Ex vivo expansion of cord blood haematopoietic stem/progenitor cells under physiological oxygen tensions: clear‐cut effects on cell proliferation,differentiation and metabolism

Physiologically low O₂ tensions are believed to regulate haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) functions in the bone marrow (BM; 0–5%). In turn, placenta and umbilical cord are characterized by slightly higher physiological O₂ tensions (3–10%). We hypothesized that O₂ concentrations within this range may be exploited to augment the ex vivo expansion/maintenance of HSCs from umbilical cord (placental) blood (UCB). The expansion of UCB CD34⁺‐enriched cells was studied in co‐culture with BM mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) under 2%, 5%, 10% and 21% O₂. 2% O₂ resulted in a significantly lower CD34⁺ cell expansion (25‐fold vs 60‐, 64‐ and 92‐fold at day 10 for 5%, 21%, 10% O₂, respectively). In turn, 10% O₂ promoted the highest CD34⁺CD90⁺ cell expansion, reaching 22 ± 5.4‐ vs 5.6 ± 2.4‐ and 5.7 ± 2.0‐fold for 2%, 5% and 21% O₂, respectively, after 14 days. Similar differentiation patterns were observed under different O₂ tensions, being primarily shifted towards the neutrophil lineage. Cell division kinetics revealed a higher proliferative status of cells cultured under 10% and 21% vs 2% O₂. Expectedly, higher specific glucose consumption and lactate production rates were determined at 2% O₂ when compared to higher O₂ concentrations (5–21%). Overall, these results suggest that physiological oxygen tensions, in particular 10% O₂, can maximize the ex vivo expansion of UCB stem/progenitor cells in co‐culture with BM MSCs. Importantly, these studies highlight the importance of exploiting knowledge of the intricate microenvironment of the haematopoietic niche towards the definition of efficient and controlled ex vivo culture systems capable of generating large HSCs numbers for clinical applications. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mesenchymal stem cells from CD34− human umbilical cord blood

Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is well known to be a rich source of stem cells especially for haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Recently, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have also been shown to exist in cord blood. Although MSCs have been described by a subset of surface antigens after expansion, little is known about the cell surface phenotype of undifferentiated MSCs. The aim of this study therefore was to clarify whether undifferentiated MSCs are resident among CD34^? UCB cells. CD34⁺ cells were separated from UCB mononuclear cells (MNCs) by magnetic sorting and the CD34^? cell fractions were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) with 10% foetal calf serum (FCS) and basic‐fibroblast growth factor. Isolated CD34⁺ cells were also cultured in the same medium. Adherent fibroblast‐like cells at passage 3–4 were analyzed by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS) for MSC marker expression , and standard adipogenic, osteogenic and chondrogenic assays were used to investigate their differentiation potentials. After 4–5 weeks in culture, the cells from the CD34^? fraction became confluent with flat and fibroblast‐like morphology. These cells were positively stained for the mesenchymal cell markers CD29, CD73 and CD105. In adipogenic differentiation, the cells showed oil red O positive and expressed FABP4, adipsin and proliferation‐activated receptor γ‐2 (PPARγ2 genes) associated with adipogenesis. In osteogenic differentiation, calcium accumulation and osteocalcin were detected. The cells grown in chondrogenic conditions were positively stained for human aggrecan and expressed collagen type II and Sox‐9 genes. In contrast, cells from the CD34⁺ fraction failed to generate any cells with MSC morphology under the same culture conditions. Our results showed that UCB contained MSCs which are only resident in the CD34^? fraction. The MSCs could be induced to differentiate into at least three lineage cell types, adipocytes, osteoblasts and chondrocytes.     

