Browsing by Author "Khoury, Maroun"

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    A snapshot of cancer in Chile II: an update on research, strategies and analytical frameworks for equity, innovation and national development
    (2024) Vacarezza, Cristóbal; Araneda, Julieta; González Hevia, Pamela Andrea; Arteaga, Oscar; Marcelain, Katherine; Castellon, Enrique A.; Periera, Ana; Khoury, Maroun; Müller, Bettina; Lecaros, Juan A.; Salas, Sofia P.; Riquelme Pérez, Arnoldo; Corvalán R., Alejandro; de la Jara, Jorge J.; Ferreccio, Catterina; Goic B., Carolina; Nervi Nattero, Bruno; Roa, Juan C.; Owen, Gareth Ivor
    Abstract Introduction Chile has achieved developed nation status and boasts a life expectancy of 81 + years; however, the healthcare and research systems are unprepared for the social and economic burden of cancer. One decade ago, the authors put forward a comprehensive analysis of cancer infrastructure, together with a series of suggestions on research orientated political policy. Objectives Provide an update and comment on policy, infrastructure, gender equality, stakeholder participation and new challenges in national oncology. Assess the funding and distribution of cancer investigation. Present actions for the development of oncology research, innovation and patient care. Methods Triangulating objective system metrics of economic, epidemiological, private and public sector resources together with policy analysis, we assessed cancer burden, infrastructure, and investigation. We analyzed governmental and private-sector cancer databases, complemented by interviews with cancer stakeholders. Results Governmental policy and patient advocacy have led to the recognition of cancer burden, a cancer law, and a national cancer plan. Cancer has become the leading cause of death in Chile (59,876 cases and 31,440 cancer deaths in 2022), yet only 0.36% gross domestic product (GDP) is directed to research and development. Inequalities in treatment regimens persist. Prevention policy has lowered tobacco consumption, sugar intake via soft drinks and offered a high coverage of HPV vaccines. A high-quality cancer research community is expanding, and internationally sponsored clinical oncology trials are increasing. Conclusions The cancer law has facilitated advancement in policy. Prevention policies have impacted tobacco and sugar intake, while gender equality and care inequality have entered the public forum. Cancer research is stagnated by the lack of investment. Implementation of a cancer registry and biobanking, reinforcement of prevention strategies, development of human resources, promotion of clinical trial infrastructure and investment in new technologies must be placed as a priority to permit advancements in innovation and equitable cancer care.
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    Exosome-like vesicles in Apis mellifera bee pollen, honey and royal jelly contribute to their antibacterial and pro-regenerative activity
    (2019) Schuh, Christina M. A. P.; Aguayo Paul, Sebastián; Zavala, Gabriela; Khoury, Maroun
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    Safety and efficacy of clinical-grade, cryopreserved menstrual blood mesenchymal stromal cells in experimental acute respiratory distress syndrome
    (2023) Alcayaga-Miranda, Francisca; Silva, Johnatas Dutra; Parada, Nicol; da Silva, Luisa Helena Andrade; Cruz, Fernanda Ferreira; Utreras, Yildy; Hidalgo, Yessia; Cadiz, Maria Ignacia; Limonchi, Rafael Tapia; Espinoza, Francisco; Bruhn, Alejandro; Khoury, Maroun; Rocco, Patricia R. M.; Cuenca, Jimena
    Background: Treatment for critical care conditions, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), requires ready-to-administer injectable mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). A validated cryopreserved therapy based on MSCs derived from menstrual blood (MenSCs) is an attractive option that offers advantages over freshly cultured cells and allows its use as an off-the-shelf therapy in acute clinical conditions. The main goal of this study is to provide evidence on the impact of cryopreservation on different biological functions of MenSCs and to determine the optimal therapeutic dose, safety, and efficacy profile of clinical-grade, cryopreserved (cryo)-MenSCs in experimental ARDS.Methods: Biological functions of fresh versus cryo-MenSCs were compared in vitro. The effects of cryo-MenSCs therapy were evaluated in vivo in ARDS-induced (Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide) C57BL/6 mice. After 24 h, the animals were treated with five doses ranging from 0.25x10(5) to 1.25x10(6) cells/animal. At 2 and 7 days after induction of ARDS, safety and efficacy were evaluated.Results: Clinical-grade cryo-MenSCs injections improved lung mechanics and reduced alveolar collapse, tissue cellularity, and remodelling, decreasing elastic and collagen fiber content in alveolar septa. In addition, administration of these cells modulated inflammatory mediators and promoted pro-angiogenic and anti-apoptotic effects in lung-injured animals. More beneficial effects were observed with an optimal dose of 4x10(6) cells/Kg than with higher or lower doses.Conclusion: From a translational perspective, the results showed that clinical-grade cryopreserved MenSCs retain their biological properties and exert a therapeutic effect in mild to moderate experimental ARDS. The optimal therapeutic dose was well-tolerated, safe, and effective, favouring improved lung function. These findings support the potential value of an off-the-shelf MenSCs-based product as a promising therapeutic strategy for treating ARDS.