【Abstract】 Objective To build nano-biomimetic tissue engineered blood vessel (NBTEBV) with nanotopology by using electrospinning (ELSP) technology. Methods Cony vascular endothel ial cell(VEC) on tubiform tooting in vitro was cultured. NBTEBV was built by use of multi-row nozzle with the suspension of cony vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) and mimic ECM (MECM) solution. NBTEBV was cultured with bioreactor in vitro . VEC and VSMC viabil ity and prol iferation were observed with MTT; and HE staining, scanning electron microscopy(SEM) observation and biomechanical test were carried out after 24 hours of static culture and 7 days of dynamic culture. Results After 7 days of culture, the length of NBTEBV was 57 mm, the external diameter was 4 mm and the thickness of wall was 0.4 mm. The NBTEBV’s color was white and the texture was even and flexible. MTT results indicated the viabil ity of cells cultured on NBTEBV for 7 days was normal(8.9 × 106 /mg, 3.5 ×105/mg for 24 hours). SEM and HE staining indicated that the topologic character of NBTEBV was similar to that of the naturalblood vessel. The NBTEBV showed a network scaffolds structure with 100 nm thick fiber and 600 nm aperture. The HE stainingresult showed that the NBTEBV was composed of VEC and VSMC by layer. Vascular mechanical results showed that the NBTEBVultimate hydrostatic pressure was 950 mmHg, the compl iance of the NBTEBV under physio-pressure (110/70 mmHg) was 3.0%; the ultimate tensile strength of 20 mm × 5 mm tissue sl ice was 18.5 MPa. Conclusion The technology of ELSP can use VSMC and MECM scaffold simultaneously to build tissue engineered blood vessel with nanotopology mimic native blood vessel.
Objective To explore the possibilityof constructing tissue engineering muscles by combining allogeneic myoblasts with small instestinal submucosa(SIS) in rabbits.Methods A large number of purified myoblasts were obtained with multiprocedure digestion and repeated attachment method from skeletal muscles taken from extremities of immature rabbits which were born 7 days ago. The myoblasts were labeled with BrdU, and then combined with SIS to construct tissue engineering muscles. This kind of tissue engineering muscles were grafted into the gastrocnemius muscle defect (1.5 cm in length, 1.0 cmin width) of fifteen rabbits as the experimental group. The SIS was grafted into the same position in the control group. The rabbits were sacrificed 4, 6, 8 weeks after operation. The tissue engineering muscles were evaluated by macroscopic、histological and immunohistochemical observations, and by quantitative analysis of local immunocyte in the grafting site. Results Allogeneic myoblasts with SIS were combined perfectly in vitro. The SIS was connected tightly to surrounding skeletal muscles and inflammation response was obvious 4 weeks after grafting.The SIS began to break down and inflammation response became slight 6 and 8 weeks after operation. Compared with that of 8th week, the quantitative analysis oflocal immunocyte in 4th and 6th week in both experimental and control group hassignificance(Plt;0.05). Newly formed muscle tissues were found around SIS in the experimental group in 4th, 6th, and 8th week. Expression of BrdU and myosin immunohistochemical staining were positive in the experimental group and negative inthe control group.Conclusion Tissue engineering muscles of rabbits which are constructed by combining allogeneic myoblasts with SIS can survive and proliferate.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of power-assisted intravascular shunt in replantation of amputated limbs of rabbits. MethodsEighty rabbits weighing 1.8-2.5 kg (male or female) were selected to establ ish the model of circular amputation at the hind groin, only femoral arteries and veins were completely preserved. After the femoral artery was clamped in 60 rabbits, the rabbits underwent power-assisted intravascular shunt with high-flow rate (group A, n=20), powerassisted intravascular shunt with low-flow rate (group B, n=20), and no power-assisted intravascular shunt (group C, n=20) to reconstruct blood supply; the femoral artery was not clamped in another 20 rabbits of sham group (group D). Before and after intravascular shunt (1, 3, 6, and 12 hours), the malondialdehyde (MDA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatine kinase (CK) of the serum were determined. The myeloperoxidase (MPO), MDA, and wet to dry weight ratio (W/D ratio) of the gastrocnemius muscle were measured, and the thrombogenesis and survival rate of limb were observed. ResultsBefore intravascular shunt, MDA, LDH, and CK of the serum and MPO, MDA, and W/D ratio of the muscle showed no significant difference among 4 groups (P>0.05). At each time point after intravascular shunt, no significant difference was found in all indexes between groups A and D (P>0.05); the indexes of groups B and C were significantly higher than those of groups A and D (P<0.05); the values were the highest in group C (P<0.05), and reached the peak at 12 hours. All limbs of group A survived with low thrombosis rate, and less limbs could survive with high thrombosis rate in group C. ConclusionThe power-assisted intravascular shunt with high-flow rate can effective ensure the blood supply of the amputated limbs of rabbits with lower limb injury and higher survival rate of amputated limbs after replantation.
