低体重早产儿内皮祖细胞体外血管生成能力研究

目的：探讨低体重早产儿的内皮祖细胞（endothelial progenitor cells, EPCs）血管生成能力及调控机制。方法：收集15例低体重早产儿（胎龄小于37周且体重小于 2.5 kg）和19例对照足月儿（胎龄大于37周且体重大于等于2.5 kg）的脐带血,于诱导分化前用流式细胞仪检测EPCs（CD34⁺/CD133⁺/VEGFR2⁺）的数量。分离培养后,检测EPCs克隆形成时间、克隆形成能力、细胞增殖能力和小管形成能力。用蛋白印迹法检测EPCs中血管内皮钙粘蛋白（vascular endothelial cadherin,VE-cadherin）和血管内皮生长因子受体2（vascular endothelial growth factor receptors 2,VEGFR2）的表达情况。结果：与足月儿相比（0.003%±0.002%）,低体重早产儿脐带血中的EPCs百分比（0.0026%±0.0025%）并无变化,但EPCs克隆形成时间推迟（18 d比12 d）,克隆形成能力、细胞增殖能力及小管形成能力均较足月儿下降（P均<0.05）。蛋白印迹法检测结果显示,低体重早产儿脐带血EPCs中的VE-cadherin和VEGFR2表达降低。结论：低体重早产儿的EPCs血管生成能力受损,可能与EPCs中血管内皮特异性标志物VE-cadherin、VEGFR2表达降低有关。     

粒细胞集落刺激因子动员对大鼠内皮祖细胞体外扩增的影响

背景:内皮祖细胞在缺血性疾病治疗应用中存在数量低的问题,许多细胞因子影响其动员效果和功能。目的:观察粒细胞集落刺激因子动员对体外扩增骨髓源性内皮祖细胞数量及功能的影响。设计、时间及地点:细胞学体外观察,于2007-08/2008-03在北京大学人民医院肝病研究所完成。材料:SPF级健康成年SD雄性大鼠16只,随机分为动员组和对照组,8只/组。重组人粒细胞集落刺激因子为麒麟鲲鹏生物药业有限公司产品。方法:实验前动员组大鼠皮下注射经生理盐水稀释的重组人粒细胞集落刺激因子10μg/kg,2次/d,共5d。采用密度梯度离心法分别从两组大鼠骨髓获取单个核细胞,洗涤后按2×107/孔接种在包被大鼠纤连蛋白的6孔板上,采用贴壁法纯化得到内皮祖细胞。主要观察指标:骨髓单个核细胞集落数及细胞表型,骨髓源性内皮祖细胞贴壁情况及细胞表型,通过DiI-acLDL摄取、体外血管生成进行内皮祖细胞功能学鉴定,透射电镜观察细胞超微结构。结果:与对照组比较,动员组骨髓单个核细胞集落增多,CD45 /CD34 、CD133 和Flk-1 阳性率均明显升高(F=5.655~61.892,P<0.05)。培养第7,9天与对照组比较,动员组骨髓源性内皮祖细胞贴壁数、CD45 /CD34 、CD133 和Flk-1 阳性率均明显升高(F=5.694~38.879,P<0.05)。贴壁细胞F1TC-UEA-1/Dil-acLDL双荧光染色阳性率为90%,接种于Matrigel包被的培养板24h后形成毛细血管索样结构,胞质内有Weibel-Palade小体存在。结论:粒细胞集落刺激因子动员能增加骨髓源性内皮祖细胞的数量,并促进其分化、增殖功能。     

