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    28 October 2022, Volume 26 Issue 30 Previous Issue   
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    Adenovirus-mediated bone morphogenetic protein 2 induces osteogenic differentiation of rabbit bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
    Wu Chengcong, Wang Fang, Wan Jianshan, Wu Zheng, Sun Rong, Huang Hefei, Qian Xuankun, Ou Hua, Ren Jing
    2022, 26 (30):  4757-4761.  doi: 10.12307/2022.753
    Abstract ( 405 )   PDF (1294KB) ( 64 )   Save
    BACKGROUND: Natural bone morphogenetic protein 2 cannot achieve sustained release in vivo and continuously induce bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into osteoblasts. How to obtain endogenous bone morphogenetic protein 2 protein is the focus of current research. 
    OBJECTIVE: To investigate osteogenic differentiation of rabbit bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells transfected by adenovirus with human bone morphogenetic protein 2 and its possible mechanism. 
    METHODS: The third passage of rabbit bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were transfected by adenovirus with human bone morphogenetic protein 2 gene. At 48 hours after transfection, expression levels of bone morphogenetic protein 2 mRNA and protein in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were detected by qRT-PCR and western blot assay, respectively. The expression levels of proteins related to the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway were determined by western blot assay. After an induction with osteogenic medium, the alkaline phosphatase activity at 7 days, the type I collagen at 14 days, and the calcium nodules at 21 days were performed by alkaline phosphatase activity kit, immunohistochemical staining, and alizarin red S staining, respectively. 
    RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2 mRNA and protein was significantly upregulated in Ad-BMP-2/EGFP transfected bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. (2) Ad-BMP-2/EGFP induced alkaline phosphatase activity, promoted production of type I collagen and calcium nodules formation in rabbit bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. The levels of β-catenin, cyclin D1, Runx2 and c-myc were upregulated in Ad-hBMP-2/EGFP transfected bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, while the level of GSK3β significantly decreased. (3) Results indicated that Ad-BMP2-EGFP transfection promoted the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts and its mechanism may be achieved by up-regulating the expression level of bone morphogenetic protein 2 protein to activate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. 
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    Circular RNA mmu_circ_0001775 knockdown improves the osteogenic ability of mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
    Dong Yi, Shan Shuai, Liu Jialin, Han Xiangzhen, He Huiyu
    2022, 26 (30):  4767-4772.  doi: 10.12307/2022.755
    Abstract ( 430 )   PDF (4624KB) ( 62 )   Save
    BACKGROUND: In recent years, the use of circular RNA (circRNA) to regulate stem cell differentiation has become a new research focus. Therefore, loading circRNA on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells to study their osteogenic properties is of great significance for the development of new materials to repair bone defect.  
    OBJECTIVE: To investigate the osteogenic effect of circRNA mmu_circ_0001775 knockdown on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.
    METHODS:  Bioinformatics analysis tools speculated that the upstream circRNA most closely related to miR-335-5p was mmu_circ_0001775. Lentivirus and negative control virus knockdown mmu_circ_0001775 were transfected into bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression levels of Runt-related transcription factor 2, osteocalcin, miR-335-5p, and mmu_circ_0001775 genes at 7 and 14 days of osteogenic induction, respectively, to verify their osteogenic effects. Western blot assay was used to detect the expression levels of bone morphogenetic protein 2 and osteopontin.  
    RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The expression levels of Runt-related transcription factor 2 and osteocalcin at each time point in LV-mmu_circ_0001775-BMMSCs group were higher than those in LV-BMMSCs group (P < 0.01). The relative expression levels of bone morphogenetic protein 2 and osteopontin proteins were significantly higher in the LV-mmu_circ_0001775-BMMSCs group than those of LV-BMMSCs group (P < 0.05). The results showed that cirCRNA mmu_circ_0001775 knockdown could enhance the osteogenic ability of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.
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    Exosomes derived from melatonin-modified bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells promote osteogenesis of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
    Shen Enpu, Huang Ba, Liu Danping, Qi Hui, Wu Zhiwen, Li Beibei
    2022, 26 (30):  4800-4805.  doi: 10.12307/2022.759
    Abstract ( 581 )   PDF (1841KB) ( 72 )   Save
    BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is the most prevailing bone disease, which is characterized by the decrease in bone mass and deterioration of bone microarchitecture. Current treatments, although being used clinically for a long time, still have many side effects. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes are expected to become a new method for the treatment of osteoporosis due to their non-immunogenicity and other advantages.
    OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of exosomes derived from melatonin (MT)-modified bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on the osteogenesis of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and to analyze its feasibility as a cell-free method to promote osteogenic treatment of osteoporosis. 
    METHODS: Primary bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were isolated and characterized by whole bone marrow adherent method. Exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (NC-Exos) and MT pretreated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MT-Exos) were extracted by ultracentrifuge and  identified. The uptaking of exsomes into bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells was observed under a confocal microscope. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were cultured in osteogenic induction medium. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were treated with MT-Exos and NC-Exos, separately. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were treated with PBS as a blank control group. Alkaline phosphatase activity and alizarin red S staining were employed to evaluate the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in each group. The mRNA and protein expression levels of alkaline phosphatase and Runt related transcription factor 2 were measured through RT-PCR and western blot assay, respectively. Western blot assay was utilized to detect the protein expression of Wnt1 and β-catenin in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.   
    RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells had a typical spindle-like morphology and had the ability to differentiate into three lines. The majority of exosomes was smaller than 150 nm in diameter and expressed CD9, CD63, and CD81. Exosomes were taken up by bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. (2) At 7 days after osteoinduction, compared with the NC-Exos group, MT-Exos group presented higher alkaline phosphatase activity (P < 0.01), mRNA and protein expression of alkaline phosphatase and Runt related transcription factor 2 (P < 0.05), and Wnt1 and β-catenin protein expression (P < 0.001). (3) At 14 days after osteoinduction, compared with the NC-Exos group, MT-Exos group showed more red calcium nodules. (4) The present study has demonstrated that MT-Exos have the ability to promote osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by activating Wnt1/β-catenin signaling pathway. 
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    Implantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells-loaded platelet-rich plasma combined with extracorporeal shock wave in the repair of bone defects
    Huang Gao, Xu Jun, Chen Wenge
    2022, 26 (30):  4812-4818.  doi: 10.12307/2022.760
    Abstract ( 475 )   PDF (1678KB) ( 84 )   Save
    BACKGROUND: Segmental bone defects are prone to non-unions, and its treatment is a formidable clinical challenge. Additionally, the aging population and prevalence of osteoporosis-related fractures make it urgent to further explore a novel strategy to induce osteogenesis in this special population with limited bone generation ability.
    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the novel strategy of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells-loaded platelet-rich plasma combined with extracorporeal shock wave in reconstruction of segmental bone defects in osteoporosis.  
    METHODS: The bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells pretreated by extracorporeal shock wave were co-cultured with platelet-rich plasma and the cell biocompatibility was tested by CCK-8 and live-death staining. Osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells was detected by alkaline phosphatase staining, alizarin red staining, and RT-PCR detection. New-Zealand rabbit models of osteoporosis were established and segmental bone defects of the radius were prepared. The combined treatment strategy of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells-loaded platelet-rich plasma implantation and extracorporeal shock wave was used. The bone regeneration of radius samples was analyzed by Micro-CT and histological evaluation.
    RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) In vitro, platelet-rich plasma combined with extracorporeal shock wave significantly promoted bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells proliferation and migration, as well as induced osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by up-regulating the deposition of calcium nodule, and expression of alkaline phosphatase, runt-related transcription factor-2 (Runx-2) and osteocalcin. (2) In vivo, Micro-CT analysis and histological evaluation indicated this combination strategy of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells-loaded platelet-rich plasma implantation combined with  extracorporeal shock wave significantly enhanced bone regeneration in osteoporotic segmental bone defects. (3) The results indicated that this novel strategy of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells-loaded platelet-rich plasma implantation combined with extracorporeal shock wave could improve the poor osteogenic microenvironment associated with osteoporosis and show the potential for enhancing healing in segmental bone defects with osteoporosis. 
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    Integrin-targeted peptide promotes proliferation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in SD rats
    Jia Qiyu, Huang Xiaoxia, Guo Jian, Huang Jinyong, Guo Xiaobin, Abdussalam·Alimujiang, Wu Tong, Ma Chuang
    2022, 26 (30):  4780-4786.  doi: 10.12307/2022.728
    Abstract ( 494 )   PDF (2243KB) ( 45 )   Save
    BACKGROUND: Studies have reported that integrin-targeted peptide dopamine-arginine-glycine-aspatic acid (DOPA-RGD) could inhibit osteoclast activation and promote cell adhesion, while the optimal concentration and optimal time to apply DOPA-RGD peptide to intervene with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells or modified titanium-based materials are unclear.  
    OBJECTIVE: To investigate the optimal mass concentration and the optimal intervention time of DOPA-RGD peptide to produce pro-proliferative effect when acting on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in rats.
    METHODS:  SD rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were isolated and cultured in vitro and the cells with the required purity were selected for the next step of intervention. The third-generation bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were inoculated in 96-well culture plates. Cells in the control group were cultured with simple α-MEM complete medium, while the remaining of the experimental groups were cultured with conditioned medium containing 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg/L DOPA-RGD peptide. Cell proliferation was measured by CCK-8 method after 1, 3, 5, and 7 days of DOPA-RGD peptide intervention. The optimal mass concentration and intervention time of DOPA-RGD peptide in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were selected, and the optimal mass concentration of DOPA-RGD peptide in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells was further verified by apoptosis rate using flow cytometry. The effect of optimal mass concentration of DOPA-RGD peptide on the migration ability of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells was verified by scratch assay.  
    RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Using repeated measures analysis of variance, the absorbance values of the cells intervened by DOPA-RGD peptide changed differently between different time length groups, and the best proliferation effect was achieved by the 5th day of intervention, and the difference was significant (F=3 012.618, P < 0.001). Paired comparison of grouping factors by the LSD method showed that there was a significant difference between the 10 mg/L DOPA-RGD peptide group and the three groups with concentrations greater than or equal to 20 mg/L and the control group (P < 0.01). (2) Apoptosis rate assay showed that DOPA-RGD peptide at a mass concentration of 10 mg/L on the fifth day of intervention significantly reduced the apoptosis rate of bone marrow stem cells compared with the rest of the groups (P < 0.001). (3) Compared with the control group, 10 mg/L DOPA-RGD peptide intervention for 24 hours showed some migration ability of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and the migration speed was significantly accelerated. (4) The results showed that 10 mg/L DOPA-RGD peptide intervention on day 5 had a significant pro-proliferative effect on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.
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    Expression of histone deacetylase 9 in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells during senescence
    Zhan Yuanbo, Liu Xinpeng, Xu Wenxia, Miao Nan, Mu Sen, Zhang Ruimin, Li Ying
    2022, 26 (30):  4762-4766.  doi: 10.12307/2022.754
    Abstract ( 334 )   PDF (1916KB) ( 81 )   Save
    BACKGROUND: Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells have aging phenomenon during in vitro culture, but the mechanism is still unclear. Histone deacetylases can deacetylate histones and make the chromatin condense, further shutting down genes.  
    OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression pattern of histone deacetylase 9 in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells during senescence.
    METHODS:  The expression of histone deacetylases in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells was analyzed by bioinformatics. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were cultured by in vitro subculture. The senescence status of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells was detected by β-galactosidase staining and qRT-PCR. The expression pattern of histone deacetylase 9 was detected by qRT-PCR, western blot assay, and immunofluorescence.  
    RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Data mining and bioinformatics analysis showed that only histone deacetylase 9 expression was up-regulated among all histone deacetylase subtypes during bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell senescence. (2) Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells presented obvious senescence at passage 10; for example, β-galactosidase-positive cells were the most obvious, and the expression of senescence-related genes was up-regulated. (3) The expression of histone deacetylase 9 was up-regulated and consistent with the data mining results. Histone deacetylase 9 was expressed in both the nucleus and cytoplasm of young bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, but the expression in the nucleus was lower than that in the nucleus of senescence bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. The expression of histone deacetylase 9 was almost not expressed in the cytoplasm of senescence bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, but increased in the nucleus. (4) The results have shown that histone deacetylase 9 plays an important role in the senescence process of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, but the aging phenotype and molecular mechanism of histone deacetylase 9 need to be further studied.
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    Possibility of forskolin and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine in inducing bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into Schwann cells-like phenotype
    Wu Xiaosong, Gong Chao, Lou Pan, Wang Wei
    2022, 26 (30):  4787-4792.  doi: 10.12307/2022.757
    Abstract ( 364 )   PDF (4207KB) ( 43 )   Save
    BACKGROUND: Peripheral nerve injury is a common clinical disease mainly caused by trauma and other factors. Studies have shown that Schwann cells transdifferentiated from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells can promote the repair and reconstruction of peripheral nerve injury, but the induction method has not yet reached a consensus, and the mechanism of cell neurotransdifferentiation is still unclear.  
    OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of the small molecule compounds (Forskolin and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, Fsk-IBMX, FI) induced bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into Schwann cells, and the correlation between the induction process and the cAMP/PKA pathway.
    METHODS:  The primary bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were extracted from the bone marrow of the limbs of 1-week-old SD rats by the whole bone marrow adherence method. The bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were identified by cellular immunofluorescence. The changes of proliferation activity of each generation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were detected by CCK-8 assay at different time points of culture. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were induced by FI in vitro. The experiment contained three groups. The samples in the control group were treated with nerve growth medium for 120 hours. Those in the induction group were treated with nerve growth medium + FSK + IBMX + SQ22536 for 120 hours. Those in the inhibition group were treated with nerve growth medium + FSK + IBMX + SQ22536 treated for 120 hours. The medium should be replaced every 60 hours. Schwann cell-like cells were identified and analyzed by cell morphology and western bot assay. The expression of cAMP-related proteins during the differentiation was detected.  
    RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Cell immunofluorescence staining showed that primary cells from the limb bone marrow of one-week-old SD rats could be labeled with BMSCs-specific markers CD44 and CD90. CCK-8 assay results showed that the proliferation activity of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells increased gradually from passage 1 to passage 3 and decreased gradually from passage 3 to passage 6 at the same time point of culture. (2) Western blot assay results demonstrated that the expression of Schwann cells-specific markers S100β, GFAP, p75, and cAMP-related protein p-CREB increased significantly after FI induction (P < 0.001; P < 0.001; P < 0.05; P < 0.000 1), while the cAMP/PKA inhibitors SQ22536 could inhibit this effect (P < 0.01; P < 0.01; P < 0.05; P < 0.001). (3) It is concluded that FI can induce bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into Schwann cells phenotype and may activate the cAMP/PKA pathway during this induction process.
