Small extracellular vesicles from hypoxia-preconditioned bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells attenuate spinal cord injury via miR-146a-5p-mediated regulation of macrophage polarization

Spinal cord injury is a disabling condition with limited treatment options.Multiple studies have provided evidence suggesting that small extracellular vesicles(SEVs)secreted by bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)help mediate the beneficial effects conferred by MSC transplantation following spinal cord injury.Strikingly,hypoxia-preconditioned bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived SEVs(HSEVs)exhibit increased therapeutic potency.We thus explored the role of HSEVs in macrophage immune regulation after spinal cord injury in rats and their significance in spinal cord repair.SEVs or HSEVs were isolated from bone marrow MSC supernatants by density gradient ultracentrifugation.HSEV administration to rats via tail vein injection after spinal cord injury reduced the lesion area and attenuated spinal cord inflammation.HSEVs regulate macrophage polarization towards the M2 phenotype in vivo and in vitro.Micro RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analyses of SEVs and HSEVs revealed that mi R-146a-5p is a potent mediator of macrophage polarization that targets interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1.Reducing mi R-146a-5p expression in HSEVs partially attenuated macrophage polarization.Our data suggest that HSEVs attenuate spinal cord inflammation and injury in rats by transporting mi R-146a-5p,which alters macrophage polarization.This study provides new insights into the application of HSEVs as a therapeutic tool for spinal cord injury.

Effects of interleukin-10 treated macrophages on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells via signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 pathway

BACKGROUND Alveolar bone defects caused by inflammation are an urgent issue in oral implant surgery that must be solved.Regulating the various phenotypes of macrophages to enhance the inflammatory environment can significantly affect the progression of diseases and tissue engineering repair process.AIM To assess the influence of interleukin-10(IL-10)on the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs)following their interaction with macrophages in an inflammatory environment.METHODS IL-10 modulates the differentiation of peritoneal macrophages in Wistar rats in an inflammatory environment.In this study,we investigated its impact on the proliferation,migration,and osteogenesis of BMSCs.The expression levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)and its activated form,phos-phorylated-STAT3,were examined in IL-10-stimulated macrophages.Subsequently,a specific STAT3 signaling inhibitor was used to impede STAT3 signal activation to further investigate the role of STAT3 signaling.RESULTS IL-10-stimulated macrophages underwent polarization to the M2 type through substitution,and these M2 macrophages actively facilitated the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs.Mechanistically,STAT3 signaling plays a crucial role in the process by which IL-10 influences macrophages.Specifically,IL-10 stimulated the activation of the STAT3 signaling pathway and reduced the macrophage inflammatory response,as evidenced by its diminished impact on the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs.CONCLUSION Stimulating macrophages with IL-10 proved effective in improving the inflammatory environment and promoting the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs.The IL-10/STAT3 signaling pathway has emerged as a key regulator in the macrophage-mediated control of BMSCs’osteogenic differentiation.

Exosomes from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells are a potential treatment for ischemic stroke

Exosomes derived from human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(MSC-Exo)are characterized by easy expansion and storage,low risk of tumor formation,low immunogenicity,and anti-inflammatory effects.The therapeutic effects of MSC-Exo on ischemic stroke have been widely explored.However,the underlying mechanism remains unclear.In this study,we established a mouse model of ischemic brain injury induced by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery using the thread bolt method and injected MSC-Exo into the tail vein.We found that administration of MSC-Exo reduced the volume of cerebral infarction in the ischemic brain injury mouse model,increased the levels of interleukin-33(IL-33)and suppression of tumorigenicity 2 receptor(ST2)in the penumbra of cerebral infarction,and improved neurological function.In vitro results showed that astrocyte-conditioned medium of cells deprived of both oxygen and glucose,to simulate ischemia conditions,combined with MSC-Exo increased the survival rate of primary cortical neurons.However,after transfection by IL-33 siRNA or ST2 siRNA,the survival rate of primary cortical neurons was markedly decreased.These results indicated that MSC-Exo inhibited neuronal death induced by oxygen and glucose deprivation through the IL-33/ST2 signaling pathway in astrocytes.These findings suggest that MSC-Exo may reduce ischemia-induced brain injury through regulating the IL-33/ST2 signaling pathway.Therefore,MSC-Exo may be a potential therapeutic method for ischemic stroke.

