柚皮苷在促大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞骨向分化过程中对MAPK信号通路的影响

目的: 研究中药单体柚皮苷(NG)对体外培养的大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞(MSCs)向成骨细胞分化过程中MAPK信号通路的影响。方法: 观察在正常、加入p38、ERK和JNK通路抑制剂SB203580、PD98059、SP600125及3种抑制剂全部加入的情况下,各组碱性磷酸酶(ALP)、骨钙素(BGP)、I型胶原(Col I)等骨向分化指标的差异。用Western blotting技术检测各组p38、ERK1/2和JNK蛋白的磷酸化水平,用荧光定量PCR技术检测细胞因子转化生长因子β₁(TGF-β₁)、骨形成蛋白2(BMP-2)和核心结合因子α1(Cbfα1) mRNA的表达。结果: (1)10^-7mol/L为本实验中NG的最佳促骨向分化浓度。(2) NG最佳浓度组的ALP和BGP含量比其它各组都高(P<0.05),Col I含量无明显差异(P>0.05);与NG组相比,加入不同抑制剂组的ALP、BGP和ColⅠ表达量出现不同程度的降低。(3)与空白组相比,NG组JNK蛋白的磷酸化水平升高(P<0.05),p38蛋白的磷酸化水平降低(P<0.01),ERK1/2蛋白的磷酸化水平无明显差异(P>0.05)。与NG组相比,加入不同抑制剂组的p38、ERK1/2和JNK蛋白的磷酸化水平有升高也有降低。(4) NG组上调BMP-2的表达(P<0.05),下调Cbfα1的表达(P<0.05),而对TGF-β₁的表达无明显影响(P>0.05)。与NG组相比,加入不同抑制剂组的TGF-β₁、BMP-2和Cbfα1 mRNA表达量出现不同程度的降低。结论: NG主要通过激活MAPK信号通路中ERK通路、JNK通路以及上调BMP-2的表达,促进MSCs的骨向分化。NG上调BMP-2的表达受MAPK通路中p38通路的影响较大。     

TGF-β1/Smads和ERK表达异常在高盐饮食诱导的大鼠血管重构中的作用

目的: 研究转化生长因子β₁(TGF-β₁)/Smads和细胞外信号调节激酶(ERK)表达在高盐饮食诱导的大鼠血管重构中的作用及替米沙坦的干预效应。方法: 雄性 Wistar大鼠随机分为正常盐对照组(C组),8%高盐模型组和8%高盐+替米沙坦干预组(T组),每2周测量尾动脉压1次,根据尾动脉压又将8%高盐模型组分为模型高血压组(MH组)和模型正常血压组(MN组),喂养共24周。HE染色和Masson染色观察主动脉和肠系膜动脉重构。通过 real-time PCR测定主动脉中膜TGF-β₁、Smad2和Smad3和Smad7 mRNA表达,同时免疫组化法检测主动脉和肠系膜动脉中膜增殖细胞核抗原(PCNA)、TGF-β₁、磷酸化Smad2/3(p-Smad2/3)、磷酸化ERK1/2(p-ERK1/2)及Smad7的蛋白表达和分布。结果: 与C组相比,MH组大鼠血压升高(P<0.05), MH组和MN组主动脉和肠系膜动脉中膜胶原容积分数(CVF)和中膜厚度(MT)显著增加(P<0.01),主动脉TGF-β₁、Smad2 和Smad7 mRNA表达增高(P<0.05),主动脉和肠系膜动脉中膜PCNA、TGF-β₁、p-Smad2/3和p-ERK1/2蛋白表达显著升高(P<0.05),Smad7表达明显降低(P<0.05);经替米沙坦干预后,主动脉和肠系膜动脉中膜CVF和MT减小(P<0.01),PCNA、TGF-β₁、p-Smad2/3和p-ERK1/2表达减少(P<0.05),Smad7 表达上升(P<0.05)。结论: TGF-β₁/Smads 和ERK表达异常共同参与高盐饮食致主动脉和肠系膜动脉重构的机制;替米沙坦抗动脉重构的作用可能部分是通过阻断血管紧张素Ⅱ1型(AT₁)受体影响TGF-β₁ /Smads 和ERK表达实现的。     

