LRP6 in mesenchymal stem cells is required for bone formation during bone growth and bone remodeling

Lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 （LRP6） plays a critical role in skeletal development and homeostasis in adults. However, the role of LRP6 in mesenchymal stem cells （MSCs）, skeletal stem cells that give rise to osteoblastic lineage, is unknown. In this study, we generated mice lacking LRP6 expression specifically in nestin＋ MSCs by crossing nestin-Cre mice with LRP6 flox mice and investigated the functional changes of bone marrow MSCs and skeletal alterations. Mice with LRP6 deletion in nestin＋ cells demonstrated reductions in body weight and body length at I and 3 months of age. Bone architecture measured by microCT （uCT） showed a significant reduction in bone mass in both trabecular and cortical bone of homozygous and heterozygous LRP6 mutant mice. A dramatic reduction in the numbers of osteoblasts but much less significant reduction in the numbers of osteoclasts was observed in the mutant mice. Osterix＋ osteoprogenitors and osteocalcin＋ osteoblasts significantly reduced at the secondary spongiosa area, but only moderately decreased at the primary spongiosa area in mutant mice. Bone marrow MSCs from the mutant mice showed decreased colony forming, cell viability and cell proliferation. Thus, LRP6 in bone marrow MSCs is essential for their survival and proliferation, and therefore, is a key positive regulator for bone formation during skeletal growth and remodeling.

Differential involvement of Wnt signaling in Bmp regulation of cancellous versus periosteal bone growth

Bone morphogenetic proteins （Bmp） are well-known to induce bone formation following chondrogenesis, but the direct role of Bmp signaling in the osteoblast lineage is not completely understood. We have recently shown that deletion of the receptor Bmprla in the osteoblast lineage with Dmpl-Cre reduces osteoblast activity in general but stimulates proliferation of preosteoblasts specifically in the cancellous bone region, resulting in diminished periosteal bone growth juxtaposed with excessive cancellous bone formation. Because expression of sclerostin （SOST）, a secreted Wnt antagonist, is notably reduced in the Bmprla- deficient osteocytes, we have genetically tested the hypothesis that increased Wnt signaling might mediate the increase in cancellous bone formation in response to Bmprla deletion. Forced expression of human SOST from a Dmpl promoter fragment partially rescues preosteoblast hyperproliferation and cancellous bone overgrowth in the Bmprla mutant mice, demonstrating functional interaction between Bmp and Wnt signaling in the cancellous bone compat^a-tent. To test whether increased Wnt signaling can compensate for the defect in periosteal growth caused by Bmprla deletion, we have generated compound mutants harboring a hyperactive mutation （A214V） in the Wnt receptor Lrp5. However, the mutant Lrp5 does not restore periosteal bone growth in the Bmprla-deficient mice. Thus, Bmp signaling restricts cancellous bone accrual partly through induction of SOST that limits preosteoblast proliferation, but promotes periosteal bone growth apparently independently of Wnt activation.

Effect of Dioscorea batatas on longitudinal bone growth rate in adolescent female rats

OBJECTIVE The root of Dioscorea batatas,rich in steroidal saponins,alkaloids,tannins,phytosterols,and starch,is an herbal medicine of tonifying qi and nourishing stomach after invigorating spleen with a long history of safe use for treatment of chronic dysentery and weakness of the spleen and stomach in Korea.This study was aimed to investigate the effect of D.batatas on longitudinal bone growth rate in adolescent female rats.METHODS D.batatas was extracted with 30% EtOH for 3h at 90℃in a reflux apparatus.In two groups,we administered a twice daily dosage of D.batatas extract(at 30 and 300mg·kg-1,respectively)per os for 4d,and in a control group,we administered vehicle only under the same conditions.Recombinant human growth hormone(rhGH)was subcutaneously injected once daily.All rats were born at same day(33d-old).On day 3,tetracycline was injected intraperitoneally to form a fluorescent band on the growth plates.RESULTS The bone growth rate in groups administered D.batatas 300mg·kg-1 and rhGH was significantly increased to 343.8±20.7,and 359.6±30.2μm·d-1 respectively from control group,320.7±23.2μm·d-1.No difference was observed in the amount of food intake or mean body weight among all groups during the acclimation or administration period.CONCLUSION These results suggest that D.batatas extracts have the potential to induce height increase;however,further research,including clinical trials,is necessary.

