OBJECTIVE: To fabricate artificial human skin with the tissue engineering methods. METHODS: The artificial epidermis and dermis were fabricated based on the successful achievements of culturing human keratinocytes(Kc) and fibroblasts (Fb) as well as fabrication of collagen lattice. It included: 1. Culture of epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts: Kc isolated from adult foreskin by digestion of trypsin-dispase. Followed by comparison from aspects of proliferation, differentiation of the Kc, overgrowth of Fb and cost-benefits. 2. Fabrication of extracellular matrix sponge: collagen was extracted from skin by limited pepsin digestion, purified with primary and step salt fraction, and identified by SDS-PAGE. The matrix lattice was fabricated by freeze-dryer and cross-linked with glutaraldehyde, in which the collagen appeared white, fibrous, connected and formed pores with average dimension of 180 to 260 microns. 3. Fabrication artificial human skin: The artificial skin was fabricated by plating subcultured Kc and Fb separately into the lattice with certain cell density, cultured for one week or so under culture medium, then changed to air-liquid interface, and cultured for intervals. RESULTS: The artificial skin was composed of dermis and epidermis under light microscope. Epidermis of the skin consisted of Kc at various proliferation and differentiation stages, which proliferated and differentiated into basal cell layer, prickle cell layer, granular layer, and cornified layer. Conifilament not only increased in number, but also gathered into bundles. Keratohyalin granules at different development stages increased and became typical. The kinetic process of biochemistry of the skin was coincide with the changes on morphology. CONCLUSION: Tissue engineered skin equivalent has potential prospects in application of repairing skin defect with advantages of safe, effective and practical alternatives.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the selection and identification of human keratinocyte stem cells(KSC) in vitro. METHODS: According to the characteristics of KSC which can adhere to extracellular matrix very fast, we selected 3 groups of different time(5 minutes, 20 minutes and 60 minutes) and unselected as control group. And the cells were identified by monoclone antibody of beta 1-integrin and cytokeratin 19 (Ck19), then the image analysis was done. Furthermore we analyzed the cultured cells with flow cytometer(FCM) and observed the ultrastructure of the cell by transmission electron microscope(TEM). RESULTS: The cell clones formed in all groups after 10 to 14 days, while the cells of 5 minute group grew more slowly than those of the other groups, however, the clones of this group were bigger. The expression of beta 1-integrin and Ck19 were found in all groups. The positive rate of beta 1-integrin was significant difference between 5 minute group and the other groups (P lt; 0.05). And the expression of Ck19 was no significant difference between 5 minute group and 20 minute group(P gt; 0.05), and between 60 minute group and control group. But significant difference was observed between the former and the later groups(P lt; 0.05). The result of FCM showed that most cells of the 5 minute group lied in G1 period of cell cycle, which was different from those of the other groups. At the same time, the cells of 5 minute group were smaller and contained fewer organelles than those of the other groups. CONCLUSION: The above results demonstrate that the cells of 5 minute group have a slow cell cycle, characteristics of immaturity, and behaving like clonogenic cells in vitro. The cells have the general anticipated properties for KSC. So the KSC can be selected by rapid attachment to extracellular matrix and identified by monoclone antibody of beta 1-integrin and Ck19.
ObjectiveTo investigate the expression of keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) and cyclooxygen-ase-2 (COX-2) protein and microvessel density (MVD), and to explore their function and mechanism in the multistep process of gastric cancer. MethodsThe expressions of KGF and COX-2 protein in 64 samples of gastric cancer and 30 cases of normal gastric mucosa tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry. The MVD was detected by staining the endothelial cells in microvessles using anti-CD34 antibody. ResultsThe positive rate of KGF and COX-2 protein expression in gastric cancer were 65.6% (42/64) and 79.7% (51/64), respectively, which was significantly higher than that in normal gastric mucosa tissues 〔(23.3%, 7/30), P=0.046; (13.3%, 4/30), P=0.008〕. The MVD of gastric cancer was 31.8±8.0, which was significantly higher than that of normal gastric mucosa tissues (14.3±6.1), P=0.000. The MVD in gastric cancer with coexpressive KGF and COX-2 protein was 35.9±5.7, which was significant higher than that with non-coexpressive KGF and COX-2 protein (25.7±7.0), P=0.000. Both the expression of KGF and COX-2 protein were related to the invasion of serosa, lymph node metastasis and TNM staging (Plt;0.05, Plt;0.01). The MVD of gastric cancer tissues was related to lymph node metastasis and TNM staging (Plt;0.05), but unrelated to patient’s age, gender, and differentiation of tumor (Pgt;0.05). The co-expression of KGF and COX-2 protein was frequently found in patients with deeper invasion of serosa, lymph node metastasis, and higher TNM staging (Plt;0.05), but which was not associated withpatient’sage, gender, and differentiation of tumor (Pgt;0.05). The expression of KGF protein was positively correlated to the expression of COX-2 protein (r=0.610, P=0.000). There was positive correlation between MVD and the expression of KGF (r=0.675, P=0.000) and COX-2 protein (r=0.657, P=0.000) in gastric cancer, respectively. ConclusionKGF and COX-2 highly expressed by gastric cancer, which may be involved in the invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer by synergisticly promoting the angiogenesis.
