Insulin-like growth factor 2 targets IGF1R signaling transduction to facilitate metastasis and imatinib resistance in gastrointestinal stromal tumors

BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal stromal tumors(GISTs)are typical gastrointestinal tract neoplasms.Imatinib is the first-line therapy for GIST patients.Drug resistance limits the long-term effectiveness of imatinib.The regulatory effect of insulin-like growth factor 2(IGF2)has been confirmed in various cancers and is related to resistance to chemotherapy and a worse prognosis.AIM To further investigate the mechanism of IGF2 specific to GISTs.METHODS IGF2 was screened and analyzed using Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO:GSE225819)data.After IGF2 knockdown or overexpression by transfection,the phenotypes(proliferation,migration,invasion,apoptosis)of GIST cells were characterized by cell counting kit 8,Transwell,and flow cytometry assays.We used western blotting to evaluate pathway-associated and epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)-associated proteins.We injected transfected cells into nude mice to establish a tumor xenograft model and observed the occurrence and metastasis of GIST.RESULTS Data from the GEO indicated that IGF2 expression is high in GISTs,associated with liver metastasis,and closely related to drug resistance.GIST cells with high expression of IGF2 had increased proliferation and migration,invasiveness and EMT.Knockdown of IGF2 significantly inhibited those activities.In addition,OEIGF2 promoted GIST metastasis in vivo in nude mice.IGF2 activated IGF1R signaling in GIST cells,and IGF2/IGF1R-mediated glycolysis was required for GIST with liver metastasis.GIST cells with IGF2 knockdown were sensitive to imatinib treatment when IGF2 overexpression significantly raised imatinib resistance.Moreover,2-deoxy-D-glucose(a glycolysis inhibitor)treatment reversed IGF2 overexpressionmediated imatinib resistance in GISTs.CONCLUSION IGF2 targeting of IGF1R signaling inhibited metastasis and decreased imatinib resistance by driving glycolysis in GISTs.

Mesenchymal stromal cells modulate unfolded protein response and preserve β-cell mass in type 1 diabetes

Introduction:Transplantation of mesenchymal stromal cells(MSCs)is a promising therapy for type 1 diabetes(T1D).However,whether the infused MSCs affect the endoplasmic reticulum stress or subsequent unfolded protein response inβcells remains unclear.Methods:To investigate this,we induced early-onset T1D in non-obese diabetic mice using streptozotocin.Subsequently,T1D mice were randomly assigned to receive either MSCs or phosphate-buffered saline.We observed the in vivo homing of MSCs and assessed their effectiveness by analyzing blood glucose levels,body weight,histopathology,pancreatic protein expression,and serum levels of cytokines,proinsulin,and C-peptide.Results:Infused MSCs were found in the lungs,liver,spleen,and pancreas of T1D mice.They exhibited various effects,including reducing blood glucose levels,regulating immunity,inhibiting inflammation,increasingβ-cell areas,and reducing the expression of key proteins in the unfolded protein response pathway.Fasting serum proinsulin and C-peptide levels were significantly higher in the MSCs treatment group than in the T1D model group.However,there was no significant difference in the biomarker ofβ-cell endoplasmic reticulum stress,the ratio of fasting serum proinsulin to C-peptide,between the two groups.Conclusion:Ourfindings reveal that MSCs infusion does not alleviate endoplasmic reticulum stress inβcells directly but modulates the unfolded protein response pathway to preserveβ-cell mass and function in T1D mice.

Prognostic role of the stromal cell derived factor-1 in patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure

BACKGROUND Stromal cell derived factor-1(SDF-1)plays a pivotal role in the recruitment of stem cells to injured livers.However,the changes of SDF-l in patients with hepatitis B virus(HBV)-related acute-on-chronic liver failure(ACLF)have yet to be elucidated.AIM To study the SDF-1 changes in patients with HBV-related ACLF.METHODS 30 patients with HBV-related ACLF,27 patients with chronic hepatitis B and 20 healthy individuals are involved in our study.The SDF-l mRNA expression in liver tissue was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.Immunohistochemical staining was performed to illustrate the expression of SDFl,CXC receptor 4(CXCR4)and Ki67.The serum SDF-l concentrations were also detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.RESULTS The expression of SDF-1 mRNA from ACLF patients was remarkably higher than that from other patients(both P<0.05).The expression of SDF-l,CXCR4 and Ki67 from ACLF were the highest among the three groups(all P<0.01).The serum SDF-l levels in ACLF patients were significantly lower than that in other patients(both P<0.01).Moreover,in ACLF patients,the serum SDF-1 Levels were positively correlated with serum total bilirubin and international normalized ratio.In addition,the serum SDF-l levels in survival were significantly lower compared with the non-survivals(P<0.05).The area under the curve for the serum SDF-1 level in predicting 28-d mortality was 0.722(P<0.05).CONCLUSION This study provides the SDF-1 changes in patients with HBV-related ACLF.The SDF-1 Level at admission may serve as a promising prognostic marker for predicting short-term prognosis.

