Objective To study the influence of three different ways of myogenic induction on Ca2+ regulation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from umbilical cord blood. Methods From January 2007 to April 2010, three different ways of myogenic induction including the adoptions of 5azacytidine, extraction of myocardium, and myocardial differentiation medium were used to induce MSCs derived from the umbilical cord blood of dogs in Xinhua Hospital of Shanghai Jiaotong University. Confocal laser scanning microscope was used to detect cells induced by the three abovementioned methods, cardiomyocytes and Ca2+ combined with Fluo3/AM inside the MSCs. For each group of cells, 2 to 5 visual fields were chosen, and 30 visual fields were recorded for each kind of cells. The mean fluorescence intensity of ten images shot in one minute was used to reflect the concentration of free intracellular Ca2+. Furthermore, the change of the concentration was continuously monitored by optical density(OD) value. Results After induction, the Ca2+ concentration inside the MSCs was significantly higher than that inside the cardiomyocytes (F=59.400, P=0.000). There was a statistical difference among the intracellular Ca2+ concentration induced respectively by 5azacytidine, extraction of myocardium, and myocardial differentiation medium (F=18.988, P=0.000). No significant difference existed between the intracellular Ca2+ concentration induced by 5-azacytidine and extraction of myocardium (OD value: 1 076.88±44.65 vs. 1 040.90±37.48, P=0.186), while the intracellular Ca2+ concentration induced by 5azacytidine was significantly higher than that induced by myocardial differentiation medium (OD value: 1 076.88±44.65 vs. 973.91±46.49, P=0.001), and the intracellular Ca2+ concentration induced by extraction of myocardium was significantly higher than that induced by myocardial differentiation medium (OD value: 1 040.90±37.48 vs. 973.91±46.49, P=0.001). The concentration of intracellular Ca2+ induced by all the three different methods fluctuated spontaneously, which was quite similar with the cardiomyocytes, but the frequency and the scope of the fluctuation were quite different. Ca2+ was released instantly by KCl stimulation in the two groups of MSCs pretreated by 5-aza and extraction of myocardium. Though MSCs pretreated by myocardial differentiation medium had response to KCl stimulation, Ca2+ could not be released in this group. On the contrary, the duration of Ca2+ release was prolonged. Conclusion Ca2+ regulation system of MSCs derived from umbilical cord blood can be influenced by these myogenic inductions. However, the reason and effect of the differences need to be elucidated by further investigation.
Objective To study the effect of adenovirus bone morphogenetic protein 2 gene(Ad-BMP-2) transfer inducing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) compounded with fibrin gel on repair of rabbit cartilage defect. Methods ①BMP-2 and collagen type Ⅱ in MSCs transferred by Ad-BMP-2 were examined by RT-PCR, aniline dyeing and immunohistochemical analysis in vitro. ②MSCs were cultured in fibrin gel for 9 days, and were examined with electron microscope. ③Fortytwo rabbits suffering from cartilage defect were divided into 3 groups:the defects were treated with Ad-BMP-2 transfer inducing MSCs compounded with fibrin in group A, with MSCs compounded with fibringel in group B and with no implants in group C as control. HE and aniline dyeing, immunohistochemical analysis and biomechanics study were carried out in the 4th, 8thand 12th weeks. Results ①The positive results were observed for BMP-2 and collagen type Ⅱ with RT-PCR on the 3rd day and 5th day respectively, being statisticallysignificant difference when compared with control group(P＜0.05). ②Ad-BMP-2 transfer inducing MSCs cultured in fibrin gel were positively stained by aniline dyeing and immunohistochemstry. ③The therapy effect of group A was better than that of the other two groups in histology, biochemistry and biomechanics, and the biomechanic and histological features of repaired cartilage were similar to those of the natural cartilage. Conclusion Ad-BMP-2 can induce the expressionof collagen type Ⅱ and mucopolysaccharide in MSCs by secreting BMP-2, and can reconstruct articular cartilage defects better when compounded with fibrin gel.
ObjectiveTo comprehensively analyze the recent advancements in the field of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) aging,and summary its achievements and its difficulty at the present.
MethodsThe literature about MSCs aging was reviewed and analyzed.
ResultsInducible telomerase reactivation of MSCs is successful to extend the life span of senescent cells,but it also has potential safety hazard.The age range presented in the research of age-related cell senescence is inconsistent,resulting in different outcomes.Many ways to improve cell in vitro culture conditions will help delay aging.Recent research indicates that oxidative stress theory is seemed to not completely explain cell aging.
