ObjectiveTo study the feasibility of human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) combined with small intestinal submucosa powder (SISP)/chitosan chloride (CSCl)-β-glycerol phosphate disodium (GP)-hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) for adipose tissue engineering. MethodshADSCs were isolated from human breast fat with collagenase type I digestion, and the third passage hADSCs were mixed with SISP/CSCl-GP-HEC at a density of 1×106 cells/mL. Twenty-four healthy female nude mice of 5 weeks old were randomly divided into experimental group (n=12) and control group (n=12), and the mice were subcutaneously injected with 1 mL hADSCs+SISP/CSCl-GP-HEC or SISP/CSCl-GP-HEC respectively at the neck. The degradation rate was evaluated by implant volume measurement at 0, 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks. Three mice were euthanized at 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks respectively for general, histological, and immunohistochemical observations. The ability of adipogenesis (Oil O staining), angiopoiesis (CD31), and localized the hADSCs (immunostaining for human Vimentin) were identified. ResultsThe volume of implants of both groups decreased with time, but it was greater in experimental group than the control group, showing significant difference at 8 weeks (t=3.348, P=0.029). The general observation showed that the border of implants was clear with no adhesion at each time point;fat-liked new tissues were observed with capillaries on the surface at 8 weeks in 2 groups. The histological examinations showed that the structure of implants got compact gradually after injection, and SISP gradually degraded with slower degradation speed in experimental group;adipose tissue began to form, and some mature adipose tissue was observed at 8 weeks in the experimental group. The Oil O staining positive area of experimental group was greater than that of the control group at each time point, showing significant difference at 8 weeks (t=3.411, P=0.027). Immunohistochemical staining for Vemintin showed that hADSCs could survive at each time point in the experimental group;angiogenesis was most remarkable at 2 weeks, showing no significant differences in CD31 possitive area between 2 groups (P>0.05), but angiogenesis was more homogeneous in experimental group. ConclusionSISP/CSCl-GP-HEC can use as scaffolds for hADSCs to reconstruct tissue engineered adipose.
Objective To investigate the effect of M2-like macrophage/microglia-derived mitochondria transplantation in treatment of mouse spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods BV2 cells were classified into M1 (LPS treatment), M2 (IL-4 treatment), and M0 (no treatment) groups. After receiving M1 and M2 polarization, BV2 cells received microscopic observation, immunofluorescence staining [Arginase-1 (Arg-1)] and flow cytometry [inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), Arg-1] to determine the result of polarization. MitoSox Red and 2, 7-dichlorodi-hydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) stainings were used to evaluate mitochondrial function difference. Mitochondria was isolated from M2-like BV2 cells through differential velocity centrifugation for following transplantation. Then Western blot was used to measure the expression levels of the relevant complexes (complexes Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ, and Ⅴ) in the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), and compared with M2-like BV2 cells to evaluate whether the mitochondria were obtained. Thirty-six female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=12). Mice from sham group were only received the T10 laminectomy. After the T10 spinal cord injury (SCI) model was prepared in the SCI group and mitochondria transplantation (MT) group, mitochondrial storage solution and mitochondria (100 μg) derived from M2-like BV2 cells were injected into the injured segment, respectively. After operation, the Basso Mouse Scale (BMS) score was performed to evaluate the motor function recovery. And immunofluorescence staining, lycopersicon esculentum agglutinin (LEA)-FITC staining, and ELISA [vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA)] were also performed. Results After polarization induction, BV2 cells in M1 and M2 groups showed specific morphological changes of M1-like and M2-like macrophages, respectively. Immunofluorescence staining showed that the positive expression of M2-like macrophages marker (Arg-1) was significantly higher in M2 group than in M0 group and M1 group (P<0.05). Flow cytometry showed that the expression of M1-like macrophage marker (iNOS) was significantly higher in M1 group than in M0 group and M2 group (P<0.05), and the expression of Arg-1 was significantly higher in M2 group than in M0 group and M1 group (P<0.05). MitoSox Red and DCFH-DA stainings showed that the fluorescence intensity of the M2 group was significantly lower than that of the M1 group (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference with the M0 group (P>0.05). The M2-like BV2 cells-derived mitochondria was identified through Western blot assay. Animal experiments showed that the BMS scores of MT group at 21 and 28 days after operation were significantly higher than those of SCI group (P<0.05). At 14 days after operation, the number of iNOS-positive cells in MT group was significantly lower than that in SCI group (P<0.05), but still higher than that in sham group (P<0.05); the number of LEA-positive cells and the expression of VEGFA in MT group were significantly more than those in the other two groups (P<0.05). Conclusion M2-like macrophage/microglia-derived mitochondria transplantation can promote angiogenesis and inhibit inflammatory M1-like macrophage/microglia polarization after mouse SCI to improve function recovery.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of human placental decidua basalis derived mesenchymal stem cells (PDB-MSCs) in repairing full-thickness skin defect of nude mice. MethodsHuman placenta samples were obtained from healthy donor mothers with written informed consent. PDB-MSCs were isolated through enzymic digestion and density gradient centrifugation; the 4th passage cells were identified by cellular morphology, cell adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation, and phenotype evaluation. Forty-two 4-5-week-old BALB/c female nude mice were randomly divided into experimental group (n=21) and control group (n=21). The 4th passage PDB-MSCs solution (200 μL, 5×106/mL) was injected into the mice of experimental group via caudal vein; the mice of control group were given equal volume of PBS. The full-thickness skin defect model of 1.5 cm×1.5 cm in size was made after 3 days. The wound healing was observed generally at 1, 2, 4, 7, 14, 18, 21, 25, and 30 days after operation, and the wound healing rate was calculated after wound decrustation. HE staining was used to observe the wound repair at 1, 7, 14, 21, and 31 days; immunofluorescent staining was used for cellular localization at 7, 14, and 31 days after operation. ResultsCells isolated from human placenta were MSCs which had multipotential differentiation ability and expressed MSCs phenotype. Animals survived to the end of the experiment. The general observation showed that the experimental group had a faster skin repairing speed than the control group; the time for decrustation was 12-14 days in experimental group and was 14-17 days after operation in the control group. The wound healing rate of experimental group was significantly higher than that of control group at 14, 18, and 21 days (t=4.001, P=0.016; t=3.380, P=0.028; t=3.888, P=0.018), but no significance was found at 25 and 30 days (t=1.565, P=0.193; t=1.000, P=0.423). HE staining showed lower inflammatory reaction, and better regeneration of the whole skin and glands with time in the experimental group. The immunofluorescent staining was positive in skin defect area of experimental group at different time points which displayed that human PDB-MSCs existed. ConclusionThrough enzymic digestion and density gradient centrifugation, PDB-MSCs can be obtained. Pre-stored PDB-MSCs can mobilize to the defect area and participate in repair of nude mice skin.
ObjectiveTo discuss the effects of coix seed extract injection on rate of tumor of C57 mice liver cancer model, tumor size, and serum IL-6. MethodsUsing chemical carcinogens diethyl nitrosamine (DEN) to establish the mice model of liver cancer, liver cancer mouse model to coix seed extract was given observation of C57 mice liver cancer model come tumor formation rate, tumor growth, and the change of serum IL-6. ResultsC57 mice after intraperitoneal injection of coix seed extract injection model of liver cancer tumor rate (55.6%) significantly lower than the DEN group (87.5%), P < 0.01; tumor diameter[(0.3±0.05) cm] was lower than that in group DEN[(0.8±0.06) cm], P < 0.01. The serum level of IL-6 in C57 mice after treated with coix seed extract significantly lower than that in group DEN (P < 0.01). ConclusionCoix seed extract can effectively inhibit the tumor rate and the growth of tumor in hepatocellular carcinoma model of C57 mice, and decrease the level of serum IL-6.
Objective To explore whether epithelial to mesenchymal transition ( EMT) occurs in bleomycin( BLM) induced pulmonary fibrosis, and the involvement of bronchial epithelial cells( BECs) in the EMT. Methods BLM-induced peribronchial fibrosis in an α-smooth muscle actin-Cre transgenic mouse( α-SMACre /R26R) was examined by pulmonary βgal staining and α-SMA immunofluorescence staining. Results BLMtreated mice showed significantly enhanced βgal staining in subepithelial areas in bronchi, terminal bronchioles and walls of pulmonary vessels. Some alveolar epithelial cells( AECs) in certain peribronchial areas or even a small subset of BECs were also positively stained, as confirmed by α-SMA immunostaining. Conclusions EMT occurs in BLM-induced peribronchial fibrosis mice. BECs, like AECs, have the capacity to undergo EMT and to contribute to mesenchymal expansion in pulmonary fibrosis.
