Objective To observe the effect of pilose antler polypeptides(PAP)on the apoptosis of rabbit marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentiated into chondrogenic phenotype by interleukin 1β (IL-1β) so as to optimize the seeding cells in cartilage tissue engineering. Methods The MSCs were separated from the nucleated cells fraction of autologus bone marrow by density gradient centrifuge and cultured in vitro. The MSCs were induced into chondrogenic phenotype by transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1) and basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF). According to different medias, the MSCs were randomly divided into four groups: group A as black control group, group B(100 ng IL-1β)，group C(10 μg/ml PAP+100 ng IL-1β) and group D(100 ng/ml TGF-β1 +100 ng IL-1β). The samples were harvested and observed by morphology, flow cytometry analysis, RT-PCR and ELISA at 24, 48 and 72 hours. Results The intranuclear chromatin agglutinated into lump and located under nulear membranes which changed into irregular shapeat 24 hours. The intranuclear chromatin agglutinated intensifily at 48 hours. Then the nucear fragments agglutinated into apoptosic corpuscles at 72 hours in group B. The structure change of cells in groups C and D was later than that in group B, and the number of cells changed shape was fewer than that in group B. The structure change of cells in group A was not significant. The apoptosic rate of cells, the mRNA expression of Caspase-3 and the enzymatic activity of Caspase-3 gradually increased in group B, and there were significant differences compared with groups A,C and D(Plt;0.01). Conclusion Caspase-3 is involved in aoptosis of the MSCs differentiated into chondrogenic phenotype cultured in vitro. PAP could prevent from or reverse apoptosis of these MSCs by decreasing the expression of Caspase-3 and inhibiting the activity of Caspase-3.
Objective To investigate the effect of homograft of marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) seeded onto poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA)/gelatin on repair of articular cartilage defects. Methods The MSCs derived from36 Qingzilan rabbits, aging 4 to 6 months and weighed 2.5-3.5 kg were cultured in vitroand seeded onto PLLA/gelatin. The MSCs/ PLLA/gelatin composite was cultured and transplanted into full thickness defects on intercondylar fossa. Thirty-six healthy Qingzilan rabbits were made models of cartilage defects in the intercondylar fossa. These rabbits were divided into 3 groups according to the repair materials with 12 in each group: group A, MSCs and PLLA/gelatin complex(MSCs/ PLLA/gelatin); group B, only PLLA/gelatin; and group C, nothing. At 4,8 and 12 weeks after operation, the gross, histological and immunohistochemical observations were made, and grading scales were evaluated. Results At 12 weeks after transplantation, defect was repaired and the structures of the cartilage surface and normal cartilage was in integrity. The defects in group A were repaired by the hylinelike tissue and defects in groups B and C were repaired by the fibrous tissues. Immunohistochemical staining showed that cells in the zones of repaired tissues were larger in size, arranged columnedly, riched in collagen Ⅱ matrix and integrated satisfactorily with native adjacent cartilages and subchondral bones in group A at 12 weeks postoperatively. In gross score, group A(2.75±0.89) was significantly better than group B (4.88±1.25) and group C (7.38±1.18) 12 weeks afteroperation, showing significant differences (P＜0.05); in histological score, group A (3.88±1.36) was better than group B (8.38±1.06) and group C (13.13±1.96), and group B was better than group C, showing significant differences (P＜0.05). Conclusion Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells seeded onto PLLA/gelatin is a promising way for the treatment of cartilage defects.
Objective To investigate the feasibility of differentiation of the marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into the cells of the skin appendages andthe mechanism of their involvement in the wound healing. Methods The bone marrow was collected from Wistar rats by the flushing of the femurs, MSCs were isolated and purified by the density gradient centrifugation. Then, the MSCs were amplified and labelled with 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU). The full-thickness skin wounds with an area of 1 cm×1 cm were made on the midback of the homogeneous male Wistar rats. At the same time, 1×106/ml BrdU-labelled MSCs were infused from thepenile vein. The specimens were harvested from the wound tissues on the 3rd dayand the 7th day after operation and were immunohistochemically stained by either BrdU or BrdU and pan-keratin. Results The BrdU positive cells appeared in thehypodermia, the sebaceous glands, and the hair follicles of the wounds, as wellas the medullary canal of the femurs. The double-staining showed the BrdU positive cells in the sebaceous glands and the hair follicles of the wounds expressedpan-keratin simultaneously. Conclusion During the course of the wound healing, MSCs are involved in the wound repair and can differentiate into the cells ofthe skin appendages under the microenvironment of the wound.
