Three-dimensional culture of endometrial cells: an in vitro model of endometriosis

Endometriosis is the presence of endometrial tissue outside of the uterine cavity and is the most common gynecologic disorder in women of reproductive age. Although the quality of life for women with endometriosis is severely compromised, very little is known about the pathophysiology of endometriosis and current therapeutic strategies provide temporary symptomatic relief but not a cure. Endometriosis remains poorly understood primarily because of an inability to identify patients with early stage disease. Animal models have been developed to study early endometriosis but all have some problems that limit their usefulness in determination of the pathophysiology of endometriosis as it occurs in the human. We have preliminary evidence that in the presence of a three-dimensional fibrin matrix, human endometrial glands, stroma, and neovascularization can develop in vitro, mimicking the earliest stages of endometriosis. We believe this model system reflects the situation in the peritoneal cavity of women following retrograde menstruation when endometrial fragments, fibrin, leucocytes and cytokines are trapped in pockets in the dependent parts of the pelvis, allowing endometrial cell proliferation, invasion and angiogenesis to occur. In the present review article, we will further discuss this in vitro model of early endometriosis and discuss possible anti-angiogenic drugs that are already commercially available in an attempt to find an effective and specific treatment for endometriosis.     

Factors influencing multinucleated giant cell formation in vitro

Macrophages fuse together to form multinucleated giant cells (MGC) in granulomas associated with various pathological conditions. Improved in vitro methods are required to better enable investigations of MGC biology and potential contribution to disease. There is a need for standardization of MGC quantification, purification of MGC populations, and characterization of how cell culture variables influence MGC formation. This study examined solutions to address these needs while providing context with other current and alternative methods. Primary mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages were treated with interleukin-4, a cytokine known to induce fusion into MGC. This model was used to systematically assess the influence of cell stimulant timing, cell seeding density, colony stimulating factors, and culture vessel type. Results indicated that MGC formation is greatly impacted by alterations in certain culture variables. An assessment of previously published research showed that these culture conditions varied widely between different laboratories, which may explain inconsistencies in the literature. A particularly novel and unexpected observation was that MGC formation appears to be greatly increased by silicone, which is a component of a chamber slide system commonly used for MGC studies. The most successful quantification method was fluorescent staining with semi-automated morphological evaluation. The most successful enrichment method was microfiltration. Overall, this study takes steps toward standardizing in vitro methods, enhancing replicability, and guiding investigators attempting to culture, quantify, and enrich MGC.     

Phenotypic characterization of mononuclear and multinucleated cells of giant cell reparative granuloma of small bones

Four cases of giant cell reparative granuloma (GCRG) of small bones were analysed in order to determine the pathogenesis of the lesion and the nature of the component mononuclear and multinucleated cells. In cell cultures, giant cells formed a non-proliferating homogeneous population which expressed features characteristic of the osteoclast phenotype, including leucocyte common antigen, CD68, vitronectin receptor, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase. The giant cells were capable of lacunar resorption and their activity was inhibited by calcitonin. In addition to numerous macrophage-like cells, some of which expressed osteoclast phenotypic characteristics, there were also mononuclear stromal cells which proliferated in culture and were alkaline phosphatase-positive; these cells expressed receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL) and were capable of supporting human osteoclast formation from circulating precursors in vitro. These findings suggest that the osteoclast-like giant cells in GCRG of small bones are formed from monocyte/macrophage-like osteoclast precursors which differentiate into osteoclasts under the influence of mononuclear osteoblast-like stromal cells.     

Immunophenotype of multinucleated and mononuclear cells in giant cell lesions of bone and soft tissue.