Ex vivo expansion of cord blood‐CD34+ cells using IGFBP2 and Angptl‐5 impairs short‐term lymphoid repopulation in vivo

Cord blood‐derived haematopoietic stem cells (CB‐HSCs) are an attractive source for transplantation in haematopoietic disorders. However, the yield of CB‐HSCs per graft is limited and often insufficient, particularly for the treatment of adult patients. Here we compare the capacity of three cytokine cocktails to expand CB‐CD34⁺ cells. Cells were cultured for 5 or 14 days in media supplemented with: (a) SCF, FL, IL‐3 and IL‐6 (SFLIL3/6); (b) SCF, TPO, FGF‐1 and IL‐6 (STFIL6); and (c) SCF, TPO, FGF‐1, IGFBP₂ and Angptl‐5 (STFAI). We observed that STFAI‐culture expansion sustained the most vigorous cell proliferation, maintenance of CD34⁺ phenotype and colony‐forming unit counts. In addition, STFAI‐cultured cells had a potent ex vivo migration activity. STFAI‐expanded cells were able to engraft NSG mice. However, no significant difference in overall engraftment was observed among the expansion cocktails. Assessment of short‐term reconstitution using multilineage markers demonstrated that the STFAI cocktail for HSCs expansion greatly improved total cell expansion but may impair short‐term lymphoid repopulation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Age and stress related phenotypical changes in bone marrow CD34+ cells

Objective. Phenotypical changes in the human bone marrow (BM) due to age and stress have not so far been properly addressed in the literature. In the present study, we compared CD34⁺ BM cells between older and young volunteers. The influence of stress on CD34⁺ cell phenotype in older patients was investigated in an age‐matched group with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Cytokines thought to influence BM CD34⁺ cell homeostasis were also analysed. Material and methods. BM mononuclear cells of 10 older volunteers and of 7 young volunteers (18–25 years), as well as 22 AMI patients, were analysed by flow cytometry for the following markers: CD34, CD38, CD117 (c‐kit) and CD133. Blood samples were analysed for CRP, IL‐6, MCP‐1, IL‐8, MMP‐9, TIMP‐1 and TNFα by ELISA methods. Results. Significantly higher numbers of CD34⁺ CD38^? cells (both absolute and relative) were observed in older volunteers than in young volunteers and AMI patients. Higher numbers of immature progenitors, namely CD34⁺CD38^? cells and CD34⁺CD38^?CD117⁺CD133⁺ cells, were observed among older volunteers compared to the other groups. However, the relative number of CD34⁺ cells lacking CD38 expression or expressing CD133 was higher in the old volunteers and AMI patients. None of the circulating factors investigated correlated with any of the cell population yields. Conclusion. In this study, we found that the absolute and relative numbers of BM CD34⁺CD38^? progenitor cells increase with age. The increment is attenuated in patients with AMI.     

Stem cell bioengineering strategies to widen the therapeutic applications of haematopoietic stem/progenitor cells from umbilical cord blood

Umbilical cord blood (UCB) transplantation has observed a significant increase in recent years, due to the unique features of UCB haematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSCs) for the treatment of blood‐related disorders. However, the low cell numbers available per UCB unit significantly impairs the widespread use of this source for transplantation of adult patients, resulting in graft failure, delayed engraftment and delayed immune reconstitution. In order to overcome this issue, distinct approaches are now being considered in clinical trials, such as double‐UCB transplantation, intrabone injection or ex vivo expansion. In this article the authors review the current state of the art, future trends and challenges on the ex vivo expansion of UCB HSCs, focusing on culture parameters affecting the yield and quality of the expanded HSC grafts: novel HSC selection schemes prior to cell culture, cytokine/growth factor cocktails, the impact of biochemical factors (e.g. O₂) or the addition of supportive cells, e.g. mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC)‐based feeder layers) were addressed. Importantly, a critical challenge in cellular therapy is still the scalability, reproducibility and control of the expansion process, in order to meet the clinical requirements for therapeutic applications. Efficient design of bioreactor systems and operation modes are now the focus of many bioengineers, integrating the increasing 'know‐how' on HSC biology and physiology, while complying with the GMP standards for the production of cellular products, i.e. through the use of commercially available, highly controlled, disposable technologies. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Transduction of Human CD34+CD38- Bone Marrow and Cord Blood-Derived SCID-Repopulating Cells with Third-Generation Lentiviral Vectors

