ObjectiveTo explore the effect and mechanisms of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on healing quality of acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer. MethodsForty-eight clean grade male Wistar rats were used to establish the model of gastric ulcer with acetic acid and were randomly divided into 3 groups after 3 days of modeling, 16 rats each group. After the abdominal cavity was open and stomach was pulled out, no treatment was given in group A, 150 μL phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and 150 μL BMSCs at passage 4+PBS (1×108 cells/100 μL) were injected into the gastric wall surrounding the ulcer at 5 different points in groups B and C respectively. After 10 days, the ulcer area was measured, the mucosal thickness and the number of dilated glands were tested in the regenerative mucosa by histological method. And the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was detected at ulcerative margin by immunohistochemical method. ResultsThe ulcer area in group C was significantly smaller than that of groups A and B (P<0.01), but no significant difference was found between groups A and B (P>0.05). HE staining showed that group C had thicker regenerative gastric mucosa, less dilated glands, and more regular mucosal structure than groups A and B, showing significant differences in regenerative gastric mucosa thickness and dilated glands number (P<0.01), but no significant difference between groups A and B (P>0.05). Immunohistochemical staining showed that the positive expression of VEGF in the ulcer margin mucosa of group C was significantly higher than that of groups A and B. The integral absorbance (IA) value of VEGF expression in group C was significantly higher than that in groups A and B (P<0.01), but no significant difference between groups A and B (P>0.05). ConclusionBMSCs can accelerate ulcer healing by the secretion of VEGF, and improve the quality of ulcer healing.
Objective To investigate tissue engineered spinal cord which was constructed of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) seeded on the chitosan-alginate scaffolds bridging the both stumps of hemi-transection spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats to repair the acute SCI. Methods BMSCs were separated and cultured from adult male SD rat. Chitosan-alginate scaffold was produced via freeze drying, of which the structure was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the toxicity was determined through leaching l iquor test. Tissue engineered spinal cord was constructed by seeding second passage BMSCs on the chitosan-alginate scaffolds (1 × 106/mL) in vitro and its biocompatibil ity was observed under SEM at 1, 3, and 5 days. Moreover, 40 adult female SD rats were made SCI models by hemi-transecting at T9 level, and were randomly divided into 4 groups (each group, n=10). Tissue engineered spinal cord or chitosan-alginate scaffolds or BMSCs were implanted in groups A, B, and C, respectively. Group D was blank control whose spinal dura mater was sutured directly. After 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks of surgery, the functional recovery of the hindl imbs was evaluated by the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating score. Other indexes were tested by wheat germ agglutinin-horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP) retrograde tracing, HE staining and immunofluorescence staining after 6 weeks of surgery. Results Chitosan-alginate scaffold showed three-dimensional porous sponge structure under SEM. The cells adhered to and grew on the surface of scaffold, arranging in a directional manner after 3 days of co-culture. The cytotoxicity of chitosan-alginate scaffold was in grade 0-1. At 2, 4, and 6 weeks after operation, the BBB score was higher in group A than in other groups and was lower in group D than in other groups; showing significant differences (P lt; 0.05). At 4 and 6 weeks, the BBB score was higher in group B than in group C (P lt; 0.05). After 6 weeks of operation, WGA-HRP retrograde tracing indicated that there was no regenerated nerve fiber through the both stumps of SCI in each group. HE and immunofluorescence staining revealed that host spinal cord and tissue engineering spinal cord l inked much compactly, no scar tissue grew, and a large number of neurofilament 200 (NF-200) positive fibers and neuron specitic enolase (NSE) positive cells were detected in the lesioned area in group A. In group B, a small quantity of scar tissue intruded into non-degradative chitosan-alginate scaffold at the lesion area edge, and a few of NSE flourescence or NF-200 flourescence was observed at the junctional zone. The both stumps of SCI in group C or group D were filled with a large number of scar tissue, and NSE positive cells or NF-200 positive cells were not detected. Otherwise, there were obviously porosis at the SCI of group D. Conclusion The tissue engineered spinal cord constructed by multi-channel chitosan-alginate bioscaffolds and BMSCs would repair the acute SCI of rat. It would be widely appl ied as the matrix material in the future.
