|  |  |  | | | | | TERMSC | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Fabrication of highly porous scaffolds for tissue engineering based on star-shaped functional poly(ε-caprolactone). Biotechnol Bioeng. 2010 Oct 28; Authors: Theiler S, Mela P, Diamantouros SE, Jockenhövel S, Keul H, Möller M The potential of novel functional star-shaped poly(ε-caprolactone)s of controlled molecular weight and low molecular weight distribution bearing acrylate end groups as material for biomedical applications was demonstrated in this study. The polymers were functionalized via Michael-type addition of amino acid esters containing amino or thiol groups showing the potential for immobilization of biomolecules. Furthermore, scaffolds of different geometries were prepared by uniaxial freezing of polymer solutions followed by freeze drying. Different solvents and polymer concentrations were investigated, resulting in scaffolds with porosities between 76 to 96%. Mechanical properties of the scaffolds were investigated and the morphology was determined via scanning electron microscopy. Scaffolds with interconnected channels were prepared using benzene, 1,2-dichloroethane or dioxane as solvent. The tubular longitudinal pores in honeycomb arrangement extend throughout the full extent of the scaffolds (typical pore sizes: 20 to 100 μm). Biotechnol. Bioeng. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. PMID: 21031367 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Host tissue response in stem cell therapy. World J Stem Cells. 2010 Aug 26;2(4):61-66 Authors: Lee T Preclinical and clinical trials of stem cell therapy have been carried out for treating a broad spectrum of diseases using several types of adult stem cells. While encouraging therapeutic results have been obtained, much remains to be investigated regarding the best cell type to use, cell dosage, delivery route, long-term safety, clinical feasibility, and ultimately treatment cost. Logistic aspects of stem cell therapeutics remain an area that requires urgent attention from the medical community. Recent cardiovascular trial studies have demonstrated that growth factors and cytokines derived from the injected stem cells and host tissue appear to contribute largely to the observed therapeutic benefits, indicating that trophic actions rather than the multilineage potential (or stemness) of the administered stem cells may provide the underlying tissue healing power. However, the capacity for trophic factor production can be aberrantly downregulated as seen in human heart disease. Skeletal muscle is a dynamic tissue with an impressive ability to continuously respond to environmental stimuli. Indeed, a relation exists between active skeletal muscle and low cardiovascular risk, highlighting the critical link between the skeletal muscle and cardiovascular systems. Adding to this notion are recent studies showing that stem cells injected into skeletal muscle can rescue the failing rodent heart through activation of the muscle trophic factor network and mobilization of bone marrow multilineage progenitor cells. However, aging and disease can adversely affect the host tissue into which stem cells are injected. A better understanding of the host tissue response in stem cell therapy is necessary to advance the field and bridge the gap between preclinical and clinical findings. PMID: 21031156 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Defining pluripotency. Nat Methods. 2010 Nov;7(11):885-7 Authors: Pera MF PMID: 21030963 [PubMed - in process] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Macrophage Adipose Triglyceride Lipase Deficiency Attenuates Atherosclerotic Lesion Development in Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor Knockout Mice. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2010 Oct 28; Authors: Lammers B, Chandak PG, Aflaki E, Van Puijvelde GH, Radovic B, Hildebrand RB, Meurs I, Out R, Kuiper J, Van Berkel TJ, Kolb D, Haemmerle G, Zechner R, Levak-Frank S, Van Eck M, Kratky D OBJECTIVE: The consequences of macrophage triglyceride (TG) accumulation on atherosclerosis have not been studied in detail so far. Adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) is the rate-limiting enzyme for the initial step in TG hydrolysis. Because ATGL knockout (KO) mice exhibit massive TG accumulation in macrophages, we used ATGL KO mice to study the effects of macrophage TG accumulation on atherogenesis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLr) KO mice were transplanted with bone marrow from ATGL KO (ATGL KO→LDLr KO) or wild-type (wild-type→LDLr KO) mice and challenged with a Western-type diet for 9 weeks. Despite TG accumulation in ATGL KO macrophages, atherosclerosis in ATGL KO→LDLr KO mice was 43% reduced associated with decreased plasma MCP-1 and macrophage interleukin-6 concentrations. This coincided with a reduced amount of macrophages, possibly because of a 39% increase in intraplaque apoptosis and a decreased migratory capacity of ATGL KO macrophages. The reduced number of white blood cells might be due to a 36% decreased Lin(-)Sca-1(+)cKit(+) hematopoietic stem cell population. