THE EFFECT OF STEM CELL FACTOR, INTERLEUKIN-6 AND ERYTHROPOIETIN ON EXPANSION OF CD34^+ CELLS FROM HUMAN UMBILICAL CORD BLOOD

CD34+ cells from human umbilical cord blood were purified by Dynal beads M-450 CD34 immunoselection system and cultured in the presence of various cytokines alone or in combination, including stem cell factor (SCF), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and erythropoietin (EPO). The results revealed that: (D In methylcellulose culture, the plating efficiencies of purified cord blood CD34+ cells were much different when stimulated by various cytokines. IL-6 alone had the lowest colo-ny yield, while the combination of SCF, IL-6 and EPO had the highest yield. ② In the suspension culture, IL-6 alone or IL-6 + EPO had little expanding effect on cord blood CD34+ celis, the other cytokine combinations could expand cord blood CD34+ celis at different Ievels. Among them, the combination of SCF, IL-6 and EPO had the maximal expanding effect on cord blood CD34+ celis, the number of progenitor celis peaked at day 21, about 29-fold increase and nucleated celis increased approximately 3676-fold at day 28. The expanding effect of

Expression of Caspase－3 in Cord Blood CD34^＋ Cells during Culture in vitro

Objective: To investigate the expression and significance of caspase-3 protein in CD34^+ cells from cord blood (CB) during culture in vitro with different growth factors. Methods: RT-PCR, Western blot and flow cytometry techniques were used to detect the expression of caspase-3 in CD34^+ CB cells during culture in vitro. Results: Caspase-3 mRNA was constitutively expressed at a low level in freshly isolated CD34^+ cells. The expression of caspase-3 mRNA and protein was upregulated when these cellswere first expanded in suspension culture with growth factors for 3 days. However, only the 32 kDa inactive caspase-3 proenzyme was detected in the freshly isolated CD34^+ cells as well as during the first 3 days expansion with cytokines. With longer culture time in vitro, especially in the presence of the combination of IL-3, IL-6 and GM-CSF, caspase-3 was activated and a cleavage product of 20 kDa became detectable.Conclusion: Caspase-3 is involved in apoptosis of primitive CB CD34^+ cells during expansion in vitro.

Autologous CD34^+ and CD133^+ stem cells transplantation in patients with end stage liver disease

AIM:To assess the utility of an autologous CD34 + and CD133 + stem cells infusion as a possible therapeutic modality in patients with end-stage liver diseases.METHODS:One hundred and forty patients with endstage liver diseases were randomized into two groups.Group 1,comprising 90 patients,received granulocyte colony stimulating factor for five days followed by autologous CD34 + and CD133 + stem cell infusion in the portal vein.Group 2,comprising 50 patients,received regular liver treatment only and served as a control group.RESULTS:Near normalization of liver enzymes and improvement in synthetic function were observed in 54.5% of the group 1 patients;13.6% of the patients showed stable states in the infused group.None of the patients in the control group showed improvement.No adverse effects were noted.CONCLUSION:Our data showed that a CD34 + and CD133 + stem cells infusion can be used as supportive treatment for end-stage liver disease with satisfactory tolerability.

HUMAN PRIMITIVE HEMATOPOIETIC PROGENITOR CELLS ARE MORE ENRICHED IN CD34^+CD38^- POPULATION THAN IN CD34^+CD38^+ POPULATION

To clarify the hematopoietic potential of various sub-classes of human hematopoietic progenitor cells, we used a multicolor staining protocol in conjunction with anti-CD34 and -CD38 McAb. We characterized two cell fractions in CD34+cells with or without CD38 expression. A clonogenic assay showed that most CFC were present in CD34+CD38+ population. Morphologic analysis showed that blast-like cells were more enriched in the CD34+CD38 fraction. To clarify the biologic differences between both fractions, we examined the more primitive progenitor cell function by assessing long-term culture-initiating cells (LTC-IC) on the stromal cells. At the first two weeks, more CF.C harvested from the culture in the fractions initiated with both populations. However, more LTC-IC were present during weeks 4 to 12 in the CD34+CD38- population. These results indicate the primitive progenitors are more enriched in CD34+CD38 population than in CD34+CD38+ cells.