Effects of Angelica sinensis on longitudinal bone growth rate in adolescent female rats

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of A.sinensis on longitudinal bone growth rate in adolescent female rats.METHODS A.sinensis was extracted with 30% EtOH for 3h at 90℃in a reflux apparatus.Female Sprague-Dawley rats(33d-old)were randomly divided into three groups:control(vehicle),recombinant human growth hormone(rhGH;20μg·kg-1·d-1),and A.sinensis(300mg·kg-1·d-1).A.sinensis extracts or vehicle was administered orally twice daily for 4d.Longitudinal bone growth rate in newly synthesized bone was observed using tetracycline labeling(20mg·kg-1,intraperitoneally).RESULTS A.sinensis significantly increased longitudinal bone growth rate in adolescent female rats at 300mg·kg-1(6.1%,357.34±32.67μm·d-1)compared to control group(336.80±14.47μm·d-1).CONCLUSION A.sinensis extract significantly increased longitudinal bone growth rate and growth plate height in adolescent female rats.These results suggest that A.sinensis could be helpful for increasing bone growth rate in children who have growth retardation.

Animal bone growth experiment of rapid-growing rats in different stress environment and its mathematical model

The aim of this study is to explore a way that quantify the qualitative equation of bone growth and remodeling which was based on the animal Experiment of rapid-growing Rats in Different Stress Environment. These results were proved to be of good stability and identification precision with the numerical method of inversion. It suggested that the growing coefficient and the threshold in function were variables changing with time and space. The idea and method used in the research of bone growth and remodeling adaptation in this paper also provided clue and reference to establish other models for living system.

Postnatal ex vivo rat model for longitudinal bone growth investigations

Background: Chondrocytes in the growth plate(GP) undergo increases in volume during different cascades of cell differentiation during longitudinal bone growth. The volume increase is reported to be the most significant variable in understanding the mechanism of long bone growth.Methods: Forty-five postnatal Sprague-Dawley rat pups, 7-15 days old were divided into nine age groups(P7-P15). Five pups were allocated to each group. The rats were sacrificed and tibia and metatarsal bones were harvested. Bone lengths were measured after 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours of ex vivo incubation. Histology of bones was carried out, and GP lengths and chondrocyte densities were determined.Results: There were significant differences in bone length among the age groups after 0 and 72 hours of incubation. Histological sectioning was possible in metatarsal bone from all age groups, and in tibia from 7-to 13-day-old rats. No significant differences in tibia and metatarsal GP lengths were seen among different age groups at 0 and 72 hours of incubation. Significant differences in chondrocyte densities along the epiphyseal GP of the bones between 0 and 72 hours of incubation were observed in most of the age groups.Conclusion: Ex vivo growth of tibia and metatarsal bones of rats aged 7-15 days old is possible, with percentage growth rates of 23.87 ± 0.80% and 40.38 ± 0.95%measured in tibia and metatarsal bone, respectively. Histological sectioning of bones was carried out without the need for decalcification in P7-P13 tibia and P7-P15 metatarsal bone. Increases in chondrocyte density along the GP influence overall bone elongation.

Growth and bone health in paediatric patients with Crohn's disease receiving subcutaneous tumor necrosis factor antibody

AIM:To study whether adalimumab(ADA) was associated with improvement in growth,bone mineraldensity(BMD) and bone metabolism.METHODS:In children with Crohn's disease(CD) there is a high prevalence of growth failure and reduced BMD.Treatment with infliximab is associated with an improvement in growth.Anthropometry,paediatric CD activity index(PCDAI),bone markers and BMD was measured in 18 patients(72% females) one year before and after start of ADA with a median age of 14.4 years(range:5-19 years) at treatment start.Outcomes were indicators of growth with treatment as well as interval growth.RESULTS:Eleven(61%) children experienced catchup growth after ADA.PCDAI significantly decreased from 52.1 ± 16 to 30.4 ± 23(P ≤ 0.001).Post ADA,body mass index(BMI) standard deviation score(SDS) 0.1[range:2.7-(-0.8)] vs-1 [range:0.1-(-3.6)],P = 0.04 and △BMI SDS in children 0.3 [range:0.7-(-0.2)] vs-1.1 [range:1.2-(-2.3)],P = 0.01 in remission were significantly higher compared to those with moderate to severe inflammation.The main predictors for growth were 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and for bone mineralisation weight and height SDS.ADA had no significant influence on bone markers and BMD.CONCLUSION:Next to improvement of PCDAI,half of the children achieved a positive catch-up growth.A better nutritional status with improvement in BMI and weight is positive predictor for improved growth and bone mineralisation.