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and exercise restore motor function following spinal cord injury by activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway

Although many therapeutic interventions have shown promise in treating spinal cord injury, focusing on a single aspect of repair cannot achieve successful and functional regeneration in patients following spinal cord injury. In this study, we applied a combinatorial approach for treating spinal cord injury involving neuroprotection and rehabilitation, exploiting cell transplantation and functional sensorimotor training to promote nerve regeneration and functional recovery. Here, we used a mouse model of thoracic contusive spinal cord injury to investigate whether the combination of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation and exercise training has a synergistic effect on functional restoration. Locomotor function was evaluated by the Basso Mouse Scale, horizontal ladder test, and footprint analysis. Magnetic resonance imaging, histological examination, transmission electron microscopy observation, immunofluorescence staining, and western blotting were performed 8 weeks after spinal cord injury to further explore the potential mechanism behind the synergistic repair effect. In vivo, the combination of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation and exercise showed a better therapeutic effect on motor function than the single treatments. Further investigations revealed that the combination of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation and exercise markedly reduced fibrotic scar tissue, protected neurons, and promoted axon and myelin protection. Additionally, the synergistic effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation and exercise on spinal cord injury recovery occurred via the PI3 K/AKT/mTOR pathway. In vitro, experimental evidence from the PC12 cell line and primary cortical neuron culture also demonstrated that blocking of the PI3 K/AKT/mTOR pathway would aggravate neuronal damage. Thus, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation combined with exercise training can effectively restore motor function after spinal cord injury by activating the PI3 K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

Exosomal miR-23b from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells alleviates oxidative stress and pyroptosis after intracerebral hemorrhage

Our previous studies showed that miR-23b was downregulated in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage(ICH). This indicates that miR-23b may be closely related to the patho-physiological mechanism of ICH, but this hypothesis lacks direct evidence. In this study, we established rat models of ICH by injecting collagenase Ⅶ into the right basal ganglia and treating them with an injection of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell(BMSC)-derived exosomal miR-23b via the tail vein. We found that edema in the rat brain was markedly reduced and rat behaviors were improved after BMSC exosomal miR-23b injection compared with those in the ICH groups. Additionally, exosomal miR-23b was transported to the microglia/macrophages, thereby reducing oxidative stress and pyroptosis after ICH. We also used hemin to mimic ICH conditions in vitro. We found that phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10(PTEN) was the downstream target gene of miR-23b, and exosomal miR-23b exhibited antioxidant effects by regulating the PTEN/Nrf2 pathway. Moreover, miR-23b reduced PTEN binding to NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3) and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, thereby decreasing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis level. These findings suggest that BMSC-derived exosomal miR-23b exhibits antioxidant effects through inhibiting PTEN and alleviating NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis, thereby promoting neurologic function recovery in rats with ICH.

Overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor enhances the neuroprotective effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in ischemic stroke

Although bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs)might have therapeutic potency in ischemic stroke,the benefits are limited.The current study investigated the effects of BMSCs engineered to overexpress vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)on behavioral defects in a rat model of transient cerebral ischemia,which was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion.VEGF-BMSCs or control grafts were injected into the left striatum of the infarcted hemisphere 24 hours after stroke.We found that compared with the stroke-only group and the vehicle-and BMSCs-control groups,the VEGF-BMSCs treated animals displayed the largest benefits,as evidenced by attenuated behavioral defects and smaller infarct volume 7 days after stroke.Additionally,VEGF-BMSCs greatly inhibited destruction of the blood-brain barrier,increased the regeneration of blood vessels in the region of ischemic penumbra,and reducedneuronal degeneration surrounding the infarct core.Further mechanistic studies showed that among all transplant groups,VEGF-BMSCs transplantation induced the highest level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor.These results suggest that BMSCs transplantation with vascular endothelial growth factor has the potential to treat ischemic stroke with better results than are currently available.

