Differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into chondrocytes

AIM: To investigate the differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) into chondrocytes in vitro and determine factors involving in the differentiation process. METHODS: MSC were separated from iliac bone marrow with lymphocyte separating medium using density centrifugation. Cells were cultured and expanded in medium until reaching required number. MSC was induced to differentiate into chondrocytes by adopting high cell density, supplying growth factor and using micromass culture. Cells were observed by HE staining. Matrix of cartilage was detected by alcian blue and toludine blue and cartilage specific collagen II was detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The structure of the micromass assumed that of cellular cartilage, alcian blue staining were uniformly positive and toludine blue detected diffuse metachromasia substance, cells uniformly expressed collagen Ⅱ. CONCLUSION: High cell density, growth factor and appropriate culture conditions are critical to induce differentiation of MSC into chondrocytes.     

Effect of small interfering RNA on expression of β2M in pre-differentiated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

AIM：To study the effect of small interfering RNA (siRNA) on the expression of beta 2-microglo-bulin (β2M) in pre-differentiated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). METHODS：The β2M siRNA was transfected into the pre-differentiated BMSCs with Lipofectamine 2000. BMSCs were divided into transfection group, blank control group and negative control group. The expression of β2M at mRNA and protein levels was determined by real-time qPCR, Western blotting and laser confocal microscopy. The productions of aggrecan and type II collagen in pre-differentiated BMSCs were determined by toluidine blue staining and type Ⅱ collagen immunofluorescence. RESULTS：The results of real-time qPCR, Western blotting and laser confocal microscopy showed that siRNA successfully inhibited the expression of β2M at mRNA and protein levels in the pre-differentiated BMSCs. The results of toluidine blue and type Ⅱ collagen immunofluorescence staining showed that siRNA does not affect the productions of aggrecan and type Ⅱ collagen in the pre-differentiated BMSCs. CONCLUSION：siRNA targeting β2M reduces the expression of β2M in the pre-differentiated BMSCs and does not affect the chondrocyte characteristics of pre-differentiated BMSCs.     

Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells differentiate toward endothelial lineage in vitro

AIM：To investigate the cytological basis and differentiating conditions of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(hMSCs) differentiated into cells of the endothelial lineage in vitro.METHODS：hMSCs were isolated by density gradient centrifugation and fractionated on a 1 073 g/L Percoll.The combination of VEGF165 and various matrix proteins including fibronectin (FN) and typeⅠ collagen (Col) was used to induce hMSCs in vitro.Cells were characterized by immunohistochemistry,cytochemistry,FACS and ultrastructure to identify and detect the differentiated population and markers.RESULTS：hMSCs was positive for KDR.PAS reaction was positive and ultrastructure of hMSCs showed glycogen-pool in ectoplasm.Glycogen reducing or disappear suggested that stem cells have occurred differentiation.Induction of hMSCs resulted in the increase of KDR,β1 integrin and CD34.CONCLUSION：hMSCs were induced to a transit population (TP) that differentiated toward the endothelial progenitor cells (EPC),but not a really EPC.hMSCs pedigree diagram of differentiation was hMSCs→TP→EPC→endothelial cells (ECs).     

Biological characteristics of newborn rabbit tracheal chondrocytes

AIM：To investigate the biological characteristics of newborn rabbit tracheal chondrocytes in vitro. METHODS：Newborn rabbit tracheal chondrocytes were obtained by the method of enzyme digestion, and then cultured in monolayer in vitro. Morphological and growth observations were performed under inverted phase contrast microscope. The ultrastructures of the cells were observed under scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. The biological characteristics of secreted extracellular matrix components were detected by real-time PCR, immunocytochemistry staining and toluidine blue staining. RESULTS：Newborn rabbit tracheal chondrocytes isolated and cultured in vitro showed short triangular or irregular shapes, and adherent growth very well. The ultrastructures of the cells showed pore and abundant cytoplasm and organelles, with a lot of protein secretions in the cells. The chondrocytes expressed the mRNA of collagen I, collagen II and proteoglycans, mainly collagen II and proteoglycans. Immunocytochemistry staining showed collagen II and SOX9 positive, and collagen I weakly positive. Toluidine blue staining was also positive. CONCLUSION：Enzyme digestion and monolayer culture are suitable method to obtain newborn rabbit tracheal chondrocytes. These cells， secreting extracellular matrix components, are able to be selected as seed cells for tissue engineering of trachea in vitro, and used to study the therapeutic method for neonatal rabbit tracheal stenosis.     