N,N-Dimethylglycine (DMG) is a glycine derivative, and its sodium salt (DMG-Na) has been demonstrated to possess various biological activities, including immunomodulation, free radical scavenging, and antioxidation, collectively contributing to the stability of tissue and cellular functions. However, its direct effects and underlying mechanisms in wound healing remain unclear. In this study, a full-thickness excisional wound model was established on the dorsal skin of mice, and wounds were treated locally with DMG-Na. Wound healing progression was assessed by calculating wound closure rates. Histopathological analysis was conducted using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and keratinocyte proliferation, migration, and differentiation were evaluated using CCK-8 assays, scratch wound assays, and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). Inflammation-related cytokine expression in keratinocytes was analyzed via ELISA and qRT-PCR. Results revealed that DMG-Na treatment significantly accelerated wound healing in mice and improved overall wound closure quality. The wound healing rates on days 3, 6, and 9 were 49.18%, 68.87%, and 90.55%, respectively, with statistically significant differences compared to the control group (P<0.05). DMG-Na treatment downregulated the mRNA levels of keratinocyte differentiation markers while enhancing cell proliferation and migration (P<0.05). Furthermore, DMG-Na decreased the secretion of LPS-induced keratinocyte inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and CXCL10 (P<0.05). These findings indicate that DMG-Na regulates inflammatory responses and promotes keratinocyte proliferation and migration, thereby facilitating the healing of skin wounds.
Objective To observe the effects of keratinocytes on proliferation and collagen secretion of fibroblasts. Methods The conditioned medium,collected from cultured keratinocytes, was added to the cultured fibroblasts as the tested groups(12.5％, 25% and 50％ groups) and DMEM as control group. The MTT, hydroxyproline coloricmetric method and flow cytometer were employed to measure the fibroblast proliferation, the collagen secretion andthe change of the cell cycle.Results In fibroblast proliferation, the absorbency(A) value of tested groups was significantly different from that of the control group (P＜0.01). A value increased as increasing concentration, there was statistically significant difference betweetheconcentrations of 25%,50% and the concentration of 12.5%(P＜0.01), but no statistically significant difference between the concentrations of 25% and 50%(P＞0.01). In collagen secretion, there was no statistically significant difference between the tested groups and the control group(P＞0.01), and between the tested groups(P＞0.01). In cell cycle, 50% of conditioned medium could make the fibroblast pass the limit of G1/S and S/G2 period, the cell rates of S,G2-M period increased. Conclusion The conditioned medium from keratinocytes can increase fibroblasts proliferation, have little effect on general collagen secretion.
OBJECTIVE To search an ideal carrier of transferred keratinocytes for transplantation. METHODS The transferred keratinocytes were seeded on the surfaces of the artificial dermis and the silicone membrane and cultured in vitro for 2 weeks. The growth of the keratinocytes was observed by microscope and scanning electron microscope. RESULTS The keratinocytes implanted on the artificial dermis began to rupture and died after 2 to 3 days. While the keratinocytes adhered well on the surface of silicone membrane with pseudopodia formation after 1 week under scanning electron microscope, and the cells kept normal morphological and proliferative properties 2 weeks later. CONCLUSION The silicone membrane can be applied as an useful carrier for the keratinocytes transplantation.
Objective To investigate the effects of heat injured keratinocytes (KC) supernatant on the expressions of collagen type I, collagen type III, and matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) of dermal fibroblasts (Fb). Methods KC and Fb were isolated and cultured. Then the models of heat injured KC and Fb were reproduced in vitro, respectively. The heat injured and normal culture supernatant were collected respectively at 12 hours, and formulated as a 50% concentration of cell-conditioned medium. According to the culture medium, Fb at passage 3-5 was divided into 3 groups. Normal Fb was cultured with the conditioned medium containing 50% heat injured KC culture supernatant (group A), the conditioned medium containing 50% normal KC culture supernatant (group B), and DMEM (group C), respectively. The cells in 3 groups were collected at 24 hours. In addition， the cells in group A were collected at 0, 1, 2, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours， respectively. Normal Fb was cultured with the conditioned medium containing 50% heat injured Fb culture supernatant. Then, the cells were collected at 0, 1, 2, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours, respectively. The mRNA levels of the collagen type I, collagen type III, and MMP-1 of Fb were measured by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR techniques. Results At 24 hours after cultured with supernatant of heat injured KC，mRNA relative expression levels of collagen type I, collagen type III, and MMP-1 in group A were significantly higher than those in groups B and C (P lt; 0.05). The mRNA relative expression levels of collagen type I, collagen type III, and MMP-1 in group A gradually increased with time going, showing significant differences between 0 hour and 2, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours (P lt; 0.05); significant differences were found between different time points after 2 hours (P lt; 0.05). After Fb was treated with supernatant of heat injured Fb, the mRNA relative expression levels of MMP-1 gradually decreased with time going, showing significant differences between 0 hour and 1, 2, 6, 12, 24, and 24 hours (P lt; 0.05); after 2 hours of culture, significant differences were found among different time points (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion Heat injured KC supernatant may regulate the mRNA expressions of collagen type I, collagen type III, and MMP-1 of Fb.