ConclusionFurther research of MSCs aging mechanism will help the tissue engineering transform to clinical application.
Objective To explore the method that can inducethe mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to differentiate into the neuronlike cells in vitro．Methods The neuron-like cells were isolated froman SD rat (age, 3 months; weight, 200 g). They underwent a primary culture; theinduced liquid supernatant was collected, and was identified by the cell immunohistochemistry. The C3H1OT1/2 cells were cultured, as an MSCs model, and they were induced into differentiation by β-mercaptoethanol (Group A) and by the liquid supernatant of the neuron-like primary cells (Group B), respectively. The cells were cultured without any induction were used as a control (Group C). Immunohistochemistrywas used to identify the type of the cells． Results The result of the immunochemistry showed that the cells undergoing the primary culture expressed the neurofilament protein (NF) and the neuronspecific enolase (NSE), and they were neuron-like cells. β-mercaptoethanol could induce the C3H1OT1/2 cells toexpress NF and NSE at 2 h, and the expression intensity increased at 5 h. The liquid supernatant of the primarily-cultured neuron-like cells could induce theC3H1OT1/2 cells to express NF and NSE at 1 d, but the expression intensity induced by the liquid supernatant was weaker than that induced by β-mercaptoethanol. The positivity rate and the intensity expression of NSE were higher than those of NF. Conclusion MSCs can differentiate into the neuron-like cells by β-mercaptoethanol and the microenvironment humoral factor, which can pave the way for a further study of the differentiation of MSCs and the effectof the differentiation on the brain trauma repair.
Objective To investigate the effects of the recombinanthuman bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP-2) and/or the osteogenic agents on proliferation and expression of the osteoblast phenotype differentiation of the SD rat mesenchymal stem cells（MSCs）. Methods The rat MSCs were cultured in vitro and were randomly divided into the experimental groups(Groups A-I) and the control group. In the experimental group, MSCs were induced by rhBMP2 in different doses (10, 50, 100 and 200 μg/L) in Groups BE, the osteogenic agent alone (Group A) and by the combined use of rhBMP-2 ［in different doses (10,50, 100 and 200 μg/L)］ and the osteogenic agent in Groups F-I. The MTT colorimetric assay was used to evaluate the proliferation, and the activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin (OC) were observed at 3, 6, 9, 12 days, respectively. Results The inverted phase contrast microscopy showed that MSCs by primary culture for 12 hours were adhibited, with a fusiform shape at 48 hours. At 4 days they were polygonal or atractoid, and were spread gyrately or radiately at 6 days. At 10 days, they were spread at the bottom of the bottle.The statistical analysis showed that the expression of the osteoblast phenotype differentiation of MSCs could be induced in the experimental groups. The proliferation of MSCs could be enhanced in a dosedependent manner in GroupsB-E. The expression of the osteoblast phenotype differentiation, which was tested by the activities of ALP and OC, was significantly higher in Groups F-I than in Groups A-E. Conclusion The combined use of rhBMP-2 and the osteogenic agents can enhance the MSC proliferation and induce an expressionand maintenance of the osteoblast phenotype differentiation of the rat MSCs.
Objective?To review the recent progress of the researches in construction of tissue engineered osteochondral composites, and to discuss the challenges in construction of tissue engineered osteochondral composites.?Methods?The recent literature on the construction of tissue engineered osteochondral composites was extensively reviewed and analyzed.?Results?The studies on the construction of tissue engineered osteochondral composites are relatively more in vivo, the current focus is that different tissues derived mesenchymal stem cells are widely used to be seed cells; single-phase scaffold has been limited, studies on biphase scaffold and triphase scaffold are new trends; the design and performance of bioreactor need to be further optimized in the future.?Conclusion?The construction of tissue engineered osteochondral composites will be a promising method for the treatment of cartilage defects.
