常规制备家兔血清对人脐静脉内皮细胞-304的影响

目的 :探讨中药血清药理学研究中常规制备的正常家兔血清浓度变化对培养体系中细胞的影响。方法 :常规制备无污染、无溶血正常家兔血清 ,通过细胞形态学、台盼蓝染色活细胞计数、细胞毒四唑盐 (MTT)比色试验、乳酸脱氢酶 (LDH)及血管紧张素转换酶 (ACE)等指标 ,观察 5 %、10 %、2 0 %、4 0 %、60 %和 80 %家兔血清对人脐静脉内皮细胞 (VEC) 30 4的影响。结果 :5 %和 10 %两浓度组各指标均无变化 ,对VEC 30 4没有损伤作用。 4 0 %、60 %和 80 % 3个浓度组家兔血清浓度对细胞均有不同程度的损伤 ,而且随着浓度的增加 ,呈现出损伤加重的趋势 ,而 2 0 %的浓度从细胞形态、台盼蓝染色活细胞计数、MTT及ACE方面没有表现出明显的损伤作用 ,只有LDH含量差异有显著性 (P <0 0 1)。结论 :常规制备的家兔血清在无污染和无溶血的情况下 ,其对细胞的作用浓度是有一定限制的 ,当达到 4 0 %或更高浓度时有较为明显的损伤。所以 ,在中药血清药理学研究中 ,应进行常规制备正常血清及含药血清的细胞毒实验 。

恩度对不同状态内皮细胞表面标记物影响的实验研究

目的:检测恩度对不同生长状态的人脐静脉内皮细胞(HUVEC)的抑制作用,以及对其表面分子标志物的影响,研究二者的内在联系,初步探讨恩度的作用机制。方法:制备3种生长状态的HUVEC细胞:刚贴壁细胞、对数生长期细胞及经TNF-α 250IU/mL作用6h后HUVEC细胞。检测恩度作用于不同生长状态内皮细胞后的分子表面标志物CD105、CD62E变化。探讨各表面标记物与细胞生长的不同状态及其经恩度作用后的变化与其不同作用浓度和时间的关系。结果:恩度作用后HUVEC表面分子标志物的检测结果为:1)CD105变化:刚贴壁HUVEC细胞、对数生长期细胞的表达均随恩度的作用浓度及时间变化下调,有统计学意义(P<0.05)。2)CD62E的变化:只在经TNF-α250IU/mL作用6h后细胞组在恩度作用24h时间段内随恩度浓度增加下调,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),其余各组均无显著性差异(P>0.05)。结论:一定浓度的恩度可能不足以诱导内皮细胞凋亡,却可以明显抑制其活化,使其转入"静止状态",其活化标记物也随之下调。

Baicalin and geniposide inhibit the development of atherosclerosis by increasing Wntl and inhibiting dickkopf-related protein-1 expression

Background Our previous study showed that the combined Chinese herbs containing scutellaria baicalensis georgi and gardenia jasminoids ellis inhibited atherosclerosis. In this study, we sought to determine if baicalin and geniposide could inhibit atherosclerosis through Wntl and dickkopf-related protein-1 （DKK1）. Methods The wild-type and ApoE-/- mice were treated with baicalin, geniposide, and baicalin plus geniposide daily by gavage for 12 weeks. Blood lipid levels were measured with an automatic biochemistry analyzer. Aortic atherosclerotic lesion areas were analyzed with Image-ProPlus software. The mRNA and protein expression of DKK1, Wntt and nuclear factor-r,B （NF-κB） were measured with RT-PCR and Westem Blot. Serum levels of interleukin-12 （IL-12） were quantified with ELISA. Results The baicalin or geniposide monotherapy as well as combination therapy inhibited the development of atherosclerotic lesions, increased Wntl and decreased DKKI expression and elevated the ratio of Wntl/DKK1 compared with high-lipid diet group. However, only baicalin or geniposide monotherapy decreased NF-κB expression. Moreover, baicalin and geniposide monoor combination therapy lowered IL-12 levels. Geniposide reduced both serum total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein levels, while baicalin either alone or in combination with geniposide did not affect serum lipid levels. In human, umbilical vein endothelial ceils stimulated by oxidized low density lipoprotein, baicalin and geniposide also increased Wntl and decreased DKK1 expression and elevated the ratio of Wntl/DKK1. Condusions Baicalin and geniposide exert inflammation-regulatory effects and may prevent atherosclerotic lesions through enhancing Wntl and inhibit- ing DKK1 expression.