The major limitations of Moloney murine leukemia virus (MoMLV)-based vectors for human stem cell applications, particularly those requiring bone marrow (BM) stem cells, include their requirement for mitosis and retroviral receptor expression. New vectors based upon lentiviruses such as HIV-1 exhibit properties that may circumvent these problems. We report that novel third-generation, self-inactivating lentiviral vectors, expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and pseudotyped with vesicular stomatitis virus G glycoprotein (VSV-G), can efficiently transduce primitive human repopulating cells derived from human BM and cord blood (CB) tested by the SCID-repopulating cell (SRC) assay. Highly purified CD34⁺CD38^- CB or BM cells were efficiently transduced (4-69%) and stably expressed in EGFP for 40 days in culture following infection for only 24 h without fibronectin, polybrene, or cytokines. Nonobese diabetic/severe combined immune-deficient (NOD/SCID) mice transplanted with transduced cells from either CB or BM donors were well engrafted, demonstrating maintenance of SRC during the infection procedure. Serially obtained femoral BM samples indicated that the proportion of EGFP+ cells within both myeloid and lymphoid lineages was maintained or even increased over time, averaging 42.3 ± 6.6% for BM donors and 23.3 ± 7.2% for CB at 12 weeks. Thus, the third-generation lentivectors readily transduce human CB and BM stem cells, under minimal conditions of ex vivo culture, where MoMLV-based vectors are ineffective. Since CB is inappropriate for most therapeutic applications, the efficient maintenance and transduction of BM-derived SRC during the short infection procedure are notable advantages of lentivectors.     

Semaphorin 7A inhibits platelet production from CD34+ progenitor cells

Background:  The multifunctional protein semaphorin 7A (Sema7A) may have regulatory effects on blood cell differentiation via its receptors β1‐integrin and plexin C1. As thrombocytopenia can be treated with transfusion of ex vivo CD34⁺ cell‐derived megakaryocytes, we investigated the effect of Sema7A on differentiation of CD34⁺ progenitor cells into megakaryocytes and platelets. Methods:  Megakaryocytes and platelets were differentiated with a specific cytokine cocktail (CC) from CD34⁺ progenitor cells in the presence or absence of Sema7A. Expression of cell markers CD41, CD42a and CD61 or detection of the activation of the signal mediator focal adhesion kinase (FAK) was performed by flow cytometry, cytokine secretion by Luminex technology, and megakaryocyte cell density and morphology by microscopic studies. Sema7A levels in vivo were assessed by real‐time PCR and ELISA in hematological patients undergoing chemotherapy. Results:  CD34⁺ progenitor cells expressed the receptors for Sema7A. Expression of CD41, CD42a and CD61 was markedly reduced in the presence of Sema7A, after CC‐dependent platelet production from CD34⁺ progenitor cells. As revealed by microscopic analysis, megakaryocyte cell density was significantly lower in the presence of Sema7A as compared with controls. Blocking of CD29 abrogated the Sema7A‐mediated inhibition. Sema7A activated FAK in CD34⁺ progenitor cells and significantly increased secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines IL‐6, IL‐8 and GM‐CSF. Finally, Sema7A levels were up‐regulated in 50% of patients after chemotherapy. Conclusions:  Sema7A markedly reduces the production rates of megakaryocytes and platelets from CD34⁺ progenitor cells. Hence, up‐regulation of Sema7A may be a major risk factor for a reduced platelet repopulation after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.     