PI3K/Akt参与内皮祖细胞分化的体外观察

背景:内皮祖细胞分化为成熟内皮细胞的分子机制尚不清楚,要通过包括PI3K/Akt信号通路在内的多个信号通路调节细胞内部多种基因的表达来完成.目的:分析PI3K/Akt信号传导通路在内皮祖细胞分化中的作用.设计、时间及地点:分组对照体外实验,于2007-09/2008-03在中国医科大学附属盛京医院病理实验室完成.材料:4～6周龄Wistar大鼠,雌雄不限.方法:采用密度梯度离心法从大鼠骨髓分离内皮祖细胞,经差速取二次贴壁细胞接种于培养瓶内.收集培养5 d的内皮祖细胞,用激光共聚焦显微镜鉴定,AC133和vWF双染阳性细胞为正在分化的内皮祖细胞.主要观察指标:应用Western blot和反转录-聚合酶链反应检测培养0,3,7,10,14 d的内皮祖细胞中AC133,vWF,P13K,Akt蛋白和mRNA表达水平.结果:经Western blot和反转录-聚合酶链反应检测,AC133在培养0 d表达最强,3 d有弱表达,7,10,14 d几乎没有表达(P < 0.05):vWF在堵养过程中表达强度没有明显变化(P>0,05):P13K和Akt在培养0 d表达最强,3 d表达稍弱,随着培养时间的延长,表达逐渐减弱.P13K/Akt与AC133表达趋势一致.结论:在内皮祖细胞分化为内皮细胞过程中,可能有信号传导通路PI3K/Akt的参与.     

间充质干细胞和内皮祖细胞对脐血造血干/祖细胞体外扩增效力的影响

目的比较脐带来源的间充质干细胞(Mesenchymal stem cells,MSCs)和内皮祖细胞(Endothelial progeni-tor cells,EPCs)对脐血造血干/祖细胞(Hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells,HSCs/HPCs)的体外扩增效力。方法正常人脐血中分离单个核细胞(Mononuclear cells,MNCs),流式细胞术检测其中HSCs/HPCs所占比例,将MNCs分别接种于处理后的MSCs或EPCs或仅接种于培养液中,比较不同培养条件对HSCs/HPCs扩增能力、表面抗原CD34的表达以及集落形成能力的影响。结果共培养过程中,MSC组和EPC组的MNCs扩增倍数均明显高于对照组,且EPC组更为显著。扩增7天后,对照组、MSC组和EPC组的HSCs/HPCs CD34的表达均较扩增前下降,其中EPC组下降的最为显著,MSC组最不显著。共培养4天后,MSC组的HSCs/HPCs集落形成总数为EPC组的2.47倍(**,P<0.01),共培养7天后,MSC组的HSCs/HPCs集落形成总数为EPC组的3.45倍(**,P<0.01);EPC组与对照组的HSCs/HPCs集落形成总数无显著性差异。结论 MSC和EPC均可为HSCs/HPCs的体外扩增提供适宜的微环境,MSC可抑制HSCs/HPCs的分化,有助于维持其表面抗原CD34的表达,并保持其造血重建潜能和归巢能力;而EPC则可有效促进HSCs/HPCs的分化。     

低氧诱导因子过表达对人外周血内皮祖细胞分化影响的体外研究

为了研究低氧诱导因子（hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha,HIF-1α）在体外对人外周血内皮祖细胞（endothelial progenitor cells,EPC）向血管内皮细胞（endothelial cells,EC）分化的影响,用密度梯度离心法分离人外周血EPC,电穿孔技术转染HIF-1α质粒至EPC,计算转染效率,RT-PCR方法测定HIF-1α、HIF-1β及HIF-1α下游靶基因血管内皮生长因子（vascular endothelial growth factor,VEGF）mRNA在质粒转染前后含量变化,免疫细胞化学方法检测在常氧下HIF-1α蛋白在HIF-1α质粒转染前后不同时点蛋白表达情况,细胞膜表面抗原决定簇流式细胞术测定FITC-CD31^＋EPCs/EC在未转染组、pEGFP空质粒或HIF-1α质粒转染组转染3-10天后的组间差异,光镜下观察转染前后细胞形态及分化程度.结果表明：EPC获得后经电穿孔转染,质粒转染效率约20%;RT-PCR示HIF-1α mRNA在常氧中有表达,并在HIF-1α过表达组合量增加（P＜0.05）;其下游靶基因VEGF在HIF-1α过表达组表达上调（P＜0.05）;HIF-1β表达在各组中无明显差异（P＞0.05）.免疫组织化学显示常氧下HIF-1α蛋白无表达,转染HIF-1α质粒12小时后HIF-1α蛋白表达阳性,转染24小时后蛋白表达阴性.流式细胞仪检测显示电穿孔转染HIF-1α质粒使CD31＋细胞的百分比增加（P＜0.05）.细胞形态学观察显示：未转染及pEGFP空质粒转染组细胞在培养6天后呈集落样散在分布,培养14天后贴壁细胞部分呈梭样;穿孔转染的HIF-1α质粒组细胞于培养6天后集落周边分化出梭样贴壁细胞,培养14天后呈梭样,或铺路石样牢固贴壁.结论：HIF-1α质粒能有效地用于基因干扰治疗,有助于EPC向EC分化,为体内研究奠定了基础,也为进一步体内诱导血管新生、治疗缺血性心脏病提供了更广阔的治疗选择.     