基质细胞衍生因子1在软骨和软骨下骨稳态中的作用

背景:骨性关节炎是一种以软骨退变和软骨下骨异常骨重塑为特征的退行性病变。近年来,许多研究表明基质细胞衍生因子1在骨性关节炎的病理进展中发挥关键作用,靶向调控基质细胞衍生因子1及其CXC趋化因子受体4型和CXC趋化因子受体7型组成的信号通路是预防和治疗骨性关节炎的新方法。目的:综述基质细胞衍生因子1参与调控软骨细胞、骨髓间充质干细胞、成骨细胞及破骨细胞增殖、分化及凋亡的作用,以及这些细胞相互作用,探究导致软骨退变、软骨下骨异常骨重塑而加速骨性关节炎病理进展的机制,以期为骨性关节炎的防治提供新的思路。方法:以“基质细胞衍生因子1,软骨,软骨细胞,软骨下骨,骨髓间充质干细胞,成骨细胞,破骨细胞,CXC趋化因子受体4型,CXC趋化因子受体7型”为中文检索词检索中国知网、万方和维普数据库,以“Stromal cell-derived factor 1,SDF-1,CXCL12,cartilage,chondrocyte,subchondral bone,mesenchymal stem cells,osteoblasts,osteoclasts,CXCR4,CXCR7”为英文检索词检索PubMed、Medline和Embase数据库,检索各数据库建库至2024年1月的相关文献,根据纳入和排除标准,最终纳入77篇文献进行归纳总结。结果与结论:①基质细胞衍生因子1调控软骨细胞、骨髓间充质干细胞、成骨细胞和破骨细胞迁移、增殖、分化和死亡,在维持软骨和软骨下骨稳态以及促进或抑制骨性关节炎软骨退变、软骨下骨异常骨重塑等病理过程中均发挥至关重要的作用,靶向调控基质细胞衍生因子1/CXC趋化因子受体4型/CXC趋化因子受体7型信号通路有望成为今后防治骨性关节炎研究的重点。②由于基质细胞衍生因子1亚型在组织之间表达量的差异,目前以基质细胞衍生因子1α研究最为广泛,基质细胞衍生因子1β和基质细胞衍生因子1γ的相关研究多集中在探索影响干细胞生物学行为、在调控软骨和软骨下骨稳态中的作用,与骨性关节炎的相关性尚不清楚。③基质细胞衍生因子1能够有效促进干细胞归巢至软骨损伤部位,并诱导其增殖、存活及成软骨分化和应用负载基质细胞衍生因子1的生物支架来改善软骨修复质量已成为软骨组织工程研究的热点;然而,已有研究表明基质细胞衍生因子1可促进骨髓间充质干细胞向肥大型软骨细胞分化,而新生软骨细胞肥大表型会造成软骨内骨形成,软骨细胞凋亡,整个组织发生血管化和骨化,影响最终软骨修复的质量;另外,不同支架与基质细胞衍生因子1组合在修复部分软骨损伤和全层软骨损伤时,再生组织不都是理想的透明软骨组织。因而,未来深入探寻基质细胞衍生因子1在干细胞生物学效应中的潜在机制以及基质细胞衍生因子1与支架组合在修复不同软骨缺损的最佳组合方式将有助于提升软骨修复质量。④目前有关CXC趋化因子受体4型拮抗剂的研究主要集中在AMD3100,T140和TN14003,且绝大部分处于基础实验阶段,有待临床转化。针对基质细胞衍生因子1/CXC趋化因子受体4型/CXC趋化因子受体7型信号通路开发的治疗药物、方法的安全性、有效性仍需大量的生物学和临床试验加以佐证。

