Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein enhances the vascularization of acellular nerves

Vascularization of acellular nerves has been shown to contribute to nerve bridging.In this study,we used a 10-mm sciatic nerve defect model in rats to determine whether cartilage oligomeric matrix protein enhances the vascularization of injured acellular nerves.The rat nerve defects were treated with acellular nerve grafting（control group） alone or acellular nerve grafting combined with intraperitoneal injection of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein（experimental group）.As shown through two-dimensional imaging,the vessels began to invade into the acellular nerve graft from both anastomotic ends at day 7 post-operation,and gradually covered the entire graft at day 21.The vascular density,vascular area,and the velocity of revascularization in the experimental group were all higher than those in the control group.These results indicate that cartilage oligomeric matrix protein enhances the vascularization of acellular nerves.

Simulating the in vivo tumor microenvironment-advances in building a vascularized model of hepatocellular carcinoma through 3D bioprinting

Over the past decade,there has been notable progress in the systemic treatment of liver cancer.However,despite the emergence of new therapeutic strategies,they have not universally achieved success,with patients afflicted by liver diseases frequently displaying resistance to these treatments(1).Consequently,liver cancer remains a global health challenge,and hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)stands as the fourth most common cause of cancer-related deaths globally,constituting 80-90%of primary liver cancer cases(2,3).This poses a substantial threat to both the survival and overall well-being of individuals.

Advances in hydrogel-based vascularized tissues for tissue repair and drug screening

The construction of biomimetic vasculatures within the artificial tissue models or organs is highly required for conveying nutrients,oxygen,and waste products,for improving the survival of engineered tissues in vitro.In recent times,the remarkable progress in utilizing hydrogels and understanding vascular biology have enabled the creation of three-dimensional(3D)tissues and organs composed of highly complex vascular systems.In this review,we give an emphasis on the utilization of hydrogels and their advantages in the vascularization of tissues.Initially,the significance of vascular elements and the regeneration mechanisms of vascularization,including angiogenesis and vasculogenesis,are briefly introduced.Further,we highlight the importance and advantages of hydrogels as artificial microenvironments in fabricating vascularized tissues or organs,in terms of tunable physical properties,high similarity in physiological environments,and alternative shaping mechanisms,among others.Furthermore,we discuss the utilization of such hydrogels-based vascularized tissues in various applications,including tissue regeneration,drug screening,and organ-on-chips.Finally,we put forward the key challenges,including multifunctionalities of hydrogels,selection of suitable cell phenotype,sophisticated engineering techniques,and clinical translation behind the development of the tissues with complex vasculatures towards their future development.

Effects of cold-damp and hot-damp environment on VEGF and IL-1 expression in joint cartilage cells in adjuvant arthritis in rats

OBJECTIVE:To study the effects of environmental factors on the degree of injury and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) and interleukin-1(IL-1) in cartilage cells of the joint in a rat model of adjuvant arthritis(AA).METHODS:SD rats aged 10 months were randomly divided into 4 groups that varied by temperature and humidity housing conditions and induction of AA:a control group,a model group,a cold-damp group,and a hot-damp group.All groups except the control group were induced with AA.After 4 w,VEGF and IL-1 expression in cartilage cells of ankle joints of hind limbs were observed.RESULTS:Mean area,optical density,and numbers of VEGF-and IL-1-positive cells in the model group,the cold-damp group,and the hot-damp group were significantly higher than that of the control group(all P<0.05).Optical density and positive cell numbers in the cold-damp group and the hot-damp group were significantly higher than that of the model group(all P<0.05).Optical density and positive cell numbers in the hot-damp group were significantly higher than that of the cold-damp group.Bone in the hot-damp and cold-damp groups was severely injured.CONCLUSION:Environmental factors such as high humidity combined with either high or low temperature increase the severity of damage and expression of VEGF and IL-1 in cartilage cells of joints in rats induced with AA.