A novel mutation in ROR2 led to the loss of function of ROR2 and inhibited the osteogenic differentiation capability of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs)

Receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 2(ROR2)has a vital role in osteogenesis.However,the mechanism underlying the regulation of ROR2 in osteogenic differentiation is still poorly comprehended.A previous study by our research group showed that a novel compound heterozygous ROR2 variation accounted for the autosomal recessive Robinow syndrome(ARRS).This study attempted to explore the impact of the ROR2:c.904C>T variant specifically on the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs.Methods:Coimmunoprecipitation(CoIP)-western blotting was carried out to identify the interaction between ROR2 and Wnt5a.Double-immunofluorescence staining was used for determining the expressions and co-localization of ROR2 and Wnt5a in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs).Western blot(WB)analysis and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR)were conducted to identify the expression levels of ROR2 in the BMSCs transfected with LV-shROR2 or LV-ROR2-c.904C>T.The alkaline phosphatase(ALP)activity was detected,and Alizarin Red S staining was done for evaluating the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs.RT-qPCR was employed to identify the expression of the sphingomyelin synthase 1(SMS1)mRNA in the BMSCs transfected with LV-shROR2 or LV-ROR2-c.904C>T and the mRNA expression levels of Runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2),osteocalcin(OCN),and osteopontin(OPN).WB was performed to confirm the protein expressions of extracellular regulated protein kinases1(ERK),P-ERK,Smad family member1/5/8(Smad1/5/8),P-Smad1/5/8,P-P38,P38,RUNX2,OCN,and OPN in the BMSCs transfected with LV-shROR2/LV-ROR2-c.904C>T and sphingomyelin(SM).Results:The ROR2:c.904C>T mutant altered the subcellular localization of the ROR2 protein,which caused an impaired interaction between ROR2 and Wnt5a.The depletion of ROR2 restricted the osteogenic differentiation capability of BMSCs and downregulated the expression of SMS1.SM treatment could reverse the inhibition of osteoblastic differentiation in ROR2-depleted BMSCs.Conclusion:The findings of this work revealed that the ROR2:c.904C>T variant led to the loss of function of ROR2,which impaired the interaction between ROR2 and Wnt5a and also controlled the osteogenic differentiation capability of BMSCs.Furthermore,SM was revealed to be engaged in the osteoblastic differentiation of BMSCs regulated by ROR2,which renders SM a potential target in the therapy for ARRS.

Mammalian Ste20-like kinase 1 inhibition as a cellular mediator of anoikis in mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

BACKGROUND The low survival rate of mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)caused by anoikis,a form of apoptosis,limits the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs.As a proapoptotic molecule,mammalian Ste20-like kinase 1(Mst1)can increase the production of reactive oxygen species(ROS),thereby promoting anoikis.Recently,we found that Mst1 inhibition could protect mouse bone marrow MSCs(mBMSCs)from H 2 O 2-induced cell apoptosis by inducing autophagy and reducing ROS production.However,the influence of Mst1 inhibition on anoikis in mBMSCs remains unclear.AIM To investigate the mechanisms by which Mst1 inhibition acts on anoikis in isolated mBMSCs.METHODS Poly-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-induced anoikis was used following the silencing of Mst1 expression by short hairpin RNA(shRNA)adenovirus transfection.Integrin(ITGs)were tested by flow cytometry.Autophagy and ITGα5β1 were inhibited using 3-methyladenine and small interfering RNA,respe-ctively.The alterations in anoikis were measured by Terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl Transferase Mediated Nick End Labeling and anoikis assays.The levels of the anoikis-related proteins ITGα5,ITGβ1,and phospho-focal adhesion kinase and the activation of caspase 3 and the autophagy-related proteins microtubules associated protein 1 light chain 3 II/I,Beclin1 and p62 were detected by Western blotting.RESULTS In isolated mBMSCs,Mst1 expression was upregulated,and Mst1 inhibition significantly reduced cell apoptosis,induced autophagy and decreased ROS levels.Mechanistically,we found that Mst1 inhibition could upregulate ITGα5 and ITGβ1 expression but not ITGα4,ITGαv,or ITGβ3 expression.Moreover,autophagy induced by upregulated ITGα5β1 expression following Mst1 inhibition played an essential role in the protective efficacy of Mst1 inhibition in averting anoikis.CONCLUSION Mst1 inhibition ameliorated autophagy formation,increased ITGα5β1 expression,and decreased the excessive production of ROS,thereby reducing cell apoptosis in isolated mBMSCs.Based on these results,Mst1 inhibition may provide a promising strategy to overcome anoikis of implanted MSCs.

