Genomic structure and eight novel exonic polymorphisms of the human N-cadherin gene

 Analysis of the detailed genomic structure of human N-cadherin revealed that the 16-exon gene is more than 72 kb in length and that it consists of a mosaic of exons. Five repeated cadherin domains, a transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic domain are encoded by exons 4 to 13, 13 and 14, and 14 to 16, respectively. A search for molecular variants in the entire coding region in 96 Japanese individuals resulted in the identification of eight sequence polymorphisms including three CCT- or GCC-type trinucleotide repeat polymorphisms adjacent to the initiation codon and five other novel single-nucleoticle polymorphisms (SNPs) in the coding region. Three of the five SNPs accompanied an amino acid substitution: Ala118Thr, Ala826Thr, and Asn845Ser. Knowlege of the fine gene structure and eight novel polymorphisms will be useful for the genetic study of the role of N-cadherin in diseases involving cell adhesion in the brain and in cardiomyocytes. Received: January 23, 2002 / Accepted: March 12, 2002     

软骨细胞上清液诱导BMSC向软骨细胞转化的实验研究

目的:体外定向诱导大鼠骨髓基质干细胞(BMSC)向软骨细胞表型转化,并对诱导进行鉴定。方法:从SD大鼠中分别分离出BMSC和软骨细胞进行体外培养。收集软骨细胞培养上清液,作为BMSC诱导液从第2代开始进行诱导分化。7d后取出标本,甲苯胺蓝染色和Masson染色检测软骨基质的分泌,免疫组织化学检测软骨特异性Ⅱ型胶原表达,RT-PCR检测Ⅱ型胶原和aggrecan的mRNA表达。结果:镜下见细胞形态由梭形向多边多角形转化。甲苯胺蓝染色和Mas-son染色阳性,Ⅱ型胶原免疫组化检测阳性,RT-PCR检测Ⅱ型胶原和aggrecan mRNA呈阳性表达。结论:软骨细胞上清液可诱导BMSC向软骨细胞转化。     

体外诱导骨髓间充质干细胞向软骨细胞的定向分化及其鉴定

目的: 体外诱导骨髓间充质干细胞(MSC)向软骨细胞定向分化, 并对分化后的细胞进行鉴定。方法: 由健康成人骨髓中分离出MSC, 取第 3代细胞进行实验。鉴定后, 将微小细胞团在TGF -β1、地塞米松(Dex)及维生素C(VitC)等诱导下分化。14d后, 细胞团经石蜡包埋、切片及HE染色后, 进行甲苯胺蓝染色及II型胶原(ColII)的免疫组化染色。采用Westernblot和RT- PCR, 分别检测诱导前后MSC中ColII及前ColIImRNA的表达。结果: HE染色显示, 诱导后细胞呈软骨细胞样形态; 甲苯胺蓝及ColII染色的细胞外基质呈阳性。Westernblot和RT PCR的结果显示, 诱导分化后的MSC可表达ColII和前ColII的mRNA。结论: MSC在TGF- β1、Dex及VitC等诱导后, 可分化为软骨细胞。     

Panax Notoginseng Saponins suppresses TRPM7 via the PI3K/AKT pathway to inhibit hypertrophic scar formation in vitro

BackgroundHypertrophic scar (HS) formation, a type of dermal fibroproliferative condition, is a frequent complication in wound healing resulting from burns, severe trauma, and surgical procedures. The effects of Panax Notoginseng Saponins (PNS) on the HS formation remain relatively under-explored. Hence, this study was intended to interrogate anti-apoptosis and anti-fibrosis effects of PNS on the hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (HSFs) during HS formation and assess the involvement of TRPM7 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.MethodsUsing MTT and CCK-8 assays, we evaluated cell cytotoxicity and cell viability. Collagen I/III (col 1/3) and α-SMA expression levels were assessed through immunofluorescence and western blot, and cell migration, cell apoptosis and cell cycle were examined with applications of wound healing, TUNEL staining and flow cytometry. TRPM7, PI3K/AKT, TGF-β1 and related-proteins were quantified using RT-qPCR and western blot.ResultsPNS administration could suppress TRPM7 expression and the viability of HSFs in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, PNS could restrain the HS formation and ECM deposition by decreasing col 1/3 and α-SMA synthesis, suppressing cell migration, and boosting apoptosis and G1 arrest. Notably, this study revealed that PNS inhibited PI3K/AKT activation in HSFs. Besides, knockdown of TRPM7 enhanced therapeutic effects of PNS on HSFs, but overexpression markedly reversed above mentioned effects of PNS on HSFs.ConclusionThis study suggested that PNS hampered scar formation might via inhibiting ECM and stimulating cell apoptosis by modulating the PI3K/AKT signaling. Overall, these findings in the present study could support the use of PNS for preventing HS formation, and TRPM7 may be a novel molecular target for treating HS.     