基质细胞衍生因子1修饰左旋聚乳酸多孔微球促进软骨细胞增殖和组织形成

背景:二维培养条件下的软骨细胞增殖及表型维持受限,多孔微球作为支架材料可提供三维培养环境,以更好地模拟体内生长条件。基质细胞衍生因子1是有强趋化效力的稳态细胞因子,能够促进细胞的黏附与增殖。目的:明确接枝基质细胞衍生因子1左旋聚乳酸多孔微球对软骨细胞生物学特性及软骨组织形成的影响。方法:(1)体外验证不同质量浓度基质细胞衍生因子1对兔软骨细胞增殖、迁移、表型维持的影响。(2)采用复乳法制备左旋聚乳酸多孔微球,利用碳二亚胺法将基质细胞衍生因子1接枝于左旋聚乳酸多孔微球上,通过酶联免疫吸附实验及孵育基质细胞衍生因子1特异荧光抗体验证接枝情况。(3)将兔软骨细胞分别接种于左旋聚乳酸多孔微球、接枝基质细胞衍生因子1左旋聚乳酸多孔微球上,检测细胞增殖与黏附。(4)在裸鼠背部皮下分别植入甲基丙烯酰胺基明胶-软骨细胞复合体(对照组)、左旋聚乳酸多孔微球-甲基丙烯酰胺基明胶-软骨细胞复合体(多孔微球组)、接枝基质细胞衍生因子1左旋聚乳酸多孔微球-甲基丙烯酰胺基明胶-软骨细胞复合体(多孔微球修饰组),8周后取材,分别进行组织学染色与成软骨相关基因qRT-PCR检测。结果与结论:(1)相较于0,1 000 ng/mL基质细胞衍生因子1,500 ng/mL基质细胞衍生因子1可促进软骨细胞的增殖与迁移,提升软骨细胞内Ⅱ型胶原、弹性蛋白、增殖细胞核抗原、Bcl-2 mRNA表达;(2)基质细胞衍生因子1成功接枝于左旋聚乳酸多孔微球上,接枝率为93.75%;(3)相较于左旋聚乳酸多孔微球,接枝基质细胞衍生因子1左旋聚乳酸多孔微球可促进软骨细胞的增殖、黏附;(4)裸鼠皮下植入8周后,相较于对照组、多孔微球组,多孔微球修饰组具有更明显的软骨陷窝结构、更丰富的软骨特异性基质和Ⅱ型胶原沉积,弹性蛋白、Ⅱ型胶原、增殖细胞核抗原、Bcl-2 mRNA表达升高。结果表明:接枝基质细胞衍生因子1左旋聚乳酸多孔微球有利于软骨细胞的黏附、增殖、表型维持以及体内软骨组织形成。

NONHSAT248596.1内源性竞争miR-146a-5p调控骨关节炎软骨退变的机制

背景:目前已有针对lncRNA\miRNA\mRNA的共表达网络对骨关节炎发生发展调控机制的研究,课题组前期研究已通过数据库筛选出符合条件的NONHSAT248596.1和miR-146a-5p,尚缺乏体内实验来验证上述调控机制。目的:探究NONHSAT248596.1在基质细胞衍生因子1/4型趋化因子受体轴介导体内骨关节炎软骨退变进程中对miR-146a-5p发挥的竞争性内源性RNA调控作用。方法:取36只新西兰兔,通过向右侧后肢膝关节注射基质细胞衍生因子1溶液建立骨关节炎模型,采用随机数字表法分4组,lncRNA组、miRNA组、ceRNA组、对照组分别向造模膝关节内注射NONHSAT248596.1过表达的慢病毒载体、miR-146a-5p过表达的慢病毒载体、miR-146a-5p+NONHSAT248596.1过表达的慢病毒载体及空慢病毒载体。造模第4,8,12周,取膝关节软骨组织和软骨下骨组织进行相关检测。结果与结论:①苏木精-伊红与番红O固绿染色显示,4组软骨组织都有不同程度的退变表现,造模第4周时,lncRNA组软骨组织中的软骨细胞肿胀、细胞极性消失,细胞外基质破坏,出现表层糜烂、裂缝形成和软骨组织局部或全层缺失,并随时间延长软骨损伤程度逐渐加重,4组中miRNA组关节软骨炎症进展最缓慢;②qRT-PCR检测显示,相同时间点下,lncRNA组软骨组织中NONHSAT248596.1、4型趋化因子受体、基质金属蛋白酶3,9及13的mRNA表达量高于其他3组(P<0.05),miR-146a-5p、聚集蛋白聚糖及Ⅱ型胶原的mRNA表达量低于其他3组(P<0.05);造模后第8,12周,miRNA组软骨组织中的NONHSAT248596.1、4型趋化因子受体、基质金属蛋白酶3,9及13的mRNA表达量低于ceRNA组、对照组(P<0.05),miR-146a-5p、聚集蛋白聚糖及Ⅱ型胶原的mRNA表达量高于ceRNA组、对照组(P<0.05);③Western Blot检测显示,相同时间点下,lncRNA组软骨组织中的聚集蛋白聚糖及Ⅱ型胶原蛋白表达量始终低于其他3组(P<0.05);miRNA组造模后第8,12周软骨组织中的聚集蛋白聚糖及Ⅱ型胶原蛋白表达量高于ceRNA组、对照组(P<0.05);④结果表明,miR-146a-5p作为NONHSAT248596.1的作用靶点会受到其竞争性内源性RNA的作用造成活性被抑制,NONHSAT248596.1作用于miR-146a-5p后调控基质细胞衍生因子1/4型趋化因子受体轴,影响骨关节炎软骨组织中基质金属蛋白、Ⅱ型胶原、聚集蛋白聚糖的表达,造成细胞外基质的降解及蛋白多糖的丢失。