A rapid method for obtaining mesenchymal stem cells and platelets from bone marrow aspirate

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) are currently used alone or in combination for therapeutic applications especially for bone repair. We tested whether MSCs can be isolated from bone marrow (BM) aspirate using a commercially available kit commonly used to obtain PRP from peripheral blood (PB). Results revealed that mononuclear cells and platelets from both PB and BM could be efficiently isolated by obtaining a mononuclear and platelet rich fraction (PB‐MPRF and BM‐MPRF, respectively). Starting with comparable volumes, the number of platelets increased 1.5‐fold in BM‐MPRF compared to PB‐MPRF. The number of clonogenic cells in BM‐MPRF samples was significantly higher than whole BM samples as revealed by CFU‐F assay (54.92 ± 8.55 CFU‐F/1.5 x 10⁵ nucleated cells and 32.50 ± 12.43 CFU‐F/1.5 x 10⁵ nucleated cells, respectively). Cells isolated from BM‐MPRF after in vitro expansion fulfilled the definition of MSCs by phenotypic criteria, and differentiated along osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic lineages following induction. Results showed that the kit isolated MSCs and platelets from BM aspirate. Isolated MSCs were further expanded in a laboratory and BM‐MPRF was used clinically following BM withdrawal for rapid intra‐operative cell therapy for the treatment of bone defects. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

In vitro and in vivo proliferation,differentiation and migration of cardiac endothelial progenitor cells (SCA1+/CD31+ side‐population cells)

To cite this article: Liang SX, Khachigian LM, Ahmadi Z, Yang M, Liu S, Chong BH. In vitro and in vivo proliferation, differentiation and migration of cardiac endothelial progenitor cells (SCA1⁺/CD31⁺ side‐population cells). J Thromb Haemost 2011; 9 : 1628–37. Summary. Background: Side‐population (SP) cells are a select population identified by a capacity to efflux Hoechst dye and are enriched for stem/progenitor cell activity. Previous studies suggested that cardiac SP (CSP) cells could be divided into SCA1⁺/CD31^? and SCA1⁺/CD31⁺ CSP cells. SCA1⁺/CD31^? CSP cells have been shown to be cardiac stem/progenitor cells. However, SCA1⁺/CD31⁺ CSP cells have not been fully characterized. Objective: The aim of the present study was to characterize SCA1⁺/CD31⁺ CSP cells in the adult mouse heart, and investigate their abilities to proliferate, differentiate, vascularize and migrate in vitro and in vivo. Results: Using fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS), RT‐PCR, and assays of cell proliferation, differentiation and migration, and a murine model of myocardial infarction (MI), we showed that SCA1⁺/CD31⁺ CSP cells express stem cell and endothelial‐specific genes, and reside in the blood vessels. These cells were able to proliferate, differentiate, migrate and vascularize in vitro and in vivo. After MI, SDF‐1α and CXCR4 were up‐regulated in the damaged myocardium and on SCA1⁺/CD31⁺ CSP cells, respectively. Our results further showed that SDF‐1α induced migration of these cells in vitro. Importantly, we found that SCA1⁺/CD31⁺ CSP cells could migrate into the ischemic region from the non‐ischemic area within the myocardium and form a vascular tube‐like structure after MI. Conclusions: Based on the gene expression profile, localization of SCA1⁺/CD31⁺ CSP cells, and their ability to proliferate, differentiate, migrate and vascularize in vitro and in vivo, we postulate that SCA1⁺/CD31⁺ CSP cells may represent endothelial progenitor cells in the mouse heart.     

Immunomodulatory effect of human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stromal/stem cells on peripheral blood T cells from rheumatoid arthritis patients