The therapeutic effect of Interleukin-18 on hypertrophic scar through inducing Fas ligand expression

ObjectiveAmong downstream interleukin-18 (IL-18) targets, Fas ligand (FasL) in particular, has been strongly implicated in many conditions. Our study aims to explore the role of IL-18 in hypertrophic scar through enhancing FasL expression.MethodsIL-18 expression in hypertrophic scar tissues and normal tissues were explored by immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR and Western blotting, and the expression of IL-18 in normal skin fibroblasts and hypertrophic scar fibroblasts by immunofluorescence. Hypertrophic scar fibroblasts treated with recombinant human IL-18 (rhIL-18) were assessed with MTT, Annexin V-FITC/PI, qRT-PCR, ELISA and western blotting. In the hypertrophic scar of rabbit ears, rhIL-18 was injected to determine histological changes with HE and Masson staining. Additionally, the scars were rated based on contour and overall severity using a visual analog scale scores (VAS).ResultsIL-18 was decreased in hypertrophic scar tissues and fibroblasts compared to normal skin tissues and fibroblasts, respectively. Decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis of hypertrophic scar fibroblasts were found after rhIL-18 treatment with enhanced expression of FasL, sFasL FADD, Caspase-8, Caspase-9 and Caspase-3 in a dose-dependent manner. The VAS and thickness of scars in rabbit ears was decreased as time went on after rhIL-18 treatment, with decreases in scar elevation index (SEI) and the increases in FasL expression.ConclusionIL-18 curbs proliferation and promotes apoptosis of hypertrophic scar fibroblasts by enhancing FasL expression. IL-18is a potential target for treatment of hypertrophic scar.     

Split-thickness skin graft donor-site morbidity: A systematic literature review

The purpose of this systematic literature review is to critically evaluate split-thickness skin graft (STSG) donor-site morbidities. The search of peer-reviewed articles in three databases from January 2009 to July 2019 identified 4271 English-language publications reporting STSG donor-site clinical outcomes, complications, or quality of life. Of these studies, 77 met inclusion criteria for analysis. Mean time to donor-site epithelialization ranged from 4.7 to 35.0 days. Mean pain scores (0–10 scale) ranged from 1.24 to 6.38 on postoperative Day 3. Mean scar scores (0–13 scale) ranged from 0 to 10.9 at Year 1. One study reported 28% of patients had donor-site scar hypertrophy at 8 years. Infection rates were generally low but ranged from 0 to 56%. Less frequently reported outcomes included pruritus, wound exudation, and esthetic dissatisfaction. Donor-site wounds underwent days of wound care and were frequently associated with pain and scarring. Widespread variations were noted in STSG donor-site outcomes likely due to inconsistencies in the definition of outcomes and utilization of various assessment tools. Understanding the true burden of donor sites may drive innovative treatments that would reduce the use of STSGs and address the associated morbidities.     