基质血管片段通过ANG-1/Tie-2信号通路促进移植脂肪血管再生和存活

目的:探讨基质血管片段(SVF)促进脂肪移植后的新血管形成的机制。方法:设计裸鼠的脂肪移植模型,设置对照组、SVFs组及酪氨酸激酶抑制剂(TKI)组3组脂肪组织移植动物模型组,采用大体称重、HE染色、Masson染色、Western blot法和免疫荧光染色等方法检测各实验组体质量、病理学表现、胶原沉积情况及各组ANG-1、p-Tie-2、CD31、BAX及BCL-2的蛋白表达情况并做统计学分析,研究SVFs对脂肪成活的影响。结果:SVFs组的移植物体质量明显高于对照组(P<0.001)。在给予TKI后,SVFs对移植物脂肪体质量的改善被逆转,TKI组移植物体质量明显小于SVFs组(P<0.001);SVFs组脂肪细胞周围胶原沉积明显减少,TKI组脂肪组织变得碎片化和不完整。SVFs组较对照组ANG-1和p-Tie-2的表达水平上调,CD31蛋白表达显著增加(P<0.05);TKI给药后,TKI组较SVFs组p-Tie-2和CD31蛋白表达水平下降(P<0.05)。SVFs组较对照组BAX表达降低,BCL-2表达升高(P<0.05);TKI给药后,TKI组较SVFs组BAX表达升高,BCL-2表达降低(P<0.05)。结论:SVFs可以通过ANG-1/Tie-2信号通路促进血管生成,抑制细胞凋亡,从而提高移植脂肪的存活。

兔肩袖腱骨愈合过程中基质细胞衍生因子1的表达及作用机制

背景:近年在腱骨损伤领域部分学者将基质细胞衍生因子1搭载在组织工程支架上用以促进腱骨愈合,取得了较好的成效,但在基质细胞衍生因子1促进腱骨愈合机制及自然愈合过程中其是否参与修复,目前尚未明确。目的:研究兔肩袖全层冈上肌断裂后腱骨愈合过程中基质细胞衍生因子1表达,及其在腱骨损伤时对干细胞的迁移作用和最佳体外促迁移浓度。方法:随机取成年新西兰大白兔18只建立肩袖损伤模型,另取3只为空白对照。于造模后3,5,7,14,21,28 d各处死3只并处死空白组兔,取腱骨连接处组织保存在-80℃冰箱。应用ELISA反应检测损伤后各时间点愈合处基质细胞衍生因子1表达。取幼兔股骨骨髓间充质干细胞分离培养鉴定,通过transwell实验验证基质细胞衍生因子1对干细胞的促迁移作用效果及体外促迁移最佳浓度,将培养到P3代的干细胞与Brdu共培养后注入兔耳缘静脉,通过免疫组化染色验证干细胞是否迁移至损伤处。结果与结论:①基质细胞衍生因子1在肩袖腱骨愈合过程呈双峰表达,于伤后3 d明显增高(P<0.01)随后下降,于伤后5 d达最低,后再次升高于伤后14 d达峰值(P<0.01),然后下降;②细胞免疫组化染色可见标记有Brdu的干细胞确有迁移至损伤处;③transwell实验结果表明60-80 ng/mL的基质细胞衍生因子1对干细胞促迁移效果最好,而200 ng/mL浓度反而会起到抑制迁移作用;④基质细胞衍生因子1参与了肩袖腱骨愈合的炎症反应期和增殖期的愈合过程,其作用机制可能为通过促进干细胞迁移至损伤处并分化为各类细胞促进修复,并且基质细胞衍生因子1的促迁移作用存在于一定浓度范围,超出范围则可能起到抑制作用。

DOG1 is useful for diagnosis of KIT-negative gastrointestinal stromal tumor of stomach

Approximately 80%-95%of gastrointestinal stromal tumors(GISTs)show positive staining for KIT,while the other 5%-20%show negative staining.If the tumor is negative for KIT,but is positive for CD34,a histological diagnosis is possible.However,if the tumor is negative for KIT,CD34,S-100,and SMA,a definitive diagnosis is often challenging.Recently,Discovered on GIST-1(DOG1)has received considerable attention as a useful molecule for the diagnosis of GIST.DOG1,a membrane channel protein,is known to be overexpressed in GIST.Because the sensitivity and specificity of DOG1 are higher than those of KIT,positive staining for DOG1has been reported,even in KIT-negative GISTs.KITnegative GISTs most commonly arise in the stomach and are mainly characterized by epithelioid features histologically.We describe our experience with a rare case of a KIT-negative GIST of the stomach that was diagnosed by positive immunohistochemical staining for DOG1 in a patient who presented with severe anemia.Our findings suggest that immunohistochemical staining for DOG1,in addition to gene analysis,is useful for the diagnosis of KIT-negative tumors that are suspected to be GISTs.