【Abstract】 Objective To observe the effects of Angelica dahurica extracts on the biological characteristics of human keratinocytes (KC) in vitro and to explore the possible mechanism in promoting wound healing. Methods HaCaT cells of passage 5 from KC were used during the experiment. Different concentrations (5 × 10-2, 5 × 10-3, 5 × 10-4, and 5 × 10-5 g/L) of Angelica dahurica extracts, which was obtained by 95% ethanol from Angelica dahurica raw material, were prepared by DMEM containing 0.25% fetal bovine serum (FBS). After the extracts at different concentrations were respectively used for KC culture for 5 days, the cell proliferation activities were detected by MTT, and DMEM containing 0.25% FBS served as the negative control. According to the cell proliferation activity, the optimal concentration was determined. KC was further treated with Angelica dahurica extracts of the optimal concentration (experimental group) or with DMEM containing 0.25% FBS (control group) for 48 hours. The cell cycle was tested by flow cytometry. Cyclin D1 and Caspase-3 mRNA levels were also detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR technique. Results Angelica dahurica extracts at concentrations of 5 × 10-4, 5 × 10-3,and 5 × 10-2 g/L could significantly enhance KC proliferation, showing significant differences in absorbance (A) values compared with that of control group (P lt; 0.05) with an optimal concentration of 5 × 10-3 g/L. At this concentration, an increased percentage of S and G2/M phase cells and a decreased percentage of G0/G1 phase cells were detected, showing significant differences when compared with control group (P lt; 0.05). Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR revealed that the cyclin D1 and Caspase-3 mRNA levels of experimental group was significantly down-regulated, showing significant differences when compared with control group (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion Angelica dahurica extracts can promote the proliferation of KC, accelerate the cell cycle of KC by down-regulating mRNA expressions of cyclin D1, and inhibit apoptosis by down-regulating mRNA expressions of Caspase-3. These effects might enhance the process of wound healing by expediting the process of epithelization.
Objective To investigate the different influence of the expression levels of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) and the keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) after the unilateral phrenectomy in piglets. Methods Thirty-six piglets were divided into 3 groups according to their ages during the operation (10 d,30 d,50 d). In each group, 6 piglets underwent the left cervical phrenectomy and 6 piglets were used as the shamoperation controls. The expression levels of EGF and KGF were determined by the real time quantitative RT-PCR at 2 weeks after operation.Results The melting curves of RTPCR showed that there was a single peark at the temperature of 80.0, 84.5 and 89.0℃ of EGF,KGF and GAPDH, respectively. In the experimental group, the expression levels of EGF were 3.53±0.36 and 1.73±0.29, and the expression levels of KGF were 4.71±0.42 and 2.77±0.29 in thepiglets undergiong the operation at their ages of 10 d and 30 d.Compared with the control group,the expression levels of EGF (4.60±0.41，2.18±0.24) and KGF(6.05±0.42，3.58±0.31) showed that there was a significant decrease postoperatively in the piglets undergoing the operation at their ages of 10 d and 30 d（P＜0.05）. However, there was no significant change in the piglets undergoing the operation at their ages of 50 d（P＞0.05）. The expression levels of EGF and KGF were significantly decreased with the lung development of the piglets（P＜0.05）. Conclusion The unilateral phrenectomy performed in the piglets younger than 30 d may cause abnormity of the EGF and KGF expression levels. The piglets older than 50 d may not cause a significant influence.
Objective To find a feasible method that can fast isolate seed cells, keratinocyte stem cell and fibroblasts, for composite tissue engineered skin. Methods The foreskin could be attained from posthectomy, the subcutaneous tissue was removed completely, and the full-thick skin was cut into pieces, 2 mm×2 mm in size, then the pieces were submerged into a centrifuge tube containing collagenase Ⅰ in a oscillator. After 3-hour digestion at 37℃, the dermis was dissolved completely with all the fibroblasts in the digestion solution and the epidermis could be separated easily.With more than 10minute digestion in trypsin at 37℃, the epidermal cells could be harvested. Then flowcytometry and FITCimmunofluorescence for cytokeratin 19 of epidermal cells and FITC-immunofluorescence for vimentin of fibroblast were conducted to identify keratinocyte stem cells in the epidermal cells and fibroblasts in the digestion solution. Moreover, epidermal cells and fibroblasts were cultured in vitro for 7 days to investigate their biological behavior. Results Using collagenase Ⅰ combined with trypsin, epidermal cells andfibroblasts could be isolated at one time within 3 hours. Up to 17% cells demonstrated cytokeratin 19 positive in the epidermal cells, with fibroblast vimentin positive. The amount of fibroblast could be enlarged to more than 100 times within 6 days, but the putative keratinocyte stem cells were difficult for subculture. Conclusion Seed cells for composite tissue engineered skin could be harvested fast at one time, that made it possible to reconstruct composite tissue-engineered skin in vitro.