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    Effects of miR-126-3p from adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell released exosomes on human umbilical vein endothelial cell glucolipotoxicity
    Lin Bo, Chen Xinyu, Jin Qiu, Zhu Zhiman, Zhao Wenhui
    2022, 26 (30):  4773-4779.  doi: 10.12307/2022.756
    Abstract ( 333 )   PDF (4795KB) ( 56 )   Save
    BACKGROUND: MiR-126-3p from adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells released exosomes (AMSC-Exos) has been used as a potential biomarker of diabetes, but few studies of glucolipotoxicity and mechanism of miR-126-3p on human umbilical vein endothelial cells are found.  
    OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect and mechanism of miR-126-3p from AMSC-Exos on glucolipotoxicity of human umbilical vein endothelial cells.
    METHODS:  (1) Glucolipotoxicity model of human umbilical vein endothelial cells was induced by 30 mmol/L glucose and 100 µmol/L palmitic acid in vitro. (2) The supernatant of passage 4 AMSC-Exos was collected. The morphology of AMSC-Exos was observed by transmission electron microscope. The size distribution of AMSC-Exos was determined by nanoparticle tracking analysis. (3) Human umbilical vein endothelial cells with glucolipotoxicity were treated with AMSC-Exos. The content of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis rate were detected by flow cytometry. ELISA was implemented to detect the expression of inflammatory factors. (4) RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression levels of miR-126-3p mRNA in AMSC-Exos and normal human umbilical vein endothelial cells co-cultured with AMSC. (5) miR-126-3p overexpression was transfected into human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay. Western blot assay was used to detect the expression levels of apoptotic proteins. (6) The target genes of miR-126-3p were predicted and verified by bioinformatics software. Dual luciferase reporter gene assay was applied to verify and predict signaling pathway. (7) CRK overexpression was transfected into human umbilical vein endothelial cells with glucolipotoxicity. The expression levels of apoptotic protein and p-AKT were detected by western blot assay. (8) Human umbilical vein endothelial cell glucolipotoxicity model was co-treated with AKT pathway inhibitor RG7440 and miR-126-3p overexpression/AMSC-Exos. Apoptotic protein expression was detected by western blot assay and apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry.  
    RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) AMSC-Exos were round or oval membranous vesicles, and the particle size ranged from 30 to 200 nm. (2) Compared with the model group, AMSC-Exos could remarkably reduce the expression levels of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 (P < 0.05, P < 0.001), and obviously reduced the reactive oxygen species and cell apoptosis rate (P < 0.05). (3) Compared with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells, mRNA expression level of miR-126-3p from AMSC-Exos was significantly increased (P < 0.001). Compared with human umbilical vein endothelial cells, co-culture with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells could significantly increase the expression level of miR-126-3p of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (P < 0.001). (4) miR-126-3p overexpression could significantly promote cell proliferation, reduce cell apoptotic rate and expression levels of cleaved caspase 3, 9 (P < 0.01, P < 0.001). (5) Bioinformatics analysis and dual luciferase reporter gene assay proved that CRK was the target gene of miR-126-3p. The AKT pathway was as the object of next experimental research. (6) CRK overexpression could activate AKT pathway and up-regulate expression level of cleaved caspase 3, 9. Compared with the Exos group, the cell apoptosis rate was significantly higher in the Exos + AKT inhibitor group (P < 0.001). (7) The results showed that miR-126-3p from AMSC-Exos could improve the glucolipotoxicity of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. It is supposed that the mechanism maybe work by miR-126-3p regulating the AKT pathway via targeting CRK gene.
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    Biological characteristics of umbilical cord and menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells under physiological hypoxia
    Mo Yunfang, Wang Zejian, Qi Nianmin, Chen Yantian
    2022, 26 (30):  4819-4825.  doi: 10.12307/2022.761
    Abstract ( 368 )   PDF (3775KB) ( 46 )   Save
    BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells have the potential to treat various diseases such as diabetes, graft-versus-host disease, and premature ovarian failure. However, traditional culture methods have problems such as slow growth rate and senescence. Physiological hypoxia is expected to improve the biological characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells, which can optimize the culture method.  
    OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of physiological hypoxia on the biological characteristics of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells and menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells.
    METHODS:  Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells and menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells were cultured under 21% and 5% oxygen concentrations. Cell surface markers, colony formation, proliferation, apoptosis, senescence, glucose and lactate metabolism and differentiation were detected.  
    RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Hypoxia can promote the proliferation of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells and menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells, and the population doubling time of the two kinds of mesenchymal stem cells was reduced (umbilical cord: P < 0.001; menstrual blood: P < 0.05). (2) The lactate metabolism of the two kinds of stem cells was enhanced (umbilical cord: P < 0.05; menstrual blood: P < 0.01) under hypoxia and glucose metabolism of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells was enhanced (P < 0.001). (3) Hypoxia improved senescence of menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells under high generation. (4) Hypoxia promoted the adhesion efficiency of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells and menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (P < 0.01). (5) Hypoxia had no effect on the stemness. (6) The results indicated that physiological hypoxia improved the proliferation and attachment efficiency of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells and menstrual blood derived mesenchymal stem cells and had an anti-aging effect on senescent cells, simultaneously had no effects on surface markers. In addition, hypoxia displayed different effects on the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells derived from different sources.
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    Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell transplantation for myocardial hypertrophy in mice
    Xie Liying, Liu Siqi, Wu Mingrui, Gao Erhe, Han Zhibo, Zuo Lin
    2022, 26 (30):  4826-4833.  doi: 10.12307/2022.762
    Abstract ( 377 )   PDF (1832KB) ( 44 )   Save
    BACKGROUND: As a common target organ damage in hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy is an independent risk factor for high morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Mesenchymal stem cells can promote tissue repair, regulate immune response, and can be used as seed cells for the treatment of cardiac hypertrophy.
    OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficacy of intravenous injection of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of myocardial hypertrophy in mice. 
    METHODS: (1) C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a sham operation group, a human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell group, and a PBS group. Among them, transverse aortic constriction was used to construct a C57BL/6J mouse cardiac hypertrophy model in the human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell group and the PBS group. The mice in the human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell group were injected with the cell suspension into the tail vein once a week for 4 weeks starting from the 5th week after the operation. The mice in the PBS group were injected with the same amount of PBS in the tail vein. At 6-11 weeks after operation, echocardiography was used to observe the cardiac function of the mice in each group. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and western blot assay were used to detect the degree of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy at 9, 10, and 11 weeks after surgery. (2) In vitro experiment, H9c2 cells hypertrophy was induced by isoproterenol. Afterwards, the human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells and hypertrophic H9c2 cells were co-cultured in TranswellTM chamber for 48 hours. F-actin staining was used to analyze H9c2 cells area. qRT-PCR was utilized to determine mRNA expression of atrial natriuretic peptide, brain natriuretic peptide, and β-myosin heavy chain in H9c2 cells. 
    RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The results of echocardiography confirmed that the left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular fraction shortening of mouse heart in the human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell group were significantly higher than those in the PBS group (P < 0.05). (2) Hematoxylin-eosin staining results showed that compared with the PBS group, the myocardial fibers in the human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell group were neatly arranged and the cross-sectional area of myocardial cells was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). (3) Western blot assay results showed that the protein expression levels of atrial natriuretic peptide, brain natriuretic peptide, and β-myosin heavy chain of mouse cardiomyocytes in the human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell group were significantly lower than those in the PBS group at the same time point (P < 0.01). (4) Compared with the isoproterenol group, the area of H9c2 cells after co-culture was significantly reduced (P < 0.01); the mRNA expression levels of atrial natriuretic peptide, brain natriuretic peptide, and β-myosin heavy chain in H9c2 cells were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). (5) Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells can alleviate the occurrence of cardiac hypertrophy induced by pressure overload and improve the cardiac function of mice by inhibiting the expression of hypertrophy-related genes in cells.