In vitro study of the influence of GST-π gene transfer on drug-resistance of human cord blood CD34^+ cells

Objective:To investigate the influence of GST-π gene transfer on drug-resistance of human cord blood CD34 + cells.Methods:CD34 + cells were purified from cord blood from normal full-term pregnancy.Gene transduction into human cord blood CD34 + cells was carried out using GST-π gene containing retrovirus vector.The GST-π gene expression in transduced CD34 + cell was confirmed by RT-PCR.After confirmation of GST-π gene transfer,the transfected CD34 + cells were cultured by colony assay in the presence of carboplatin.Results:GST-π mRNA was detected in 30% of CFU-GM derived from GST-π gene transduced CD34 + cells.In vitro drug resistance test showed that the number of CFU-GM formed was significantly higher (2～3 fold) in GST-π gene transduced CD34 + cells than untransduced CD34 +cells.Conclusion:GST-π gene transfer can confer resistance to hematopoietic progenitors against carboplatin in vitro.

Effect of Homoharringtonine on Bone Morrow CD34^+CD7^+ Cells in Chronic Granulocytic Leukemia

Objective： To explore the effect of homoharringtonine （HHT） on bone morrow CD34^＋CD7^＋ cells in chronic granulocytic leukemia （CGL）. Methods： The changes of bone morrow CD34^＋CD7^＋ cells were observed after the treatment of HHT in 23 cases with CGL. The proliferation and apoptosis of CD34^＋CD7^＋ cells treated with HHT in vitro were studied. Results： The proportion of CD34^＋CD7^＋ cells in CGL （0.145±0.021） was higher than that of normal control （0.052±0.013）. The proportion of CD34^＋CD7^＋ cells in patients who got cytogenetic responses to HHT （0.072±0.020） decreased remarkably, but not in those patients who did not got cytogenetic responses to HHT, （0.137±0.023）. the proliferation of CD34^＋ cells was inhibited and the proportion of CD34^＋CD7^＋ cells decreased after cultured with HHT （0.134 in 24 h, 0.126 in 48 h and 0.102 in 72）. The apoptosis rate of CD34^＋CD7^＋ cells was higher than that in CD34^＋CDT cells （35.39%±4.39% versus 24.57%±4.01%, P〈0.05） 72 h after culture with HHT. Conclusion： The proportion of CD34^＋CD7^＋ cells in CGL was higher than that of normal control and HHT may inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis of bone marrow CD34^＋CD7^＋ cells.

Apoptosis of Leukemia Cells Induced by CD34^+ Cells Transferred Exogenous Fas Ligand

To assess the value of CD34 + cells transferred exogenous Fas ligand (FasL) in inducing apoptosis of human leukemic cells, the CD34 + cells transfected with F asL or without, pretreated with mitomycin C, was mixed with leukemic cell line U937 cells in presence or absence of daunorubicin (DNR) or cytosine arabinoside (Ara C). After l8 h, apoptosis of cells was detected by FCM and TUNEL. Induced for l8 h by CD34 + cells transfected with FasL or without, the ratio of apoptos is of U937 cells was (5.0±1.3) %, (10.8±0.6) % ( P < 0.01), respectively. Induced by FasL +CD34 ++DNR, FasL +CD34 ++Ara C, the ratio was (13.4±1.0) % ( P < 0.05), (17.9±1.3)% ( P <0.01), respectively. The result demonstrated that CD34 + cells transfected with exogenous FasL could induce apoptosis of human leukemic cells and showed a cytotoxic synergistic effect when used in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs, suggesting that it was possible to develop a new method in treatment of leukemia.

Isolation and Characterization of Human CD34^+ Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells by High-gradient Magnetic Cell Sorting

Using a high-gradient magnetic cell sorting (MACS) system, CD34^+ cells were isolated from human bone marrow, cord blood, peripheral blood, and cultured in CFU system. The results showed that the excellent recovery (75%) and highest purity (95-99%) were acquired by using the MACS separation system, and the most CFCs were present in CD34^+ population, but not in CD34 fraction by clonogenic assays. The isolation of pure hematopoietic stem cells and progenitor cells is of experimental and clinical importance.