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a Th1/Th17‐mediated autoimmune disease whose current treatment, consisting in the blockage of inflammatory cytokines by disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs, is not effective for all patients. The therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells' (MSCs) immunomodulatory properties is being explored in RA. Here, we investigate the effect of human bone marrow (BM)‐MSCs on the expression of cytokines involved in RA physiopathology by the distinct functional compartments of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells from RA patients. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy individuals (n = 6) and RA patients (n = 12) were stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate plus ionomycin and cultured in the presence/absence of BM‐MSCs. The expression of (interleukin) IL‐2, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), and interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) was evaluated in naive, central memory, effector memory, and effector CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells, whereas IL‐6, IL‐9, and IL‐17 expression was measured in total CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells. mRNA expression of IL‐4, IL‐10, transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β), cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated antigen 4, and/or forkhead box P3 was quantified in fluorescence‐activated cell sorting‐purified CD4⁺ T cells, CD8⁺ T cells, and CD4⁺ Treg. BM‐MSCs inhibited the production of TNF‐α, IL‐17, IL‐6, IL‐2, IFN‐γ, and IL‐9 by T cells from RA patients, mainly by reducing the percentage of cells producing cytokines. This inhibitory effect was transversal to all T cell subsets analyzed. At mRNA level, BM‐MSCs increased expression of IL‐10 and TGF‐β by CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells. BM‐MSCs displayed a striking inhibitory action over T cells from RA patients, reducing the expression of cytokines involved in RA physiopathology. Remarkably, BM‐MSC‐derived immunomodulation affected either naive, effector, and memory T cells.     

Differentiation of porcine mesenchymal stem cells into epithelial cells as a potential therapeutic application to facilitate epithelial regeneration

Epithelial denudation is one of the characteristics of chronic asthma. To restore its functions, the airway epithelium has to rapidly repair the injuries and regenerate its structure and integrity. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the ability to differentiate into many cell lineages. However, the differentiation of MSCs into epithelial cells has not been fully studied. Here, we examined the differentiation of MSCs into epithelial cells using three different media compositions with various growth supplementations. The MSCs were isolated from porcine bone marrow by density gradient centrifugation. The isolated MSCs were CD11^–CD34^–CD45^– CD44⁺CD90⁺ and CD105⁺ by immunostaining and flow cytometry. MSCs were stimulated with EpiGRO (Millipore), BEpiCM (ScienCell) and AECGM (PromoCell) media for 5 and 10 days, and epithelial differentiation was assessed by qPCR (keratin 14, 18 and EpCAM), fluorometry (cytokeratin 7‐8, cytokeratin 14‐15‐16‐19 and EpCAM), western blot analysis (pancytokeratin, EpCAM) and flow cytometry (cytokeratin 7‐8, cytokeratin 14‐15‐16‐19 and EpCAM). The functional marker MUC1 was also assessed after 10 days of air–liquid interface (ALI) culture in optimized media. Cells cultured in BEpiCM containing fibroblast growth factor and prostaglandin E₂ showed the highest expression of the epithelial markers: CK7‐8 (85.90%); CK‐14‐15‐16‐19 (10.14%); and EpCAM (64.61%). The cells also expressed functional marker MUC1 after ALI culture. The differentiated MSCs when cultured in BEpiCM medium ex vivo in a bioreactor on a decellularized trachea for 10 days retained the epithelial‐like phenotype. In conclusion, porcine bone marrow‐derived MSCs demonstrate commitment to the epithelial lineage and might be a potential therapy for facilitating the repair of denuded airway epithelium. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

High‐fat diet selectively decreases bone marrow lin−/CD117+ cell population in aging mice through increased ROS production

Bone marrow (BM) stem cells (BMSCs) are an important source for cell therapy. The outcome of cell therapy could be ultimately associated with the number and function of donor BMSCs. The present study was to evaluate the effect of long‐term high‐fat diet (HFD) on the population of BMSCs and the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in aging mice. Forty‐week‐old male C57BL/6 mice were fed with HFD for 3 months with regular diet as control. Experiments were repeated when ROS production was reduced in mice treated with N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) or using mice overexpressing antioxidant enzyme network (AON) of superoxide dismutase (SOD)1, SOD3, and glutathione peroxidase. BM and blood cells were analyzed with flowcytometry for lineage negative (lin^?) and Sca‐1⁺, or lin^?/CD117⁺, or lin^?/CD133⁺ cells. Lin^?/CD117⁺ cell population was significantly decreased with increased intracellular ROS and apoptosis and decreased proliferation in BM, not in blood, in HFD‐treated mice without change for Sca‐1⁺ or CD133⁺ cell populations in BM or blood. NAC treatment or AON overexpression effectively prevented HFD‐induced intracellular ROS production and reduction of BM lin^?/CD117⁺ population. These data suggested that long‐term HFD selectively decreased BM lin^?/CD117⁺ cell population in aging mice through increased ROS production.     