Fascaplysin sensitizes cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis through upregulating DR5 expression

This study investigated the molecular mechanism of anti-tumor effect of fascaplysin, a nitrogenous red pigment firstly isolated from a marine sponge. Microarray analysis show that the TNF and TNF receptor superfamily in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and human hepatocarcinoma cells (BEL-7402) were significantly regulated by fascaplysin. Western Blot results reveal that fascaplysin increased the expression of cleaved caspase-9, active caspase-3, and decreased the level of procaspase-8 and Bid. Flow cytometry and cytotoxicity tests indicate that fascaplysin sensitized cells to tumor necrosis-related apoptosis-inducing ligand-(TRAIL) induced apoptosis, which was markedly blocked by TRAIL R2/Fc chimera, a dominant negative form of TRAIL receptor DR5. Therefore, our results demonstrate that fascaplysin promotes apoptosis through the activation of TRAIL signaling pathway by upregulating DR5 expression.

Growth-inhibitory effects of MOB2 on human hepatic carcinoma cell line SMMC-7721

AIM:To investigate the growth-inhibiting and apoptosis-inducing effects of the gene MOB2 on human hepatic carcinoma cell line SMMC-7721.METHODS:The full-length cDNA of the MOB2 gene was amplified from human umbilical vein endothelial cells.The correct full-length MOB2 cDNA was subcloned into the eukaryotic expression vector pEGFP-C1.After lipofection of the MOB2 gene into cancer cells,the levels of MOB2 protein in the cancer cells were detected by immunoblotting.To transfect the recombined plasmid vector pEGFP-CI-MOB2 into SMMC-7721 cells,the cells were cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle'sMedium with 10% fetal calf serum and glutamine,and then mixed with liposomes,Lipofectamine 2000 and the plasmid vector pEGFP-CI-MOB2.RESULTS:We observed the growth and proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells containing pEGFP-CI-MOB2 and analyzed their apoptosis and growth cycle phases by flow cytometry.We successfully transfected the recombined plasmid vector pEGFP-CI-MOB2 into SMMC-7721 cells and screened for a single clone cell containing MOB2.After transfection,MOB2 enhanced growth suppression,induced apoptosis,increased the ratio of G0/G1,significantly inhibited the advance of cell cycle phase,and arrested cells in G0/G1 phase.CONCLUSION:MOB2 overexpression induces apoptosis and inhibits the growth of human hepatic cancer cells,which may be useful in gene therapy for hepatic carcinoma.

Anti-angiogenesis effect of Demethyl bryoanthrathiophene(DBT) in vitro

Objective:The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of Demethyl bryoanthrathiophene(DBT) on proliferations of human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs) and human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549,and antiangiogenic effect of DBT on HUVECs in vitro.Methods:MTT assay was used to observe the effect of DBT on proliferations of HUVECs and A549 cells,flat plate scarification assay and tube formation in vitro test were used to observe the impact of DBT on migration and vaso-formed ability of HUVECs.The effects of DBT on apoptosis and cell cycle of HUVECs were calculated by flow cytometry.Results:MTT assay showed that treatment with DBT resulted in strong inhibition to the growth of HUVECs and A549 cells.The inhibition effects of DBT on HUVECs and A549 cells were related to dosage and times of dependency.In different doses of DBT(0.16,0.32 and 0.48 μmol/L) of flat plate scarification for 24 h,inhibition rates of DBT to migration of HUVECs were 14.70%,38.23% and 58.82%,respectively.In dose of DBT from 0.04,0.20 to 0.40 μmol/L for 24 h in tube formation,there were significance differences(P < 0.01) in the decreasing number of angiogenesis and incomplete blood vessel compared with control groups.All results showed that DBT promoted the apoptosis rate of HUVECs,and the increase of concentration of DBT accompanied the acceleration of apoptosis rate.Conclusion:DBT could inhibit the proliferations of HUVECs and A549 cells,and effectively suppress angiogenesis in vitro.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECTS OF MAGNOLIAE FARGESII VOLATILE OIL