CD34^(+)细胞数对单倍体造血干细胞移植治疗恶性血液病的影响

背景:单倍体造血干细胞移植与较高的植入功能不良相关,因此经常要求更高的CD34^(+)细胞数量,但现有研究关于异基因造血干细胞移植CD34+细胞剂量和研究终点关系的结论是有争议的。目的:探究CD34^(+)细胞数对单倍体造血干细胞移植治疗恶性血液疾病临床结果的影响。方法:纳入2019年1月至2021年12月期间于郑州大学第一附属医院造血干细胞移植中心行单倍体造血干细胞移植的恶性血液病患者,总计135例。结合既往研究结果及移植中心经验,以CD34+细胞数5.0×10^(6)/kg为截止点,将队列分为2组。评估两组的移植物植入情况、复发率及非复发死亡率、总生存期和无进展生存期等相关临床指标。结果与结论:①CD34+细胞剂量与血小板的植入相关,高剂量组血小板的植入时间早于低剂量组(14 d vs.16 d,P=0.013)。②两组患者3年总生存期无显著差异(67.5%vs.53.8%,P=0.257);两组间的无进展生存期也无显著性差异(65.6%vs.44.2%,P=0.106),但根据疾病风险指数(DRI)进行分层分析后发现低危患者高剂量组的3年无进展生存期较低剂量组升高(72.0%vs.49.3%,P=0.036)。③高剂量组3年累积复发率小于低剂量组(16.0%vs.33.5%,P=0.05)。④两组100 d内非复发死亡率高剂量组大于低剂量组,但无显著差异(17.3%vs.6.7%,P=0.070);进行分层分析发现,高危患者中高剂量组100 d内非复发死亡率明显高于低剂量组(20.0%vs.3.3%,P=0.046)。⑤综上所述,输注>5.0×10^(6)/kg的CD34^(+)细胞可促进血小板早期植入,可改善移植中低危风险患者的3年无进展生存期,并且降低移植后累积复发率;但在高危患者中,高剂量CD34+细胞导致移植后100 d内的非复发死亡率增高,考虑可能与移植后早期重度急性移植物抗宿主病的发生增多相关,因此考虑对回输高剂量CD34+细胞的患者应加强移植物抗宿主病的监测。

外周血CD4^(+)PD-1^(+)Tcells及CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞ATP含量与复发性卵巢癌疗效的相关性分析

目的 探讨外周血CD4^(+)程序性细胞死亡受体-1(PD-1)^(+)T cells及CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞三磷酸腺苷(ATP)含量与复发性卵巢癌疗效的相关性。方法 选取30例复发性卵巢癌患者为复发组,30例未复发卵巢癌患者为非复发组;另选取30名同期体检健康者作为对照组。评估外周血CD4^(+)PD-1^(+)T cells及CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞ATP含量与复发性卵巢癌疗效的相关性。结果 复发组和非复发组的CD4^(+)PD-1^(+)T cells较对照组明显升高(P<0.05)。复发组和非复发组的CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞ATP含量较对照组明显降低(P<0.05)。复发组治疗后CD4^(+)PD-1^(+)Tcells显著低于治疗前(P<0.05),治疗后CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞ATP含量显著高于治疗前(P<0.05)。CD4^(+)PD-1^(+)T cells与复发性卵巢癌疗效成负相关(r=-0.393,P=0.039),CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞ATP含量与复发性卵巢癌疗效成正相关(r=0.449,P=0.031)。结论 复发性卵巢癌患者外周血CD4^(+)PD-1^(+)T cells及CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞ATP含量与疗效密切相关。

CD19^(+)CD24^(+)CD27^(+)调节性B细胞及IL-10、IL-34与系统性红斑狼疮中医证型的关系

目的:探讨CD19^(+)CD24^(+)CD27^(+)调节性B细胞(Bregs细胞)及白细胞介素(IL)-10、IL-34与系统性红斑狼疮(SLE)中医证型的关系。方法:选取2022年4月~2024年4月在本院接受治疗的117例SLE患者为研究组,并纳入同期进行体检的86名健康体检者为对照组,检测对比两组的CD19^(+)CD24^(+)CD27^(+)Bregs细胞中CD24^(high) CD27^(+)比例、CD24^(mid) CD27^(+)比例以及血清IL-10、IL-34水平。另将研究组根据中医辨证分型分为热毒炽盛证、肝肾阴虚证、脾肾阳虚证,检测对比不同中医证型患者间CD24^(high) CD27^(+)比例、CD24^(mid) CD27^(+)比例、IL-10、IL-34、肾功能及系统性红斑狼疮疾病活动指数(SLEDAI)的差异。结果:研究组的CD24^(high) CD27^(+)比例、CD24^(mid) CD27^(+)比例、IL-10、IL-34水平均高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。117例SLE患者中热毒炽盛证有49例、肝肾阴虚证33例、脾肾阳虚证35例。CD24^(high) CD27^(+)比例、CD24^(mid) CD27^(+)比例、IL-10、IL-34水平及SLEDAI评分均在肝肾阴虚证、脾肾阳虚证、热毒炽盛证中依次上升,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);脾肾阳虚证患者的血清肌酐、尿素氮、24h尿蛋白定量均高于热毒炽盛证及肝肾阴虚证患者(P<0.05)。结论:SLE患者血清CD19^(+)CD24^(+)CD27^(+)Bregs细胞、IL-10、IL-34水平均与中医证型有关,可作为中医辨证论治的辅助指标。

