Differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells derived from human umbilical cord

AIM: To explore an ideal method to induce the differen-tiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells(hUCMSCs) into neuron-like cells and to provide some evidence for the transplantation of hUCMSCs for spinal cord injury. METHODS: The hUCMSCs were isolated from human umbilical cord digested with collagenase Ⅱ. The hUCMSCs was verified by flow cytometry analysis. The passage 5 cells were randomly divided into 4 groups. The differentiation of hUCMSCs was induced by bFGF in group A, bFGF and BDNF in group B, or BHA, bFGF and BDNF in group C, while the cells in group D served as a control group cultured with DMEM-F12 and 10% FBS. Two weeks later, the expression of nestin, neurofilament protein H(NEFH) and glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP) was detected by real-time PCR and immunocytochemistry. The morphological changes of cells were observed under an atomic force microscope. RESULTS: Mesenchymal stem cells were isolated and cultured from human umbilical cord by enzyme digestion. hUCMSCs expressed CD29, CD44 and CD105, but no CD34, CD45 or HLA-DR. After cultured with inducing medium for 2 weeks, the cells were successfully induced into neuron-like cells. The appearance of the cells had great change. The induced hUCMSCs developed round cell bodies with multiple neurite-like extensions observed under an atomic force microscope. The result of real-time PCR showed that nestin was positive in A, B and C groups, and NEFH was positive in A and B groups, but GFAP was negative in 4 groups. The difference of nestin and NEFH expression among the induced groups was significant(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Mesenchymal stem cells were isolated and cultured from human umbilical cord by enzyme digestion in vitro, and all the hUCMACs presented stable biological properties. Moreover, hUCMSCs were induced to differentiate into neuron-like cells in vitro via bFGF combined with BDNF.     

Interleukin-4 regulates phonotype,proliferation and hematopoietic supporting capacity of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells

AIM: To explore the effects of interleukin-4 (IL-4) on the biological characteristics and hematopoietic supporting effects of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSC). METHODS: The phenotype of UC-MSC was detected by flow cytometry after IL-4 stimulation, and the proliferation ability of UC-MSC was measured by BrdU-ELISA. Oil red O and alizarin red were used to observe the ability of differentiation. The mRNA expression in UC-MSC was determined by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. The culture medium isolated from UC-MSC was used to analyze the ability in promoting colony formation.RESULTS: After IL-4 stimulation, the expression of CD11b, CD19, CD34, CD45, CD73, CD90, CD105, HLA-DR and HLA-ABC was unchanged. IL-4 inhibited the proliferation of UC-MSC, but no difference was detected on osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. The culture medium from IL-4-induced UC-MSC possessed strong ability for promoting CD34+ colony formation ability. CONCLUSION: IL-4 inhibits the proliferation of UC-MSC and enhances its hematopoietic supporting ability.     

Effects of Nrf2 overexpression on proliferation,activation and collagen type I synthesis in cultured hepatic stellate cells stimulated by ethanol

AIM：To investigate the effects of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) overexpression on the proliferation, cell cycle distribution, collagen type I (Col I) synthesis and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression in cultured hepatic stellate cell line HSC-T6 stimulated by ethanol. METHODS：Cultured HSC-T6 cells were transfected with pEGFP-Nrf2 or pEGFP-N1 (empty vector) plasmid by liposome transient transfection. The cells were divided into control group, ethanol group, ethanol+pEGFP-Nrf2 group and ethanol+pEGFP-N1 group. The mRNA expression of Nrf2, α-SMA and Col I was determined by RT-PCR, and their protein expression was detected by Western blotting. Cell proliferation was assessed by MTT assay, and cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry. RESULTS：The pEGFP-Nrf2 plasmid was successfully transfected into HSC-T6 cells, and the mRNA and protein expression of Nrf2 was higher than other three groups 48 h after transfection (P<0.05). Compared with control group, the cell proliferation and the mRNA and protein expression of α-SMA and Col I in ethanol group and ethanol+pEGFP-N1 group were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the numbers of HSC-T6 cells were decreased in G1 phase and increased in S phase (P<0.05), without significant differences between the two groups (P>0.05). Meanwhile, the cells in ethanol+pEGFP-Nrf2 group showed significantly decreased proliferation level, down-regulated mRNA and protein expression of α-SMA and Col I, higher numbers in G1 phase and lower numbers in S phase compared with ethanol group and ethanol+pEGFP-N1 group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION：Nrf2 overexpression could significantly down-regulate the expression of α-SMA and Col I and cause G1/S phase arrest in HSC-T6 cells cultured with ethanol, thus inhibiting the proliferation and activation of the cells.     