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the attenuation of atherogenesis in ATGL KO→LDLr KO mice is due to decreased infiltration of less inflammatory macrophages into the arterial wall and increased macrophage apoptosis. PMID: 21030715 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | The Emerging Relationship Between Regenerative Medicine and Physical Therapeutics. Phys Ther. 2010 Oct 28; Authors: Ambrosio F, Wolf SL, Delitto A, Fitzgerald GK, Badylak SF, Boninger ML, Russell AJ Dramatic changes in the health care landscape over the next few decades undoubtedly will affect rehabilitation specialists' practice. In regenerative medicine, a multidisciplinary field, cell, tissue, or organ substitutes are used to enhance the healing potential of the body. Given that the restoration of normal functioning of injured or diseased tissues is expected to be the ultimate goal of these therapies, the future of regenerative medicine is, undeniably, tightly intertwined with that of rehabilitation. Rehabilitation specialists not only must be aware of cutting-edge medical advances as they relate to regenerative medicine but also must work closely with basic scientists to guide the development of clinically relevant protocols. The purposes of this article are to provide a current perspective on biological approaches to the management of musculoskeletal disorders and to highlight the needed integration of physical therapeutics with regenerative medicine. PMID: 21030663 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Ultrastructural and histochemical evaluation of appositional mineralization of circumpulpal dentin at the crown- and root-analog portions of rat incisors. J Electron Microsc (Tokyo). 2010 Oct 28; Authors: Ahmad M, Iseki H, Abduweli D, Baba O, Tabata MJ, Takano Y Mineralization of circumpulpal dentin has been interpreted in such a way that predentin matrix is abruptly converted to almost fully mineralized dentin at the mineralization front. A group of investigators pointed out the existence of intermediary layer along the mineralization front of rat incisor dentin and claimed that dentin mineralization is a rather transient process. Owing to a paucity of information, however, the entity of transient mineralization of dentin has remained elusive. Here we confirmed the existence of a lightly mineralized layer (LL) along the mineralization front of rat incisor dentin, recognizable by both light and electron microscopy, in routinely processed specimens. LL less than 3 µm thick was shown to be located along the mineralization front of crown-analog dentin and tapered out toward the root analog of the incisor. Electron microscopy revealed that mineral deposition first occurred in the non-collagenous matrix of LL and that mineralization of collagen fibers took place sometime later at the conventional mineralization front. Microscopic appearance of the mineral phase of LL varied considerably depending on the histological processing of ultrathin sections, thus explaining the inconsistent interpretation of dentin mineralization in previous studies. These data suggest that mineralization of circumpulpal dentin in rat incisors proceeds in a stepwise or a transient manner, initiated by crystal deposition in the non-collagenous matrix followed by massive mineral deposition in collagen fibers at the mineralization front. The thickness of LL where only the non-collagenous matrix is mineralized may vary in relation to differences in the local non-collagenous matrix and also the rate of collagen mineralization in the respective portions of circumpulpal dentin. PMID: 21030417 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | An "off the shelf" vascular allograft supports angiogenic growth in three-dimensional tissue engineering. J Vasc Surg. 2010 Oct 26; Authors: Zdolsek JM, Morrison WA, Dingle AM, Palmer JA, Penington AJ, Mitchell GM OBJECTIVES:: Dense angiogenic sprouting occurs from arteriovenous loops (AVLs) incorporating autologous vein grafts inserted into empty plastic chambers in vivo. The purpose of this study was to determine if angiogenesis from the AVL was limited by substituting an "off the shelf" cold-stored allograft vein instead of an autologous vein. METHODS:: Four Sprague Dawley rat groups (two AVL configurations × two chamber types) were