Autologous mobilized peripheral blood CD34^+ cell infusion in non-viral decompensated liver cirrhosis

AIM: To study the effect of mobilized peripheral blood autologous CD34 positive(CD34+) cell infusion in patients with non-viral decompensated cirrhosis.METHODS: Cirrhotic patients of non-viral etiology were divided into 2 groups based on their willingness to be listed for deceased donor liver transplant(DDLT)(control, n = 23) or to receive autologous CD34+ cell infusion through the hepatic artery(study group, n= 22). Patients in the study group were admitted to hospital and received granulocyte colony stimulating factor injections 520 μg/d for 3 consecutive days to mobilize CD34+ cells from the bone marrow. On day 4,leukapheresis was done and CD34+ cells were isolated using CliniMAC magnetic cell sorter. The isolated CD34+ cells were infused into the hepatic artery under radiological guidance. The patients were discharged within 48 h. The control group received standard of care treatment for liver cirrhosis and were worked up for DDLT as per protocol of the institute. Both groups were followed up every week for 4 wk and then every month for 3 mo.RESULTS: In the control and the study group, the cause of cirrhosis was cryptogenic in 18(78.2%) and16(72.72%) and alcohol related in 5(21.7%) and6(27.27%), respectively. The mean day 3 cell count(cells/μL) was 27.00 ± 20.43 with a viability of 81.84± 11.99%. and purity of 80%-90%. Primary end point analysis revealed that at 4 wk, the mean serum albumin in the study group increased significantly(2.83± 0.36 vs 2.43 ± 0.42, P = 0.001) when compared with controls. This improvement in albumin was,however, not sustained at 3 mo. However, at the end of3 mo there was a statistically significant improvement in serum creatinine in the study group(0.96 ± 0.33 vs 1.42 ± 0.70, P = 0.01) which translated into a significant improvement in the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score(15.75 ± 5.13 vs 19.94 ± 6.68,P = 0.04). On statistical analysis of secondary end points, the transplant free survival at the end of 1 mo and 3 mo did not show any significant difference(P =0.60) when compared to the control group. There was no improvement in aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and bilirubin at any point in the study population. There was no mortality benefit in the study group. The procedure was safe with no procedural or treatment related complications.CONCLUSION: Autologous CD 34+ cell infusion is safe and effectively improves liver function in the short term and may serve as a bridge to liver transplantation.

An Association between Immunosenescence and CD4^+CD25^+ Regulatory T Cells: A Systematic Review

Objective Age-related increment of the prevalence of CD4^＋CD25^＋ regulatory T （Treg） cells were described controversially, and whether such changes explain immune dysfunction in the elderly is still unclear. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the role of the Tregs in immunosenescence. Methods Medline and manual searches were performed to identify all published epidemiological and animal studies investigating the efficacy of the association between immunosenescence and Treg cells. Results It was founded that the frequency, phenotypic characteristics, and number/function of Tregs were altered significantly with aging. Medical conditions in individuals with advanced ageas well as apoptosis intensity of Treg cells had an impact on the accumulation of Tregs which in turn could deteriorate cytotoxic activity of CD8＋ T and NK cells and production of IL-2. The range of immune cells that could be suppressed by Treg cells was quite wide and covered CD4^＋CD25^＋ T cells, NK cells, dendritic cells and even monocytes. These changes were observed both in humans and experimental animals. Besides, it was believed that frequency of Tregs increased with age and was accompanied by intensified suppressive activity for Tregs in patients, for example, with Alzheimer disease （AD） and Parkinson disease （PD）. The impaired condition of CD4＋ T cells, so-called immunosenescence, rendered transplant recipients less responsive to an allogeneic kidney graft, an effect that was limited to transplant recipients who were aged over 60 years. Conclusions Treg cells are associated with immunosenescence. All these changes contribute to the aging-related decline of immune responses and lead to the higher risk of immune-mediated diseases, cancer or infections in aged individuals.

