Pham, Yong, C., Kim, J., Kim, J., Park, M., Bae, Y., Yook, S., Ahn, C., Jeong, J. 2017; 24 (1): 1350–59

  Abstract

  Immune rejection after transplantation is common, which leads to prompt failure of the graft. Therefore, to prolong the survival time of the graft, immunosuppressive therapy is the norm. Here, we report a robust immune protection protocol using FK506-loaded microspheres (FK506M) in injectable hydrogel. Pancreatic islets were codelivered with the FK506M into the subcutaneous space of streptozocin-induced diabetic mice. The islets codelivered with 10 mg/kg FK506M maintained normal blood glucose levels during the study period (survival rate: 60%). However, transplantation of islets and FK506M at different sites hardly controlled the blood glucose level (survival rate: 20%). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed an intact morphology of the islets transplanted with FK506M. In addition, minimal number of immune cells invaded inside the gel of the islet-FK506M group. The single injection of FK506M into the local microenvironment effectively inhibited immune rejection and prolonged the survival time of transplanted islets in a xenograft model.

  View details for DOI 10.1080/10717544.2017.1377317

  View details for Web of Science ID 000410914100002

  View details for PubMedID 28911248

• Folate receptor-targeted hybrid lipid-core nanocapsules for sequential delivery of doxorubicin and tanespimycin COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES Gupta, B., Pathak, S., Poudel, B., Regmi, S., Ruttala, H., Gautam, M., Lee, J., Jeong, J., Choi, H., Yong, C., Kim, J. 2017; 155: 83–92

  Abstract

  When exposed to cancer cells, cytotoxic drugs such as doxorubicin (DOX) can lead to the induction of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), a molecular chaperone associated with a number of cancer-related client proteins, and result in cell survival. Co-administration of DOX with tanespimycin (TNP), an Hsp90 inhibitor, can sensitize the cancer cells to the cytotoxic effects of DOX. The effect of such a combination has been found to depend on the schedule of administration. Sequential administration of DOX and TNP has been linked to highly synergistic combination effects. Therefore, we aimed to develop folate-receptor targeted hybrid lipid-core nanocapsules comprising a hybrid lipid core lodging TNP and a polymeric corona lodging DOX (F-DTN). These nanocarriers were capable of delivering DOX and TNP sequentially, which was well demonstrated by an in vitro release study. The in vitro release profiles displayed pH-dependent and sustained release features. F-DTN exhibited excellent morphological characteristics with highly monodispersed particles. In vitro tests with F-DTN in MCF-7 cell line demonstrated exceptional cytotoxicity, with high cellular uptake and apoptosis. These findings were appreciably more assertive than tests with free individual drugs (DOX, TNP), free drug combination (DOX/TNP), or non-folate receptor-targeted hybrid lipid-core nanocapsules (DTN). In vivo pharmacokinetic study revealed noticeable enhancement of bioavailability and plasma circulation time of the drugs when encapsulated in the carrier system. Therefore, hybrid lipid-core nanocapsules have the potential to be utilized for application in folate receptor-targeted combination chemotherapy.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2017.04.010

  View details for Web of Science ID 000403738000010

  View details for PubMedID 28410515

• A three-dimensional assemblage of gingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cells and NO-releasing microspheres for improved differentiation INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS Regmi, S., Cao, J., Pathak, S., Gupta, B., Poudel, B., Pham Thanh Tung, Yook, S., Park, J., Yong, C., Kim, J., Yoo, J., Jeong, J. 2017; 520 (1-2): 163–72

  Abstract

  Stem cell therapy is an attractive approach to bone tissue regeneration. Nitric oxide (NO) has been reported to facilitate osteogenic differentiation of stem cells. To enhance osteogenic differentiation of gingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs), we designed a method for in situ delivery of exogenous NO to these cells. A NO donor, polyethylenimine/NONOate, was incorporated into poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres to deliver NO to the cells for an extended period of time under in vitro culture conditions. A hybrid aggregate of GMSCs and NO-releasing microspheres was prepared by the hanging drop technique. Confocal microscopy revealed homogeneous arrangement of the stem cells and microspheres in heterospheroids. Western blot analysis and live-dead imaging showed no significant change in cell viability. Importantly, the in situ delivery of NO within the heterospheroids enhanced osteogenic differentiation indicated by a 1.2-fold increase in alkaline phosphatase activity and an approximately 10% increase in alizarin red staining. In addition, a low dose of NO promoted proliferation of the GMSCs in this 3D system. Thus, delivery of the NO-releasing microsphers to induce differentiation of stem cells within this three dimensional system may be one of possible strategies to direct differentiation of a stem cell-based therapeutic agent toward a specific lineage.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2017.02.014

  View details for Web of Science ID 000396948400018

  View details for PubMedID 28185957

• Development of Bioactive PEGylated Nanostructured Platforms for Sequential Delivery of Doxorubicin and Imatinib to Overcome Drug Resistance in Metastatic Tumors ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES Gupta, B., Ramasamy, T., Poudel, B., Pathak, S., Regmi, S., Choi, J., Son, Y., Thapa, R., Jeong, J., Kim, J., Choi, H., Yong, C., Kim, J. 2017; 9 (11): 9280–90