established for both 2-week and 6-week harvest. Control AVLs were autologous femoral vein grafts harvested from the left femoral vein that were surgically inserted between the cut femoral artery and vein on the right side. Experimental "allograft" AVLs were rat femoral veins cold-stored (4°C, sterile) for 4 to 7 weeks and then microsurgically interposed between the right femoral artery and vein of an unrelated rat. The two AVL types were inserted in one of two plastic chamber types - smooth or perforated. At harvest, the AVL constructs were checked for patency, weighed, their volume determined, and histology undertaken. Morphometric assessment of percent and absolute volume of major tissue components (including blood vessels) at 6 weeks was completed. RESULTS:: There were no significant differences between autograft and allograft groups in construct weight, volume, or morphology at 2 or 6 weeks. No statistical differences occurred in the percent or absolute vascular volume of AVLs incorporating a cold-stored allograft vs autologous vein grafts at 6 weeks regardless of the chamber type. However, perforated chambers caused significant increases in construct weight (P = .015), volume (P = .006), and percent and absolute connective tissue volume at 6 weeks (P = .001) compared to smooth chamber constructs, regardless of the graft type. CONCLUSION:: Cold-stored small-caliber allografts interposed in AVLs do not inhibit microcirculatory development and can be used in composite tissue engineering. PMID: 21030196 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Design of Novel 2D and 3D Bio-Interfaces using Self-Organization to Control Cell behavior. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2010 Oct 25; Authors: Tanaka M The design of biocompatible 2D surfaces and 3D nano/micro topographies based on self-organization has a variety of potential applications in medical devices and tissue engineering. We have reported that biocompatible 2D surface using poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate) (PMEA) and honeycomb-patterned 3D films with regular interconnected pores that is formed by self-organization. We highlight that 1) the reasons for this compatibility by comparing the structure of water in hydrated PMEA to the water structure of other polymers and 2) the reasons that honeycomb films exerted a strong influence on normal, cancer and stem cells morphology, proliferation, differentiation, cytoskeleton, focal adhesion, and functions including matrix production profiles. PMID: 21029767 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | [Expediting the study on the role of stem cells in wound treatment.] Zhonghua Shao Shang Za Zhi. 2010 Aug;26(4):247-250 Authors: Hu DH The restoration of destroyed skin tissue in extensive deep burn injury has been perplexing burn surgeons for a long time due to impossibility of de novo formation of true skin in the process of burn wound healing with the current treatment methods. Stem cells possess the capacity to repair the damaged tissue through regeneration of the original structure and function, and it is considered as the expected ideal outcome of burn wound healing and also the final goal of multidisciplinary wound managements. In the skin tissue, the resident stem cells do exist, and they retain an autonomous self-renewal potential, and they respond to guiding signals to differentiate in repairing burn wound. Besides, the remote mesenchymal stem cells and the adjacent adipose-derived stem cells have been shown to be involved in burn wound healing. The basic studies demonstrated that the microenvironmental feature or extracellular regulators, the selective activation of intracellular signaling pathways, and the expression of specific genes have a significant influence on the proliferation, differentiation or function of stem cells in wound repair. Therefore, further investigation and manipulation of the molecular mechanisms by which stem cells could participate well in regenerating skin tissue would be a valuable and promising way in burn wound treatment. The recent discovery of reprogramming a mature body cell into a pluripotent stem cell, which can then be converted to any type of human body cell sheds a new light to regenerative medicine. Stem cell-based regeneration is offering the next coming frontier of medical therapy by yielding new treatment through delivery of pluripotent stem cells to achieve structural and functional repair in the damaged tissues or organs due to trauma or chronic diseases. Therefore, it is a pressing task for us to expedite the study on the role and utility of stem cells in burn wound treatment, especially aiming to explore the possibility in regenerating skin appendages or even the entire structure of the normal skin, and avoiding the formation of hypertrophic scar or chronic wound after burn. PMID: 21029678 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | [Effects of rotating cell culture system on constructing of tissue engineering intervertebral nucleus pulposus.] Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi. 2010 Aug;90(31):2215-2218 Authors: Zhang WJ, Zhang L, Zhao CM, Zhang N OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of rotating cell culture system (RCCS) on the in vitro constructing of tissue engineering nucleus pulposus. METHODS: Nucleus pulposus cells from rabbit thoracic and lumbar intervertebral discs were proliferated in vitro to the third generation and seeded into PLGA (poly-lactide-co-glycolide) scaffolds (3 × 10(7)/ml). Experimental group was subjected to the RCCS while the control group was cultured under a normal condition. Both groups were cultured in vitro. The complex of nucleus pulposus and scaffolds was observed after 4 weeks. Tissue texture, scanning electron microscope, type II collagen, content of GAG (glycosaminoglycan) and DNA were assessed. RESULTS: After 4 weeks, the tissue engineered nucleus pulposus under RCCS were morphologically thicker and bigger. And the content of GAG, DNA and percentage of typeII collagen were more than those in the control group. The structural arrange of tissue engineering nucleus pulposus was visualized directly. CONCLUSION: The RCCS promotes intervertebral disc cells to secrete collagen and GAG. It may benefit the construction of tissue engineering intervertebral disc. PMID: 21029665 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Novel Wheat Protein Films as Substrates for Tissue Engineering. J Biomater Sci Polym Ed. 2010 Oct 27; Authors: Reddy N, Jiang Q, Yang Y This paper demonstrates that gliadin-free wheat glutenin can be an excellent biomaterial for tissue-engineering applications, better than poly(lactic acid) (PLA). Although plant proteins are more readily available than collagen and silk, limited studies have been conducted on understanding the potential of using plant proteins as biomaterials. Wheat proteins have not been used for tissue engineering due to the cytotoxicity of gliadin. In this research, wheat gluten, glutenin and gliadin were used to develop films and the mechanical properties, water stability and ability of the films to promote the attachment, growth and viability of osteoblast cells was studied in comparison to PLA films. The wheat protein films have good strength ranging from 8 to 30 MPa. Gliadin films experience about 50% weight loss whereas glutenin films have about 90% weight loss after being in water (pH 7.2) for 15 days at 37°C. Gliadin is cytotoxic and the presence of gliadin restricts the cell proliferation on wheat gluten films. However, gliadin-free glutenin films show a higher rate of proliferation of osteoblast cells than the PLA films. Wheat gluten promises to be a potential substrate for tissue engineering and other medical applications. PMID: 21029519 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Future Sexual Medicine Physiological Treatment Targets. J Sex Med. 2010 Oct;7(10):3269-3304 Authors: Burnett AL, Goldstein I, Andersson KE, Argiolas A, Christ G, Park K, Xin ZC Introduction. Sexual function in men and women incorporates physiologic processes and regulation of the central and peripheral nervous systems, the vascular system, and the endocrine system. There is need for state-of-the-art information as there is an evolving research understanding of the underlying molecular biological factors and mechanisms governing sexual physiologic functions. Aim. To develop an evidence-based, state-of-the-art consensus report on the current knowledge of the major cellular and molecular targets of biologic systems responsible for sexual physiologic function. Methods. State-of-the-art knowledge representing the opinions of seven experts from four countries was developed in a consensus process over a 2-year period. Main Outcome Measures. Expert opinion was based on the grading of evidence-based medical literature, widespread internal committee discussion, public presentation, and debate. Results. Scientific investigation in this field is needed to increase knowledge and foster development of the future line of treatments for all forms of biological-based sexual dysfunction. This article addresses the current knowledge of the major cellular and molecular targets of biological systems responsible for sexual physiologic function. Future treatment targets include growth factor therapy, gene therapy, stem and cell-based therapies, and regenerative medicine. Conclusions. Scientific discovery is critically important