AIMS: To compare the antigenic phenotype of giant cells in giant cell lesions of bone and soft tissue with that of osteoclasts and macrophage polykaryons. METHODS: Formalin fixed, paraffin wax embedded sections of 106 giant cell lesions, 19 granulomatous, and 14 osteoclast containing lesions were immuno-histochemically stained for leucocyte common antigen (LCA), CD68, and HLA-DR. RESULTS: Osteoclasts and giant cells of giant cell tumour of bone and giant cell reparative granuloma could be distinguished by their generalised absence of HLA-DR reaction from macrophage polykaryons and giant cells in other giant cell lesions of bone and soft tissue. Staining for LCA, CD68, and HLA-DR was useful in distinguishing reactive histiocytic giant cells and osteoclasts from tumour giant cells. CONCLUSIONS: A panel of macrophage associated antigens should be diagnostically useful in differentiating the histological nature of giant cells in various giant cell lesions of bone and soft tissue.     

Mesenchymal stem cells can be differentiated into endothelial cells in vitro

Human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the potential to differentiate into mesenchymal tissues like osteocytes, chondrocytes, and adipocytes in vivo and in vitro. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro differentiation of MSCs into cells of the endothelial lineage. MSCs were generated out of mononuclear bone marrow cells from healthy donors separated by density gradient centrifugation. Cells were characterized by flow cytometry using a panel of monoclonal antibodies and were tested for their potential to differentiate along different mesenchymal lineages. Isolated MSCs were positive for the markers CD105, CD73, CD166, CD90, and CD44 and negative for typical hematopoietic and endothelial markers. They were able to differentiate into adipocytes and osteocytes after cultivation in respective media. Differentiation into endothelial-like cells was induced by cultivation of confluent cells in the presence of 2% fetal calf serum and 50 ng/ml vascular endothelial growth factor. Laser scanning cytometry analysis of the confluent cells in situ showed a strong increase of expression of endothelial-specific markers like KDR and FLT-1, and immunofluorescence analysis showed typical expression of the von Willebrand factor. The functional behavior of the differentiated cells was tested with an in vitro angiogenesis test kit where cells formed characteristic capillary-like structures. We could show the differentiation of expanded adult human MSCs into cells with phenotypic and functional features of endothelial cells. These predifferentiated cells provide new options for engineering of artificial tissues based on autologous MSCs and vascularized engineered tissues.     

人骨髓胚胎样干细胞向多核肌纤维诱导分化的研究

目的: 比较骨髓来源的胚胎样干细胞(ELSCs)与间充质干细胞(MSCs)的体外成肌分化能力。方法:采用胚胎干细胞扩增用的无血清Knockout-DMEM培养基在明胶包被过的培养瓶中培养人骨髓单个核细胞以分离ELSCs,传统方法从相同骨髓中分离MSCs,倒置相差显微镜下观察细胞形态特征,采用免疫荧光染色鉴定多潜能抗原标志的表达。成肌分化液分别培养ELSCs和MSCs,采用免疫染色法检测肌纤维特异性抗原标志肌球蛋白重链(MHC)、成肌素(myogenin)和MyoD蛋白的表达, RT-PCR检测MHC、myogenin和MyoD mRNA的表达,计算MHC阳性肌纤维的比例以比较ELSCs与MSCs的体外成肌分化能力。结果:无血清培养基可从骨髓中分离到弱表达多潜能抗原标志Oct-4、Nanog-3和Sox-2的ELSCs,体积较小,形态纤细均一,在形态方面不同于相同骨髓来源的MSCs,后者不表达多潜能抗原标志。在成肌分化液中培养,ELSCs和MSCs均可被诱导为在蛋白和mRNA水平表达MHC和myogenin的多核肌纤维,但诱导培养10 d时,ELSCs的MHC蛋白阳性肌纤维的比例为(25.7±4.1)%,MSCs为(15.8±7.6)%,ELSCs的成肌分化能力明显高于MSCs(P<0.05)。 结论:骨髓ELSCs能被诱导为多核肌纤维,并具有比来自相同骨髓的MSCs更强的成肌分化能力,ELSCs是肌病治疗更理想的种子细胞。     