Bone marrow cells produce nerve growth factor and promote angiogenesis around transplanted islets

AIM:To clarify the mechanism by which bone marrow cells promote angiogenesis around transplanted islets.METHODS: Streptozotocin induced diabetic BALB/ c mice were transplanted syngeneically under the kidney capsule with the following: (1) 200 islets (islet group: n=12), (2) 1-5×106 bone marrow cells (bone marrow group: n=11), (3) 200 islets and 1-5×106 bone marrow cells (islet + bone marrow group: n= 13), or (4) no cells (sham group:n=5). All mice were evaluated for blood glucose, serum insulin, serum nervegrowth factor (NGF) and glucose tolerance (GTT) up to postoperative day (POD) 14. Histological assessment for insulin, von Willebrand factor (vWF) and NGF was performed at POD 3, 7 and 14.RESULTS: Blood glucose level was lowest and serum insulin was highest in the islet + bone marrow group. Serum NGF increased in islet, bone marrow, and islet + bone marrow groups after transplantation, and there was a significant difference (P=0.0496, ANOVA) between the bone marrow and sham groups. The number of vessels within the graft area was signif icantly increased in both the bone marrow and islet + bone marrow groups at POD 14 as compared to the islet alone group (21.2 ± 3.6 in bone marrow, P=0.01, vs islet group, 22.6 ± 1.9 in islet + bone marrow, P = 0.0003, vs islet group, 5.3 ± 1.6 in islet-alone transplants). NGF was more strongly expressed in bone marrow cells compared with islets. CONCLUSION: Bone marrow cells produce NGF and promote angiogenesis. Islet co-transplantation with bone marrow is associated with improvement of islet graft function.

Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 Induced Osteogenesis

An experimental model of femoral muscular pouch in 20 mice was adopted. The expression of VEGF was examined by in situ hybridization method and immunohistochemical method in bone morphogenetic protein- 2 induced osteogenesis . The experimental results demonstrated that the expression signals of VEGF mRNA and VEGF appeared in cytoplasm during condensation of mesenehymal cell. As the mesenchymal cells differentiated into precartilage, the expression signals decreased in mesenehymal cells, but increased in chondrocytes and kept getting denser in the process of cartilage maturity. The peak expression of VEGF mRNA and VEGF in the experimental group appeared on the 14 th day, accompanied by numerons hypertrophic chondrocytes. When mature cartilage calcified and neu, bone trabecula formed, the expression of VEGF mRNA and VEGF decreased in chondrocytes, but still expressed moderately in the osteoblasts and osteocytes. Signals of VEGF mRNA and VEGF can not be detected in the control groups.

Influence of the concentration of dietary digestible calcium on growth performance,bone mineralization, plasma calcium, and abundance of genes involved in intestinal absorption of calcium in pigs from 11 to 22 kg fed diets with different concentrations of