内皮祖细胞移植对犬心肌梗死后血管新生、心肌修复及心功能的影响

目的:本实验采用犬外周血血管内皮祖细胞(EPCs)体外扩增后,经皮穿刺行心肌梗死犬心外膜下移植,观察其对急性心肌梗死后心肌再生及心功能改变的影响。方法:犬自体EPCs体外扩增后,在超声引导下,经皮穿刺行心肌梗死犬心外膜下局部注射移植入心肌梗死区域,1、2、4、8周后取心肌标本,应用超声心动图检测心功能,应用TTC染色法检测梗死心肌面积及免疫组织化学方法检测梗死区血管密度。结果:自体血管内皮祖细胞移植1、2、4、8周后梗死区血管密度高于对照组(P<0.01),且随移植观察时间的延长,血管密度逐渐增加。移植1、2、4、8周后梗死心肌面积明显小于对照组(P<0.01),且随移植观察时间的延长,梗死心肌面积逐渐减少。内皮祖细胞移植组梗死心肌瘢痕边缘毛细血管密度明显高于对照组。内皮祖细胞移植组的左室射血分数较对照组明显提高(P<0.01),且随移植观察时间的延长,左室射血分数逐渐升高。结论:自体血管内皮祖细胞移植到心肌梗死犬缺血心肌后能分化为毛细血管内皮细胞,促进梗死后心肌血管新生及心肌修复,改善心功能。     

皮瓣组织修复中血管内皮生长因子的应用

血管内皮细胞生长因子(VEGF)是一种特异性的促血管生成因子，能够有效地改善皮瓣移植组织的血液循环，预防和治疗皮瓣缺血坏死。介绍VEGF的种类、生物学效应及影响其生物学效应的相关因素，着重总结近年来VEGF蛋白及其基因转入在皮瓣修复中的应用。VEGF在皮瓣修复中的应用相对较晚，但已取得巨大的进步。VEGF蛋白可以明显地提高各种类型皮瓣的成活率、促进预构皮瓣的血管化过程，而且术前应用可以达到类似皮瓣延迟的效果。VEGF的基因转入研究也已取得较大进展，质粒和腺病毒载体能够有效地将VEGF基因转入皮瓣组织，并在局部稳定持续表达VEGF蛋白，发挥其生物学效应，明显地改善局部血运，提高皮瓣成活率。     

血必净注射液对内毒素刺激内皮祖细胞增殖和黏附功能的影响

目的 观察细菌内毒素脂多糖(LPS )刺激人内皮祖细胞(EPCs )后不同浓度血必净注射液对其增殖、黏附功能的影响.方法 将EPCs 经复苏、培养、传代、鉴定为正在分化的EPCs 后,等量接种到培养板上,随机分为空白对照组[微血管内皮细胞培养液-2(EGM-2MV)]、LPS 组(100 μg/L)、血必净1 组(LPS 刺激EPCs 后加入5、25 、50 g/L 血必净注射液共同孵育)、血必净2 组(LPS 加5、25 、50 g/L 血必净注射液同时孵育EPCs),应用四甲基偶氮唑盐(MTT )比色法测定EPCs 的增殖和黏附能力[吸光度(A)值].结果 与空白对照组比较,LPS 组EPCs 增殖、黏附能力均显著降低(增殖能力:0.1077±0.0026 比0.1248±0.0037,黏附能力:0.0647±0.0020 比0.0770±0.0052,均P＜0.05);与LPS 组比较,不同浓度血必净组EPCs 增殖能力均明显提高,且呈剂量-效应关系(均P＜0.05),EPCs 黏附能力有所改善,但未见明显剂量-效应关系,以血必净1 组25 g/L 浓度升高更显著(0.0855±0.0030,P＜0.05).结论 单纯LPS 刺激可导致EPCs 增殖、黏附能力下降;血必净注射液可使受损的EPCs 增殖、黏附能力改善,其中增殖能力随血必净注射液剂量增加而增强,而黏附能力与血必净注射液剂量间未见明显关系.提示血必净注射液可不同程度中和LPS 对EPCs 的损伤,在革兰阴性杆菌所致脓毒症早期使用血必净注射液可能有更好的效果.     