Exploring the Mechanism of CircRNA-vgll3 in Osteogenically Differentiated Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Objective:To explore the mechanism of circRNA-vgll3 in osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.Methods:BMSCs cells were transfected with circRNA-vgll3,and divided into circRNA-vgll3 high-level group,circRNA-vgll3 low-level group,and negative control group(circRNA-vgll3 not transfected)according to the amount of transfection.The proliferation and apoptosis of BMSCs osteoblasts in each group were analyzed,and the alkaline phosphatase(ALP)activity,type I collagen gray value,bone morphogenetic protein 2(BMP-2),Runx2 protein,and mRNA expression levels were detected.Results:The circRNA-vgll3 low-level group had a significant inhibitory effect on the proliferation of BMSCs osteoblasts,and the apoptosis rate of the circRNA-vgll3 low-level group was significantly higher than that of the circRNA-vgll3 high-level group(P<0.05);ALP activity,type I collagen gray value,BMP-2,Runx2 protein,and mRNA expression levels in the high-level circRNA-vgll3 group were significantly higher than those in the low-level circRNA-vgll3 group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:Overexpression of circRNA-vgll3 can promote the osteogenic differentiation ability of BMSCs,while low expression of circRNA-vgll3 can inhibit the osteogenic differentiation ability of BMSCs.The main mechanism of action is that circRNA-vgll3 can affect osteogenic differentiation by regulating the Runx2 protein.

Cell transplantation therapies for spinal cord injury focusing on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells:Advances and challenges

Spinal cord injury(SCI)is a devastating condition with complex pathological mechanisms that lead to sensory,motor,and autonomic dysfunction below the site of injury.To date,no effective therapy is available for the treatment of SCI.Recently,bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells(BMMSCs)have been considered to be the most promising source for cellular therapies following SCI.The objective of the present review is to summarize the most recent insights into the cellular and molecular mechanism using BMMSC therapy to treat SCI.In this work,we review the specific mechanism of BMMSCs in SCI repair mainly from the following aspects:Neuroprotection,axon sprouting and/or regeneration,myelin regeneration,inhibitory microenvironments,glial scar formation,immunomodulation,and angiogenesis.Additionally,we summarize the latest evidence on the application of BMMSCs in clinical trials and further discuss the challenges and future directions for stem cell therapy in SCI models.

Chinese preparation Xuesaitong promotes the mobilization of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in rats with cerebral infarction

After cerebral ischemia, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells are mobilized and travel from the bone marrow through peripheral circulation to the focal point of ischemia to initiate tissue regeneration. However, the number of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells mobilized into peripheral circulation is not enough to exert therapeutic effects, and the method by which blood circulation is promoted to remove blood stasis influences stem cell homing. The main ingredient of Xuesaitong capsules is Panax notoginseng saponins, and Xuesaitong is one of the main drugs used for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis. We established rat models of cerebral infarction by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery and then intragastrically administered Xuesaitong capsules（20, 40 and 60 mg/kg per day） for 28 successive days. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed that in rats with cerebral infarction, middle- and high-dose Xuesaitong significantly increased the level of stem cell factors and the number of CD117-positive cells in plasma and bone marrow and significantly decreased the number of CD54-and CD106-positive cells in plasma and bone marrow. The effect of low-dose Xuesaitong on these factors was not obvious. These findings demonstrate that middle- and high-dose Xuesaitong and hence Panax notoginseng saponins promote and increase the level and mobilization of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in peripheral blood.

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells repair spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury by promoting axonal growth and anti-autophagy

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells can differentiate into neurons and astrocytes after trans- plantation in the spinal cord of rats with ischemia/reperfusion injury. Although bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells are known to protect against spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury through anti-apoptotic effects, the precise mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were cultured and proliferated, then transplanted into rats with ischemia/reperfusion injury via retro-orbital injection. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence with subsequent quantification revealed that the expression of the axonal regeneration marker, growth associated protein-43, and the neuronal marker, microtubule-as- sociated protein 2, significantly increased in rats with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation compared with those in rats with spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury. Fur- thermore, the expression of the autophagy marker, microtubule-associated protein light chain 3B, and Beclin 1, was significantly reduced in rats with the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation compared with those in rats with spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury. Western blot analysis showed that the expression of growth associated protein-43 and neuro- filament-H increased but light chain 3B and Beclin 1 decreased in rats with the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation. Our results therefore suggest that bone marrow mes- enchymal stem cell transplantation promotes neurite growth and regeneration and prevents autophagy. These responses may likely be mechanisms underlying the protective effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells against spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Platelet-rich fibrin-induced bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into osteoblast-like cells and neural cells

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were allowed to develop for 14 days in a platelet-rich fibrin environment.Results demonstrated that platelet-rich fibrin significantly promoted bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell proliferation.In addition,there was a dose-dependent increase in Runt-related transcription factor-2 and bone morphogenetic protein-2 mRNA expression,as well as neuron-specific enolase and glial acidic protein.Results showed that platelet-rich fibrin promoted bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell proliferation and differentiation of osteoblast-like cells and neural cells in a dose-dependent manner.