Background: A 21-day experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that Ca requirements to maximize growth performance expressed as the standardized total tract digestible(STTD) Ca to STTD P ratio is less than 1.40:1. The second hypothesis was that increasing dietary Ca increases plasma Ca concentration and downregulates abundance of genes related to Ca absorption(TRPV6, S100 G, and ATP2 B1) in the duodenum, and tight junction proteins(OCLN, CLDN1, and ZO1) in the duodenum and ileum.Methods: Twenty corn-soybean meal diets were formulated using a 4 × 5 factorial design with diets containing 0.16%, 0.33%, 0.42%, or 0.50% STTD P, and 0.14%, 0.29%, 0.44%, 0.59%, or 0.74% STTD Ca. Six hundred and forty pigs(initial weight: 11.1 ± 1.4 kg) were allotted to 20 diets and 5 blocks in a randomized complete block design. On day21, weights of pigs and feed left in feeders were recorded and blood, duodenal tissue, ileal mucosa, and the right femur were collected from 1 pig per pen. Abundance of m RNA was determined in duodenal and ileal tissue via quantitative RT-PCR. Data were analyzed using a response surface model.Results: The predicted maximum ADG(614 g), G:F(0.65), and bone ash(11.68 g) was obtained at STTD Ca:STTD P ratios of 1.39:1, 1.25:1, and 1.66:1, respectively, when STTD P was provided at the requirement(0.33%). If dietary STTD P was below the requirement, increasing dietary Ca resulted in reduced(P < 0.05) ADG and G:F. However, if dietary STTD P was above the requirement, negative effects(P < 0.05) on ADG and G:F of increasing STTD Ca were observed only if dietary STTD Ca exceeded 0.6%. Plasma Ca concentration was positively affected by STTD Ca over the range studied(quadratic, P < 0.01) and negatively affected by increasing STTD P(linear, P < 0.01). There was a linear negative effect(P < 0.05) of STTD Ca on the abundance of S100 G, TRPV6, OCLN, and ZO1 in duodenum, and CLDN and ZO1 in ileum.Conclusions: The STTD Ca:STTD P ratio needed to maximize growth performance of 11-to 25-kg pigs is less than1.40:1, if P is at the estimated requirement. Increasing dietary Ca reduces transcellular absorption of Ca and increases paracellular absorption of Ca.

Fibroblast growth factor 23 and bone mineralisation

Fibroblast growth factor 23 （FGF23） is a hormone that is mainly secreted by osteocytes and osteoblasts in bone. The critical role of FGF23 in mineral ion homeostasis was first identified in human genetic and acquired rachitic diseases and has been further characterised in animal models. Recent studies have revealed that the levels of FGF23 increase significantly at the very early stages of chronic kidney disease （CKD） and may play a critical role in mineral ion disorders and bone metabolism in these patients. Our recent publications have also shown that FGF23 and its cofactor, Klotho, may play an independent role in directly regulating bone mineralisation instead of producing a systematic effect. In this review, we will discuss the new role of FGF23 in bone mineralisation and the pathophysiology of CKD-related bone disorders.

Bone morphogenetic protein-4 and transforming growth factor-beta1 mechanisms in acute valvular response to supra-physiologic hemodynamic stresses

AIM:To explore ex vivo the role of bone morphogenetic protein-4(BMP-4) and transforming growth factorbeta1(TGF-β1) in acute valvular response to fluid shear stress(FSS) abnormalities.METHODS:Porcine valve leaflets were subjected ex vivo to physiologic FSS,supra-physiologic FSS magnitude at normal frequency and supra-physiologic FSS frequency at normal magnitude for 48 h in a double-sided cone-and-plate bioreactor filled with standard culture medium. The role of BMP-4 and TGF-β1 in the valvular response was investigated by promoting or inhibiting the downstream action of those cytokines via culture medium supplementation with BMP-4 or the BMP antagonist noggin,and TGF-β1 or the TGF-β1 inhibitor SB-431542,respectively. Fresh porcine leaflets were used as controls. Each experimental group consisted of six leaflet samples. Immunostaining and immunoblotting were performed to assess endothelial activation in terms of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expressions,paracrine signaling in terms of BMP-4 and TGF-β1 expressions and extracellular matrix(ECM) remodeling in terms of cathepsin L,cathepsin S,metalloproteinases(MMP)-2 and MMP-9 expressions. Immunostained images were quantified by normalizing the intensities of positively stained regions by the number of cells in each image while immunoblots were quantified by densitometry. R E S U LT S :Regardless of the culture medium,physiologic FSS maintained valvular homeostasis. Tissue exposure to supra-physiologic FSS magnitude in standard medium stimulated paracrine signaling(TGF-β1:467% ± 22% vs 100% ± 6% in freshcontrols,BMP-4:258% ± 22% vs 100% ± 4% in fresh controls; P < 0.05) and ECM degradation(MMP-2:941% ± 90% vs 100% ± 19% in fresh controls,MMP-9:1219% ± 190% vs 100% ± 16% in fresh controls,cathepsin L:1187% ± 175% vs 100% ± 12% in fresh controls,cathepsin S:603% ± 88% vs 100% ± 13% in fresh controls; P < 0.05),while BMP-4 supplementation also promoted fibrosa activation and TGF-β1 inhibition reduced MMP-9 expression to the native tissue level(MMP-9:308% ± 153% with TGF-β1 inhibition vs 100% ± 16% in fresh control; P > 0.05). Supra-physiologic FSS frequency had no effect on endothelial activation and paracrine signaling regardless of the culture medium but TGF-β1 silencing attenuated FSS-induced ECM degradation via MMP-9 downregulation(MMP-9:302% ± 182% vs 100% ± 42% in fresh controls; P > 0.05).CONCLUSION:Valvular tissue is sensitive to FSS abnormalities. The TGF-β1 inhibitor SB-431542 is a potential candidate molecule for attenuating the effects of FSS abnormalities on valvular remodeling.