Differentiation of embryonic-like stem cells derived from human bone marrow into multinucleated fibers in vitro

AIM: To compare the capacity of in vitro differentiation into multinucleated fibers between embryonic-like stem cells (ELSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from human bone marrow. METHODS: To isolate ELSCs, human bone marrow mononuclear cells were cultured in gelatin-coated flask with serum-free Knockout-DMEM medium designed for the expansion of human embryonic stem cells. MSCs were isolated from the same bone marrow by the traditional method. The morphological characters of both ELSCs and MSCs were observed under inverted phase-contrast microscope, and the expression of their multipotent antigen markers was identified by immunofluorescent staining. ELSCs and MSCs were cultured in myogenic differentiation medium. The protein levels of muscle-specific antigen markers myosin heavy chain (MHC), myogenin and MyoD were detected by the method of immunostaining. The mRNA expression of MHC, myogenin and MyoD was detected by RT-PCR. The capacity of in vitro differentiation into multinucleated fibers was compared between ELSCs and MSCs by calculating the proportion of MHC-positive multinucleated fibers. RESULTS: ELSCs, which weakly expressed the multipotential markers Oct-4, Nanog-3 and Sox-2, were isolated from bone marrow by the method of serum-free medium. ELSCs appeared smaller, slenderer and more homogeneous, and were morphologically different from MSCs derived from the same marrow. No multipotential marker in MSCs was expressed. ELSCs and MSCs were induced into long multinucleated fibers expressing MHC and myogenin at mRNA and protein levels by culturing in the myogenic differentiation medium. However, on the 10th day after induction, the proportion of the MHC-positive fibers in ELSCs was (25.7?4.1)%, and the proportion in MSCs was (15.8?7.6)%.The capacity for differentiation into muscle in ELSCs was significantly higher than that in MSCs (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Bone marrow ELSCs are induced into multinucleated fibers and have the stronger myogenic differentiation capacity than MSCs derived from the same marrow. ELSCs are a more ideal candidate for muscular disease therapy.     

Biological characteristics of chronic myelogenous leukemia bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells

AIM: To study the biology characteristics of mesenthymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from chronic myelogenous leukemia(CML) and normal adult bone marrow.METHODS: Mononuclear cells from chronic myelogenous leukemia (n=19) and normal adult (n=8) bone marrow were obtained, cultured in expanded medium with low serum concentration.Cell morphology, cell cycle, immunophenotype and in vitro differentiation capacity were investigated.The differentiations of osteocytes and adipocytes were detected by von Kossa staining and Oil-red O staining.The chimeric oncogene BCR/ABL and Ph chromosome, two hall marks of CML, were detected in CML derived MSCs, normal adult MSCs, CML derived hematopoietic cells and K562 cells.RESULTS: CML and normal adult derived MSCs showed similar characteristics in cell morphology, phenotype and growth pattern.A typital fibrablast like morphology was observed.Under suitable conditions, CML and normal adult MSCs had the similar ability to differentiate into adipocytes and osteoblasts in vitro.Moreover, CML and normal adult MSCs did not express BCR/ABL gene products and Ph chromosome was not observed.CONCLUSIONS: We isolated and cultured a population of cells with characteristics of multipotent stem cells from CML bone marrow.There were similar biologic characteristics and differentiation ability between normal adult and CML bone marrow-derived MSCs.     

Biological characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells from different resources in green fluorescent protein transgenic mice

