Transplantation of Goat Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (gMSCs) Help Restore Spermatogenesis in Endogenous Germ Cells-Depleted Mouse Models

Mesenchymal stem cells （MSCs） derived from bone marrow are a well-characterized population of adult stem cells that can be maintained and propagated in culture for a long time with the capacity to form a variety of cell types. This study investigated the characteristics of dairy goat bone marrow MSCs （gMSCs） and their differentiation potential toward germ cells in vitro, and to test their potential in vivo, these ceils were transplanted into seminiferous tubes of endogenous germ cells-depleted mouse models. The results showed that characteristic gMSC lines were established and a small population of gMSCs transdifferentiated into male germ cell-like cells which expressed Stra8 after induction with retinoic acid （RA）, as analysed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） and immunofluorescence. Further, we transplanted the gMSCs into endogenous germ cells-depleted mouse models. A variety of analysis demonstrated that gMSCs might differentiate into male germ cells and helped spermatogenesis in endogenous germ cells depleted mouse models at 30 d after transplantation. The gMSCs could be used as a potential source of cells for reproductive studies and a neoadjuvant therapy for the spermatogenesis anomaly. Moreover, these cells may offer a new strategy for male infertility and an alternative approach for production of transgenic animals.

Hypoxia-preconditioned bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells protect neurons from cardiac arrest-induced pyroptosis

Cardiac arrest can lead to severe neurological impairment as a result of inflammation,mitochondrial dysfunction,and post-cardiopulmonary resuscitation neurological damage.Hypoxic preconditioning has been shown to improve migration and survival of bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells and reduce pyroptosis after cardiac arrest,but the specific mechanisms by which hypoxia-preconditioned bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells protect against brain injury after cardiac arrest are unknown.To this end,we established an in vitro co-culture model of bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells and oxygen–glucose deprived primary neurons and found that hypoxic preconditioning enhanced the protective effect of bone marrow stromal stem cells against neuronal pyroptosis,possibly through inhibition of the MAPK and nuclear factor κB pathways.Subsequently,we transplanted hypoxia-preconditioned bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells into the lateral ventricle after the return of spontaneous circulation in an 8-minute cardiac arrest rat model induced by asphyxia.The results showed that hypoxia-preconditioned bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells significantly reduced cardiac arrest–induced neuronal pyroptosis,oxidative stress,and mitochondrial damage,whereas knockdown of the liver isoform of phosphofructokinase in bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells inhibited these effects.To conclude,hypoxia-preconditioned bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells offer a promising therapeutic approach for neuronal injury following cardiac arrest,and their beneficial effects are potentially associated with increased expression of the liver isoform of phosphofructokinase following hypoxic preconditioning.

Optimizing bone marrow harvesting sites for enhanced mesenchymal stem cell yield and efficacy in knee osteoarthritis treatment

Knee osteoarthritis(OA)is a debilitating condition with limited long-term treatment options.The therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs),particularly those derived from bone marrow aspirate concentrate,has garnered attention for cartilage repair in OA.While the iliac crest is the traditional site for bone marrow harvesting(BMH),associated morbidity has prompted the exploration of alternative sites such as the proximal tibia,distal femur,and proximal humerus.This paper reviews the impact of different harvesting sites on mesenchymal stem cell(MSC)yield,viability,and regenerative potential,emphasizing their relevance in knee OA treatment.The iliac crest consistently offers the highest MSC yield,but alternative sites within the surgical field of knee procedures offer comparable MSC characteristics with reduced morbidity.The integration of harvesting techniques into existing knee surgeries,such as total knee arthroplasty,provides a less invasive approach while maintaining thera-peutic efficacy.However,variability in MSC yield from these alternative sites underscores the need for further research to standardize techniques and optimize clinical outcomes.Future directions include large-scale comparative studies,advanced characterization of MSCs,and the development of personalized harvesting strategies.Ultimately,the findings suggest that optimizing the site of BMH can significantly influence the quality of MSC-based therapies for knee OA,enhancing their clinical utility and patient outcomes.

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.