MELD score,insulin-like growth factor 1 and cytokines on bone density in end-stage liver disease

AIM:To determine the contributions of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1),cytokines and liver disease severity to bone mineral density in patients pre-transplantation.METHODS:Serum IGF-1,tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were measured and the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score calculated in 121 adult patients referred to a single centre for liver transplantation.Bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine and femoral neck were assessed via dual energy X-ray absorptiometry.Demographics,liver disease etiology,medication use and relevant biochemistry were recorded.RESULTS:A total of 117 subjects were included,with low BMD seen in 68.6%,irrespective of disease etiol-ogy.In multivariable analysis,low body mass index (BMI),increased bone turnover and low IGF-1 were independent predictors of low spinal bone density.At the hip,BMI,IGF-1 and vitamin D status were predictive.Despite prevalent elevations of TNFα and IL-6,levels did not correlate with degree of bone loss.The MELD score failed to predict low BMD in this pre-transplant population.CONCLUSION:Osteopenia/osteoporosis is common in advanced liver disease.Low serum IGF-1 is weakly predictive but serum cytokine and MELD score fail to predict the severity of bone disease.

Chondrogenesis of periodontal ligament stem cells by transforming growth factor-β3 and bone morphogenetic protein-6 in a normal healthy impacted third molar

The periodontal ligament-derived mesenchymal stem cell is regarded as a source of adult stem cells due to its multipotency.However, the proof of chondrogenic potential of the cells is scarce.Therefore,we investigated the chondrogenic differentiation capacity of periodontal ligament derived mesenchymal stem cells induced by transforming growth factor(TGF)-p3 and bone morphogenetic protein(BMP)-6.After isolation of periodontal ligament stem cells(PDLSCs) from human periodontal ligament,the cells were cultured in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium(DMEM) with 20%fetal bovine serum(FBS).A mechanical force initiated chondrogenic differentiation of the cells.For chondrogenic differentiation,10μg·LTGF-β3 or 100μg·LBMP-6 and the combination treating group for synergistic effect of the growth factors.We analyzed the PDLSCs by fluorescence-activated cell sorting and chondrogenesis were evaluated by glycosaminoglycans assay,histology,immunohistochemistry and genetic analysis.PDLSCs showed mesenchymal stem cell properties proved by FACS analysis.Glycosaminoglycans contents were increased 217%by TGF-β3 and 220%by BMP-6. The synergetic effect of TGF-β3 and BMP-6 were shown up to 281%compared to control.The combination treatment increased Sox9, aggrecan and collagen II expression compared with not only controls,but also TGF-P3 or BMP-6 single treatment dramatically.The histological analysis also indicated the chondrogenic differentiation of PDLSCs in our conditions.The results of the present study demonstrate the potential of the dental stem cell as a valuable cell source for chondrogenesis,which may be applicable for regeneration of cartilage and bone fracture in the field of cell therapy.