Effect of CD151 on biological characteristics of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells

AIM：To study the effect of CD151 on the biological characteristics of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs). METHODS：CD151 expression on hUC-MSCs was interfered by siRNA. The cells were divided into siRNA-CD151 group and negative control group (treated with siRNA-NC). The efficiency of interference after 72 h and the changes of other surface markers were detected by flow cytometry. The ability of differentiation was assessed by oil red O and von Kossa staining. The cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry. The mRNA expression of CD151, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO) in hUC-MSCs was detected by real-time PCR. The secretion of HGF by hUC-MSCs was measured by ELISA. RESULTS：The results of flow cytometry showed that the expression of CD151 (11.97±2.63 vs 95.66±1.56, P<0.01) and CD105 (93.66±0.21 vs 83.37±0.71, P<0.05) on hUC-MSCs in siRNA-CD151 group was lower than that in negative control group. The consistent results were also achieved by using the method of real-time PCR. Treatment with siRNA-CD151 down-regulated the progress of the cell cycle as the G1 phase increased and the S phase decreased. The mRNA expression levels of HGF and TGF-β1 in hUC-MSCs in siRNA-CD151 group were lower than those in negative control group, and opposite result of COX-2 mRNA expression was observed. The IDO mRNA in hUC-MSCs was unchanged with IFN-γ stimulation for 24 h. HGF concentration in siRNA-CD151 group was decreased as compared with negative control group. CONCLUSION：Interfering CD151 expression on hUC-MSCs doesn’t change other surface markers except CD105, and maintains the capacity of adipogenic differentiation. However, it changes the osteogenic differentiation, proliferation and the expression of immunomodulatory cytokines.     

Retinoid X receptor agonist inhibits TGF-β1-induced collagen synthesis in cardiac fibroblasts by repressing Smad2 activation

AIM: To investigate the effect of activation of retinoid X receptor (RXR) on transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) induced collagen synthesis under hypoxic environment in rat cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) and underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS: CFs were cultured using myocardial tissue with dry method. Hypoxic environment was established for CFs by continuous nitrogen supplement. Type I and type III collagens in supernatants were detected by ELISA. Nuclear and cytoplasmic extractions were prepared using NE-PER nuclear and cytoplasmic extraction reagents. The protein levels of Smad2 and p-Smad2 were determined by Western blot and immunocytochemical staining. RESULTS: Under hypoxic condition, TGF-β1 (0.01~10 μg/L) increased the synthesis of type I and type III collagens in a dose-dependent manner in the CFs. At the concentration of 5 μg/L, the synthesis of collagen I and III was significantly increased as compared with control group (P<0.01). RXR agonist 9-cis-retinoic acid (9-cis-RA; 10^-9~10^-6mol/L) decreased TGF-β1 (5 μg/L)-induced synthesis of type I and III collagens in a dose-dependent manner in the CFs under hypoxic condition. The synthesis of type I and type III collagens was significantly inhibited by 9-cis-RA (P<0.01). Smad2 inhibitor (20 nmol/L) showed similar inhibitory effect on the synthesis of type I and III collagens induced by TGF-β1 under hypoxic condition. Compared with TGF-β1 intervention group, the cytoplasmic level of p-Smad2 in the CFs was significantly increased in TGF-β1+9-cis-RA group, but the nuclear p-Smad2 level was significantly decreased (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Retinoid X receptor agonist 9-cis-RA inhibits TGF-β1-induced synthesis of type I and type III collagens in the CFs by repressing p-Smad2 nuclear translocation under hypoxic condition.     