Objective To study the adhesion characteristic in vitrobetween porous biphasic calcium phosphate(BCP) nanocomposite and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that have been induced and proliferated. Methods MSCs obtained from SD ratbone marrow were in vitro induced and proliferated. After their osteoblastic phenotype were demonstrated, MSCs were seeded onto prepared porous BCP nanocomposite(experiment group)and common porous hydroxyapatite (control group). Their adhesion situation was analyzed by scanning electron microscope. The initial optimal cell seeding density was investigated between new pattern porous BCP nanocomposite and MSCs by MTT automated colormetric microassay method. Results The differentiation of MSCs to osteoblastic phenotype were demonstrated by the positive staining of mineralized node, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and collagen typeⅠ, the most appropriate seeding density between them was 2×106／ml. The maximal number which MSCs could adhere to porous BCP nanocomposite was 1.28×107/cm3. Conclusion MSCs can differentiate to osteoblastic phenotype.The MSCs were well adhered to porous BCP nanocomposite.
Objective To study morphological and biological senescence changes induced by D-galactose in the cultured rat mesenchymal stem cells. Methods After 3rd generations cultured in the DMEM-F12, MSCs were changed into DMEMF12 medium containing 8 g/L D-galatose and cultured to the 6th generations as the inducement group. The comparison were the 6thgenerations which was cultured in the DMEM-F12 medium all along, and then indentified by surface wave. Using flow cytometer to check the comparisons cell cycle change after swing in with 8 g/L D-galatose within the 4 days. In the first 7daysto draw the growth curve to the two groups. Optical and electronic microscope were used to identify the influences of characteristic morphological of mesenchymal stem cells of the two groups, the influences of biological markers were identified by single cell gel electrophoresis and β-galactose dye. Results After treatment with D-galactose, the mesenchymal stem cells displayed morphological and biological changes in the cell senescence with the senescent characteristic morphological markers; 85% of the cells were X-gal dye masculine, and the singal cell gel electrophoresis showed DNA damnification. The flow cytometry showed that 90% of the cells stayed in G 0/G 1, but the cells in S and G 2/M almost disappeared.However, the cells in the control group had no such DNA damages. Conclusion D-galactose can induce senescence of the mesenchymal stem cells, and 8 g/L is the best concentration to do so. This study has provided a good model forthe research of the mesenchymal stem cells senescence.
Objective To explore the effect of age and gene therapyon the differentiation of marrow mesenchymal stem cells （MSCs） of the rats. Methods MSCs from the young (1-month-old), adult (9-month-old), and the aged(24monthold) rats were expanded in culture and infected with adenovirus mediated human bone morphogenetic protein 2 gene (Ad-BMP-2). The expression of BMP-2 and osteoblastic markers such as alkaline phosphatase(ALP), collagen Ⅰ(Col Ⅰ), bone sialoprotein(BSP) and osteopontin(OPN) were assayed during the process of differentiation. Their abilities to induce ectopic bone formation in nude mice were also tested. Results There was no significant difference in the expression of BMP-2 among the 3 groups. ALP activity assay and semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) demonstrated that there were no significant differences in the expression of osteoblastic markers ALP, Col-Ⅰ, OPN and BSP amongthe 3 groups. Histomorphometric analysis indicated that there were no significant differences in the volume of the newly formed ectopic bones in nude mice amongthe 3 groups. Conclusion MSCs obtained from the aged ratscan restore their osteogenic activity following human BMP-2 gene transduction, therefore provides an alternative to treating the aged bone disease.
Objective To investigate effects of the autologous bone mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) enriched by the small intestinal submucosa (SIS) film implantation on the myocardial structure, cardiac function, and compensator y circulation after myocardial infarction in the goats. Methods Sixteen black goats were selected and divided randomly into the control group (n=8)and the experimental group (n=8). The chronic myocardial infarction models were made by the ligation of the far end of the left anterior desc ending coronary artery. At the same time, MSCs were aspired from the thigh bone of the goats in the experimental group. MSCs were isolated by the centrifu gation through a percoll step gradient and purified by the plating culture and depletion of the non-adherent cells. Primary MSCs were cultured in the DMEM me dium supplemented with the fetal bovine serum in vitro. After that, the cultures were labeled by 5- BrdU. The active cells were transplanted into the SIS film. Six weeks after the ligation, the MSCs-SIS film was implanted by its being sutured onto the infarction area; whereas, the control group underwent a shamoperation. In both groups, echocardiographic measurements were performed before infarction, 6 weeks after infarction and 6 weeks after the MSC-collagen mplantion, respectively, to assess the myocardial structure and ca rdiac function. The left coronary artery angiography was performed with the digi tal subtraction angiography. Results In an assessment of the left ventricular function, at 6 weeks after operation, t he stroke volume and the ejection fraction of the control group and the experim ental group were 42.81±4.91, 37.06±4.75 ml and 59.20%±5.41%, 44.56%±4.23%, respectively (Plt;0.05). The enddisatolic volume and the endsystolic volume of the control group and the experimental group were 72.55±8.13, 83.31±8.61 ml and 29.75±5.98, 46.25±6.68 ml, respectively (Plt;0.05). The maximal velocity of peak E of contral group and experimental group were 54.8 5±6.35 cm/s and 43.14±4.81cm/s (Plt;0.01); and the maximal velocity of peak A o f control group and experimental grouop were 52.33±6.65 cm/s and 56.91±6.34 cm/s (Pgt;0.05). Echocowdiogr aphy sho wing a distinctly dilatation of left ventricle with the ventricular dyskinesia i n contral group, but without the ventricular dyskinesia in experimental group. T he selective-coronary evngiography revealed that the obvious compensatory circu l ation established between the anterior descending branch and the left circumflex branch in the experimental group. Conclusion Implantation of the autologus MSCs enriched by the SIS film can prevent dilatation of the left ventricular chamber and can improve the contractile ability of the myocardium, cardiac function, and collateral perfusion.