内皮祖细胞与雌激素

背景：研究发现雌激素对血管内皮具有明显的保护作用,而内皮祖细胞作为内皮细胞的前体细胞参与内皮的修复。目的：总结内皮祖细胞生物特点及雌激素对内皮祖细胞作用的研究进展。方法：应用计算机检索PubMed数据库及CNKI数据库,在标题和摘要中以＂内皮祖细胞,雌激素＂或＂Endothelialprogenitorcells,estrogen＂为检索词进行检索。选择与内皮祖细胞生物学特点及雌激素对其作用研究相关的文献。结果与结论：内皮祖细胞存在于骨髓和外周血中,是具有增殖、迁移、黏附能力并分化为血管内皮细胞潜能的原始细胞,可作为未来治疗心血管疾病的重要的靶点。雌激素对内皮祖细胞有保护效应,能增强内皮祖细胞增殖、迁移、黏附等生物活性,同时还能延迟内皮祖细胞衰老、拮抗其凋亡。但雌激素影响内皮祖细胞生物活性的具体靶点及机制尚有待进一步研究。     

内皮祖细胞与雌激素

背景:研究发现雌激素对血管内皮具有明显的保护作用,而内皮祖细胞作为内皮细胞的前体细胞参与内皮的修复.目的:总结内皮祖细胞生物特点及雌激素对内皮祖细胞作用的研究进展.方法:应用计算机检索PubMed数据库及CNKI数据库,在标题和摘要中以"内皮祖细胞,雌激素"或"Endothelial progenitor cells,estrogen"为检索词进行检索.选择与内皮祖细胞生物学特点及雌激素对其作用研究相关的文献.结果与结论:内皮祖细胞存在于骨髓和外周血中,是具有增殖、迁移、黏附能力并分化为血管内皮细胞潜能的原始细胞,可作为未来治疗心血管疾病的重要的靶点.雌激素对内皮祖细胞有保护效应,能增强内皮祖细胞增殖、迁移、黏附等生物活性,同时还能延迟内皮祖细胞衰老、拮抗其凋亡.但雌激素影响内皮祖细胞生物活性的具体靶点及机制尚有待进一步研究.     

脓毒症患者外周血祖细胞和内皮祖细胞数量的变化

目的 检测脓毒症患者外周血单个核细胞(peripheral blood mononuelear cell,PBMC)中祖细胞和血管内皮祖细胞(endothelial progenitor cells,EPC)相对数量的变化,探讨感染性休克和非休克患者外周血EPC变化的特点.方法 收集2007年8月至2008年2月复大学附属中山医院急诊科收治的脓毒症患者27例进行前瞻性研究,其中感染性休克患者12例、非休克患者15例,另选10例健康成年人作为正常对照,ICU非脓毒症患者10例作为ICU对照.Ficoll梯度离心法分离外周血PBMC,通过流式细胞仪检测外周血PBMC标记的CDl33,CIY34和血管内皮牛长因子受体-2(vascular endothelialgrowth factor receptor-2.VEGFR-2)的表达情况,计算祖细胞以及内皮祖细胞的相对数量.组间比较采用单因素方差分析.结果 健康成年人外周血祖细胞、EPC数量较少,分别占PBMC的0.25%.4-0.14%和0.09%.4-0.02%;ICU非脓毒症患者祖细胞和EPC数量分别占PBMC的0.38%.4-0.29%和0.12%.4-O.02%,与正常对照组相比无明显的变化(P>0.05);脓毒症非休克组患者外周血祖细胞、EPC的数量明显增加,分别占PBMC的0.57%±0.12%和0.22%±0.10%,与正常对照组相比差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);感染性休克患者外周血祖细胞和EPE的数量明显减少,分别占PBMC的0.20%.4-0.12%和0.04%±O.01%,与非休克组、ICU对照组和正常对照组相比差异均具有统计学意义(P相似文献   