Chondroitinase ABC plus bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells for repair of spinal cord injury

As chondroitinase ABC can improve the hostile microenvironment and cell transplantation is proven to be effective after spinal cord injury, we hypothesized that their combination would be a more effective treatment option. At 5 days after T8 spinal cord crush injury, rats were injected with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell suspension or chondroitinase ABC 1 mm from the edge of spinal cord damage zone. Chondroitinase ABC was first injected, and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell suspension was injected on the next day in the combination group. At 14 days, the mean Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan score of the rats in the combination group was higher than other groups. Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that the necrotic area was significantly reduced in the combination group compared with other groups. Glial fibrillary acidic protein-chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan double staining showed that the damage zone of astrocytic scars was significantly reduced without the cavity in the combination group. Glial fibrillary acidic protein/growth associated protein-43 double immunostaining revealed that positive fibers traversed the damage zone in the combination group. These results suggest that the combination of chondroitinase ABC and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation contributes to the repair of spinal cord injury.

Effect of Electromagnetic Fields on Proliferation and Differentiation of Cultured Mouse Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Summary: In order to study the effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on proliferation, differentiation and intercellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) in mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in vitro, the mouse bone MSCs were isolated and cultured in vitro. The third passage MSCs were divided into 4 groups and stimulated with EMFs. The cellular proliferation (MTT), the cellular differentiation (alkaline phosphatase activity, ALP), and the intercellular cAMP level were investigated at different time points. The results showed that EMF (50Hz pulse burst 2 mT peak) inhibited the cellular proliferation (P<0.05), enhanced the cellular differentiation (P<0.05), and increased the intercellular cAMP level (P<0.01) in the early time of the stimulation (1-3 days), but the intercellular cAMP level did not increased further in the later days. We are led to conclude that the cAMP may be involved in the mediation of the growth inhibitory and differentiation-inducing signals of specific EMFs in vitro.

Acellular allogeneic nerve grafting combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation for the repair of long-segment sciatic nerve defects:biomechanics and validation of mathematical models

We hypothesized that a chemically extracted acellular allogeneic nerve graft used in combination with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation would be an effective treatment for long-segment sciatic nerve defects.To test this,we established rabbit models of 30 mm sciatic nerve defects,and treated them using either an autograft or a chemically decellularized allogeneic nerve graft with or without simultaneous transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.We compared the tensile properties,electrophysiological function and morphology of the damaged nerve in each group.Sciatic nerves repaired by the allogeneic nerve graft combined with stem cell transplantation showed better recovery than those repaired by the acellular allogeneic nerve graft alone,and produced similar results to those observed with the autograft.These findings confirm that a chemically extracted acellular allogeneic nerve graft combined with transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells is an effective method of repairing long-segment sciatic nerve defects.

miR-23a/b regulates the balance between osteoblast and adipocyte differentiation in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

Age-related osteoporosis is associated with the reduced capacity of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells （BMSCs） to differentiate into osteoblasts instead of adipocytes. However, the molecular mechanisms that decide the fate of BMSCs remain unclear. In our study, microRNA-23a, and microRNA-23b （miR-23a/b） were found to be markedly downregulated in BMSCs of aged mice and humans. The overexpression of miR-23a/b in BMSCs promoted osteogenic differentiation, whereas the inhibition of miR-23a/b increased adipogenic differentiation. Transmembrane protein 64 （Tmem64）, which has expression levels inversely related to those of miR-23a/b in aged and young mice, was identified as a major target of miR-23a/b during BMSC differentiation. In conclusion, our study suggests that miR-23a/b has a critical role in the regulation of mesenchymal lineage differentiation through the suppression of Tmem64.