Objective To study the effect of transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1) and insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF-1) during the induction course from marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to chondrocytes and to observe the effect of cell density on cell induction. Methods Differential time adherent methods were used to purify MSCs obtained from the bone marrow of Kunming mice. MSCs were cultured under special conditionsto induce themto differentiate into chondrocytes. Toluidine blue staining and immunofluoresence were used to identify those induced chondrocytes.TGF-β1 and IGF-1 were used individually or in combination under two different culture patterns: pellet culture and monolayer culture. According to different growth factors, experiment included 3 experimental groups(TGF-β1+IGF-1 group,10 ng/mland 50 ng/ml respectively;TGF-β1 group, 10 ng/ml; and IGF-1 group, 50 ng/ml) and control group(without growth factor). In TGF-β1+IGF-1 group, toluidine blue staining and immunofluoresence staining were carried out at 14 days and 21 days. The effect ofTGF-β1 and IGF-1 on the expression of collagen Ⅱgene was detected by RT-PCR at 7, 14 and 21 days of induction; the expressionsof collagen Ⅱ were compared between two culture patterns. Results In TGF-β1+IGF-1 group, the histological examination and immunofluoresence showed that those inducted chondyocytes could express collagen Ⅱ at 14 days. The gel electrophoresis results showed that the fragment of collagen Ⅱ gene was seen in TGF-β1+IGF-1 group andTGF-β1 group and that no fragment ofcollagen Ⅱ gene was seen in IGF-1 group and control group. The expression of collagen Ⅱ gene was ber in TGF-β1+ IGF-1 group than inTGF-β1 group, showing significant difference(Plt;0.05). Cells expressed more collagen Ⅱ under pellet culture than under monolayer culture. Conclusion IGF-1 could enhance the effect ofTGF-β1 during the induction course from MSCs to chondrocytes. A certain extent of high cell density is more effective for MSCs to differentiate into chondrocytes.
Objective To investigate the results of human amniotic membrane(HAM) which are loaded with marrow mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) and epidermis cells in treating fullthickness skin defect combined with radiation injury. Methods Eight minipigs were used in this study. Three round fullthickness wounds（Ф3.67cm）, which combined with radiation injury, were created on the dorsum of each side close to the vertebral column in each animal. Among 48 wounds, 24 left side wounds were treated with HAM loaded with MSCs and epidermis cells as experimental group (group A), 16 right side wounds with simple HAM (HAM group, group B) and 8 right side wounds with oil gauze as control (group C). The granulation tissue, reepithelization and wound area were observed after 1,2 and 3 weeks. Immunohistochemistry was performed using vWF as a marker for blood vessels.Image analysis was employed to test new area of wound at different interval time and healing rate of wound.Results The healing time of group A was 6 to 7 days faster than that of group C and 5 to 6 days faster than that of group B. After 15-17 days of graft, there were significant differences in new area of wound and healing rate between group A and groups B,C(Plt;001). New epidermis fully covered whole wound surface in group A, and their granulation tissue, which contained a lot of vWF, fibroblasts, capillaries and collagen, grew well. Many inflammatory cells still were seen in groups B and C, and their contents of vWF, fibroblasts, capillaries and collagen in granulation tissue were smaller than that in group A.Conclusion The graft of HAM loaded with MSCs and epidermis cells played an effective role in promoting healing of wound combined radiation injury with high quality.
Objective To review the advances in repair of spinal cord injury by transplantation of marrow mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs). Methods The related articles in recent years were extensively reviewed,the biological characteristic of MSCs,the experimental and clinical studies on repair of spinal cord injury by transplantation of MSCs,the machanisms of immigration and therapy and the problems were discussed and analysed. Results The experimental and clinical studies demonstrated that the great advances was made in repair of spinal cord injury by transplantation of MSCs. After transplantation, MSCs could immigrate to the position of spinal cord injury, and differentiate into nervelike cells and secrete neurotrophic factors.So it could promote repair of injuryed spinal cord and recovery of neurologicalfunction. Conclusion Transplantation of MSCs was one of effective ways in repair of spinal cord injury, but many problems remain to be resolved.