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    Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells improve pregnancy outcomes of spontaneous abortion mouse models by promoting vascular endothelial growth factor expression in decidua
    Zhao Xinxin, Yang Xiaoqing, Zhang Yuquan
    2022, 26 (30):  4793-4799.  doi: 10.12307/2022.758
    Abstract ( 349 )   PDF (3484KB) ( 62 )   Save
    BACKGROUND: Early spontaneous abortion is related to the disorder or abnormality of blood vessel formation at the maternal-fetal interface. Human umbilical cord Wharton’s jelly-mesenchymal stem cells can migrate to the injured site and promote angiogenesis. However, the effect of human Wharton’s jelly- mesenchymal stem cells on decidual stromal cells has not been studied yet.
    OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of human Wharton’s jelly-mesenchymal stem cells on proliferation and apoptosis of decidual stromal cells from early spontaneous abortion women and vascular endothelial growth factor expression, and to explore its effect on the pregnancy outcome of early spontaneous abortion mice. 
    METHODS: (1) Early spontaneous abortion and artificial abortion decidual tissues were separated and cultured. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and western blot assay were utilized to detect the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in decidua tissue. (2) The third passage of human umbilical cord Wharton’s jelly-mesenchymal stem cells and primary spontaneous abortion decidual stromal cells were co-cultured for 72 hours. EdU and Annexin V-FITC were applied to detect the proliferation and apoptosis of decidual stromal cells, respectively. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and western blot assay were used to detect the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in decidual stromal cells. (3) After reproducing the CBA/J×DBA/2 spontaneous abortion mouse model, human umbilical cord Wharton’s jelly-mesenchymal stem cell suspension 0.1 mL (cell concentration: 1×1010 L-1) was transplanted into the tail vein at 1, 3, and 5 days after pregnancy. The embryo absorption rate was calculated at 14 days of pregnancy. ELISA was used to detect the level of vascular endothelial growth factor in peripheral blood. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and western blot assay were employed to detect the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in decidua tissue.
    RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Compared with normal decidua tissue, expression of vascular endothelial growth factor was significantly downregulated in the decidua during human early spontaneous abortion. (2) Human Wharton’s jelly-mesenchymal stem cells increased vascular endothelial growth factor expression, promoted proliferation, and inhibited apoptosis in human abortion decidual stromal cells. (3) Human Wharton’s jelly-mesenchymal stem cells promoted the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in the decidua of spontaneous abortion mice and reduced embryo absorption of the abortion prone mouse model. (4) In summary, a certain amount of Human Wharton’s jelly-mesenchymal stem cells transplanted can increase vascular endothelial growth factor levels in decidua and improve the outcome of the abortion prone mouse model. 
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    Role of long non-coding RNA nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1 in the differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells into hepatocytes
    Wang Dandan, Yu Yabin, Liu Shiqi, Yan Yulou, Zhang Jianhuai
    2022, 26 (30):  4847-4851.  doi: 10.12307/2022.765
    Abstract ( 341 )   PDF (7330KB) ( 27 )   Save
    BACKGROUND: Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells can be induced to differentiate into hepatocytes with the help of cytokines in vitro, but the resulting hepatoid cells are not yet functionally mature. It has been gradually found that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is closely related to cell differentiation and the purpose of promoting cell differentiation is achieved by interfering with the expression of some lncRNAs.  
    OBJECTIVE: To explore the role of long non-coding RNA nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1 (lncRNA NEAT1) in the differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells into hepatocytes.
    METHODS:  A differentiational cell line system of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells into hepatocytes was established. Periodic Acid-Schiff staining and indocyanine green intake test were used to assess hepatocellular functional characteristics of the cells. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression of hepatocyte specific genes and lncRNA NEAT1. The lentivirus was constructed to interfere with NEAT1 expression, and stably transfected cell lines were obtained 7 days after transfection, and hepatotropic differentiation was induced for 4 weeks. A negative control group for transfection with empty plasmids and a control group without virus transfection were set up. The expression levels of hepatocyte specific genes and proteins were detected by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot assay.  
    RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:  (1) After Periodic Acid-Schiff staining, there were red and purple glycogen particles in the cytoplasm of cells, and a large number of indocyanine green positive cells were observed after indocyanine green ingestion. (2) With the extension of induction time, the mRNA expression levels of albumin and cytochrome enzyme P450 3A4 mRNA increased gradually, while the mRNA expression levels of NEAT1 decreased gradually. (3) Compared with the negative control group and the control group, the mRNA and protein expression levels of albumin and cytochrome enzyme P450 3A4 were significantly increased after the interference of NEAT1. (4) The results confirm that lncRNA NEAT1 may be involved in the differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells into hepatocytes.
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    Pathogenesis of intestinal acute graft-versus-host disease after haploid hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
    Yu Manya, Kong Fansheng, Zhang Jie, Xu Jie, Cui Xing
    2022, 26 (30):  4806-4811.  doi: 10.12307/2022.735
    Abstract ( 1052 )   PDF (2449KB) ( 52 )   Save
    BACKGROUND: Acute graft-versus-host disease is one of the most common life-threatening complications of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell, caused by the attack of donor immunoreactive T cells on healthy recipient tissue. The current treatment plan is not effective. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in many biological processes such as immune response, but their roles in acute graft-versus-host disease remain unclear and need to be further studied.  
    OBJECTIVE: To construct profiles of differentially expressed lncRNAs and differentially expressed mRNAs of intestinal acute graft-versus-host disease and predict their possible roles and mechanisms.
    METHODS:  Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from four patients with intestinal acute graft-versus-host disease after haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and four healthy volunteers were collected for high-throughput sequencing. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed on the differentially expressed mRNAs. According to the dynamic change of gene expression signal value, the differential lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network was constructed. Based on the different regulatory mechanisms of lncRNA on downstream target genes, the target genes regulated by cis or trans regulation and competitive endogenous RNA mechanisms were predicted, respectively. Cytoscape was used to construct the gene interaction networks. The possible effects and related mechanisms of differentially expressed lncRNAs were predicted through functional analysis of their target genes.  
    RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: There are 1 311 lncRNAs and 3 283 mRNAs differentially expressed in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with intestinal acute graft-versus-host disease. GO and KEGG analyses indicated that these differentially expressed mRNAs were involved in interleukin-18 or interleukin-1 mediated signaling pathway, AP-1 complex, megakaryocyte differentiation, and tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway, which were closely related to intestinal inflammatory response and hematopoietic ability of bone marrow. Cis-and trans-regulated genes of differentially expressed lncRNAs include some inflammation-related molecules, such as ZEB2, CDK6, CEACAM1, and CXCL1. The pathways regulated by differentially expressed lncRNAs via competitive endogenous RNA mechanism mainly include PI3K/Akt pathway and Notch pathway, which are related to the activation of T cells and the homeostasis of intestinal stem cells. It is concluded that differentially expressed lncRNAs are essential in the pathogenesis and progression of intestinal acute graft-versus-host disease via regulating the expression of inflammation-related molecules, T cell-mediated immune response, and the homeostasis of intestinal stem cells, and may become novel targets for the diagnosis and treatment of intestinal acute graft-versus-host disease.
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    Effect of transforming growth factor-beta 3 and bone morphogenetic protein-2 on proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells
    Ailimaierdan·Ainiwaer, Muhetaer·Huojia, Wang Ling
    2022, 26 (30):  4862-4866.  doi: 10.12307/2022.767
    Abstract ( 394 )   PDF (13751KB) ( 35 )   Save
    BACKGROUND: Less is reported about the effect of transforming growth factor-beta 3 and bone morphogenetic protein-2 on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells.  
    OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of transforming growth factor-beta 3 and bone morphogenetic protein-2 on the osteogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells and its preliminary mechanism.
    METHODS:  Dental pulp stem cells were isolated from the pulp tissue of New Zealand rabbit by the enzymatic digestion method. Dental pulp stem cells at passage 3 were divided into the blank group, bone morphogenetic protein-2 group (80 μg/L) and transforming growth factor-beta 3 group (80 μg/L). The cell proliferation activity in each group was tested by MTT assay. After 7 and 14 days of culture, alkaline phosphatase activities were measured. Runt-related transcription factor 2 and bone sialoprotein protein expression levels were conducted by immunocytochemical staining. Osteogenesis-related gene expression was tested through RT-qPCR method. Alizarin red S staining was conducted after 14 and 21 days of culture to observe mineralized nodules.  
    RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Dental pulp stem cell proliferation activity and alkaline phosphatase activity were higher in the bone morphogenetic protein-2 and transforming growth factor-beta 3 groups than those in the blank group (P < 0.05). The alkaline phosphatase activity of the transforming growth factor-beta 3 group on day 7 was higher than that of the bone morphogenetic protein-2 group (P < 0.05). (2) The expression levels of Runt-related transcription factor 2 and bone sialoprotein in the transforming growth factor-beta 3 group and the bone morphogenetic protein-2 group were higher than those in the blank group (P < 0.05). The protein expression of Runt-related transcription factor 2 in the transforming growth factor-beta 3 group on day 7 was higher than that in the bone morphogenetic protein-2 group (P < 0.05). (3) The expression levels of alkaline phosphatase, type I collagen A1, Runt-related transcription factor 2, osteocalcin, osteopontin and Osx genes in the transforming growth factor-beta 3 group and bone morphogenetic protein-2 group were higher than those in the blank group (P < 0.05). On day 7, the expression levels of alkaline phosphatase, type I collagen A1, and Runt-related transcription factor 2 genes of transforming growth factor-beta 3 group were higher than those of bone morphogenetic protein-2 group (P < 0.05). (4) The mineralized nodules in the transforming growth factor-beta 3 group and bone morphogenetic protein-2 group were more obvious than those in the blank group. (5) The results show that transforming growth factor-beta 3 and bone morphogenetic protein-2 can improve the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells. The osteogenic induction ability of transforming growth factor-beta 3 on dental pulp stem cells was better than that of bone morphogenetic protein-2 at the early stage of osteogenesis.
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    Cannabidiol promotes proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells
    Li Xiheng, Li Xinyue, Mao Tianjiao, Yang Wanqi, Tang Liang, Li Jiang
    2022, 26 (30):  4867-4872.  doi: 10.12307/2022.730
    Abstract ( 596 )   PDF (2073KB) ( 67 )   Save
    BACKGROUND: Cannabidiol, one of the major non-psychotomimetic components from plant Cannabis sativa, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and other pharmacological activities. Recently, it was shown that cannabidiol could effectively promote the osteogenic differentiation of preosteoblasts and mesenchymal stem cells. However, the effect of cannabidiol on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells remains unclear.  
    OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of cannabidiol on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells.
    METHODS:  Human periodontal ligament stem cells were isolated and cultured using explant method. Cell identification was performed by morphological observation, flow cytometry analysis, and multidirectional differentiation assay. CCK-8 assay was used to assess the effect of different concentrations of cannabidiol (0.1, 0.5, 2.5, 12.5 µmol/L) on the proliferation of human periodontal ligament stem cells. Alkaline phosphatase activity assay, Alizarin Red S staining and semi quantitative analysis were performed to assess different concentrations of cannabidiol (0.1, 0.5, 2.5 µmol/L) on the osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells. Osteogenic differentiation-related gene expression level changes were assessed by qPCR.  
    RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) 0.1 μmol/L cannabidiol showed no significant effect on the viability of human periodontal ligament stem cells; 0.5 and 2.5 μmol/L cannabidiol significantly increased cell proliferation, whereas 12.5 μmol/L cannabidiol had obvious cytotoxicity. (2) 0.1-2.5 μmol/L cannabidiol significantly enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity and mineral deposition of human periodontal ligament stem cells, and upregulated the expression of osteogenic related genes COL 1, OCN, RUNX2, and β-catenin. (3) In conclusion, cannabidiol promoted proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells in a concentration dependent manner, with the most significant effect at 2.5 μmol/L, which may be related to Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
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    Optimization of conditions for intrauterine electroporation transfection in neural stem cells from the subependymal region of fetal mice
    Zou Mingming, Ni Li, Zhou Liyu, Li Di, Saijilafu, Wei Shanwen, Zhang Pengfei
    2022, 26 (30):  4879-4883.  doi: 10.12307/2022.769
    Abstract ( 438 )   PDF (3277KB) ( 133 )   Save
    BACKGROUND: Neural stem cells are a group of cells that can self-proliferate and have multidirectional differentiation potential. In utero electroporation, which is the most direct and reliable method to study the development of cerebral cortex in vivo, can transduce RNA or plasmids into neural stem cells of mice to interfere with or overexpress target genes.
    OBJECTIVE: To optimize the conditions of in utero electroporation by targeting neural stem cells in the subependymal region of embryonic mice and using enhanced green fluorescent protein as the reporter gene, so as to provide an effective method for studying the development of cerebral cortex.
    METHODS: Adult ICR mice were mated at the ratio of one male to three female mice. The mice were caged at 8 p.m., and female mice with vaginal embolus were tested at 8 a.m. the next morning. The female mice with vaginal embolus were counted as 0.5-day pregnancy. On embryonic day 14 (E14), the pregnant mice were intraperitoneally anesthetized with ketamin (120 mg/kg) and xylazine (10 mg/kg). After shaving off the hair of the pregnant mouse’s abdomen and opening the abdominal cavity without cutting the pregnant mouse’s uterus, pEx-4-eGFP plasmid was transfected into neural stem cells of the subependymal region of fetal mice at different voltages using ECM803 electroporation transfection instrument and BTX electrode. After 3 days of transfection, the transfected mouse brain tissue was removed and frozen sections were performed to observe the expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein fluorescence on the cerebral cortex. The number of enhanced green fluorescent protein-positive cells was counted to evaluate the transfection efficiency.
    RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The survival and transfection effect of mice were different at 38, 40, 42, and 45 V. The mortality of fetal mice was less at 38 V, but the transfection efficiency was lower. Mice treated at 42 V survived and the fluorescence intensity of enhanced green fluorescent protein was higher in the brain tissue treated at 42 V than in the brain treated at 40 V. However, 45 V was more lethal to mice. Therefore, 42 V was a better transformation condition. (2) Under the condition of 42 V, enhanced green fluorescent protein positive cells were more and the fluorescence was brighter after the pulse was changed from 5 to 8. (3) The improved conditions had no effect on the growth of transfected cortical cells.
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    Transdifferentiation of rat astrocytes into neurons induced by ectodermal mesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles
    Guan Shihao, Huang Yonghui, Gong Aihua, Cao Xingbing, Sun Haitao, Cai Chuang
    2022, 26 (30):  4840-4846.  doi: 10.12307/2022.764
    Abstract ( 316 )   PDF (3624KB) ( 113 )   Save
    BACKGROUND: Spinal cord injury will lead to the proliferation of astrocytes, resulting in glial scar that hinders the formation of axons, and the local inflammatory microenvironment further aggravates the death of neurons. Therefore, converting astrocytes into neurons reduces the proliferation of astrocytes and increases the number of neurons — killing two birds with one stone. However, it has not been reported whether ectodermal mesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles can induce astrocytes to differentiate into neurons.  