生理性缺血训练影响心肌缺血兔模型内皮祖细胞活力的基础研究

目的 研究生理性缺血训练(PIT)对于心肌缺血兔模型内皮祖细胞(EPCs)细胞活性的影响.方法 选取健康成年雄性新西兰兔18只,采用随机数字表法分为假手术组、心肌缺血组和PIT组,每组新西兰兔6只.诱发靶肌肉(腓肠肌)产生缺血性等长收缩,作为PIT的模型;冠状动脉左室支安装水囊梗阻器,制作可控性心肌缺血模型.造模成功7d后,心肌缺血组仅进行心肌缺血刺激,PIT组同时进行心肌缺血刺激和肢体PIT训练,假手术组为空白对照组,仅进行常规饲养.心肌缺血训练每日2次,每次2 min,每周5次,连续训练4周;PIT训练每日2次,每次4 min,每周5次,连续训练4周.3组新西兰兔均于造模成功7d后(训练前)和训练4周后(训练后)抽取外周血,分离和培养EPCs,进行细胞迁移能力、粘附能力测定,并进行外周血中EPCs和心肌缺血区毛细血管计数.结果 训练后,心肌缺血组和PIT组与组内训练前比较,EPCs的粘附能力均显著增加(P＜0.05).训练前,假手术组、心肌缺血组和PIT组EPCs迁移细胞数量分别为(77±10)个/高倍视野,(84±11)个/高倍视野,(81±13)个/高倍视野,组间差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);训练后,PIT组[(151±16)个/高倍视野]与心肌缺血组[(130±17)个/高倍镜视野]迁移的细胞数与组内训练前和假手术组比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).训练后,PIT组[(0.046±0.007)％]和心肌缺血组[(0.038±0.016)％]的EPCs与组内训练前和假手术组比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);且PIT组训练后与心肌缺血组训练后比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).Pearson相关分析表明,训练后,缺血心肌处的毛细血管数量与循环中的EPCs数量呈正相关.结论 PIT可以增加心肌缺血兔中内皮祖细胞的动员,从而增加缺血心肌处血管新生.     

血管内皮祖细胞移植治疗脊髓损伤的实验研究

目的 观察人的血管内皮祖细胞移植,对大鼠脊髓损伤的神经功能恢复的影响及移植细胞的存活和分化.方法 取由上海市发育生物学重点实验室提供的人血管内皮祖细胞,收集细胞悬液.将40只SD大鼠制备脊髓全横断模型,将存活的30只大鼠随机分为三组:假手术组(A组),10只,未做任何处理;手术/细胞组(B组),lO只,于距损伤区域1 cm椎管内注射7.5 μl,细胞总数为6×106个;手术/DMEM组(C组),10只,按B组方法注射等量DMEN.术后1、2,4、6和8周采用BBB后肢功能评分观察大鼠脊髓神经功能恢复情况,取出损伤的脊髓行免疫组织化学和原位杂交检测移植细胞在宿主脊髓内的存活和分化情况,再用SAS.1.3统计软件,分析行为学的变化,用秩和的Kruskal-Wallis Test和Nemenyi法检验,P<0.05为差异具有统计学意义.结果 BBB后肢功能评分显示术后各时间点A组与B、C组比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),B组与C组比较,在2、4、6和8周显示B组明显优于C组,但明显低于A组,上述差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05).原位杂交和免疫组化检测显示移植的内皮祖细胞不仅能在宿主体内存活而且一些移植的细胞嵌合到宿主脊髓并分化为血管.结论 人内皮祖细胞移植后,能够在脊髓内存活、并分化为血管内皮细胞并能促进损伤脊髓功能的恢复.     

Permanent atrial fibrillation impairs the function of circulating endothelial progenitor cells

Objective: to determine whether functions of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were impaired in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods: 35 patients with permanent AF (AF group) and 35 age and sex matched controls (control group) were collected. The numbers of circulating CD34⁺/KDR⁺ cells were determined with flow cytometry in the two groups. Cell proliferation, tube formation, nitric oxygen (NO) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were assayed.