左归丸含药血清通过ERK/TGF-β/Smads信号级联调控MC3T3-E1细胞增殖与分化

目的:研究细胞外信号调节激酶(ERK)/转化生长因子β(TGF-β)/Sma和Mad相关蛋白(Smads)信号级联在左归丸含药血清干预成骨前体细胞系MC3T3-E1细胞增殖与分化中的作用。方法:以倍美力为阳性对照药,对Sprague-Dawley(SD)雌性大鼠灌服高、中、低剂量的左归丸混悬液,7 d后腹主动脉取血分离含药血清。采用噻唑蓝(MTT)法检测左归丸含药血清对MC3T3-E1细胞的增殖作用,采用改良钙钴染色法检测碱性磷酸酶(ALP)表达,采用茜素红染色法检测钙化结节,采用Western blotting法检测核结合因子α1(Cbfα1)和Ⅰ型胶原(ColⅠ)蛋白表达,采用real-time RT-PCR法检测TGF-β₁、Smad4和Smad2 mRNA表达。结果:左归丸含药血清对MC3T3-E1细胞的促增殖作用呈剂量和时间相关性,其中以低剂量且体积分数为15%作用48 h后对MC3T3-E1的促增殖作用最大;左归丸含药血清能促进MC3T3-E1细胞ALP表达,增强细胞基质钙化,提高Cbfα1和ColⅠ蛋白分泌,上调TGF-β₁、Smad4和Smad2 mRNA表达;加入ERK1/2信号通路特异性阻滞剂PD98059后,MC3T3-E1细胞增殖降低,ALP表达下降,细胞基质钙化减弱,Cbfα1和ColⅠ蛋白分泌降低,Smad4和Smad2 mRNA表达下调,TGF-β₁ mRNA表达进一步上调。结论:左归丸可能通过干预ERK/TGF-β/Smads信号级联而调控成骨细胞的增殖和分化,这可能是其防治骨质疏松症的机制之一。     

脂氧素A4抑制内毒素诱导的人支气管上皮细胞环氧合酶2及前列腺素E2的表达

目的: 探讨脂氧素A₄对人支气管上皮细胞(HBECs)环氧合酶2(COX-2)表达的影响。方法: 应用不同浓度(0.1、1、10 mg/L)的内毒素(LPS)刺激HBECs 9 h,或者用1 mg/L LPS分别刺激HBECs不同时点(3 h、6 h、9 h)后,测定HBECs的COX-2 mRNA表达和细胞上清液前列腺素E₂(PGE₂)水平。应用不同浓度 (0、100、400 μmol/L) 的脂氧素A₄作用于经过LPS(1 mg/L)刺激培养9 h的HBECs,采用酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)检测细胞上清液PGE₂的水平, 同时分别应用RT-PCR和Western blotting分别检测HBECs COX-2 mRNA及蛋白的表达。结果: LPS刺激培养条件下HBECs的COX-2 mRNA表达及其上清液PGE₂水平增加,并呈时间、剂量依赖性。脂氧素A₄能抑制LPS刺激培养HBECs COX-2蛋白和mRNA的表达及上清液PGE₂的水平,并呈剂量依赖性。结论: 脂氧素A₄能抑制LPS诱导的HBECs COX-2表达及上清液PGE₂的水平。     