    OBJECTIVE: To explore whether ectodermal mesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles can induce astrocytes to transdifferentiate into neurons.
    METHODS:  (1) Ectodermal mesenchymal stem cells derived from nasal mucosa tissue of SD rats were cultured by the tissue explant culture and identified according to their morphology and immunofluorescence. The cell supernatant was collected to extract extracellular vesicles, which were identified by particle size analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and western blot assay. (2) The astrocytes of SD rats were cultured and identified by trypsin digestion technique. (3) Astrocytes were divided into two groups for intervention. Ectodermal mesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles (mass concentration: 
    1 g/L, volume: 66 μL added into 2 mL medium) and PBS of the same volume were added into astrocytes for 72 hours. (4) The expression levels of neuron markers neuron-specific enolase and neurofilament 200 were detected by immunofluorescence, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, and western blot assay.  
    RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Ectodermal mesenchymal stem cells presented typical spindle shape and high expression of marker proteins CD44, Nestin, and Vimentin. The ectodermal mesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles exhibited classic tea receptor-like morphology. The particle size distribution ranged from 30 nm to 200 nm. Western blot assay demonstrated positive expression of marker proteins CD9, CD63, and TSG101. (2) Astrocytes were star-shaped and highly expressed the marker protein glial fibrillary acidic protein. (3) Compared with the control group, there were more neuron-like cells in the ectodermal mesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles group. The cell bodies were spindle shaped and full; the processes increased and became longer; and the neuron-specific enolase and neurofilament 200 were highly expressed (P < 0.05). (4) The above results suggest that ectodermal mesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles induce astrocytes to transdifferentiate into neurons.
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    Psoralen combined with transforming growth factor beta 1 induces the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into chondrocytes
    Gao Zilong, Li Ting, Lyu Zheng, Shen Huarui
    2022, 26 (30):  4884-4888.  doi: 10.12307/2022.770
    Abstract ( 344 )   PDF (1586KB) ( 42 )   Save
    BACKGROUND: Because of the poor regeneration ability of chondrocytes after damage, the use of stem cells as a basic treatment for repairing cartilage damage has become a popular treatment method.  
    OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of psoralen combined with transforming growth factor β1 on the differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into chondrocytes.
    METHODS:  Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from Sprague-Dawley rats and cultured by marrow adherent method. The effective concentration to promote bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells proliferation was selected by CCK-8 assay. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were assigned to four groups. In the normal control group, cells were treated with low-sugar DMEM with 10% fetal bovine serum and 100 U/mL double antibodies. In the psoralen group, cells were treated with low-sugar DMEM with 10% fetal bovine serum, 100 U/mL double antibodies, 10-7 mol/L dexamethasone, 50 mg/L vitamin C, and 10 μmol/L psoralen. In the combination group, cells were treated with low-sugar DMEM with 10% fetal bovine serum, 100 U/mL double antibodies, 10 μg/L transforming growth factor β1, 10-7 mol/L dexamethasone, 50 mg/L vitamin C, and 10 μmol/L psoralen. In the positive control group, cells were treated with low-sugar DMEM with 10% fetal bovine serum, 100 U/mL double antibodies, 10 μg/L transforming growth factor β1, 10-7 mol/L dexamethasone, and 50 mg/L vitamin C. After 21 days, the expression of type ll collagen was detected by immunocytochemistry. RT-PCR and western blot assay were utilized to detect the expression levels of differentiation marker SOX-9 and type ll collagen mRNA and protein.  
    RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Immunocytochemical staining showed that no positive cells were found in the normal control group, while type ll collagen positive cells were found in the other three groups. (2) Compared with the normal control group, the expression of SOX9 and type II collagen mRNA and protein increased significantly in the psoralen group, combination group and positive control group (P < 0.05), and the combination group had the best effect (P < 0.01), and it was significantly better than that in the positive control group and the psoralen group (P < 0.05). (3) The results show that within a certain concentration range, psoralen can promote the proliferation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. Psoralen can induce bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into cartilage, and its combined use with transforming growth factor β1 has a synergistic promoting effect.
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    Transforming growth factor beta 3 in mediating chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells from different sources
    Li Ruiyu, Shi Xu, Chen Qi, Zuo Hua, Li Kezhen
    2022, 26 (30):  4834-4839.  doi: 10.12307/2022.763
    Abstract ( 418 )   PDF (2157KB) ( 74 )   Save
    BACKGROUND: At present, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells have achieved remarkable results in the treatment of cartilage injury. However, compared with them, nasal mucosal mesenchymal stem cell transplantation has more advantages, such as easier access to patients, safe biopsy without damaging the sense of smell.  
    OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of transforming growth factor-β3 on chondrogenic differentiation of nasal mucosal mesenchymal stem cells and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.
    METHODS:  Sprague-Dawley rat nasal mucosal mesenchymal stem cells and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were isolated and cultured in vitro. Chondrogenic differentiation medium containing transforming growth factor β3 was used to induce chondrogenesis. In the corresponding control group, chondrogenic differentiation medium without transforming growth factor β3 was utilized for culture. On days 7 and 14, the overall structure was observed and cellular RNA and protein were extracted. RT-PCR and western blot assay were used to detect the expression of chondrocyte-related COL2A1, SOX-9, and Aggrecan.  
    RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) After 7 days of cartilage induction, both bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and nasal mucosal mesenchymal stem cells could form a translucent membrane structure, which is difficult to disperse after centrifugation. (2) Compared with the control group, the expression levels of COL2A1 and Aggrecan mRNA were significantly up-regulated after the addition of transforming growth factor β3 into cartilage induced differentiation (P < 0.01). The expression levels of COL2A1 and Aggrecan mRNA in the nasal mucosal mesenchymal stem cell group were higher than those in the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell group (P < 0.01). After 7 days of intervention, the expression of SOX-9 mRNA of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in the experimental group was not significantly different from that in the control group (P > 0.05), but the expression of SOX-9 mRNA of nasal mesenchymal stem cells was significantly higher in the experimental group than that in the control group (P < 0.01). (3) Compared with the control group, the expression levels of COL2A1 and SOX-9 protein were significantly up-regulated after the addition of transforming growth factor β3 into cartilage induced differentiation (P < 0.01). COL2A1 protein expression was higher in the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell group than that in the nasal mucosal mesenchymal stem cell group on day 14 (P < 0.01). The expression of SOX-9 protein in the experimental group of nasal mucosal mesenchymal stem cells after 7 and 14 days of intervention was significantly higher than that in the experimental group of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (P < 0.01). (4) The results show that transforming growth factor β3 has a cartilage stimulating effect on nasal mucosal mesenchymal stem cells and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. Nasal mucosal mesenchymal stem cells are also potential candidates for future cartilage repair strategies.
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    Mechanism underlying tanshinone IIA effect on survival and homing ability of myocardial precursor cells under hypoxia
    Zhao Lin, Fan Chenxing, Li Kun
    2022, 26 (30):  4852-4856.  doi: 10.12307/2022.737
    Abstract ( 360 )   PDF (1662KB) ( 41 )   Save
    BACKGROUND: There are still many problems to be solved or perfected in the treatment of ischemic heart disease by stem cell transplantation. Among them, the key of stem cell transplantation in the treatment of ischemic heart disease is that the transplanted cells can home to the damaged myocardium and survive there.  
    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of tanshinone IIA on the survival and homing ability of myocardial precursor cells under hypoxia and investigate its related mechanism.