丹皮酚对增生性瘢痕成纤维细胞的抑制作用

目的探讨丹皮酚对增生性瘢痕成纤维细胞的抑制作用。方法自2018年9月至2020年6月北部战区总医院烧伤整形科提取原代增生性瘢痕成纤维细胞后,将细胞平分为4组,分别采用0μmol/L(对照组)、50μmol/L、100μmol/L的丹皮酚及10μmol/L的5-氟尿嘧啶(5-Fu)处理;CCK-8实验检测细胞处理后第0、3、5、7天的增殖情况。处理3 d后通过ELISA实验检测增生性成纤维细胞中活性氧基团或分子、丙二醛和超氧化物歧化酶的含量;Western blot实验检测丹皮酚对于细胞中TGF-β1、Ⅰ和Ⅲ型胶原的表达情况。结果50、100μmol/L的丹皮酚和10μmol/L的5-FU分别作用于细胞3 d后与对照组相比,对于细胞增殖的抑制率分别为(32.63±3.06)%、(46.41±4.41)%和(45.32±9.26)%,组间比较差异显著,具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。丹皮酚能够显著下调增生性成纤维细胞中ROS和MDA的表达情况,上调SOD的含量,降低TGF-β1、Ⅰ和Ⅲ型胶原的表达。结论丹皮酚能够抑制增生性瘢痕成纤维细胞的生长、减轻氧化应激损伤,下调TGF-β1和胶原的表达。     

Indian Hedgehog信号通路在软骨细胞成熟及转分化过程中的调控作用

目的 探究Indian Hedgehog（IHH）信号通路对软骨内成骨过程中软骨细胞成熟以及转分化的影响。方法 取10日龄野生型小鼠的胫骨组织,采用原位杂交和免疫组织化学染色检测生长板区域IHH信号通路相关分子Ihh、Ptch1和Gli1的表达水平。构建肥大软骨细胞特异性Ihh基因敲除小鼠（Col10a1^Cre/+; Ihh^null/C）,并采用影像学检查和阿利新蓝染色评估该小鼠的骨骼发育状况。构建肥大软骨细胞IHH信号通路持续激活小鼠（Col10a1^Cre/+; R26Smo^M2/M2和 Col10a1^Cre/+; Ptch1^LacZ/C）,采用HE染色、原位杂交和TUNEL染色分别对受精15.5天胎鼠胫骨组织形态结构、Ihh（肥大软骨细胞分子标志物）和Col1a1（成骨细胞分子标志物）以及肥大软骨细胞凋亡水平进行检测;另外应用HE染色对10日龄小鼠的胫骨组织进行组织学分析。结果 肥大软骨细胞合成分泌IHH,但不表达Ptch1和Gli1。抑制肥大软骨细胞合成IHH蛋白会导致出生后小鼠出现侏儒症;X线检查结果显示小鼠出现严重的骨骼发育不良,包括胸廓狭小、球形头骨以及椎骨发育异常等表现。持续启动IHH信号通路时,胚胎早期软骨细胞成熟分化过程虽未见异常,但是出生后小鼠的骨小梁、骨内膜以及皮质骨等结构均出现一定的异常表现。结论 IHH信号通路虽然不参与肥大软骨细胞的终末分化过程,但在软骨细胞转分化的过程中起到了重要的调控作用。     

脂质体介导下重组pcDNA3-hBMP3转染兔关节软骨细胞的条件

目的　探讨基因转移效率与 pc DNA3- h BMP3质粒及阳离子脂质体的浓度、转染时机以及细胞的种殖密度等因素的关系 ,以寻求最佳的基因转染条件 .方法　细胞密度按 2× 10 4· cm- 2 接种后 ,对细胞接种后即时、孵化 2 ,5和 7d进行转染效率研究 ;G418浓度每 m L DMEM分别含有 2 0 0 ,30 0 ,40 0 ,5 0 0和 6 0 0μg,探讨 G418对软骨细胞的杀伤作用 ;选择不同细胞接种密度、不同脂质体浓度和 pc DNA3- BMP3浓度 ,在细胞对数生长期且细胞融合至 70 %～ 80 %时开始做转染 ,各组软骨细胞爬片的原位杂交结果通过计算机图像分析 ,以其灰度值判定基因转染的效率 .结果　最佳期的转染时机为软骨细胞接种后在孵箱内放置 2 d转染 ,即在软骨细胞对数生长期内做转染 .G418对软骨细胞的最佳筛选浓度为 40 0 mg· L- 1 .最佳的细胞种植密度、pc DNA3- BMP3浓度和脂质体的量应分别为 2× 10 4· cm- 2 ,5 μL 和 10 μL.结论　通过本研究探索出脂质体介导下 pc DNA 3- BMP3转染兔关节软骨细胞的最佳条件 .