AIM：To compare the biological characteristics, surface markers and multi-differentiation potential of the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from the umbilical cord and bone marrow in the green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic mice. METHODS：Umbilical cord MSCs (UCMSCs) were isolated by collagen type II enzymatic digestion and bone marrow MSCs (BMSCs) were isolated by density gradient centrifugation. The growth of the 2 types of MSCs was observed under inverted microscope. The cell proliferation was detected by determining the growth curve and MTT assay. The Trypan blue method was performed to analyze the cell viability rate. The cell cycle and cell surface markers were measured by flow cytometry. The differentiation potentials of the 2 types of MSCs were tested by the differentiation kits toward adipocytes and osteoblasts. RESULTS：The UCMSCs attached to the culture surface 1 d after the isolation, and the cells showed spiral shape with notable growth and proliferation after 2 d of culture. After 3 d, the cell arrived sub-confluent and was ready for passage. BMSCs still showed circular shape and started to attach to the surface 4 d after culture. They formed the small colony shape only after 5 d with obvious proliferative potential. The cells became confluent 7 d after the culture. The original generation of cultivating UCMSCs growth curve was shown typically an “S” shape. But the BMSCs growth was slower than the UCMSCs. The cell proliferation was obvious for UC-MSCs in 3~5 d. BMSCs proliferated significantly only after 7 d. The viability rate arrived more than 96% for both types of MSCs. The cell cycle of both MSCs did not show significant difference (G0/G1 phases were above 85%, P>0.05). Both MSCs positively expressed CD44, CD90 and CD105 (60.7%±2.3%) but the expression of CD45, CD19, CD14 and CD79 was negative (less than 25.6%±4.8%, P>0.05). More than 90% of the MSCs from the umbilical cord and bone marrow differentiated towards the adipocytes and osteoblasts without significant difference (P<0.05). CONCLUSION：UCMSCs have stronger ability of proliferation and multi-directional differentiation potentials. UCMSCs in GFP transgenic mice as a high-quality tracer can serve for tracking the stem cells in vivo.     

Effect of TNF-α on the cartilage endplate chondrocytes of New Zealand white rabbits

AIM:To evaluate the biological roles of TNF-α on the cartilage endplate cells (chondrocytes). METHODS:The chondrocytes were isolated and harvested from the cartilage endplate of New Zealand rabbits and then the biological characteristics of cells were identified by methods such as toluidine blue staining for type Ⅱ collagen. After different concentrations of TNF-α were added to culture medium respectively, the rate of the proliferation of chondrocytes in different time was measured with MTT. The protein expressions of Bax, Bcl-2, Fas and caspase-3 were measured by immunocytochemistry. The changes of the mRNA of aggrecan and type Ⅱ collagen were measured by RT-PCR. RESULTS:The TNF-α at concentration of 50 μg/L and 100 μg/L decreased the rate of the proliferation on chondrocytes. Though TNF-α at concentrations of 10 μg/L and 50 μg/L increased the level of Bax, Fas and caspase-3, only 50 μg/L TNF-α decreased the level of Bcl-2. TNF-α at concentrations of 10 μg/L and 50 μg/L decreased the level of collagen IIa mRNA and only 50 μg/L TNF-α decreased the level of aggrecan. CONCLUSION:TNF-α not only inhibits the proliferation and the matrix synthesis in chondrocytes, but also increases the expression of pro-apoptotic factors in chondrocytes.     

Generation of insulin-producing cells from PDX1 and NKX6.1 gene-modified bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

AIM: To differentiate bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) into functional insulin-producing cells to produce sufficient pancreatic islet cells for transplantation. METHODS: Recombinant adenovirus vectors carrying PDX1 and NKX6.1 genes were constructed and the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were infected by the recombinant adenovirus combined with several cytokines for differentiation. The expressions of PDX1, NKX6.1 and insulin and C-peptide in the differentiated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting. After the differentiated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were transplanted into subrenal capsule of diabetic mice, cell morphology of the grafts as well as their secretion of insulin and C-peptide were detected. Besides, regulating capacities of grafts on the blood glucose level of the diabetic mice were also detected. RESULTS: BMSCs induced by recombinant adenovirus (pAdxsi-CMV-PDX1/CMV-NKX6.1) and several cytokines showed positive dithizone staining and the expressions of β-cell related molecule such as insulin and glucose transporter 2 were detected by RT-PCR, which showed a sustaining and stable expression. The similar results were showed by Western blotting, immunohistochemical staining and indirect immunofluorescence. The insulin secretions in the cells stimulated with glucose at concentrations of 5.5 and 25 mmol/L in the experimental group were (1 240.4±109.3) mU/L and (3 539.8±245.1) mU/L, respectively, and were significantly higher than those in control group. Moreover, transplantation of the cells to STZ mice in treatment group made serum glucose recover to normal level. CONCLUSION: PDX1 and NKX6.1 gene-modified bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into insulin-producing cells in vitro. When these cells transplanted into STZ induced diabetic mice, their serum glucose could return to the normal level and they could live well. Thus this is a promising method for diabetes treatment.     