    METHODS:  H9c2 cells were selected as the myocardial precursor cell model. The H9c2 cells were respectively intervened with cobalt chloride, tanshinone IIA+cobalt chloride and tanshinone IIA+cobalt chloride+AG126(ERK1/2 pathway inhibitor). Cell proliferation was detected with MTS method. Cell apoptosis was analyzed using flow cytometry. Cell migration was evaluated by scratch assay. The expression levels of ERK1/2 pathway related proteins (ERK1/2, p-ERK1/2, HIF-1α, cleaved caspase-3, and MMP-9) were assessed using western blot assay.  
    RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Compared with the cobalt chloride group, the proliferation of H9c2 cells treated with cobalt chloride combined with tanshinone IIA was accelerated; the apoptosis was reduced; and the homing ability was enhanced. During this process, the expression of ERK1/2 had no significant changes (P > 0.05), but the expression levels of p-ERK1/2, HIF-1α, and MMP-9 were significantly increased (P < 0.05), and the expression of cleaved caspase-3 was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). (2) Compared with the cobalt chloride + tanshinone IIA group, the ERK1/2 pathway in H9c2 cells treated with cobalt chloride + tanshinone IIA + AG126 was significantly inhibited, and the ability of cell survival and migration to the injured area was significantly decreased. (3) The results showed that tanshinone IIA could promote the survival and homing ability of myocardial precursor cells under hypoxia by regulating ERK1/2 pathway.
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    Ethanol extract of toosendan induces apoptosis of leukemia CEM cells through mitochondrial pathway
    Wu Huiting, Zhu Dacheng, Xu Xiaoming, Chang Na
    2022, 26 (30):  4873-4878.  doi: 10.12307/2022.768
    Abstract ( 353 )   PDF (1546KB) ( 31 )   Save
    BACKGROUND: Toosendan, a bitter and cold traditional Chinese medicine, has little toxicity and does not require high growth environment. It can significantly inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells in solid tumors, but it is rarely reported in blood tumors. Based on the previous research results, combined with the theory of “combating poison with poison” of traditional Chinese medicine, this paper discusses the mechanism of its main component toosendanin against acute lymphocyte leukemia.  
    OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of ethanol extract of toosendan inhibiting proliferation of leukemia CEM cells.
    METHODS:  Human acute T lymphoblastic leukemia cell line (CEM cells) was cultured to logarithmic growth stage. After being treated with ethanol extracts of toosendan at five concentration gradients for 24, 48, and 72 hours, their inhibition rates were obtained by MTT assay. Considering the influence of osmotic pressure of cells and ensuring the development of subsequent experiments, the suitable ethanol extracts of toosendan with low, medium, and high concentrations (16, 80, and 400 mg/L) were screened out. The ethanol extract of toosendan had been exposed to peripheral blood lymphocytes of rats for 24, 48, and 72 hours. MTT assay and Giemsa-Reich staining were used to explore its toxic effects. Hoechst 33258 staining was used to observe the apoptotic bodies of CEM cells. RT-qPCR assay was used to detect the transcription of p53, Bcl-2, Bax, Cyt-C, Caspase-9, and Caspase-3 genes in CEM cells after treatment for 24 and 48 hours. Western blot assay was used to detect the expression of p53, Bcl-2, and Bax protein in CEM cells after treatment for 24 and 48 hours.  
    RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Low, medium and high doses (16, 80, and 400 mg/L) of ethanol extract of toosendan had no significant inhibitory effect on normal lymphocytes. (2) After treatment with 16, 80, and 400 mg/L of ethanol extract of toosendan in CEM cells, the apoptotic bodies with blue light could be seen by Hoechst 33258 staining. (3) Compared with the control group, the 80 and 400 mg/L ethanol extract of toosendan increased the transcription of p53, Bax, Cyt-C, Caspase-9, and Caspase-3 genes (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), and decreased the transcription level of Bcl-2 gene (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), especially at 48 hours. (4) After administration for 24 hours, compared with the control group, the expression of Bcl-2 protein decreased, the expression of Bax protein increased in the 16, 80, and 400 mg/L extract groups (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), and the expression of p53 increased in the 400 mg/L extract group (P < 0.05). After treatment for 48 hours, compared with the control group, the p53 protein expression of CEM cells treated with 80 and 400 mg/L ethanol extract of toosendan was significantly increased (P < 0.01), but Bcl-2 protein expression was decreased (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), and Bax protein expression was significantly increased (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). (5) The ethanol extract of toosendan can significantly inhibit the proliferation of leukemia CEM cells in a concentration and time dependence and its mechanism may be realized by inducing apoptosis mediated by mitochondria.
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    Sequence analysis and identification of a new allele HLA-DRB1*12:02:10
    Wu Junhua, Wang Tianju, Wang Manni, Xu Hua, Qi Jun, Shang Lixia, Chen Le
    2022, 26 (30):  4857-4861.  doi: 10.12307/2022.766
    Abstract ( 411 )   PDF (1239KB) ( 49 )   Save
    BACKGROUND: The essence of the individual genetic differences of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) is the new alleles generated under various inducing factors at the level of genes encoding its antigen products, the frequency distribution in the population, and the blood type of the antigen. Serological testing and biological functions need to be further studied. 
    OBJECTIVE: The identification and sequence analysis of a new HLA allele HLA-DRB1*12:02:10.
    METHODS: The polymerase chain reaction-sequence-based typing, single-strand sequencing, and nex-generation sequencing were used to identify the HLA-DRB1 non-matched transplant match samples. The control experiment was performed by polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific oligonucleotide probe.  
    RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The HLA-DRB1 had T>G; a base mutation in Exon 3 at position 582, which caused the 194 codon of Exon 3 to be changed by CCT>CCG, which was a synonym mutation without any change of amino acid. (2) The new HLA-DRB1 allele was identified and named HLA-DRB1*12:02:10 by the World Health Organization HLA Factor Nomenclature Committee.
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    Epimedium in regulating bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell differentiation and preventing osteoporosis related signaling pathways
    Huang Wei, Dong Panfeng, Huang Yourong, Xia Tian
    2022, 26 (30):  4889-4895.  doi: 10.12307/2022.771
    Abstract ( 358 )   PDF (1455KB) ( 40 )   Save
    BACKGROUND: With the aging of society, the incidence rate of osteoporosis in many countries is increasing year by year. At present, the cause of osteoporosis is not clear and there is no effective cure for the disease.  
    OBJECTIVE: To summarize the relevant literature at home and abroad, and sum up the research on the signaling pathway related to the regulation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell differentiation by Epimedium, in order to further understand the pathogenesis of osteoporosis and improve new ideas for the treatment of osteoporosis.
    METHODS:  CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases were searched with the Chinese search terms “Epimedium; osteogenic differentiation; bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells; osteoporosis; signal pathway; Wnt/β-catenin; BMP/Runx2/Osz; MAPK”. MEDLINE and PubMed databases were retrieved with the English search terms “Epimedium; osteogenic differentiation; bone marrow mesochemical stem cells; osteoporosis; signal path; Wnt/β-catenin; BMP/Runx2/Osz; MAPK”. To screen the research articles related to Epimedium in regulating bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell differentiation in the treatment of osteoporosis, a total of 61 articles were included according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria.  
    RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Epimedium and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells play an important role in the occurrence of osteoporosis. (2) Most studies have found that Epimedium plays a role in the treatment of osteoporosis mainly through signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, BMP/Runx2/Osz and MAPK to regulate bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, so as to affect the dynamic balance between osteoclasts and osteoblasts and achieve the best state of maintaining bone homeostasis. Therefore, in-depth study of Epimedium on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in the future may improve the potential value of treating osteoporosis.