Emodin and baicalein inhibit pancreatic stromal derived factor-1 expression in rats with acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND: Stromal derived factor-1 (SDF-1) is an efficacious leukocyte chemoattractant, which can attract lymphocytes and mononuclear cells from bloodstream into the site of inflammation. Emodin., an anthraquinone derivative from Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, and baicalein, a flavone from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, both have been reported to possess anti-inflammatory activities. The expression pattern of SDF-1 in experimental acute pancreatitis (AP) and the effect of emodin or baicalein on that are not well defined. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of emodin and baicalein on pancreatic myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity (reflecting leukocyte sequestration) and cytokine production, as well as tissue SDF-1 expression in the setting of AP. METHODS: A :rat model of AP was induced by administration (of 5% sodium taurocholate through the biliopancreatic duct. The level of tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and MPO in the pancreas, and serum amylase were tested by immunohistochemistry, ELISA and chromatometry. The expressions of SDF-1 alpha and SDF-1 beta were detected by real-time PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. RESULT: Combination of emodin and baicalein significantly reduced pancreatic TNIP-alpha, IL-6 and MPO, and also inhibited pancreatic SDF-1 expression. CONCLUSIONS: The inhibition of SDF-1 expression by emodin and baicalein might contribute, in part at least, to the amelioration of pancreatic inflammation. The present study also shows benefits of simultaneous treatment of AP.

胃癌组织中SDF-1、HER2及Slug表达与患者临床病理特征的相关性

目的分析基质细胞衍生因子1(SDF-1)、人表皮生长因子受体2(HER2)、锌指转录因子(Slug)在胃癌组织内的表达及与患者临床病理特征间的关系。方法选取73例胃癌患者,采集其癌组织与癌旁正常组织,以免疫组织化学法检测对比两者SDF-1、HER2及Slug的表达差异;另收集患者的年龄等资料,统计分析SDF-1、HER2及Slug表达与胃癌患者各项临床病理特征间的联系。结果癌组织的SDF-1、HER2、Slug阳性表达率高于癌旁正常组织,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。SDF-1、HER2、Slug阳性表达与胃癌患者的年龄、性别无关(P>0.05),与患者的临床分期、淋巴结转移、分化程度有关(P<0.05)。结论SDF-1、HER2、Slug在胃癌组织内呈异常高表达,且其参与胃癌的侵袭、发展过程。

Intraductal papillary bile duct adenocarcinoma and gastrointestinal stromal tumor in a case of neurofibromatosis type 1

We report our experience with a synchronous case of gastrointestinal stromal tumor(GIST) and intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct(IPNB) in anelderly woman with neurofibromatosis type 1(NF-1). A 72-year-old woman presented with a 2-mo history of right upper abdominal pain unrelated to diet and indigestion. Fourteen years earlier, she had been diagnosed with NF-1, which manifested as café au lait spots and multiple nodules on the skin. Computed tomography(CT) revealed a multilocular low-density mass with septation, and mural nodules in the right hepatic lobe, as well as a 1.7-cm-sized well-demarcated enhancing mass in the third portion of the duodenum. The patient subsequently underwent right hepatectomy and duodenal wedge resection. We present here the first report of a case involving a synchronous IPNB and GIST in a patient with NF-1. Our findings demonstrate the possibility of various tumors in NF-1 patients and the importance of diagnosis at an early

TSLP、HIF-1α、RANKL在义齿修复后种植体周围炎患者龈沟液中的表达及意义

目的研究胸腺基质淋巴细胞生成素(TSLP)、缺氧诱导因子1α(HIF-1α)、核因子-κB受体活化因子配体(RANKL)在义齿修复后种植体周围炎(PI)患者龈沟液中的表达及意义。方法回顾性选取2019年8月至2023年8月大同市第五人民医院收治的义齿修复患者86例作为研究对象,根据术后3个月是否发生PI将患者分为预后良好组(n=61)和预后不良组(n=25)。比较两组患者的临床资料及术前龈沟液TSLP、HIF-1α及RANKL水平,采用多因素Logistic回归分析对龈沟液TSLP、HIF-1α及RANKL水平与义齿修复患者术后发生PI的关系进行分析,采用受试者操作特征(ROC)曲线分析TSLP、HIF-1α及RANKL水平对义齿修复患者的预后评估价值。结果两组患者临床资料(性别、年龄、病程、义齿种植原因及种植颗数)比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。预后良好组患者的龈沟液中TSLP、HIF-1α、RANKL水平分别为(122.57±11.30)ng/L、(417.79±115.43)ng/mL、(116.02±13.45)pg/μL,均明显低于预后不良组[(138.93±12.70)ng/L、(576.55±177.60)ng/mL、(133.24±15.69)pg/μL],差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。Logistic回归分析义齿修复患者预后,结果显示龈沟液中TSLP水平升高、HIF-1α水平升高和RANKL水平升高是义齿修复患者术后发生PI的独立危险因素(OR=1.119,95%CI:1.048~1.195;OR=1.007,95%CI:1.002~1.013;OR=1.065,95%CI:1.016~1.117;P<0.05)。ROC曲线分析龈沟液中TSLP、HIF-1α、RANKL水平预测义齿修复患者预后的价值,结果显示曲线下面积(AUC)值分别为0.833、0.786和0.809。其中,RANKL具有最高的特异度(0.852),而HIF-1α具有最高的敏感度(0.800),具有较好的预测价值(P<0.05)。结论龈沟液中TSLP、HIF-1α、RANKL水平升高是义齿修复患者术后并发PI的独立危险因素,且均具有较高的预测义齿修复患者预后的价值。