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in treatment of peripheral nerve injury

Peripheral nerve injury(PNI)is a common neurological disorder and complete functional recovery is difficult to achieve.In recent years,bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs)have emerged as ideal seed cells for PNI treatment due to their strong differentiation potential and autologous trans-plantation ability.This review aims to summarize the molecular mechanisms by which BMSCs mediate nerve repair in PNI.The key mechanisms discussed include the differentiation of BMSCs into multiple types of nerve cells to promote repair of nerve injury.BMSCs also create a microenvironment suitable for neuronal survival and regeneration through the secretion of neurotrophic factors,extracellular matrix molecules,and adhesion molecules.Additionally,BMSCs release pro-angiogenic factors to promote the formation of new blood vessels.They modulate cytokine expression and regulate macrophage polarization,leading to immunomodulation.Furthermore,BMSCs synthesize and release proteins related to myelin sheath formation and axonal regeneration,thereby promoting neuronal repair and regeneration.Moreover,this review explores methods of applying BMSCs in PNI treatment,including direct cell trans-plantation into the injured neural tissue,implantation of BMSCs into nerve conduits providing support,and the application of genetically modified BMSCs,among others.These findings confirm the potential of BMSCs in treating PNI.However,with the development of this field,it is crucial to address issues related to BMSC therapy,including establishing standards for extracting,identifying,and cultivating BMSCs,as well as selecting application methods for BMSCs in PNI such as direct transplantation,tissue engineering,and genetic engineering.Addressing these issues will help translate current preclinical research results into clinical practice,providing new and effective treatment strategies for patients with PNI.

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.

Comparative breakthrough: Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells vs bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in heart failure treatment

In this article,we evaluate the comparative efficacy and safety of mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)derived from bone marrow(BM-MSCs)and umbilical cord(UC-MSCs)in the treatment of heart failure and myocardial infarction.MSCs have gained importance as living bio drug due to their regenerative potential,with BM-MSCs being the most extensively studied.However,UC-MSCs offer unique advantages,such as noninvasive collection and fewer ethical concerns.This systematic review and meta-analysis summarizes data from 13 randomized controlled trials,which included a total of 693 patients.Their study shows that UC-MSCs significantly improved left ventricular ejection fraction by 5.08%at 6 months and 2.78%at 12 months compared with controls,while BM-MSCs showed no significant effect.Neither cell type showed significant changes in 6-minute walk distance.In addition,UC-MSCs and BM-MSCs had comparable safety profiles,with no significant differences in major adverse cardiac events,except for a lower rehospitalization rate observed with BM-MSCs.These results position UC-MSCs as a promising alternative in MSC-based therapies for cardiac disease,offering potential improvements in cardiac function while maintaining a favorable safety profile.Future research should focus on optimizing adminis-tration protocols and further exploring the long-term benefits and mechanisms of UC-MSCs in cardiac repair.

In vitro chondrogenesis of the goat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells directed by chondrocytes in monolayer and 3-dimetional indirect co-culture system

Background Cartilage injury has a very poor capacity for intrinsic regeneration. The cell-based treatment strategy for the cartilage repair using differentiated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells （BMSCs） is, however, a promising approach to the chondral repair. This study was aimed to explore the chondrogenic potential of the goat BMSCs in the Transwell co-culture system and the poly-laetide-co-glycolide （PLGA） scaffolds.Methods The BMSCs were isolated from the goat iliac crest while the chondrocytes were obtained from the goat＇s last costal cartilage. In the Transwell co-culture system, the BMSCs co-cultured with chondrocytes were designed as group A,whereas the goat＇s BMSCs induced with the chondrogenic medium were group B. Both groups A and B were the experimental groups, while group C that only contained BMSCs was the control group. In the PLGA scaffolds co-culture system, BMSCs were seeded into the PLGA scaffolds, which were suspended in the 24-well plate, and the control group was established by presence or absence of chondrocytes at the bottom of the 24-well plate. Toluidine blue staining,Alcian blue staining, collagen Ⅱ immunofluoresence, collagen Ⅱ immunochemical staining, collagen Ⅰ, collagen Ⅱ, COL2a Q-PCR and osteopontin Q-PCR were used to examine the chondrogenic conditions as well as the expressions of chondrogenic and osteogenic genes.Results Cells isolated from the aspirates of the goat bone marrow proliferated rapidly and gained characteristics of stem cells in Passage 4. However, the differentiations of chondrocytes were not apparent in Passage 3. The results from Toluidine blue staining, collagen Ⅱ immunofluoresence and PCR showed the transformation of BMSCs to chondrocytes in the Transwell co-culture system and PLGA scaffolds. Although the cartilage gene expressions were upgraded in both chondrogenesis group and co-culture system, the osteopontin gene expression, which represents osteogenic level, was also up-regulated.Conclusions The Transwell co-culture system and the PLGA scaffolds co-culture system can promote the chondrogenic differentiation of the goat＇s BMSCs, while up-regulated osteopontin gene expression in the Transwell co-culture system implies the osteogenic potential of BMSCs.