  Abstract

  Metastasis of cancers accounts for almost all cancer-related deaths. In this study, we report a PEGylated nanostructured platform for coadministration of doxorubicin (DOX) and imatinib (IMT) intended to effectively inhibit metastatic tumors. The DOX and IMT coloaded nanostructured system (DOX/IMT-N) is characterized by an excellent encapsulation potential for both drugs and shows sequential and sustained drug release in vitro. DOX/IMT-N significantly inhibited the in vitro proliferation of MDA-MB-231 and SK-MEL-28 cells. The inhibitory effect on in vitro proliferation of the cells was significantly greater than the effect of free DOX, DOX/IMT cocktail, or the nanostructured system housing DOX only (DOX-N). DOX/IMT-N remarkably enhanced cellular drug uptake, resulting in enhanced apoptosis, caused by significant increases in the expression levels of apoptotic marker proteins. Intravenous administration of DOX/IMT-N to MBA-MB-231 xenograft tumor-bearing mice resulted in significantly improved inhibition of tumor progression compared to that with DOX, DOX/IMT, or DOX-N. Therefore, the nanostructured DOX/IMT-N system could potentially aid in overcoming drug resistance in metastatic tumors and improve the effectiveness of metastatic tumor therapeutics.

  View details for DOI 10.1021/acsami.6b09163

  View details for Web of Science ID 000397478100012

  View details for PubMedID 28240860

• Superiority of three-dimensional stem cell clusters over monolayer culture: An archetype to biological application MACROMOLECULAR RESEARCH Regmi, S., Jeong, J. 2016; 24 (12): 1037–46

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s13233-016-4107-4

  View details for Web of Science ID 000391354900001

• Hybrid Congregation of Islet Single Cells and Curcumin-Loaded Polymeric Microspheres as an Interventional Strategy to Overcome Apoptosis Associated with Pancreatic Islets Transplantation ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES Pathak, S., Regmi, S., Gupta, B., Poudel, B. K., Tung Thanh Pham, Kim, J., Park, P., Yong, C., Kim, J., Bae, Y., Kim, S., Jeong, J. 2016; 8 (39): 25702–13

  Abstract

  Hypoxic or near-anoxic conditions that occur in the core of transplanted islets induce necrosis and apoptosis during the early stages after transplantation, primarily due to loss of vascularization during the isolation process. Moreover, secretion of various cytokines from pancreatic islets is detrimental to the viability of islet cells in vitro. In this study, we aimed to protect pancreatic islet cells against apoptosis by establishing a method for in situ delivery of curcumin to the pancreatic islets. Self-assembled heterospheroids composed of pancreatic islet cells and curcumin-loaded polymeric microspheres were prepared by the three-dimensional cell culture technique. Release of curcumin in the microenvironment of pancreatic islets promoted survival of the islets. In hypoxic culture conditions, which mimic the in vivo conditions after transplantation, viability of the islets was significantly improved, as indicated by a decreased expression of pro-apoptotic protein and an increased expression of anti-apoptotic protein. Additionally, oxidative stress-induced cell death was suppressed. Thus, unlike co-transplantation of pancreatic islets and free microspheres, which provided a wide distribution of microspheres throughout the transplanted area, the heterospheroid transplantation resulted in colocalization of pancreatic islet cells and microspheres, thereby exerting beneficial effects on the cells.

  View details for DOI 10.1021/acsami.6b07897

  View details for Web of Science ID 000384951800009

  View details for PubMedID 27666317

• Preparation of High-Payload, Prolonged-Release Biodegradable Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-Based Tacrolimus Microspheres Using the Single-Jet Electrospray Method CHEMICAL & PHARMACEUTICAL BULLETIN Pathak, S., Gupta, B., Poudel, B., Tuan Hiep Tran, Regmi, S., Tung Thanh Pham, Thapa, R., Kim, M., Yong, C., Kim, J., Jeong, J. 2016; 64 (2): 171–78

  Abstract

  Tacrolimus-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres (TAC-PLGA-M) can be administered for the long-term survival of transplanted organs due to their immunosuppressive activity. The purpose of our study was to optimize the parameters of the electrospray method, and to prepare TAC-PLGA-M with a high payload and desirable release properties. TAC-PLGA-M were prepared using the electrospray method. In vitro characterization and evaluation were performed using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Drug-loading efficiency was greater than 80% in all formulations with a maximum loading capacity of 16.81±0.37%. XRD and DSC studies suggested that the drug was incorporated in an amorphous state or was molecularly dispersed in the microspheres. The in vitro release study showed prolonged release patterns. TAC-PLGA-M with enhanced drug loading and prolonged-release patterns were successfully prepared using the electrospray method.

  View details for DOI 10.1248/cpb.c15-00799

  View details for Web of Science ID 000369124300012

  View details for PubMedID 26833445