Proliferation and differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in process of bone loss in ovariectomized rats

AIM: To study the function of proliferation and differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) for bone loss in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis (OP) in ovariectomized rats. METHODS: Animal model of OP was established by ovariectomy (OVX,bilateral ovarian resection) in 10-week-old healthy female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats.BMSCs were isolated, cultured and purified by the combination of density gradient centrifugation, adhesion separation and limited dilution method, and cultured in vitro to the 3rd~4th passage in all experiments. The BMSCs phenotype appraisal was studied by flow cytometry. Colony-forming assay was applied to detect the BMSCs proliferation ability. The MTT method was used to analyze the growth curves of BMSCs. After adipogenic induction (ADI), lipid drops were observed by oil red O staining to compare the adipogenic potential between the 2 kinds of BMSCs. After osteogenic induction (OSI), calcium nodules were observed by alizarin red staining (ARS). The mRNA expression levels of BMSCs osteogenesis-related proteins, for instance, Runx2, osteocalcin (OCN) and osteopontin (OPN) were measured by RT-PCR. RESULTS: Compared with sham group, the colony-forming ability of BMSCs in OVX group became decreased, the proliferation capacity was declined, the osteogenic potential was decreased, and the adipogenic potential was increased(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: In ovariectomized OP rats, the proliferation and osteogenesis of BMSCs decrease, and the adipogenesis of BMSCs increases, which may cause rapid bone loss and play an important role in the pathogenesis of OP.     

Isolation and multilineage differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells from human umbilical cord vein in vitro

AIM: To investigate the isolation, purification, expansion and multilineage differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from human umbilical cord vein in vitro.METHODS: By 1% collagenase Ⅱ digestion, endothelial cells were isolated from human umbilical cord vein and cultured in IMDM medium.The morphology of the cells was observed by Wright’s staining and electron microscope.Cell cycle and immunophenotype were investigated by flow cytometry.Assays of adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation were performed in vitro.von Kossa staining, Oil Red O staining and mRNA expression of osteopontin and lipoprotein lipase were studied in the induced cells.RESULTS: The cells from the cord vein displayed a fibroblast-like morphology adhering to the culture plate.FACS showed that the cells expressed several MSCs-related antigens such as CD29, CD44 and CD105, while CD13, CD31, CD45, CD34, and HLA-DR were negative.Adipocyte and osteocyte differentiation were induced successfully.CONCLUSION: The morphology, growth characteristics, immunophenotype and pluripotentiality of the MSCs from human umbilical cord vein are similar to the MSCs from bone marrow (BM).They could potentially be an excellent source of MSCs for experiments and clinics.     

Activation of smad signaling and collagenⅠsynthesis in NRK52E cells induced by advanced glycation end products

AIM:To investigate the effects of advanced glycation end products on activation of Smad signaling pathway and collagenⅠ synthesis in proximal tubular epithelial cells. METHODS:Advanced glycation end products (AGE-BSA) were prepared by incubation of bovine serum albumin (BSA) with D-glucose. Normal rat proximal tubular epithelial (NRK52E) cells were cultured in RPMI-1640 medium with AGE-BSA. Phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of Smad2/3 were examined by immunocytochemistry. Levels of TGF-β1 in supernatant of cell culture were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Expression of TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3 and Smad7 mRNA were detected by RT-PCR. Expression of α-SMA , E-cadherin and collagenⅠproteins were detected by Western blotting.RESULTS:AGE-BSA induced Smad2/3 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation, two peaks occured at 30 min (68% vs 16%, P<0.05) and 24 h (76% vs 16%, P<0.05) compared to 0 min. The level of TGF-β1 markedly increased in supernatant of cell culture by induced AGE-BSA at 24 h and 48 h. The expression of TGF-β1 mRNA markedly increased at 24 h, and associated with high expression of Smad2, Smad3 and Smad7 mRNA at 48 h. AGE-BSA up-regulated significantly the expression of α-SMA and collagenⅠproteins, down-regulated the expression of E-cadherin protein. CONCLUSION:AGEs induces activation of Smad signaling, as well as transdifferentiation and collagenⅠ synthesis in proximal tubular epithelial cells.     