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomeloaded miR-129-5p targets high-mobility group box 1 attenuates neurological-impairment after diabetic cerebral hemorrhage

BACKGROUND Diabetic intracerebral hemorrhage(ICH)is a serious complication of diabetes.The role and mechanism of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell(BMSC)-derived exosomes(BMSC-exo)in neuroinflammation post-ICH in patients with diabetes are unknown.In this study,we investigated the regulation of BMSC-exo on hyperglycemia-induced neuroinflammation.AIM To study the mechanism of BMSC-exo on nerve function damage after diabetes complicated with cerebral hemorrhage.METHODS BMSC-exo were isolated from mouse BMSC media.This was followed by transfection with microRNA-129-5p(miR-129-5p).BMSC-exo or miR-129-5poverexpressing BMSC-exo were intravitreally injected into a diabetes mouse model with ICH for in vivo analyses and were cocultured with high glucoseaffected BV2 cells for in vitro analyses.The dual luciferase test and RNA immunoprecipitation test verified the targeted binding relationship between miR-129-5p and high-mobility group box 1(HMGB1).Quantitative polymerase chain reaction,western blotting,and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were conducted to assess the levels of some inflammation factors,such as HMGB1,interleukin 6,interleukin 1β,toll-like receptor 4,and tumor necrosis factorα.Brain water content,neural function deficit score,and Evans blue were used to measure the neural function of mice.RESULTS Our findings indicated that BMSC-exo can promote neuroinflammation and functional recovery.MicroRNA chip analysis of BMSC-exo identified miR-129-5p as the specific microRNA with a protective role in neuroinflammation.Overexpression of miR-129-5p in BMSC-exo reduced the inflammatory response and neurological impairment in comorbid diabetes and ICH cases.Furthermore,we found that miR-129-5p had a targeted binding relationship with HMGB1 mRNA.CONCLUSION We demonstrated that BMSC-exo can reduce the inflammatory response after ICH with diabetes,thereby improving the neurological function of the brain.

Interplay between mesenchymal stem cells and macrophages:Promoting bone tissue repair

The repair of bone tissue damage is a complex process that is well-orchestrated in time and space,a focus and difficulty in orthopedic treatment.In recent years,the success of mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)-mediated bone repair in clinical trials of large-area bone defects and bone necrosis has made it a candidate in bone tissue repair engineering and regenerative medicine.MSCs are closely related to macrophages.On one hand,MSCs regulate the immune regulatory function by influencing macrophages proliferation,infiltration,and phenotype polarization,while also affecting the osteoclasts differentiation of macrophages.On the other hand,macrophages activate MSCs and mediate the multilineage differentiation of MSCs by regulating the immune microenvironment.The cross-talk between MSCs and macrophages plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system and in promoting tissue regeneration.Making full use of the relationship between MSCs and macrophages will enhance the efficacy of MSCs therapy in bone tissue repair,and will also provide a reference for further application of MSCs in other diseases.

O-linkedβ-N-acetylglucosaminylation may be a key regulatory factor in promoting osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells

Cumulative evidence suggests that O-linkedβ-N-acetylglucosaminylation(OGlcNAcylation)plays an important regulatory role in pathophysiological processes.Although the regulatory mechanisms of O-GlcNAcylation in tumors have been gradually elucidated,the potential mechanisms of O-GlcNAcylation in bone metabolism,particularly,in the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells(BMSCs)remains unexplored.In this study,the literature related to O-GlcNAcylation and BMSC osteogenic differentiation was reviewed,assuming that it could trigger more scholars to focus on research related to OGlcNAcylation and bone metabolism and provide insights into the development of novel therapeutic targets for bone metabolism disorders such as osteoporosis.

Potential plausible role of Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cells for diabetic bone regeneration

This letter addresses the review titled“Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cells:Future regenerative medicine for clinical applications in mitigation of radiation injury”.The review highlights the regenerative potential of Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cells(WJ-MSCs)and describes why WJ-MSCs will become one of the most probable stem cells for future regenerative medicine.The potential plausible role of WJ-MSCs for diabetic bone regeneration should be noticeable,which will provide a new strategy for improving bone regeneration under diabetic conditions.