Objective To construct the lentiviral vector containing homo sapiens forkhead box C2 (Foxc2) gene and to detect its expression in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) of rabbits. Methods Human Foxc2 gene coding region fragment was obtained by RT-PCR and then cloned into the plasmid of LV-green fluorescent protein (GFP) to prepare Foxc2 lentiviral plasmid. Foxc2 lentiviral plasmid, pGC-LV, pHelper1.0, and pHelper2.0 were co-transfected into 293T cells to obtain recombinant virus containing Foxc2 gene. The lentiviral titer was detected. BMSCs were isolated from bone marrow of rabbit and infected with Foxc2 recombined lentiviral, then the optimum multiplicity of infection (MOI) was determined by detecting the intensity of fluorescence expression. The expression of Foxc2 in the infected BMSCs was determined at 1, 3, and 7 days after transfection by inverted fluorescence microscope and Western blot. After osteogenic induction, Alizarin red staining was done to observe the formation of mineralized nodule. Results The Foxc2 recombinant lentiviral vector was constructed and was confirmed by restriction enzyme digestion and sequencing analysis. It could efficiently transfect 293T cells and express in 293T cells. The lentiviral titer was 2 × 108 TU/mL. The optimum MOI was 200. The inverted fluorescence microscope observation showed that the Foxc2 gene expressed in 84.5% ± 4.8% of infected BMSCs at 3 days after transfection. The expression of Foxc2 in infected BMSCs was stable and high, and increased gradually within 7 days after transfection by Western blot. At 2 weeks after osteogenic induction, Alizarin red staining showed that there were a large number of red calcified matrix deposition in the cytoplasm. Conclusion Foxc2 recombined lentivirus with high viral titer is successfully constructed and packaged, and the Foxc2 gene can be transfected into BMSCs with stable and high expression of Foxc2 in infected cells, and these cells may be applied for gene therapy of avascular necrosis of the femoral head.
ObjectiveTo investigate the ability of autologous peripheral blood endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in promoting neovascularization of tissue engineered bone and osteogenesis of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). MethodThe peripheral blood EPCs and BMSCs from No. 1-9 New Zealand rabbits were isolated, cultured, and identified. According to the cell types, the third generation of cells were divided into 3 groups:EPCs (group A), BMSCs (group B), and co-cultured cells of EPCs and BMSCs (group C, EPCs:BMSCs=1:2) . Then cells were seeded on the partially deproteinised bone (PDPB) packaged with fibronectin to construct tissue engineered bone. After 4 days, autologous heterotopic transplantation of tissue engineered bone was performed in the rabbit's muscles bag of groups A, B, and C (the right arm, left arm, right lower limb respectively, 2 pieces each part). At 2, 4, and 8 weeks after transplantation, the growth of tissue engineered bone was observed, and the rate of bone ingrowth was calculated by HE staining; the expressions of CD34, CD105, and zonula occludens protein 1(ZO-1) were compared by immunohistochemical staining at each time point in tissue engineered bone among 3 groups. ResultsThe EPCs and BMSCs were isolated and identified successfully; immunofluorescent staining showed that EPCs were positive for CD34, CD133, and von Willebrand factor (vWF), and BMSCs were positive for CD29 and CD90 and were negative for CD34. The tissue engineered bone constructed in 3 groups was transplanted successfully. At 2, 4, and 8 weeks after autologous heterotopic transplantation, the general observations showed that the soft tissue around the tissue engineered bone increased and thickened gradually in each group with time passing; the boundary between bone and soft tissue was not clear; the pore space of tissue engineered bone gradually was filled, especially in group C, the circuitous vascular network could be seen in the tissue engineered bone. HE staining showed capillaries and collagen fibers increased gradually, tissue engineered bone ingrowth rate was significantly higher in group C than groups A and B at 4 and 8 weeks (P<0.05) , and group B was significantly higher than group A (P<0.05) . Immunohistochemical staining showed that the expressions of CD34, CD105, and ZO-1 in tissue engineered bone of 3 groups all increased with the extension of time, showing significant differences between groups at each time point (P<0.05) . At 2 weeks after transplantation, the expression of CD105 in group C was significantly higher than that in groups A and B (P<0.05) ; at 4 and 8 weeks, CD34, CD105, and ZO-1 expressions showed significant differences between 2 groups (P<0.05) ; the expression was the highest in group C, and was the lowest in group B. ConclusionsAutologous peripheral blood EPCs and BMSCs have synergistic effect, and can promote neovascularization and osteogenesis of tissue engineered bone in vivo.