一种改良的间歇性低氧细胞模型方法

 目的: 研制细胞氧舱,建立间歇性低氧(intermittent hypoxia,IH)细胞模型并进行验证。方法: 定制细胞实验舱和空气模拟对照舱,根据氧分压-时间曲线设计间歇低氧模式。将人肺腺癌细胞A549随机分为正常对照(Con)组、间歇低氧6 h(6IH)组、间歇低氧9 h(9IH)组、空气模拟对照6 h(6AC)组、空气模拟对照9 h(9AC)组、持续低氧4 h(4SH)组、持续低氧6 h(6SH)组。暴露结束后光镜下观察细胞形态改变,real-time PCR、免疫组化法检测缺氧诱导因子1α(HIF-1α)的mRNA和蛋白表达变化。结果: 该模型间歇低氧模式为5% O₂ 60 min-20% O₂ 30 min,6个循环。与Con组比较,6AC、9AC组为原本细胞形态,6IH、9IH和6SH组部分细胞出现突起、变圆,胞质中出现较多黑色颗粒,细胞边界模糊,而4SH组未见明显异常。与6IH组比较,9IH组HIF-1α的mRNA和蛋白表达量明显增加(P<0.05);6IH和9IH组HIF-1α的mRNA 和蛋白分别高于4SH和6SH组(P<0.05);6AC、9AC组与Con组比较差异不显著。结论: 5% O₂ 60 min-20% O₂ 30 min的间歇性低氧-复氧细胞模式能模拟阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征病理生理过程,是研究该疾病较理想的细胞模型。     

Spontaneous generation of functional osteoclasts from synovial fluid mononuclear cells as a model of inflammatory osteoclastogenesis

In osteoimmunology, osteoclastogenesis is understood in the context of the immune system. Today, the in vitro model for osteoclastogenesis necessitates the addition of recombinant human receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐B ligand (RANKL) and macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (M‐CSF). The peripheral joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondyloarthritis (SpA) are characterized by an immune‐mediated inflammation that can lead to bone destruction. Here, we evaluate spontaneous in vitro osteoclastogenesis in cultures of synovial fluid mononuclear cells (SFMCs) activated only in vivo. SFMCs were isolated and cultured for 21 days at 0.5–1.0 × 10⁶ cells/mL in culture medium. SFMCs and healthy control peripheral blood monocytes were cultured with RANKL and M‐CSF as controls. Tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) positive multinucleated cells were found in the SFMC cultures after 21 days. These cells expressed the osteoclast genes calcitonin receptor, cathepsin K, and integrin β3, formed lacunae on dentin plates and secreted matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and TRAP. Adding RANKL and M‐CSF potentiated this secretion. In conclusion, we show that SFMCs from inflamed peripheral joints can spontaneously develop into functionally active osteoclasts ex vivo. Our study provides a simple in vitro model for studying inflammatory osteoclastogenesis.     

Subcutaneous adipocytes can differentiate into bone-forming cells in vitro and in vivo

Interconversion of bone marrow osteoblasts and adipocytes has been reported previously. However, the osteogenic potential of extramedullary adipocytes is not known. Thus, we incubated a pure culture of human subcutaneous adipocytes in control medium for 1-2 weeks. Afterward, the cells were incubated in either osteoblast medium (OB medium) containing various combinations of calcitriol, dexamethasone, ascorbic acid, and beta-glycerophosphate or in adipocyte medium (AD medium) containing HEPES, biotin, pantothenate, insulin, triiodothyronine, dexamethasone, and isobutylmethylxanthine for 4 weeks. Expression of osteoblastic and adipocytic phenotypes was examined by determination of lineage-specific mRNA markers and in vitro adipocyte and osteoblast formation. Cells were also implanted, mixed with hydroxyapatite-tricalcium phosphate powder, in the subcutaneous tissue of immunodeficient mice in order to assess in vivo bone formation potential. One week after incubation in control medium, cells formed fusiform elongated fibroblast-like cells. In OB medium, cells stained positive for alkaline phosphatase (AP) and expressed mRNAs encoding Cbfa1/Runx2, AP, and osteocalcin. In AD medium cells reacquired adipocyte morphology with multilocular lipid-filled cells. Also, the cells expressed adipocyte-specific mRNA markers: lipoprotein lipase and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma2. Bone was formed only in the in vivo implants of cells incubated in OB medium. In conclusion, extramedullary adipocytes can transdifferentiate to bone-forming cells. Because of their ease of isolation, adipocytes may be good candidates for tissue-engineering protocols aimed at creating bone tissue for the repair of nonunion fractures and large bone defects.     