Analysis of CD4^+CD25^+ Regulatory T Cells and Foxp3 mRNA in the Peripheral Blood of Patients with Asthma

The changes of CD4^＋CD25^＋ regulatory T cells （CD4^＋CD25^＋ Treg） and Foxp3 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells （PBMCs） from patients with asthma were investigated in order to elucidate the possible roles of CD4^＋CD25^＋ Treg in the development of asthma. The peripheral blood samples were collected from 29 healthy controls （normal control group） and 78 patients with asthma which included 30 patients in exacerbation group, 25 patients in persistent group, and 23 patients in remission group. By using flow cytometry and RT-PCR, the CD4^＋CD25^＋ Treg ratio and Foxp3 mRNA in PBMCs were detected. The CD4^＋CD25^＋ Treg ratio and Foxp3 mRNA in PBMCs of exacerbation and persistent groups were lower than that of remission and normal control groups （P〈0.05）. Although the CD4^＋CD25^＋ Treg ratio and Foxp3 mRNA of remission group were also lower than that of normal control group, there was no significant difference between them （P〉0.05）. As compared with persistent group, exacerbation group had lower CD4^＋CD25^＋ Treg ratio and Foxp3 mRNA （P〈0.05）. It was indicated that the decrease of CD4^＋CD25^＋ Treg ratio and its function in PBMCs may be responsible for pathogenesis of asthma.

A familiar stranger:CD34 expression and putative functions in SVF cells of adipose tissue

Human adipose tissue obtained by liposuction is easily accessible and an abundant potential source of autologous cells for regenerative medicine applications. After digestion of the tissue and removal of differentiated adipocytes, the so-called stromal vascular fraction (SVF) of adipose, a mix of various cell types, is obtained. SVF contains mesenchymal fibroblastic cells, able to adhere to culture plastic and to generate large colonies in vitro , that closely resemble bone marrow-derived colony forming units-fibroblastic, and whose expanded progeny, adipose mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (ASC), show strong similarities with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. The sialomucin CD34, which is well known as a hematopoietic stem cell marker, is also expressed by ASC in native adipose tissue but its expression is gradually lost upon standard ASC expansion in vitro . Surprisingly little is known about the functional role of CD34 in the biology and tissue forming capacity of SVF cells and ASC. The present editorial provides a short introduction to the CD34 family of sialomucins and reviews the data from the literature concerning ex- pression and function of these proteins in SVF cells and their in vitro expanded progeny.

Depletion of CD4^+CD25^+ regulatory T cells can promote local immunity to suppress tumor growth in benzo[a]pyrene-induced forestomach carcinoma

AIM： To elucidate the distribution of CD4^＋CD25^＋ regulatory T cells （Tregs） in different lymphoid tissues and its local enhancement on tumor growth before and after depletion of CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tregs. METHODS： Female ICR mice were garaged with benzo[a]pyrene （BaP） to induce forestomach carcinoma. CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tregs were intraperitoneally depleted with monoclonal antibody PC61. These mice were divided into BaP-only, BaP ＋ IgG, BaP ＋ PC61, and control groups. The forestomach of mice was dissected for histological analysis, and tunnel test was performed for apoptosis of tumor cells. CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tregs were sorted from different lymphoid tissues and expression of Foxp3, IL-10, and chemokine receptors was analyzed by flow cytometry, semi-quantitative and veal-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS： The mice gavaged with only BaP showed increased forestomach papilloma and carcinoma at wk 16 and 32. The proportion of CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tregs was significantly higher in peri-stomach regional lymph nodes than in other lymphoid tissues. These CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tregs in regional lymph nodes expressed higher levels of Foxp3 and IL-10, enriched in the CD62L-subset, and CCR1 and CCR5 chemokine receptors. In mice gavaged with BaP ＋ PC61, the number of tumor nodules and tumor volume decreased significantly with massive infiltrating cells and apoptosis of tumor cells. In the draining regional lymph nodes, the number of CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tregs also decreased significantly. CONCLUSION： Inducible and activated CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tregs in the draining regional lymph nodes suppress host local immunity during tumor growth. Depletion of CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tregs can promote host local immunity to suppress tumor growth.