Transwell contact co-culture promotes growth and differentiation of single-dissociated iPSCs

AIM：To investigate the promoting role of Transwell contact co-culture system in the growth and differentiation of single-dissociated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). METHODS：Bovine corneal endothelial cells (CECs) at passage 1~2 (P1~2) were seeded on the underside of Transwell inserts placed into culture plates and were cultured in 37 ℃ and 5% CO2 for 8 h. Accutase digestion and 40 μm filter process disaggregated colony-aggregated iPSCs into single-dissociated iPSCs, and the cells were seeded on the inside of Transwell inserts with CECs in medium of mTeSR1 for 3 d and then in low-glucose DMEM supplemented with 10% FBS for 2 weeks. The characteristics and differentiation markers were evaluated by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), immunofluorescence staining, live & dead cell staining and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining. The group of iPSCs cultured in conventional medium was used as control group 1. The group of single-dissociated iPSCs co-cultured with CECs was set as experimental group, while single-dissociated iPSCs without co-culture were as control group 2. RESULTS：The bovine CECs showed typical hexagonal cobblestone shape. iPSCs showed colony-like growth, while became single-dissociated cells after Transwell contact co-culture with bovine CECs for 3 d. The single-dissociated iPSCs positively expressed the undifferentiated markers, Nanog and Oct4. The mRNA expression levels of Nanog, Oct4 and Sox2 between experimental group and control group 1 were both positive and had no statistical significance difference (P>0.05). The dead cells in experimental group decreased significantly, and there was statistically significant difference compared to control group 2 (P<0.01). After 14 d of induced differentiation co-culture, the single-dissociated iPSCs showed rather uniform polygonal morphology, increased dimension and no obvious colony existence. Negative ALP staining, positive immunofluorescence staining for ZO-1, AQP1 and CD31, and negative for CD34 and CD133 were also observed. The results of qPCR showed that the mRNA expression of Oct4, Nanog and Sox2 significantly decreased, and had statistically significant difference compared with control group 1 (P<0.01). CONCLUSION：When co-cultured with bovine CECs, iPSCs morphologically changed to endothelial-like cells and expressed some markers of CECs. Transwell contact co-culture system not only enhances the growth of single-dissociated iPSCs, but also promotes their differentiation.     

Placental growth factor is involved in angiotensin II-induced cardiac fibroblast activation

AIM：To explore the role of placental growth factor (PLGF) in the process of angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced activation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). METHODS：Primary culture and identification of CFs from neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats were performed. The method of fluorescence immunocytochemistry was employed to observe the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to determine mRNA and protein levels. The cell proliferation was observed by WST-1 assay. RESULTS：Compared with control group, the PLGF expression at mRNA and protein levels in Ang II-treated CFs was significantly increased, whereas the mRNA expression of PLGF was decreased in the CFs treated with telmisartan and Ang II. Treatment with PLGF induced the proliferation of CFs and increased the protein expression of α-SMA. Treatment with PLGF for 60 min significantly increased the protein levels of p-ERK1/2 in the CFs. Compared with Ang II group, the proliferation of CFs was depressed and the protein expression of α-SMA was attenuated in Ang II+anti-PLGF group.The mRNA expression levels of type I and type III collagens were also down-regulated. CONCLUSION：PLGF might be involved in the process of Ang II-induced proliferation of CFs and fibrosis.     

Effect of decorin on proliferation and collagen type I synthesis of stiff knee joint synovial type B cells