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of tissue engineered periosteum on the repair of large diaphysis defect in rabbit radius, and the effect of deproteinized bone (DPB) as supporting scaffolds of tissue engineering periosteum. MethodsBone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were cultured from 1-month-old New Zealand Rabbit and osteogenetically induced into osteoblasts. Porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) scaffold was produced by decellular and a series mechanical and physiochemical procedures. Then tissue engineered periosteum was constructed by combining osteogenic BMSCs and SIS, and then the adhesion of cells to scaffolds was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Fresh allogeneic bone was drilled and deproteinized as DPB scaffold. Tissue engineered periosteum/DPB complex was constructed by tissue engineered periosteum and DPB. Tissue engineered periosteum was "coat-like" package the DPB, and bundled with absorbable sutures. Forty-eight New Zealand white rabbits (4-month-old) were randomly divided into 4 groups (groups A, B, C, and D, n=12). The bone defect model of 3.5 cm in length in the left radius was created. Defect was repaired with tissue engineered periosteum in group A, with DPB in group B, with tissue engineered periosteum/DPB in group C; defect was untreated in group D. At 4, 8, and 12 weeks after operation, 4 rabbits in each group were observed by X-ray. At 8 weeks after operation, 4 rabbits of each group were randomly sacrificed for histological examination. ResultsSEM observation showed that abundant seeding cells adhered to tissue engineered periosteum. At 4, 8, and 12 weeks after operation, X-ray films showed the newly formed bone was much more in groups A and C than groups B and D. The X-ray film score were significantly higher in groups A and C than in groups B and D, in group A than in group C, and in group B than in group D (P<0.05). Histological staining indicated that there was a lot of newly formed bone in the defect space in group A, with abundant newly formed vessels and medullary cavity. While in group B, the defect space filled with the DPB, the degradation of DPB was not obvious. In group C, there was a lot of newly formed bone in the defect space, island-like DPB and obvious DPB degradation were seen in newly formed bone. In group D, the defect space only replaced by some connective tissue. ConclusionTissue engineered periosteum constructed by SIS and BMSCs has the feasibility to repair the large diaphysis defect in rabbit. DPB isn't an ideal support scaffold of tissue engineering periosteum, the supporting scaffolds of tissue engineered periosteum need further exploration.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of transforming growth factorβ1 (TGF-β1) and basic fibroblast growth factor 1 (bFGF-1) on the cellular activities, prol iferation, and expressions of ligament-specific mRNA and proteins in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and ligament fibroblasts (LFs) after directly co-cultured. MethodsBMSCs from 3-month-old Sprague Dawley rats were isolated and cultured using intensity gradient centrifugation. LFs were isolated using collagenase. The cells at passage 3 were divided into 6 groups: non-induced BMSCs group (group A), non-induced LFs group (group B), non-induced co-cultured BMSCs and LFs group (group C), induced BMSCs group (group D), induced LFs group (group E), and induced co-cultured BMSCs and LFs group (group F). The cellular activities and prol iferation were examined by inverted contrast microscope and MTT; the concentrations of collagen type Ⅰ and type Ⅲ were determined by ELISA; and mRNA expressions of collagen types I andⅢ, fibronectin, tenascin C, and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) were measured by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. ResultsA single cell layer formed in the co-cultured cells under inverted contrast microscope. Group F had fastest cell fusion ( > 90%). The MTT result indicated that group F showed the highest absorbance (A) value, followed by group D, and group B showed the lowest A value at 9 days after culture, showing significant difference (P < 0.05). Moreover, the result of ELISA showed that group F had the highest concentration of collagen type Ⅰ and type Ⅲ (P < 0.05); the concentration of collagen type Ⅲ in group E was significantly higher than that in group D (P < 0.05), but no significant difference was found in the concentration of collagen type Ⅰ between 2 groups (P > 0.05). The ratios of collagen type Ⅰ to type Ⅲ were 1.17, 1.19, 1.10, 1.25, 1.17, and 1.18 in groups A-F; group D was higher than the other groups. The real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR results revealed that the mRNA expressions of collagen type Ⅰ and type Ⅲ and fibronectin were highest in group F; the expression of tenascin C was highest in group D; the expression of MMP-2 was highest in group E; and all differencs were significant (P < 0.05). ConclusionDirectly co-cultured BMSCs and LFs induced by TGF-β1 and bFGF-1 have higher cellular activities, proliferation, and expressions of ligament-specific mRNA and protein, which can be used as a potential source for ligament tissue engineering.
