Objective To investigate the effect of surface propertyof different polyether-ester block copolymers［poly(ethylene glycol-terephthalate)/poly(butylene terephthalate), PEGT/PBT］ on the growth of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and endothelial cells(ECs). Methods Three kinds of copolymers were synthesized, which were 1000-T20 (group A), 1000PEGT70/PBT30 (group B) and 600PEGT70/PBT30 (group C). The water-uptake and contact angle of three polyether-ester membranes were determined. The canine aorta smooth muscle cells and external jugular vein endothelial cells were primarily harvested, subcultured, and then identified. The proliferation of SMCs and ECs on the different polyether-ester membranes were investigated. Results The water-uptake of three copolymers arranged as the sequence of group C＜group A＜group B, and contact angle as the sequence of group C＞group A＞group B, indicating group B being more hydrophilic. However, smooth musclecells andendothelial cells grew poorly on the membrane of group B after low density seeding, but proliferated well on the membranes of group A and group C. Conclusion In contrast with more hydrophilic 1000PEGT70/PBT30, moderately hydrophilic 1000-T20 and 600PEGT70/PBT30 has better compatibility with vascular cells. The above results indicate that the vascular cells can grow well on moderately hydrophilic PEGT/PBT and that PEGT/PBT can be used in vascular tissue engineering.
Objective To study the differentially expressed genes (DEG) during the differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) and human embryonic stem cells (hESC) into pericytes and endothelial cells, and to identify key molecules and signaling pathways that may regulate this differentiation process. MethodshiPSC and hESC were selected and expanded using mTeSR medium. A "two-step method" was used to induce the differentiation of hiPSC and hESC into pericytes and endothelial cells. Pericytes were identified using immunofluorescence staining, while endothelial cells were isolated and identified using flow cytometry. Total RNA samples were extracted on days 0, 4, 7, and 10 of differentiation and consistently significant DEGs were screened. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) signal pathway enrichment analysis were performed on the screened DEGs. ResultsBoth hiPSCs and hESCs successfully differentiated into pericytes and endothelial cells under induction conditions. Transcriptome sequencing results showed that with the extension of differentiation time, the DEGs in hiPSCs and hESCs were significantly upregulated or downregulated, following a generally consistent trend. During the differentiation process, marker genes for pericytes and endothelial cells were significantly upregulated. A total of 491 persistent DEGs were detected in both hiPSC and hESC, with 164 unique to hiPSCs and 335 to hESCs, while 8 DEGs were co-expressed in both cell lines. Among these, SLC30A3, LCK, TNFRSF8, PRDM14, and GLB1L3 showed sustained downregulation, whereas CLEC18C, CLEC18B, and F2RL2 exhibited sustained upregulation. GO enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs with sustained upregulation were primarily enriched in terms related to neurogenesis, differentiation, and developmental proteins, while DEGs with sustained downregulation were enriched in terms related to membrane structure and phospholipid metabolic processes. KEGG pathway analysis showed that upregulated genes were primarily enriched in cancer-related pathways, pluripotency regulatory pathways, the Wnt signaling pathway, and the Hippo signaling pathway, whereas downregulated genes were predominantly enriched in metabolism-related pathways. ConclusionsDuring the differentiation of hiPSC and hESC into pericytes and endothelial cells, 8 DEGs exhibit sustained specific expression changes. These changes may promote pericyte and endothelial cell differentiation by activating the Wnt and Hippo pathways, inhibiting metabolic pathways, releasing the maintenance of stem cell pluripotency, affecting the cell cycle, and inhibiting cell proliferation.