Effect of stromal cell-derived factor-1/CXCR4 axis in neural stem cell transplantation for Parkinson’s disease

Previous studies have shown that neural stem cell transplantation has the potential to treat Parkinson’s disease,but its specific mechanism of action is still unclear.Stromal cell-derived factor-1 and its receptor,chemokine receptor 4(CXCR4),are important regulators of cell migration.We speculated that the CXCR4/stromal cell-derived factor 1 axis may be involved in the therapeutic effect of neural stem cell transplantation in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.A Parkinson’s disease rat model was injected with 6-hydroxydopamine via the right ascending nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway,and then treated with 5μL of neural stem cell suspension(1.5×104/L)in the right substantia nigra.Rats were intraperitoneally injected once daily for 3 days with 1.25 mL/kg of the CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 to observe changes after neural stem cell transplantation.Parkinson-like behavior in rats was detected using apomorphine-induced rotation.Immunofluorescence staining was used to determine the immunoreactivity of tyrosine hydroxylase,CXCR4,and stromal cell-derived factor-1 in the brain.Using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction,the mRNA expression of stromal cell-derived factor-1 and CXCR4 in the right substantia nigra were measured.In addition,western blot assays were performed to analyze the protein expression of stromal cell-derived factor-1 and CXCR4.Our results demonstrated that neural stem cell transplantation noticeably reduced apomorphine-induced rotation,increased the mRNA and protein expression of stromal cell-derived factor-1 and CXCR4 in the right substantia nigra,and enhanced the immunoreactivity of tyrosine hydroxylase,CXCR4,and stromal cell-derived factor-1 in the brain.Injection of AMD3100 inhibited the aforementioned effects.These findings suggest that the stromal cell-derived factor-1/CXCR4 axis may play a significant role in the therapeutic effect of neural stem cell transplantation in a rat model of Parkinson’s disease.This study was approved by the Animal Care and Use Committee of Kunming Medical University,China(approval No.SYXKK2015-0002)on April 1,2014.

Expression of Neuropilin-1 Gene in Bone Marrow Stromal Cells from Patients with Myeloid Leukemia and Normal Individuals

Objective: To investigate the expression of neuropilin-1 (NP-1) gene in bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) from myeloid leukemia (AML and CML) and normal individuals. Methods: Mononuclear cells were isolated from bone marrow (BM) of CML (14 cases), AML (12 cases) and normal individuals (20 cases). Adherent cells (i.e. BMSCs) were collected after long-term culture in vitro. The expression of NP-1 gene in three groups was detected respectively by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: The long-term culture of BMSCs was successfully established. The expression level of NP-1 gene was significantly lower in BMSCs from AML (47.1%) and CML (50%) than in normal individuals (85%). Conclusion: NP-1 gene is expressed in BMSCs from some AML or CML patients and most normal individuals. The low-expression of NP-1 gene in BMSCs from AML or CML patients might be related with abnormality of regulation in hematopoiesis.

STI571 (Glivec) suppresses the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in the gastrointestinal stromal tumor cell line,GIST-T1

AIM： To estimate whether S-TI571 inhibits the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） in the gastrointestinal stromal tumor （GIST） cells. METHODS： We used GIST cell line, GIST-T1. It has a heterogenic 57-bp deletion in exon 11 to produce a mutated c-KIT, which results in constitutive activation of c-KIT. Cells were treated with/without STI571 or stem cell factor （SCF）. Transcription and expression of VEGF were determined by RT-PCR and flow cytometry or Western blotting, respectively. Activated c-KIT was estimated by immunoprecipitation analysis. Cell viability was determined by PITT assay. RESULTS： Activation of c-KIT was inhibited by STI571 treatment. VEGF was suppressed at both the transcriptional and translational levels in a temporal and dose-dependent manner by STI571. SCF upregulated the expression of VEGF and it was inhibited by S-13571. STI571 also reduced the cell viability of the GIST-T1 cells, as determined by PTT assay. CONCLUSION： Activation of c-KIT in the GIST-T1 regulated the expression of VEGF and it was inhibited by ST571. STI571 has antitumor effects on the GIST cells with respect to not only the inhibition of cell growth, but also the suppression of VEGF expression.