脐血间充质干细胞的生物学特征及其对造血干/祖细胞体外扩增的支持作用

目的探讨脐血间充质干细胞(MSC)的生物学特征及其对造血干/祖细胞体外扩增的支持作用。方法用液体培养法分离脐血贴壁细胞,采用ELISA方法检测贴壁细胞条件培养液中细胞因子的表达;用流式细胞术分析其免疫表型特征;在成软骨细胞诱导培养条件下诱导细胞分化,并用RTPCR方法检测分化后细胞原胶原Ⅱ型基因的表达。采用分阶段共培养方法观察脐血贴壁细胞对CD34+细胞体外扩增的支持作用。结果脐血单个核细胞纤维样细胞集落形成率为(3.5±0.7)/106。脐血MSC体外至少可以扩增15代。没有分化的脐血MSC表型为CD13、CD29、CD90、CD105、CD166、SH2、SH3和SH4阳性,CD45、CD34和CD14阴性;脐血MSC培养上清中干细胞因子、IL6和肿瘤坏死因子α检测阳性。在成软骨细胞诱导培养基培养条件下,脐血MSC原胶原Ⅱ型基因mRNA表达阳性。脐血MSC与CD34+细胞共掊养14d,CD34+细胞扩增率高于未共培养组4倍。结论脐血MSC具有类似于成体骨髓MSC的特征,对造血干细胞增殖有明显的支持作用。     

不同时相移植人骨髓间充质干细胞对人脐血CD34^＋细胞植入NOD／SCID小鼠的影响

为了观察不同时相移植人骨髓间充质干细胞（MSC）对脐血（UCB）CD34^＋细胞移植的NOD／SCID小鼠造血重建的影响，明确最佳的移植时机，将体外培养扩增的人骨髓MSC分别于UCBCD34^＋细胞移植同时、移植前48小时及移植后48小时输入经^60Coγ射线照射的NOD／SCID小鼠，观察共移植后42天内小鼠外周血白细胞和血小板变化，并于移植后42天处死小鼠，用FACS检测外周血、骨髓和脾脏人源细胞含量。结果表明：（1）MSC和UCBCD34^＋细胞同时输注可明显降低外周血白细胞和血小板下降幅度，缩短白细胞和血小板恢复时间；二者不同时输注均不降低白细胞和血小板下降幅度，且输注UCBCD34^＋细胞后48小时输注MSC时外周血血小板恢复时间明显晚于同时输注者。（2）与单纯UCBCD34^＋细胞移植相比较，不同时相输注MSC均可促进UCBCD34^＋细胞的植入，三个共输注组间促进骨髓各系造血植入效应无明显差异。结论：人骨髓MSC与UCBCD34^＋细胞共移植时，以同时移植效果最佳，此结果为MSC的临床应用提供了实验依据。     

Combined implantation of CD34+ and CD14+ cells increases neovascularization through amplified paracrine signalling