Objective To observe the effect of ginsenoside Rg3 on the proliferation, migration, and tube formation of human retinal capillary endothelial cell (HRCEC) cultured in normal and hypoxia condition. Methods HRCEC was cultured in normal condition and treated with 0.0 mmol/L (group A), 0.1 mmol/L (group B) and 0.5 mmol/L (group C) ginsenoside Rg3. HRCEC was also cultured in hypoxia condition and treated with 0.0 mmol/L (group D), 0.1 mmol/L (group E) and 0.5 mmol/L (group F) ginsenoside Rg3. The effects of ginsenoside Rg3 on HRCEC proliferation were measured by methylthiazoletrazolium assay in 24, 48 and 72 hours after culture. In 24 hours after culture, the effect of cell migration was evaluated by transwell chamber; the effect of tube formation was evaluated by Matrigel; the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein and mRNA were detected by Western blot and real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Results Ginsenoside Rg3 could inhibit proliferation of HRCEC, depending on the concentration (F=30.331 and 33.402 in normal and hypoxia condition, respectively; P＜0.05) and time (F=85.462 and 136.045 in normal and hypoxia condition, respectively; P＜0.05). The number of cell migration was 103.33plusmn;3.54, 92..25plusmn;3.68, 78.64plusmn;4.66 in group A, B and C, the difference among three groups was statistically significant (F=28.801, P＜0.05). The number of cell migration was 125.76plusmn;3.11, 90.27plusmn;3.55, 77.81plusmn;5.01 in group D, E and F, the difference among three groups was statistically significant (F=117.594, P＜0.05). The number of tube formed in Matrigel was 24.3plusmn;2.2, 15.7plusmn;1.7, 10.1plusmn;2.3 in group A, B and C, the difference among three groups was statistically significant (F=35.364, P＜0.05). The number of tube formed in Matrigel was 26.2plusmn;1.9, 15.1plusmn;2.6, 8.6plusmn;1.9 in group D, E and F, the difference among three groups was statistically significant (F=50.989, P＜0.05). The expression of VEGF mRNA was 1.00plusmn;0.06, 0.79plusmn;0.06, 0.68plusmn;0.02 in group A, B and C, the difference among three groups was statistically significant (F=31.303, P＜0.05). The expression of VEGF mRNA was 3.88plusmn;0.12, 2.83plusmn;0.09, 1.15plusmn;0.05 in group D, E and F, the difference among three groups was statistically significant (F=682.668, P＜0.05). The expression of VEGF protein was 0.62plusmn;0.03, 0.41plusmn;0.02, 0.32plusmn;0.02 in group A, B and C, the difference among three groups was statistically significant (F=125.471, P＜0.05). The expression of VEGF protein was 0.91plusmn;0.03, 0.82plusmn;0.03, 0.71plusmn;0.02 in group D, E and F, the difference among three groups was statistically significant (F=41.045, P＜0.05). Conclusion Ginsenoside Rg3 can inhibit the proliferation, migration, and tube formation of HRCEC through the inhibition of VEGF expression.
Organoids are three-dimensional structures formed by self-organizing growth of cells in vitro, which own many structures and functions similar with those of corresponding in vivo organs. Although the organoid culture technologies are rapidly developed and the original cells are abundant, the organoid cultured by current technologies are rather different with the real organs, which limits their application. The major challenges of organoid cultures are the immature tissue structure and restricted growth, both of which are caused by poor functional vasculature. Therefore, how to develop the vascularization of organoids has become an urgent problem. We presently reviewed the progresses on the original cells of organoids and the current methods to develop organoids vascularization, which provide clues to solve the above-mentioned problems.
ObjectiveTo investigate the influence of Ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) activation on cellular oxidative stress induced by high glucose in bovine retinal capillary endothelial cells(BRECs). Methods The BRECs were treated by different culture medium with various glucose concentrations (5 mmol/L glucose, 30 mmol/L glucose, 30 mmol/L glucose+10 μmol/L KU55933) as normal glucose group, high glucose group and treatment group respectively.After the cells incubated for 48 hours, the protein expression of ATM, P-ATM, Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase P38(P38), P-P38, Extracellular signal-regulated kinases(ERKs), P-ERKs was detected by Western blot; cellular ROS level was detected by Reactive Oxygen Species Assay Kit; propidium iodide/Hoechst staining was used for analysis of apoptosis; the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the supernatant was determined by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA); the paracellular permeability between endothelium cells was detected by FITC-dextran. ResultsCompared with the protein level of P-ATM, P-P38 and P-ERKs in high glucose group increased. Especially, P-P38, P-ERKs expressed much more than in high glucose group. The secretion of VEGF in high glucose group was higher than that in the normal glucose group but less than that in treatment group. The same tendency existed in ROS assay, apoptosis assay and paracellular permeability measuring. ConclusionsHigh glucose induced altered activation of ATM which might play a protective role in cellular oxidative stress. Deficiency of ATM might lead to ROS explosion, cell apoptosis and dysfunction of endothelial barrier. The mechanism might be associated with P38, ERKs and VEGF.