Objective To investigate the feasibility and characteristic of tissue engineered testicular prosthesis with highdensity polyethylene(HDPE，trade name: Medpor) and polyglycolic acid(PGA). Methods The chondrocytes were isolated from the swine articular.The PGA scaffold was incorporated with medpor which semidiameters were 6mmand 4mm respectively.Then, the chondrocytes (5×10 7/ml) were seeded onto Medpor-PGA scaffold and cultured for 2 weeks. The ten BALB／C mice were divided into two groups randomly(n=5). In the experimental group, the cell-scaffold construct was implanted into subcutaneous pockets on the back of nude mice. In the control group, the Medpor-PGA scaffold was implanted. The mice of two groups were sacrificed to harvest the newly formed cartilage prosthesis after 8 weeks. Macroscopy, histology and immunohistochemistry observations were made. Results The gross observation showed that on changes were in shape and at size, the color and elasticity were similar to that of normal cartilage and that the cartilage integrated with Medpor in the experimental group; no cartilage formed and fiberlike tissue was found in the control group. HE staining showed that many mature cartilage lacuna formed without blood vessel and some PGA did not degradated completely. Toluidine blue staining showed extracellular matrix had metachromia. Safranin O-fast green staining showed that many proteoglycan deposited and collagen type Ⅱ expression was bly positive. In the control group, Medpor was encapsulated by fiber tissue with rich blood vessel. Conclusion The newly formed complex of Medpor-PGA and cells was very similar to testicle in gross view and to normal cartilage in histology. This pilot technique of creating testicular prosthesis by incorporating tissue-engineered cartilage with Medpor demonstrated success.
Objective To study the expressions of human ether-a-go-go related gene (HERG) in CD1 mice gallbladder and interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and explore their possible implications. Methods The expression of HERG protein in gallbladder tissue slices obtained from CD1 mice was detected by immunohistochemistry method. The expression of HERG mRNA in gallbladder tissue was detected by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. The production of HERG protein was confirmed in the CD1 mice gallbladder by Western blot. Enzymatically dispersed cells were identified as ICC using the specific ICC marker c-kit antibody, and the double positive cells of c-kit and HERG were observed by laser passing confocal microscope. Results HERG was present in the CD1 mice gallbladder tissues for the yellow or buffy positive reaction. At the same time, the expression of mRNA specific for the HERG gene and production of HERG protein in the CD1 mice gallbladder tissues were indicated by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. Using double labeling of anti-c-kit and anti-HERG, the double positive cells of c-kit and HERG were observed in the CD1 mice ICC by laser passing confocal microscope. Conclusion The study demonstrates that HERG is present in the CD1 mice gallbladder tissues and ICC, which is likely related to the pacemaking activity of ICC.
A multiple-stimuli-responsive drug-conjugated cross-linked micelles was prepared by radical copolymerization. The chemical structure, morphology, and size of the cross-linked micelles were characterized, and the drug loading of the micelle was calculated. The experimental results indicated that the hydrodynamic size of the drug-loaded micelles were about 100 nm, and the as prepared micelles could be degraded and swelled in presence of reducing glutathione (GSH). The low critical solution temperature (LCST) of the micelle was around 39.4℃. According to the experimental results, the micelles will shrink at temperature above the LCST. Subsequently, the accumulative drug release rate was up to 91.78% under acidic (pH 5.0), reductive (GSH 10 mmol/L) and high temperature (42.0℃) conditions mimicking the tumor microenvironment, while a relatively low release rate of 1.12% was observed without stimulation. The drug-conjugated cross-linked micelles showed a strong cell uptake behavior. In the cytotoxicity assay, the micelles exhibited effective anti-cancer activity and excellent biocompatibility. In brief, the experimental results show that the as-prepared drug-conjugated cross-linked micelle exhibits multiple stimuli-responsiveness, which holds great promise for anti-cancer drug delivery.
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is involved in the development and progression of tumors including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, studies on AMPK and tumorigenesis were largely based on experiments in vitro or tumor xenografts model. Here, we introduce a liver-specific AMPKα1 knockout mice model, which is achieved by Alb-Cre recombinase system. The expression of AMPKα1 in the liver of AMPKα1-/--Alb-Cre mice is absent. AMPKα1 knockout in the liver does not affect the growth and histological structure of mouse liver. This model provides a favorable tool to the study of the roles of AMPKα1 in liver metabolism or tumorigenesis.
ObjectiveTo investigate MUC1 over-expression on chemotherapy of 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin for esophageal cancer cells. MethodsMUC1 over-expression and stable silencing of MUC1 expression esophageal cancer cell lines were constructed. Xenograft model of esophageal cancer was established in nude mice. Cisplatin (8 mg/kg, day 1 and day 7)and 5-fluorouracil (20 mg/kg, day 1 to 6)were injected intraperitoneally. Tumor volume and body weight of nude mice were measured. Tumor growth curve and body weight curve were drawn, and tumor inhibitory rate was calculated. ResultsBoth cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil suppressed tumor growth of MUC1 over-expression esophageal cancer nude mice. Body weight and tumor volume of nude mice of cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil groups were significantly smaller than those of the control group (P < 0.05), and the inhibitory effects of cisplatin were significantly greater than those of 5-fluorouracil (P < 0.05). There was no significant inhibitory effect in stable silencing of MUC1 expression esophageal cancer nude mice. ConclusionBoth cisplatin and paclitaxel can suppress the growth of MUC1 over-expression esophageal cancer, and cisplatin has greater inhibitory effects than 5-fluorouracil in tumor volume and body weight of nude mice.