ObjectiveTo compare the osteogenic effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) transfected by adenovirus-bone morphogenetic protein 2-internal ribosome entry site-hypoxia inducible factor 1αmu (Ad-BMP-2-IRES-HIF-1αmu) and by Ad-cytomegalovirus (CMV)-BMP-2-IRES-human renilla reniformis green fluorescent protein 1 (hrGFP-1) single gene so as to optimize the source of osteoblasts. MethodsBMSCs were separated and cultured from 1-month-old New Zealand white rabbit. The BMSCs at passage 3 were transfected by virus. The experiment was divided into 4 groups (groups A, B, C, and D) according to different virus: BMSCs were transfected by Ad-BMP-2-IRES-HIF-1αmu in group A, by Ad-CMV-BMP-2-IRES-hrGFP-1 in group B, by Ad-CMV-IRES-hrGFP-1 in group C, and BMSCs were not transfected in group D. The optimum multiplicity of infection (MOI) (50, 100, 150, and 200) was calculated and then the cells were transfected by the optimum MOI, respectively. The expression of BMP-2 gene was detected by immunohistochemistry staining after transfected, the expressions of BMP-2 protein and HIF-1α protein were detected by Western blot method. The osteogenic differentiation potential was detected by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and Alizarin red staining. ResultsThe optimum MOI of groups A, B, and C was 200, 150, and 100, respectively. The expression of BMP-2 was positive in groups A and B, and was negative in groups C and D by immunohistochemistry staining; the number of positive cells in group A was more than that in group B (P ﹤ 0.05). The expression of BMP-2 protein in groups A and B was significantly higher than that in groups C and D (P ﹤ 0.05), group A was higher than group B (P ﹤ 0.05). The expression of HIF-1α protein in group A was significantly higher than those in the other 3 groups (P ﹤ 0.05), no significant difference was found among the other 3 groups (P ﹥ 0.05). ALP activity in groups A and B was significantly higher than that in groups C and D (P ﹤ 0.05), group A was higher than group B (P ﹤ 0.05). Calcium nodules could be seen in groups A and B, but not in groups C and D; the number of calcium nodules in group A was higher than that in group B (P ﹤ 0.05). ConclusionThe expression of BMP-2 and osteogenic effect of BMSCs transfected by Ad-BMP-2-IRES-HIF-1αmu (double genes in single carrier) are higher than those of BMSCs transfected by Ad-CMV-BMP-2-IRES-hrGFP-1 (one gene in single carrier).
Objective To develop an experimental model of abdominal aorta transplantation with nano-biomimetictissue engineered blood vessel (NBTEBV) and to investige the change of histomorphology in evolutionary process of degradation and remodel ing. Methods Twenty 6-month-old New Zealand rabbits were included, weighing 2-3 kg, male or female. The autologous seed cells of rabbits were harvested to build NBTEBV in vitro. After the branch of abdominal aorta under kidney was l igated, about 10 mm abdominal aorta was cut and replaced by NBTEBV; the anastomotic stoma was marked by Ti cl ips. NBTEBV’s evolutionary processes of degradation and rebuilding were observed. Twelve weeks after operation, DSA and color Doppler examinations were made. At 1, 4 and 12 weeks after operation, the gross and histological observations were made and 14C binding in PLGA was detected with X-ray photon spectroscopy. Results Of 20 rabbits, 17 showed that the NBTEBV was patency; 3 died from NBTEBV occlusion 36 or 72 hours after operation. The results of DAS and color Doppler showed the blood flow was patency, the blood flow rate was normal and there was no angiectasis. The lumen of transplanted blood vessel was covered with monolayer endothel ial cells. At 1 week, smooth muscle cells (SMCs) arranged regularly and much PLGA distributed in the EMCs. At 4 weeks, SMCs arranged in a layer, ECM was forming, mimic ECM degraded partly; PLGA decreased obviously. At 12 weeks, the SMCs arranged regularly, ECM formed, mimic ECM degraded, no PLGA was seen in the wall, the shape of graft was similar to the natural vessel. The decreasing crest value of 14C in specimen showed the degradation of PLGA. Conclusion NBTEBV has a good surgical maneuverabil ity and histocompatibil ity, its remodel ing evolutionary process fits in with tissue engineering specification. Building NBTEBV with ELSP is feasible.
Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of BMSCs- chitosan hydrogel complex transplantation on intervertebral disc degeneration and to provide experimental basis for its cl inical appl ication. Methods Two mill il iter of bone marrow from 6 healthy one-month-old New Zealand rabbits were selected to isolate and culture BMSCs. Then, BMSCs at passage 3 were labeled by 5-BrdU and mixed with chitosan hydrogel to prepare BMSCs- chitosan hydrogel complex. Six rabbitswere selected to establ ish the model of intervertebral disc degeneration and randomized into 3 groups (n=2 per group): control group in which intervertebral disc was separated and exposed but without further processing; transplantation group in which 30 μL of autogenous BMSCs- chitosan hydrogel complex was injected into the center of defected intervertebral disc; degeneration group in which only 30 μL of 0.01 mol/L PBS solution was injected. Animals were killed 4 weeks later and the repaired discs were obtained. Then cell 5-BrdU label ing detection, HE staining, aggrecan safranin O staining, Col II immunohistochemical staining and gray value detection were conducted. Results Cell label ing detection showed that autogenous BMSCs survived and prol iferated after transplantation, forming cell clone. HE staining showed that in the control and transplantation groups, the intervertebral disc had a clear structure, a distinct boundary between the central nucleus pulposus and the outer anulus fibrosus, and the obviously stained cell nuclear and cytochylema; while the intervertebral disc in the degeneration group had a deranged structure and an indistinct division between the nucleus pulposus and the outer anulus fibrosus. Aggrecan safarine O stainning notified that intervertebral disc in the control and transplantation groups were stained obviously, with a clear structure; while the intervertebral disc in the degeneration group demonstrated a deranged structure with an indistinct division between the nucleus pulposus and the anulus fibrosus. Col II immunohistochemical staining showed that the tawny-stained region in the control group was located primarily in the central nucleus pulposus with a clear structure of intervertebral disc, the central nucleus pulposus in the transplantation group was positive with obvious tawny-stained intercellular substances and a complete gross structure, while the stained color in the degeneration group was l ighter than that of other two groups, with a indistinct structure.Gray value assay of Col II immunohistochemical staining section showed that the gray value of the control, the ransplantation and the degeneration group was 223.84 ± 3.93, 221.03 ± 3.53 and 172.50 ± 3.13, respectively, indicating there was no significant difference between the control and the transplantation group (P gt; 0.05), but a significant difference between the control and transplantation groups and the degeneration group (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion The rabbit BMSCs-chitosan hydrogel complex can repair intervertebral disc degeneration, providing an experimental foundation for the cl inical appl ication of injectable tissue engineered nucleus pulposus complex to treat intervertebral disc degeneration.
Objective To explore the expression and effect of heme oxygenase-1 ( HO-1) in ventilator-induced lung injury. Methods Twenty-four New Zealand rabbits were randomly assigned to three groups, ie. a conventional ventilation + PEEP group( C group) , a ventilator-induced lung injury group( VILI group) , and a VILI + HO-1 inducer hemin group( Hm group) .Western blot and immunohistochemistry assay were used to investigate the expression of HO-1 protein. Blood gas analysis, lung wet /dry ratio, lunghistopathology and lung injury score were used to evaluate lung injury. Results HO-1 protein expression significantly increased in the VILI group compared with the C group. HO-1 was found mainly in alveolar epithelial cells and vascular endothelial cells, as well as in alveolar macrophages and neutrophils. Compared with the VILI group, HO-1 protein and PaO2 /FiO2 increased, while lung wet/dry ratio and lung injury score decreased in the Hmgroup significantly( P lt;0. 05) . Conclusion High HO-1 expression can alleviate lung injury from large tidal volume ventilation, implying its protective role in lung pathogenesis.
Objective To explore the histological changes of bio-derived bone prepared by different methods after implantation, and to provide the scaffold material from xenogeneic animal for tissue engineering. Methods Theextremities of porcine femur were cut into 0.5 cm×0.5 cm×0.5 cm. Then they were divided into 5 groups according to different preparation methods: group A was fresh bone just repeatedly rinsed by saline; group B was degreased; group C was degreased and decalcificated; group D was degreased, acellular and decalcificated; group E wasdegreased and acellular. All the materials were implantated into femoral muscle pouch of rabbit after 25 kGy irradiation sterilization. The cell counting ofinflammatory cells and osteoclasts, HE and Masson staining, material degradation, collagen and new bone formation were observed at 2, 6, and 12 weeks postoperatively. Results The residue level of trace element in biomaterials prepared by different methods is in line with the standards. All the animals survived well. There were no tissue necrosis, fluid accumulation or inflammation at all implantation sites at each time point. The inflammatory cells counting was most in group A, and there was significant difference compared with other groups(P＜0.05). There was no significant difference in osteoclasts counting among all groups. For the index of HE and Masson staining, collagen and new bone formation, groups C and D were best, group E was better, and groups A and B were worse. Conclusion The degreased, acellular and decalcificated porcine bone is better in degradation,bone formation, and lower inflammatory reaction, it can be used better scaffold material for tissue engineered bone.