全反式维甲酸对人胚肺成纤维细胞增殖及α-SMA表达的影响

目的: 研究全反式维甲酸(ATRA)对人胚肺成纤维细胞(HFL-I)增殖与分化的影响。方法: 体外培养HFL-I, MTT法检测不同浓度ATRA(0.1 μmol/L、1 μmol/L、10 μmol/L)作用3 d对HFL-I增殖能力的影响。5 μg/L 转化生长因子β₁(TGF-β₁)刺激0 h、6 h、12 h、24 h、48 h、72 h后,RT-PCR法检测α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA) mRNA表达,刺激0 d、1 d、3 d、5 d后,Western blotting法检测α-SMA蛋白表达。不同浓度ATRA干预,24 h后RT-PCR方法检测α-SMA mRNA表达,3 d后用Western blotting方法检测α-SMA蛋白表达。结果: (1) MTT法检测显示不同浓度ATRA以浓度依赖性方式抑制HFL-I细胞的增殖(P<0.05)。(2)5 μg/L TGF-β₁诱导后,HFL-I细胞中α-SMA mRNA和蛋白表达均上调(P<0.05)。(3) ATRA以浓度依赖性方式下调TGF-β₁诱导的α-SMA mRNA和蛋白的表达(P<0.05)。结论: ATRA能够抑制HFL-I细胞的增殖和TGF-β₁诱导的分化,该作用可能是通过下调α-SMA mRNA和蛋白的表达实现的。     

胚胎期铅暴露对斑马鱼胚胎及幼鱼NMDA受体mRNA表达的影响

目的:了解胚胎期铅暴露对斑马鱼胚胎及幼鱼N-甲基-D-天冬氨酸(NMDA)受体mRNA表达的影响。方法:野生型AB品系斑马鱼胚胎醋酸铅暴露浓度分别为0、0.1、0.5、2.5和12.5 μmol/L,提取各组受精后24、48、72、96和120 h(hpf)斑马鱼胚胎或幼鱼总RNA,实时定量PCR检测NMDA受体亚基NR1.1、NR1.2和NR2B的mRNA表达量。结果:(1)对照组NR1.1和NR1.2及NR2B表达量在胚胎发育过程中逐渐升高,在孵化期(72 hpf)表达量增加明显,在幼鱼早期(96 hpf)时达到高峰(与24 hpf时比较, P<0.01),在120 hpf时仍处于较高水平。(2)随着铅暴露浓度增高,NR1.1表达量增加并有高峰前移的趋势,2.5 μmol/L和12.5 μmol/L铅暴露组NR1.1表达高峰期在72 hpf,并且显著高于对照组(P<0.05);铅暴露组NR1.2和NR2B动态表达也呈类似规律,但NR1.2表达高峰期呈平台化趋势,横跨72 hpf至120 hpf阶段,NR2B表达高峰期出现在72 hpf和120 hpf阶段。(3)NR1.1、NR1.2及NR2B mRNA表达量之间Pearson相关系数值分别为r_NR1.1-1.2 =0.681、r_NR1.1-2B=0.637和r_NR1.2-2B =0.514,均有统计学意义(P<0.01)。结论:在斑马鱼胚胎发育过程NR1.1、NR1.2及NR2B mRNA表达水平逐渐升高,在幼鱼早期达到高峰;胚胎和幼鱼阶段NR1.1、NR1.2及NR2B之间mRNA表达水平存在关联;铅有上调NR1.1、NR1.2和NR2B mRNA表达作用并使表达峰期前移,改变了正常的NMDA受体表达规律。     

HA/ZrO2 不同复合材料对MSCs贴壁、增殖及成骨分化影响的差异

目的: 观察间充质干细胞(MSCs)在不同生物材料表面的生长及成骨分化情况。方法: 采用干铺法制备氧化锆(ZrO₂)单层复合羟基磷灰石(HA)及ZrO₂梯度复合HA 两种复合材料,观察复合材料表面形貌特征。分离和培养兔MSCs,分别培养于HA/ZrO₂单层复合材料、HA/ZrO₂梯度复合材料、纯HA及ZrO₂材料薄片上,观察细胞贴壁、增殖情况和碱性磷酸酶活性,提取细胞总RNA并检测Ⅰ型胶原、骨钙蛋白和骨桥蛋白mRNA 表达情况。结果: 制备的HA/ZrO₂单层复合材料具有不连续的HA表面层,可以清晰地观察到部分ZrO₂基体。而HA/ZrO₂梯度复合材料表面较为粗糙,呈多孔状。X射线衍射分析显示,经高温烧结后,两种复合材料表面的ZrO₂相依旧存在,HA相转变为β-Ca₃(PO₄)₂(β-TCP)、α-Ca₃(PO₄)₂(α-TCP)和CaZrO₃相。细胞培养显示,HA/ZrO₂梯度复合材料更有利于细胞贴壁。细胞在纯HA上碱性磷酸酶活性较其它组显著升高;细胞在复合材料和纯HA上Ⅰ型胶原、骨钙蛋白和骨桥蛋白表达较对照组均有不同程度升高,其中Ⅰ型胶原表达升高更为明显。结论: HA/ZrO₂梯度复合材料可促进MSCs的增殖,并可促进MSCs的成骨分化。     