Objective To transfect bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) of rats by recombinant adenovirus Ad-human matrix metalloproteinase 1 (hMMP-1) in vitro so as to lay the experimental foundation for the treatment of liver fibrosis with a combination of BMSCs and hMMP-1 gene transplantation. Methods BMSCs were isolated from bone marrow of 2-3 weeks old Sprague Dawley rats by whole bone marrow adherence method and identified, then transfected by recombinant adenovirus Ad-hMMP-1 carrying enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) marker in vitro. The green fluorescent expression was observed by fluorescence microscope and the transfection efficiency was detected by flow cytometry to determine the optimum multiplicity of infection (MOI). BMSCs at passage 3 were divided into 3 groups: untransfected BMSCs group (group A), Ad-EGFP transfected BMSCs group (group B), and Ad-hMMP-1-EGFP transfected BMSCs group (group C); the gene and intracellular protein of hMMP-1 were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot; the ELISA assay was used to detect the supernatant protein expression, and the hMMP-1 activity was measured by fluorescent quantification kit. Results The green fluorescent was observed in BMSCs transfected by recombinant adenovirus at 24 hours after transfection; the fluorescence intensity was highest at 72 hours; and the optimum MOI was 200. The cells of 3 groups entered the logarithmic growth phase on the 3rd day and reached plateau phase on the 6th day by MTT assay; no significant difference was found in the cell proliferation rate among 3 groups (P gt; 0.05). RT-PCR, Western blot, and ELISA assay showed high expressions of the hMMP-1 gene and protein in group C, but no expression in groups A and B. The hMMP-1 activity was 1.24 nmol/(mg · min) in group C, but hMMP-1 activity was not detectable in groups A and B. Conclusion The exogenous hMMP-1 gene is successfully transfected into BMSCs of rats via recombinant adenovirus and can highly express, which lays the experimental foundation for the treatment of liver fibrosis with a combination of BMSCs and hMMP-1 gene transplantation.
Objective To investigate the dose-dependent relationship of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) transplantation in improving ischemic myocardial dysfunction? in a rat ischemic heart model. Methods Myocardial infarction was induced in 32 inbred F344 rats by acute ligation of the left anterior descending(LAD) coronary artery. One week after ligation, the ratswere randomized? into four equal groups, with eight rats in each group. Equal volume Iscove’s modified Dulbecco’s medium was injected in the control group, 1×103(group 1), 1×105(group 2), and 1×107(group 3) 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labeled bone marrow MSCs were injected into the infarcted myocardium. Cardiac function was evaluated by ultrasound before the ligation of the LAD, before the transplantation and the 4th week after transplantation. The expressions of BrdU,Connexin43,Myosin heavy chain β(MHC), and smooth muscle actin α(α-SMA) were detected by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry at the 4th week after transplantation. The amount of functional vessels stained by α-SMA was counted simultaneously. Results At the 4th week? after transplantation, the ejection fraction(EF) in goup 2 was more significantly improved than that in group1(0.54±0.20 vs. 0.34±0.16, P＝0.004) and EF in group 3 was more significantly improved than that in group 2(0.71±0.24 vs. 0.54±0.20,P＝0.018), whereas no significant difference between group 1 and control group was detected (0.34±0.16 vs. 0.36±0.15,Pgt;0.05). The BrdU labeled MSCs could be found in host myocardium. The number of cells in group 2 by double staining both for BrdU and for MHC observed in ischemic myocardium were significantly more than that in group 1? (323.20±91.62 n/HP vs. 51.75±27.58 n/HP,P＝0.049) and the same was true between group 3 and group 2(409.75±106.65 n/HP vs. 323.20±91.62 n/HP,Plt;0.001), whereas the result of control group was negative.The majority of transplanted cells were found positive staining both for MHC and for Connexin43 in all groups. There were lots of positive staining of α-SMA whose form were partly irregular in ischemic myocardium indicating that there was neovascularization in group1 and control group. More neovascularization in group2 was found than that in group 1 (28.38±12.79 n/HP vs. 22.75±9.07 n/HP, P＝0015) and more neovascularization in group 3 was found? than that in group 2 (35.63±13.27 n/HP vs. 28.38±12.79 n/HP, P＝0.002) . Conclusion Transplanted into infarcted myocardium, bone marrow MSCs may have significant and dose-dependent potential for cardiomyogenesis with functional recovery from myocardial ischemia.