Stromal cell derived factor-1 enhances bone marrow mononuclear cell migration in mice with acute liver failure

AIM： To evaluate the number of bone marrow mononuclear cells （BMMC） that are migrated to the liver following transplantation of murine BMMC into mice with acute liver injury.METHODS： BMMC were isolated from the bone marrow of mice in a lymphocyte separation medium and then labeled with PKH26. The labeled cells were subsequently infused into the caudal veins of BALB/c mice with hepatic injury induced by carbon tetrachloride and 2-acetylaminofluorene. Mice in experimental group were treated with stromal cell-derived factor-1 （SDF-1） which was injected intraperitoneally after trans- plantation of BMMC. Mice in control group were injected intraperitoneally with 0.1 mL of saline （0.9% NaCl） after transplantation of BMMC. After 2 wk, migration of the cells in experimental group was studied by fluorescence microscopy. The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and albumin was quantified with manual methods in both groups. The serum transaminase levels at different time points were compared between the two groups.RESULTS： The labeled ＂cells＂ were found in the portal region and central veins of hepatic Iobules. The PKH26labeled cells appeared at an average frequency of 108 ± 8/high power field in the experiment group and 65 ± 8/high power field in the control group （P 〈 0.05）. The total number of positive cells was 29 ± 7/high power field in the experimental group and 13 ± 2/high power field in the control group. The albumin expression level was also higher in the experimental group than in the control group （29 ± 7 vs 13 ± 2, P 〈 0.05）. The total number of crossing points was 156 ± 5/high power field in the experimental group and 53 ± 5/high power field in the control group （P 〈 0.05）. The serum alanine aminotransferase levels in experimental and control groups were measured at different time points （120 ± 40 vs 118.50 ± 1.75, P 〉 0.05; 80.60 ± 6.50 vs 101.08 ± 5.67, P 〈 0.05; 50.74 ± 5.38 vs 80.47 ± 4.62, P 〈 0.05; 30.54 ± 2.70 vs 60.72 ± 4.37, P 〈 0.05; 30.77 ± 5.36 vs 40.47 ± 6.50, P 〈 0.05）. At the same time, the serum aspartate aminotransferase levels were measured in experimental and control groups at different time points （122.55 ± 1.46 vs 120.70 ± 4.22, P 〉 0.05; 54.26 ± 6.50 vs 98.70 ± 8.20, P 〈 0.05; 39.47 ± 5.39 vs 78.34 ± 4.50, P 〈 0.05; 28.94 ±2.70 vs 56.44 ± 4.28, P 〈 0.05; 30.77 ± 5.45 vs 42.50 ± 6.28, P 〈 0.05）.CONCLUSION： SDF-1 can promote the migration of BMMC to the liver of mice with acute liver failure.

Multifactor Regulation on Expressions of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in Endometrial Stromal Cells

Objective To investigate the regulatory effect of multifactor on the matrix metalloproteinases-9 （MMP-9） and the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 （TIMP-1） in endometrial stromal cells. Methods The endometrial stromal cells separated from the proliferative endometrial tissues were incubated with medium alone, 17-β estradiol （E2,10^-8 mol/L）, medroxyprogesterone acetate （MPA, 10^-6 mol/L）, E2（10^-8 mol/L）＋MPA （10^-6 mol/L）, E2 （10^-8 mol/L）＋MPA （10^-6 mol/L）＋RU486 （10^-5 mol/L） or HB-EGF （10 ng/ml） for 48 h respectively. The expressions of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were detected by in situ hybridization, immunocytochemistry, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） and Western blotting. Results Compared with control group [mRNA, 0. 729 ± 0. 090 （MMP-9） and 1.056± 0.154 （TIMP-1）; protein, 0.545 ±0.086 （MMP-9） and 0.745 ±0.154 （TIMP-1）], expressions of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in E2 alone, progestin alone or E2 combined with progestin group were respectively：mRNA, 0.413 ± 0.069, 0.402 ± 0.073 and 0.407 ± 0.039; 0.487 ± 0.093, 0.503 ± 0.093 and 0.468 ± 0.075：protein, 0.294 ± 0.076, 0.331 ±0.064 and 0.265 ±0.049; 0.425 ±0.085, 0.397 ±0.065 and 0.435 ± 0.099. RU486 weakened the expression level of down-regulation, while HB-EGF elevated the level of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 after 48 h treatment （mRNA, 0.955 ± 0.068 and 1.396 ± 0.238; protein, 0. 780 ± 0.109 and 0.985 ± 0.165）. Conclusions 1） Both E2 and progestin can down-regulate the expressions of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in endometrial stromal cells, but RU486 can inhibit the effect. 2） HB-EGF can elevate the level of MMP-9 and TIMP-1. 3） E2, progestin and HB-EGF have effect on the ratio of MM-P/TIMP-1.