ObjectiveTo explore a new method of developing a pre-vascularized cell sheets. MethodsBone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) from 3-week-old Japanese white rabbits were harvested and cultured. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were added into the culture medium to differentiate into endothelial like cells (ECs) from BMSCs (experimental group), and non-induced cells served as the control group. The cell morphology was observed; and the von Willebrand factor (vWF) and CD31 immunofluorescent staining was used to identify the induced BMSCs. The 2nd generation BMSCs were seeded on a cell culture dish at a cell density of 9×104cells/cm2 and cultured for 14 days to form a thick cell sheet, and ECs from BMSCs were then seeded on the BMSCs sheet at a cell density of 5×104 cells/cm2 to develop pre-vascularized cell sheets and cultured for 3, 7, and 14 days (group A); non-induced BMSCs sheet and only ECs from BMSCs were used as group B and group C, respectively. The CD31 immunofluorescent staining and histological analysis were performed to evaluate the pre-vascularized cell sheet. ResultsBMSCs changed from long fusiform to cobblestone-like morphology after induced by VEGF and bFGF. The expressions of CD31 and vWF were positive in experimental group, but were negative in control group, which suggested that BMSCs have the ability to differentiate into ECs under this condition. After the ECs were seeded on the BMSCs sheet, the ECs migrated and rearranged; intracellular vacuoles and networks were observed. Furthermore, immunofluorescent staining for CD31 also revealed a developing process of tube formation after the ECs were seeded on the BMSCs sheet. The histological evaluations indicated the microvessel lumen formed. However, no similar change was observed in groups B and C. ConclusionBMSCs have the ability to differentiate into ECs after induced by VEGF and bFGF. ECs from BMSCs can develop into vascular network constructs when seeded on the BMSCs sheet, which provides a new method for engineering pre-vascularized tissue construction.
Objective To investigate the effect of repairing bone defect with tissue engineered bone seeded with the autologous red bone marrow (ARBM) and wrapped by the pedicled fascial flap and provide experimental foundation for cl inicalappl ication. Methods Thirty-two New Zealand white rabbits (male and/or female) aged 4-5 months old and weighing2.0-2.5 kg were used to make the experimental model of bilateral 2 cm defect of the long bone and the periosteum in the radius. The tissue engineered bone was prepared by seeding the ARBM obtained from the rabbits on the osteoinductive absorbing material containing BMP. The left side of the experimental model underwent the implantation of autologous tissue engineered bone serving as the control group (group A). While the right side was designed as the experimental group (group B), one 5 cm × 3 cm fascial flap pedicled on the nameless blood vessel along with its capillary network adjacent to the bone defect was prepared using microsurgical technology, and the autologous tissue engineered bone wrapped by the fascial flap was used to fill the bone defect. At 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks after operation, X-ray exam, absorbance (A) value test, gross morphology and histology observation, morphology quantitative analysis of bone in the reparative area, vascular image analysis on the boundary area were conducted. Results X-ray films, gross morphology observation, and histology observation: group B was superior to group A in terms of the growth of blood vessel into the implant, the quantity and the speed of the bone trabecula and the cartilage tissue formation, the development of mature bone structure, the remolding of shaft structure, the reopen of marrow cavity, and the absorbance and degradation of the implant. A value: there was significant difference between two groups 8, 12, and 16 weeks after operation (P lt; 0.05), and there were significant differences among those three time points in groups A and B (P lt; 0.05). For the ratio of neonatal trabecula area to the total reparative area, there were significant differences between two groups 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks after operation (P lt; 0.05), and there were significant differences among those four time points in group B (P lt; 0.05).For the vascular regenerative area in per unit area of the junctional zone, group B was superior to group A 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks after operation (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion Tissue engineered bone, seeded with the ARBM and wrapped by the pedicled fascial flap, has a sound reparative effect on bone defect due to its dual role of constructing vascularization and inducing membrane guided tissue regeneration.