Effects of heme oxygenase-1-modified bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on microcirculation and energy metabolism following liver transplantation

AIM To investigate the effects of heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)-modified bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMMSCs)on the microcirculation and energy metabolism of hepatic sinusoids following reduced-size liver transplantation(RLT)in a rat model.METHODS BMMSCs were isolated and cultured in vitro using an adherent method,and then transduced with HO-1-bearing recombinant adenovirus to construct HO-1/BMMSCs.A rat acute rejection model following 50%RLT was established using a two-cuff technique.Recipients were divided into three groups based on the treatment received:normal saline(NS),BMMSCs and HO-1/BMMSCs.Liver function was examined at six time points.The levels of endothelin-1(ET-1),endothelial nitric-oxide synthase(e NOS),inducible nitric-oxide synthase(i NOS),nitric oxide(NO),and hyaluronic acid(HA)were detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The portal vein pressure(PVP)was detected by Power Lab ML880.The expressions of ET-1,i NOS,e NOS,and von Willebrand factor(v WF)protein in the transplanted liver were detected using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting.ATPase in the transplanted liver was detected by chemical colorimetry,and the ultrastructural changes were observed under a transmission electron microscope.RESULTS HO-1/BMMSCs could alleviate the pathological changes and rejection activity index of the transplanted liver,and improve the liver function of rats following 50%RLT,with statistically significant differences compared with those of the NS group and BMMSCs group(P<0.05).In term of the microcirculation of hepatic sinusoids:The PVP on POD7 decreased significantly in the HO-1/BMMSCs and BMMSCs groups compared with that of the NS group(P<0.01);HO-1/BMMSCs could inhibit the expressions of ET-1 and i NOS,increase the expressions of e NOS and inhibit amounts of NO production,and maintain the equilibrium of ET-1/NO(P<0.05);and HO-1/BMMSCs increased the expression of v WF in hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells(SECs),and promoted the degradation of HA,compared with those of the NS group and BMMSCs group(P<0.05).In term of the energy metabolism of the transplanted liver,HO-1/BMMSCs repaired the damaged mitochondria,and improved the activity of mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase(ASTm)and ATPase,compared with the other two groups(P<0.05).CONCLUSION HO-1/BMMSCs can improve the microcirculation of hepatic sinusoids significantly,and recover the energy metabolism of damaged hepatocytes in rats following RLT,thus protecting the transplanted liver.

12 hours after cerebral ischemia is the optimal time for bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation

Cell therapy using stem cell transplantation against cerebral ischemia has been reported. However, it remains controversial regarding the optimal time for cell transplantation and the transplantation route. Rat models of cerebral ischemia were established by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. At 1, 12 hours, 1, 3, 5 and 7 days after cerebral ischemia, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were injected via the tail vein. At 28 days after cerebral ischemia, rat neurological function was evaluated using a 6-point grading scale and the pathological change of ischemic cerebral tissue was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Under the fluorescence microscope, the migration of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells was examined by PKH labeling. Caspase-3 activity was measured using spectrophotometry. The optimal neurological function recovery, lowest degree of ischemic cerebral damage, greatest number of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells migrating to peri-ischemic area, and lowest caspase-3 activity in the ischemic cerebral tissue were observed in rats that underwent bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation at 12 hours after cerebral ischemia. These findings suggest that 12 hours after cerebral ischemia is the optimal time for tail vein injection of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation against cerebral ischemia, and the strongest neuroprotective effect of this cell therapy appears at this time.

Chondrogenic Differentiation of Mouse Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Induced by Cartilage-derived Morphogenetic Protein-2 In Vitro

To study the cartilage differentiation of mouse mesenchymal stem cells （MSCs） induced by cartilage-derived morphogenetic proteins-2 in vitro, the MSCs were isolated from mouse bone marrow and cultured in vitro. The cells in passage 3 were induced into chondrogenic differentiation with different concentrations of recombinant human cartilage-derived morphogenetic proteins-2 （0, 10, 20, 50 and 100 ng/mL）. After 14 days of induction, morphology of cells was observed under phase-contrast microscope. Collagen Ⅱ mRNA and protein were examined with RT-PCR, Western blotting and immunocytochemistry respectively and the sulfate glycosaminoglycan was measured by Alcian blue staining. RT-PCR showed that CDMP-2 could promote expression of collagen Ⅱ mRNA in an dose-dependant manner, especially at the concentration of 50 ng/mL and 100 ng/mL. Immunocytochemistry and Western blotting revealed a similar change. Alcian blue staining exhibited deposition of typical cartilage extracellular matrix. Our results suggest that mouse bone marrow mesencymal stem cells can differentiate into chondrogenic phonotype with the induction of CDMP-2 in vitro, which provides a basis for further research on the role of CDMP-2 in chondrogenesis.