Bone-marrow mesenchymal stem cells reduce rat intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury, ZO-1 downregulation and tight junction disruption via a TNF-α-regulated mechanism

AIM: To investigate the effect of bone-marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM MSCs) on the intestinal mucosa barrier in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. METHODS: BM MSCs were isolated from male Sprague-Dawley rats by density gradient centrifugation, cultured, and analyzed by flow cytometry. I/R injury was induced by occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery for 30 min. Rats were treated with saline, BM MSCs (via intramucosal injection) or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α blocking antibodies (via the tail vein). I/R injury was assessed using transmission electron microscopy, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, immunohistochemistry, western blotting and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.RESULTS: Intestinal permeability increased, tight junctions (TJs) were disrupted, and zona occludens 1 (ZO-1) was downregulated after I/R injury. BM MSCs reduced intestinal mucosal barrier destruction, ZO-1 downregulation, and TJ disruption. The morphological abnormalities after intestinal I/R injury positively correlated with serum TNF-α levels. Administration of anti-TNF-α IgG or anti-TNF-α receptor 1 antibodies attenuated the intestinal ultrastructural changes, ZO-1 downregulation, and TJ disruption. CONCLUSION: Altered serum TNF-α levels play an important role in the ability of BM MSCs to protect against intestinal I/R injury.

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.

Osteogenic potential: comparison between bone marrow and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells

Bone tissue engineering(BTE) is now a promising re-search issue to improve the drawbacks from traditional bone grafting procedure such as limited donor sources and possible complications. Stem cells are one of the major factors in BTE due to the capability of self re-newal and multi-lineage differentiation. Unlike embry-onic stem cells, which are more controversial in ethical problem, adult mesenchymal stem cells are considered to be a more appropriate cell source for BTE. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs) are the ear-liest-discovered and well-known stem cell source using in BTE. However, the low stem cell yield requiring long expansion time in vitro, pain and possible morbidities during bone marrow aspiration and poor proliferation and osteogenic ability at old age impede its' clinical ap-plication. Afterwards, a new stem cell source coming from adipose tissue, so-called adipose-derived stemcells(ASCs), is found to be more suitable in clinical ap-plication because of high stem cells yield from lipoaspi-rates, faster cell proliferation and less discomfort and morbidities during harvesting procedure. However, the osteogenic capacity of ASCs is now still debated be-cause most papers described the inferior osteogenesis of ASCs than BMSCs. A better understanding of the osteogenic differences between ASCs and BMSCs is crucial for future selection of cells in clinical application for BTE. In this review, we describe the commonality and difference between BMSCs and ASCs by cell yield, cell surface markers and multiple-differentiation poten-tial. Then we compare the osteogenic capacity in vitro and bone regeneration ability in vivo between BMSCs and ASCs based on the literatures which utilized both BMSCs and ASCs simultaneously in their articles. The outcome indicated both BMSCs and ASCs exhibited the osteogenic ability to a certain extent both in-vitro and in-vivo. However, most in-vitro study papers verified the inferior osteogenesis of ASCs; conversely, in-vivo research reviews revealed more controversies in this issue. We expect the new researchers can have a quick understanding of the progress in this filed and design a more comprehensive research based on this review.

Hepatogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells from adipose tissue in comparison with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

AIM： To investigate and compare the hepatogenic transdifferentiation of adipose tissue-derived stem cells （ADSC） and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells （BMSC） in vitro. Transdifferentiation of BMSC into hepatic cells in vivo has been described. Adipose tissue represents an accessible source of ADSC, with similar characteristics to BMSC. METHODS： BMSCs were obtained from patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty and ADSC from human adipose tissue obtained from lipectomy. Cells were grown in medium containing 15% human serum. Cultures were serum deprived for 2 d before cultivating under similar pro-hepatogenic conditions to those of liver development using a 2-step protocol with sequential addition of growth factors, cytokines and hormones. Hepatic differentiation was RT-PCR-assessed and liver-marker genes were immunohistochemically analysed.RESULTS： BMSC and ADSC exhibited a fibroblastic morphology that changed to a polygonal shape when cells differentiated. Expression of stem cell marker Thyl decreased in differentiated ADSC and BMSC. However, the expression of the hepatic markers, albumin and CYPs increased to a similar extent in differentiated BMSC and ADSC. Hepatic gene activation could be attributed to increased liver-enriched transcription factors （C/EBPβ and HNF4α）, as demonstrated by adenoviral expression vectors.CONCLUSION： Mesenchymal stem cells can be induced to hepatogenic transdifferentiation in vitro. ADSCs have a similar hepatogenic differentiation potential to BMSC, but a longer culture period and higher proliferation capacity. Therefore, adipose tissue may be an ideal source of large amounts of autologous stem cells, and may become an alternative for hepatocyte regeneration, liver cell transplantation or preclinical drug testing.

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.