AIM: To explore the effects of decorin on procollagen type I (PcI), mRNA expression,collagen type I synthesis and proliferation of synovial type B cells of stiff knee joint synovial membrane. METHODS: Type B cells of synovial membrane were isolated from the stiff knee joint synovial membrane and cultured in vitro. The cells were treated with decorin at concentrations of 0.1 mg/L, 5 mg/L and 10 mg/L. After cultured for 24 h, 48 h and 72 h, the cell proli-feration rates were measured by MTT colorimetric determination. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. The mRNA level of Pc I was detected by RT-PCR, while collagen type I was measured by Western blot. RESULTS: The proliferation of synovial type B cells was significantly inhibited, the percentage of synovial type B cells at G₁ phase was significantly increased by 5 mg/L and 10 mg/L decorin (P<0.05), and PcⅠmRNA expression and collagen type I synthesis were significantly decreased. The cells with late apoptosis were not found in control group and experimental groups. CONCLUSION: Recombinant human decorin inhibits synovial type B cell proliferation and decreases PcⅠmRNA expression and collagen type I synthesis in synovial type B cells of stiff knee joint synovial membrane in vitro, suggesting that decorin potentially contributes to the therapy of human knee stiffness.     

Coriaria sinica Maxim extract promotes burn wound healing in rats

AIM：To investigate the effects of Coriaria sinica Maxim extract (CSME) on burn wound healing in rats. METHODS：Forty male SD rats were randomly divided into normal saline (NS) group, white petrolatum jelly (WPJ) group, silver sulfadiazine (SSD) group and CSME group. After the animals were anesthetized, the skin of their backs was burnt to induce deep Ⅱ degree burn wounds. These wounds were treated respectively for 21 d by covering dressings with NS, WPJ, SSD and CSME, respectively. On the 1st, 3rd, 7th, 14th and 21st days, after the clinical symptoms of the animals and conditions of the wounds such as the epithelization rate, crusting and hair growth were observed, the wound tissues were also taken for histological examination. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA), the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and the expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and collagen were detected. RESULTS：On the 21st day after burn, the new epithelial tissues in CSME group extraordinarily　developed and a great deal of hair also grew along the margin of the wounds. The epithelization rate of the wound tissues in CSME group was higher than that in other groups. There was rare new hair in the center of the wound area in SSD group, but intensive new hair was observed in CSME group. On the 14th day and 21st day after burn, multilayer of epithelial cells was entirely covered with the wound area in CSME group. Some of the healing signs, such as sufficient differentiation and a line up in order of collagen fibers, clear tissue structure, exceedingly active hyperplasia of sebaceous glands and hair follicles, and so on, were also observed in the wound area in CSME group. From the 1st day to 21st day after burn, the increase in protein expression of EGF and bFGF in the wound tissues was significantly higher than that in other groups in the early stage, which was quickly decreased and was obviously lower than other groups in the latter stage. The mRNA expression ratio of type I and III collagens in SSD group was significantly higher than that in other groups, while that in CSME group was significantly lower than that in other groups. CONCLUSION：CSME promotes burn wound healing without scarring. The effects of CSME are likely to associate with the expression reinforcement of EGF and bFGF at mRNA and protein levels in the early stage, and associate with the expression inhibition of them later. Moreover, CSME may also inhibit the mRNA expression of type I collagen and promote the synthesis of type III collagen in the wound tissues of burn.     

Effect of basic fibroblast growth factor on synthesis of C-type natriuretic peptide in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) production, release and mRNA expression. METHODS: Human endothelial cell cultured;CNP was mea sured by radioimmunoassay method;CNP mRNA expression was determined by RT-PCR technique.RESULTS: bFGF could augment CNP synthesis in human endothelial cells. Compared with control group,25 ng, 50 ng, 100 ng bFGF increased CNP contents in endothelial cells by 88% (P＜0.05), 95% (P＜0.05), 187% (P＜0.01), respectively.100 ng bFGF also stimulated CNP release from cultured human endothelial cell. In addition, 25 ng, 50 ng and 100 ng bFGF stimulated CNP mRNA expression of cultured human endothelial cells in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: bFGF might regulate CNP synthesis,release and mRNA expression in cultured umbilical human endothelial cells.     