Rapid proliferation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells enhanced by xanthosine

AIM: To explore the effect of xanthosine (Xs) on proliferation and differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). METHODS: Xs was directly added to the culture system and the effects of Xs on proliferation and differentiation of BMSCs were observed. RESULTS: In the presence of Xs, the growth rate of the 10th passage cells was almost similar to that of the 4th passage cells and no downtrend was observed. However, in control group (without Xs), the growth rate of the 10th passage cells was obviously declined. The BMSCs promoted by Xs still kept up a vigorous capability of differentiation into hepatocytes. CONCLUSION: As an inhibitor of asymmetric cell kinetics, Xs can promote the conversion of BMSCs from asymmetric cell kinetics to symmetric cell kinetics, and keeps synchronously the ability of differentiation from BMSCs into hepatocytes as well. It is helpful for enhancing the proliferation efficiency of BMSCs in vitro, and will have extensive application of clinical practice.     

Expression of IGFBP2 and IGFBP4 in hepatocytes with experimental injury

AIM:To explore the mechanism of IGFBP2 and IGFBP4 in hepatocytes with injury induced by TNF-α and TGF-β1. METHODS:Human hepatocyte line (HL-7702) was cultured in vitro and treated with TNF-α or TGF-β1 for 24 h. The expression of IGFBP2 and IGFBP4 was detected by immunochemistry staining. The inhibition ratio of hepatocytes was detected by MTT assay. HL-7702 was treated with TNF-α at concentration of 20 μg/L for 48 h, then the apoptosis of hepatocytes was detected by both Annexin-V /PI and TUNEL assay. RESULTS:The expression of IGFBP2 and IGFBP4 in TNF-α or TGF-β1 treated groups was significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05). The positive staining of IGFBP2 and IGFBP4 in TNF-α (20 μg/L) treated groups or TGF-β1 (4 μg/L) treated groups was the strongest among all groups. A positive correlation was found between IGFBP2 or IGFBP4 and inhibitory ratio of hepatocytes (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with normal control group, the percentage of apoptosis markedly increased in TNF-α (20 μg/L) treated group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION:IGFBP2 and IGFBP4 involved in the injury process in hepatocytes, indicating an important role in injury of hepatocytes induced by TNF-α or TGF-β1.     

Strontium renelate promotes osteogenesis via regulation of Sonic hedgehog signaling molecules in rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

AIM：To study the role of Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) in strontium ranelate (Sr)-induced osteogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). METHODS：BMSCs was isolated from 4-week-old rats by adherent culture. The cells in the 3rd～5th generations were induced to differentiate into obteoblasts, and then were treated with different concentrations of Sr and cyclopamine (Cy). The activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was mea-sured by colorimetry. Mineralized nodules were observed by alizarin red staining. The cellular Shh and Runx2 expression was detected by Western blotting. RESULTS：Sr at concentration of 3 mmol/L increased the activity of ALP and induced the formation of mineralized nodules. Sr at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 5 mmol/L increased the expression of Shh and Runx2 in the BMSCs at 7 d. Furthermore, the peak expression of Shh occurred following the exposure of Sr (1 mmol/L) or Runx2 (3 mmol/L). On the other hand, Sr at concentration of 1 mmol/L showed a time-dependent increase in the expression of Shh and Runx2 from 1 d to 7 d. Cy at concentration of 10 μmmol/L not only obviously inhibited Sr-induced expression of Shh and Runx2, but also antagonized the increase in the ALP activity and mineralization induced by Sr in the BMSCs. CONCLUSION：Sr promotes osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs by increasing the expression of Shh and Runx2.     

