Intendis GmbH

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC), known for their high immune modulatory capacity are promising tools for several cell-based therapies. To better mimic the in vivo situation of MSC interactions with immune cells, we applied an artificial lymph node (ALN)-bioreactor culture system combining a miniaturized perfusion bioreactor with a 3D matrix-based cell culture of immune competent cells forming micro-organoids.

Rat lymph node cells and allogeneic bone marrow-derived MSCs were seeded in a 20:1 ratio within the agarose matrix of the ALN-reactor. Lymphocytes were pre-incubated with Concanavalin A (ConA) and then co-cultured with MSC in the matrix with additional ConA in the perfusing medium. Live/dead staining showed survival of the co-cultures during the 8-day ALN-reactor run. Paraffin sections of bioreactor matrices were analyzed by proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-specific staining to determine MSC proliferation. Immune modulatory capacity was defined by daily analysis of cytokine secretion profiles (TNFα, IFNγ, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p40/p70, GM-CSF).

Cytokine peak secretion at day 2 was significantly inhibited by MSCs for TNFα (96.8 ± 4.8%) and IFNγ (88.7 ± 12.0%) in 3D co-cultures. In contrast, other cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, IL-12) were induced. Furthermore, we detected a significantly higher (58.8%) fraction of proliferating MSCs in the presence of immune cells compared to control bioreactors loaded with MSCs only.

In the future, this system might be an excellent tool to investigate the mechanisms of MSC-mediated immune modulation during simulated in vivo conditions.

Emollients play an important part in the management of patients with dry skin disorders, such as atopy, allergy, eczema, psoriasis or dryness following chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Their use in the treatment of diseased and sensitive skin requires not only an efficient hydrating and lipid‐replenishing effect on the skin, but minimal risk for skin irritation or sensitization. This will be influenced by their formulation and number and type of ingredients and, due to the nature of their application, requires clinical testing to ensure their appropriateness for dermatological rather than cosmetic use. A new generation of emollients has been developed for the care of dry, or very dry, and sensitive skin. Among these, Dardia® Lipo Line (Intendis GmbH, Berlin, Germany) has been formulated specifically for use in post‐therapy preventive skin care. The current clinical evidence for this line of emollients is reviewed here.

A review.Topical corticosteroids and local anesthetics have been used for many years to relieve symptoms of anorectal diseases, such as pain, pruritus and bleeding.Few clin. trials have been published to allow comparisons of different combinations or different formulations, mainly because many of these products came to market before stringent peer review of clin. trials data was a prerequisite for registration.This article highlights why topical medications are necessary for the treatment of anorectal diseases, especially of inflammatory symptoms of haemorrhoids, anal eczema and others, particularly with respect to improving the quality of life of patients living with the pain and discomfort associated with such symptoms.It also demonstrates the efficacy and safety of combinations of topical corticosteroids and local anesthetics in cream and suppository through reference to published clin. trials data, previously unpublished clin. trials data and real life clin. experience with these products.