Intervention of resveatrol on activated nuclear factor-κB and expression of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 in cultured rabbit aortic smooth muscle cells induced by xanthine and xanthine oxidase

AIM: To investigate the role of resveatrol among red wine on the proliferation, activity of NF-κB and the expression of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) induced by xanthine and xanthine oxidase in cultured rabbit aortic smooth muscle cells (SMC). METHODS: SMC proliferation was examined by 3-4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl-2, 5-diphenylte tra zoliumbromide (MTT) metabolism, activity of NF-κB, the protein and mRNA expression of MCP-1 were detected by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), immunohistochemitry and in situ hybridyzation in cultured rabbit aortic SMC. RESULTS: 100 μmol/L-200 μmol/L resveatrol (RES), an effective composition in red wine, was confirmed to inhibit metabolism and the activity of NF-κB as well as the protein and mRNA expression of MCP-1 in rabbit aortic SMC, which were promoted by the oxygen free radicals induced by xanthine and xanthine oxidase. CONCLUSION: Resveatrol may antagonist oxygen free radicals-induced proliferation and the activity of NF-κB as well as protein and mRNA expression of MCP-1 in cultured rabbit aortic SMC, which might play an important role in preventing atherosclerosis.     

Recombinant MIF induces synthesis of collagen type III in lung fibroblasts via Rho-kinase

AIM: To investigate the effects of recombinant macrophage migration inhibitory factor (rMIF) on the synthesis of collagen type III in fibroblasts.METHODS: The MRC-5 fibroblasts were divided into 2 groups.The cells in treatment group were exposed to rMIF at the concentrations of 25-100 μg/L for 48 h. The cells without rMIF treatment served as control group. Half an hour before challenging with rMIF (100 μg/L), Y27632 (a Rho-kinase inhibitor) was added to the cells in both 2 groups. After challenged for 48 h, total RNA and protein in the cells were extracted. The expression of collagen type III at mRNA and protein levels was analyzed by RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively.RESULTS: Different concentrations of rMIF significantly increased the expression of collagen type III at mRNA and protein levels in a dose-dependent manner as compared with the control cells (r=0.862 and r=0.914; all P<0.01). These increases were abolished by Y27632 pretreatment(P<0.01).CONCLUSION: rMIF increases the synthesis of collagen type III in MRC-5 cells and Rho-kinase regulates the MIF-induced synthesis of collagen, suggesting that MIF may play important roles in the pathogenesis of airway remodeling.     

Regulation of rat pulmonary fibroblasts differentiation into myofibroblasts though RhoA/ROCK pathway mediated by TGF-β1

AIM：To investigate the regulatory effect of RhoA/Rho-associated coiled-coil-forming protein kinase (ROCK) pathway mediated by transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) on the differentiation of pulmonary fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. METHODS：Primarily cultured fibroblasts were obtained by trypsin digestion from the lung of neonatal rats. The fibroblasts were stimulated with TGF-β1 for different durations and were divided into control group, TGF-β1 induction group and Y-27632 treatment group. The distribution and expression of p-RhoA, ROCK, phosphorylated myosin binding subunit of myosin light chain phosphatase (p-MBS), serum response factor (SRF), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA),type I collagen and type Ⅲ collagen in the cells were detected by the methods of immunocytochemistry and Western blotting. RESULTS：A lot of parallel and cross arranged filaments labeled by α-SMA antibody appeared in the cells after TGF-β1 stimulation. The cultured cells stimulated with TGF-β1 were all myofibroblasts at 24 h determined by immunocytochemistry. The expression levels of p-RhoA, ROCK, p-MBS, SRF, α-SMA and type I and type III collagens were increased gradually with the extension of TGF-β1 stimulation time. The expression of RhoA/ROCK signaling protein in the cells stimulated with TGF-β1 (peaking at 6 h of exposure) was 2.96 folds higher as compared with the non-stimulated cells. The expression of SRF protein (peaking at 12 h of TGF-β1 exposure) was 4.55 folds higher as compared with the non-sti-mulated cells. The expression levels of α-SMA and type I and type III collagens (peaking at 24 h of TGF-β1 exposure) were 4.06 folds, 2.19 folds and 3.04 folds higher as compared with the non-stimulated cells, respectively. Compared with TGF-β1 induction group, the protein expression levels of ROCK, p-MBS, SRF, α-SMA and type I and type III collagens were significantly decreased at the corresponding time points in Y-27632 treatment group. CONCLUSION：TGF-β1 induces the differentiation of pulmonary fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, and then promotes the synthesis of collagen through the activation of ROCK pathway, which possibly plays an important role in the formation of pulmonary fibrosis.     