Objective To explore the anti-inflammatory effects of magnoliae fargesii volatile oil.Methods Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were stimulated by TNF-α to express the adhesion molecules. Then the anti-adhesion effects of magnoliae fargesii volatile oil between HUVECs and human peripheral neutrophils were observed. The ischemia-reperfusion animal models were established by 60min renal ischemia followed by 1, 3, 6 and 24h reperfusion. Rats were randomly divided into the following groups: the sham-operation controls, ischemic group only treated with normal saline, and treated group infused magnoliae fargesii volatile oil before reperfusion. Then the renal injury of rats was detected. Results High rate of cell adhesion between HUVECs and neutrophils was observed. Magnoliae fargesii volatile oil could inhibit the adhesion process at the concentration of 0.5μL/mL (191.6±8.6), 1.0μL/mL (158.2±9.0) and 2.0μL/mL (155.2±9.7) (P<0.05). The anti-adhesion effects were strengthened with the increase of volatile oil concentration. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels of the animal models were significantly increased after 24h reperfusion while the increase was remarkably attenuated by the treatment with magnoliae fargesii volatile oil. The renal injury was severe after 1h reperfusion, which was significantly attenuated by the treatment of magnoliae fargesii volatile oil. Conclusion Magnoliae fargesii volatile oil has anti-inflammatory effects.

Protective effects of icariin on human umbilical vein endothelial cell injured by angiotensin Ⅱ

To investigate the effects of icariin （ICA） on angiotensin Ⅱ（Ang Ⅱ）-induced injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells line （ECV-304）. The ECV-304 cells were cultured in vitro. After 24 h incubating with icariin, the model of AngⅡ-induced injury in ECV-304 was established. The cell viability （MTT method）, Lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） release and Nitric oxide （NO） production in the medium, the capacity of scavenging superoxide anion radicals （O2^-） and hydroxyl radicals （.OH） were measured. The activities of superoxide dismutase （SOD）, total nitric oxide synthase （T-NOS）, inducible nitric oxide synthase （iNOS） and constitutive nitric oxide synthase （cNOS） in the cells were determined. Compared with the Ang Ⅱ-treated group, ICA can significantly raise the viability of EC, increase the activities of SOD, T-NOS and cNOS, increase the production of NO, enhance the capacity of scavenging superoxide anion radicals （ O2^- ） and hydroxyl radicals（.OH）, and lower LDH leakage and iNOS activity. The results suggest that ICA can protect endothelial cells （ECV-304） from Ang II-induced injury.

The Inhibitory Effects of Arresten Protein on Tumor Formation

Objective To examine the inhibitory effects of recombinant purified arresten on tumor formation. Methods Purified arresten protein was incubated with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and HeLa cells in vitro. The effect on proliferation of HUVECs and HeLa cells was examined using 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo (-z-y1)-3,5-di-phenytetrazoliumromide assay, and apoptosis of these cells monitored by flow cytometry. The effect on migration of HUVECs and HeLa cells was examined by Boyden chamber. Twenty colon carcinoma-bearing C67BL/6 mice were used to investigate the antitumor effects of arresten protein. The mice were randomly divided into arresten treatment group (n=10) and control group (n=10). The microvessel densities of the tumors were measured by immunohistochemical staining with anti-CD31 monoclonal antibody. Results Arresten inhibited the proliferation and migration of HUVECs in a dose-dependent manner while promoting apoptosis. However, arresten had no significant effects on the proliferation and apoptosis of HeLa cells. The migration of HeLa cells was modestly inhibited by arresten. The arresten treatment group of mice showed no weight loss or unusual behavior during the course of treatment, and the tumor growth was significantly decreased; in contrast, the control group of mice exhibited rapidly growing tumors and cachexia. A dramatically decreased microvessel density in tumor tissues was found in arresten-treated mice compared with that in the control mice. Conclusion Arresten can inhibit tumor growth through inhibition of tumor angiogenesis.

Extract of Meretrix meretrix Linnaeus induces angiogenesis in vitro and activates endothelial nitric oxide synthase

Meretrix meretrix Linnaeus has long been used as traditional Chinese medicine in oriental medicine.The angiogentic activity of the extract of M.meretrix was investigated in this study,using human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs).Extract of M.meretrix Linnaeus(AFG-25) was prepared with acetone and ethanol precipitation,and further separated by Sephadex G-25 column.The results show that AFG-25 promoted proliferation,migration,and capillary-like tube formation in HUVECs,and in the presence of eNOS inhibitor NMA,the tube formation induced by AFG-25 is inhibited significantly.Moreover,AFG25 could also promote the activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS) and the resultant elevation of nitric oxide(NO) production.The results suggested that M.meretrix contains active ingredients with angiogentic activity and eNOS/NO signal pathway is in part involved in the proangiogenesis effect induced by AFG-25.