Results: the numbers of CD34⁺/KDR⁺ cells were lower in the AF group than the control group (20.01 ± 12.66 /10⁵ vs 77.93 ± 58.93 /10⁵,p = 0.022). Colony formation unit (CFU) of EPCs were decreased in AF group compared to the control group（1.76 ± 0.59 CFU vs 3.45 ± 0.82 CFU, p = 0.0000). The AF group had lower cell proliferation ability than control group（0.401 ± 0.113 A vs 0.558 ± 0.130 A, p = 0.004). Tube formation ability was decreased in AF patients compared to controls（434.30 ± 96.22μm/mm² vs 568.09 ± 196.17μm/mm²,p = 0.041). AF patients had lower VEGF secretion than controls (27.35 ± 9.93 ng/L vs 41.86 ± 7.31 ng/L,p = 0.001）,they also had lower NO secretion than controls（16.55 ± 6.92μmol/l vs 23.65 ± 5.48,p = 0.012).

Conclusions: proliferation, tube formation and paracrine of EPCs were reduced in patients with permanent AF.     

脓毒症大鼠循环内皮祖细胞的数量变化及其意义

目的 观察并分析脓毒症时循环内皮祖细胞(cEPCs)数量变化及其意义.方法 采用盲肠结扎穿孔术制备雄性SD大鼠脓毒症模型(80只),设正常对照组(16只)、假手术组(80只).于制模后即刻、6、12、18 h及1、2、3、7 d各组取9只大鼠,动态观察外周血单个核细胞(PBMCs)中cEPCs数(流式细胞学法)及血中肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-10(IL-10)、D-二聚体[酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)]和抗凝血酶-Ⅲ(AT-Ⅲ,免疫浊度法)水平,肝、肾、肺组织湿/干重(W/D)比值.制模后1 d各组取8只大鼠,观察肝、肾、肺组织病理学变化及损伤评分.结果 制模后脓毒症大鼠cEPCs数量明显升高,于18 h达高峰[(7 161.9±689.8)个/106 PBMCs];血中TNF-α、IL-10、D-二聚体、AT-Ⅲ升高,分别于制模后12 h、12 h、3 d、18 h达峰值[(51.3±6.8) ng/L、(77.9±8.6) ng/L、(93.5±11.5) mg/L、(193.8±43.0) mg/L];肝、肾、肺W/D比值和组织损伤评分增加[18 h W/D比值:肝3.79±0.09,肾4.25±0.08,肺4.91±0.09;1 d组织损伤评分(分):肝1.86±0.26,肾5.14±0.34,肺6.57±0.37].模型组上述各指标均显著高于同期假手术组[18 h cEPCs数量(2 235.5±472.7)个/106 PBMCs,12 h TNF-α (14.3±5.8) ng/L,12 h IL-10 (35.0±5.8) ng/L,3 d D-二聚体(14.2±4.4) mg/L,18 h AT-Ⅲ (100.1±12.8) mg/L;18 h W/D比值:肝3.50±0.07,肾3.96±0.04,肺4.54±0.14;1 d组织损伤评分(分):肝0.29±0.18,肾0.57±0.20,肺1.14±0.51,P<0.05或P<0.01].相关分析显示,cEPCs数量与TNF-α(r=0.587)、IL-10(r=0.497)、D-二聚体(r=0.294)、AT-Ⅲ(r=0.690)及肝、肾、肺W/D比值(r1=0.532、r2=0.532、r3=0.679)均呈正相关(均P＜0.01).结论 脓毒症时cEPCs数量明显升高,其变化与炎症反应、凝血激活、毛细血管渗漏和组织损伤程度呈正相关.提示cEPCs数量增加是机体对脓毒症的反应,且数量变化可能代表炎症反应和内皮与组织损伤的程度.