for developing new and increasingly effective treatments in sexual medicine. Broad physiologic directions should be vigorously explored and considered for future management of sexual disorders. Burnett AL, Goldstein I, Andersson K-E, Argiolas A, Christ G, Park K, and Xin ZC. Future sexual medicine physiologic treatment targets. J Sex Med 2010;7:3269-3304. PMID: 21029380 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | CIRCULATING STEM CELL VARY WITH NYHA STAGE IN HEART FAILURE PATIENTS. J Cell Mol Med. 2010 Oct 3; Authors: Fortini C, Toffoletto B, Fucili A, Puppato E, Olivares A, Beltrami AP, Fiorelli V, Bergamin N, Cesselli D, Morelli C, Francolini G, Ferrari R, Beltrami CA Aim . We have investigated the blood levels of subclasses of stem cells (SCs) [mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), endothelial progenitor cells/circulating endothelial cells (EPCs/CECs) and tissue-committed stem cells (TCSCs)] in HF patients at different stage of pathology and correlated it with plasmatic levels of proangiogenic cytokines. Results . Peripheral blood level of SCs were analyzed in 97 HF patients (24 in NYHA class I, 41 in class II, 17 in class III and 15 in class IV) and in 23 healthy controls. Plasmatic levels of PDGF-BB, bFGF, HGF, VEGF, SDF-1α, TNF-α and NTproBNP were also measured. Compared with healthy subjects, MSC, and in particular the subclasses CD45(-) CD34(-) CD90(+) , CD45(-) CD34(-) CD105(+) and CD45(-) CD34(-) CXCR4(+) were significantly enhanced in NYHA class IV patients (16.8, 6.4 and 2.7 fold respectively). Level of CD45(-) CD34(-) CD90(+) CXCR4(+) cells progressively increased from class II to class IV (fold increases compared with controls: 8.5, 12 and 21.5 respectively). A significant involvement of CXCR4(+) subpopulation of HSC (CD45(+) CD34(+) CD90(+) CXCR4(+) , 1.4 vs. 13.3 cells/μl in controls and NYHA class III patients respectively) and TCSC (CD45(-) CD34(+) CXCR4(+) , 1.5 cells/μl in controls vs. 12.4 and 28.6 cells/μl in NYHA class II and IV respectively) were also observed. All tested cytokines were enhanced in HF patients. In particular, for PDGF-BB and SDF-1 alpha we studied specific ligand/receptors pairs. Interestingly, the first one positively correlated with TCSCs expressing PDGFR (r=0.52, p=0.001), while the second one correlated with TCSCs (r=0.34, p=0.005) and with MSCs CD90(+) expressing CXCR4 (r=0.39, p=0.001). Conclusions . HF is characterized by the increase in the circulating levels of different MSC, HSC, EPC and TCSC subsets. Both the entity and kinetic of this process varied in distinct cell subsets. Specifically, differently from HSCs and EPCs/CECs, MSCs and TCSCs significantly increased with the progression of the disease, suggesting a possible distinct role of these cells in the pathophysiology of HF. PMID: 21029373 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | The Reconstruction of Lung Alveolus-Like Structure in Collagen-Matrigel/Microcapsules Scaffolds in Vitro. J Cell Mol Med. 2010 Oct 3; Authors: Zhang WJ, Lin QX, Zhang Y, Liu CT, Qiu LY, Wang HB, Wang YM, Duan CM, Liu ZQ, Zhou J, Wang CY Objective: This study attempted to use collagen-Matrigel as extracellular matrix (ECM) to supply cells with 3D culture condition and employ alginate-poly-L-lysine-alginate (APA) microcapsules to control the formation of alveolus-like structure in vitro. Methods: We tested mice fetal pulmonary cells (FPCs) by immunohistochemistry after 2D culture. The alveolus-like structure was reconstructed by seeding FPCs in collagen-Matrigel mixed with APA microcapsules 1.5mL. A self-made mold was used to keep the structure from contraction. Meanwhile, it provided static stretch to the structure. After 7, 14 and 21 days of culture, the alveolus-like structure was analyzed histologically and immunohistochemically, or by scanning transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We also observed these structures under inverted phase contrast microscope. The expression of pro-surfactant protein C (SpC) was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: We obtained fibroblasts, epithelial cells and alveolar type II (AE2) cells in FPCs. In the reconstructed structure, seeding cells surrounding the APA microcapsules constructed alveolus-like structures, the size of them ranging from 200 to 300μm. In each reconstructed lung tissue sheet, microcapsules had integrity. Pan-cytokeratin (CK), vimentin and SpC positive cells were observed in 7- & 14-day cultured structures. TEM showed lamellar bodies of AE2 cells in the reconstructed tissues while RT-PCR expressed SpC gene. Conclusions: Primary mice FPCs could form alveolus-like structures in collagen-Matrigel/APA microcapsules engineered scaffolds, which could maintain a differentiated state of AE2 cells. PMID: 21029367 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Development of Macroporous Poly(ethylene glycol) Hydrogel Arrays within Microfluidic Channels. Biomacromolecules. 