Stromal cell-derived factor-1α promotes recruitment and differentiation of nucleus pulposus-derived stem cells

BACKGROUND Intervertebral disc(IVD) degeneration is a condition characterized by a reduction in the water and extracellular matrix content of the nucleus pulposus(NP) and is considered as one of the dominating contributing factors to low back pain. Recent evidence suggests that stromal cell-derived factor 1α(SDF-1α) and its receptor CX-C chemokine receptor type 4(CXCR4) direct the migration of stem cells associated with injury repair in different musculoskeletal tissues.AIM To investigate the effects of SDF-1α on recruitment and chondrogenic differentiation of nucleus pulposus-derived stem cells(NPSCs).METHODS We performed real-time RT-PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to examine the expression of SDF-1α in nucleus pulposus cells after treatment with pro-inflammatory cytokines in vitro. An animal model of IVD degeneration was established using annular fibrosus puncture in rat coccygeal discs. Tissue samples were collected from normal control and degeneration groups.Differences in the expression of SDF-1α between the normal and degenerative IVDs were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The migration capacity of NPSCs induced by SDF-1α was evaluated using wound healing and transwell migration assays. To determine the effect of SDF-1α on chondrogenic differentiation of NPSCs, we conducted cell micromass culture and examined the expression levels of Sox-9, aggrecan, and collagen II. Moreover, the roles of SDF-1/CXCR4 axis in the migration and chondrogenesis differentiation of NPSCs were analyzed by immunofluorescence, immunoblotting, and real-time RT-PCR.RESULTS SDF-1α was significantly upregulated in the native IVD cells cultured in vitro with pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α, mimicking the degenerative settings. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the level of SDF-1α was also significantly higher in the degenerative group than in the normal group. SDF-1α enhanced the migration capacity of NPSCs in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, SDF-1α induced chondrogenic differentiation of NPSCs, as evidenced by the increased expression of chondrogenic markers using histological and immunoblotting analyses. Realtime RT-PCR, immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence showed that SDF-1αnot only increased CXCR4 expression but also stimulated translocation of CXCR4 from the cytoplasm to membrane, accompanied by cytoskeletal rearrangement.Furthermore, blocking CXCR4 with AMD3100 effectively suppressed the SDF-1α-induced migration and differentiation capacities of NPSCs.CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate that SDF-1α has the potential to enhance recruitment and chondrogenic differentiation of NPSCs via SDF-1/CXCR4 chemotaxis signals that contribute to IVD regeneration.

Stromal cell-derived factor-1α regulates chondrogenic differentiation via activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in mesenchymal stem cells

BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)have been applied to treat degenerative articular diseases,and stromal cell-derived factor-1α(SDF-1α)may enhance their therapeutic efficacy.However,the regulatory effects of SDF-1αon cartilage differentiation remain largely unknown.Identifying the specific regulatory effects of SDF-1αon MSCs will provide a useful target for the treatment of degenerative articular diseases.AIM To explore the role and mechanism of SDF-1αin cartilage differentiation of MSCs and primary chondrocytes.METHODS The expression level of C-X-C chemokine receptor 4(CXCR4)in MSCs was assessed by immunofluorescence.MSCs treated with SDF-1αwere stained for alkaline phosphatase(ALP)and with Alcian blue to observe differentiation.Western blot analysis was used to examine the expression of SRY-box transcription factor 9,aggrecan,collagen II,runt-related transcription factor 2,collagen X,and matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)13 in untreated MSCs,of aggrecan,collagen II,collagen X,and MMP13 in SDF-1α-treated primary chondrocytes,of glycogen synthase kinase 3β(GSK3β)p-GSK3βandβ-catenin expression in SDF-1α-treated MSCs,and of aggrecan,collagen X,and MMP13 in SDF-1α-treated MSCs in the presence or absence of ICG-001(SDF-1αinhibitor).RESULTS Immunofluorescence showed CXCR4 expression in the membranes of MSCs.ALP stain was intensified in MSCs treated with SDF-1αfor 14 d.The SDF-1αtreatment promoted expression of collagen X and MMP13 during cartilage differentiation,whereas it had no effect on the expression of collagen II or aggrecan nor on the formation of cartilage matrix in MSCs.Further,those SDF-1α-mediated effects on MSCs were validated in primary chondrocytes.SDF-1αpromoted the expression of p-GSK3βandβ-catenin in MSCs.And,finally,inhibition of this pathway by ICG-001(5μmol/L)neutralized the SDF-1α-mediated up-regulation of collagen X and MMP13 expression in MSCs.CONCLUSION SDF-1αmay promote hypertrophic cartilage differentiation in MSCs by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.These findings provide further evidence for the use of MSCs and SDF-1αin the treatment of cartilage degeneration and osteoarthritis.