Objective To clarify that the vascular endothelial cell injury caused by obstructive sleep apnoea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is partly mediated by miRNA-92a. Methods Serum miRNA-92a level was measured in patients who underwent polysomnography between January 2018 and December 2018. The correlation between miRNA-92a and OSAHS was analyzed. Meanwhile, endothelial cells were cultured in vitro, and morphological changes and JC-1 staining results of endothelial cells were observed after OSAHS serum stimulation, so as to further clarify the injury of endothelial cells. The changes of miRNA-92a target gene were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot to further clarify the mechanism of endothelial cell injury. Results Seventy-two patients received polysomnography, including 22 cases in the non-OSAHS group, 18 in the mild OSAHS group, 10 in the moderate OSAHS group, and 22 in the severe OSAHS group. Serum miRNA-92a level was significantly increased in the OSAHS patients, and it also increased with the aggravation of OSAHS severity. OSAHS serum significantly damaged endothelial cells. Endothelial cells were swollen, disordered arrangement, and unclear boundaries. JC-1 staining showed that green fluorescence was significantly enhanced compared with the control group. RT-PCR and Western blot showed that the expressions of Krüppel-like factor-2 (KLF-2), Krüppel-like factor-4 (KLF-4) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) were significantly decreased under OSAHS serum stimulation. Conclusion Serum miRNA-92a of OSAHS patients is significantly increased, and reduces the expression of target genes KLF-2, KLF-4 and eNOS, affects the mitochondrial function of endothelial cells, and injures endothelial cells.
Objective To observe the effect of tetramethypyrazine (TMP) on the expression of hypoxia-related factors in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Methods The second to fifth passage cultured HUVECs were divided into five groups: control group, CoCl2induced hypoxic group and 50, 100, 200 mu;mol/L TMP treatment groups. HUVECs in control group were not treated. HUVECs inCoCl2induced hypoxic group were treated with 150 mu;mol/LCoCl2for four hours. HUVECs in 50, 100, 200 mu;mol/L TMP treated groups were pretreated with 150 mu;mol/LCoCl2 for four hours, followed by treatment with 50, 100, 200 mu;mol/L TMP for eight hours. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the mRNA levels of prolyl hydroxylase 2 (PHD2), hypoxia-induced factor-1alpha;(HIF-1alpha;) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Protein levels of PHD2, HIF-1alpha;, and VEGF were detected using Western blot. Results Compared with the control group, theCoCl2 induced hypoxic group showed decreased mRNA and protein levels of PHD2 (t=3.734, 3.122;P＜0.05), while those of HIF-1alpha; and VEGF increased (HIF-1alpha; mRNA:t=4.589,P＜0.05; HIF-1alpha; protein:t=3.778,P＜0.05. VEGF mRNA:t=3.926,P＜0.05; VEGF protein:t=3.257,P＜0.05). Compared with theCoCl2 induced hypoxic group, 50, 100, 200 mu;mol/L TMP treated groups showed increased mRNA and protein levels of PHD2 (PHD2 mRNA: t=3.286, 3.617, 3.886;P＜0.05. PHD2 protein: t=2.813, 3.026, 3.078; P＜0.05); while those of VEGF decreased (VEGF mRNA: 50 mu;mol/L TMP: t=1.696,P＞0.05; 100 mu;mol/L TMP:t=2.974,P＜0.05; 200 mu;mol/L TMP: t=3.492,P＜0.05; VEGF protein: 50 mu;mol/L TMP: t=1.986,P＞0.05; 100 mu;mol/L TMP: t=2.976,P＜0.05; 200 mu;mol/L TMP:t=3.136,P＜0.05); although changes in HIF-1alpha;mRNA levels were not statistically significant (t=1.025, 0.726, -1.386;P＞0.05), showed a decrease in HIF-1alpha;protein levels (50 mu;mol/L TMP: t=2.056,P＞0.05; 100 mu;mol/L TMP:t=3.058,P＜0.05; 200 mu;mol/L TMP:t=3.828,P＜0.05). ConclusionIn HUVECs, TMP can upregulate the mRNA and protein expression of PHD2, while down regulating HIF-1alpha; protein expression and VEGF mRNA and protein expression under acute hypoxic conditions.