Repairment of segmental tibial defects by composite grafts of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells with bionic nano chitosan-sodium collagen in SD rats

AIM: To repair the segmental tibial defects in SD rats with bionic nano chitosan-sodium collagen (nano-CS-COL) co-cultured with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). METHODS: BMSCs were isolated, purified, cultured, identified and observed continually. Scaffold materials were cut into blocks with the size of Φ 3 mm×5 mm. Cells of the 3rd generations were co-cultured with nano-CS-COL in vitro. The composite grafts were tested by scanning electron microscope. A bone defect (5 mm in length) was created at two tibial in each mouse. The composite grafts were implanted into segmental tibial defects in rats through open operation. The curative effect was evaluated by general observation, radiographic examination, histologic analysis at 6 and 12 weeks. RESULTS: In experimental groups, the bone defects were repaired completely. Roentgenographically, the bone defects in the experimental groups exhibited new bone formation increased with time, which were apparently superior to that in control group at 6 and 12 weeks after operation (P<0.05). The quality of new bone formation was significantly different between the experimental and the control groups by histologic analysis. In blank groups, bone defect could not be repaired without any proper treatment, finally filling only with fibrous tissue. CONCLUSION: BMSCs are ideal seeded cells for bone tissue engineering. The nano-CS-COL is compatible with BMSCs. The composite grafts cause no obvious immune rejection after transplanted into allogenic rats. The nano-CS-COL scaffold may be used as an alternative carrier for seeded cells. The composite grafts of nano-CS-COL/MSCs quickly promote the new bone formation with better curative effect on tibial defects than other materials.     

Tetramethylpyrazine combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation inhibits neuronal apoptosis in rats with cerebral ischemia

ATM: To investigate the effects of tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on neuronal apoptosis, and Bcl-2 and Bax expression in rats with cerebral ischemia. METHODS: The BMSCs were isolated by the whole bone marrow adherent method and cultured, and those in the 3rd passage were used for tail-vein transplantation. The rats were subjected to right middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) using suture method, and the rats except sham group were randomly divided into model group, BMSCs (1×10⁹ cells/L) group, TMP (40 mg/kg) group and combination (TMP+BMSCs) group with 12 rats in each group. Neurological function was evaluated by modified neurological severity scoring (mNSS) on 1 d, 7 d and 14 d after cerebral ischemia. Toluidine blue staining was performed to detect cerebral infarct volume, HE staining was used to observe brain histopathological change, neuronal apoptosis was observed by TUNEL staining, and the mRNA and protein expression of Bcl-2 and Bax was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot at 14 d after cerebral ischemia. RESULTS: Compared with BMSCs group and TMP group, TMP combined with BMSCs significantly reduced the score of mNSS (P<0.01) and the infarct volume (P<0.01), alleviated the pathological damage in the peripheral area of cerebral ischemia, decreased the number of TUNEL positive cells (P<0.01), increased the expression of Bcl-2 and decreased the expression of Bax at mRNA and protein levels (P<0.01).CONCLUSION: Tetramethylpyrazine combined with transplantation of BMSCs improves the functional recovery, reduces the infarct volume, relieves the ischemic injury of the brain tissue, and attenuates neuronal apoptosis in the rats with cerebral ischemia. The mechanism may be related to regulating the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax.     

Trichostatin A promotes mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into insulin-secreting cells

AIM：To investigate whether trichostatin A (TSA), a new revulsant,can induce mouse mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into insulin-secreting cells and to explore the appropriate concentration of TSA. METHODS：The mesenchymal stem cell line from C57BL/6 mice was cultured in vitro and divided into 5 groups before treated with different concentrations of TSA, (group A: DMSO; group B~E: treated with 25 nmol/L, 50 nmol/L, 100 nmol/L and 200 nmol/L of TSA, respectively). After exposed to different cultured media for 10 d during the 2 stages, the cells were detected by the following methods: the insulin-secreting cells in each group were identified by dithizone staining and the results were calculated with immunohistochemical half quantitative analysis. The insulin secreted by insulin-secreting cells in each group was identified by immunofluorescence, and the mean fluorescence intensity of insulin was compared. The content of insulin in each group was quantified by ELISA. The appropriate concentration of TSA was determined according to the above results. RESULTS：TSA treatment for 10 d promoted the mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into insulin-secreting cells which produced insulin. The immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence imaging analysis of insulin-secreting cells showed that the insulin staining positive area, positive ratio, total density of insulin expression and mean fluorescence intensity of insulin in group B were significantly higher than those in the other TSA-treated groups. When the concentrations of TSA gradually increased, the content of insulin reduced accordingly. The content of insulin in group B was significantly higher than that in the other TSA-treated groups. CONCLUSION：TSA treatment for 10 d promotes bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells from C57BL/6 mice to differentiate into insulin-secreting cells and the appropriate concentration of TSA is 25 nmol/L.