Alendronate disturbs femoral growth due to changes during immunolocalization of transforming growth factor-β1 and bone morphogenetic protein-2 in epiphyseal plate

BACKGROUND The epiphyseal growth plate is an important anatomical segment localized on the ends of a long bone.Despite the abovementioned atractive reasons for alendronate’s use,few data on the effect of alendronate during epiphyseal growth exist.AIM Verify the effect of alendronate on the growth epiphyseal plate,and compare its effect with the size of the femur during the double-staining of the immunolocalization of transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)and bone morphogenetic protein-2(BMP2)in endochondral ossifing in specimens that have received alendronate.METHODS Forty newborn rats were randomly divided into two groups:a control group(were given applications of 1 mg/kg physiologic saline)and a group that received Alendronate(a dose of 2.5 mg/kg).These groups were then divided into two subgroups for euthanasia in two and 12 d of life.After euthanasia,the femurs were removed,and the femoral bones were measured linearly between the apex of the greater trochanter until the lower intercondylar midlle face to verify the probable bone growth between 3 and 12 d in control and alednroanto treated rats.Posteriorly,the surgical pieces were also sent to the histopathology laboratory to produce histological slides.The obtained slides were stained with hematoxylin and eosin to measure each of the cartilage zones in endochondral development.and other slides were immunohistochemically tested for anti-TGF-β1 and BMP-2 antibodies to investigate the immunolocalization of these proteins in the epiphyseal plaque area.RESULTS On the third day,some diferences between the control group and specimens treated with alendronate were verified.Macroscopiccaly,we found similarities in size between the femoral bones when we compared the control group with the specimens that received alendronate.On the 12^th day,the bone size of the mice receiving the drug was significantly smaller than those of the control group.These results coincide with changes in the TGF-β1 and BMP-2 expression.In the specimens that received alendronate,the TGF-β1 was expressed in some sites of trabecular bone that was neoformed,peripherally to the bone marrow area.The BMP-2 was also positive in proliferative chondrocytes and hypertrofic chondrocytes.On the 12^th day,all layers of chondrocytes exhibited positivity for BMP-2 in the specimens that received alendronate.In the interface between the trabecular bone and cartilage,an area of disorganized bone deposition was evident.Neoformed bone also appeared to be different at 12 d.In the control group,BMP-2 was positive in an intense area of bone trabeculae,whereas the alendronate-treated group showed TGF-β1 positive trabeculae and a greater bone area.CONCLUSION Alendronate alters the immunolocalization of TGF-β1 and BMP-2 simultaneously,a condition that changes the usual histological aspects of the cartilage zone and impairs epiphysis growth and femur growth.

Prolonged propagation of rat neural stem cells relies on inhibiting autocrine/paracrine bone morphogenetic protein and platelet derived growth factor signals

Continuous expansion of rat neural stem cell lines has not been achieved due to proliferation arrest and spontaneous differentiation in vitro. In the current study, neural precursor cells derived from the subventricular zone of adult rats spontaneously underwent astroglial and oligodendroglial differentiation after limited propagation. This differentiation was largely induced by autocrine or paracrine bone morphogenetic protein and platelet derived growth factor signals. The results showed that, by inhibiting bone morphogenetic protein and platelet derived growth factor signals, adult rat neural precursor cells could be extensively cultured in vitro as tripotent stem cell lines. In addition to adult rat neural stem cells, we found that bone morphogenetic protein antagonists can promote the proliferation of human neural stem cells. Therefore, the present findings illustrated the role of autocrine or paracrine bone morphogenetic protein and platelet derived growth factor signaling in determining neural stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. By antagonizing both signals, the long-term propagation of rat neural stem cell lines can be achieved.

Vascular endothelial growth factor/platelet-derived growth factor receptor pathway is involved in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell differentiation and directional migration toward gliomas