Endothelial cell heterogeneity in experimentally-induced rabbit atherosclerosis. Demonstration of multinucleated giant endothelial cells by scanning electron microscopy and cell culture

We investigated the aortic endothelial cells of cholesterol-fed rabbits, using scanning electron microscopy and a cell culture technique. Rabbits were given a 1% cholesterol diet intermittently for up to 40 weeks. In these animals, the area of endothelial cells was increased and the cells showed polymorphism in relation to the progression of atherosclerosis. In animals fed the cholesterol diet for 12, 28 and 40 weeks, the average area of the endothelial cells was 436±15, 762±153, and 836±165 m², respectively. In the cholesterol-fed 40-week group, in particular, giant endothelial cells, measuring more than 1200 m², accounted for 14% of the population. In animals fed a standard diet there was no significant difference in endothelial cell morphology between control 0-week and control 40-week groups; in both, the luminal surface of the thoracic aorta formed a homogeneous sheet covered by small rhomboidal endothelial cells, the area of most being less than 400 m². Primary cultured endothelial cells harvested from those control groups were mononuclear typical small cells with a centrally located nucleus; the proportion of binucleated cells was less than 2% and no multinucleated giant cells with three or more nuclei were detected. Endothelial cells from the cholesterol-fed groups, however, contained larger numbers of binucleated cells, with the number increasing in proportion to the duration of cholesterol feeding. The major distinguishing feature of the endothelial cells in the cholesterol-fed groups was the presence of multinucleated giant cells with three or more nuclei; these accounted for 2.3% and 3.3% of the total cell population in the cholesterol-fed 28- and 40-week groups, respectively. No bromodeoxyuridine uptake was found in the nuclei of the cultured multinucleated giant cells. Heterogeneity of endothelial cells, with the concomitant appearance of multinucleated giant cells, emerges with the progression of diet-induced atherosclerosis. The morphological alterations of endothelial cells observed in the present study intimately reflect changes in their function associated with the progression of atherosclerotic lesions.     

骨髓间充质干细胞向心肌细胞分化的体外诱导实验

目的:研究大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞(MSCs)经5-氮杂胞苷诱导在体外分化为心肌样细胞的情况,为心衰的干细胞移植治疗提供实验依据。方法:分离培养大鼠MSCs,用不同浓度5-氮杂胞苷诱导不同时间,用形态学、PAS反应、免疫细胞化学等鉴定。结果:诱导细胞以梭形、柱状为主,部分细胞有分支,单核,核卵圆形、居中,类似心肌细胞形态;PAS反应阳性;诱导培养2周,Sarcomeric actin和Connexin-43表达较弱,以后逐渐增强。以10-5mol/L5-氮杂胞苷诱导24h效果最佳。结论:MSCs在5-氮杂胞苷诱导下可定向分化为心肌样细胞,可望成为自体心肌细胞的一种良好供体来源。     

Atherosclerosis- and age-related multinucleated variant endothelial cells in primary culture from human aorta