Abstract：

Objective To observe the change in number of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (cEPCs) and analyze its significance in septic rat. Methods Septic model of male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats was reproduced by cecum ligation and puncture (n=80), and the normal control group (n=16) and sham operation group (n=80) were established. Nine rats in each group were used, and the cEPCs numbers in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs, by flow cytometry), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-10 (IL-10), D-dimer (by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, ELISA), antithrombase-Ⅲ (AT-Ⅲ, by immunonephelometry), wet/dry (W/D) ratio of liver, kidney and lung were determined at 0, 6, 12, 18 hours and 1, 2, 3, 7 days after reproduction of model. Eight rats in each group were used, and the pathologic changes in liver, kidney and lung at 1 day were observed, and the injury scores were evaluated. Results The cEPCs number was markedly increased, reaching the peak [(7 161.9±689.8)/106 PBMCs] at 18 hours. Circulating TNF-α, IL-10, D-dimer, AT-Ⅲ were found to be increased, and the levels reached the peak at 12 hours, 12 hours, 3 days, 18 hours, respectively [(51.3±6.8) ng/L, (77.9±8.6) ng/L, (93.5±11.5) mg/L, (193.8±43.0) mg/L]. W/D ratio was elevated and signs of injury to the liver, kidney, lung became more obvious (18-hour W/D of liver: 3.79±0.09, kidney: 4.25±0.08, lung: 4.91±0.09; 1-day tissue evaluation of liver: 1.86±0.26, kidney: 5.14±0.34, lung: 6.57±0.37). The levels of all parameters in model group were significantly higher than those in sham operation group [18-hour cEPCs numbers: (2 235.5±472.7)/106 PBMCs, 12-hour TNF-α: (14.3±5.8) ng/L, 12-hour IL-10: (35.0±5.8) ng/L, 3-day D-dimer: (14.2±4.4) mg/L, 18-hour AT-Ⅲ: (100.1±12.8) mg/L; 18-hour liver W/D ratio: 3.50±0.07, kidney: 3.96±0.04, lung: 4.54±0.14; 1-day tissue evaluation of liver: 0.29±0.18, kidney: 0.57±0.20, lung: 1.14±0.51, P<0.05 or P<0.01]. There was positive correlation between cEPCs numbers and TNF-α (r=0.587), IL-10 (r=0.497), D-dimer (r=0.294), AT-Ⅲ (r=0.690), and W/D ratio of liver, kidney, lung (r1=0.532, r2=0.532, r3=0.679, all P<0.01). Conclusion The cEPCs number markedly increases in septic rats, and it shows positive correlation with the degree of inflammatory reaction, blood clotting activation, capillary leakage and tissue damage. The increase of number of cEPCs is the result of reaction to sepsis, and its change in number might be valuable in evaluating the pathogenesis of sepsis.     

Reduced circulating endothelial progenitor cells in reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome

Background

The pathophysiology of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) remains elusive. Endothelial dysfunction might play a role, but direct evidence is lacking. This study aimed to explore whether patients with RCVS have a reduced level of circulating circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) to repair the dysfunctional endothelial vasomotor control.

Methods

We prospectively recruited 24 patients with RCVS within one month of disease onset and 24 healthy age- and sex-matched controls. Flow cytometry was used to quantify the numbers of circulating EPCs, defined as KDR⁺CD133⁺, CD34⁺CD133⁺, and CD34⁺KDR⁺ double-positive mononuclear cells. The Lindegaard index, an index of vasoconstriction, was calculated by measuring the mean flow velocity of middle cerebral arteries and distal extracranial internal carotid arteries via color-coded sonography on the same day as blood drawing. A Lindegaard index of 2 was chosen as the cutoff value for significant vasoconstriction of middle cerebral arteries based on our previous study.

Results

Patients with RCVS had a reduced number of CD34⁺KDR⁺ cells (0.009 ± 0.006% vs. 0.014 ± 0.010%, p = 0.031) but not KDR⁺CD133⁺ cells or CD34⁺CD133⁺ EPCs, in comparison with controls. The number of CD34⁺KDR⁺ cells was inversely correlated with the Lindegaard index (rs = -0.418, p = 0.047). Of note, compared to controls, patients with a Lindegaard index > 2 (n = 13) had a reduced number of CD34⁺KDR⁺ cells (0.007 ± 0.005% vs. 0.014 ± 0.010%, p = 0.010), but those with a Lindegaard index ≤ 2 did not.

Conclusions

Patients with RCVS had reduced circulating CD34⁺KDR⁺ EPCs, which were correlated with the severity of vasoconstriction. Endothelial dysfunction might contribute to the pathogenesis of RCVS.     