Cell therapy strategies that use adult peripheral blood‐derived CD34⁺ progenitor cells are hampered by low cell numbers and the infrequent cellular incorporation into the neovasculature. Hence, the use of CD34⁺ cells to treat ischaemic diseases is under debate. Interaction between CD34⁺ cells and CD14⁺ cells results in superior endothelial differentiation of CD14⁺ cells in vitro, indicating that cell therapy approaches utilizing both CD34⁺ and CD14⁺ cells may be advantageous in therapeutic neovascularization. Here, human CD34⁺ and CD14⁺ cells were isolated from adult peripheral blood and implanted subcutaneously into nude mice, using matrigel as the carrier. Combined implantation of human CD34⁺ and CD14⁺ cells resulted in superior neovascularization, compared to either cell type alone, albeit incorporation of human cells into the murine vasculature was not observed. Human CD34⁺ and CD14⁺ cells produced and secreted a pentad of pro‐angiogenic mediators, such as HGF, MCP‐1 and IL‐8, bFGF and VEGFa in monoculture. The production and secretion of pro‐angiogenic mediators by CD14⁺ cells was highly amplified upon incubation with conditioned medium from CD34⁺ cells. In vivo, neovascularization of matrigel implants did not rely on the endothelial differentiation and incorporation of CD34⁺ or CD14⁺ cells, but depended on the paracrine effects of IL‐8, MCP‐1, HGF, bFGF and VEGFa secreted by implanted cells. Administration of this growth factor/cytokine pentad using matrigel as a carrier results in cell recruitment and microvessel formation equal to progenitor cell‐induced neovascularization. These data provide new insights on neovascularization by cell therapy and may contribute to new strategies for the treatment of ischaemic diseases. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Prevention of osteonecrosis by intravenous administration of human peripheral blood‐derived CD34‐positive cells in a rat osteonecrosis model

Aseptic idiopathic osteonecrosis of the femoral head is a painful disorder of the hip that can lead to collapse of the femoral head and the need for total hip replacement following joint destruction. Treatment of this disease still remains a clinical challenge. Adult human circulating CD34⁺ cells have been demonstrated to contribute to vasculogenesis and osteogenesis in immunodeficient rat non‐union models in vivo. We hypothesized and proved that the transplantation of CD34⁺ cells could have a role for improvement of osteonecrosis by promoting vasculogenesis and osteogenesis. Vascular deprivation‐induced femoral head necrosis was developed in immunodeficient rats and we then administered human G‐CSF mobilized CD34⁺ cells intravenously. At 4 weeks after administration, the structure of the femoral head and neck were evaluated histologically and morphometrically with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and micro‐CT imaging. Microangiography was carried out for macroscopic evaluation of neovascularization, and the contribution of human cells to vasculogenesis and osteogenesis was evaluated by immunofluorescent staining with human‐specific antibodies. Our treatment resulted in an obvious improvement of osteonecrosis after CD34⁺ cell administration and demonstrated the differentiation potential of CD34⁺ cells into endothelial cells and osteoblasts. In conclusion, this new therapeutic approach using circulating cell fraction could be a promising cell‐based therapy for early‐stage osteonecrosis of the hip. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Liver extracellular matrix promotes BM‐MSCs hepatic differentiation and reversal of liver fibrosis through activation of integrin pathway

In cell‐based therapies for liver injuries, the clinical outcomes are closely related to the surrounding microenvironment of the transplanted bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs). However, whether liver‐specific ECM (L‐ECM), as one of major microenvironment signals, could regulate the therapeutic effect of BM‐MSCs through changing their biological characteristics is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the hepatogenicity and underlying mechanism of L‐ECM as well as its potential regulative role in the MSC‐based liver recovery. L‐ECM was prepared by homogenization of decellularized whole porcine liver. After three‐dimensional culture with or without the presence of L‐ECM, BM‐MSCs expressed hepatocyte‐specific genes and proteins in an L‐ECM concentration‐dependent manner. Further analysis showed that L‐ECM could activate specific types of integrins (ITGs) as well as their downstream signalling pathways. When the cell/ECM interaction was enhanced by incorporating BM‐MSCs with Mn²⁺, ITGs were activated and the hepatogenic capacity of L‐ECM was improved. The regeneration of rat livers from either acute or chronic fibrosis could also be accelerated after transplantation of Mn²⁺‐treated BM‐MSCs. L‐ECM therefore promotes hepatic differentiation of BM‐MSCs via the ITG pathway and plays a therapeutically beneficial role for stem cell‐based liver regeneration. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Cartilage graft engineering by co‐culturing primary human articular chondrocytes with human bone marrow stromal cells