Endothelial cells were cultured from human aortas and inferior venae cavae of autopsied subjects ranging in age from infancy to 85 years. Endothelial cells in 32 of more than 100 attempted cultures were pure enough for evaluation. Emerged endothelial cells in primary culture were classified into two types: typical endothelium and variant endothelium. Typical endothelial cells were small, round to polygonal shaped, and were arranged uniformly. Their diameter ranged from 50 to 70 microns. Variant endothelial cells were larger, ranging from 100 to 200 microns in diameter, and giant endothelial cells measuring more than 250 microns in diameter were scattered among them. Variant endothelial cells were usually multinucleated and possessed endothelium-specific markers of vWF and Weibel-Palade bodies. No incorporation of [3H]thymidine was found in the nuclei of cultured variant endothelial cells. Although most cultured endothelial cells were of the typical type, variant endothelial cells were interspersed throughout the culture. The ratio of variant endothelial cells to typical cells correlated well with the severity of atherosclerosis, but less so with aging. The number of variant endothelial cells in cultures from inferior venae cavae was slight and constant throughout all age groups. The presence of multinucleated endothelial cells in in vivo aortas was confirmed by both scanning and transmission electron microscopy. They sometimes existed in colonies in the aortas from elderly subjects with intimal-thickened or advanced atherosclerotic lesions. These results indicate that variant endothelial cells were present in vivo and their ratio in primary culture reflected the in vivo population. It is likely that these cells were formed by adhesion of adjacent typical endothelial cells and that this process was affected more by atherosclerosis than by aging. Although it is not clear if the multinucleated variant cells were formed before the formation of atherosclerotic plaque or after the plaque formation, they will contribute to further development of atherosclerotic lesions, which in turn cause malfunction of the cell membrane. We suggest that there is a cyclic effect of these processes for multiplication of the variant endothelial cells and advancement of atherosclerotic lesions.     

Diabetes-prone NOD mice show an expanded subpopulation of mature circulating monocytes, which preferentially develop into macrophage-like cells in vitro

In the nonobese diabetic (NOD) mouse, a model of autoimmune diabetes, dendritic cells (DC), and macrophages (Mphi) is important for the initiation and progression of autoimmunity and the final destruction of beta-cells. Previous studies suggested that an aberrant development of DC and Mphi is related to their pathogenic function. To study this in vivo, we investigated NOD mouse monocytes, the direct precursors of DC, and Mphi. The recently described discrimination between immature (Ly-6C(high)) and mature (Ly-6C(low)) monocytes enabled us to investigate the apportioning between blood monocyte populations in the NOD mouse, which had an abnormally high number of mature monocytes in circulation, and this phenomenon appeared to be intrinsic to the NOD background, as nonobese resistant (NOR) and NOD-H2b mice also showed this altered balance. After depletion by apoptosis-inducing liposomes, the reappearance and transition of immature-to-mature monocytes had similar kinetics as control mice but led again to the presence of a larger, mature monocyte compartment in the blood. In addition, although monocytes from C57BL mice down-regulated their capability to adhere to fibronectin and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 upon maturation, the mature NOD monocytes retained their high adhesion capacity, characteristic of immature cells. Furthermore, both monocyte subpopulations of NOD mice showed enhanced differentiation into Mphi-like F4/80(high) cells in vitro. In conclusion, mice with the NOD background have raised numbers of mature monocytes in the circulation and a proinflammatory, Mphi-directed monocyte development.     

骨肉瘤细胞脱逸化疗诱导的细胞衰老可重新增殖成瘤细胞

目的探讨骨肉瘤细胞(OS)能否脱逸化疗至细胞衰老和再增殖;评价逃逸衰老的细胞成瘤能力,从新的角度解释骨肉瘤复发的机制。方法多柔比星(DOX)诱导骨肉瘤细胞U2OS和MG63制备衰老的细胞模型,SA-Gal染色法检测细胞衰老;Western blot检测衰老相关分子。更换成不含DOX的培养基培养75 d,细胞计数检测细胞增殖和计算脱逸率。而后分为3组:对照组、衰老细胞组和脱逸衰老细胞组,琼脂糖克隆实验检测集落形成和裸鼠成瘤实验检测成瘤能力。结果超过90%的U2OS和MG63呈SA-Gal染色阳性;衰老相关的细胞分子p-p53、p-Rb和p-γH2AX明显升高(P<0.05)。75 d后,观察到有细胞重新增殖(脱逸率百万分之一),具有集落形成和裸鼠成瘤能力。结论衰老的骨肉瘤细胞能够脱逸细胞衰老状态重新增殖并具有成瘤能力。