血管内皮祖细胞生物学活性与血管内皮祖细胞捕获支架的研究进展

血管内皮祖细胞（EPCs）作为内皮细胞的前体细胞,具有"持续"的自我更新及定向分化的能力。EPCs捕获支架,如表面包被CD34^＋抗体的支架,能够识别循环血液中EPCs表面特异性性结合位点,捕获并促使EPCs归巢、分化为内皮细胞,参与病变血管内皮修复、促进血管新生、改善冠脉血流。EPCs的生物学活性是决定EPCs捕获支架临床应用的关键,本文从EPCs生物学特性、功能、冠状动脉微环境对EPCs的调控机制、EPCs捕获支架的研究进展等方面进行综述,探讨EPCs捕获支架的治疗价值。     

肺动脉高压模型大鼠循环内皮祖细胞与血浆一氧化氮水平相关性的实验研究

目的 探讨肺动脉高压(PH)模型大鼠循环内皮祖细胞(EPC)水平的变化及其与血浆一氧化氮(NO)浓度的关系.方法 利用野百合碱诱导大鼠发生肺动脉高压,使用流式细胞仪对其外周血CD45 阴性、CD34/Flk-1 双阳性的单个核细胞计数,以表示循环EPC,采用Greiss 法对其血浆NO 浓度进行检测.利用简单线性回归分析二者之间的关系.同时,对体外培养条件下循环EPC 的产量,CD34、Flk-1 的表达情况进行检测.结果 PH 模型组循环EPC 水平明显低于对照组[(0.016 ±0.007)% vs.(0.031 ±0.011)%,t ＝3.144,P ＜0.01].血浆NO 浓度亦显著下降[(19.66 ±2.78)μmol/L vs.(54.31 ±3.81)μmol/L,t ＝20.784,P ＜0.01].二者之间呈正相关(r ＝0.792,P ＜0.05).在体外培养条件下,PH 模型组EPC 的数量以及CD34、Flk-1 的表达亦较对照组明显下调.结论 PH 的发生可能与血浆NO 浓度降低导致循环EPC 水平下调有关.     

内皮祖细胞在创伤后多器官功能障碍中的变化及意义

Objective To investigate characteristics of changes in bone marrow endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and implications on multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) as a result of trauma.Methods Eighteen mini-pigs were randomized into two groups: MODS group (n=9) and control group (n=9).The animal models of MODS were reproduced by "two-hit" injury with hemorrhagic shock and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection.Bone marrow and peripheral blood of them were collected at five time points: normal condition (T1), before injection of LPS (T2), and 0 (T3), 24 (T4) and 48 hours (T5) after injection of LPS.Erythrocytic lysate was added to the samples, and the number of leucocytes in every sample was counted.The rate of EPCs in each sample was determined by flow cytometry.Number of EPCs in bone marrow and peripheral blood were calculated, and the results were analyzed statistically.Results The number of EPCs (×106/L) in bone marrow of control group at T1-5 was 7.64±0.68,7.32±0.55, 7.58±1.13, 7.77±0.70, and 7.88±0.84, respectively, and in peripheral blood control group was 3.54±0.26,4.06±0.64, 3.74±0.55, 3.61±0.37, and 3.98±0.63, respectively.The number of EPCs (×106/L) in bone marrow in the experimental group was 7.45 ± 1.55, 6.58 ± 0.80, 11.27 ± 1.20, 10.88±1.15, and 8.36 ± 2.88, respectively.The number of EPCa (× 106/L) in peripheral blood in the experimental group was 3.21±0.48, 8.71±2.04, 5.98±0.77, 1.27±0.91, and 2.14±0.96, respectively.The number of EPCs in bone marrow of experimental group was larger than that of control group at T3, T4, T5.The number of EPCs in the experimental group in peripheral blood was larger than that of control group at T2, T3, T4, T5.The number of EPCs in bone marrow was larger than that in peripheral blood at every time point (all P＜0.05).Conclusion The number of EPCs in peripheral blood elevates sharply in the earlier period, then plummetes quickly during MODS after a trauma.While the number of EPCs in bone marrow descends mildly at first, then rises obviously.Along with the aggravation of MODS, a declination of EPCs in bone marrow emerges.The change in bone marrow EPCs plays an important role in recovery of MODS.     

Circulating endothelial progenitor cells in cardiovascular disorders

The role of vascular endothelium in cardiovascular disorders is well recognized. Mature endothelial cells contribute to the repair of endothelial injury, but only with a limited capacity. This has led to growing interest and further investigation into circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and their role in vascular healing, repair and postnatal neovascularization. Recent studies have shown that EPCs are affected both in number and function by several cardiovascular risk factors as well as various cardiovascular disease states. Here, we aim to provide an overview of EPCs in humans, from methods of assessment to quantification and functional properties in numerous cardiovascular conditions. In addition, we hope to offer some perspective on the potential diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of EPCs.