Mechanism Study of Endothelial Protection and Inhibits Platelet Activation of Low Molecular Weight Fucoidan from Laminaria japonica

Several studies have indicated that fucoidan fractions with low molecular weight and different sulfate content from Laminaria japonica could inhibit the activation of platelets directly by reducing the platelet aggregation. To explore the direct effect of LMW fucoidan on the platelet system furthermore and examine the possible mechanism, the endothelial protection and inhibits platelet activation effects of two LMW fucoidan were investigated. In the present study, Endothelial injury model of rats was made by injection of adrenaline(0.4 mg kg-1) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells were cultured. v WF level was be investigated in vivo and in vitro as an important index of endothelial injury. LMW fucoidan could significantly reduce v WF level in vascular endothelial injury rats and also significantly reduce v WF level in vitro. The number of EMPs was be detected as another important index of endothelial injury. The results showed that LMW fucoidan reduced EMPs stimulated by tumor necrosis factor. In this study, it was found that by inhibiting platelet adhesion, LMW fucoidan played a role in anti-thrombosis and the specific mechanism of action is to inhibit the flow of extracellular Ca2+. All in a word, LMW fucoidan could inhibit the activation of platelets indirectly by reducing the concentration of EMPs and v WF, at the same time; LMW fucoidan inhibited the activation of platelets directly by inhibiting the flow of extracellular Ca2+.

Effect of Electrical Stimulation on the Growth of Endothelial Cell

Exogenous electrical stimulation plays an important role on endothelial cells and vessels. Study on the effect of electrical stimulation on endothelial cells might be helpful to regulate cell metabolism on a certain extent, or provide new ideas for vascular tissue engineering. A bioreactor that can apply electrical stimulation was designed on the basis of parallel-plate chamber. To investigate the possible effect of electrical stimulation on human umbilical vein endothelial cells （HUVECs）, the different levels and duration＇s electrical stimulations were applied to HUVECs in culture. The cell morphology was observed by microscopy and the levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase （eNOS） gene were measured by RT-PCR. Different levels and durations of electrical stimulation produce different effects on eNOS gene expression. The eNOS gene expressions of the experimental group ceils under the voltage of 50 mV, 100 mV, 150 mV and 200 mV were significantly lower than that of the control group after 3-hour electrical stimulation, while the eNOS gene levels of the experimental group cells in 6-hour electrical stimulation were higher than those of the control group under all tested voltages. After 12-hour stimulation, the eNOS gene levels of HUVECs decreased under 50 mV, and then gradually increased until 200 inV. The low voltage of 6-hour electrical stimulation is more appropriate for HUVECs growth.

Gadolinium-promoted angiogenesis involves the activation of PKCα/β_2 and MAPKs in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Gadolinium has been widely used as a contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging in clinical practice. Recently, it was reported that gadolinium is involved in nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, although the exact mechanism by which gadolinium triggers nephrogenic systemic fibrosis remains unclear. In this study, we show that gadolinium chloride （GdC13） induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells （HUVECs） to migrate in Matrigel and tubulogenesis during wound healing. Chick chorioallantoic membrane assay confirmed that GdC13 stimulates angiogenesis. Under the optimal angiogenic concentration of GdC13 （1 0 ~tM）, intracellular calcium concentration and reactive oxygen species generation were elevated. Moreover, western blotting results indicate that in cells treated with GdC13, Ca2＋-dependent PKCa/132 was phosphorylated, and MAPKs pathways were also activated. Taken together, GdC13 has a potential effect on angiogenesis in HUVECs, and the possible mechanisms may involve oxidative stress and calcium-related signalin~ pathways.