血管紧张素Ⅱ和血管紧张素-(1-7)对大鼠血管平滑肌细胞肾素(原)受体表达的影响

目的: 研究血管紧张素Ⅱ(Ang II)和血管紧张素-(1-7) 对大鼠血管平滑肌细胞(VSMCs)肾素(原)受体 表达的影响。方法: 将VSMCs按以下分组:(1)对照组:不加干预因素;(2)不同浓度AngⅡ组:分别加入AngⅡ10、100、1 000 nmol/L;(3)不同浓度Ang-(1-7)组:分别加入Ang-(1-7) 10、100、1 000 nmol/L; (4)AngⅡ+ losartan(AT₁受体拮抗剂)组:losartan 10^-6 mol/L预处理30 min后,再加入AngⅡ100 nmol/L; (5)AngⅡ+ PD123319(AT₂受体拮抗剂)组: 先用10^-5 mol/LPD123319预处理30 min后,再用终浓度为100 nmol/L AngⅡ;(6)CGP42112A(AT₂受体激动剂)组:加入10^-7 mol/L CGP42112A。各组用real-time PCR法和Western blotting法检测(P)RR的表达情况。结果: 与对照组比,不同浓度AngⅡ可以促进(P)RR mRNA和蛋白的表达,并且呈浓度依赖性(均P<0.01);不同浓度Ang-(1-7)可抑制 (P)RR mRNA和蛋白表达(均P<0.01),各浓度之间比较无显著差异(均P>0.05);加入CGP42112A可以促进(P)RR mRNA和蛋白的表达(均P<0.01),与AngⅡ处理组比较,加入PD123319可抑制(P)RR mRNA和蛋白表达(均P<0.01),加入losartan不能抑制(P)RR mRNA和蛋白表达(P>0.05)。结论: AngⅡ可通过AT₂受体促进(P)RR mRNA和蛋白表达,而Ang-(1-7) 可抑制(P)RR mRNA和蛋白的表达。     

IGFBP7对人乳腺癌MCF-7细胞增殖的影响及其机制

目的: 探究胰岛素样生长因子结合蛋白7(IGFBP7)对人乳腺癌MCF-7细胞增殖的影响及其分子生物学机制。方法: 将质粒pCMV6-IGFBP7转染MCF-7细胞,构建稳定表达IGFBP7的MCF-7细胞系;采用Western blotting检测IGFBP7在MCF-7细胞稳定转染子的表达;采用软琼脂培养克隆形成实验检测IGFBP7对MCF-7细胞克隆形成能力的影响;采用流式细胞术检测IGFBP7对MCF-7细胞周期的影响;采用Western blotting检测IGFBP7对MCF-7细胞细胞外信号调节激酶1/2(ERK1/2)、p-ERK1/2、细胞周期素D1(cyclin D1)、细胞周期素依赖性激酶4(CDK4)、cyclin E、CDK2、p21^CIP1/WAF1、p27^KIP1、p53、视网膜母细胞瘤蛋白(Rb)和p-Rb蛋白含量的影响。结果: (1)只有稳定转染质粒pCMV6-IGFBP7的MCF-7细胞表达IGFBP7。(2)IGFBP7能够显著降低MCF-7细胞的克隆形成率(P<0.01),阻止细胞从G₁期进入S 期,使其停滞于G₁期(P<0.01)。(3)IGFBP7能够显著抑制ERK1/2的磷酸化(P<0.01)。(4)IGFBP7能够下调cyclin D1和cyclin E蛋白表达(P<0.01),上调p27^KIP1、p21^CIP1/WAF1和p53蛋白表达(P<0.01),抑制Rb的磷酸化(P<0.01)。(5)MEK1/2阻断剂PD98059可部分模拟IGFBP7的肿瘤抑制效应。结论: (1) IGFBP7可通过下调cyclin D1和cyclin E蛋白表达,上调p27^KIP1、p21^CIP1/WAF1和p53蛋白表达,以及抑制Rb磷酸化发挥抗肿瘤作用;(2) IGFBP7对cyclin D1和p27^KIP1的调节可能与其抑制ERK1/2信号通路有关。     