2010 Oct 28; Authors: Lee AG, Arena CP, Beebe DJ, Palecek SP The mass transport of solutes through hydrogels is an important design consideration in materials used for tissue engineering, drug delivery, and protein arrays used to quantify protein concentration and activity. We investigated the use of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) as a porogen to enhance diffusion of macromolecules into the interior of polyacrylamide and PEG hydrogel posts photopatterned within microfluidic channels. The diffusion of GST-GFP and dextran-FITC into hydrogels was monitored and effective diffusion coefficients were determined by fitting to the Fickian diffusion equations. PEG-diacrylate (M(r) 700) with porogen formed a macroporous structure and permitted significant penetration of 250 kDa dextran. Proteins copolymerized in these macroporous hydrogels retained activity and were more accessible to antibody binding than proteins copolymerized in nonporous gels. These results suggest that hydrogel macroporosity can be tuned to regulate macromolecular transport in applications such as tissue engineering and protein arrays. PMID: 21028794 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Advances in understanding tissue regenerative capacity and mechanisms in animals. Nat Rev Genet. 2010 Oct;11(10):710-22 Authors: Poss KD Questions about how and why tissue regeneration occurs have captured the attention of countless biologists, biomedical engineers and clinicians. Regenerative capacity differs greatly across organs and organisms, and a range of model systems that use different regenerative strategies and that offer different technical advantages have been studied to understand regeneration. Making use of this range of systems and approaches, recent advances have allowed progress to be made in understanding several key issues that are common to natural regenerative events. These issues include: the determination of regenerative capacity; the importance of stem cells, dedifferentiation and transdifferentiation; how regenerative signals are initiated and targeted; and the mechanisms that control regenerative proliferation and patterning. PMID: 20838411 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Proteome analysis of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell differentiation. J Proteome Res. 2010 Oct 1;9(10):5217-27 Authors: Çelebi B, Elçin AE, Elçin YM Bone marrow multipotent stromal cells (or mesenchymal stem cells; MSCs) have the capacity for renewal and the potential to differentiate in culture into several cell types including osteoblasts, chondrocytes, adipocytes, cardiomyocytes, and neurons. This study was designed to investigate the protein expression profiles of rat bone marrow MSCs during differentiation into adipogenic (by dexamethasone, isobutylmethylxanthine, insulin, and indomethacin), cardiomyogenic (by 5-azacytidine), chondrogenic (by ascorbic acid, insulin-transferrin-selenous acid, and transforming growth factor-β1), and osteogenic (by dexamethasone, β-glycerophosphate, and ascorbic acid) lineages by well-known differentiation inducers. Proteins extracted from differentiated MSCs were separated using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and protein spots were detected using Sypro Ruby dye. Protein spots that were determined to be up- or down-regulated when the expression of corresponding spots (between weeks 1 and 2, 1 and 3, 1 and 4) showed an increase (≥2-fold) or decrease (≤0.5-fold) were successfully identified by MALDI-TOF-MS. In summary, 23 new proteins were identified either up- or down-regulated during differentiation experiments. PMID: 20681633 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Scar tissue. Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2010 Aug;18(4):261-5 Authors: Jones N PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To examine the place of surgery and other modes of treating scar tissue given the plethora of measures that are advocated on the internet. RECENT FINDINGS: There is good evidence to support the use of silicone sheets, pulsed dye laser (PDL), intralesional triamcinolone and dermabrasion in reducing hypertrophic scars, but each needs qualifying in terms of their timing and the type of scar tissue that they are used for. SUMMARY: The surgical revision of scars should be delayed for at least 12 months unless there is webbing when redistributing skin tension forces with a Z-plasty or multiple Z-plasties or other local flaps negates the need to wait for