ObjectiveTo observe the immunological regulation effects of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSC) on glucose-damaged rhesus retinal vascular endothelial cells (RF/6A). MethodshUCMSC and RF/6A were co-culture according to 1:1 ratio in the co-culture system (Transwell plates), hUCMSC cells were added to upper chamber, while the lower chamber containing 25mmol/L glucose and RF/6A. There were three groups including RF/6A blank control group, high glucose treated RF/6A group, and high glucose treated RF/6A with hUCMSC co-culture group. MTT was used to measure the RF/6A cell viability. Western blot was used to to detect protein level of Foxp3. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the concentration of interleukin (IL)-17. ResultsMTT assay revealed that at the first day, the survival rate of the three groups had no significant difference (F=0.030, P > 0.05). On day 3 and day 7, the cell viability of the high glucose group was significantly lower than that of the control group (t=36.072, 27.890; P < 0.05), the cell viability of the high glucose treated RF/6A with hUCMSC co-culture group was higher than that of high glucose group (t=36.072, 19.650; P < 0.05).Western blot analysis showed that Foxp3 in high glucose RF/6A group was significantly lower than that in the control group at day 7 after culture (t=7.826, P < 0.05) and high glucose RF/6A with hUCMSC group (t=19.936, P < 0.05). ELISA showed that IL-17 in the high glucose group, high glucose with hUCMSC co-culture group was significantly higher than that of the control group (F=1 267.503, P < 0.05), while IL-17 in the hUCMSC co-culture group was significantly lower than that in high glucose group (t=17.386, P < 0.05). ConclusionhUCMSC can regulate the expression of Foxp3 and IL-17 to increase the proliferative ability of RF/6A, which was suppressed by high glucose.
Objective The observe the effects of interferon-inducible protein-10 (IP-10) on proliferation, migration and capillary tube formation of human retinal vascular endothelial cells (HREC) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Methods The chemokine receptor (CXCR3) mRNA of HREC and HUVEC were quantified by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In the presence of the different concentrations of IP-10, the difference in proliferation capacity of HREC and HUVEC were analyzed by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) methods. Wound scratch assay and threedimensional in vitro matrigel assay were used for measuring migration and capillary tube formation of HREC and HUVEC, respectively. Results RT-PCR revealed both HREC and HUVEC expressed CXCR3. The proliferation of HREC in the presence of IP-10 was inhibited in a dosagedependent manner (F=6.202,P＜0.05), while IP-10 showed no effect on the inhibitory rate of proliferation of HUVEC (F=1.183,P＞0.05). Wound scratch assay showed a significant reduction in the migrated distance of HREC and HUVEC under 10 ng/ml or 100 ng/ml IP-10 stimulation (F=25.373, 23.858; P＜0.05). There was no effect on the number of intact tubules formed by HREC in the presence of 10 ng/ml or 100 ng/ml IP-10. The number of intact tubules formed by HREC in the presence of 1000 ng/ml IP-10 was remarkably smaller. The difference of number of intact tubules formed by HREC among 10, 100, 1000 ng/ml IP-10 and nonintervention group was statistically significant (F=5.359,P＜0.05). Conclusion IP-10 can inhibit the proliferation, migration and capillary tube formation ability of HREC and the migration of HUVEC.
Objective To observe the vascular endthelial cellular apoptosis induced by transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT). Methods Vascular endothelial cells (VEC) cultured in vitro were treated with TTT, hyperthermia and TTT combined with indocyanine green (ICG) pretreatment. The cellular apoptosis was detected by doublelabelled flow cytometer (annexin Vfluroescein isothiocyanate and propidium iodide) analysis, fluorescent microscopy, nucleolus stainned with DNA dye hoechst 33258, DNA ladder detection and electron microscopy. Results Without significant rising of the temperature, TTT couldnprime;t increase the apoptosis of VEC. Pure hyperthermia and TTT combined with ICG pretreatment could increase apoptosis of VEC significantly, and the effect of the latter method was more obvious. The higher power of TTT was used and the longer duration the cells were cultured, the higher apoptosis rate of VEC was. Conclusion The induction of apoptosis of VEC might play an important role in the mechanism of the occlusion of CNV by TTT, and combining with ICG may obviously enhance the apoptosis rate at the same temperature, which may supply a theoretical basis for promoting the clinical effect of TTT.