槲皮素对毒胡萝卜素诱导的巨噬细胞内质网应激凋亡途径的抑制作用及机制

目的: 研究槲皮素(quercetin, Que)对毒胡萝卜素(thapsigargin, TG)诱导的巨噬细胞RAW264.7内质网应激凋亡途径的抑制作用及机制。方法: 1 μmol/L TG作用RAW264.7细胞24 h诱导内质网应激,不同浓度Que(80、120或160 μmol/L)与TG共同作用后,MTT法检测细胞存活率,流式细胞术检测凋亡率及[Ca²⁺]_i,激光共聚焦显微镜观察细胞形态变化,Western blotting法检测糖调节蛋白78 (glucose-regulated protein 78,GRP78)及C/EBP同源蛋白(C/EBP homologous protein, CHOP)的表达;Western blotting法检测Que(160 μmol/L)和(或)磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶(phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, PI3K)抑制剂LY294002(15 nmol/L)与TG共同作用时GRP78和CHOP的表达。结果: Que能够抑制TG诱导的RAW264.7细胞内质网应激损伤,与TG组相比,细胞存活率升高(P<0.05),凋亡率降低(P<0.05),[Ca²⁺]_i降低(P<0.05),GRP78及CHOP表达减少(P<0.05);LY294002单独作用可抑制TG诱导的GRP78及CHOP表达上调(P<0.05),但与Que联合应用与二者单独使用时抑制作用无显著差异。结论: Que可以抑制TG诱导的RAW264.7细胞内质网应激凋亡途径,该作用可能与其抑制PI3K信号通路从而降低CHOP蛋白的表达有关。     

CaMKⅡ抑制剂抑制AngⅡ或电场刺激诱导的心肌成纤维细胞TNF-α、TGF-β_1及collagenⅠ、Ⅲ的表达

目的:观察钙-钙调素依赖性蛋白激酶(CaMK)Ⅱ在血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)或电场刺激(EFS)诱导的大鼠心肌成纤维细胞增殖、分泌细胞因子及胶原酶表达中的作用及其机制。方法:培养新生1-3 d乳鼠心肌成纤维细胞(3代),分为正常对照组(control)、0.1μmol/L AngⅡ组、0.1μmol/L AngⅡ+0.5μmol/L CaMKⅡ抑制剂KN92组、0.1μmol/L AngⅡ+0.5μmol/L CaMKⅡ抑制剂KN93组、0.1μmol/L AngⅡ+0.5μmol/L CaMKⅡ抑制剂AIP组;10 V1.0 Hz EFS组、10 V 1.0 Hz EFS+0.5μmol/L KN92组、10 V 1.0 Hz EFS+0.5μmol/L KN93组、10 V1.0 Hz EFS+0.5μmol/L AIP组、10 V1.0 Hz EFS+0.1μmol/L AngⅡ组。MTT法测定心肌成纤维细胞增殖;ELISA法测定细胞因子(TGF-β1,TNF-α)分泌;RT-PCR检测TGF-β1、TNF-α、collagenⅠ、ⅢmRNA水平。结果:CaMKⅡ抑制剂(0.5μmol/L KN93,0.5μmol/L AIP)能预防AngⅡ或EFS诱导的心肌成纤维细胞增殖;CaMKⅡ抑制剂(0.5μmol/L KN93,0.5μmol/L AIP)可预防AngⅡ或EFS引起的细胞培养上清液TGF-β1、TNF-α含量及相应mRNA表达增加。CaMKⅡ抑制剂(0.5μmol/L AIP,1.0μmol/L AIP)预防0.1μmol/L AngⅡ引起的collagenⅠ、Ⅲ表达增加。结论:抑制CaMKⅡ对AngⅡ或EFS诱导的心肌成纤维细胞增殖具有预防作用,其机制可能与CaMKⅡ抑制剂抑制TGF-β1、TNF-α以及胶原的表达有关。     