Co‐culture of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) with articular chondrocytes (ACs) has been reported to improve the efficiency of utilization of a small number of ACs for the engineering of implantable cartilaginous tissues. However, the use of cells of animal origin and the generation of small‐scale micromass tissues limit the clinical relevance of previous studies. Here we investigated the in vitro and in vivo chondrogenic capacities of scaffold‐based constructs generated by combining primary human ACs with human bone marrow MSCs (BM‐MSCs). The two cell types were cultured in collagen sponges (2 × 6 mm disks) at the BM‐MSCs:ACs ratios: 100:0, 95:5, 75:25 and 0:100 for 3 weeks. Scaffolds freshly seeded or further precultured in vitro for 2 weeks were also implanted subcutaneously in nude mice and harvested after 8 or 6 weeks, respectively. Static co‐culture of ACs (25%) with BM‐MSCs (75%) in scaffolds resulted in up to 1.4‐fold higher glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content than what would be expected based on the relative percentages of the different cell types. In vivo GAG induction was drastically enhanced by the in vitro preculture and maximal at the ratio 95:5 (3.8‐fold higher). Immunostaining analyses revealed enhanced accumulation of type II collagen and reduced accumulation of type X collagen with increasing ACs percentage. Constructs generated in the perfusion bioreactor system were homogeneously cellularized. In summary, human cartilage grafts were successfully generated, culturing BM‐MSCs with a relatively low fraction of non‐expanded ACs in porous scaffolds. The proposed co‐culture strategy is directly relevant towards a single‐stage surgical procedure for cartilage repair. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The kinetics of G-CSF mobilization of CD34+ cells in healthy people

When healthy people are given granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) for 10 days the number of CD34+ cells in the peripheral blood begins to increase on the fourth day, reaches a maximum on the sixth day and then decreases. In this study, we further define the time and variability of peak mobilization of CD34+ cells. Twenty-two healthy people were given G-CSF (7.5 or 10 μg kg^?1 day^?1) subcutaneously each morning for 5 days and peripheral blood CD34+ cell counts were analysed immediately prior to the fourth (day 4) and fifth (day 5) G-CSF injection and 24 h after the fifth injection (Day 6). White blood cell (WBC) and neutrophil counts were greatest on day 6 [WBC = 43.8 ± 13.9 × 10⁹ L^?1 (mean ± 1 SD) and neutrophils = 36.6 ± 12.8 × 10⁹ L^?1]. In contrast the CD34+ cell counts on day 6 (107 ± 104 × 10⁶ L^?1) were less than on day 5 (128 ± 136 × 10⁶ L^?1) (P= 0.048) but still greater than on day 4 (60.7 ± 40.2 × 10⁶ L^?1) (P < 0.0001). The CD34+ cell counts of 10 donors were measured 2, 4 and 6 h after the fifth injection to determine if the counts increased further between days 5 and 6. The number of CD34+ cells in the blood on day 5 2 h after the fifth injection (193 ± 277 × 10⁶ L^?1) was greater than the number prior to the injection (158 ± 190 × 10⁶ L^?1), 4 h post-injection (139 ± 158 × 10⁶ L^?1) and 6 h post-injection (170 ± 236 × 10⁶ L^?1), but the differences were not significant (P= 0.29, 0.25 and 0.45). The number of CD34+ cells in the blood of 12 people were measured before and after the fourth G-CSF dose. Prior to the day 4 injection the CD34+ count was 61 ± 40 × 10⁶ L^?1. At 2, 4 and 6 h the counts were 60 ± 40, 61 ± 29 and 64 ± 30 × 10⁶ L^?1, respectively, and the differences were not significant (P= 0.99, P= 0.98, and P= 0.73). In conclusion, when healthy volunteers are given daily G-CSF injections, the number of mobilized CD34+ cells was the greatest on day 5, slightly less on day 6 and the least on day 4. If only one PBSC component is needed, PBSCs can be collected on day 5 after only 4 days of G-CSF. If PBSC components are collected on both days 5 and 6, the fifth dose can be given either before or after the collection of the first PBSC component.