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    Mechanism and different transplantation approaches of mesenchymal stem cells in repairing chronic wounds
    Chen Bei, Zhang Li, Liu Yi, Sang Peng, Jin Ying, Lin Miaoyuan, Xiao Leyao, Xiong Huazhang
    2022, 26 (30):  4896-4903.  doi: 10.12307/2022.772
    Abstract ( 422 )   PDF (1258KB) ( 50 )   Save
    BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cell transplantation has proven to be a promising new therapy in the treatment of chronic wounds. In terms of enhancing the efficacy, there are few reports on the different delivery routes of mesenchymal stem cells and the comparison of their advantages and disadvantages. Optimizing the delivery route is particularly important for improving the application effect of mesenchymal stem cells in wound repair. 
    OBJECTIVE: To discuss the relevant mechanisms of mesenchymal stem cells in promoting wound repair, and summarize the application effects of different transplantation methods in chronic wound repair. 
    METHODS: The first author retrieved the relevant documents included in CNKI Database, Wanfang Database and PubMed database. The Chinese search terms were “mesenchymal stem cells, mechanism, transplantation, pathway, chronic wound, vulnus, regeneration, tissue engineering, skin, ulcer”. The English search terms were “stem cell/stromal cells/progenitor cell/mesenchymal stem cells, mechanism/therapeutic application, transplantation route/delivery/engraftment/injection/infusion/drug administration routes, wound healing/chronic wound/regeneration/tissue engineering/tissue repair/skin ulce”. The retrieval time of the literature was limited to January 2000-July 2021. The literature was initially screened by reading the abstract of the article, and the literature that was not related to the subject of the article was excluded, and the number of articles finally included was 85 for review.
    RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The paracrine function is the main mechanism by which mesenchymal stem cells play the role of wound repair. Mesenchymal stem cells promote angiogenesis by secreting soluble factors and releasing extracellular vesicles, reduce local inflammatory response, regulate the remodeling of extracellular matrix, and rebuild the microenvironment of tissue regeneration. (2) In summary, biomaterial scaffolds are one of the most promising transplantation methods for mesenchymal stem cells. Compared with traditional systemic administration (arterial administration and intravenous administration) and traditional local administration (such as subcutaneous and intramuscular injection), excellent plasticity, bioactivity, biodegradation and biocompatibility are the four key characteristics of their advantages. It overcomes many problems of poor safety and low efficiency of traditional drug delivery routes, which improves the application effect of mesenchymal stem cells in chronic wounds, and its advantages need to be further developed. (3) The choice of transplantation pathway depends on its therapeutic purpose and mechanism to a certain extent. (4) As for the relationship between the action mechanism of mesenchymal stem cells and the route of administration, the homing of mesenchymal stem cells to the damaged tissue was taken as an example. When the transplantation mode of mesenchymal stem cells is local administration (such as intramuscular), in addition to the basic interstitial migration of mesenchymal stem cells in the damaged tissue, the homing and migration of mesenchymal stem cells are not necessary. If the transportation of mesenchymal stem cells is holistic (such as arterial pathway and venous pathway), the homing mechanism of mesenchymal stem cells is necessary to achieve its repair goal. Therefore, to improve the application quality, the route of administration and the mechanism of mesenchymal stem cells participating in wound repair should be considered comprehensively.  
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    Advances focusing on strategies of promoting vascularization in dental pulp regeneration
    Wang Ge, Xie Li, Tian Weidong
    2022, 26 (30):  4904-4911.  doi: 10.12307/2022.773
    Abstract ( 516 )   PDF (1315KB) ( 74 )   Save
    BACKGROUND: Revascularization plays an important role in tissue engineering. Dental pulp chamber has its unique anatomy structure, which is surrounded by hard dentin. The blood supply of dental pulp only comes from the narrow apical opening, which makes revascularization more difficult in dental pulp regeneration.  
    OBJECTIVE: To conclude the research advances focusing on the designs of signal molecules, scaffolds and cells in promoting vascularization in dental pulp regeneration.
    METHODS:  We searched the articles on PubMed and CNKI databases with the keywords of “dental pulp regeneration, revascularization, growth factor, material, scaffold, dental pulp stem cell, prevascularization, coculture” in Chinese and English, respectively. Finally, 69 articles met the criteria for review.  
    RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Vascular endothelial growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor and fibroblast growth factor are the most studied pro-angiogenic factors, which promote angiogenesis by promoting the proliferation and migration of endothelial and perivascular cells, the recruitment of stem cells and their differentiation to endothelial cells. (2) To maintain the appropriate concentration of pro-angiogenic factors in the microenvironment, the addition of heparin, laponite and cellulose nanocrystals to the scaffolds can solubilize, encapsulate, adsorb, and covalently cross-link signal molecules, which mimic in vivo storage and release mechanisms. Natural materials including decellularized dental pulp matrix, platelet-rich plasma, and platelet-rich fibrin are rich in bio-active molecules and their structures can protect and control the release of these signal molecules. (3) Different cell sub-populations of dental pulp stem cells have different angiogenic potentials. Moreover, stem cells can be transfected by biological and chemical vectors to improve the cells’ ability to secrete signal molecules and to promote the transformation of stem cells to endothelial cells. Therefore, the angiogenic capacity of transfected cells is significantly enhanced. Co-implantation of stem cells and endothelial cells can also enhance angiogenic capacity. (4) Prevascularization may be the most powerful means to promote rapid vascularization of dental pulp regeneration. In vitro co-culture of endothelial cells and stem cells with a certain ratio can form microtissues containing vascular structures. Microvascular fragments can be obtained by enzymatic digestion of adipose tissue, in which tubular structures and functional cells can promote the development of new blood vessels and anastomosis with host vessels. (5) Current clinical studies on revascularization of dental pulp are limited to dental pulprevascularization, where signal molecules are added while stimulating the formation of blood clots in the root canal and the effects are observed. While other research directions mainly involve in vivo trials in small and large animals, and further clinical trials are still needed to observe regenerative effects, mitigate side effects, and optimize the preparation process.
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    Influencing factors of periodontal ligament stem cells promoting periodontal tissue regeneration
    Wu Mengxin, Liang Wenhong, Yang Kun, Han Yingying
    2022, 26 (30):  4912-4920.  doi: 10.12307/2022.774
    Abstract ( 583 )   PDF (1276KB) ( 55 )   Save
    BACKGROUND: Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammation of tooth supporting tissue. The destruction of these tissues leads to tooth loss. Periodontal tissue regeneration is the ultimate goal of periodontal therapy.
    OBJECTIVE: To review the biological characteristics of periodontal ligament stem cells and their influencing factors in promoting periodontal tissue regeneration.
    METHODS: Databases of PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang, ScienceDirect, and Medline were retrieved with the key words of “periodontal ligament stem cells, periodontal tissue regeneration” in English and Chinese for articles published from 2004 to 2021. The articles were screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and finally 72 articles were included for review. 
    RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Periodontitis is a widespread disease characterized by inflammation leading to progressive damage to tooth support structures until teeth fall off. A grand goal of periodontal regeneration therapy is to repair the lost or damaged supporting tissues in periodontal tissue, including alveolar bone, periodontal ligament and cementum, and may effectively reduce the tooth loss caused by periodontitis. Stem cells for periodontal regeneration are the focus of regeneration research and it is also a potential treatment for periodontitis. Periodontal ligament stem cells may be the most suitable cells as cell sources. The in-depth study of biology also emphasizes that periodontal ligament stem cells are promising immunomodulators. However, there are a variety of factors that enhance or inhibit the role of periodontal ligament stem cells in periodontal tissue regeneration. Understanding the influence mechanism of various factors will help us to have more in-depth research in this field.
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