Bone Morphogenetic Protein-9 Induces Osteogenic Differentiation of Rat Dental Follicle Stem Cells in P38 and ERK1/2 MAPK Dependent Manner

Dental follicle stem cells are a group of cells possessing osteogenic, adipogenetic and neurogenic differentiations, but the specific mechanism underlying the multilineage differentiation remains still unclear. Great attention has been paid to bone morphogenetic protein-9 (BMP-9) due to its potent osteogenic activity. In the present study, rat dental follicle stem cells were isolated and purified, and cells of passage 3 underwent adenovirus mediated BMP-9 gene transfection to prepare dental follicle stem cells with stable BMP-9 expression. Detection of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and calcium deposition showed dental follicle stem cells transfected with BMP-9 gene could significantly promote the osteogenesis. In addition, SB203580 and PD98059 were employed to block the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2), respectively. Detection of ALP and calcium deposition revealed the BMP-9 induced osteogenic differentiation of dental follicle stem cells depended on MAPK signaling pathway.     

Expression of chondrogenic genes by undifferentiated vs. differentiated human mesenchymal stem cells using array technology

This study investigated the gene expression profile of human mesenchymal stem cells seeded in collagen sponge for 28 days in three different mediums: (1) basal medium as control containing ITS alone, (2) ITS+TGF-β1 alone or (3) ITS 1% supplemented sequentially by TGF-β1 (D3-D14) followed by BMP-2 (D15-D28). Differential expression of 84 genes implicated in chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation of MSCs was analyzed at D28 by real-time RT-PCR array technology. TGF-β1 alone down-regulated two genes, CD36 and cathepsin K. Sixteen genes were significantly up-regulated, notably type 2 and type 10 collagens, COMP and Sox9. The sequential combination of TGF-β1 and BMP-2 produced a similar profile with prominent expression of type 2 collagen and the alkaline phosphatase gene. Interestingly, in this in vitro condition, RUNX2 was not up-regulated, suggesting that the sequential combination of TGF-β1/BMP2 enhances the hypertrophic chondrogenic profile without turning towards the osteoblastic pathway.     

莪术醇通过上调miR-214抑制TGF-β诱导的RL-95细胞生长及纤维化相关蛋白表达

目的:探讨莪术醇对转化生长因子β(TGF-β)诱导的子宫内膜癌RL-95细胞生长及纤维化相关蛋白表达的影响,并探讨其机制是否与调控微小RNA-214(miR-214)表达有关.方法:以TGF-β诱导RL-95细胞纤维化作为子宫内膜异位症细胞模型.设置对照(control)组、TGF-β组、TGF-β+低剂量莪术醇组、T...     

Improved Protocol for Chondrogenic Differentiation of Bone Marrow Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells -Effect of PTHrP and FGF-2 on TGFβ1/BMP2-Induced Chondrocytes Hypertrophy

Growth factors have a pivotal role in chondrogenic differentiation of stem cells. The differential effects of known growth factors involved in the maintenance and homeostasis of cartilage tissue have been previously studied in vitro. However, there are few reported researches about the interactional effects of growth factors on chondrogenic differentiation of stem cells. The aim of this study is to examine the combined effects of four key growth factors on chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Isolated and expanded rabbit bone marrow-derived MSCs underwent chondrogenic differentiation in a micromass cell culture system that used a combination of the following growth factors: transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), parathyroid hormone related protein (PTHrP), and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) according to a defined program. The chondrogenic differentiation program was analyzed by histochemistry methods, quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), and measurement of matrix deposition of sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) and collagen content at days 16, 23, and 30. The results showed that the short-term combination of TGF-β1 and BMP-2 increased sGAG and collagen content, Alkaline phosphates (ALP) activity, and type X collagen (COL X) expression. Application of either PTHrP or FGF2 simultaneously decreased TGF-β1/BMP-2 induced hypertrophy and chondrogenic markers (at least for FGF2). However, successive application of PTHrP and FGF2 dramatically maintained the synergistic effects of TGF-β1/BMP-2 on the chondrogenic differentiation potential of MSCs and decreased unwanted hypertrophic markers. This new method can be used effectively in chondrogenic differentiation programs.     

Chondrogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells in collagen type I hydrogels

The chondrogenic differentiation of bone marrow-derived human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in a collagen type I hydrogel, which is in clinical use for matrix-based autologous chondrocyte transplantation (ACT), was investigated. Collagen hydrogels with 2.5 x 10(5) MSCs/mL were fabricated and cultured for 3 weeks in a serum-free, defined, chondrogenic differentiation medium containing 10 ng/mL TGF-beta1 or 100 ng/mL BMP-2. Histochemistry revealed morphologically distinct, chondrocyte-like cells, surrounded by a sulfated proteoglycan-rich extracellular matrix in the TGF-beta1 and BMP-2 treated group, with more elongated cells seen in the BMP-2 treated group. Immunohistochemistry detected collagen type II (Col II) in the TGF-beta1 and BMP-2 treated group. Collagen type X (Col X) staining was positive in the TGF-beta1 but only very weak in the BMP-2 treated group. RT-PCR analyses revealed a specific chondrogenic differentiation with the expression of the cartilage specific marker genes Col II, Col X, and aggrecan (AGN) in the TGF-beta1 and the BMP-2 treated group, with earlier expression of these marker genes in the TGF-beta1 treated group. Interestingly, MSC-gels cultured in DMEM with 10% FBS (control) indicated few isolated chondrocyte-like cells but no expression of Col II or Col X could be detected. The results show, that MSCs cultured in a collagen type I hydrogel are able to undergo a distinct chondrogenic differentiation pathway, similar to that described for MSCs cultured in high-density pellet cultures. These findings are valuable in terms of ex vivo predifferentiation or in situ differentiation of MSCs in collagen hydrogels for articular cartilage repair.     

A comparative analysis of the osteogenic capacity of osteoblasts from newborn and two-week-old rats

AimTo compare the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of osteoblasts between newborn rats (1d group) and two-week-old rats (14d group) and to clarify the mechanism underlying these effects.MethodThe endogenous expression of osteogenic marker genes was detected by qPCR, including ALP, OCN, Col1a1, and Runx2. The osteoblasts proliferation was evaluated by EdU assay and Western Blotting [PCNA and Cyclin D1]. ALP activities in osteoblasts were detected using a PNPP kit, ALP staining and qPCR. Mineralized nodule formation and intracellular calcium levels were assessed by Alizarin Red staining and calcium colorimetric assay respectively while OCN, Col1a1 and Runx2 levels in osteoblasts were analyzed by immunostaining. Osteogenesis-associated pathways including Wnt/β-Catenin, Akt/PPAR and Smad were analyzed via Western Blotting.ResultEndogenous ALP, OCN, Col1a1, and Runx2 expression levels were significantly higher in osteoblasts from 14d group than those from 1d group. After treatment with osteogenic induction medium, osteoblast proliferation, ALP activity, mineralized nodule formation, and intracellular calcium levels were markedly increased in osteoblasts from 1d group, with similar results also being observed for the expression of OCN, Col1a1, and Runx2. Wnt3a, β-catenin, p-Akt, p-Smad1/5/8, and p-Smad5 protein levels were also higher in osteoblasts from 1d group relative to those from 14d group, while the expression of PPARγ was lower.ConclusionThe superior osteogenic differentiation capacity in osteoblasts was associated with the higher activation levels of Wnt/β-Catenin, Akt/PPAR and Smad signaling pathways, and the enhanced proliferative activity in osteoblasts from 1d group.     

大鼠肝纤维化与microRNA-181a调控肝星状细胞自噬的关系

目的:观察四氯化碳(CCl4)诱导肝纤维化(HF)大鼠肝脏结构的改变、肝组织中转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)、微小RNA-181a(microRNA-181a)、自噬标志性蛋白LC3-II/-I和beclin-1水平及胶原沉积的变化,以及mi?croRNA-181a对TGF-β1诱导大鼠肝星状细胞(HSCs)自噬的作...