Suppressive effect of interferon γ on IL-13-induced fibrosis in fibroblasts

AIM：To investigate the suppressive effect of interferon γ (IFN-γ) on fibrosis induced by interleukin 13 (IL-13) in fibroblasts. METHODS：The fibroblasts were divided into IFN-γ (4×105U/L) group, IL-13 (100 μg/L) group, IFN-γ+IL-13 group and blank control group. At 24 h, 48 h and 72 h, the secreted collagen from fibroblasts was measured by hydroxyproline release assay. The mRNA expression of collagen type I α1 (Col1A1) in fibroblasts was examined by RT-PCR. The protein level of collagen type I synthesized in fibroblasts was analyzed by Western blotting. RESULTS：IFN-γ at 4×105U/ L significantly inhibited the proliferation of fibroblasts and down-regulated Col1A1 mRNA and cellular collagen. The mRNA expression of Col1A1 and the protein level of collagen type I in IFN-γ group were lower than those in blank control group at 48 h and 72 h. At 72 h, the mRNA expression of Col1A1 and the protein level of collagen type I in IL-13 group were substantially higher than those in blank control group, those in IFN-γ + IL-13 group were remarkable lower than those in blank control group, and those in IFN-γ group were also lower than those in blank control group. CONCLUSION：IFN-γ inhibits the fibrotic effect of IL-13 in fibroblasts.     

Inhibitory effect of sorafenib on collagen synthesis in human hepatic stellate cells

AIM: To investigate the effects of sorafenib on collagen synthesis in human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). METHODS: HSC cell line LX-2 was used in vitro in this study. -proline incorporation assay was performed to measure the collagen synthesis. Immunocytochemistry was applied to detect type I collagen and real-time PCR was used to determine the mRNA expression of collagen α1 (I). RESULTS: Stimulation with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) induced the increase in type I collagen synthesis, while treatment with sorafenib (10.0 μmol/L) for 24 h markedly decreased the collagen synthesis. Sorafenib resulted in dose-dependent and time-dependent decrease in collagen synthesis in LX-2 cells in the absence or presence of PDGF by -proline incorporation assay. The inhibition rates were 22.69%, 37.52% and 71.74%, respectively, when LX-2 cells was treated with sorafenib at 10.0 μmol/L for 12 h, 24 h and 48 h. Sorafenib dose-dependently blocked the mRNA expression of collagen α1 (I) in LX-2 cells stimulated with PDGF. Sorafenib at the concentrations of 2.5 μmol/L, 5.0 μmol/L and 10.0 μmol/L down-regulated the mRNA expression of collagen α1 (I) in LX-2 cells by 58.66%, 67.06% and 81.64%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Sorafenib inhibits the collagen synthesis and blocks the expression of type I collagen at mRNA and protein levels in vitro in LX-2 cells. Therefore, sorafenib may be a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of liver fibrosis.     

Effects of exosomes derived from hypoxia-preconditioned umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells on function of endothelial cells

AIM To investigate the effect of exosomes derived from hypoxia-preconditioned human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) on proliferation, migration and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). METHODS hUCMSCs and HUVECs were isolated, cultured and identified. Exosomes derived from hUCMSCs were extracted by ultracentrifugation. The morphological change of exosomes was observed under transmission electron microscope. The particle size and concentration of exosomes were detected by nanoparticle tracking analysis, and the surface specific marker proteins of exosomes were determined by Western blot. hUCMSCs were divided into normoxia group and hypoxia group. The viability of hUCMSCs was measured by CCK-8 assay. HUVECs were divided into control group, normoxic exosome group and hypoxic exosome group. The proliferation of HUVECs was detected by EdU assay. The migration ability was detected by cell scratch assay and Transwell experiment. Tube formation ability was evaluated by tube formation experiment. RESULTS Compared with normoxia group, hypoxia pretreatment enhanced the viability and exosome release of hUCMSCs. Compared with normoxic exosome group, hypoxic exosomes enhanced the proliferation, migration and tube formation of HUVECs. CONCLUSION Exosomes derived from hUCMSCs under hypoxia enhances the proliferation, migration and tube formation of HUVECs.     