A comparison study of the targeting properties of NGR-liposomes and RGD-liposomes towards human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Endothelial cells in the angiogenic vessels of solid tumors over-express several proteins, which could be recognized by some peptide ligands. In this study, the targeting properties of two peptides, RGD （arginine-glycine-aspartic acid） and NGR （asparagine-glycine-arginine）, towards human umbilical vein endothelial cells （HUVEC） were compared in vitro using doxorubicin entrapped liposomes as vehicles. The doxorubicin-loaded sterically stabilized liposomes （SSL-DOX） and RGD or NGR modified liposomes （RGD-SSL-DOX or NGR-SSL-DOX） were prepared and characterized. The studied properties included particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency and in vitro release rate. Flow cytometry, confocal microscopy and SRB assay were used on HUVEC to assess the targeting effect of the two peptides towards endothelial cells of tumor vasculature. All of the liposomes prepared in this study were obtained with encapsulation efficiencies of above 98%, particle sizes of about 65-75 nm and slight negative surface charges. The in vitro release results demonstrated that the modification of RGD or NGR did not alter the release behaviors of liposomes. It was observed in flow cytometry that the uptake of doxorubicin by HUVEC from SSL-DOX, NGR-SSL-DOX, RGD-SSL-DOX and doxorubicin solution followed the order of doxorubicin solution〉RGD-SSL-DOX 〉NGR-SSL-DOX〉SSL-DOX, and the intemalized doxorubicin distributed in both nuclei and cytoplasm for ligand modified SSL and only in nuclei for non-targeted SSL. The order of cytotoxicity in SRB assay was the same as that of the uptake study. The characterization study indicated that modifications did not significantly change the properties of the sterically stabilized liposomes. HUVEC treated with both modified liposomes showed higher uptake of doxorubicin as compared to those with SSL-DOX as a result of the receptor-mediated endocytosis. Moreover, RGD-SSL-DOX exhibited better targeting effect than NGR-SSL-DOX.

SIRT1 suppresses PMA and ionomycin-induced ICAM-1 expression in endothelial cells

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 （ICAM-1） plays an important role in the recruitment of leukocytes to the endothelium, which causes inflammation and initiation of atherosclerosis. We have previously shown that endothelium-specific over-expression of class III deacetylase SIRT1 decreases atherosclerosis. We therefore addressed the hypothesis that SIRT1 suppresses ICAM-1 expression in the endothelial cells. Here, we found that expression of SIRT1 and ICAM-1 was significantly induced by PMA and ionomycin （PMA/Io） in human umbilical vein endothelial cells （HUVECs）. Adenovirus-mediated over-expression of SIRT1 significantly inhibited PMA/Io-induced ICAM-1 expression （RNAi） resulted in increased expression of ICAM-1 in HUVECs in HUVECs. Knockdown of SIRT1 by RNA interference Luciferase report assay showed that over-expression of SIRT1 suppressed ICAM-1 promoter activity both in basic and in PMA/Io-induced conditions. We further found that SIRT1 was involved in transcription complex binding on the ICAM-1 promoter by chromatin immunoprecipitation （CHIP） assays. Furthermore, SIRT1 RNAi increased NF-~：B p65 binding ability to the ICAM-1 promoter by ChIP assays. Overall, these data suggests that SIRT1 inhibits ICAM-1 expression in endothelial cells, which may contribute to its anti-atherosclerosis effect.

Hsa-miR-1246, hsa-miR-320a and hsa-miR-196b-5p inhibitors can reduce the cytotoxicity of Ebola virus glycoprotein in vitro

Ebola virus （EBOV） causes a highly lethal hemorrhagic fever syndrome in humans and has been associated with mortality rates of up to 91% in Zaire, the most lethal strain. Though the viral envelope glycoprotein （GP） mediates widespread inflammation and cellular damage, these changes have mainly focused on alterations at the protein level, the role of microRNAs （miRNAs） in the molecular pathogenesis underlying this lethal disease is not fully understood. Here, we report that the miRNAs hsa-miR-1246, hsa-miR-320a and hsa-miR-196b-5p were induced in human umbilical vein endothelial cells （HUVECs） following expression of EBOV GP. Among the proteins encoded by predicted targets of these miRNAs, the adhesion-related molecules tissue factor pathway inhibitor （TFPI）, dystroglycan! （DAG1） and the caspase 8 and FADD-like apoptosis regulator （CFLAR） were significantly downregulated in EBOV GP-expressing HUVECs. Moreover, inhibition of hsa-miR-1246, hsa-miR-320a and hsa-miR-196b-5p, or overexpression of TFPI, DAG1 and CFLAR rescued the cell viability that was induced by EBOV GP. Our results provide a novel molecular basis for EBOV pathogenesis and may contribute to the development of strategies to protect against future EBOV pandemics.