BACKGROUND： Vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） induces bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell （BMSC） differentiation into vascular endothelial-like cells and promotes BMSC migration toward gliomas. However, the molecular mechanisms by which VEGF induces BMSC differentiation and migration remain poorly understood. OBJECTIVE; To investigate the role of platelet-derived growth factor （PDGF） receptor （PDGFR） in BMSC differentiation and migration induced by VEGE DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A parallel, controlled, in vitro experiment was performed at the Molecular Neurobiology ＆ Neural Regeneration and Repairing Laboratory, Anhui Provincial Hospital of Anhui Medical University, China from June 2008 to March 2009. MATERIALS： U87 glioma cells were purchased from Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences; mouse anti-human PDGFR and VEGF receptor （VEGFR） monoclonal antibodies were purchased from Peprotech, USA. METHODS： Isolated BMSCs were precultured with neutralizing antibody for VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, PDGFR-α, and PDGFR-β to block biological activity of related receptors, followed by induced differentiation with 50μg/L VEGF. BMSCs induced with 50μg/L VEGF alone served as the VEGF-induced group. The control group remained untreated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Cell surface markers were identified by flow cytometry; BMSC surface cytokine receptor expression was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction; the Transwell model was used to observe cell migration. RESULTS： After blocking the PDGFR, VEGF did not induce BMSC cell surface marker CD-31 or von Willebrand factor （vWF） expression. However, inhibition with VEGF receptor blocking agents, VEGF induced BMSCs to express CD-31 and vWE Following inhibition of the PDGFR, the number of cells migrating through the polycarbonate membrane Transwell chamber was decreased, as well as the number of BMSCs migrating to glioma cells. However, through the use of VEGF receptor blocking agents, the number of migrating cells remained unchanged. VEGF preculture increased the number of BMSCs migrating to gliomas. CONCLUSION： VEGF interacts with PDGFRs on the BMSC surface to attract BMSC directional migration and induce BMSC differentiation. The VEGF/PDGFR pathway participates in BMSC directional migration to glioma. VEGF pretreatment increased efficiency of BMSC migration to glioma.

EFFECTS OF TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR β AND RECOMBINANT HUMAN BONE MORPHOGENETIC PROTEIN 2 ON HUMAN PERIODONTAL LIGAMENT FIBROBLASTS

Objective To evaluate the effects of transforming growth factor β(TGF-β) and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP2) on human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPDLFs). Methods HPDLFs were done primary culture to detect the distinct concentrations of TGF-P and rhBMF2 on its proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, osteocalcin (OC) synthesis and formation of the minerali-zed nodules, respectively. Results TGF-β (5～100ng/ml) significantly stimulated the proliferation of HPDLFs. The ALP activity of HPDLFs was evaluated evidently by 5ng/ml TGF-β. TGF-β( 0. 5 ～ 100ng/ml) had no effects on OC synthesis and formation of the mineralized nodules of HPDLFs. rhBMP2 (0. 25～2mg/ ml) had no remarkable effect on the proliferation of HPDLFs. The ALP activity, OC synthesis and forma-tion of the mineralized nodules of HPDLFs were significantly stimulated by 0. 5～ 2mg /ml rhBMP2. Conclusion The effects of TGF-β and rhBMP2 on HPDLFs are dose-dependent. TGF-P can stimulate HPDLFs to express the early marker of osteoblastic phenotype, and it lacks the ability to promote maturation of the osteogenic phenotype. rhBMP2 can not only stimulate the expression but also promote the maturation of osteoblas-tic phenotype of HPDLFs.

Immunohistochemical demonstration of transforming growth factor－β and bone morphogenetic protein in salivary gland tumors

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)were related to embryonic development and the differentiation of many types of cells. Recent studies showed that they might play an important role in regulating the differentiation o

不同生长速度肉鸡骨骼生长发育规律研究

试验以慢速型(wod168)、中速型(wod178)和快速型(wod188和爱拔益佳AA)肉鸡为素材,测定其在2周龄至7周龄时跖骨、胫骨和股骨的长度和重量,探明不同生长速度白羽肉鸡跖骨、胫骨和股骨长度和重量的生长发育规律。结果表明,3种长速肉鸡骨骼性状在2周龄至7周龄基本呈现随周龄增加而增加的趋势。wod188的跖骨长和胫骨长在3周龄时生长强度最大,相对生长系数为36.47%和25.11%;wod178股骨长、胫骨重和股骨重在3周龄时生长强度最大,对应的相对生长系数分别是21.49%、71.32%和74.49%;wod168的跖骨重在4周龄时生长强度最大,相对生长系数为81.66%。7周龄时,wod168和wod178的跖骨重均极显著低于wod188和AA(P<0.01);wod178胫骨重极显著高于wod168,极显著低于wod188和AA(P<0.01);wod168的股骨重均极显著低于其它3个品种(P<0.01),其它3个品种股骨重差异不显著(P>0.05)。4个品种骨骼的生长发育基本在3周龄时强度达到最大,生长发育速度最快,含有蛋鸡血缘比例越高,其骨骼重量越轻。