Objective Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells （MSCs） have been suggested to play an important role in the treatment of a variety of pulmonary diseases. The present study was aimed at evaluating the therapeutical effect of MSCs transplantation on emphysematous rats，and explore its influence in local and systemic inflammation. Methods Emphysema rat model was established by cigarette smoking. MSCs were transfected with lentivirus vector carrying green fluorecent protein （GFP） and the transfected MSCs in lung of smoke rats were detected by imaging system for small animals. Thirty-six SD rats were randomly divided into a control group，an emphysema group，and a MSCs transplantation group. The total and differential cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid （BALF） were measured. TNF-α and IL-1β levels in BALF and serum were measured by ELISA. Malonaldehyde （MDA） level in lung tissue was detected by chromatometry. Emphysema changes were evaluated by mean linear intercept （MLI） of lung under light microscope by HE staining. Results The transfected MSC in different lung lobes were found to be alive at four weeks after intrapulmonary delivery. Compared with the emphysema group，the total cell count in BALF，TNF-α and IL-1β levels in BALF and serum，MDA level in lung tissue and MLI were significantly reduced intheMSCs transplantation group（Plt;0.01）. Conclusions Transplantation of MSCs can mediate down-regulation of TNF-α and IL-1β in BALF and serum，attenuate inflammation，oxidative stress and emphysema change of lung，suggesting that MSCs have significant therapeutic effects on emphysema.
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are considered as an ideal treatment for multiple diseases including ocular disease. Recent studies have demonstrated that MSCs-derived exosomes have similar functions with MSCs. Exosomes are nanovesicles surrounded by a phospholipid layer that shuttle active cargo between different cells. They are capable of passing the biological barrier and have potentials to be utilized as natural carrier for the ocular drug delivery.
Objective To investigate the curative effects of homograft of the mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) compbined with the medical collagen membrane of the guided tissue regeneration(MCMG) on the full thickness defects of the articular cartilage. Methods MSCs derived from New Zealand rabbits aged 3-4 months weighing 2.1-3.4 kg were cultured in vitro with a density of 5.5×108/ml and seeded onto MCMG. The MSC/MCMG complex was cultured for 48 h and transplanted into the fullthickness defects on the inboardcondyle and trochlea. Twenty-seven healthy New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups of 9rabbits in each. The cartilage defects in the inboard condyle and trochlea werefilled with the auto bone marrow MSCs and MCMG complex (MSCs/ MCMG) in Group A (Management A), with only MCMG in Group B (Management B)and with nothing in Group C (Management C). Three rabbits were killed at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after operation in each group, and the reparative tissue samples evaluated grossly,histologically and immunohistochemically were graded according tothe gross and histological scale. Results Four weeks after transplantation, the cartilage and subchondralbone were regenerated in Group A;for 12 weeks, the regenerated cartilage gradually thicked; 12 week after transplantation, the defect was repaired and the structures of the carticular surface and subchondral bone was in integrity.The defects in Group A were repaired by the hylinelike tissue and the defects in Groups B and C were repaired by the fibrous tissues. Glycosaminoglycan and type Ⅱcollagen in Groups A,B and C were reduced gradually.The statistical analysis on the gross at 12 weeks and the histologicalgradings at 4 weeks,8 weeks and 12 weeks showed that the inboardcondylar repairhad no significant difference compared with the rochlearepair(Pgt;0.05).Management A was significantly better than Managements B and C (Plt;0.05), and Management B was better than Management C(Plt;0.05). Conclusion Transplantation of the MSCs combined with MCMG on the full thickness defects of the articular cartilage is a promising approach to the the treatment of cartilage defects. MCMG can satisfy the demands of the scaffold for the tissue-engineered cartilage.
Objective To study the culture and purification of the fetal mouse liver mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) in vitro and to investigate their differentiation potential and the composite ability with true bone ceramic(TBC). Methods The single cell suspension of MSCs was primarily cultured and passaged, which was prepared from the fetal mouse liver; the flow cytometry was applied to detectCD29, CD34, CD44 and CD45. The osteogenic differentiation was induced in chemical inducing system; the osteogenic induction potency was tested. The purified fetal mouse liver MSCs were compounded with TBC covered with collagen type Ⅰ in vitro and the cell attachment and proliferation to the TBC were observed. Results The primary MSCs of fetal mouse liver were easy to culture in vitro. They proliferated well and were easy to subcultured. The proliferation ability of primary and passaged MSCs was similar. Flow cytometric analysis showed the positive results for CD29, CD44 and the negative results for CD34, CD45. After 7 days of induction, the MSCs expressed collagen type I and alkaline phosphatase(ALP) highly. After 14 days of induction, the fixed quantity of ALP increased significantly. After 28 days of induction, calcium accumulation was observed by Von Kossa’s staining. Many liver MSCs attached to the surface of TBC. Conclusion The MSCs of the fetalmouse liver can be obtained, subcultured and purified easily. After culturing in chemical inducing system, the MSCs of fetal mouse liver can be successfully induced to osteoblast-like cells, attach to the surface of TBC and proliferate well.