ObjectiveTo investigate the anti-apoptotic ability of synovium-derived mesenchymal stem cells (SMSCs) by comparing the apoptosis induced by tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) between SMSCs and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). MethodSMSCs and BMSCs were isolated with tissue adhering and density gradient centrifugation respectively, and cells at passages 3-5 were used in further experiments. After immunophenotype identification and differentiation induction, cells were divided into 4 groups. In the experimental groups, apoptosis of SMSCs and BMSCs were induced by 20 ng/mL TNF-α and 10 μg/mL cycloheximide, and cells were cultured in normal culture medium in the control groups. Cellular morphology were observed by inverted phase contrast microscope. After apoptosis induction for 24 hours, cell viability was determined by cell counting kit 8 assay and apoptotic index was detected by flow cytometer. Moreover, the level of Cleaved Caspase-8, 3 were determined by Western blot. ResultsBoth SMSCs and BMSCs accorded with the definition criteria of MSCs according to results of immunophenotype identification and differentiation induction. After apoptosis induction, cells became shrinking and partially floated and cellular morphologies became worse than those in the control groups. After apoptosis induction for 24 hours, cell viabilities of SMSCs and BMSCs in the control groups were both 100%, and no apoptotic cells were observed. However, cell viabilities of SMSCs and BMSCs in the experimental groups were 60.13%±8.63% and 46.55%±10.54% respectively, which were both significantly lower than those in the control groups (P<0.05) , and cell viability in the SMSCs experimental group was significantly higher than that in the BMSCs experimental group (t=3.152, P=0.006) . The apoptotic index was 36.54%±8.63% in the SMSCs experimental group and was 53.77%±11.52% in the BMSCs experimental group, both were significantly higher than the control groups (1.12%±0.24% and 1.35%±0.31%) (P<0.05) . What's more, it was significantly lower in SMSCs experimental group than that in BMSCs experimental group (t=3.785, P=0.001) . Moreover, no expression of Cleaved Caspase-8, 3 was detected in the control groups. But the levels of Cleaved Caspase-8, 3 were significantly enhanced in the experimental groups and they were lower in SMSCs than in BMSCs (t=13.870, P=0.000; t=7.309, P=0.000) . ConclusionsTNF-α induced apoptosis is lower in SMSCs than in BMSCs, which means that SMSCs may have stronger anti-apoptosis ability than BMSCs.
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of vascular endothelial growth factor/polylactide-polyethyleneglycol-polylactic acid copolymer/basic fibroblast growth factor (VEGF/PELA/bFGF) mixed microcapsules in promoting the angiogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in vitro. MethodsThe BMSCs were isolated by the method of whole bone marrow adherent, and sub-cultured. The passage 3 BMSCs were identified by Wright-Giemsa staining and flow cytometry, and used for subsequent experiments. VEGF/PELA/bFGF (group A), PELA/bFGF (group B), VEGF/PELA (group C), and PELA (group D) microcapsules were prepared. The biodegradable ability and cytotoxicity of PELA microcapsule were determined, and the slow-released ability of VEGF/PELA/bFGF mixed microcapsules was measured. The passage 3 BMSCs were co-cultured with the extracts of groups A, B, C, and D, separately. At 1, 3, 7, 14, and 20 days after being cultured, the morphological changes of induced BMSCs were recorded. At 21 days, the induced BMSCs were tested for DiI-labeled acetylated low density lipoprotein (Dil-ac-LDL) and FITC-labeled ulex europaeus agglutinin I (FITC-UEA-I) uptake ability. The tube-forming ability of the induced cells on Matrigel was also verified. The differences of the vascularize indexes in nodes, master junctions, master segments, and tot.master segments length in 4 groups were summarized and analyzed. ResultsThe isolated and cultured cells were identified as BMSCs. The degradation time of PELA was more than 20 days. There was no significant effect on cell viability under co-culture conditions. At 20 days, the cumulative release of VEGF in the mixed microcapsules exceeded 95%, and the quantity of bFGF exceeded 80%. The morphology of cells in groups A, B, and C were changed. The cells in groups A and B showed the typical change of cobble-stone morphology. The numbers of double fluorescent labeled cells observed by fluorescence microscope were the most in group A, and decreases from group B and group C, with the lowest in group D. The cells in groups A and B formed a grid-like structure on Matrigel. Quantitative analysis showed that the differences in the number of nodes, master junctions, master segments, and tot.master segments length between groups A, B and groups C, D were significant (P<0.05). The number of nodes and the tot.master segments length of group A were more than those of group B (P<0.05). There was no significant differences in the number of master junctions and master segments between group A and group B (P>0.05). ConclusionVEGF/PELA/bFGF mixed microcapsules have significantly ability to promote the angiogenic differentiation of rat BMSCs in vitro.