“Petal effect”-inspired superhydrophobic and highly adhesive coating on magnesium with enhanced corrosion resistance and biocompatibility

With properties of complete degradation and favorable mechanical behavior, Mg and its alloys are regarded as the next generation medical metal materials. However, fast degradation and poor surface biocompatibility hinder their clinical applications. Inspired by the ＂petal effect＂, we successfully constructed a superhydrophobic and highly adhesive coating on pure Mg via a simple hydrothermal treatment in a solution containing sodium oleate. The superhydrophobicity of the fabricated coating results from its flake-like micro-nanostructure and the low-surface-energy oleate group. Water droplet on the superhydrophobic coating cannot roll off even when the sample is turned upside down, owing to the sealed air-pockets and the van der Waals’ attraction at the solidliquid interface, indicating a highly adhesive force. The chemical and mechanical stability of the superhydrophobic coating were measured. Potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements suggest enhanced corrosion resistance of the as-prepared sample.Furthermore, cell cytotoxicity, migration and adhesion data of human umbilical vein endothelial cells（HUVECs） reveal an improved cytocompatibility of the modified surface. Finally,hemolysis assay and platelet adhesion assay suggest an improved hemocompatibility. It is believed that the facile and low-cost method can expand the new application of superhydrophobic surface with highly adhesive on Mg in biomedical fields.

Mailuoning prevents high-glucose-mediated human umbilical vein endothelial cells apoptosis

OBJECTIVE： To investigated the role of Mailuoning in the prevention of highglucosemediated cell apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells （HUVEC） and the mechanisms involved. METHODS： MTT assay was used to investigate cell viability, western blot was used to investigate pro tein expression, and flow cytometric detection technology was used to detect cell apoptosis. RESULTS： Exposure of HUVEC to high glucose （50 mM） significantly suppressed cell viability and increased cell apoptosis compared with normal glu cose （11 mM） （all P〈0.05）. However, Mailuoning pre vented highglucoseinduced HUVEC apoptosis in dosedependent manner. Further studies indicated that Mailuoning suppressed highglucoseinduced p38 mitogenactivated protein kinase phosphoryla tion, but had no effect on extracellular signalregu lated kinase 1/2 and Akt phosphorylation. CONCLUSION： Mailuoning can prevent highglu coseinduced HUVEC apoptosis by suppressing p38 activation.

Effects of leptin-modified human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells on angiogenic potential and peripheral inflammation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs) after X-ray radiation

Combined radiation-wound injury(CRWI) is characterized by blood vessel damage and pro-inflammatory cytokine deficiency. Studies have identified that the direct application of leptin plays a significant role in angiogenesis and inflammation. We established a sustained and stable leptin expression system to study the mechanism. A lentivirus method was employed to explore the angiogenic potential and peripheral inflammation of irradiated human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs). Leptin was transfected into human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells(HPMSCs) with lentiviral vectors. HUVECs were irradiated by X-ray at a single dose of 20 Gy. Transwell migration assay was performed to assess the migration of irradiated HUVECs. Based on the Transwell systems, co-culture systems of HPMSCs and irradiated HUVECs were established. Cell proliferation was measured by cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) assay. The secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines(human granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor(GM-CSF), interleukin(IL)-1α, IL-6, and IL-8) was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The expression of pro-angiogenic factors(vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor(b FGF)) mRNA was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR) assay. Relevant molecules of the nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) and Janus kinase(JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription(STAT) signaling pathways were detected by western blot assay. Results showed that leptin-modified HPMSCs(HPMSCs/leptin) exhibited better cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenic potential(expressed more VEGF and bFGF). In both the single HPMSCs/leptin and the co-culture systems of HPMSCs/leptin and irradiated HUVECs, the increased secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines(human GM-CSF, IL-1α, and IL-6) was associated with the interaction of the NF-κB and JAK/STAT signaling pathways. We conclude that HPMSCs/leptin could promote angiogenic potential and peripheral inflammation of HUVECs after X-ray radiation.

Surface patterning and modification of polyurethane biomaterials using silsesquioxane-gelatin additives for improved endothelial affinity

Polyurethanes(PUs) are well-known for their biocompatibility but their intrinsic inert property hampers cell-matrix interactions. Surface modifications are thus necessary to widen their use for biomedical applications. In this work, surface modifications of PU were achieved first by incorporating polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane(POSS), followed by alteration of the surface topography via the breath figures method. Subsequently, surface chemistry was also modified by immobilization of gelatin molecules through grafting, for the enhancement of the surface cytocompatibility. Scanning electron microscopy(SEM) was used to verify the formation of highly ordered microstructures while static contact angle, FTIR and XPS confirmed the successful grafting of gelatin molecules onto the surfaces. In vitro culture of human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs) revealed that endothelial cell adhesion and proliferation were significantly enhanced on the gelatin-modified surfaces, as shown by live/dead staining and WST-1 proliferation assay. The results indicated that the combination of the strategies yielded an interface that improves cell attachment and subsequent growth. This enhancement is important for the development of higher quality biomedical implants such as vascular grafts.