the scar to mature. In a posttraumatic 'horse shoe' shaped, or a very oblique, cut an irregular contour is likely to occur. Under these circumstances a triamcinolone injection into any raised area can help and this needs to be re-evaluated after 6 weeks. With a less irregular contour dermabrasion can help if used 8 weeks after surgery. With hypertrophic scarring both silicone gel sheeting and PDL may help reduce the prominence of the scar. Most of all time helps scars to settle and fade and typical scar maturation takes 18-24 months. The role of stem cells, particularly from adipose tissue, warrants further study. PMID: 20631534 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | An acellular, allograft-derived meniscus scaffold in an ovine model. Arthroscopy. 2010 Jul;26(7):936-48 Authors: Stabile KJ, Odom D, Smith TL, Northam C, Whitlock PW, Smith BP, Van Dyke ME, Ferguson CM PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop a meniscus scaffold that has increased porosity and maintains the native meniscus extracellular matrix in an ovine model. METHODS: The medial menisci of skeletally mature ovine (n = 16) were harvested; half were made into meniscus scaffolds (n = 8), and half remained intact (n = 8). Intact and scaffold meniscus tissues were compared by use of histology, DNA content analysis, in vitro cellular biocompatibility assays, and ultrastructural analysis. An additional 16 knees were used to investigate the biomechanics of the intact meniscus compared with the meniscus scaffold. RESULTS: DNA content and histology showed a significant decrease in cellular and nuclear content in the meniscus scaffold (P < .003). Biocompatibility was supported through in vitro cellular assays. Scanning electron microscopy and micro-computed tomography showed a substantial increase in porosity and pore connectivity in the meniscus scaffold compared with the intact meniscus (P < .01). There was no statistical difference between the ultimate load or elastic modulus of the intact and meniscus scaffolds. CONCLUSIONS: In this study a meniscus scaffold was evaluated for potential clinical application as a meniscus transplant construct in an ovine model. The data showed that a decellularized meniscus scaffold with increased porosity was comparable to the intact meniscus, with an absence of in vitro cellular toxicity. Although some compositional alterations of the extracellular matrix are to be expected during processing, it is evident that many of the essential structural components remained functional with maintenance of biomechanical properties. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This meniscus scaffold has potential for future clinical application as a meniscus transplant construct. PMID: 20620793 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Human adipose tissue-derived adult stem cells can lead to multiorgan engraftment. Transplant Proc. 2010 Jun;42(5):1849-56 Authors: Fang B, Li Y, Song Y, Li N, Cao Y, Wei X, Lin Q, Zhao RC Recent studies have demonstrated the existence of a population of adipose tissue-derived adult stem cells that can undergo multilineage differentiation in vitro; however, it is unclear whether these cells maintain their multilineage differentiation in vivo. The objective of the present study was to examine the in vivo characteristics and behavior of a potential population of human adipose tissue-derived adult stem cells. Herein, we demonstrate that human adipose tissue-derived adult stem cells differentiate into the epithelium of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and bronchi, and an endothelial lineage after transplantation into irradiated nonobese mice with diabetes or severe combined immunodeficiency. These findings may contribute to clinical tissue repair after injury. PMID: 20620536 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | A case of tongue carcinoma associated with chronic graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Aust Dent J. 2010 Jun;55(2):200-2 Authors: Noguchi K, Nakase M, Inui M, Nakamura S, Okumura K, Tagawa T Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) can occur at various sites, including the oral mucosa, where it is associated with a high risk of head and neck cancer. We report the case of a 46-year-old woman with tongue cancer that developed following Hodgkin's lymphoma and chronic GVHD, and we discuss the possible causes of cancer development. PMID: 20604764 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | [Annual conference of the pathology branch of Chinese Medical Societies in 2008.]. Zhonghua Bing Li Xue Za Zhi. 2008 Dec;37(12):803-4 Authors: PMID: 19159524 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] | | | | | | | | | |  | |  | |  |