Effect of basic fibroblast growth factor on radiation-induced splenocytic apoptosis of mice

AIM: To investigate the effect of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on radiation-induced splenocytic apoptosis of mice. METHODS: At 14 h after whole body irradiation with 0.5 Gy and 1.0 Gy,splenocytes were cultured with and without bFGF,and splenocytic apoptosis was quantitatively analysed by flow cytometry. Cell proliferation was determined by the method of [³H]-TdR incorporation. RESULTS: bFGF(1 μg/mL and 2 μg/mL) could reduce the rate of cell apoptosis,and promote the proliferation of splenocytes. CONCLUSION: bFGF could inhibit radiation-induced splenocytic apoptosis and promote the proliferation of splenocytes and then enhance body immunity.     

Effects of environmental endocrine disruptor bisphenol A on proliferation and apoptosis of mouse thyroid follicular epithelium cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of environmental endocrine disruptor bisphenol A (BPA) on the proliferation and apoptosis of primarily cultured mouse thyroid follicular epithelium cells (TFECs).METHODS: The thyroids of female BALB/c nu/nu mice were digested by the combination of collagenase I and dispase. The isolated TFECs were cultured and identified by Western blotting. After cultured for 48 h, the TFECs were stimulated with different concentrations of BPA for 24 h. The morphological changes of TFECs were observed under light microscope. The cells were digested and harveste,and the proliferation and apoptosis were determined by the application of flow cytometry. The expression of TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand receptor 1 (TRAIL-R1) at protein and mRNA levels was investigated by the methods of immunocytochemistry and real-time PCR, respectively.RESULTS: With the increase in BPA concentration, the growth of TFECs was firstly promoted and then inhibited. Dose-dependent proliferation was exhibited by the stimulation of BPA at 0.01~0.1 μmol/L, and proliferation index (PI) was significantly enhanced by 0.1 μmol/L BPA and attenuated by 1 μmol/L BPA. The apoptotic index (AI) was significantly decreased by 0.1 μmol/L BPA. The expression of TRAIL-R1 at mRNA and protein levels was drastically down-regulated by 0.1 μmol/L and 1 μmol/L BPA.CONCLUSION: Proliferation of TFECs is promoted by the stimulation of low to medium concentrations of BPA,while high concentration of BPA mainly exhibits a toxic effect. Additionally, the effect of BPA on apoptosis is potentially mediated through TRAIL-R1-related pathway.     

Effects of isorhapontigenin on cell cycle arrest and down-regulation of cyclin D1 expression in bladder cancer cells

AIM：To explore the inhibitory mechanism of isorhapontigenin (ISO) on the proliferation, migration and invasion of UMUC3 bladder cancer cells. METHODS：Human UMUC3 bladder cancer cells were pretreated with ISO, and the proliferation of the cells was observed under phase-contrast microscope and by ATPase assay. The expression of cyclin D1 was determined by RT-PCR and Western blotting. The cell cycle alteration was detected by flow cytometry, and the cell migration was examined by wound-healing assay. RESULTS：Over 20 μmol/L of ISO significantly inhibited the proliferation of UMUC3 cells with the IC50 of (22.5±2.8) μmol/L. The mRNA and protein levels of cyclin D1 in UMUC3 cells were markedly decreased after treatment with ISO. Exposure of UMUC3 cells to low dose (5 μmol/L) of ISO led to significant induction of G0/G1 growth arrest at both 12 h (58.82%) and 24 h (63.94%), compared with the negative control cells (47.33%) without inducing obvious apoptosis. ISO at dose of 5 μmol/L also markedly inhibited the cell migration. CONCLUSION：ISO significantly exhibits inhibitory effects on the proliferation and migration of human bladder cancer cells by down-regulation of cyclin D1 expression accompanying with G0/G1 cell cycle arrest.