Collagen-chitosan scaffold impregnated with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells for treatment of traumatic brain injury

Combinations of biomaterials and cells can effectively target delivery of cells or other therapeutic factors to the brain to rebuild damaged nerve pathways after brain injury.Porous collagen-chitosan scaffolds were prepared by a freeze-drying method based on brain tissue engineering.The scaffolds were impregnated with rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.A traumatic brain injury rat model was established using the 300 g weight free fall impact method.Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells/collagen-chitosan scaffolds were implanted into the injured brain.Modified neurological severity scores were used to assess the recovery of neurological function.The Morris water maze was employed to determine spatial learning and memory abilities.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to measure pathological changes in brain tissue.Immunohistochemistry was performed for vascular endothelial growth factor and for 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine(BrdU)/neuron specific enolase and BrdU/glial fibrillary acidic protein.Our results demonstrated that the transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and collagen-chitosan scaffolds to traumatic brain injury rats remarkably reduced modified neurological severity scores,shortened the average latency of the Morris water maze,increased the number of platform crossings,diminished the degeneration of damaged brain tissue,and increased the positive reaction of vascular endothelial growth factor in the transplantation and surrounding areas.At 14 days after transplantation,increased BrdU/glial fibrillary acidic protein expression and decreased BrdU/neuron specific enolase expression were observed in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in the injured area.The therapeutic effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and collagen-chitosan scaffolds was superior to stereotactic injection of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells alone.To test the biocompatibility and immunogenicity of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and collagen-chitosan scaffolds,immunosuppressive cyclosporine was intravenously injected 12 hours before transplantation and 1-5 days after transplantation.The above indicators were similar to those of rats treated with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and collagen-chitosan scaffolds only.These findings indicate that transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in a collagen-chitosan scaffold can promote the recovery of neuropathological injury in rats with traumatic brain injury.This approach has the potential to be developed as a treatment for traumatic brain injury in humans.All experimental procedures were approved by the Institutional Animal Investigation Committee of Capital Medical University,China(approval No.AEEI-2015-035)in December 2015.

Effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on the Smad expression of hepatic fibrosis rats

Objective:To investigate the impact of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on Smad expression of hepatic fibrosis rats.Methods:A total of 48 adult female SD rats were randomly divided into three groups,normal control group(n=10),observation group(n=19)with liver fibrosis model rats injected with BMSCs cells:model group(n=19),with liver fibrosis model rats injected with physiological saline.Serum index,TGF-β1 and Smad expression were detected.Results:TypeⅢprocollagen,Ⅳcollagen,hyaluronic acid,laminin levels of observation group were significantly lower than those of model group(P<0.05).The content and expression of TGF-β1in serum and liver tissue of observation group were significantly lower than those of model group(P<0.05).Compared with normal control group,the Smad3,Smad4 mRNA and protein expression of model group were significantly increased,the Smad7 mRNA and protein expression were significantly reduced(P<0.05).Compared with model group.Smad3,Smad4 mRNA and protein expression of observation group were significantly reduced,and Smad7 mRNA expression were significantly increased(P<0.05).Conclusions:BMSCs can regulate Smad expression to some extent,and reduce the degree of liver fibrosis.

Reversal of hyperglycemia in diabetic rats by portal vein transplantation of islet-like cells generated from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

AIM: To study the capacity of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) trans-differentiating into islet-like cells and to observe the effect of portal vein transplantation of islet-like cells in the treatment of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat. METHODS: BM-MSCs were isolated from SD rats and induced to differentiate into islet-like cells under defined conditions. Differentiation was evaluated with electron microscopy, RT-PCR, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. insulin release after glucose challenge was tested with ELiSA. Then allogeneic islet-like cells were transplanted into diabetic rats via portal vein. Blood glucose levels were monitored and islet hormones were detected in the liver and pancreas of the recipient by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: BM-MSCs were spheroid adherent monolayers with high CD90, CD29 and very low CD45 expression. Typical islet-like cells clusters were formed after induction. Electron microscopy revealed that secretory granules were densely packed within the cytoplasm of the differentiated cells. The spheroid cells expressed islet related genes and hormones. The insulin-positive cells accounted for 19.8% and mean fluorescence intensity increased by 2.6 fold after induction. The cells secreted a small amount of insulin that was increased 1.5 fold after glucose challenge. After transplantation, islet-like cells could locate in the liver expressing islet hormones and lower the glucose levels of diabetic rats during d 6 to d 20.CONCLUSION: Rat BM-MSCs could be transdifferentiated into islet-like cells in vitro . Portal vein transplantation of islet-like cells could alleviate the hyperglycemia of diabetic rats.